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Ren L, Fan Y, Wu W, Qian Y, He M, Li X, Wang Y, Yang Y, Wen X, Zhang R, Li C, Chen X, Hu J. Anxiety disorders: Treatments, models, and circuitry mechanisms. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 983:176994. [PMID: 39271040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, imposing a significant burden on individuals affected by them and society in general. Current research endeavors aim to enhance the effectiveness of existing anxiolytic drugs and reduce their side effects through optimization or the development of new treatments. Several anxiolytic novel drugs have been produced as a result of discovery-focused research. However, many drug candidates that show promise in preclinical rodent model studies fail to offer any substantive clinical benefits to patients. This review provides an overview of the diagnosis and classification of anxiety disorders together with a systematic review of anxiolytic drugs with a focus on their targets, therapeutic applications, and side effects. It also provides a concise overview of the constraints and disadvantages associated with frequently administered anxiolytic drugs. Additionally, the study comprehensively reviews animal models used in anxiety studies and their associated molecular mechanisms, while also summarizing the brain circuitry related to anxiety. In conclusion, this article provides a valuable foundation for future anxiolytic drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ren
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yue Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Wenjian Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yuanxin Qian
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Miao He
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xinlong Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yizhu Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xuetong Wen
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Ruijia Zhang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Chenhang Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jingqing Hu
- Institute of Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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2
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Arora I, Mal P, Arora P, Paul A, Kumar M. GABAergic implications in anxiety and related disorders. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 724:150218. [PMID: 38865810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that anxiety disorders arise from an imbalance in the functioning of brain circuits that govern the modulation of emotional responses to possibly threatening stimuli. The circuits under consideration in this context include the amygdala's bottom-up activity, which signifies the existence of stimuli that may be seen as dangerous. Moreover, these circuits encompass top-down regulatory processes that originate in the prefrontal cortex, facilitating the communication of the emotional significance associated with the inputs. Diverse databases (e.g., Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for literature using a combination of different terms e.g., "anxiety", "stress", "neuroanatomy", and "neural circuits", etc. A decrease in GABAergic activity is present in both anxiety disorders and severe depression. Research on cerebral functional imaging in depressive individuals has shown reduced levels of GABA within the cortical regions. Additionally, animal studies demonstrated that a reduction in the expression of GABAA/B receptors results in a behavioral pattern resembling anxiety. The amygdala consists of inhibitory networks composed of GABAergic interneurons, responsible for modulating anxiety responses in both normal and pathological conditions. The GABAA receptor has allosteric sites (e.g., α/γ, γ/β, and α/β) which enable regulation of neuronal inhibition in the amygdala. These sites serve as molecular targets for anxiolytic medications such as benzodiazepine and barbiturates. Alterations in the levels of naturally occurring regulators of these allosteric sites, along with alterations to the composition of the GABAA receptor subunits, could potentially act as mechanisms via which the extent of neuronal inhibition is diminished in pathological anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Mal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Poonam Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Anushka Paul
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
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Liang J, Zhou Y, Feng Q, Zhou Y, Jiang T, Ren M, Jia X, Gong H, Di R, Jiao P, Luo M. A brainstem circuit amplifies aversion. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00582-8. [PMID: 39270652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic gain control of aversive signals enables adaptive behavioral responses. Although the role of amygdalar circuits in aversive processing is well established, the neural pathway for amplifying aversion remains elusive. Here, we show that the brainstem circuit linking the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) with the nucleus incertus (NI) amplifies aversion and promotes avoidant behaviors. IPN GABA neurons are activated by aversive stimuli and their predicting cues, with their response intensity closely tracking aversive values. Activating these neurons does not trigger aversive behavior on its own but rather amplifies responses to aversive stimuli, whereas their ablation or inhibition suppresses such responses. Detailed circuit dissection revealed anatomically distinct subgroups within the IPN GABA neuron population, highlighting the NI-projecting subgroup as the modulator of aversiveness related to fear and opioid withdrawal. These findings unveil the IPN-NI circuit as an aversion amplifier and suggest potential targets for interventions against affective disorders and opioid relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Liang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing 102206, China; Division of Neurobiology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yu Zhou
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Qiru Feng
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing 102206, China
| | - Youtong Zhou
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing 102206, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou 215125, China
| | - Miao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xueyan Jia
- HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou 215125, China
| | - Hui Gong
- HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou 215125, China
| | - Run Di
- Department of Neurology & Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing 100053, China; Neurodegenerative Laboratory of Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Peijie Jiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Minmin Luo
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), Beijing 102206, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China; Research Unit of Medical Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China; Beijing Institute for Brain Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 102206, China.
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Bach EC, Weiner JL. Elevated GABAergic neurotransmission prevents chronic intermittent ethanol induced hyperexcitability of intrinsic and extrinsic inputs to the ventral subiculum of female rats. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 32:100665. [PMID: 39233783 PMCID: PMC11372802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
With the recent rise in the rate of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in women, the historical gap between men and women living with this condition is narrowing. While there are many commonalities in how men and women are impacted by AUD, an accumulating body of evidence is revealing sex-dependent adaptations that may require distinct therapeutic approaches. Preclinical rodent studies are beginning to shed light on sex differences in the effects of chronic alcohol exposure on synaptic activity in a number of brain regions. Prior studies from our laboratory revealed that, while withdrawal from chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE), a commonly used model of AUD, increased excitability in the ventral hippocampus (vHC) of male rats, this same treatment had the opposite effect in females. A follow-up study not only expanded on the synaptic mechanisms of these findings in male rats, but also established a CIE-dependent increase in the excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) balance of a glutamatergic projection from the basolateral amygdala to vHC (BLA-vHC). This pathway modulates anxiety-like behavior and could help explain the comorbid occurrence of anxiety disorders in individuals suffering from AUD. The present study sought to conduct a similar analysis of CIE effects on both synaptic mechanisms in the vHC and adaptations in the BLA-vHC pathway of female rats. Our findings indicate that CIE increases the strength of inhibitory neurotransmission in the vHC and that this sex-specific adaptation blocks, or at least delays, the increases in intrinsic vHC excitability and BLA-vHC synaptic transmission observed in males. Our findings establish the BLA-vHC pathway and the vHC as important circuitry to consider for future studies directed at identifying sex-dependent therapeutic approaches to AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva C. Bach
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Jeff L. Weiner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
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Guo SS, Gong Y, Zhang TT, Su XY, Wu YJ, Yan YX, Cao Y, Song XL, Xie JC, Wu D, Jiang Q, Li Y, Zhao X, Zhu MX, Xu TL, Liu MG. A thalamic nucleus reuniens-lateral septum-lateral hypothalamus circuit for comorbid anxiety-like behaviors in chronic itch. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn6272. [PMID: 39150998 PMCID: PMC11328909 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn6272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
Chronic itch often clinically coexists with anxiety symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of itch-anxiety comorbidities that are difficult to treat. However, the neuronal circuit mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of anxiety in chronic itch remain elusive. Here, we report anxiety-like behaviors in mouse models of chronic itch and identify γ-aminobutyric acid-releasing (GABAergic) neurons in the lateral septum (LS) as the key player in chronic itch-induced anxiety. In addition, chronic itch is accompanied with enhanced activity and synaptic plasticity of excitatory projections from the thalamic nucleus reuniens (Re) onto LS GABAergic neurons. Selective chemogenetic inhibition of the Re → LS circuit notably alleviated chronic itch-induced anxiety, with no impact on anxiety induced by restraint stress. Last, GABAergic neurons in lateral hypothalamus (LH) receive monosynaptic inhibition from LS GABAergic neurons to mediate chronic itch-induced anxiety. These findings underscore the potential significance of the Re → LS → LH pathway in regulating anxiety-like comorbid symptoms associated with chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Shan Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xin-Yu Su
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yan-Jiao Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xing-Lei Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Dehua Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Michael X Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ming-Gang Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Institute of Mental Health and Drug Discovery, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
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Grogans SE, Hur J, Barstead MG, Anderson AS, Islam S, Kim HC, Kuhn M, Tillman RM, Fox AS, Smith JF, DeYoung KA, Shackman AJ. Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality Is Associated with Increased Reactivity to Uncertain Threat in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis, Not the Amygdala. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1868232024. [PMID: 39009438 PMCID: PMC11308352 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1868-23.2024] [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] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroticism/negative emotionality (N/NE)-the tendency to experience anxiety, fear, and other negative emotions-is a fundamental dimension of temperament with profound consequences for health, wealth, and well-being. Elevated N/NE is associated with a panoply of adverse outcomes, from reduced socioeconomic attainment to psychiatric illness. Animal research suggests that N/NE reflects heightened reactivity to uncertain threat in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce), but the relevance of these discoveries to humans has remained unclear. Here we used a novel combination of psychometric, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging approaches to test this hypothesis in an ethnoracially diverse, sex-balanced sample of 220 emerging adults selectively recruited to encompass a broad spectrum of N/NE. Cross-validated robust-regression analyses demonstrated that N/NE is preferentially associated with heightened BST activation during the uncertain anticipation of a genuinely distressing threat (aversive multimodal stimulation), whereas N/NE was unrelated to BST activation during certain-threat anticipation, Ce activation during either type of threat anticipation, or BST/Ce reactivity to threat-related faces. It is often assumed that different threat paradigms are interchangeable assays of individual differences in brain function, yet this has rarely been tested. Our results revealed negligible associations between BST/Ce reactivity to the anticipation of threat and the presentation of threat-related faces, indicating that the two tasks are nonfungible. These observations provide a framework for conceptualizing emotional traits and disorders; for guiding the design and interpretation of biobank and other neuroimaging studies of psychiatric risk, disease, and treatment; and for refining mechanistic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Grogans
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Juyoen Hur
- Department of Psychology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Allegra S Anderson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240
| | - Samiha Islam
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Hyung Cho Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Manuel Kuhn
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478
| | | | - Andrew S Fox
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Jason F Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Kathryn A DeYoung
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Alexander J Shackman
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
- Maryland Neuroimaging Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
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7
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Yan C, Liu Z. The role of periaqueductal gray astrocytes in anxiety-like behavior induced by acute stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 720:150073. [PMID: 38754161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes in the central nervous system play a vital role in modulating synaptic transmission and neuronal activation by releasing gliotransmitters. The 5-HTergic neurons in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) are important in anxiety processing. However, it remains uncertain whether the regulation of astrocytic activity on vlPAG 5-HTergic neurons is involved in anxiety processing. Here, through chemogenetic manipulation, we explored the impact of astrocytic activity in the PAG on the regulation of anxiety. To determine the role of astrocytes in the control of anxiety, we induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice through foot shock and investigated their effects on synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability in vlPAG 5-HTergic neurons. Foot shock caused anxiety-like behaviors, which were accompanied with the increase of the amplitude and frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), the area of slow inward currents (SICs), and the spike frequency of action potentials (AP) in vlPAG 5-HTergic neurons. The chemogenetic inhibition of vlPAG astrocytes was found to attenuate stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors and decrease the heightened synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability of vlPAG 5-HTergic neurons. Conversely, chemogenetic activation of vlPAG astrocytes triggered anxiety-like behaviors, enhanced synaptic transmission, and increased the excitability of vlPAG 5-HTergic neurons in unstressed mice. In summary, this study has provided initial insights into the pathway by which astrocytes influence behavior through the rapid regulation of associated neurons. This offers a new perspective for the investigation of the biological mechanisms underlying anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanting Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, 199 Chang'an South Road, Xi'an, 710062, China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, 555 Qiangye Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, 199 Chang'an South Road, Xi'an, 710062, China.
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8
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Antonoudiou P, Stone BT, Colmers PLW, Evans-Strong A, Teboul E, Walton NL, Weiss GL, Maguire J. Experience-dependent information routing through the basolateral amygdala shapes behavioral outcomes. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114489. [PMID: 38990724 PMCID: PMC11330675 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114489] [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] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well established that the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is an emotional processing hub that governs a diverse repertoire of behaviors. Selective engagement of a heterogeneous cell population in the BLA is thought to contribute to this flexibility in behavioral outcomes. However, whether this process is impacted by previous experiences that influence emotional processing remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that previous positive (enriched environment [EE]) or negative (chronic unpredictable stress [CUS]) experiences differentially influence the activity of populations of BLA principal neurons projecting to either the nucleus accumbens core or bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Chemogenetic manipulation of these projection-specific neurons can mimic or occlude the effects of CUS and EE on behavioral outcomes to bidirectionally control avoidance behaviors and stress-induced helplessness. These data demonstrate that previous experiences influence the responsiveness of projection-specific BLA principal neurons, biasing information routing through the BLA, to drive divergent behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelis Antonoudiou
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bradly T Stone
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Phillip L W Colmers
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aidan Evans-Strong
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Teboul
- Neuroscience Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Najah L Walton
- Neuroscience Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grant L Weiss
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jamie Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Pan G, Zhao B, Zhang M, Guo Y, Yan Y, Dai D, Zhang X, Yang H, Ni J, Huang Z, Li X, Duan S. Nucleus Accumbens Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons Projecting to the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Promote Wakefulness and Positive Affective State. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01233-y. [PMID: 38980648 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays an important role in various emotional and motivational behaviors that rely on heightened wakefulness. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between arousal and emotion regulation in NAc remain unclear. Here, we investigated the roles of a specific subset of inhibitory corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the NAc (NAcCRH) in regulating arousal and emotional behaviors in mice. We found an increased activity of NAcCRH neurons during wakefulness and rewarding stimulation. Activation of NAcCRH neurons converts NREM or REM sleep to wakefulness, while inhibition of these neurons attenuates wakefulness. Remarkably, activation of NAcCRH neurons induces a place preference response (PPR) and decreased basal anxiety level, whereas their inactivation induces a place aversion response and anxious state. NAcCRH neurons are identified as the major NAc projection neurons to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Furthermore, activation of the NAcCRH-BNST pathway similarly induced wakefulness and positive emotional behaviors. Taken together, we identified a basal forebrain CRH pathway that promotes the arousal associated with positive affective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaojie Pan
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mutian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, and Joint International Research Laboratory of Sleep, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanan Guo
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Yuhua Yan
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dan Dai
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jinfei Ni
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhili Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, and Joint International Research Laboratory of Sleep, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xia Li
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China.
| | - Shumin Duan
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China.
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10
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Dodt S, Widdershooven NV, Dreisow ML, Weiher L, Steuernagel L, Wunderlich FT, Brüning JC, Fenselau H. NPY-mediated synaptic plasticity in the extended amygdala prioritizes feeding during starvation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5439. [PMID: 38937485 PMCID: PMC11211344 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49766-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficient control of feeding behavior requires the coordinated adjustment of complex motivational and affective neurocircuits. Neuropeptides from energy-sensing hypothalamic neurons are potent feeding modulators, but how these endogenous signals shape relevant circuits remains unclear. Here, we examine how the orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) adapts GABAergic inputs to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). We find that fasting increases synaptic connectivity between agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing 'hunger' and BNST neurons, a circuit that promotes feeding. In contrast, GABAergic input from the central amygdala (CeA), an extended amygdala circuit that decreases feeding, is reduced. Activating NPY-expressing AgRP neurons evokes these synaptic adaptations, which are absent in NPY-deficient mice. Moreover, fasting diminishes the ability of CeA projections in the BNST to suppress food intake, and NPY-deficient mice fail to decrease anxiety in order to promote feeding. Thus, AgRP neurons drive input-specific synaptic plasticity, enabling a selective shift in hunger and anxiety signaling during starvation through NPY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Dodt
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Noah V Widdershooven
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Dreisow
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 26, 50924, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lisa Weiher
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lukas Steuernagel
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - F Thomas Wunderlich
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 26, 50924, Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26, Cologne, 50931, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Straße 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 26, 50924, Cologne, Germany.
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26, Cologne, 50931, Germany.
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Straße 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Henning Fenselau
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 26, 50924, Cologne, Germany.
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26, Cologne, 50931, Germany.
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11
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Li Y, Deng Y, Zhang Y, Xu D, Zhang X, Li Y, Li Y, Chen M, Wang Y, Zhang J, Wang L, Cang Y, Cao P, Bi L, Xu H. Distinct glutamatergic projections of the posteroventral medial amygdala play different roles in arousal and anxiety. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e176329. [PMID: 38842948 PMCID: PMC11383360 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.176329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbance usually accompanies anxiety disorders and exacerbates their incidence rates. The precise circuit mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we found that glutamatergic neurons in the posteroventral medial amygdala (MePVGlu neurons) are involved in arousal and anxiety-like behaviors. Excitation of MePVGlu neurons not only promoted wakefulness but also increased anxiety-like behaviors. Different projections of MePVGlu neurons played various roles in regulating anxiety-like behaviors and sleep-wakefulness. MePVGlu neurons promoted wakefulness through the MePVGlu/posteromedial cortical amygdaloid area (PMCo) pathway and the MePVGlu/bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST) pathway. In contrast, MePVGlu neurons increased anxiety-like behaviors through the MePVGlu/ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) pathway. Chronic sleep disturbance increased anxiety levels and reduced reparative sleep, accompanied by the enhanced excitability of MePVGlu/PMCo and MePVGlu/VMH circuits but suppressed responses of glutamatergic neurons in the BNST. Inhibition of the MePVGlu neurons could rescue chronic sleep deprivation-induced phenotypes. Our findings provide important circuit mechanisms for chronic sleep disturbance-induced hyperarousal response and obsessive anxiety-like behavior and are expected to provide a promising strategy for treating sleep-related psychiatric disorders and insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Deng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, and
| | - Xuefen Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yidan Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics
| | - Jiyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics
| | - Like Wang
- Department of Pathology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics
| | - Yufeng Cang
- Department of Pathology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics
| | - Peng Cao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Bi
- Department of Pathology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Greiner EM, Petrovich GD. Recruitment of hippocampal and thalamic pathways to the central amygdala in the control of feeding behavior under novelty. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:1179-1191. [PMID: 38625554 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02791-7] [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] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
It is adaptive to restrict eating under uncertainty, such as during habituation to novel foods and unfamiliar environments. However, sustained restrictive eating can become maladaptive. Currently, the neural substrates of restrictive eating are poorly understood. Using a model of feeding avoidance under novelty, our recent study identified forebrain activation patterns and found evidence that the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) is a core integrating node. The current study analyzed the activity of CEA inputs in male and female rats to determine if specific pathways are recruited during feeding under novelty. Recruitment of direct inputs from the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), the infralimbic cortex (ILA), the agranular insular cortex (AI), the hippocampal ventral field CA1, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BST) was assessed with combined retrograde tract tracing and Fos induction analysis. The study found that during consumption of a novel food in a novel environment, larger number of neurons within the PVTp and the CA1 that send monosynaptic inputs to the CEA were recruited compared to controls that consumed familiar food in a familiar environment. The ILA, AI, and BST inputs to the CEA were similarly recruited across conditions. There were no sex differences in activation of any of the pathways analyzed. These results suggest that the PVTp-CEA and CA1-CEA pathways underlie feeding inhibition during novelty and could be potential sites of malfunction in excessive food avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza M Greiner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Gorica D Petrovich
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
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13
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Peng B, Foilb AR, Manasian Y, Li Y, Deng X, Meloni EG, Ressler KJ, Carlezon WA, Bolshakov VY. Intra-amygdala circuits of sleep disruption-induced anxiety in female mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.19.594863. [PMID: 38798391 PMCID: PMC11118584 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.19.594863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Combining mouse genetics, electrophysiology, and behavioral training and testing, we explored how sleep disruption may affect the function of anxiety-controlling circuits, focusing on projections from the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) to CRF-positive cells in the lateral division of the central amygdala (CeL). We found in Crh-IRES-Cre::Ai14(tdTomato) reporter female mice that 6 hours of sleep disruption during their non-active (light) cycle may be anxiogenic. Notably, the AMPAR/NMDAR EPSC amplitude ratio at the BLA inputs to CRF-CeL cells (CRF CeL ), assessed with whole-cell recordings in ex vivo experiments, was enhanced in slices from sleep-disrupted mice, whereas paired-pulse ratio (PPR) of the EPSCs induced by two closely spaced presynaptic stimuli remained unchanged. These findings indicate that sleep disruption-associated synaptic enhancements in glutamatergic projections from the BLA to CRF-CeL neurons may be postsynaptically expressed. We found also that the excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio in the BLA to CRF CeL inputs was increased in sleep-disrupted mice, suggesting that the functional efficiency of excitation in BLA inputs to CRF CeL cells has increased following sleep disruption, thus resulting in their enhanced activation. The latter could be translated into enhanced anxiogenesis as activation of CRF cells in the CeL was shown to promote anxiety-like behaviors.
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14
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Ke J, Lu WC, Jing HY, Qian S, Moon SW, Cui GF, Qian WX, Che XJ, Zhang Q, Lai SS, Zhang L, Zhu YJ, Xie JD, Huang TW. Functional dissection of parabrachial substrates in processing nociceptive information. Zool Res 2024; 45:633-647. [PMID: 38766746 PMCID: PMC11188607 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Painful stimuli elicit first-line reflexive defensive reactions and, in many cases, also evoke second-line recuperative behaviors, the latter of which reflects the sensing of tissue damage and the alleviation of suffering. The lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN), composed of external- (elPBN), dorsal- (dlPBN), and central/superior-subnuclei (jointly referred to as slPBN), receives sensory inputs from spinal projection neurons and plays important roles in processing affective information from external threats and body integrity disruption. However, the organizational rules of lPBN neurons that provoke diverse behaviors in response to different painful stimuli from cutaneous and deep tissues remain unclear. In this study, we used region-specific neuronal depletion or silencing approaches combined with a battery of behavioral assays to show that slPBN neurons expressing substance P receptor ( NK1R) (lPBN NK1R) are crucial for driving pain-associated self-care behaviors evoked by sustained noxious thermal and mechanical stimuli applied to skin or bone/muscle, while elPBN neurons are dispensable for driving such reactions. Notably, lPBN NK1R neurons are specifically required for forming sustained somatic pain-induced negative teaching signals and aversive memory but are not necessary for fear-learning or escape behaviors elicited by external threats. Lastly, both lPBN NK1R and elPBN neurons contribute to chemical irritant-induced nocifensive reactions. Our results reveal the functional organization of parabrachial substrates that drive distinct behavioral outcomes in response to sustained pain versus external danger under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ke
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei-Cheng Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Hai-Yang Jing
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Shen Qian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Sun-Wook Moon
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Guang-Fu Cui
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wei-Xin Qian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Che
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Academy of Clinical Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Shi-Shi Lai
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China. E-mail:
| | - Jing-Dun Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China. E-mail:
| | - Tian-Wen Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China. E-mail:
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15
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Zhang N, Zhao S, Ma Y, Xiao Z, Xue B, Dong Y, Wang Q, Xu H, Zhang X, Wang Y. Hyperexcitation of ovBNST CRF neurons during stress contributes to female-biased expression of anxiety-like avoidance behaviors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk7636. [PMID: 38728397 PMCID: PMC11086623 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) network in the oval nucleus of bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (ovBNST) is generally indicated in stress, but its role in female-biased susceptibility to anxiety is unknown. Here, we established a female-biased stress paradigm. We found that the CRF release in ovBNST during stress showed female-biased pattern, and ovBNST CRF neurons were more prone to be hyperexcited in female mice during stress in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, optogenetic modulation to exchange the activation pattern of ovBNST CRF neurons during stress between female and male mice could reverse their susceptibility to anxiety. Last, CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) mediated the CRF-induced excitation of ovBNST CRF neurons and showed female-biased expression. Specific knockdown of the CRFR1 level in ovBNST CRF neurons in female or overexpression that in male could reverse their susceptibility to anxiety. Therefore, we identify that CRFR1-mediated hyperexcitation of ovBNST CRF neurons in female mice encode the female-biased susceptibility to anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Sha Zhao
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yanqiao Ma
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhixin Xiao
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Bao Xue
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yuan Dong
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Huamin Xu
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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16
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Li R, Tang G, Yang J, Gao S, Wang Y, Wu X, Bai Y, Liu J. The avBNST GABA-VTA and avBNST GABA-DRN pathways are respectively involved in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors in parkinsonian rats. Neurochem Int 2024; 175:105720. [PMID: 38458538 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The anteroventral bed nucleus of stria terminalis (avBNST) is a key brain region which involves negative emotional states, such as anxiety. The most neurons in the avBNST are GABAergic, and it sends GABAergic projections to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), respectively. The VTA and DRN contain dopaminergic and serotonergic cell groups in the midbrain which regulate anxiety-like behaviors. However, it is unclear the role of GABAergic projections from the avBNST to the VTA and the DRN in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors, particularly in Parkinson's disease (PD)-related anxiety. In the present study, unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta in rats induced anxiety-like behaviors, and decreased level of dopamine (DA) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Chemogenetic activation of avBNSTGABA-VTA or avBNSTGABA-DRN pathway induced anxiety-like behaviors and decreased DA or 5-HT release in the BLA in sham and 6-OHDA rats, while inhibition of avBNSTGABA-VTA or avBNSTGABA-DRN pathway produced anxiolytic-like effects and increased level of DA or 5-HT in the BLA. These findings suggest that avBNST inhibitory projections directly regulate dopaminergic neurons in the VTA and serotonergic neurons in the DRN, and the avBNSTGABA-VTA and avBNSTGABA-DRN pathways respectively exert impacts on PD-related anxiety-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruotong Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Guoyi Tang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shasha Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yihua Bai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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17
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Han RW, Zhang ZY, Jiao C, Hu ZY, Pan BX. Synergism between two BLA-to-BNST pathways for appropriate expression of anxiety-like behaviors in male mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3455. [PMID: 38658548 PMCID: PMC11043328 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47966-2] [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] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding how distinct functional circuits are coordinated to fine-tune mood and behavior is of fundamental importance. Here, we observe that within the dense projections from basolateral amygdala (BLA) to bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), there are two functionally opposing pathways orchestrated to enable contextually appropriate expression of anxiety-like behaviors in male mice. Specifically, the anterior BLA neurons predominantly innervate the anterodorsal BNST (adBNST), while their posterior counterparts send massive fibers to oval BNST (ovBNST) with moderate to adBNST. Optogenetic activation of the anterior and posterior BLA inputs oppositely regulated the activity of adBNST neurons and anxiety-like behaviors, via disengaging and engaging the inhibitory ovBNST-to-adBNST microcircuit, respectively. Importantly, the two pathways exhibited synchronized but opposite responses to both anxiolytic and anxiogenic stimuli, partially due to their mutual inhibition within BLA and the different inputs they receive. These findings reveal synergistic interactions between two BLA-to-BNST pathways for appropriate anxiety expression with ongoing environmental demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Wen Han
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Zi-Yi Zhang
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Chen Jiao
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Ze-Yu Hu
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Bing-Xing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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Martinez de Morentin PB, Gonzalez JA, Dowsett GKC, Martynova Y, Yeo GSH, Sylantyev S, Heisler LK. A brainstem to hypothalamic arcuate nucleus GABAergic circuit drives feeding. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1646-1656.e4. [PMID: 38518777 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The obesity epidemic is principally driven by the consumption of more calories than the body requires. It is therefore essential that the mechanisms underpinning feeding behavior are defined. Neurons within the brainstem dorsal vagal complex (DVC) receive direct information from the digestive system and project to second-order regions in the brain to regulate food intake. Although γ-aminobutyric acid is expressed in the DVC (GABADVC), its function in this region has not been defined. In order to discover the unique gene expression signature of GABADVC cells, we used single-nucleus RNA sequencing (Nuc-seq), and this revealed 19 separate clusters. We next probed the function of GABADVC cells and discovered that the selective activation of GABADVC neurons significantly controls food intake and body weight. Optogenetic interrogation of GABADVC circuitry identified GABADVC → hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) projections as appetite suppressive without creating aversion. Electrophysiological analysis revealed that GABADVC → ARC stimulation inhibits hunger-promoting neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons via GABA release. Adopting an intersectional genetics strategy, we clarify that the GABADVC → ARC circuit curbs food intake. These data identify GABADVC as a new modulator of feeding behavior and body weight and a controller of orexigenic NPY neuron activity, thereby providing insight into the neural underpinnings of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo B Martinez de Morentin
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - J Antonio Gonzalez
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Georgina K C Dowsett
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Yuliia Martynova
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Giles S H Yeo
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Sergiy Sylantyev
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Odesa National Mechnikov University, Biological Department, 2 Shampansky Ln., Odesa 65015, Ukraine.
| | - Lora K Heisler
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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Torres DB, Lopes A, Rodrigues AJ, Ventura-Silva AP, Sousa N, Gontijo JAR, Boer PA, Lopes MG. Early morphological and neurochemical changes of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) in gestational protein-restricted male offspring. Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38576309 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2320498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a structure with a peculiar neurochemical composition involved in modulating anxietylike behavior and fear. AIM The present study investigated the effects on the BNST neurochemical composition and neuronal structure in critical moments of the postnatal period in gestational protein-restricted male rats' offspring. METHODS Dams were maintained during the pregnancy on isocaloric rodent laboratory chow with standard protein content [NP, 17%] or low protein content [LP, 6%]. BNST from male NP and age-matched LP offspring was studied using the isotropic fractionator method, Neuronal 3D reconstruction, dendritic-tree analysis, blotting analysis, and high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Serum corticosterone levels were higher in male LP offspring than NP rats in 14-day-old offspring, without any difference in 7-day-old progeny. The BNST total cell number and anterodorsal BNST division volume in LP progeny were significantly reduced on the 14th postnatal day compared with NP offspring. The BNST HPLC analysis from 7 days-old LP revealed increased norepinephrine levels compared to NP progeny. The BNST blot analysis from 7-day-old LP revealed reduced levels of GR and BDNF associated with enhanced CRF1 expression compared to NP offspring. 14-day-old LP offspring showed reduced expression of MR and 5HT1A associated with decreased DOPAC and DOPA turnover levels relative to NP rats. In Conclusion, the BNST cellular and neurochemical changes may represent adaptation during development in response to elevated fetal exposure to maternal corticosteroid levels. In this way, gestational malnutrition alters the BNST content and structure and contributes to already-known behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B Torres
- Fetal Programming and Hydroelectrolyte Metabolism Laboratory, Internal Medicine Department, School of Medicine, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - A Lopes
- Fetal Programming and Hydroelectrolyte Metabolism Laboratory, Internal Medicine Department, School of Medicine, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - A J Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - A P Ventura-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - N Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - J A R Gontijo
- Fetal Programming and Hydroelectrolyte Metabolism Laboratory, Internal Medicine Department, School of Medicine, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - P A Boer
- Fetal Programming and Hydroelectrolyte Metabolism Laboratory, Internal Medicine Department, School of Medicine, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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20
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Jaramillo JCM, Aitken CM, Lawrence AJ, Ryan PJ. Oxytocin-receptor-expressing neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus activate widespread brain regions predominantly involved in fluid satiation. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 137:102403. [PMID: 38452468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Fluid satiation is an important signal and aspect of body fluid homeostasis. Oxytocin-receptor-expressing neurons (OxtrPBN) in the dorsolateral subdivision of the lateral parabrachial nucleus (dl LPBN) are key neurons which regulate fluid satiation. In the present study, we investigated brain regions activated by stimulation of OxtrPBN neurons in order to better characterise the fluid satiation neurocircuitry in mice. Chemogenetic activation of OxtrPBN neurons increased Fos expression (a proxy marker for neuronal activation) in known fluid-regulating brain nuclei, as well as other regions that have unclear links to fluid regulation and which are likely involved in regulating other functions such as arousal and stress relief. In addition, we analysed and compared Fos expression patterns between chemogenetically-activated fluid satiation and physiological-induced fluid satiation. Both models of fluid satiation activated similar brain regions, suggesting that the chemogenetic model of stimulating OxtrPBN neurons is a relevant model of physiological fluid satiation. A deeper understanding of this neural circuit may lead to novel molecular targets and creation of therapeutic agents to treat fluid-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine C M Jaramillo
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Connor M Aitken
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip J Ryan
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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21
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Gao Y, Gao D, Zhang H, Zheng D, Du J, Yuan C, Mingxi Ma, Yin Y, Wang J, Zhang X, Wang Y. BLA DBS improves anxiety and fear by correcting weakened synaptic transmission from BLA to adBNST and CeL in a mouse model of foot shock. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113766. [PMID: 38349792 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the basal lateral amygdala (BLA) has been established to correct symptoms of refractory post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, how BLA DBS operates in correcting PTSD symptoms and how the BLA elicits pathological fear and anxiety in PTSD remain unclear. Here, we discover that excitatory synaptic transmission from the BLA projection neurons (PNs) to the adBNST, and lateral central amygdala (CeL) is greatly suppressed in a mouse PTSD model induced by foot shock (FS). BLA DBS revises the weakened inputs from the BLA to these two areas to improve fear and anxiety. Optogenetic manipulation of the BLA-adBNST and BLA-CeL circuits shows that both circuits are responsible for anxiety but the BLA-CeL for fear in FS mice. Our results reveal that synaptic transmission dysregulation of the BLA-adBNST or BLA-CeL circuits is reversed by BLA DBS, which improves anxiety and fear in the FS mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gao
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dawen Gao
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Danhao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jun Du
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Yuan
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxi Ma
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Yin
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yizheng Wang
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Pross A, Metwalli AH, Abellán A, Desfilis E, Medina L. Subpopulations of corticotropin-releasing factor containing neurons and internal circuits in the chicken central extended amygdala. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25569. [PMID: 38104270 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25569] [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] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the central extended amygdala is critical for the regulation of the stress response. This regulation is extremely complex, involving multiple subpopulations of GABAergic neurons and complex networks of internal and external connections. Two neuron subpopulations expressing corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), located in the central amygdala and the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTL), play a key role in the long-term component of fear learning and in sustained fear responses akin to anxiety. Very little is known about the regulation of stress by the amygdala in nonmammals, hindering efforts for trying to improve animal welfare. In birds, one of the major problems relates to the high evolutionary divergence of the telencephalon, where the amygdala is located. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of CRF neurons of the central extended amygdala in chicken and the local connections within this region. We found two major subpopulations of CRF cells in BSTL and the medial capsular central amygdala of chicken. Based on multiple labeling of CRF mRNA with different developmental transcription factors, all CRF neurons seem to originate within the telencephalon since they express Foxg1, and there are two subtypes with different embryonic origins that express Islet1 or Pax6. In addition, we demonstrated direct projections from Pax6 cells of the capsular central amygdala to BSTL and the oval central amygdala. We also found projections from Islet1 cells of the oval central amygdala to BSTL, which may constitute an indirect pathway for the regulation of BSTL output cells. Part of these projections may be mediated by CRF cells, in agreement with the expression of CRF receptors in both Ceov and BSTL. Our results show a complex organization of the central extended amygdala in chicken and open new venues for studying how different cells and circuits regulate stress in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pross
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Developmental Neurobiology, Lleida's Institute for Biomedical Research-Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Alek H Metwalli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Developmental Neurobiology, Lleida's Institute for Biomedical Research-Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Antonio Abellán
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Developmental Neurobiology, Lleida's Institute for Biomedical Research-Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Ester Desfilis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Developmental Neurobiology, Lleida's Institute for Biomedical Research-Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Loreta Medina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Developmental Neurobiology, Lleida's Institute for Biomedical Research-Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
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Albrechet‐Souza L, Kasten CR, Bertagna NB, Wills TA. Sex-specific negative affect-like behaviour and parabrachial nucleus activation induced by BNST stimulation in adult mice with adolescent alcohol history. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13366. [PMID: 38380710 PMCID: PMC10883599 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13366] [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] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Adolescent alcohol use is a strong predictor for the subsequent development of alcohol use disorders later in life. Additionally, adolescence is a critical period for the onset of affective disorders, which can contribute to problematic drinking behaviours and relapse, particularly in females. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that exposure to adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) vapour alters glutamatergic transmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and, when combined with adult stress, elicits sex-specific changes in glutamatergic plasticity and negative affect-like behaviours in mice. Building on these findings, the current work investigated whether BNST stimulation could substitute for stress exposure to increase the latency to consume a palatable food in a novel context (hyponeophagia) and promote social avoidance in adult mice with AIE history. Given the dense connections between the BNST and the parabrachial nucleus (PBN), a region involved in mediating threat assessment and feeding behaviours, we hypothesized that increased negative affect-like behaviours would be associated with PBN activation. Our results revealed that the chemogenetic stimulation of the dorsolateral BNST induced hyponeophagia in females with AIE history, but not in female controls or males of either group. Social interaction remained unaffected in both sexes. Notably, this behavioural phenotype was associated with higher activation of calcitonin gene-related peptide and dynorphin cells in the PBN. These findings provide new insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the development of negative affect in females and highlight the potential involvement of the BNST-PBN circuitry in regulating emotional responses to alcohol-related stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Albrechet‐Souza
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, School of MedicineLouisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
- Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of MedicineLouisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Chelsea R. Kasten
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, School of MedicineLouisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Natalia B. Bertagna
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, School of MedicineLouisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
- Department of PharmacologyFederal University of São PauloSão PauloSPBrazil
| | - Tiffany A. Wills
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, School of MedicineLouisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
- Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of MedicineLouisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of MedicineLouisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
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24
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Dorst KE, Senne RA, Diep AH, de Boer AR, Suthard RL, Leblanc H, Ruesch EA, Pyo AY, Skelton S, Carstensen LC, Malmberg S, McKissick OP, Bladon JH, Ramirez S. Hippocampal Engrams Generate Variable Behavioral Responses and Brain-Wide Network States. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0340232023. [PMID: 38050098 PMCID: PMC10860633 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0340-23.2023] [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] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Freezing is a defensive behavior commonly examined during hippocampal-mediated fear engram reactivation. How these cellular populations engage the brain and modulate freezing across varying environmental demands is unclear. To address this, we optogenetically reactivated a fear engram in the dentate gyrus subregion of the hippocampus across three distinct contexts in male mice. We found that there were differential amounts of light-induced freezing depending on the size of the context in which reactivation occurred: mice demonstrated robust light-induced freezing in the most spatially restricted of the three contexts but not in the largest. We then utilized graph theoretical analyses to identify brain-wide alterations in cFos expression during engram reactivation across the smallest and largest contexts. Our manipulations induced positive interregional cFos correlations that were not observed in control conditions. Additionally, regions spanning putative "fear" and "defense" systems were recruited as hub regions in engram reactivation networks. Lastly, we compared the network generated from engram reactivation in the small context with a natural fear memory retrieval network. Here, we found shared characteristics such as modular composition and hub regions. By identifying and manipulating the circuits supporting memory function, as well as their corresponding brain-wide activity patterns, it is thereby possible to resolve systems-level biological mechanisms mediating memory's capacity to modulate behavioral states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E Dorst
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Ryan A Senne
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Anh H Diep
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Antje R de Boer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Rebecca L Suthard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Heloise Leblanc
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Evan A Ruesch
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Angela Y Pyo
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Sara Skelton
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Lucas C Carstensen
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Samantha Malmberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Olivia P McKissick
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - John H Bladon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
| | - Steve Ramirez
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston 02215, Massachusetts
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25
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Maita I, Bazer A, Chae K, Parida A, Mirza M, Sucher J, Phan M, Liu T, Hu P, Soni R, Roepke TA, Samuels BA. Chemogenetic activation of corticotropin-releasing factor-expressing neurons in the anterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis reduces effortful motivation behaviors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:377-385. [PMID: 37452139 PMCID: PMC10724138 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01646-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the anterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (aBNST) is associated with chronic stress and avoidance behavior. However, CRF + BNST neurons project to reward- and motivation-related brain regions, suggesting a potential role in motivated behavior. We used chemogenetics to selectively activate CRF+ aBNST neurons in male and female CRF-ires-Cre mice during an effort-related choice task and a concurrent choice task. In both tasks, mice were given the option either to exert effort for high value rewards or to choose freely available low value rewards. Acute chemogenetic activation of CRF+ aBNST neurons reduced barrier climbing for a high value reward in the effort-related choice task in both males and females. Furthermore, acute chemogenetic activation of CRF+ aBNST neurons also reduced effortful lever pressing in high-performing males in the concurrent choice task. These data suggest a novel role for CRF+ aBNST neurons in effort-based decision and motivation behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Maita
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Allyson Bazer
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Graduate Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Kiyeon Chae
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Amlaan Parida
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Mikyle Mirza
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jillian Sucher
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Graduate Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mimi Phan
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Tonia Liu
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Pu Hu
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ria Soni
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Benjamin Adam Samuels
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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26
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Bertagna NB, Wilson L, Bailey CK, Cruz FC, Albrechet-Souza L, Wills TA. Long-lasting mechanical hypersensitivity and CRF receptor type-1 neuron activation in the BNST following adolescent ethanol exposure. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:48-57. [PMID: 38206283 PMCID: PMC10784637 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent alcohol use can produce long-lasting alterations in brain function, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes in adulthood. Emerging evidence suggests that chronic alcohol use can increase pain sensitivity or exacerbate existing pain conditions, but the potential neural mechanisms underlying these effects require further investigation. Here, we evaluate the impact of chronic ethanol vapor on mechanical sensitivity over the course of acute and protracted withdrawal in adolescent and adult male and female mice, and its potential association with alterations in corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). METHODS Adolescent and adult male and female mice underwent intermittent ethanol vapor exposure on 4 days/week for 2 weeks. Mechanical thresholds were evaluated 5 h and 7, 14, 21, and 28 d after cessation of ethanol exposure using the von Frey test. For mice with a history of adolescent ethanol exposure, brains were collected for in situ RNAscope processing after the final test. Messenger RNA expression of c-Fos, Crfr1, and Crf in the BNST subregions was examined. RESULTS Exposure to intermittent ethanol vapor induced persistent mechanical hypersensitivity during withdrawal in both adolescent and adult mice. Notably, the effect was more transient in mice exposed to ethanol during adulthood, resolving by day 28 after ethanol exposure. Furthermore, both male and female mice with a history of adolescent ethanol exposure exhibited increased activation of CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) neurons within the dorsolateral BNST. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the conclusion that intermittent ethanol exposure can induce mechanical hypersensitivity, potentially through the activation of BNST CRFR1 neurons. These findings provide a basis for future studies aimed at evaluating specific subpopulations of BNST neurons and their contribution to pain in individuals with a history of alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia B. Bertagna
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lisa Wilson
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Connor K. Bailey
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Fabio C. Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Albrechet-Souza
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tiffany A. Wills
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Lu D, Choi S, Park J, Kim J, Zhao S, Uldry Lavergne CG, Desimone Q, Chen B, Han BX, Wang F, Goldstein N. General Anesthesia Activates a Central Anxiolytic Center in the BNST. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572586. [PMID: 38187782 PMCID: PMC10769264 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Low doses of general anesthetics like ketamine and dexmedetomidine have anxiolytic properties independent of their sedative effects. How these different drugs exert these anxiolytic effects is not well understood. We discovered a population of GABAergic neurons in the oval division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis that is activated by multiple anesthetics and the anxiolytic drug diazepam (ovBNST GA ). A majority of ovBNST GA neurons express neurotensin receptor 1 (Ntsr1) and innervate brain regions known to regulate anxiety and stress responses. Optogenetic activation ovBNST GA or ovBNST Ntsr1 neurons significantly attenuated anxiety-like behaviors in both naïve animals and mice with inflammatory pain, while inhibition of these cells increased anxiety. Notably, activation of these neurons decreased heart rate and increased heart rate variability, suggesting that they reduce anxiety through modulation of the autonomic nervous system. Our study identifies ovBNST GA /ovBNST Ntsr1 neurons as one of the brain's endogenous anxiolytic centers and a potential therapeutic target for treating anxiety-related disorders. HIGHLIGHTS General anesthetics and anxiolytics activate a population of neurons in the ovBNSTAnesthesia-activated ovBNST neurons bidirectionally modulate anxiety-like behaviorMost anesthesia-activated ovBNST neurons express neurotensin receptor 1 ovBNST Ntsr1 neuron activation shifts autonomic responses to an anxiolytic state.
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Xiong SY, Wen HZ, Dai LM, Lou YX, Wang ZQ, Yi YL, Yan XJ, Wu YR, Sun W, Chen PH, Yang SZ, Qi XW, Zhang Y, Wu GY. A brain-tumor neural circuit controls breast cancer progression in mice. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e167725. [PMID: 37847562 PMCID: PMC10721160 DOI: 10.1172/jci167725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor burden, considered a common chronic stressor, can cause widespread anxiety. Evidence suggests that cancer-induced anxiety can promote tumor progression, but the underlying neural mechanism remains unclear. Here, we used neuroscience and cancer tools to investigate how the brain contributes to tumor progression via nerve-tumor crosstalk in a mouse model of breast cancer. We show that tumor-bearing mice exhibited significant anxiety-like behaviors and that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the central medial amygdala (CeM) were activated. Moreover, we detected newly formed sympathetic nerves in tumors, which established a polysynaptic connection to the brain. Pharmacogenetic or optogenetic inhibition of CeMCRH neurons and the CeMCRH→lateral paragigantocellular nucleus (LPGi) circuit significantly alleviated anxiety-like behaviors and slowed tumor growth. Conversely, artificial activation of CeMCRH neurons and the CeMCRH→LPGi circuit increased anxiety and tumor growth. Importantly, we found alprazolam, an antianxiety drug, to be a promising agent for slowing tumor progression. Furthermore, we show that manipulation of the CeMCRH→LPGi circuit directly regulated the activity of the intratumoral sympathetic nerves and peripheral nerve-derived norepinephrine, which affected tumor progression by modulating antitumor immunity. Together, these findings reveal a brain-tumor neural circuit that contributes to breast cancer progression and provide therapeutic insights for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yi Xiong
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital
| | - Hui-Zhong Wen
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Li-Meng Dai
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Yun-Xiao Lou
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Zhao-Qun Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Yi-Lun Yi
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Xiao-Jing Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Ya-Ran Wu
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, and
| | - Wei Sun
- Biomedical Analysis Center, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng-Hui Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Si-Zhe Yang
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital
| | - Xiao-Wei Qi
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital
| | - Yi Zhang
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital
| | - Guang-Yan Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
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Klenowski PM, Zhao-Shea R, Freels TG, Molas S, Zinter M, M’Angale P, Xiao C, Martinez-Núñez L, Thomson T, Tapper AR. A neuronal coping mechanism linking stress-induced anxiety to motivation for reward. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9620. [PMID: 38055830 PMCID: PMC10699782 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Stress coping involves innate and active motivational behaviors that reduce anxiety under stressful situations. However, the neuronal bases directly linking stress, anxiety, and motivation are largely unknown. Here, we show that acute stressors activate mouse GABAergic neurons in the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). Stress-coping behavior including self-grooming and reward behavior including sucrose consumption inherently reduced IPN GABAergic neuron activity. Optogenetic silencing of IPN GABAergic neuron activation during acute stress episodes mimicked coping strategies and alleviated anxiety-like behavior. In a mouse model of stress-enhanced motivation for sucrose seeking, photoinhibition of IPN GABAergic neurons reduced stress-induced motivation for sucrose, whereas photoactivation of IPN GABAergic neurons or excitatory inputs from medial habenula potentiated sucrose seeking. Single-cell sequencing, fiber photometry, and optogenetic experiments revealed that stress-activated IPN GABAergic neurons that drive motivated sucrose seeking express somatostatin. Together, these data suggest that stress induces innate behaviors and motivates reward seeking to oppose IPN neuronal activation as an anxiolytic stress-coping mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Klenowski
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rubing Zhao-Shea
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Timothy G. Freels
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Susanna Molas
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Max Zinter
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Peter M’Angale
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Cong Xiao
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Leonora Martinez-Núñez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Travis Thomson
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Andrew R. Tapper
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Fernandez FX, Perlis ML. Animal models of human insomnia. J Sleep Res 2023; 32:e13845. [PMID: 36748845 PMCID: PMC10404637 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13845] [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] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Insomnia disorder (chronic sleep continuity disturbance) is a debilitating condition affecting 5%-10% of the adult population worldwide. To date, researchers have attempted to model insomnia in animals through breeding strategies that create pathologically short-sleeping individuals or with drugs and environmental contexts that directly impose sleeplessness. While these approaches have been invaluable for identifying insomnia susceptibility genes and mapping the neural networks that underpin sleep-wake regulation, they fail to capture concurrently several of the core clinical diagnostic features of insomnia disorder in humans, where sleep continuity disturbance is self-perpetuating, occurs despite adequate sleep opportunity, and is often not accompanied by significant changes in sleep duration or architecture. In the present review, we discuss these issues and then outline ways animal models can be used to develop approaches that are more ecologically valid in their recapitulation of chronic insomnia's natural aetiology and pathophysiology. Conditioning of self-generated sleep loss with these methods promises to create a better understanding of the neuroadaptations that maintain insomnia, including potentially within the infralimbic cortex, a substrate at the crossroads of threat habituation and sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael L. Perlis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Lepeak L, Miracle S, Ferragud A, Seiglie MP, Shafique S, Ozturk Z, Minnig MA, Medeiros G, Cottone P, Sabino V. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Mediates Heavy Alcohol Drinking in Mice. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0424-23.2023. [PMID: 38053471 PMCID: PMC10755645 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0424-23.2023] [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] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex psychiatric disease characterized by periods of heavy drinking and periods of withdrawal. Chronic exposure to ethanol causes profound neuroadaptations in the extended amygdala, which cause allostatic changes promoting excessive drinking. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a brain region involved in both excessive drinking and anxiety-like behavior, shows particularly high levels of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a key mediator of the stress response. Recently, a role for PACAP in withdrawal-induced alcohol drinking and anxiety-like behavior in alcohol-dependent rats has been proposed; whether the PACAP system of the BNST is also recruited in other models of alcohol addiction and whether it is of local or nonlocal origin is currently unknown. Here, we show that PACAP immunoreactivity is increased selectively in the BNST of C57BL/6J mice exposed to a chronic, intermittent access to ethanol. While pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) type 1 receptor-expressing cells were unchanged by chronic alcohol, the levels of a peptide closely related to PACAP, the calcitonin gene-related neuropeptide, were found to also be increased in the BNST. Finally, using a retrograde chemogenetic approach in PACAP-ires-Cre mice, we found that the inhibition of PACAP neuronal afferents to the BNST reduced heavy ethanol drinking. Our data suggest that the PACAP system of the BNST is recruited by chronic, voluntary alcohol drinking in mice and that nonlocally originating PACAP projections to the BNST regulate heavy alcohol intake, indicating that this system may represent a promising target for novel AUD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Ferragud
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Mariel P. Seiglie
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Samih Shafique
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Zeynep Ozturk
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Margaret A. Minnig
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Gianna Medeiros
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
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32
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Hu P, Wang Y, Qi XH, Shan QH, Huang ZH, Chen P, Ma X, Yang YP, Swaab DF, Samuels BA, Zhang Z, Zhou JN. SIRT1 in the BNST modulates chronic stress-induced anxiety of male mice via FKBP5 and corticotropin-releasing factor signaling. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5101-5117. [PMID: 37386058 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02144-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Although clinical reports have highlighted association of the deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) gene with anxiety, its exact role in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders remains unclear. The present study was designed to explore whether and how SIRT1 in the mouse bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a key limbic hub region, regulates anxiety. In a chronic stress model to induce anxiety in male mice, we used site- and cell-type-specific in vivo and in vitro manipulations, protein analysis, electrophysiological and behavioral analysis, in vivo MiniScope calcium imaging and mass spectroscopy, to characterize possible mechanism underlying a novel anxiolytic role for SIRT1 in the BNST. Specifically, decreased SIRT1 in parallel with increased corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression was found in the BNST of anxiety model mice, whereas pharmacological activation or local overexpression of SIRT1 in the BNST reversed chronic stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors, downregulated CRF upregulation, and normalized CRF neuronal hyperactivity. Mechanistically, SIRT1 enhanced glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated CRF transcriptional repression through directly interacting with and deacetylating the GR co-chaperone FKBP5 to induce its dissociation from the GR, ultimately downregulating CRF. Together, this study unravels an important cellular and molecular mechanism highlighting an anxiolytic role for SIRT1 in the mouse BNST, which may open up new therapeutic avenues for treating stress-related anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Hu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, PR China.
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Qi
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, PR China
| | - Qing-Hong Shan
- Institute of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Zhao-Huan Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Brain-inspired Intelligence Technology and Application, School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Institute of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, PR China
| | - Yu-Peng Yang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, PR China
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Department of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin A Samuels
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, PR China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Institute of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200072, PR China.
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Tseng YT, Schaefke B, Wei P, Wang L. Defensive responses: behaviour, the brain and the body. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:655-671. [PMID: 37730910 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Most animals live under constant threat from predators, and predation has been a major selective force in shaping animal behaviour. Nevertheless, defence responses against predatory threats need to be balanced against other adaptive behaviours such as foraging, mating and recovering from infection. This behavioural balance in ethologically relevant contexts requires adequate integration of internal and external signals in a complex interplay between the brain and the body. Despite this complexity, research has often considered defensive behaviour as entirely mediated by the brain processing threat-related information obtained via perception of the external environment. However, accumulating evidence suggests that the endocrine, immune, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems have important roles in modulating behavioural responses to threat. In this Review, we focus on how predatory threat defence responses are shaped by threat imminence and review the circuitry between subcortical brain regions involved in mediating defensive behaviours. Then, we discuss the intersection of peripheral systems involved in internal states related to infection, hunger and mating with the neurocircuits that underlie defence responses against predatory threat. Through this process, we aim to elucidate the interconnections between the brain and body as an integrated network that facilitates appropriate defensive responses to threat and to discuss the implications for future behavioural research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Tseng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behaviour, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bernhard Schaefke
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengfei Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behaviour, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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Zhang J, Wang L, Yang Y, Wang S, Huang C, Yang L, Li B, Wang L, Wang H, Hao S. Dissection of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis neuronal subtypes in feeding regulation. Physiol Behav 2023; 271:114333. [PMID: 37595819 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays an important role in feeding regulation through projections to other brain areas. However, whether functional distinctions exist within different BNST cells is not clear. Here, we found optogenetic activation of LH-projecting BNST neurons induced aversion and significantly reduced consumption of normal chow but not high-fat diets (HFD). In contrast, photoactivation of vlPAG-projecting BNST neurons induced place preference and promoted HFD intake, without affecting normal chow consumption. Moreover, optogenetic silencing of LH-projecting BNST neurons reduced the consumption of normal chow in fasted mice, while photoinhibition of vlPAG-projecting BNST neurons decreased the consumption of HFD in both fed and fasted mice. We then labeled the LH- and vlPAG-projecting BNST neurons using retroAAV-GFP and retroAAV-mCherry, respectively, and found these two populations of neurons have different anatomical distribution and electrophysiological properties. Taken together, we identified vlPAG-projecting and LH-projecting BNST neurons are two distinct populations of cells with significant differences in functional and anatomic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurosurgery of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Brain Science and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Liangliang Wang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Yiwen Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurosurgery of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurosurgery of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Changgang Huang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurosurgery of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurosurgery of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Baoming Li
- Institute of Brain Science and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Lang Wang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurosurgery of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Sijia Hao
- Institute of Brain Science and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
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Wright EC, Luo PX, Zakharenkov HC, Serna Godoy A, Lake AA, Prince ZD, Sekar S, Culkin HI, Ramirez AV, Dwyer T, Kapoor A, Corbett C, Tian L, Fox AS, Trainor BC. Sexual differentiation of neural mechanisms of stress sensitivity during puberty. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306475120. [PMID: 37847733 PMCID: PMC10614610 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306475120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are a major public health concern and current treatments are inadequate for many individuals. Anxiety is more common in women than men and this difference arises during puberty. Sex differences in physiological stress responses may contribute to this variability. During puberty, gonadal hormones shape brain structure and function, but the extent to which these changes affect stress sensitivity is unknown. We examined how pubertal androgens shape behavioral and neural responses to social stress in California mice (Peromyscus californicus), a model species for studying sex differences in stress responses. In adults, social defeat reduces social approach and increases social vigilance in females but not males. We show this sex difference is absent in juveniles, and that prepubertal castration sensitizes adult males to social defeat. Adult gonadectomy does not alter behavioral responses to defeat, indicating that gonadal hormones act during puberty to program behavioral responses to stress in adulthood. Calcium imaging in the medioventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) showed that social threats increased neural activity and that prepubertal castration generalized these responses to less threatening social contexts. These results support recent hypotheses that the BNST responds to immediate threats. Prepubertal treatment with the nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone acts in males and females to reduce the effects of defeat on social approach and vigilance in adults. These data indicate that activation of androgen receptors during puberty is critical for programming behavioral responses to stress in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Wright
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Pei X. Luo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | | | | | - Alyssa A. Lake
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Zhana D. Prince
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Shwetha Sekar
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Hannah I. Culkin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | | | - Tjien Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Amita Kapoor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI53715
| | - Cody Corbett
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI53715
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Andrew S. Fox
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Brian C. Trainor
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
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36
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Ly A, Barker A, Hotchkiss H, Prévost ED, McGovern DJ, Kilpatrick Z, Root DH. Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis GABA neurons are necessary for changes in foraging behaviour following an innate threat. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3630-3649. [PMID: 37715507 PMCID: PMC10748738 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16137] [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] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Foraging is a universal behaviour that has co-evolved with predation pressure. We investigated the role of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) GABA neurons in robotic and live predator threat processing and their consequences in post-threat encounter foraging. Both robotic and live predator interactions increased BNST GABA neuron activity. Mice were trained to procure food in a laboratory-based foraging apparatus in which food pellets were placed at incrementally greater distances from a nest zone. After mice learned to forage, they were exposed to a robotic or live predator threat, while BNST GABA neurons were chemogenetically inhibited. Post-robotic threat encounter, mice spent more time in the nest zone, but other foraging parameters were unchanged compared with pre-encounter behaviour. Inhibition of BNST GABA neurons had no effect on foraging behaviour post-robotic threat encounter. Following live predator exposure, control mice spent significantly more time in the nest zone, increased their latency to successfully forage, and significantly altered their overall foraging performance. Inhibition of BNST GABA neurons during live predator exposure prevented changes in foraging behaviour from developing after a live predator threat. BNST GABA neuron inhibition did not alter foraging behaviour during robotic or live predator threats. We conclude that these results demonstrate that while both robotic and live predator encounters effectively intrude on foraging behaviour, the perceived risk and behavioural consequences of the threat are distinguishable. Additionally, BNST GABA neurons may play a role in the integration of prior innate predator threat experience that results in hypervigilance during post-encounter foraging behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Ly
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Alexandra Barker
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Hayden Hotchkiss
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Emily D. Prévost
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Dillon J. McGovern
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Zachary Kilpatrick
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - David H. Root
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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Qiao N, Ma L, Zhang Y, Wang L. Update on Nonhuman Primate Models of Brain Disease and Related Research Tools. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2516. [PMID: 37760957 PMCID: PMC10525665 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aging of the population is an increasingly serious issue, and many age-related illnesses are on the rise. These illnesses pose a serious threat to the health and safety of elderly individuals and create a serious economic and social burden. Despite substantial research into the pathogenesis of these diseases, their etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. In recent decades, rodent models have been used in attempts to elucidate these disorders, but such models fail to simulate the full range of symptoms. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are the most ideal neuroscientific models for studying the human brain and are more functionally similar to humans because of their high genetic similarities and phenotypic characteristics in comparison with humans. Here, we review the literature examining typical NHP brain disease models, focusing on NHP models of common diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. We also explore the application of electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optogenetic study methods on NHPs and neural circuits associated with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Qiao
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, 180 Wusi Dong Lu, Baoding 071002, China;
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China;
| | - Lizhen Ma
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China;
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, 180 Wusi Dong Lu, Baoding 071002, China;
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China;
| | - Lifeng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, 180 Wusi Dong Lu, Baoding 071002, China;
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China;
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Greiner EM, Petrovich G. Recruitment of Hippocampal and Thalamic Pathways to the Central Amygdala in the Control of Feeding Behavior Under Novelty. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3328572. [PMID: 37790294 PMCID: PMC10543251 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3328572/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
It is adaptive to restrict eating under uncertainty, such as during habituation to novel foods and unfamiliar environments. However, sustained restrictive eating is a core symptom of eating disorders and has serious long-term health consequences. Current therapeutic efforts are limited, because the neural substrates of restrictive eating are poorly understood. Using a model of feeding avoidance under novelty, our recent study identified forebrain activation patterns and found evidence that the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) is a core integrating node. The current study analyzed the activity of CEA inputs in male and female rats to determine if specific pathways are recruited during feeding under novelty. Recruitment of direct inputs from the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), the infralimbic cortex (ILA), the agranular insular cortex (AI), the hippocampal ventral field CA1, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BST) was assessed with combined retrograde tract tracing and Fos induction analysis. The study found that during consumption of a novel food in a novel environment, larger number of neurons within the PVTp and the CA1 that send monosynaptic inputs to the CEA were recruited compared to controls that consumed familiar food in a familiar environment. The ILA, AI, and BST inputs to the CEA were similarly recruited across conditions. There were no sex differences in activation of any of the pathways analyzed. These results suggest that the PVTp-CEA and CA1-CEA pathways underlie feeding inhibition during novelty and could be potential sites of malfunction in excessive food avoidance.
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Zhu Y, Xie SZ, Peng AB, Yu XD, Li CY, Fu JY, Shen CJ, Cao SX, Zhang Y, Chen J, Li XM. Distinct Circuits From the Central Lateral Amygdala to the Ventral Part of the Bed Nucleus of Stria Terminalis Regulate Different Fear Memory. Biol Psychiatry 2023:S0006-3223(23)01553-6. [PMID: 37678543 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to differentiate stimuli that predict fear is critical for survival; however, the underlying molecular and circuit mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHODS We combined transgenic mice, in vivo transsynaptic circuit-dissecting anatomical approaches, optogenetics, pharmacological methods, and electrophysiological recording to investigate the involvement of specific extended amygdala circuits in different fear memory. RESULTS We identified the projections from central lateral amygdala (CeL) protein kinase C δ (PKCδ)-positive neurons and somatostatin (SST)-positive neurons to GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) and glutamatergic neurons in the ventral part of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (vBNST). Prolonged optogenetic activation or inhibition of the PKCδCeL-vBNST pathway specifically reduced context fear memory, whereas the SSTCeL-vBNST pathway mainly reduced tone fear memory. Intriguingly, optogenetic manipulation of vBNST neurons that received the projection from PKCδCeL neurons exerted bidirectional regulation of context fear, whereas manipulation of vBNST neurons that received the projection from SSTCeL neurons could bidirectionally regulate both context and tone fear memory. We subsequently demonstrated the presence of δ and κ opioid receptor protein expression within the CeL-vBNST circuits, potentially accounting for the discrepancy between prolonged activation of GABAergic circuits and inhibition of downstream vBNST neurons. Finally, administration of an opioid receptor antagonist cocktail on the PKCδCeL-vBNST or SSTCeL-vBNST pathway successfully restored context or tone fear memory reduction induced by prolonged activation of the circuits. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings establish a functional role for distinct CeL-vBNST circuits in the differential regulation and appropriate maintenance of fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Ze Xie
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ai-Bing Peng
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Yu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Yue Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Yu Fu
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen-Jie Shen
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Xia Cao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiadong Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Research Units for Emotion and Emotion Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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40
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van de Poll Y, Cras Y, Ellender TJ. The neurophysiological basis of stress and anxiety - comparing neuronal diversity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) across species. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1225758. [PMID: 37711509 PMCID: PMC10499361 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1225758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), as part of the extended amygdala, has become a region of increasing interest regarding its role in numerous human stress-related psychiatric diseases, including post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder amongst others. The BNST is a sexually dimorphic and highly complex structure as already evident by its anatomy consisting of 11 to 18 distinct sub-nuclei in rodents. Located in the ventral forebrain, the BNST is anatomically and functionally connected to many other limbic structures, including the amygdala, hypothalamic nuclei, basal ganglia, and hippocampus. Given this extensive connectivity, the BNST is thought to play a central and critical role in the integration of information on hedonic-valence, mood, arousal states, processing emotional information, and in general shape motivated and stress/anxiety-related behavior. Regarding its role in regulating stress and anxiety behavior the anterolateral group of the BNST (BNSTALG) has been extensively studied and contains a wide variety of neurons that differ in their electrophysiological properties, morphology, spatial organization, neuropeptidergic content and input and output synaptic organization which shape their activity and function. In addition to this great diversity, further species-specific differences are evident on multiple levels. For example, classic studies performed in adult rat brain identified three distinct neuron types (Type I-III) based on their electrophysiological properties and ion channel expression. Whilst similar neurons have been identified in other animal species, such as mice and non-human primates such as macaques, cross-species comparisons have revealed intriguing differences such as their comparative prevalence in the BNSTALG as well as their electrophysiological and morphological properties, amongst other differences. Given this tremendous complexity on multiple levels, the comprehensive elucidation of the BNSTALG circuitry and its role in regulating stress/anxiety-related behavior is a major challenge. In the present Review we bring together and highlight the key differences in BNSTALG structure, functional connectivity, the electrophysiological and morphological properties, and neuropeptidergic profiles of BNSTALG neurons between species with the aim to facilitate future studies of this important nucleus in relation to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana van de Poll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yasmin Cras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tommas J. Ellender
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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41
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Zhu KW, Tao GJ, Huang ZL, Qu WM, Wang L. Whole-brain connectivity to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis calretinin-expressing interneurons in male mice. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:2807-2823. [PMID: 37452644 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a neuropeptide-enriched brain region that modulates a wide variety of emotional behaviours and states, including stress, anxiety, reward and social interaction. The BNST consists of diverse subregions and neuronal ensembles; however, because of the high molecular heterogeneity within BNST neurons, the mechanisms through which the BNST regulates distinct emotional behaviours remain largely unclear. Prior studies have identified BNST calretinin (CR)-expressing neurons, which lack neuropeptides. Here, employing virus-based cell-type-specific retrograde and anterograde tracing systems, we mapped the whole-brain monosynaptic inputs and axonal projections of BNST CR-expressing neurons in male mice. We found that BNST CR-expressing neurons received inputs mainly from the amygdalopiriform transition area, central amygdala and hippocampus and moderately from the medial preoptic area, basolateral amygdala, paraventricular thalamus and lateral hypothalamus. Within the BNST, plenty of input neurons were primarily located in the oval and interfascicular subregions. Furthermore, numerous BNST CR-expressing neuronal boutons were observed within the BNST but not in other brain regions, thus suggesting that these neurons are a type of interneuron. These results will help further elucidate the neuronal circuits underlying the elaborate and distinct functions of the BNST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-Jin Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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42
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He YT, Zou JX, He Y, Wang CY, Pan BX, Pan HQ. Isolation of Projection-Specific and Behavior-Relevant Amygdala Circuit for RNA Sequencing. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e858. [PMID: 37561726 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the most sought-after topics in neuroscience is to understand how the environment regulates the activity and function of neural circuitry and subsequently influences relevant behaviors. In response to alterations in the environment, the neural circuits undergo adaptive changes ranging from gene expression changes to altered cellular function. Performing sequencing of the transcriptome involved in these behavior-related circuits will provide clues to accurately dissect the detailed mechanisms of related behavior. Here, we describe methods for marking and collecting the ventral hippocampus-projecting basolateral amygdala neurons, which have been repeatedly implicated in regulation of anxiety-like behavior, and subsequently constructing a library ready for sequencing. Specifically, the reported approaches include adeno-associated virus injection, acute brain slice isolation, cell suspension preparation, cell extraction, and cDNA library construction. By utilizing the techniques described here, researchers can comprehensively investigate the transcriptional levels of neural clusters embedded in particular circuits and discover potential pathogenic and therapeutic targets for behavior-relevant disorders. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Tagging of behavior-related neural circuits Basic Protocol 2: Isolation and capture of fluorescent-positive cells Basic Protocol 3: Foundation of sequencing library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting He
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jia-Xin Zou
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ye He
- Center for Medical Experiments, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chun-Yan Wang
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bing-Xing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Han-Qing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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43
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Zheng C, Wei L, Liu B, Wang Q, Huang Y, Wang S, Li X, Gong H, Wang Z. Dorsal BNST DRD2 + neurons mediate sex-specific anxiety-like behavior induced by chronic social isolation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112799. [PMID: 37453056 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The dorsal bed nucleus of stria terminalis (dBNST) is a pivotal hub for stress response modulation. Dysfunction of dopamine (DA) network is associated with chronic stress, but the roles of DA network of dBNST in chronic stress-induced emotional disorders remain unclear. We examine the role of dBNST Drd1+ and Drd2+ neurons in post-weaning social isolation (PWSI)-induced behavior deficits. We find that male, but not female, PWSI rats exhibit negative emotional phenotypes and the increase of excitability and E-I balance of dBNST Drd2+ neurons. More importantly, hypofunction of dBNST Drd2 receptor underlies PWSI-stress-induced male-specific neuronal plasticity change of dBNST Drd2+ neurons. Furthermore, chemogenetic activation of dBNST Drd2+ neurons is sufficient to induce anxiogenic effects, while Kir4.1-mediated chronic inhibition of dBNST Drd2+ neurons ameliorate PWSI-induced anxiety-like behaviors. Our findings reveal an important neural mechanism underlying PWSI-induced sex-specific behavioral abnormalities and potentially provide a target for the treatment of social stress-related emotional disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaowen Zheng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology and Core Facilities Sharing Platform, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Lei Wei
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Boyi Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingxiu Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yanwang Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shangyi Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiangning Li
- Research Unit of Multimodal Cross Scale Neural Signal Detection and Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Hui Gong
- Research Unit of Multimodal Cross Scale Neural Signal Detection and Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou 215000, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zuoren Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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44
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Guerra DP, Wang W, Souza KA, Moscarello JM. A sex-specific role for the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in proactive defensive behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1234-1244. [PMID: 37142666 PMCID: PMC10267121 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01581-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a forebrain region implicated in aversive responses to uncertain threat. Much of the work on the role of BNST in defensive behavior has used Pavlovian paradigms in which the subject reacts to aversive stimuli delivered in a pattern determined entirely by the experimenter. Here, we explore the contribution of BNST to a task in which subjects learn a proactive response that prevents the delivery of an aversive outcome. To this end, male and female rats were trained to shuttle during a tone to avoid shock in a standard two-way signaled active avoidance paradigm. Chemogenetic inhibition (hM4Di) of BNST attenuated the expression of the avoidance response in male but not female rats. Inactivation of the neighboring medial septum in males produced no effect on avoidance, demonstrating that our effect was specific to BNST. A follow up study comparing hM4Di inhibition to hM3Dq activation of BNST in males replicated the effect of inhibition and demonstrated that activation of BNST extended the period of tone-evoked shuttling. These data support the novel conclusion that BNST mediates two-way avoidance behavior in male rats and suggest the intriguing possibility that the systems underlying proactive defensive behavior are sex-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Guerra
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karienn A Souza
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Justin M Moscarello
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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45
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Brown JA, Petersen N, Centanni SW, Jin AY, Yoon HJ, Cajigas SA, Bedenbaugh MN, Luchsinger JR, Patel S, Calipari ES, Simerly RB, Winder DG. An ensemble recruited by α 2a-adrenergic receptors is engaged in a stressor-specific manner in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1133-1143. [PMID: 36085168 PMCID: PMC10267140 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01442-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
α2a-adrenergic receptor (α2a-AR) agonists are candidate substance use disorder therapeutics due to their ability to recruit noradrenergic autoreceptors to dampen stress system engagement. However, we recently found that postsynaptic α2a-ARs are required for stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine-conditioned behavior. Understanding the ensembles recruited by these postsynaptic receptors (heteroceptors) is necessary to understand noradrenergic circuit control. We utilized a variety of approaches in FosTRAP (Targeted Recombination in Active Populations) mice to define an ensemble of cells activated by the α2a-AR partial agonist guanfacine ("Guansembles") in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST/BNST), a region key to stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking. We define BNST "Guansembles" and show they differ from restraint stress-activated cells. Guanfacine produced inhibition of cAMP-dependent signaling in Guansembles, while chronic restraint stress increased cAMP-dependent signaling. Guanfacine both excited and inhibited aspects of Guansemble neuronal activity. Further, while some stressors produced overall reductions in Guansemble activity, active coping events during restraint stress and exposure to unexpected shocks were both associated with Guansemble recruitment. Using viral tracing, we define a BNST Guansemble afferent network that includes regions involved in the interplay of stress and homeostatic functions. Finally, we show that activation of Guansembles produces alterations in behavior on the elevated plus maze consistent with task-specific anxiety-like behavior. Overall, we define a population of BNST neurons recruited by α2a-AR signaling that opposes the behavioral action of canonical autoreceptor α2a-AR populations and which are differentially recruited by distinct stressors. Moreover, we demonstrate stressor-specific physiological responses in a specific neuronal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Brown
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nicholas Petersen
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samuel W Centanni
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Allie Y Jin
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hye Jean Yoon
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stephanie A Cajigas
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michelle N Bedenbaugh
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joseph R Luchsinger
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Erin S Calipari
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Richard B Simerly
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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46
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Mei L, Yan R, Yin L, Sullivan RM, Lin D. Antagonistic circuits mediating infanticide and maternal care in female mice. Nature 2023; 618:1006-1016. [PMID: 37286598 PMCID: PMC10648307 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06147-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In many species, including mice, female animals show markedly different pup-directed behaviours based on their reproductive state1,2. Naive wild female mice often kill pups, while lactating female mice are dedicated to pup caring3,4. The neural mechanisms that mediate infanticide and its switch to maternal behaviours during motherhood remain unclear. Here, on the basis of the hypothesis that maternal and infanticidal behaviours are supported by distinct and competing neural circuits5,6, we use the medial preoptic area (MPOA), a key site for maternal behaviours7-11, as a starting point and identify three MPOA-connected brain regions that drive differential negative pup-directed behaviours. Functional manipulation and in vivo recording reveal that oestrogen receptor α (ESR1)-expressing cells in the principal nucleus of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNSTprESR1) are necessary, sufficient and naturally activated during infanticide in female mice. MPOAESR1 and BNSTprESR1 neurons form reciprocal inhibition to control the balance between positive and negative infant-directed behaviours. During motherhood, MPOAESR1 and BNSTprESR1 cells change their excitability in opposite directions, supporting a marked switch of female behaviours towards the young.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Mei
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Rongzhen Yan
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luping Yin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Regina M Sullivan
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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Fang S, Qin Y, Yang S, Zhang H, Zheng J, Wen S, Li W, Liang Z, Zhang X, Li B, Huang L. Differences in the neural basis and transcriptomic patterns in acute and persistent pain-related anxiety-like behaviors. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1185243. [PMID: 37383426 PMCID: PMC10297165 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1185243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Both acute and persistent pain is associated with anxiety in clinical observations, but whether the underlying neural mechanisms differ is poorly understood. Methods We used formalin or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce acute or persistent pain. Behavioral performance was assessed by the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), open field (OF), and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. C-Fos staining was used to identify the activated brain regions. Chemogenetic inhibition was further performed to examine the necessity of brain regions in behaviors. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify the transcriptomic changes. Results Both acute and persistent pain could lead to anxiety-like behavior in mice. The c-Fos expression indicates that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is activated only in acute pain, whereas the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is activated only in persistent pain. Chemogenetic manipulation reveals that the activation of the BNST excitatory neurons is required for acute pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors. In contrast, the activation of the prelimbic mPFC excitatory neurons is essential for persistent pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors. RNA-seq reveals that acute and persistent pain induces differential gene expression changes and protein-protein interaction networks in the BNST and prelimbic mPFC. The genes relevant to neuronal functions might underline the differential activation of the BNST and prelimbic mPFC in different pain models, and be involved in acute and persistent pain-related anxiety-like behaviors. Conclusion Distinct brain regions and gene expression patterns are involved in acute and persistent pain-related anxiety-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunchang Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical College, Jiaying University, Meizhou, China
| | - Yuxin Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shana Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyang Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyan Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songhai Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zirui Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boxing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianyan Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Li B, Chang L, Zhuang QX. Histamine signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulates stress-induced anxiety. J Affect Disord 2023; 335:195-203. [PMID: 37201895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorder is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. Intriguingly, dysfunction of the central histaminergic system, which is recognized as a general regulator for whole-brain activity, may result in anxiety, suggesting an involvement of the central histaminergic signaling in the modulation of anxiety. However, the neural mechanisms involved have not been fully identified. METHODS Here, we examined the effect of histaminergic signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) on anxiety-like behaviors both in normal and acute restraint stressed male rats by using anterograde tracing, immunofluorescence, qPCR, neuropharmacology, molecular manipulation and behavioral tests. RESULTS We found that histaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus send direct projections to the BNST, which forms a part of the circuitry involved in stress and anxiety. Infusion of histamine into the BNST produced anxiogenic effect. Moreover, histamine H1 and H2 receptors are expressed and distributed in the BNST neurons. Blockade of histamine H1 or H2 receptors in the BNST did not affect anxiety-like behaviors in normal rats, but ameliorated anxiogenic effect induced by acute restraint stress. Furthermore, knockdown of H1 or H2 receptors in the BNST induced anxiolytic effect in acute restraint stressed rats, which confirmed the pharmacological results. LIMITATIONS A single dose of histamine receptor antagonist was used. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings demonstrate a novel mechanism for the central histaminergic system in the regulation of anxiety, and suggest that inhibition of histamine receptors may be a useful strategy for treating anxiety disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Women & Children Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Leilei Chang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian-Xing Zhuang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Liu A, Cheng Y, Huang J. Neurons innervating both the central amygdala and the ventral tegmental area encode different emotional valences. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1178693. [PMID: 37214399 PMCID: PMC10196062 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1178693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals are frequently exposed to various environmental stimuli, and to determine whether to approach or avoid these stimuli, the brain must assign emotional valence to them. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the neural circuitry mechanisms involved in the mammalian brain's processing of emotional valence. Although the central amygdala (CeA) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) individually encode different or even opposing emotional valences, it is unclear whether there are common upstream input neurons that innervate and control both these regions, and it is interesting to know what emotional valences of these common upstream neurons. In this study, we identify three major brain regions containing neurons that project to both the CeA and the VTA, including the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (pBNST), the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg), and the anterior part of the basomedial amygdala (BMA). We discover that these neural populations encode distinct emotional valences. Activating neurons in the pBNST produces positive valence, enabling mice to overcome their innate avoidance behavior. Conversely, activating neurons in the PPTg produces negative valence and induces anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Neuronal activity in the BMA, on the other hand, does not influence valence processing. Thus, our study has discovered three neural populations that project to both the CeA and the VTA and has revealed the distinct emotional valences these populations encode. These results provide new insights into the neurological mechanisms involved in emotional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Liu
- Center for Brain Science of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuelin Cheng
- Jeffrey Trail Middle School, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ju Huang
- Center for Brain Science of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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50
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Jacobs JT, Maior RS, Waguespack HF, Campos-Rodriguez C, Forcelli PA, Malkova L. Pharmacological Inactivation of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Increases Affiliative Social Behavior in Rhesus Macaques. J Neurosci 2023; 43:3331-3338. [PMID: 37012054 PMCID: PMC10162455 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2090-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in a variety of social behaviors, including aggression, maternal care, mating behavior, and social interaction. Limited evidence from rodent studies suggests that activation of the BNST results in a decrease in social interaction between unfamiliar animals. The role of the BNST in social interaction in primates remains wholly unexamined. Nonhuman primates provide a valuable model for studying social behavior because of both their rich social repertoire and neural substrates of behavior with high translational relevance to humans. To test the hypothesis that the primate BNST is a critical modulator of social behavior, we performed intracerebral microinfusions of the GABAA agonist muscimol to transiently inactivate the BNST in male macaque monkeys. We measured changes in social interaction with a familiar same-sex conspecific. Inactivation of the BNST resulted in significant increase in total social contact. This effect was associated with an increase in passive contact and a significant decrease in locomotion. Other nonsocial behaviors (sitting passively alone, self-directed behaviors, and manipulation) were not impacted by BNST inactivation. As part of the "extended amygdala," the BNST is highly interconnected with the basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA) nuclei of the amygdala, both of which also play critical roles in regulating social interaction. The precise pattern of behavioral changes we observed following inactivation of the BNST partially overlaps with our prior reports in the BLA and CeA. Together, these data demonstrate that the BNST is part of a network regulating social behavior in primates.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has a well-established role in anxiety behaviors, but its role in social behavior is poorly understood. No prior studies have evaluated the impact of BNST manipulations on social behavior in primates. We found that transient pharmacological inactivation of the BNST increased social behavior in pairs of macaque monkeys. These data suggest the BNST contributes to the brain networks regulating sociability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T Jacobs
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
| | - Rafael S Maior
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Metabolism and Behavior, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, 70910-900, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Hannah F Waguespack
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
| | | | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
| | - Ludise Malkova
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
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