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Peri-adolescent asthma symptoms cause adult anxiety-related behavior and neurobiological processes in mice. Behav Brain Res 2017; 326:244-255. [PMID: 28284954 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human and animal studies have shown that physical challenges and stressors during adolescence can have significant influences on behavioral and neurobiological development associated with internalizing disorders such as anxiety and depression. Given the prevalence of asthma during adolescence and increased rates of internalizing disorders in humans with asthma, we used a mouse model to test if and which symptoms of adolescent allergic asthma (airway inflammation or labored breathing) cause adult anxiety- and depression-related behavior and brain function. To mimic symptoms of allergic asthma in young BALB/cJ mice (postnatal days [P] 7-57; N=98), we induced lung inflammation with repeated intranasal administration of house dust mite extract (most common aeroallergen for humans) and bronchoconstriction with aerosolized methacholine (non-selective muscarinic receptor agonist). Three experimental groups, in addition to a control group, included: (1) "Airway inflammation only", allergen exposure 3 times/week, (2) "Labored breathing only", methacholine exposure once/week, and (3) "Airway inflammation+Labored breathing", allergen and methacholine exposure. Compared to controls, mice that experienced methacholine-induced labored breathing during adolescence displayed a ∼20% decrease in time on open arms of the elevated plus maze in early adulthood (P60), a ∼30% decrease in brainstem serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA expression and a ∼50% increase in hippocampal serotonin receptor 1a (5Htr1a) and corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (Crhr1) expression in adulthood (P75). This is the first evidence that experimentally-induced clinical symptoms of adolescent asthma alter adult anxiety-related behavior and brain function several weeks after completion of asthma manipulations.
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52
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Riva G. Neurobiology of Anorexia Nervosa: Serotonin Dysfunctions Link Self-Starvation with Body Image Disturbances through an Impaired Body Memory. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:600. [PMID: 27932968 PMCID: PMC5121233 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) is still unclear, despite that it is a critical and potentially mortal illness. A recent neurobiological model considers AN as the outcome of dysfunctions in the neuronal processes related to appetite and emotionality (Kaye et al., 2009, 2013). However, this model still is not able to answer a critical question: What is behind body image disturbances (BIDs) in AN? The article starts its analysis from reviewing some of the studies exploring the effects of the serotonin systems in memory (episodic, working, and spatial) and its dysfunctions. The review suggests that serotonin disturbances may: (a) facilitate the encoding of third person (allocentric) episodic memories; (b) facilitate the consolidation of emotional episodic memories (e.g., teasing), if preceded by repeated stress; (c) reduce voluntary inhibition of mnestic contents; (d) impair allocentric spatial memory. If we discuss these results within the interpretative frame suggested by the “Allocentric Lock Hypothesis” (Riva, 2012, 2014), we can hypothesize that altered serotoninergic activity in AN patients: (i) improves their ability to store and consolidate negative autobiographical memories, including those of their body, in allocentric perspective; (ii) impairs their ability to trigger voluntary inhibition of the previously stored negative memory of the body; (iii) impairs their capacity to retrieve/update allocentric information. Taken together, these points suggest a possible link between serotonin dysfunctions, memory impairments and BIDs: the impossibility of updating a disturbed body memory using real time experiential data—I'm locked to a wrong body stored in long term memory—pushes AN patients to control body weight and shape even when underweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilan, Italy; Centro Studi e Ricerche di Psicologia della Comunicazione, Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilano, Italy
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53
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Sensory processing sensitivity and serotonin gene variance: Insights into mechanisms shaping environmental sensitivity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:472-483. [PMID: 27697602 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Current research supports the notion that the apparently innate trait Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) may act as a modulator of development as function of the environment. Interestingly, the common serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) does the same. While neural mechanisms underlying SPS are largely unknown, those associated with the 5-HTTLPR have been extensively investigated. We perform a comparative analysis of research findings on sensory processing facets associated with the trait and polymorphism to: 1. detect shared phenotypes and frame a hypothesis towards neural mechanisms underlying SPS; 2. increase the understanding of 5-HTTLPR-associated behavioral patterns. Trait and polymorphism are both associated with differential susceptibility to environmental stimuli; additionally, both involve 1. having stronger emotional reactions, 2. processing of sensory information more deeply, 3. being more aware of environmental subtleties, and 4. being easily overstimulated. We discuss neural mechanisms and environmental conditions that may underlie these four facets. Besides urging the actual assessment of the link between the two, the conclusions of our analyses may guide and focus future research strategies.
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54
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Homberg JR, Kyzar EJ, Nguyen M, Norton WH, Pittman J, Poudel MK, Gaikwad S, Nakamura S, Koshiba M, Yamanouchi H, Scattoni ML, Ullman JF, Diamond DM, Kaluyeva AA, Parker MO, Klimenko VM, Apryatin SA, Brown RE, Song C, Gainetdinov RR, Gottesman II, Kalueff AV. Understanding autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders through experimental translational neurobehavioral models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 65:292-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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55
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Morgan JE, Hammen C, Lee SS. Parental Serotonin Transporter Polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) Moderates Associations of Stress and Child Behavior With Parenting Behavior. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 47:S76-S87. [PMID: 27191831 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2016.1152550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) is associated with caregiving in nonhuman animals and with affective and cognitive correlates of human parenting, yet its association with human parenting is largely unknown. Using a well-characterized sample of parents and offspring, we evaluated the association of parental 5-HTTLPR with observed positive and negative parenting behavior, as well as its biologically plausible moderation of child-related stress and disruptive child behavior as predictors of parenting. One hundred and sixty-two parents (86% mothers) and their 6- to 9-year-old children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were ascertained using multiple methods including structured interviews, rating scales, and observed parent-child interaction, yielding strong measures of key constructs. Controlling for multiple youth-level (e.g., sex, 5-HTTLPR genotype, disruptive behavior) and parent-level (e.g., demographics, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) factors, parents with an S allele exhibited significantly less observed positive parenting than those with the LL genotype. Significant Gene × Environment interactions were also observed: Child-related stress was negatively associated with observed parental negativity among SS/SL genotype parents but not LL genotype parents; next, observed disruptive child behavior was positively associated with parental negativity for both genotypes, but the effect was strongest in SS/SL parents. These preliminary findings suggest that parental 5-HTTLPR is uniquely associated with positive and negative parenting behavior, with more specific patterns according to child-related stress and disruptive child behavior. We consider implications for future research evaluating genetic influences on parenting as well as considerations for designing and delivering parenting-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Morgan
- a Department of Psychology , University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Constance Hammen
- a Department of Psychology , University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Steve S Lee
- a Department of Psychology , University of California, Los Angeles
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56
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Couch Y, Trofimov A, Markova N, Nikolenko V, Steinbusch HW, Chekhonin V, Schroeter C, Lesch KP, Anthony DC, Strekalova T. Low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibits aggressive and augments depressive behaviours in a chronic mild stress model in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:108. [PMID: 27184538 PMCID: PMC4867526 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0572-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aggression, hyperactivity, impulsivity, helplessness and anhedonia are all signs of depressive-like disorders in humans and are often reported to be present in animal models of depression induced by stress or by inflammatory challenges. However, chronic mild stress (CMS) and clinically silent inflammation, during the recovery period after an infection, for example, are often coincident, but comparison of the behavioural and molecular changes that underpin CMS vs a mild inflammatory challenge and impact of the combined challenge is largely unexplored. Here, we examined whether stress-induced behavioural and molecular responses are analogous to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced behavioural and molecular effects and whether their combination is adaptive or maladaptive. Methods Changes in measures of hedonic sensitivity, helplessness, aggression, impulsivity and CNS and systemic cytokine and 5-HT-system-related gene expression were investigated in C57BL/6J male mice exposed to chronic stress alone, low-dose LPS alone or a combination of LPS and stress. Results When combined with a low dose of LPS, chronic stress resulted in an enhanced depressive-like phenotype but significantly reduced manifestations of aggression and hyperactivity. At the molecular level, LPS was a strong inducer of TNFα, IL-1β and region-specific 5-HT2A mRNA expression in the brain. There was also increased serum corticosterone as well as increased TNFα expression in the liver. Stress did not induce comparable levels of cytokine expression to an LPS challenge, but the combination of stress with LPS reduced the stress-induced changes in 5-HT genes and the LPS-induced elevated IL-1β levels. Conclusions It is evident that when administered independently, both stress and LPS challenges induced distinct molecular and behavioural changes. However, at a time when LPS alone does not induce any overt behavioural changes per se, the combination with stress exacerbates depressive and inhibits aggressive behaviours. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0572-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Couch
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Mansfield Road, OX1 3QT, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander Trofimov
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Natalyia Markova
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Moscow Region, Russia
| | | | - Harry W Steinbusch
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Vladimir Chekhonin
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Careen Schroeter
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Maastricht Medical Centre Annadal, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Daniel C Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Mansfield Road, OX1 3QT, Oxford, UK.
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands.
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57
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Brummelte S, Mc Glanaghy E, Bonnin A, Oberlander TF. Developmental changes in serotonin signaling: Implications for early brain function, behavior and adaptation. Neuroscience 2016; 342:212-231. [PMID: 26905950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) plays a central role in brain development, regulation of mood, stress reactivity and risk of psychiatric disorders, and thus alterations in 5-HT signaling early in life have critical implications for behavior and mental health across the life span. Drawing on preclinical and emerging human evidence this narrative review paper will examine three key aspects when considering the consequences of early life changes in 5-HT: (1) developmental origins of variations of 5-HT signaling; (2) influence of genetic and epigenetic factors; and (3) preclinical and clinical consequences of 5-HT-related changes associated with antidepressant exposure (SSRIs). The developmental consequences of altered prenatal 5-HT signaling varies greatly and outcomes depend on an ongoing interplay between biological (genetic/epigenetic variations) and environmental factors, both pre and postnatally. Emerging evidence suggests that variations in 5-HT signaling may increase sensitivity to risky home environments, but may also amplify a positive response to a nurturing environment. In this sense, factors that change central 5-HT levels may act as 'plasticity' rather than 'risk' factors associated with developmental vulnerability. Understanding the impact of early changes in 5-HT levels offers critical insights that might explain the variations in early typical brain development that underlies behavioral risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Brummelte
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 5057 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - E Mc Glanaghy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - A Bonnin
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - T F Oberlander
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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58
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Kalueff AV, Stewart AM, Song C, Berridge KC, Graybiel AM, Fentress JC. Neurobiology of rodent self-grooming and its value for translational neuroscience. Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 17:45-59. [PMID: 26675822 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2015.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 485] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Self-grooming is a complex innate behaviour with an evolutionarily conserved sequencing pattern and is one of the most frequently performed behavioural activities in rodents. In this Review, we discuss the neurobiology of rodent self-grooming, and we highlight studies of rodent models of neuropsychiatric disorders--including models of autism spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder--that have assessed self-grooming phenotypes. We suggest that rodent self-grooming may be a useful measure of repetitive behaviour in such models, and therefore of value to translational psychiatry. Assessment of rodent self-grooming may also be useful for understanding the neural circuits that are involved in complex sequential patterns of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan V Kalueff
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.,Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana 70458, USA.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St Petersburg State University, St Petersburg 199034, Russia.,Institutes of Chemical Technologies and Natural Sciences, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia
| | - Adam Michael Stewart
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana 70458, USA
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St, Life Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada.,Graduate Institute of Neural Cognitive Science, China Medical University, Taichung 000001, Taiwan
| | - Kent C Berridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 525E University Str, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Ann M Graybiel
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - John C Fentress
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St, Life Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada
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59
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Kalueff AV, Stewart AM, Nguyen M, Song C, Gottesman II. Targeting drug sensitivity predictors: New potential strategies to improve pharmacotherapy of human brain disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 63:76-82. [PMID: 25976211 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the main challenges in medicine is the lack of efficient drug therapies for common human disorders. For example, although depressed patients receive powerful antidepressants, many often remain resistant to psychopharmacotherapy. The growing recognition of complex interplay between the drug targets and the predictors of drug sensitivity requires an improved understanding of these two key aspects of drug action and their potentially shared molecular networks. Here, we apply the concept of endophenotypes and their interplay to drug action and sensitivity. Based on these analyses, we postulate that novel drugs may be developed by targeting specific molecular pathways that integrate drug targets with drug sensitivity predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan V Kalueff
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College for Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524025, China; ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
| | | | - Michael Nguyen
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College for Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524025, China
| | - Irving I Gottesman
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Elliot Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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60
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Homberg JR, Kyzar EJ, Stewart AM, Nguyen M, Poudel MK, Echevarria DJ, Collier AD, Gaikwad S, Klimenko VM, Norton W, Pittman J, Nakamura S, Koshiba M, Yamanouchi H, Apryatin SA, Scattoni ML, Diamond DM, Ullmann JFP, Parker MO, Brown RE, Song C, Kalueff AV. Improving treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders: recommendations based on preclinical studies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 11:11-25. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2016.1115834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Evan J Kyzar
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS), Kiev, Ukraine
| | | | | | | | - David J Echevarria
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS), Kiev, Ukraine
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Adam D Collier
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Siddharth Gaikwad
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS), Kiev, Ukraine
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
- Neuroscience Graduate Hospital, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Viktor M Klimenko
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS), Kiev, Ukraine
- Pavlov Physiology Department, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - William Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Julian Pittman
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Troy University, Troy, AL, USA
| | - Shun Nakamura
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS), Kiev, Ukraine
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamiko Koshiba
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS), Kiev, Ukraine
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Saitama University Medical School, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hideo Yamanouchi
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Saitama University Medical School, Saitama, Japan
| | | | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
| | - David M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Research and Development Service, J.A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jeremy FP Ullmann
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew O Parker
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
- Neuroscience Graduate Hospital, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
- Institute for Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Institute of Natural Sciences, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
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61
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Hariri AR, Holmes A. Finding translation in stress research. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:1347-52. [PMID: 26404709 PMCID: PMC4693288 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In our ongoing efforts to advance understanding of human diseases, translational research across rodents and humans on stress-related mental disorders stands out as a field that is producing discoveries that illuminate mechanisms of risk and pathophysiology at a brisk rate. Here we offer a Perspective on how a productive translational research dialog between preclinical models and clinical studies of these disorders is being powered by an ever-developing appreciation of the shared neural circuits and genetic architecture that moderate the response to stress across species. Working from these deep foundations, we discuss the approaches, both traditional and innovative, that have the potential to deliver a new generation of risk biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R Hariri
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology &Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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62
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Lifelong disturbance of serotonin transporter functioning results in fear learning deficits: Reversal by blockade of CRF1 receptors. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:1733-43. [PMID: 26302762 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The inability to associate aversive events with relevant cues (i.e. fear learning) may lead to maladaptive anxiety. To further study the role of the serotonin transporter (SERT) in fear learning, classical fear conditioning was studied in SERT knockout rats (SERT(-/-)) using fear potentiation of the startle reflex. Next, fear acquisition and concomitant development of contextual conditioned fear were monitored during training. To differentiate between developmental and direct effects of reduced SERT functioning, effects of acute and chronic SSRI treatment were studied in adult rats. Considering the known interactions between serotonin and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), we studied the effect of the CRFR1 antagonist CP154,526 on behavioral changes observed and determined CRF1 receptor levels in SERT(-/-) rats. SERT(-/-) showed blunted fear potentiation and enhanced contextual fear, which resulted from a deficit in fear acquisition. Paroxetine treatment did not affect acquisition or expression of fear-potentiated startle, suggesting that disturbed fear learning in SERT(-/-) results from developmental changes and not from reduced SERT functioning. Although CRF1 receptor levels did not differ significantly between genotypes, CP154,526 treatment normalized both cue- and contextual fear in SERT(-/-) during acquisition, but not expression of fear-potentiated startle. The disrupted fear acquisition and concomitant increase in contextual conditioned fear-potentiated startle fear in SERT(-/-) resembles the associative learning deficit seen in patients with panic disorder and suggests that normal SERT functioning is crucial for the development of an adequate fear neuro-circuitry. Moreover, the normalization of fear acquisition by CP154,526 suggests a role for central CRF signaling in the generalization of fear.
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63
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Frazer S, Otomo K, Dayer A. Early-life serotonin dysregulation affects the migration and positioning of cortical interneuron subtypes. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e644. [PMID: 26393490 PMCID: PMC5068808 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life deficiency of the serotonin transporter (SERT) gives rise to a wide range of psychiatric-relevant phenotypes; however, the molecular and cellular targets of serotonin dyregulation during neural circuit formation remain to be identified. Interestingly, migrating cortical interneurons (INs) derived from the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) have been shown to be more responsive to serotonin-mediated signalling compared with INs derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE). Here we investigated the impact of early-life SERT deficiency on the migration and positioning of CGE-derived cortical INs in SERT-ko mice and in mice exposed to the SERT inhibitor fluoxetine during the late embryonic period. Using confocal time-lapse imaging and microarray-based expression analysis we found that genetic and pharmacological SERT deficiency significantly increased the migratory speed of CGE-derived INs and affected transcriptional programmes regulating neuronal migration. Postnatal studies revealed that SERT deficiency altered the cortical laminar distribution of subtypes of CGE-derived INs but not MGE-derived INs. More specifically, we found that the distribution of vasointestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing INs in layer 2/3 was abnormal in both genetic and pharmacological SERT-deficiency models. Collectively, these data indicate that early-life SERT deficiency has an impact on the migration and molecular programmes of CGE-derived INs, thus leading to specific alterations in the positioning of VIP-expressing INs. These data add to the growing evidence that early-life serotonin dysregulation affects cortical microcircuit formation and contributes to the emergence of psychiatric-relevant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Frazer
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland,Department of Psychiatry and Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - K Otomo
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland,Department of Psychiatry and Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Dayer
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland,Department of Psychiatry and Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland,Department of Psychiatry and Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva Medical School (CMU), Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Genève 4, Geneva 1211, Switzerland. E-mail:
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Kyzar EJ, Stewart AM, Kalueff AV. Effects of LSD on grooming behavior in serotonin transporter heterozygous (Sert⁺/⁻) mice. Behav Brain Res 2015; 296:47-52. [PMID: 26340513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) plays a crucial role in the brain, modulating mood, cognition and reward. The serotonin transporter (SERT) is responsible for the reuptake of 5-HT from the synaptic cleft and regulates serotonin signaling in the brain. In humans, SERT genetic variance is linked to the pathogenesis of various psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Rodent self-grooming is a complex, evolutionarily conserved patterned behavior relevant to stress, ASD and OCD. Genetic ablation of mouse Sert causes various behavioral deficits, including increased anxiety and grooming behavior. The hallucinogenic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent serotonergic agonist known to modulate human and animal behavior. Here, we examined heterozygous Sert(+/-) mouse behavior following acute administration of LSD (0.32 mg/kg). Overall, Sert(+/-) mice displayed a longer duration of self-grooming behavior regardless of LSD treatment. In contrast, LSD increased serotonin-sensitive behaviors, such as head twitching, tremors and backwards gait behaviors in both Sert(+/+) and Sert(+/-) mice. There were no significant interactions between LSD treatment and Sert gene dosage in any of the behavioral domains measured. These results suggest that Sert(+/-) mice may respond to the behavioral effects of LSD in a similar manner to wild-type mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan J Kyzar
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | | | - Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College for Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524025, China; Institute for Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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65
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Stewart AM, Nguyen M, Song C, Kalueff AV. Understanding the genetic architectonics of complex CNS traits: Lost by the association, but found in the interaction? J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:872-7. [PMID: 26156859 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115593904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence supports the value of endophenotypes and genome-wide association studies in psychiatric genetics, and their importance for dissecting the neural pathways and molecular mechanisms of complex neuropsychiatric disorders. Continuing this important discussion, here we outline three new mechanisms by which novel classes of genes may facilitate CNS pathogenesis without directly worsening its individual 'established' endophenotypes. These putative genetic mechanisms can apply to other human disorders in general, and may also be used for designing novel effective CNS drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Nguyen
- ZENEREI Institute, Slidell, LA, USA Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College for Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute, Slidell, LA, USA Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College for Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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66
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Schipper P, Lopresto D, Reintjes RJ, Joosten J, Henckens MJAG, Kozicz T, Homberg JR. Improved Stress Control in Serotonin Transporter Knockout Rats: Involvement of the Prefrontal Cortex and Dorsal Raphe Nucleus. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1143-50. [PMID: 26132384 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in serotonin transporter (5-HTT) expression have been associated with altered sensitivity to stress. Since controllability is known to alter the impact of a stressor through differential activation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), and that these regions are functionally affected by genetic 5-HTT down-regulation, we hypothesized that 5-HTT expression modulates the effect of controllability on stressor impact and coping. Here, we investigated the effects of a signaled stress controllability task or a yoked uncontrollable stressor on behavioral responding and mPFC and DRN activation. 5-HTT(-/-) rats proved better capable of acquiring the active avoidance task than 5-HTT(+/+) animals. Controllability determined DRN activation in 5-HTT(+/+), but not 5-HTT(-/-), rats, whereas controllability-related activation of the mPFC was independent of genotype. These findings suggest that serotonergic activation in the DRN is involved in stress coping in a 5-HTT expression dependent manner, whereas mPFC activation seems to be implicated in control over stress independently of 5-HTT expression. We speculate that alterations in serotonergic feedback in the DRN might be a potential mechanism driving this differential stress coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Schipper
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dora Lopresto
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roy J. Reintjes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joep Joosten
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes J. A. G. Henckens
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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67
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Genetic Variations in the Serotonergic System Mediate a Combined, Weakened Response to SSRI Treatment: A Proposed Model. eNeuro 2015; 2:eN-TNC-0032-14. [PMID: 26464988 PMCID: PMC4586934 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0032-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with the short (S) allele in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) show a less favorable response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment than individuals with the long (L) allele. Similarly, individuals with the C(-1019)G allele for the mutation found in the promoter region of the serotonin 1A receptor gene (5-HTR1A) have shown blunted responses to SSRI treatment when compared with individuals lacking this polymorphism. While these findings have been replicated across multiple studies, only two studies to date have reported data for a gene-gene interaction associated with response to SSRI treatment. Both of these studies reported a combined effect for these genotypes, with individuals homozygous for the L allele and the C allele (5-HTT(L/L)-1A(C/C)) reporting the most favorable response to SSRI treatment, and individuals homozygous for the S allele and the G allele (5-HTT(S/S)-1A(G/G)) reporting the least favorable response to SSRI treatment. Additionally, no neural mechanisms have been proposed to explain why this gene-gene interaction has been observed. To that end, this article provides a review of the relevant literature associated with these polymorphisms and proposes a feasible model that describes a genotype-dependent modulation of postsynaptic serotonin signaling associated with the 5-HTT and 5-HTR1A genes.
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68
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Kalueff AV, Stewart AM, Song C, Gottesman II. Targeting dynamic interplay among disordered domains or endophenotypes to understand complex neuropsychiatric disorders: Translational lessons from preclinical models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 53:25-36. [PMID: 25813308 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Contemporary biological psychiatry uses clinical and experimental (animal) models to increase our understanding of brain pathogenesis. Modeling psychiatric disorders is currently performed by targeting various key neurobehavioral clusters of phenotypic traits (domains), including affective, cognitive, social, motor and reward. Analyses of such domains and their 'smaller units' - individual endophenotypes - are critical for the study of complex brain disorders and their neural underpinnings. The spectrum nature of brain disorders and the importance of pathogenetic linkage among various disordered domains or endophenotypes have also been recognized as an important strategic direction of translational research. Here, we discuss cross-domain analyses of animal models, and focus on their value for mimicking the clinical overlap between disordered neurobehavioral domains in humans. Based on recent experimental evidence, we argue that understanding of brain pathogenesis requires modeling the clinically relevant inter-relationships between various individual endophenotypes (or their domains).
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan V Kalueff
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, Guangdong, China; ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
| | - Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, Guangdong, China; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Irving I Gottesman
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Elliot Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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69
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Dayer A. Serotonin-related pathways and developmental plasticity: relevance for psychiatric disorders. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2014. [PMID: 24733969 PMCID: PMC3984889 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2014.16.1/adayer] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Risk for adult psychiatric disorders is partially determined by early-life alterations occurring during neural circuit formation and maturation. In this perspective, recent data show that the serotonin system regulates key cellular processes involved in the construction of cortical circuits. Translational data for rodents indicate that early-life serotonin dysregulation leads to a wide range of behavioral alterations, ranging from stress-related phenotypes to social deficits. Studies in humans have revealed that serotonin-related genetic variants interact with early-life stress to regulate stress-induced cortisol responsiveness and activate the neural circuits involved in mood and anxiety disorders. Emerging data demonstrate that early-life adversity induces epigenetic modifications in serotonin-related genes. Finally, recent findings reveal that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can reinstate juvenile-like forms of neural plasticity, thus allowing the erasure of long-lasting fear memories. These approaches are providing new insights on the biological mechanisms and clinical application of antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Dayer
- Departments of Mental Health and Psychiatry and Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
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70
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Nguyen M, Stewart AM, Kalueff AV. Aquatic blues: modeling depression and antidepressant action in zebrafish. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 55:26-39. [PMID: 24657522 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a serious psychiatric condition affecting millions of patients worldwide. Unipolar depression is characterized by low mood, anhedonia, social withdrawal and other severely debilitating psychiatric symptoms. Bipolar disorder manifests in alternating depressed mood and 'hyperactive' manic/hypomanic states. Animal experimental models are an invaluable tool for research into the pathogenesis of bipolar/unipolar depression, and for the development of potential treatments. Due to their high throughput value, genetic tractability, low cost and quick reproductive cycle, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a promising new model species for studying brain disorders. Here, we discuss the developing utility of zebrafish for studying depression disorders, and outline future areas of research in this field. We argue that zebrafish represent a useful model organism for studying depression and its behavioral, genetic and physiological mechanisms, as well as for anti-depressant drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
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71
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Olivier B. Serotonin: a never-ending story. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 753:2-18. [PMID: 25446560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The neurotransmitter serotonin is an evolutionary ancient molecule that has remarkable modulatory effects in almost all central nervous system integrative functions, such as mood, anxiety, stress, aggression, feeding, cognition and sexual behavior. After giving a short outline of the serotonergic system (anatomy, receptors, transporter) the author's contributions over the last 40 years in the role of serotonin in depression, aggression, anxiety, stress and sexual behavior is outlined. Each area delineates the work performed on animal model development, drug discovery and development. Most of the research work described has started from an industrial perspective, aimed at developing animals models for psychiatric diseases and leading to putative new innovative psychotropic drugs, like in the cases of the SSRI fluvoxamine, the serenic eltoprazine and the anxiolytic flesinoxan. Later this research work mainly focused on developing translational animal models for psychiatric diseases and implicating them in the search for mechanisms involved in normal and diseased brains and finding new concepts for appropriate drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berend Olivier
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
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72
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Verheij MMM, Karel P, Cools AR, Homberg JR. Reduced cocaine-induced serotonin, but not dopamine and noradrenaline, release in rats with a genetic deletion of serotonin transporters. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:1850-4. [PMID: 25261262 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
It has recently been proposed that the increased reinforcing properties of cocaine and ecstasy observed in rats with a genetic deletion of serotonin transporters are the result of a reduction in the psychostimulant-induced release of serotonin. Here we provide the neurochemical evidence in favor of this hypothesis and show that changes in synaptic levels of dopamine or noradrenaline are not very likely to play an important role in the previously reported enhanced psychostimulant intake of these serotonin transporter knockout rats. The results may very well explain why human subjects displaying a reduced expression of serotonin transporters have an increased risk to develop addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel M M Verheij
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter Karel
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander R Cools
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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73
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Stewart AM, Grossman L, Nguyen M, Maximino C, Rosemberg DB, Echevarria DJ, Kalueff AV. Aquatic toxicology of fluoxetine: understanding the knowns and the unknowns. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 156:269-273. [PMID: 25245382 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Fluoxetine is one of the most prescribed psychotropic medications, and is an agent of increasing interest for environmental toxicology. Fish and other aquatic organisms are excellent models to study neuroactive small molecules like fluoxetine. However, prone to variance due to experimental factors, data obtained in these models need to be interpreted with caution, using proper experimental protocols, study designs, validated endpoints as well as well-established models and tests. Choosing the treatment protocol and dose range for fluoxetine and other serotonergic drugs is critical for obtaining valid test results and correct data interpretation. Here we discuss the value of aquatic models to study fluoxetine effects, based on prior high-quality research, and outline the directions of future translational studies in the field. We review fluoxetine-evoked phenotypes in acute vs. chronic protocols, discussing them in the contact of complex role of serotonin in behavioral regulation. We conclude that zebrafish and other aquatic models represent a useful in-vivo tool for fluoxetine pharmacology and (eco)toxicology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Leah Grossman
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada, WI, USA
| | - Michael Nguyen
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Caio Maximino
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Center for Biological and Health Sciences, State University of Para, Maraba, Para, Brazil
| | - Denis Broock Rosemberg
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Ave, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - David J Echevarria
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524088, China.
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74
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van der Doelen RHA, Calabrese F, Guidotti G, Geenen B, Riva MA, Kozicz T, Homberg JR. Early life stress and serotonin transporter gene variation interact to affect the transcription of the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, and the co-chaperone FKBP5, in the adult rat brain. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:355. [PMID: 25352794 PMCID: PMC4195371 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The short allelic variant of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) promoter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been associated with the etiology of major depression by interaction with early life stress (ELS). A frequently observed endophenotype in depression is the abnormal regulation of levels of stress hormones such as glucocorticoids. It is hypothesized that altered central glucocorticoid influence on stress-related behavior and memory processes could underlie the depressogenic interaction of 5-HTTLPR and ELS. One possible mechanism could be the altered expression of the genes encoding the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (GR, MR) and their inhibitory regulator FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP5) in stress-related forebrain areas. To test this notion, we exposed heterozygous (5-HTT+/−) and homozygous (5-HTT−/−) serotonin transporter knockout rats and their wildtype littermates (5-HTT+/+) to daily 3 h maternal separations from postnatal day 2 to 14. In the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus of the adult male offspring, we found that GR, MR, and FKBP5 mRNA levels were affected by ELS × 5-HTT genotype interaction. Specifically, 5-HTT+/+ rats exposed to ELS showed decreased GR and FKBP5 mRNA in the dorsal and ventral mPFC, respectively. In contrast, 5-HTT+/− rats showed increased MR mRNA levels in the hippocampus and 5-HTT−/− rats showed increased FKBP5 mRNA in the ventral mPFC after ELS exposure. These findings indicate that 5-HTT genotype determines the specific adaptation of GR, MR, and FKBP5 expression in response to early life adversity. Therefore, altered extra-hypothalamic glucocorticoid signaling should be considered to play a role in the depressogenic interaction of ELS and 5-HTTLPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick H A van der Doelen
- Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Guidotti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy
| | - Bram Geenen
- Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy
| | - Tamás Kozicz
- Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Netherlands
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75
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Developmental alterations in anxiety and cognitive behavior in serotonin transporter mutant mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:4119-33. [PMID: 24728652 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3554-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A promoter variant of the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene is known to affect emotional and cognitive regulation. In particular, the "short" allelic variant is implicated in the etiology of multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Heterozygous (SERT(+/-)) and homozygous (SERT(-/-)) SERT mutant mice are valuable tools for understanding the mechanisms of altered SERT levels. Although these genetic effects are well investigated in adulthood, the developmental trajectory of altered SERT levels for behavior has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES We assessed anxiety-like and cognitive behaviors in SERT mutant mice in early adolescence and adulthood to examine the developmental consequences of reduced SERT levels. Spine density of pyramidal neurons was also measured in corticolimbic brain regions. RESULTS Adult SERT(-/-) mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior, but these differences were not observed in early adolescent SERT(-/-) mice. Conversely, SERT(+/-) and SERT(-/-) mice did display higher spontaneous alternation during early adolescence and adulthood. SERT(+/-) and SERT(-/-) also exhibited greater neuronal spine densities in the orbitofrontal but not the medial prefrontal cortices. Adult SERT(-/-) mice also showed an increased spine density in the basolateral amygdala. CONCLUSIONS Developmental alterations of the serotonergic system caused by genetic inactivation of SERT can have different influences on anxiety-like and cognitive behaviors through early adolescence into adulthood, which may be associated with changes of spine density in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. The altered maturation of serotonergic systems may lead to specific age-related vulnerabilities to psychopathologies that develop during adolescence.
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76
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Zimmermann K, van Phi VD, Brase A, Phi-van L. Inhibition of serotonin transporter expression by C/EBPβ in LPS-activated macrophage cells (HD11). Innate Immun 2014; 21:406-15. [PMID: 25213348 DOI: 10.1177/1753425914547434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) transporter (5-HTT) is involved in inflammation and the stress response. In this study, we examined the regulation of 5-HTT expression in macrophage HD11 cells in response to bacterial LPS. Long-term exposure of cells to LPS (6-18 h) produced a decrease in 5-HTT mRNA expression. Accordingly, reduced 5-HTT activity measured by 5-HT uptake was also observed in LPS-treated HD11 cells. Moreover, LPS treatment, as well as co-transfection with an expression vector encoding the chicken CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ), resulted in inhibition of 5-HTT promoter activity. Indeed, sequence analysis revealed several C/EBPβ binding motifs in the upstream region of the 5-HTT gene, which specifically interacted with C/EBPβ both in an in vitro band shift assay and in living HD11 cells. The C/EBPβ binding was activated in cells treated with LPS. The role of C/EBPβ in LPS inhibition of 5-HTT expression was further confirmed by small interfering RNA interference, which demonstrated that knockdown of endogenous C/EBPβ attenuated the inhibition of 5-HTT expression in LPS-treated cells. Taken together, the results suggest that C/EBPβ plays a critical role in regulating the 5-HTT gene in macrophages in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Zimmermann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Celle, Germany
| | - Valerie D van Phi
- Institute of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Angela Brase
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Celle, Germany
| | - Loc Phi-van
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Celle, Germany
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van der Doelen RHA, Deschamps W, D'Annibale C, Peeters D, Wevers RA, Zelena D, Homberg JR, Kozicz T. Early life adversity and serotonin transporter gene variation interact at the level of the adrenal gland to affect the adult hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e409. [PMID: 25004389 PMCID: PMC4119224 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The short allelic variant of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) promoter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been associated with the etiology of major depression by interaction with early life stress (ELS). Furthermore, 5-HTTLPR has been associated with abnormal functioning of the stress-responsive hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Here, we examined if, and at what level, the HPA-axis is affected in an animal model for ELS × 5-HTTLPR interactions. Heterozygous and homozygous 5-HTT knockout rats and their wild-type littermates were exposed daily at postnatal days 2-14 to 3 h of maternal separation. When grown to adulthood, plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and the major rat glucocorticoid, corticosterone (CORT), were measured. Furthermore, the gene expression of key HPA-axis players at the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands was assessed. No 5-HTT genotype × ELS interaction effects on gene expression were observed at the level of the hypothalamus or pituitary. However, we found significant 5-HTT genotype × ELS interaction effects for plasma CORT levels and adrenal mRNA levels of the ACTH receptor, such that 5-HTT deficiency was associated under control conditions with increased, but after ELS with decreased basal HPA-axis activity. With the use of an in vitro adrenal assay, naïve 5-HTT knockout rats were furthermore shown to display increased adrenal ACTH sensitivity. Therefore, we conclude that basal HPA-axis activity is affected by the interaction of 5-HTT genotype and ELS, and is programmed, within the axis itself, predominantly at the level of the adrenal gland. This study therefore emphasizes the importance of the adrenal gland for HPA-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H A van der Doelen
- Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 126), 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands. E-mail:
| | - W Deschamps
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - C D'Annibale
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - D Peeters
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R A Wevers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - D Zelena
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - J R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - T Kozicz
- Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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78
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Kokras N, Dalla C. Sex differences in animal models of psychiatric disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:4595-619. [PMID: 24697577 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are characterized by sex differences in their prevalence, symptomatology and treatment response. Animal models have been widely employed for the investigation of the neurobiology of such disorders and the discovery of new treatments. However, mostly male animals have been used in preclinical pharmacological studies. In this review, we highlight the need for the inclusion of both male and female animals in experimental studies aiming at gender-oriented prevention, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. We present behavioural findings on sex differences from animal models of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. Moreover, when available, we include studies conducted across different stages of the oestrous cycle. By inspection of the relevant literature, it is obvious that robust sex differences exist in models of all psychiatric disorders. However, many times results are conflicting, and no clear conclusion regarding the direction of sex differences and the effect of the oestrous cycle is drawn. Moreover, there is a lack of considerable amount of studies using psychiatric drugs in both male and female animals, in order to evaluate the differential response between the two sexes. Notably, while in most cases animal models successfully mimic drug response in both sexes, test parameters and treatment-sensitive behavioural indices are not always the same for male and female rodents. Thus, there is an increasing need to validate animal models for both sexes and use standard procedures across different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece
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79
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Burokas A, Martín-García E, Gutiérrez-Cuesta J, Rojas S, Herance JR, Gispert JD, Serra MÁ, Maldonado R. Relationships between serotonergic and cannabinoid system in depressive-like behavior: a PET study with [11
C]-DASB. J Neurochem 2014; 130:126-35. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aurelijus Burokas
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut; Universitat Pompeu Fabra; PRBB; Barcelona Spain
| | - Elena Martín-García
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut; Universitat Pompeu Fabra; PRBB; Barcelona Spain
| | - Javier Gutiérrez-Cuesta
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut; Universitat Pompeu Fabra; PRBB; Barcelona Spain
| | - Santiago Rojas
- Institut d'Alta Tecnologia (IAT) Fundació Privada; PRBB; Barcelona Spain
| | - José Raúl Herance
- Institut d'Alta Tecnologia (IAT) Fundació Privada; PRBB; Barcelona Spain
| | | | - Miquel-Ángel Serra
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut; Universitat Pompeu Fabra; PRBB; Barcelona Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut; Universitat Pompeu Fabra; PRBB; Barcelona Spain
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80
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Stewart AM, Braubach O, Spitsbergen J, Gerlai R, Kalueff AV. Zebrafish models for translational neuroscience research: from tank to bedside. Trends Neurosci 2014; 37:264-78. [PMID: 24726051 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 450] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is emerging as a new important species for studying mechanisms of brain function and dysfunction. Focusing on selected central nervous system (CNS) disorders (brain cancer, epilepsy, and anxiety) and using them as examples, we discuss the value of zebrafish models in translational neuroscience. We further evaluate the contribution of zebrafish to neuroimaging, circuit level, and drug discovery research. Outlining the role of zebrafish in modeling a wide range of human brain disorders, we also summarize recent applications and existing challenges in this field. Finally, we emphasize the potential of zebrafish models in behavioral phenomics and high-throughput genetic/small molecule screening, which is critical for CNS drug discovery and identifying novel candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute and the International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Oliver Braubach
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seoul, 136791, Republic of Korea
| | - Jan Spitsbergen
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Nash Hall 220 Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, N Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute and the International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
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81
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Stewart AM, Nguyen M, Wong K, Poudel MK, Kalueff AV. Developing zebrafish models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 50:27-36. [PMID: 24315837 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with complex symptoms and unclear, multi-factorial pathogenesis. Animal (rodent) models of ASD-like behavior are extensively used to study genetics, circuitry and molecular mechanisms of ASD. The evolutionarily conserved nature of social behavior and its molecular pathways suggests that alternative experimental models can be developed to complement and enhance the existing rodent ASD paradigms. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly becoming a popular model organism in neuroscience and biological psychiatry to study brain function, model human brain disorders and explore their genetic or pharmacological modulation. Representing highly social animals, zebrafish emerge as a strong potential model organism to study normal and pathological social phenotypes, as well as several other ASD-like symptoms. Here, we discuss the developing utility of zebrafish in modeling ASD as a new emerging field in translational neuroscience and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute and Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Michael Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Keith Wong
- University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Manoj K Poudel
- ZENEREI Institute and Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute and Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
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82
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Homberg JR, Molteni R, Calabrese F, Riva MA. The serotonin-BDNF duo: developmental implications for the vulnerability to psychopathology. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 43:35-47. [PMID: 24704572 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF) are known to modulate behavioral responses to stress and to mediate the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressant agents through neuroplastic and epigenetic mechanisms. While the two systems interact at several levels, this scenario is complicated by a number of variants including brain region specificity, 5-HT receptor selectivity and timing. Based on recent insights obtained using 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) knockout rats we here set-out and discuss the crucial role of neurodevelopmental mechanisms and the contribution of transcription factors and epigenetic modifications to this interaction and its variants. 5-HTT knockout in rats, as well as the low activity short allelic variant of the serotonin transporter human polymorphism, consistently show reduced BDNF mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus and in the prefrontal cortex. This starts during the second postnatal week, is preceded by DNA hypermethylation during the first postnatal week, and it is developmentally paralleled by reduced expression of key transcription factors. The reduced BDNF levels, in turn, affect 5-HT1A receptor-mediated intracellular signaling and thereby the serotonergic phenotype of the neurons. We propose that such a negative spiral of modifications may affect brain development and reduce its resiliency to environmental challenges during critical time windows, which may lead to phenotypic alterations that persist for the entire life. The characterization of 5-HT-BDNF interactions will eventually increase the understanding of mental illness etiology and, possibly, lead to the identification of novel molecular targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Regina Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Raffaella Molteni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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83
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Shan L, Schipper P, Nonkes LJP, Homberg JR. Impaired fear extinction as displayed by serotonin transporter knockout rats housed in open cages is disrupted by IVC cage housing. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91472. [PMID: 24658187 PMCID: PMC3962352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. A well-known example for gene x environment interactions in psychiatry is the low activity (s) allelic variant of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) that in the context of stress increases risk for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previously, we observed robust anxiety-related phenotypes, such as an impairment in fear extinction, in 5-HTT knockout (5-HTT−/−) versus wild-type (5-HTT+/+) rats housed in open cages. Recently, housing conditions were changed from open cages to individually ventilated cages (IVC), which are associated with a high ventilation fold and noise. This switch in housing conditions prompted an unplanned 5-HTT gene x environment interaction study in our rats. The current study shows that lifetime stress by means of IVC cage housing abolished genotype differences in fear extinction between 5-HTT−/− and 5-HTT+/+ rats. Although this effect was not attributed specifically to either the 5-HTT+/+ or the 5-HTT−/− genotype, the findings are in agreement with the modulatory role of serotonin in the processing of environmental stimuli. Our findings also underline the possibility that housing conditions confound the interpretation of anxiety-related behaviours in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Shan
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen, Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter Schipper
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen, Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lourens J. P. Nonkes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen, Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen, Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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84
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Petrinovic MM, Künnecke B. Neuroimaging endophenotypes in animal models of autism spectrum disorders: lost or found in translation? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1167-89. [PMID: 23852013 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3200-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder(s) (ASDs) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by stereotyped behaviours and impairments in communication and social interactions. This heterogeneity has been a major obstacle in uncovering the aetiology and biomarkers of ASDs. Rodent models with genetic modifications or environmental insults have been created to study particular endophenotypes and bridge the gap between genetics and behavioural phenotypes. Translational neuroimaging modalities with their ability to screen the brain noninvasively and yield structural, biochemical and functional information provide a unique platform for discovery and evaluation of such endophenotypes in preclinical and clinical research. OBJECTIVES We reviewed literature on translational neuroimaging in rodent models of ASDs. The most prominent models will be described and the respective neuroimaging endophenotypes will be discussed with reference to human data. A perspective on future directions of translational neuroimaging in animal models of ASDs will be given. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS To date, we experience a proliferation of rodent models which recapitulate specific liabilities identified in ASDs patients. Translational neuroimaging in these models is emerging but is skewed towards magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities. Volumetric and structural assessments of the brain are dominating and a host of endophenotypes have been reported that allude to findings in ASDs patients but with only few to converge among the models. Caveats of current studies are the diverging biological conditions related to genetic background and age of the animals. It is anticipated that longitudinal and functional assessments will gain much importance and will help elucidating mechanistic relationship between behavioural and structural endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija M Petrinovic
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, pRED, Pharma Research and Early Development, DTA Neuroscience, Building 68, Room 327A, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
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85
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Sun L, Li Q, Li Q, Zhang Y, Liu D, Jiang H, Pan F, Yew DT. Chronic ketamine exposure induces permanent impairment of brain functions in adolescent cynomolgus monkeys. Addict Biol 2014; 19:185-94. [PMID: 23145560 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine, a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist, has emerged as an increasingly popular drug among young drug abusers worldwide. Available evidence suggests that ketamine produces acute impairments of working, episodic and semantic memory along with psychotogenic and dissociative effects when a single dose is given to healthy volunteers. However, understanding of the possible chronic effects of ketamine on behavior, cognitive anomalies and neurochemical homeostasis is still incomplete. Although previous human studies demonstrate that ketamine could impair a range of cognitive skills, investigation using non-human models would permit more precise exploration of the neurochemical mechanisms which may underlie the detrimental effects. The current study examined the abnormalities in behavior (move, walk, jump and climb) and apoptosis of the prefrontal cortex using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and apoptotic markers, including Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in adolescent male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) after 1 or 6 months of sub-anesthetic ketamine administration (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Results showed that ketamine decreased locomotor activity and increased cell death in the prefrontal cortex of monkeys with 6 months of ketamine treatment when compared with the control monkeys. Such decreases were not found in the 1-month ketamine-treated group. Our study suggested that ketamine administration of recreational dose in monkeys might produce permanent and irreversible deficits in brain functions due to neurotoxic effects, involving the activation of apoptotic pathways in the prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Sun
- Department of Medical Psychology, Shandong University School of Medicine, China
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86
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Ye R, Carneiro AMD, Han Q, Airey D, Sanders-Bush E, Zhang B, Lu L, Williams R, Blakely RD. Quantitative trait loci mapping and gene network analysis implicate protocadherin-15 as a determinant of brain serotonin transporter expression. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2014; 13:261-75. [PMID: 24405699 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Presynaptic serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporters (SERT) regulate 5-HT signaling via antidepressant-sensitive clearance of released neurotransmitter. Polymorphisms in the human SERT gene (SLC6A4) have been linked to risk for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism. Using BXD recombinant inbred mice, a genetic reference population that can support the discovery of novel determinants of complex traits, merging collective trait assessments with bioinformatics approaches, we examine phenotypic and molecular networks associated with SERT gene and protein expression. Correlational analyses revealed a network of genes that significantly associated with SERT mRNA levels. We quantified SERT protein expression levels and identified region- and gender-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs), one of which associated with male midbrain SERT protein expression, centered on the protocadherin-15 gene (Pcdh15), overlapped with a QTL for midbrain 5-HT levels. Pcdh15 was also the only QTL-associated gene whose midbrain mRNA expression significantly associated with both SERT protein and 5-HT traits, suggesting an unrecognized role of the cell adhesion protein in the development or function of 5-HT neurons. To test this hypothesis, we assessed SERT protein and 5-HT traits in the Pcdh15 functional null line (Pcdh15(av-) (3J) ), studies that revealed a strong, negative influence of Pcdh15 on these phenotypes. Together, our findings illustrate the power of multidimensional profiling of recombinant inbred lines in the analysis of molecular networks that support synaptic signaling, and that, as in the case of Pcdh15, can reveal novel relationships that may underlie risk for mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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87
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Clipperton-Allen AE, Page DT. Pten haploinsufficient mice show broad brain overgrowth but selective impairments in autism-relevant behavioral tests. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:3490-505. [PMID: 24497577 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accelerated head and brain growth (macrocephaly) during development is a replicated biological finding in a subset of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the relationship between brain overgrowth and the behavioral and cognitive symptoms of ASD is poorly understood. The PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway regulates cellular growth; several genes encoding negative regulators of this pathway are ASD risk factors, including PTEN. Mutations in PTEN have been reported in individuals with ASD and macrocephaly. We report that brain overgrowth is widespread in Pten germline haploinsufficient (Pten(+/-)) mice, reflecting Pten mRNA expression in the developing brain. We then ask if broad brain overgrowth translates into general or specific effects on the development of behavior and cognition by testing Pten(+/-) mice using assays relevant to ASD and comorbidities. Deficits in social behavior were observed in both sexes. Males also showed abnormalities related to repetitive behavior and mood/anxiety. Females exhibited circadian activity and emotional learning phenotypes. Widespread brain overgrowth together with selective behavioral impairments in Pten(+/-) mice raises the possibility that most brain areas and constituent cell types adapt to an altered trajectory of growth with minimal impact on the behaviors tested in our battery; however, select areas/cell types relevant to social behavior are more vulnerable or less adaptable, thus resulting in social deficits. Probing dopaminergic neurons as a candidate vulnerable cell type, we found social behavioral impairments in mice with Pten conditionally inactivated in dopaminergic neurons that are consistent with the possibility that desynchronized growth in key cell types may contribute to ASD endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Clipperton-Allen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter 33458, FL, USA
| | - Damon T Page
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter 33458, FL, USA
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88
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van der Doelen RHA, Kozicz T, Homberg JR. Adaptive fitness; early life adversity improves adult stress coping in heterozygous serotonin transporter knockout rats. Mol Psychiatry 2013; 18:1244-5. [PMID: 23319004 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2012.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R H A van der Doelen
- 1] Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands [2] Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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89
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Nonkes LJP, van de Vondervoort IIGM, Homberg JR. The attribution of incentive salience to an appetitive conditioned cue is not affected by knockout of the serotonin transporter in rats. Behav Brain Res 2013; 259:268-73. [PMID: 24269496 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the neurobiological basis underlying individual differences in conditioned stimulus (CS) sensitivity is pertinent, given that excessive conditioned responses to CSs is a key feature of anxiety-related disorders and drug addiction. We have previously shown that behaviour of serotonin transporter knockout (5-HTT(-/-)) rats-mimicking the common 5-HTT promoter polymorphism in humans-is strongly driven by Pavlovian CSs. To investigate whether the knockout rats attribute greater incentive salience to CSs, we tested the 5-HTT(-/-) rats and their wild-type counterparts in the sucrose-reinforced sign-versus goal-tracking task. We also assessed whether motivational properties of the unconditioned stimulus (sucrose pellet) are involved in the individual differences under investigation, by testing the animals in a sucrose-reinforced progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. We found no genotype differences in sign-versus goal-tracking behavior, despite that progressive ratio responding was increased in 5-HTT(-/-) rats. In conclusion, the high CS sensitivity in 5-HTT(-/-) rats cannot be explained by enhanced incentive salience attribution to the CS as measured by the sign- versus goal-tracking paradigm. Rather, 5-HTT(-/-) rats may be more sensitive to the motivational properties of the unconditioned stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourens J P Nonkes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
| | - Ilse I G M van de Vondervoort
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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90
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Abstract
The most frequently described drugs in the treatment of mood disorders are selective serotonin reuptake and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, enhancing serotonin levels in the brain. However, side-effects have been reported for these drugs. Because serotonin levels in the brain are dependent on the availability of the food-derived precursor tryptophan, foods such as chicken, soyabeans, cereals, tuna, nuts and bananas may serve as an alternative to improve mood and cognition. Here we discuss the effects of high- or low-tryptophan-containing food, as well as plant extracts with a modest monoamine reuptake and MAO-A inhibition functional profile, on mood and cognition in healthy and vulnerable human subjects and rodents. Together the studies suggest that there is an inverted U-shaped curve for plasma tryptophan levels, with low and too high tryptophan levels impairing cognition, and moderate to high tryptophan levels improving cognition. This relationship is found for both healthy and vulnerable subjects. Whereas this relationship may also exist for mood, the inverted U-shaped curve for plasma tryptophan levels and mood may be based on different tryptophan concentrations in healthyv.vulnerable individuals. Animal studies are emerging and allow further understanding of effects and the mode of action of food-derived serotonergic components on mood, cognition and mechanisms. Ultimately, insight into the concentrations of tryptophan and other serotonergic components in food having beneficial effects on mood and cognition in healthy, but particularly vulnerable, subjects may support well-being in our highly demanding society.
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91
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Weikum WM, Brain U, Chau CMY, Grunau RE, Boyce WT, Diamond A, Oberlander TF. Prenatal serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressant exposure and serotonin transporter promoter genotype (SLC6A4) influence executive functions at 6 years of age. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:180. [PMID: 24130516 PMCID: PMC3795328 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants and maternal depression may affect prefrontal cognitive skills (executive functions; EFs) including self-control, working memory and cognitive flexibility. We examined long-term effects of prenatal SRI exposure on EFs to determine whether effects are moderated by maternal mood and/or genetic variations in SLC6A4 (a gene that codes for the serotonin transporter [5-HTT] central to the regulation of synaptic serotonin levels and behavior). Children who were exposed to SRIs prenatally (SRI-exposed N = 26) and non-exposed (N = 38) were studied at age 6 years (M = 6.3; SD = 0.5) using the Hearts & Flowers task (H&F) to assess EFs. Maternal mood was measured during pregnancy (3rd trimester) and when the child was age 6 years (Hamilton Depression Scale). Parent reports of child behavior were also obtained (MacArthur Health & Behavior Questionnaire). Parents of prenatally SRI-exposed children reported fewer child externalizing and inattentive (ADHD) behaviors. Generalized estimate equation modeling showed a significant 3-way interaction between prenatal SRI exposure, SLC6A4 variant, and maternal mood at the 6-year time-point on H&F accuracy. For prenatally SRI-exposed children, regardless of maternal mood, the H&F accuracy of children with reduced 5HTT expression (a short [S] allele) remained stable. Even with increasing maternal depressive symptoms (though all below clinical threshold), EFs of children with at least one short allele were comparable to children with the same genotype whose mothers reported few if any depressive symptoms—in this sense they showed resilience. Children with two long (L) alleles were more sensitive to context. When their mothers had few depressive symptoms, LL children showed extremely good EF performance—better than any other group. When their mothers reported more depressive symptoms, LL children's EF performance was worse than that of any other group. In the face of a mother with a more depressed mood, EFs were best preserved in children prenatally exposed to SRIs and with at least one short SLC6A4 allele. Yet, prenatally-exposed LL children hold out promise of possibly superior EF if their mother's mood remains euthymic or improves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney M Weikum
- Pediatrics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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92
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Witteveen JS, Middelman A, van Hulten JA, Martens GJM, Homberg JR, Kolk SM. Lack of serotonin reuptake during brain development alters rostral raphe-prefrontal network formation. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:143. [PMID: 24109430 PMCID: PMC3790074 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides its "classical" neurotransmitter function, serotonin (5-HT) has been found to also act as a neurodevelopmental signal. During development, the 5-HT projection system, besides an external placental source, represents one of the earliest neurotransmitter systems to innervate the brain. One of the targets of the 5-HT projection system, originating in the brainstem raphe nuclei, is the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), an area involved in higher cognitive functions and important in the etiology of many neurodevelopmental disorders. Little is known, however, about the exact role of 5-HT and its signaling molecules in the formation of the raphe-prefrontal network. Using explant essays, we here studied the role of the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT), an important modulator of the 5-HT signal, in rostral raphe-prefrontal network formation. We found that the chemotrophic nature of the interaction between the origin (rostral raphe cluster) and a target (mPFC) of the 5-HT projection system was affected in rats lacking the 5-HTT (5-HTT(-/-)). While 5-HTT deficiency did not affect the dorsal raphe 5-HT-positive outgrowing neurites, the median raphe 5-HT neurites switched from a strong repulsive to an attractive interaction when co-cultured with the mPFC. Furthermore, the fasciculation of the mPFC outgrowing neurites was dependent on the amount of 5-HTT. In the mPFC of 5-HTT(-/-) pups, we observed clear differences in 5-HT innervation and the identity of a class of projection neurons of the mPFC. In the absence of the 5-HTT, the 5-HT innervation in all subareas of the early postnatal mPFC increased dramatically and the number of Satb2-positive callosal projection neurons was decreased. Together, these results suggest a 5-HTT dependency during early development of these brain areas and in the formation of the raphe-prefrontal network. The tremendous complexity of the 5-HT projection system and its role in several neurodevelopmental disorders highlights the need for further research in this largely unexplored area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine S Witteveen
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen, Netherlands
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93
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5-HT1A-receptor agonist modified amygdala activity and amygdala-associated social behavior in a valproate-induced rat autism model. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:2027-39. [PMID: 23823694 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145713000473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that dysfunction of the amygdala is related to abnormal fear processing, anxiety, and social behaviors noted in autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). In addition, studies have shown that disrupted brain serotonin homeostasis is linked to ASD. With a valproate (VPA)-induced rat ASD model, we investigated the possible role of amygdala serotonin homeostasis in autistic phenotypes and further explored the underlying mechanism. We first discovered that the distribution of tryptophan hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the caudal raphe system was modulated on postnatal day (PD) 28 of the VPA-exposed offspring. Then, we found a significantly higher serotonin transporter availability in the amygdala of the VPA-exposed offspring on PD 56 by using single photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography co-registration following injection of (123)I-labeled 2-((2-(dimethylamino)methyl)phenyl)thio)-5-iodophenylamine((123)I[ADAM]). Furthermore, treatment with 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, increased social interaction and improved fear memory extinction in the VPA-exposed offspring. 8-OH-DPAT treatment also reversed the characteristics of miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents as well as paired pulse facilitation observed in lateral amygdala slices. These results provided further evidence to support the role of the amygdala in characteristic behavioral changes in the rat ASD model. The serotonergic projections that modulate the amygdala function might play a certain role in the development and treatment of behavioral symptoms exhibited in individuals with ASD.
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94
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Fluoxetine exposure during pregnancy and lactation: Effects on acute stress response and behavior in the novelty-suppressed feeding are age and gender-dependent in rats. Behav Brain Res 2013; 252:195-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.05.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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95
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Infant developmental outcomes following prenatal exposure to antidepressants, and maternal depressed mood and positive affect. Early Hum Dev 2013; 89:519-24. [PMID: 23384962 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2012.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants has been associated with delays in early developmental milestones, but there remains uncertainty. Even among a subset of studies examining the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), some have reported normal mental and psychomotor development while others have suggested a delay in motor development. Given an increasing number of infants exposed to SRIs, furthering our understanding of the possible developmental implications of SRI exposure in utero is critical. AIMS To examine the effects of prenatal serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposure and maternal mood on infant developmental outcomes at 10months of age. STUDY DESIGN Prospective study of mothers and their 10-month-old infants. SUBJECTS We examined 31 mother-child pairs exposed prenatally to SRIs and 52 mother-child pairs who were nonexposed. OUTCOME MEASURE The Bayley Scales of Infant Development (third edition) scores. RESULTS Infants exposed prenatally to SRIs scored significantly lower than nonexposed infants on gross motor (P=0.03), social-emotional (P=0.04) and adaptive behavior (P=0.05) subscales of the BSID-III, controlling for pre- and postnatal maternal depressed mood, smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy. No significant differences in any of the BSID-III subscales were observed between infants exposed and infants nonexposed to pre and postnatal maternal depressed mood (P>0.05). Increased levels of maternal positive affect at 10 months predicted increased social-emotional scores (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Infants prenatally exposed to SRIs score significantly lower on the gross motor, social-emotional and adaptive behavior subscales of the BSID-III, and this was not explained by underlying maternal depression.
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Zoratto F, Tringle AL, Bellenchi G, Speranza L, Travaglini D, diPorzio U, Perrone-Capano C, Laviola G, Dreyer JL, Adriani W. Impulsivity and home-cage activity are decreased by lentivirus-mediated silencing of serotonin transporter in the rat hippocampus. Neurosci Lett 2013; 548:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.05.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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97
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van den Bos R, Davies W, Dellu-Hagedorn F, Goudriaan AE, Granon S, Homberg J, Rivalan M, Swendsen J, Adriani W. Cross-species approaches to pathological gambling: a review targeting sex differences, adolescent vulnerability and ecological validity of research tools. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:2454-71. [PMID: 23867802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Decision-making plays a pivotal role in daily life as impairments in processes underlying decision-making often lead to an inability to make profitable long-term decisions. As a case in point, pathological gamblers continue gambling despite the fact that this disrupts their personal, professional or financial life. The prevalence of pathological gambling will likely increase in the coming years due to expanding possibilities of on-line gambling through the Internet and increasing liberal attitudes towards gambling. It therefore represents a growing concern for society. Both human and animal studies rapidly advance our knowledge on brain-behaviour processes relevant for understanding normal and pathological gambling behaviour. Here, we review in humans and animals three features of pathological gambling which hitherto have received relatively little attention: (1) sex differences in (the development of) pathological gambling, (2) adolescence as a (putative) sensitive period for (developing) pathological gambling and (3) avenues for improving ecological validity of research tools. Based on these issues we also discuss how research in humans and animals may be brought in line to maximize translational research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruud van den Bos
- Department of Organismal Animal Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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98
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Tarazi FI, Riva MA. The preclinical profile of lurasidone: clinical relevance for the treatment of schizophrenia. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:1297-307. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.815163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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99
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Behavioural and neuroplastic properties of chronic lurasidone treatment in serotonin transporter knockout rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:1319-30. [PMID: 23164505 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145712001332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) are multi-target agents widely used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that also hold potential for the treatment of impaired emotional control, thanks to their diverse receptor profiles as well as their potential in modulating neuroadaptive changes in key brain regions. The aim of this study was thus to establish the ability of lurasidone, a novel SGA characterized by a multi-receptor signature, to modulate behavioural and molecular defects associated with a genetic model of impaired emotional control, namely serotonin transporter knockout (SERT KO) rats. At behavioural level, we found that chronic lurasidone treatment significantly increased fear extinction in SERT KO rats, but not in wild-type control animals. Moreover, at molecular level, lurasidone was able to normalize the reduced expression of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the prefrontal cortex of SERT KO rats, an effect that occurred through the regulation of specific neurotrophin transcripts (primarily exon VI). Furthermore, chronic lurasidone treatment was also able to restore the reduced expression of different GABAergic markers that is present in these animals. Our results show that lurasidone can improve emotional control in SERT KO rats, with a primary impact on the prefrontal cortex. The adaptive changes set in motion by repeated treatment with lurasidone may in fact contribute to the amelioration of functional capacities, closely associated with neuronal plasticity, which are deteriorated in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disease and major depression.
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100
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Kinast K, Peeters D, Kolk SM, Schubert D, Homberg JR. Genetic and pharmacological manipulations of the serotonergic system in early life: neurodevelopmental underpinnings of autism-related behavior. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:72. [PMID: 23781172 PMCID: PMC3679613 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin, in its function as neurotransmitter, is well-known for its role in depression, autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders, however, less known as a neurodevelopmental factor. The serotonergic system is one of the earliest to develop during embryogenesis and early changes in serotonin levels can have large consequences for the correct development of specific brain areas. The regulation and functioning of serotonin is influenced by genetic risk factors, such as the serotonin transporter polymorphism in humans. This polymorphism is associated with anxiety-related symptoms, changes in social behavior, and cortical gray and white matter changes also seen in patients suffering from autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The human polymorphism can be mimicked by the knockout of the serotonin transporter in rodents, which are as a model system therefore vital to explore the precise neurobiological mechanisms. Moreover, there are pharmacological challenges influencing serotonin in early life, like prenatal/neonatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) in depressed pregnant women. There is accumulating evidence that this dysregulation of serotonin during critical phases of brain development can lead to ASD-related symptoms in children, and reduced social behavior and increased anxiety in rodents. Furthermore, prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure, a mood stabilizing drug which is also thought to interfere with serotonin levels, has the potency to induce ASD-like symptoms and to affect the development of the serotonergic system. Here, we review and compare the neurodevelopmental and behavioral consequences of serotonin transporter gene variation, and prenatal SSRI and VPA exposure in the context of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Kinast
- Behavioural Neurogenetics, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre Nijmegen, Netherlands
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