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Lorenz TK, Cheng H, Heiman JR. Neural correlates of emotion processing comparing antidepressants and exogenous oxytocin in postpartum depressed women: An exploratory study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217764. [PMID: 31150502 PMCID: PMC6544275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite common use of antidepressants to treat postpartum depression, little is known about the impact of antidepressant use on postpartum brain activity. Additionally, although oxytocin has been investigated as a potential treatment for postpartum depression, the interaction between antidepressants and exogenous oxytocin on brain activity is unknown. We explored postpartum depressed women's neural activation in areas identified as important to emotion and reward processing and potentially, antidepressant response: the amygdala, nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area. We conducted a secondary analysis of a functional imaging study of response to sexual, crying infant and smiling infant images in 23 postpartum depressed women with infants under six months (11 women taking antidepressants, 12 unmedicated). Participants were randomized to receive a single dose of oxytocin or placebo nasal spray. There was significantly higher amygdala activation to sexual stimuli than either neutral or infant-related stimuli among women taking antidepressants or receiving oxytocin nasal spray. Among unmedicated women receiving placebo, amygdala activation was similar across stimuli types. There were no significant effects of antidepressants nor oxytocin nasal spray on reward area processing (i.e., in the nucleus accumbens or ventral tegmental area). Among postpartum women who remain depressed, there may be significant interactions between the effects of antidepressant use and exogenous oxytocin on neural activity associated with processing emotional information. Observed effect sizes were moderate to large, strongly suggesting the need for further replication with a larger sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney K. Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
- Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Hu Cheng
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Julia R. Heiman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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52
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Steinman MQ, Duque-Wilckens N, Trainor BC. Complementary Neural Circuits for Divergent Effects of Oxytocin: Social Approach Versus Social Anxiety. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:792-801. [PMID: 30503164 PMCID: PMC6709863 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is widely known for promoting social interactions, but there is growing appreciation that it can sometimes induce avoidance of social contexts. The social salience hypothesis posed an innovative solution to these apparently opposing actions by proposing that OT enhances the salience of both positive and negative social interactions. The mesolimbic dopamine system was put forth as a likely system to evaluate social salience owing to its well-described role in motivation. Evidence from several sources supports the premise that OT acting within the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area facilitates social reward and approach behavior. However, in aversive social contexts, additional pathways play critical roles in mediating the effects of OT. Recent data indicate that OT acts in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to induce avoidance of potentially dangerous social contexts. Here, we review evidence for neural circuits mediating the effects of OT in appetitive and aversive social contexts. Specifically, we propose that distinct but potentially overlapping circuits mediate OT-dependent social approach or social avoidance. We conclude that a broader and more inclusive consideration of neural circuits of social approach and avoidance is needed as the field continues to evaluate the potential of OT-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Q Steinman
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Natalia Duque-Wilckens
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and Department of Physiology/Neuroscience, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
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53
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Strauss GP, Chapman HC, Keller WR, Koenig JI, Gold JM, Carpenter WT, Buchanan RW. Endogenous oxytocin levels are associated with impaired social cognition and neurocognition in schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 112:38-43. [PMID: 30849617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Intranasal administration of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has yielded inconsistent effects on social cognition and general cognition in individuals with schizophrenia (SZ). Few studies have examined whether endogenous peripheral OT levels are also associated with social and general cognition in SZ. The current study examined whether plasma OT levels are associated with performance on a higher-order social cognition measure (i.e., a task that requires inferential processes and knowledge not directly presented in social stimuli), as well as domains of general cognition. Participants included 30 individuals with SZ and 21 demographically matched healthy controls (CN). The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was administered to assess neuropsychological impairment in relation to 7 domains (processing speed, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning/problem solving, and social cognition). Plasma OT levels were measured via radioimmunoassay. SZ had significantly lower endogenous OT levels and poorer MCCB performance on all 7 domains than CN. In CN and SZ, lower endogenous OT was associated with poorer social cognition. In SZ, lower endogenous OT was also associated with poorer processing speed and working memory. The significant association between OT and social cognition in both CN and SZ highlights the importance of endogenous OT levels as a biological predictor of social cognition, irrespective of clinical status. Significant associations between plasma OT and general neurocognition may reflect either an anxiolytic effect of plasma OT that results in better neurocognitive performance, or OT's action on dopamine and enhancement of dopamine tone that results in improved cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William R Keller
- Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, USA
| | - James I Koenig
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, USA
| | - James M Gold
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, USA
| | - William T Carpenter
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, USA
| | - Robert W Buchanan
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, USA
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54
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da Cruz KR, Ianzer D, Turones LC, Reis LL, Camargo-Silva G, Mendonça MM, da Silva ES, Pedrino GR, de Castro CH, Costa EA, Xavier CH. Behavioral effects evoked by the beta globin-derived nonapeptide LVV-H6. Peptides 2019; 115:59-68. [PMID: 30890354 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
LVV-hemorphin-6 (LVV-h6) is bioactive peptide and is a product of the degradation of hemoglobin. Since LVV-h6 effects are possibly mediated by opioid or AT4/IRAP receptors, we hypothesized that LVV-h6 would modify behavior. We evaluated whether LVV-h6 affects: i) anxiety-like behavior and locomotion; ii) depression-like behavior; iii) cardiovascular and neuroendocrine reactivity to emotional stress. Male Wistar rats ( ± 300 g) received LVV-h6 (153 nmol/kg i.p.) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9% i.p.). We used: i) open field (OF) test for locomotion; ii) elevated plus maze (EPM) for anxiety-like behavior; iii) forced swimming test (FST) for depression-like behavior and iv) air jet for cardiovascular and neuroendocrine reactivity to stress. Diazepam (2 mg/kg i.p.) and imipramine (15 mg/kg i.p.) were used as positive control for EPM and FST, respectively. To evaluate the LVV-h6 mechanisms, we used: the antagonist of oxytocin (OT) receptors (atosiban - ATS 1 and 0.1 mg/kg i.p.); the inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase (Alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine - AMPT 200 mg/kg i.p.) to investigate the involvement of catecholaminergic paths; and the antagonist of opioid receptors (naltrexone - NTX 0.3 mg/kg s.c.). We found that LVV-h6: i) evoked anxiolytic-like effect; ii) evoked antidepressant-like effect in the FST; and iii) did not change the locomotion, neuroendocrine and cardiovascular responses to stress. The LVV-h6 anxiolytic-like effect was not reverted by ATS and AMPT. However, the antidepressant effects were reverted only by NTX. Hence, our findings demonstrate that LVV-h6 modulates anxiety-like behavior by routes that are not oxytocinergic, catecholaminergic or opioid. The antidepressant-like effects of LVV-h6 rely on opioid pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen Rosa da Cruz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Danielle Ianzer
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Larissa Córdova Turones
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Lilian Liz Reis
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Camargo-Silva
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Michelle Mendanha Mendonça
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Elder Sales da Silva
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Rodrigues Pedrino
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique de Castro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Elson Alves Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Carlos H Xavier
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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55
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Saarinen A, Keltikangas-Järvinen L, Cloninger CR, Veijola J, Elovainio M, Lehtimäki T, Raitakari O, Hintsanen M. The relationship of dispositional compassion for others with depressive symptoms over a 15-year prospective follow-up. J Affect Disord 2019; 250:354-362. [PMID: 30877858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate (i) the direction of the relationships between dispositional compassion for others and depressive symptoms over a 15-year follow-up in adulthood and (ii) the longitudinal associations of dispositional compassion with total depressive symptoms and various depressive subsymptoms (i.e. negative attitude, performance difficulties, and somatic complaints) from early adulthood to middle age. METHODS The participants (N = 1676) came from the prospective Young Finns Study. Dispositional compassion was assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory and depressive symptoms with a modified version of the Beck Depression Inventory. The measurements were conducted between 1997-2012 including three measurement points. The data was analyzed using structural equation models and multilevel models for longitudinal design. RESULTS The predictive relationships were more likely to proceed from high dispositional compassion for others to lower depressive symptoms than in the opposite direction. Additionally, high dispositional compassion predicted a lower total score of depressive symptoms and also lower scores of various depressive subsymptoms (negative attitude, performance difficulties, somatic complaints) in early adulthood. These associations, however, weakened over years and became non-significant in middle age. All the findings were sustained after controlling for age, gender, and socioeconomic factors in childhood and adulthood. LIMITATIONS Depressive symptoms were mostly mild and non-clinical in our sample. The findings cannot be directly generalized to severe depressive symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS When tailoring psychiatric interventions, it is necessary to be aware that compassion for others may lower the risk for the onset and maintenance of depressive symptoms, especially in early adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aino Saarinen
- Research Unit of Psychology, University of Oulu, Finland; Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - C Robert Cloninger
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, United States
| | - Juha Veijola
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marko Elovainio
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, United States; National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli Raitakari
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Finland
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56
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Marazziti D, Baroni S, Mucci F, Piccinni A, Moroni I, Giannaccini G, Carmassi C, Massimetti E, Dell'Osso L. Sex-Related Differences in Plasma Oxytocin Levels in Humans. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2019; 15:58-63. [PMID: 31015856 PMCID: PMC6446474 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901915010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence supports a key role of Oxytocin (OT) as a modulator of social relationships in mammals. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate possible sex-related differences in plasma OT levels in human beings. Methods: Forty-five healthy men and 45 women (mean age: 34.9 ± 6.2 years), were included in the study. Plasma preparation, peptide extraction and OT radioimmunoassay were carried out according to standardized methods. Results: The results showed that OT plasma levels (pg / ml, mean ± SD) were significantly higher in women than in men (4.53 ± 1.18 vs 1.53 ± 1.19, p ˂ 0.001). Conclusions: The present finding demonstrates sex-related differences in plasma OT levels in humans. It is tempting to hypothesize that such differences might be related to behaviours, attitudes, as well as susceptibility to stress response, resilience and social emotions specific of women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Baroni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Armando Piccinni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilenia Moroni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Carmassi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Massimetti
- ASST, Bergamo Ovest, SSD Servizio Psichiatrico diagnosi e cura, Treviglio, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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57
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Engel S, Laufer S, Knaevelsrud C, Schumacher S. The endogenous oxytocin system in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:138-149. [PMID: 30458371 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The oxytocin system is involved in psychological functions and interacts with biological systems that are altered in patients suffering from depressive disorders. This suggests a possible role of oxytocin in the development and maintenance of depression. We provide the first systematic review and meta-analysis that specifically addresses differences in basal endogenous oxytocin concentrations between patients with depressive disorders and healthy controls. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies that measured basal endogenous oxytocin concentrations in depressive patients and healthy controls. We included k = 13 studies (n = 368 patients and n = 346 healthy controls) in the qualitative review and k = 9 studies (n = 273 patients and n = 273 healthy controls) in the meta-analytic procedure. Standardized mean group differences were non-significant (g = -0.02, CI = [-0.41; 0.36]), indicating that depressive patients and healthy controls did not differ in basal endogenous oxytocin concentrations. The overall effect was heterogeneous. Effects within studies showing comparable risks of biases, as rated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, were non-significant as well, but homogeneous. The findings suggest that more complex research designs and methodological approaches should be employed to detect and understand a possible role of the oxytocin system in depressive disorders. We provide recommendations for subsequent promising study designs, involving the consideration of illness phase, comorbidities and correlations with psychological functions or symptoms. We point out the strengths of reactivity designs and multidimensional measurement approaches and recommend to linking future research questions to theories of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinha Engel
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Schwendenerstraße 27, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Laufer
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Schwendenerstraße 27, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Schwendenerstraße 27, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sarah Schumacher
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Schwendenerstraße 27, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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58
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De Cagna F, Fusar-Poli L, Damiani S, Rocchetti M, Giovanna G, Mori A, Politi P, Brondino N. The Role of Intranasal Oxytocin in Anxiety and Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 17:1-11. [PMID: 30690935 PMCID: PMC6361048 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2019.17.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated the neuromodulating function of oxytocin (OT) in response to anxiogenic stimuli as well as its potential role in the pathogenesis of depression. Consequently, intranasal OT (IN-OT) has been proposed as a potential treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. The present systematic review aimed to summarize the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of IN-OT on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Overall, 15 studies were included, involving patients with social anxiety disorders (7 studies), arachnophobia (1), major depression (3) or post-natal depression (4), and mainly evaluating single-dose administrations of IN-OT. Results showed no significant effects on core symptomatology. Five crossover studies included functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation: one trial showed reduced amygdala hyper-reactivity after IN-OT in subjects with anxiety, while another one showed enhanced connectivity between amygdala and bilateral insula and middle cingulate gyrus after IN-OT in patients but not in healthy controls. More studies are needed to confirm these results. In conclusion, up to date, evidence regarding the potential utility of IN-OT in treating anxiety and depression is still inconclusive. Further RCTs with larger samples and long-term administration of IN-OT are needed to better elucidate its potential efficacy alone or in association with standard care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Cagna
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Fusar-Poli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Damiani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Rocchetti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Giovanna
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Mori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Natascia Brondino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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59
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Social brain, social dysfunction and social withdrawal. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 97:10-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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60
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Depression as a Neuroendocrine Disorder: Emerging Neuropsychopharmacological Approaches beyond Monoamines. Adv Pharmacol Sci 2019; 2019:7943481. [PMID: 30719038 PMCID: PMC6335777 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7943481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is currently recognized as a crucial problem in everyday clinical practice, in light of ever-increasing rates of prevalence, as well as disability, morbidity, and mortality related to this disorder. Currently available antidepressant drugs are notoriously problematic, with suboptimal remission rates and troubling side-effect profiles. Their mechanisms of action focus on the monoamine hypothesis for depression, which centers on the disruption of serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. Nevertheless, views on the pathophysiology of depression have evolved notably, and the comprehension of depression as a complex neuroendocrine disorder with important systemic implications has sparked interest in a myriad of novel neuropsychopharmacological approaches. Innovative pharmacological targets beyond monoamines include glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, various endocrine axes, as well as several neurosteroids, neuropeptides, opioids, endocannabinoids and endovanilloids. This review summarizes current knowledge on these pharmacological targets and their potential utility in the clinical management of depression.
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61
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Kraaijenvanger EJ, He Y, Spencer H, Smith AK, Bos PA, Boks MP. Epigenetic variability in the human oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene: A possible pathway from early life experiences to psychopathologies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 96:127-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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62
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Na KS, Won E, Kang J, Kim A, Choi S, Kim YK, Lee MS, Ham BJ. Interaction effects of oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism and depression on hippocampal volume. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2018; 282:18-23. [PMID: 30384146 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have revealed that the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is associated with emotional salience and depression among females. Hippocampus is closely associated with the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, little is known of the interaction effects of OXTR and MDD on hippocampal volume. We sought to investigate the interaction effects of OXTR (rs53576) allelic variants and MDD on hippocampal volumes which also including subfield volumes. The OXTR rs53576 genotype groups were categorized as minor G allele carriers and A allele homozygotes. A total of 47 female patients with depression and 30 healthy females were included in this study. There were significant interactions between OXTR allele type and diagnosis of MDD on the 7 hippocampal subfield volumes, such as left presubiculum, left subiculum, left molecular, right cornus ammonis 1, right granule cells in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, right molecular layer, and right subiculum. There were no differences in the hippocampal volumes between MDD vs healthy controls or OXTR A vs G alleles. Our results demonstrate the importance of the interactions between OXTR and MDD on hippocampal volume. Future studies with large sample size should expand those interactions in the whole brain volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Sae Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University College of Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsoo Won
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - June Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunyoung Choi
- Clinical Research Division, Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Ku Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Soo Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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63
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Avedisova AS, Arkusha IA, Zakharova KV. [Separation anxiety disorder in adults - a new diagnostic category]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018; 118:66-75. [PMID: 30499500 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201811810166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety separation disorder (SAD) became the subject of increased attention of researchers in recent decades. DSM-5 and project of ICD-11 allow us to treat this disorder as an independent nosological unit without attachment to age. The review provides information on the prevalence, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of SAD in adults, summarizes information on the etiopathogenesis, relations to other psychiatric disorders, and highlights the lack of modern therapeutic approaches to SAD. The purpose of this review is to raise the level of knowledge about SAD and its new positioning in classification systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Avedisova
- Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - I A Arkusha
- Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - K V Zakharova
- Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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64
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Rutter LA, Norton DJ, Brown BS, Brown TA. A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Study of Intranasal Oxytocin's Effect on Emotion Recognition and Visual Attention in Outpatients with Emotional Disorders. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2018; 43:523-534. [PMID: 31130760 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-018-9974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The current study used double-blind, placebo-controlled design to examine the effect of intranasal oxytocin (OT) on emotion recognition (ER) and visual attention in 60 outpatients presenting for assessment and treatment of emotional disorders. Our primary hypothesis was that OT would improve recognition of happy faces in depressed participants. The main effect of OT on ER accuracy, speed, and proportion of fixations in the eye region was not significant. Diagnostic group (i.e., presence/absence of a depressive disorder) moderated the effect of OT on ER, but not as expected: OT significantly slowed ER speed for all emotions in participants with anxiety disorders, but did not affect performance in participants with depressive disorders. Depressed participants fixated significantly less in the eye region of sad faces than anxious participants. Before OT can be used to target ER biases, additional research is needed to explicate the differential impact of OT on ER speed in patients with anxiety versus mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Rutter
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, 6 Floor, Boston, MA 02215
| | | | - Bonnie S Brown
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, 6 Floor, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Timothy A Brown
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, 6 Floor, Boston, MA 02215
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Preis A, Samuni L, Mielke A, Deschner T, Crockford C, Wittig RM. Urinary oxytocin levels in relation to post-conflict affiliations in wild male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus). Horm Behav 2018; 105:28-40. [PMID: 30031684 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Many animals living in social groups have evolved behaviors to resolve conflicts between group members, behaviors thought crucial for maintaining stable group life. Several hypotheses, based mainly on observational data, aim to explain how post-conflict (PC) affiliations, such as reconciliation and consolation, resolve conflicts by restoring relationships and/or alleviating anxiety. To examine a potential endocrinological mechanism of PC affiliations, we used an experimental-like procedure to investigate whether the oxytocinergic system is activated during naturally observed reconciliations, receiving bystander PC affiliations and aggressions not followed by PC affiliations in wild male chimpanzees. We compared urinary oxytocin (uOT) levels after reconciliations, receiving bystander PC affiliations or aggressions without affiliations with two control conditions: affiliations without previous aggression and after time periods without social interactions. We furthermore tested the 'valuable relationship' hypothesis of reconciliation, as well as the influence of relationship quality between individuals engaged in each of the three behavioral conditions involving aggression on uOT levels. We found that the probability to reconcile a conflict increased with increasing relationship quality between opponents, thus our results support the 'valuable relationship' hypothesis. However, relationship quality did not influence uOT levels, while behavioral condition had a significant effect on uOT levels. uOT levels after reconciliations, receiving bystander PC affiliations and affiliations not related to conflicts were higher than after aggressions alone and time periods without social interactions. Overall, our results indicate that the oxytocinergic system is activated during affiliative interactions, whether occurring as reconciliation, bystander PC affiliation or affiliation alone. We conclude that the oxytocinergic system, in addition to building and maintaining social relationships, also takes part in repairing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Preis
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Leipzig, Germany; Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - L Samuni
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Leipzig, Germany; Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - A Mielke
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Leipzig, Germany; Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - T Deschner
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - C Crockford
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Leipzig, Germany; Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - R M Wittig
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Leipzig, Germany; Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
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Luyten P, Fonagy P. The stress–reward–mentalizing model of depression: An integrative developmental cascade approach to child and adolescent depressive disorder based on the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) approach. Clin Psychol Rev 2018; 64:87-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Olazábal DE. Role of oxytocin in parental behaviour. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12594. [PMID: 29603440 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Both animal and human studies have provided conclusive evidence that oxytocin (OXT) acts in the brain (eg, medial preoptic area, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens) to promote parental behaviour under different reproductive and physiological conditions. OXT appears to accelerate and strengthen the neural process that makes newborns attractive or rewarding. Furthermore, OXT reduces stress/anxiety and might improve mood and well being, resulting in indirect benefits for parents. However, OXT also plays a role in the development of species reproductive and social strategies, making some species or individuals more prone to display caring activities in nonreproductive contexts. There are important differences in the development of the OXT system and its regulation by gonadal hormones that can make individuals or species very different. Those intra- and interspecific differences in the OXT system have been associated with differences in parental behaviour. For example, differences in OXT levels in body fluids and genetic variants for the OXT and OXT receptor genes have been associated with variability in parental mood and behaviour in humans. Thus, OXT has received much attention as a potential therapeutic agent for affective, emotional and behavioural problems. Despite many preliminary studies indicating promising findings, several unknown aspects of the OXT system remain to be addressed before we can achieve a complete understanding of its function in the brain. The enormous interest that this area of study has attracted in the last decade will likely continually contribute to advancing our understanding of the role of OXT in parental behaviour and other behavioural and physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Olazábal
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
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Mutlu O, Páleníček T, Pinterová N, Šíchová K, Horáček J, Holubová K, Höschl C, Stuchlík A, Erden F, Valeš K. Effects of the adipokinetic hormone/red pigment-concentrating hormone (AKH/RPCH) family of peptides on MK-801-induced schizophrenia models. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2018; 32:589-602. [DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oguz Mutlu
- National Institute of Mental Health; Topolova 748 Klecany 250 67 Czech Republic
- Pharmacology Department; Kocaeli University Medical Faculty; Kocaeli 41380 Turkey
| | - Tomáš Páleníček
- National Institute of Mental Health; Topolova 748 Klecany 250 67 Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Pinterová
- National Institute of Mental Health; Topolova 748 Klecany 250 67 Czech Republic
| | - Klára Šíchová
- National Institute of Mental Health; Topolova 748 Klecany 250 67 Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Horáček
- National Institute of Mental Health; Topolova 748 Klecany 250 67 Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Holubová
- National Institute of Mental Health; Topolova 748 Klecany 250 67 Czech Republic
- Institute of Physiology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic v.v.i; videnska 1083 Prague 4 14220 Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Höschl
- National Institute of Mental Health; Topolova 748 Klecany 250 67 Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Stuchlík
- Institute of Physiology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic v.v.i; videnska 1083 Prague 4 14220 Czech Republic
| | - Faruk Erden
- Pharmacology Department; Kocaeli University Medical Faculty; Kocaeli 41380 Turkey
| | - Karel Valeš
- National Institute of Mental Health; Topolova 748 Klecany 250 67 Czech Republic
- Institute of Physiology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic v.v.i; videnska 1083 Prague 4 14220 Czech Republic
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Abstract
Transcriptional control of oxytocinergic cell development influences social, sexual, and appetite related behaviors and is implicated in disorders such as autism and Prader-Willi syndrome. Mediator 12 (Med12) is a transcriptional coactivator required for multiple facets of brain development including subsets of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons. We surveyed hormone gene expression within the hypothalamo-pituitary axis of med12 mutant zebrafish embryos with a focus on oxytocin (oxt) expression. Some transcripts, such as oxt, vasopressin (avp) and corticotrophin releasing hormone (crh) are undetectable in the med12 mutant, while others are upregulated or downregulated to varying degrees. In med12 mutants, the expression patterns of upstream transcriptional regulators of oxytocinergic cell development remain largely intact in the pre-optic area, suggesting a more direct influence of Med12 on oxt expression. We show that Med12 is required for Wnt signaling in zebrafish. However, oxt expression is unaffected in Wnt-inhibited embryos indicating independence of Wnt signaling. In fact, overactive Wnt signaling inhibits oxt expression, and we identify a Wnt-sensitive period starting at 24 h post fertilization (hpf). Thus, Med12 and repression of Wnt signaling display critical but unrelated roles in regulating oxt expression. Summary: Mediator 12, a transcriptional coactivator, greatly enhances Wnt signaling in the developing embryo. Separate from its role in Wnt signaling, Mediator 12 is required for oxytocin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma D Spikol
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, 4000 Reservoir Rd., Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Eric Glasgow
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, 4000 Reservoir Rd., Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Jarczok MN, Aguilar-Raab C, Koenig J, Kaess M, Borniger JC, Nelson RJ, Hall M, Ditzen B, Thayer JF, Fischer JE. The Heart´s rhythm 'n' blues: Sex differences in circadian variation patterns of vagal activity vary by depressive symptoms in predominantly healthy employees. Chronobiol Int 2018. [PMID: 29543518 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1439499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Successful regulation of emotional states is positively associated to mental health, while difficulties in regulating emotions are negatively associated to overall mental health and in particular associated with anxiety or depression symptoms. A key structure associated to socio-emotional regulatory processes is the central autonomic network. Activity in this structure is associated to vagal activity can be indexed noninvasively and simply by measures of peripheral cardiac autonomic modulations such as heart rate variability. Vagal activity exhibits a circadian variation pattern, with a maximum during nighttime. Depression is known to affect chronobiology. Also, depressive symptoms are known to be associated with decreased resting state vagal activity, but studies investigating the association between circadian variation pattern of vagal activity and depressive symptoms are scarce. We aim to examine these patterns in association to symptom severity of depression using chronobiologic methods. METHODS Data from the Manheim Industrial Cohort Studies (MICS) were used. A total of 3,030 predominantly healthy working adults underwent, among others, ambulatory 24-h hear rate-recordings, detailed health examination and online questionnaires and were available for this analysis. The root mean sum of successive differences (RMSSD) was used as an indicator of vagally mediated heart rate variability. Three individual-level cosine function parameters (MESOR, amplitude, acrophase) were estimated to quantify circadian variation pattern. Multivariate linear regression models including important covariates such as age, sex, and lifestyle factors as well as an interaction effect of sex with depressive symptoms were used to estimate the association of circadian variation pattern of vagal activity with depressive symptoms simultaneously. RESULTS The analysis sample consisted of 20.2% females and an average age 41 with standard deviation of 11 years. Nonparametric bivariate analysis revealed significant MESOR and amplitude differences between the 90th percentile split, but not on acrophase. Multivariate linear regression models estimated depressive symptoms to be negatively associated with the 24h mean (MESOR) and oscillation amplitude in men but positively associated in women. This pattern of findings indicates a blunted day-night rhythm of vagal activity in men with greater depressive symptoms as well as a moderation effect of sex in the association of CVP and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study investigating circadian variation pattern by mild depressive symptoms in a large, rather healthy occupational sample. Depressive symptoms were associated with decreased circadian variation pattern of vagal activity in men but with increased circadian variation pattern in women. The possible underlying mechanism(s) are discussed using the neurovisceral integration model. These findings may have implications for the knowledge on etiology, diagnosis, course, and treatment of depressive symptoms and thus may be of significant public health relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc N Jarczok
- a Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University , Heidelberg , Germany.,b Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy , Ulm University Medical Center , Ulm , Germany
| | - Corina Aguilar-Raab
- a Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Julian Koenig
- c Section for Translational Psychobiology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University , Heidelberg , Germany.,d University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Michael Kaess
- c Section for Translational Psychobiology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University , Heidelberg , Germany.,d University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Jeremy C Borniger
- e Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences , Stanford University School of Medicine , CA , USA
| | - Randy J Nelson
- f Department of Neuroscience , The Ohio State University Medical Center , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Martica Hall
- g Department of Psychiatry , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Beate Ditzen
- a Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Julian F Thayer
- h Department of Psychology , The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Joachim E Fischer
- i Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical School Mannheim, Heidelberg University , Germany
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Abstract
The endogenous oxytocin system plays a vital role in facilitating parturition, lactation and social interaction in humans and other mammals. It also impacts on a number of important endocrine, immune and neurotransmitter systems. A well-regulated oxytocin system has been proposed to increase resilience, and therefore reduce the likelihood of an individual developing mental illness or substance dependence. This review discusses the adverse external influences that can modulate oxytocin receptor and protein levels and impact on substance use and mental health. The paper highlights the impact of adversity such as poor maternal care, parental substance use and child abuse or neglect. We review clinical and preclinical data on the impact of adversity on the basis of the time of exposure from infancy and early childhood, to adolescence, adulthood to older age. Previous research suggests that dysregulation of the endogenous oxytocin system may be implicated in determining susceptibility to stress, anxiety, addiction and mental health conditions. The impact of external influence seems to be strongest in specific time periods where the system shows experience-based development or natural fluctuations in oxytocin levels. Interventions that target the oxytocin system during or soon after exposure to adversity may prove protective.
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Kushner SC, Herzhoff K, Vrshek-Schallhorn S, Tackett JL. Depression in early adolescence: Contributions from relational aggression and variation in the oxytocin receptor gene. Aggress Behav 2018; 44:60-68. [PMID: 28868757 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Interpersonal stress arising from relational aggression (RA)-the intentional effort to harm others via rejection and exclusion-may increase risk for depression in youth. Biological vulnerabilities related to the hormone oxytocin, which affects social behavior and stress responses, may exacerbate this risk. In a community sample of 307 youth (52% female; age range = 10-14 years), we tested whether (1) the association between RA and subsequent depressive symptoms was mediated through social problems and (2) a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs53576) in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) moderated this indirect association between RA and depression, where GG homozygotes are predicted to be more sensitive to the effects of social problems than A-allele carriers. Youth-reported RA and depressive symptoms were measured using a structured interview and a questionnaire, respectively. DNA was extracted from saliva collected with Oragene kits. Consistent with the interpersonal theory of depression, the association between relational aggression and subsequent depressive symptoms was mediated by social problems. This indirect effect was further moderated by rs53576 genotype, such that GG homozygotes showed a stronger mediation effect than A-carriers. These results suggest that rs53576 variants confer vulnerability for depression within the context of interpersonal risk factors, such that youth with the GG genotype may be particularly sensitive to the social consequences resulting from RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathrin Herzhoff
- Department of Psychology; Northwestern University; Evanston Illinois
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da Cruz KR, Turones LC, Camargo-Silva G, Gomes KP, Mendonça MM, Galdino P, Rodrigues-Silva C, Santos RAS, Costa EA, Ghedini PC, Ianzer D, Xavier CH. The hemoglobin derived peptide LVV-hemorphin-7 evokes behavioral effects mediated by oxytocin receptors. Neuropeptides 2017; 66:59-68. [PMID: 28985964 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
LVV-hemorphin-7 (LVV-h7) is bioactive peptide resulting from degradation of hemoglobin β-globin chain. LVV-h7 is a specific agonist of angiotensin IV receptor. This receptor belongs to the class of insulin-regulated aminopeptidases (IRAP), which displays oxytocinase activity. Herein, our aims were to assess whether: i) LVV-h7 modifies centrally organized behavior and cardiovascular responses to stress and ii) mechanisms underlying LVV-h7 effects involve activation of oxytocin (OT) receptors, probably as result of reduction of IRAP proteolytic activity upon OT. Adult male Wistar rats (270-370g) received (i.p.) injections of LVV-h7 (153nmol/kg), or vehicle (0.1ml). Different protocols were used: i) open field (OP) test for locomotor/exploratory activities; ii) Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) for anxiety-like behavior; iii) forced swimming test (FST) test for depression-like behavior and iv) air jet for cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress exposure. Diazepam (2mg/kg) and imipramine (15mg/kg) were used as positive control for EPM and FST, respectively. The antagonist of OT receptors (OTr), atosiban (1 and 0,1mg/kg), was used to determine the involvement of oxytocinergic paths. We found that LVV-h7: i) increased the number of entries and the time spent in open arms of the maze, an indicative of anxiolysis; ii) provoked antidepressant effect in the FS test; and iii) increased the exploration and locomotion; iv) did not change the cardiovascular reactivity and neuroendocrine responses to acute stress. Also, increases in locomotion and the antidepressant effects evoked by LVV-h7 were reverted by OTr antagonist. We conclude that LVV-h7 modulates behavior, displays antidepressant and anxiolytic effects that are mediated in part by oxytocin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen Rosa da Cruz
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Larissa Córdova Turones
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Camargo-Silva
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Karina Pereira Gomes
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Michelle Mendanha Mendonça
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Pablinny Galdino
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Christielly Rodrigues-Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Biochemistry, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Robson Augusto Souza Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Elson Alves Costa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Natural Products, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Ghedini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Biochemistry, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Danielle Ianzer
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Xavier
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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Jusiak K, Brudkowska Ż, Gołębiowska M, Morylowska-Topolska J, Gołębiowska B, Próchnicki M, Próchnicka A, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. The role of oxytocin in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/cpp-2017-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Until recently, oxytocin was mainly associated with the pathophysiology of childbirth and sexual functions, but lately this hormone has become the object of interest to psychiatry and psychology due to the significant influence of oxytocin on human behavior in the field of social and emotional functioning. Current scientific research focuses on the participation of oxytocin in the pathogenesis and therapy of mental disorders.
Aim: The aim of the paper is to present, on the basis of available literature, the significance of oxytocin for various psychological functions, with particular emphasis on the influence of oxytocin on the course and clinical picture of schizophrenia.
Method: Available articles from the Medline / PubMed database were analyzed, which were searched using keywords: oxytocin, schizophrenia, therapeutic use of oxytocin, social cognition, positive symptoms, negative symptoms and time descriptors: 2013-2017. There are included articles published in Polish and English.
Results:The research results carried out so far suggest that oxytocin plays a significant role in modulating complex socio-emotional behaviors in schizophrenic patients. The existing research results also indicate a relationship between the dysregulation of the oxytocinergic system and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Many of the studies prove that there is a relationship between the level of oxytocin in the patients' blood plasma and the severity of the disease symptoms. Recent genetic studies indicate a possible relationship between polymorphism of oxytocin genesand polymorphism of oxytocin receptor genes and the risk of developing schizophrenia.
Conclusions: Contemporary research on the therapeutic potential of oxytocin and its influence on the functioning of schizophrenia patients seem to be very promising and may contribute to increasing the effectiveness of treatment of schizophrenia and possibly other mental disorders, which in turn will improve the quality of life of patients in cognitive, social and emotional functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Jusiak
- I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention , Medical University of Lublin
| | - Żaneta Brudkowska
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry , Medical University of Lublin
| | - Maria Gołębiowska
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, III Chair of Pediatrics , Medical University of Lublin
| | | | - Beata Gołębiowska
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, III Chair of Pediatrics , Medical University of Lublin
| | - Michał Próchnicki
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry , Medical University of Lublin
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Liu J, Gong P, Li H, Zhou X. A field study of the association between CD38 gene and altruistic behavior: Empathic response as a mediator. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 85:165-171. [PMID: 28865941 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Inspired by the enhancement effects of oxytocin on empathic responses and altruistic behaviors, we conducted a field study with a real fundraising event and investigated to what extent oxytocin pathway genes (CD38 and OXTR) modulate individual differences in charitable donation. Participants were informed that a teacher in their university was diagnosed with uremia and could not afford the cost of medication. They were given the opportunity to donate any amount of money and report their empathic responses to the misfortune of the teacher. We found a significant association between CD38 rs3796863 and the amount of donation both before and after controlling for gender, age, subjective socioeconomic status, religious belief, and social desirability. Individuals with the genotypes (AA/AC) leading to higher oxytocin levels reported stronger empathic responses and donated more money than individuals with the CC genotype. Moreover, empathic response mediated the gene-altruism association. However, we observed no significant associations between the three polymorphisms of OXTR (rs53576, rs2254298, and rs1042778) and the amount of donation. This study demonstrates the importance of CD38 as a source of individual differences in altruistic behavior and highlights the role of empathic response in bridging the link between the oxytocin pathway gene and altruism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinting Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Guangdong 518060, China; College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Guangdong 518060, China; Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Pingyuan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Institute of Population and Health, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Hong Li
- College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Guangdong 518060, China; Center for Neurogenetics, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Guangdong 518060, China.
| | - Xiaolin Zhou
- Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Early rearing history influences oxytocin receptor epigenetic regulation in rhesus macaques. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:11769-11774. [PMID: 29078292 PMCID: PMC5676889 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1706206114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetically programmed stress adaptation may be a conduit for informing offspring of environmental challenge. We employed ChIP-sequencing to examine effects of early environment on epigenetic regulation using hippocampal samples from macaques exposed to disruption in maternal care. We found decreased H3K4me3 binding at genes critical to behavioral stress response, the most robust being the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), for which we observed a corresponding decrease in RNA expression. Post hoc analysis showed that a gain-of-function OXTR SNP rescued behavioral differences in early stress-exposed subjects. Our data suggest that epigenetic down-modulation of OXTR in brain could contribute to behavioral differences observed in early stress-exposed subjects and that functional genetic variation plays a role. These could have translational implications for human psychiatric disease and personality disorders. Adaptations to stress can occur through epigenetic processes and may be a conduit for informing offspring of environmental challenge. We employed ChIP-sequencing for H3K4me3 to examine effects of early maternal deprivation (peer-rearing, PR) in archived rhesus macaque hippocampal samples (male, n = 13). Focusing on genes with roles in stress response and behavior, we assessed the effects of rearing on H3K4me3 binding by ANOVA. We found decreased H3K4me3 binding at genes critical to behavioral stress response, the most robust being the oxytocin receptor gene OXTR, for which we observed a corresponding decrease in RNA expression. Based on this finding, we performed behavioral analyses to determine whether a gain-of-function nonsynonymous OXTR SNP interacted with early stress to influence relevant behavioral stress reactivity phenotypes (n = 194), revealing that this SNP partially rescued the PR phenotype. PR infants exhibited higher levels of separation anxiety and arousal in response to social separation, but infants carrying the alternative OXTR allele did not exhibit as great a separation response. These data indicate that the oxytocin system is involved in social-separation response and suggest that epigenetic down-modulation of OXTR could contribute to behavioral differences observed in PR animals. Epigenetic changes at OXTR may represent predictive adaptive responses that could impart readiness to respond to environmental challenge or maintain proximity to a caregiver but also contribute to behavioral pathology. Our data also demonstrate that OXTR polymorphism can permit animals to partially overcome the detrimental effects of early maternal deprivation, which could have translational implications for human psychiatric disorders.
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Direct Involvement of Androgen Receptor in Oxytocin Gene Expression: Possible Relevance for Mood Disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:2064-2071. [PMID: 28447621 PMCID: PMC5561345 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT), synthesized in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and then released into different brain areas, may play a crucial role in various behaviors and neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. Testosterone has been proposed by clinical studies to have the opposite effect of oxytocin in these disorders. We began by studying, in the postmortem hypothalamus of fifteen patients with mood disorders and fifteen matched controls, the expression of OXT in the PVN by means of immunocytochemistry (ICC) and the co-localization of OXT and androgen receptor (AR) by means of double labeling ICC. Subsequently, the regulatory effect of AR on OXT gene expression was studied in vitro. We found a higher expression of PVN OXT in the mood disorder patients than in the control subjects, and observed a clear co-localization of AR in OXT-expressing neurons, both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. In addition, a significant decrease in OXT-mRNA levels was observed after pre-incubation of the SK-N-SH cells with testosterone. A further potential androgen-responsive element in the human OXT gene promotor was revealed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and co-transfections in neuroblastoma cells. Finally, in vitro studies demonstrated that AR mediated the down-regulation of OXT gene expression. These results suggest that the fact that OXT and testosterone appear to have opposite effects in neuropsychiatric disorders might be based upon a direct inhibition of AR on OXT transcription, which may provide a novel target for therapeutic strategies in depression.
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Tollenaar MS, Molendijk ML, Penninx BWJH, Milaneschi Y, Antypa N. The association of childhood maltreatment with depression and anxiety is not moderated by the oxytocin receptor gene. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2017; 267:517-526. [PMID: 28353027 PMCID: PMC5561157 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-017-0784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene may be involved in resilience or vulnerability towards stress, and hence in the development of stress-related disorders. There are indications that OXTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) interact with early life stressors in predicting levels of depression and anxiety. To replicate and extend these findings, we examined whether three literature-based OXTR SNPs (rs2254298, rs53576, rs2268498) interact with childhood maltreatment in the development of clinically diagnosed depression and anxiety disorders. METHODS We included 2567 individuals from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. This sample consisted of 387 healthy controls, 428 people with a current or past depressive disorder, 243 people with a current or past anxiety disorder, and 1509 people with both lifetime depression and anxiety diagnoses. Childhood maltreatment was measured with both an interview and via self-report. Additional questionnaires measured depression and anxiety sensitivity. RESULTS Childhood maltreatment was strongly associated with both lifetime depression and anxiety diagnoses, as well as with depression and anxiety sensitivity. However, the OXTR SNPs did not moderate these associations nor had main effects on outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The three OXTR gene SNPs did not interact with childhood maltreatment in predicting lifetime depression and anxiety diagnoses or sensitivity. This stresses the importance of replication studies with regard to OXTR gene variants in general populations as well as in clearly established clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke S Tollenaar
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Marc L Molendijk
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research and Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center/GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yuri Milaneschi
- Department of Psychiatry, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research and Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center/GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niki Antypa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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McInnis OA, McQuaid RJ, Matheson K, Anisman H. Relations between plasma oxytocin, depressive symptoms and coping strategies in response to a stressor: the impact of social support. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2017; 30:575-584. [PMID: 28573887 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2017.1333604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social support can serve as a protective factor against the negative impacts of stressors and may thereby promote well-being. As well, exogenous administration of oxytocin has been tied to diminished stress responses and might also enhance the effects of social support. METHODS/RESULTS In the current study, conducted among female undergraduate students (N = 67), higher depressive symptoms were related to lower endorsements of problem-focused coping in response to a psychosocial stressor comprising the Trier Social Stress test (TSST). However, the relation between depressive symptoms and problem-focused coping was absent among participants who had a close female friend present serving as social support prior to the stressor experience. Additionally, endogenous plasma oxytocin levels were related to certain coping strategies being favored (e.g., problem-solving, humor, cognitive distraction, self-blame and support seeking) in response to the psychosocial stressor. However, the strength of these relations varied as a function of whether individuals had social support present or not. CONCLUSION These findings confirm the positive impact of social support in attenuating the relation between depressive symptoms and specific coping methods. The results of this study are consistent with view that oxytocin levels are accompanied by particular stress responses, possibly through the promotion of coping methods endorsed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opal A McInnis
- a Department of Neuroscience , Carleton University , Ottawa , Canada
| | - Robyn J McQuaid
- a Department of Neuroscience , Carleton University , Ottawa , Canada
| | - Kimberly Matheson
- a Department of Neuroscience , Carleton University , Ottawa , Canada.,b Institute of Mental Health Research , Royal Ottawa Hospital , Ottawa , Canada
| | - Hymie Anisman
- a Department of Neuroscience , Carleton University , Ottawa , Canada
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Amini-Khoei H, Mohammadi-Asl A, Amiri S, Hosseini MJ, Momeny M, Hassanipour M, Rastegar M, Haj-Mirzaian A, Mirzaian AH, Sanjarimoghaddam H, Mehr SE, Dehpour AR. Oxytocin mitigated the depressive-like behaviors of maternal separation stress through modulating mitochondrial function and neuroinflammation. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 76:169-178. [PMID: 28259722 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mother-infant contact has a critical role on brain development and behavior. Experiencing early-life adversities (such as maternal separation stress or MS in rodents) results in adaptations of neurotransmission systems, which may subsequently increase the risk of depression symptoms later in life. In this study, we show that Oxytocin (OT) exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous studies indicate that neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are associated with the pathophysiology of depression. To investigate the antidepressant-like effects of OT, we applied MS paradigm (as a valid animal model of depression) to male mice at postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 14 (3h daily, 9AM to 12AM) and investigated the depressive-like behaviors of these animals at PND 60 in different groups. Animals in this work were divided into 4 experimental groups: 1) saline-treated, 2) OT-treated, 3) atosiban (OT antagonist)-treated and, 4) OT+ atosiban-treated mice. We used forced swimming test (FST), splash test, sucrose preference test (SPT) and open field test (OFT) for behavioral assessment. Additionally, we used another set of animals to investigate the effects of MS and different treatments on mitochondrial function and the expression of the relevant genes for neuroinflammation. Our results showed that MS provoked depressive- like behaviors in the FST, SPT and splash test. In addition, our molecular findings revealed that MS is capable of inducing abnormal mitochondrial function and immune-inflammatory response in the hippocampus. Further, we observed that treating stressed animals with OT (intracerebroventricular, i.c.v. injection) attenuated the MS-induced depressive-like behaviors through improving mitochondrial function and decreasing the hippocampal expression of immune-inflammatory genes. In conclusion, we showed that MS-induced depressive-like behaviors in adult male mice are associated with abnormal mitochondrial function and immune-inflammatory responses in the hippocampus, and activation of OTergic system has protective effects against negative effects of MS on brain and behavior of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi-Asl
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayan Amiri
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mir-Jamal Hosseini
- Zanjan Applied Pharmacology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Majid Momeny
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Hassanipour
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Arya Haj-Mirzaian
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arvin Haj- Mirzaian
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shahram Ejtemaei Mehr
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Gerra LM, Gerra G, Mercolini L, Manfredini M, Somaini L, Pieri CM, Antonioni M, Protti M, Ossola P, Marchesi C. Increased oxytocin levels among abstinent heroin addicts: Association with aggressiveness, psychiatric symptoms and perceived childhood neglect. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 75:70-76. [PMID: 28093220 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A disruption of the oxytocin system seems to affect a variety of brain functions including emotions, mood and social behavior possibly underlying severe social deficits and susceptibility for substance use and mental health disorders. Early life adversity, such as insecure attachment in childhood, has been suggested to influence oxytocin tone contributing to a condition of neurobiological vulnerability. Aim of the present study was to investigate oxytocin serum levels in abstinent heroin addicted patients, in comparison with healthy controls, and the possible correlation with co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, aggressiveness and perception of parental neglect. Eighteen (18) abstinent patients, affected by heroin use disorders, and 18 control subjects, who never used drugs or abused alcohol, were included in the study and submitted to 1) collection of a blood sample for oxytocin assay, 2) Symptoms Check List 90 for psychiatric symptoms evaluation 3) Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory to measure aggressiveness 4) Child Experience of Care and Abuse-Questionnaire to retrospectively test the perception of parental neglect. Heroin exposure extent and heroin dosages were also recorded. Oxytocin serum levels were unexpectedly significantly higher among abstinent patients affected by heroin use disorders and positively correlated with psychiatric symptoms, aggressiveness and mother neglect scores. No correlation was evidenced between oxytocin and heroin exposure extent or dosages. Our findings appear to contradict the simplistic view of oxytocin as a pro-social hormone and confirm previous evidence concerning the peptide levels direct association with aggressive behavior and mood disorders. Considering a more complex mechanism, oxytocin would increase the sensitivity to social salience cues related to contextual or inter-individual factors, promoting pro-sociality in "safe" conditions and, in contrast, inducing more defensive and "anti-social" emotions and behaviors when the social cues are interpreted as "unsafe". This latter condition is often characterizing the clinical history of addicted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia M Gerra
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gilberto Gerra
- Drug Prevention and Health Branch, Division for Operations, United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Mercolini
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT) Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Service, Cossato, Biella, Italy.
| | - Chiara M Pieri
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Service, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maina Antonioni
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
| | - Michele Protti
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT) Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Ossola
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Marchesi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Wasilewska K, Pawlak A, Kostrzewa G, Sobczyk-Kopcioł A, Kaczorowska A, Badowski J, Brzozowska M, Drygas W, Piwoński J, Bielecki W, Płoski R. OXTR polymorphism in depression and completed suicide-A study on a large population sample. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 77:84-89. [PMID: 28024273 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the light of contradictory results concerning OXTR polymorphism rs53576 and depression, we decided to verify the potential association between the two on 1) a large, ethnically homogenous sample of 1185 individuals who completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), as well as on 2) a sample of 763 suicide victims. In the population sample, AA males showed significantly lower BDI scores (p=0.005, pcor=0.030). Exploratory analyses suggested that this effect was limited to a subgroup within 0-9 BDI score range (p=0.0007, U-Mann Whitney test), whereas no main effect on depressive symptoms (BDI>9) was found. In the suicide sample no association with rs53576 genotype was present. Exploratory analyses in suicides revealed higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) among AA than GG/GA males (p=0.014, U-Mann Whitney test). Our results show that the OXTR rs53576 variant modulates the mood in male individuals and may positively correlate with alcohol intake among male suicides, but is not associated with suicide or depression. The study adds to the growing knowledge on rs53576 genotype characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Wasilewska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Pawlak
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland; Department of Clinical Nursing, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Erazma Ciołka 27, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grażyna Kostrzewa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sobczyk-Kopcioł
- Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kaczorowska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Badowski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Brzozowska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Drygas
- Department of Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Institute of Cardiology, ul. Niemodlińska 33, 04-635 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Piwoński
- Department of Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Institute of Cardiology, ul. Niemodlińska 33, 04-635 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Bielecki
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Łódź, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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Eckstein M, Markett S, Kendrick KM, Ditzen B, Liu F, Hurlemann R, Becker B. Oxytocin differentially alters resting state functional connectivity between amygdala subregions and emotional control networks: Inverse correlation with depressive traits. Neuroimage 2017; 149:458-467. [PMID: 28161309 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.01.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has received increasing attention for its role in modulating social-emotional processes across species. Previous studies on using intranasal-OT in humans point to a crucial engagement of the amygdala in the observed neuromodulatory effects of OT under task and rest conditions. However, the amygdala is not a single homogenous structure, but rather a set of structurally and functionally heterogeneous nuclei that show distinct patterns of connectivity with limbic and frontal emotion-processing regions. To determine potential differential effects of OT on functional connectivity of the amygdala subregions, 79 male participants underwent resting-state fMRI following randomized intranasal-OT or placebo administration. In line with previous studies OT increased the connectivity of the total amygdala with dorso-medial prefrontal regions engaged in emotion regulation. In addition, OT enhanced coupling of the total amygdala with cerebellar regions. Importantly, OT differentially altered the connectivity of amygdala subregions with distinct up-stream cortical nodes, particularly prefrontal/parietal, and cerebellar down-stream regions. OT-induced increased connectivity with cerebellar regions were largely driven by effects on the centromedial and basolateral subregions, whereas increased connectivity with prefrontal regions were largely mediated by right superficial and basolateral subregions. OT decreased connectivity of the centromedial subregions with core hubs of the emotional face processing network in temporal, occipital and parietal regions. Preliminary findings suggest that effects on the superficial amygdala-prefrontal pathway were inversely associated with levels of subclinical depression, possibly indicating that OT modulation may be blunted in the context of increased pathological load. Together, the present findings suggest a subregional-specific modulatory role of OT on amygdala-centered emotion processing networks in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Eckstein
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, D-69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Markett
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, D-53127 Bonn, Germany; Center for Economics and Neuroscience, University of Bonn, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, D-69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA
| | - Rene Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin Becker
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China.
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Sippel LM, Allington CE, Pietrzak RH, Harpaz-Rotem I, Mayes LC, Olff M. Oxytocin and Stress-related Disorders: Neurobiological Mechanisms and Treatment Opportunities. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2017; 1:2470547016687996. [PMID: 28649672 PMCID: PMC5482285 DOI: 10.1177/2470547016687996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Novel pharmacotherapies that improve outcomes for individuals with stress-related psychiatric disorders are needed. The neurohormone oxytocin (OT) is a promising candidate given its influence on the social-emotional brain. In this review, we present an overview of evidence supporting OT's utility for treating major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. We first discuss endogenous OT, which research suggests is not yet a reliable biomarker of stress-related disorders. Second, we review effects of intranasal (IN) OT on processes relevant to stress-related disorders in healthy populations (anhedonia, reward processing, psychosocial stress reactivity, fear/anxiety, and social behavior) and their neurobiological mechanisms (e.g., the salience network and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). Third, we present the sparse but promising findings from clinical populations, followed by discussion of critical moderating variables to consider in the service of maximizing the therapeutic potential of OT (e.g., patient sex and child maltreatment). We also identify heterogeneous findings and limitations of existing research, including reliance on single-dose studies in psychiatrically healthy samples and unanswered questions regarding the effectiveness of IN drug delivery and dosing schedules. Well-controlled multidose studies including women and measures of potentially moderating variables are sorely needed and would inform our understanding of the utility of OT for preventing and treating stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Sippel
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division,
VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale
University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Robert H. Pietrzak
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division,
VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale
University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division,
VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale
University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic
Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen,
The Netherlands
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Immune and Neuroendocrine Mechanisms of Stress Vulnerability and Resilience. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:62-80. [PMID: 27291462 PMCID: PMC5143517 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic criteria for mood disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD) largely ignore biological factors in favor of behavioral symptoms. Compounding this paucity of psychiatric biomarkers is a need for therapeutics to adequately treat the 30-50% of MDD patients who are unresponsive to traditional antidepressant medications. Interestingly, MDD is highly prevalent in patients suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions, and MDD patients exhibit higher levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Together, these clinical findings suggest a role for the immune system in vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric illness. A growing body of literature also implicates the immune system in stress resilience and coping. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which peripheral and central immune cells act on the brain to affect stress-related neurobiological and neuroendocrine responses. We specifically focus on the roles of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling, peripheral monocyte infiltration, microglial activation, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity in stress vulnerability. We also highlight recent evidence suggesting that adaptive immune responses and treatment with immune modulators (exogenous glucocorticoids, humanized antibodies against cytokines) may decrease depressive symptoms and thus represent an attractive alternative to the current antidepressant treatments.
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86
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Tollenaar MS, Ruissen M, Elzinga BM, de Bruijn ERA. Does oxytocin lead to emotional interference during a working memory paradigm? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:3467-3474. [PMID: 28913643 PMCID: PMC5691090 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin administration may increase attention to emotional information. We hypothesized that this augmented emotional processing might in turn lead to interference on concurrent cognitive tasks. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether oxytocin administration would lead to heightened emotional interference during a working memory paradigm. Additionally, moderating effects of childhood maltreatment were explored. METHODS Seventy-eight healthy males received 24 IU of intranasal oxytocin or placebo in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind between-subjects study. A working memory task was performed during which neutral, positive, and negative distractors were presented. RESULTS The main outcome observed was that oxytocin did not enhance interference by emotional information during the working memory task. There was a non-significant trend for oxytocin to slow down performance irrespective of distractor valence, while accuracy was unaffected. Exploratory analyses showed that childhood maltreatment was related to lower overall accuracy, but in the placebo condition only. However, the maltreated group sample size was very small precluding any conclusions on its moderating effect. CONCLUSIONS Despite oxytocin's previously proposed role in enhanced emotional processing, no proof was found that this would lead to reduced performance on a concurrent cognitive task. The routes by which oxytocin exerts its effects on cognitive and social-emotional processes remain to be fully elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke S Tollenaar
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - M Ruissen
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - B M Elzinga
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - E R A de Bruijn
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
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87
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McInnis OA, McQuaid RJ, Matheson K, Anisman H. Unsupportive social interactions and affective states: examining associations of two oxytocin-related polymorphisms. Stress 2017; 20:122-129. [PMID: 28235397 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1286326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on oxytocin-related genes, specifically the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) rs53576 and the CD38 rs3796863 variants, have been associated with alterations in prosocial behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students (N = 476) to examine associations between the OXTR and CD38 polymorphisms and unsupportive social interactions and mood states. Results revealed no association between perceived levels of unsupportive social interactions and the OXTR polymorphism. However, A carriers of the CD38 polymorphism, a variant previously associated with elevated oxytocin, reported greater perceived peer unsupportive interactions compared to CC carriers. As expected, perceived unsupportive interactions from peers was associated with greater negative affect, which was moderated by the CD38 polymorphism. Specifically, this relation was stronger among CC carriers of the CD38 polymorphism (a variant thought to be linked to lower oxytocin). When examining whether the OXTR polymorphism moderated the relation between unsupportive social interactions from peers and negative affect there was a trend toward significance, however, this did not withstand multiple testing corrections. These findings are consistent with the perspective that a variant on an oxytocin polymorphism that may be tied to lower oxytocin is related to poor mood outcomes in association with negative social interactions. At the same time, having a genetic constitution presumed to be associated with higher oxytocin was related to increased perceptions of unsupportive social interactions. These seemingly paradoxical findings could be related to previous reports in which variants associated with prosocial behaviors were also tied to relatively more effective coping styles to deal with challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opal A McInnis
- a Department of Neuroscience , Carleton University , Ottawa , ON , Canada
| | - Robyn J McQuaid
- a Department of Neuroscience , Carleton University , Ottawa , ON , Canada
| | - Kimberly Matheson
- a Department of Neuroscience , Carleton University , Ottawa , ON , Canada
| | - Hymie Anisman
- a Department of Neuroscience , Carleton University , Ottawa , ON , Canada
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88
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Toepfer P, Heim C, Entringer S, Binder E, Wadhwa P, Buss C. Oxytocin pathways in the intergenerational transmission of maternal early life stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 73:293-308. [PMID: 28027955 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Severe stress in early life, such as childhood abuse and neglect, constitutes a major risk factor in the etiology of psychiatric disorders and somatic diseases. Importantly, these long-term effects may impact the next generation. The intergenerational transmission of maternal early life stress (ELS) may occur via pre-and postnatal pathways, such as alterations in maternal-fetal-placental stress physiology, maternal depression during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as impaired mother-offspring interactions. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has gained considerable attention for its role in modulating all of these assumed transmission pathways. Moreover, central and peripheral OT signaling pathways are highly sensitive to environmental exposures and may be compromised by ELS with implications for these putative transmission mechanisms. Together, these data suggest that OT pathways play an important role in the intergenerational transmission of maternal ELS in humans. By integrating recent studies on gene-environment interactions and epigenetic modifications in OT pathway genes, the present review aims to develop a conceptual framework of intergenerational transmission of maternal ELS that emphasizes the role of OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Toepfer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Heim
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany; UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Blvd. W, Suite 810, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Elisabeth Binder
- Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
| | - Pathik Wadhwa
- UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Blvd. W, Suite 810, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Claudia Buss
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany; UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Blvd. W, Suite 810, Orange, CA, 92868, USA.
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89
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Estradiol variability, stressful life events, and the emergence of depressive symptomatology during the menopausal transition. Menopause 2016; 23:257-66. [PMID: 26529616 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to examine the role of estradiol fluctuation in triggering depressive symptoms in the menopausal transition and assess the role of recent very stressful life events (VSLEs) as a moderating factor in this relationship. METHODS A total of 52 euthymic women in the menopausal transition or early postmenopause (age 45-60) who were assigned to the placebo arm of a randomized controlled trial of hormone therapy provided the data for this report. At enrollment, women's experience of recent VSLEs, depressive symptoms, serum estradiol, and progesterone were assessed. At months 1, 8, and 14, depressive symptoms and hormones were reassessed, and participants underwent a stressor battery involving a speech and a mental arithmetic task. Participants rated their feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, and rejection. The standard deviation of estradiol provided an index of hormone variability over the entire 14 months. RESULTS Greater estradiol variability across the 14 months predicted greater depressive symptoms at month 14, though only in women reporting a higher number of VSLEs at baseline (39% of women reported ≤1 recent event). Greater estradiol variability also predicted greater feelings of rejection to the laboratory stressor at months 8 and 14. Furthermore, among women reporting higher VSLEs at baseline, feelings of rejection in response to the laboratory stressor at month 8 predicted depressive symptoms at month 14. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that estradiol variability may enhance emotional sensitivity to psychosocial stress, particularly sensitivity to social rejection. Combined with VSLEs proximate to the menopausal transition, this increased sensitivity may contribute to the development of depressed mood.
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90
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Francis SM, Kirkpatrick MG, de Wit H, Jacob S. Urinary and plasma oxytocin changes in response to MDMA or intranasal oxytocin administration. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 74:92-100. [PMID: 27592327 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has received increased experimental attention for its putative role in both normal social functioning and several psychiatric disorders that are partially characterized by social dysfunction (e.g., autism spectrum disorders: ASD). Many human experimental studies measure circulating plasma levels of OT in order to examine the relationship between the hormone and behavior. Urinary OT (uOT) assays offer a simple, easy, and non-invasive method to measure peripheral hormone levels, but the correspondence between uOT and plasma OT (pOT) levels is unclear. Here, we conducted two within-subjects, double-blind studies exploring changes in uOT and pOT levels following administration of two drugs: MDMA, an oxytocin-releasing drug (Study 1), and intranasal oxytocin (INOT: Study 1 and 2). METHODS In Study 1, 14 adult participants (2 females) were each administered either oral 1.5mg/kg MDMA or 40IU INOT across two different study sessions. In Study 2, 10 male participants (adolescents and young adults) diagnosed with ASD received either 40IU INOT or placebo across two different sessions. In both studies, blood and urine samples were collected before and after drug administration at each study session. For Study 1, 10 participants provided valid plasma and urine samples for the MDMA session, and 8 provided valid samples for the INOT session. For Study 2, all 10 participants provided valid samples for both INOT and placebo sessions. Pre- and post-administration levels of pOT and uOT were compared. Additionally, correlations between percent change from baseline uOT and pOT levels were examined. RESULTS Study 1: Plasma OT and uOT levels significantly increased after administration of MDMA and INOT. Furthermore, uOT levels were positively correlated with pOT levels following administration of MDMA (r=0.57, p=0.042) but not INOT (r=0.51, p=0.097). Study 2: There was a significant increase in uOT levels after administration of INOT, but not after administration of placebo. Under both conditions, INOT and placebo, significant increases in pOT levels were not observed. Additionally, change from baseline uOT and pOT levels were positively correlated (r=0.57, p=0.021). There was no significant correlation between uOT and pOT levels following placebo administration. CONCLUSION Our results show a measurable and significant increase in pOT and uOT levels after the administration of MDMA (Study 1) and INOT (Study 1 and Study 2). Additionally, a positive correlation between uOT and pOT levels was observed in both samples (healthy adults and ASD patients) in at least one condition. However, uOT and pOT levels were not correlated under all conditions, suggesting that uOT levels do not fully correspond to pOT levels in the time windows we measured. Future studies should further examine the relationship between levels of pOT and uOT in healthy and clinical populations on measures of social behavior because uOT may serve as an additional non-invasive method to measure peripheral OT changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunday M Francis
- Institute of Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA.
| | - Matthew G Kirkpatrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, A27 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, A27 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Suma Jacob
- Institute of Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA.
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91
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Group identity, discrimination, and well-being: confluence of psychosocial and neurobiological factors. Curr Opin Psychol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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92
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Jeong HJ, Yang SY, Kim HY, Kim NR, Jang JB, Kim HM. Chelidonic acid evokes antidepressant-like effect through the up-regulation of BDNF in forced swimming test. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 241:1559-67. [PMID: 27037280 PMCID: PMC4994898 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216642044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is usually accompanied by neuro-inflammatory reactions. Chelidonic acid, in particular, has shown anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-depressant effects of chelidonic acid and to discuss the potential mechanisms of a forced swimming test. Chelidonic acid was administered orally once a day for 14 days. On the 14th day, chelidonic acid resulted in a significant decrease in immobility time during the forced swimming test without alteration of locomotor activity, in an open field test. Chelidonic acid also increased the number of nissl bodies in the hippocampus. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase phosphorylation in the hippocampus were up-regulated by the administration of chelidonic acid. Chelidonic acid administration significantly increased the mRNA expression of hippocampal estrogen receptor-β. The levels of hippocampal interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were effectively attenuated by the administration of chelidonic acid. In addition, chelidonic acid significantly increased the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), dopamine, and norepinephrine compared with those levels for the mice that were administered distilled water in the hippocampus. These results suggest that chelidonic acid might serve as a new therapeutic strategy for the regulation of depression associated with inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ja Jeong
- Department of Food Technology and NanoBio Tronics, Hoseo University, Asan 336-795, Republic of Korea
| | - Shi-Young Yang
- Professional Graduate School of Flexible and Printable Electronics, Center for R&D Strategy, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Yun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Rae Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Bum Jang
- Regional Innovation Center and Inflammatory Disease Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan 336-795, Republic of Korea *The first two authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Hyung-Min Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
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93
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Moura D, Canavarro MC, Figueiredo-Braga M. Oxytocin and depression in the perinatal period-a systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health 2016; 19:561-70. [PMID: 27295067 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-016-0643-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common postnatal psychiatric disorder, and it represents a considerable problem to the health and well-being of women and their families. Several pathogenic mechanisms have been identified in PPD, and recently, oxytocin (OT), known to be involved in childbirth and lactation, has drawn attention as a possible diagnostic and therapeutic tool in this disorder. The aim of this review was to assess and summarize the current literature on the relationship between OT as a potential depressive biomarker and depression in the perinatal period. We conducted a literature search on four electronic databases (Pubmed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Science Direct) by applying the following search terms: oxytocin AND (postpartum OR postnatal OR perinatal OR peripartum) AND (depression OR depressive). Six studies were included and a total of 620 pregnant women were recruited and completed the follow-up. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using self-report scales, and in three studies, the diagnosis of major depression was additionally confirmed using semi-structured interviews. Peripheral OT levels and depression were assessed during pregnancy and/or after delivery. Higher OT levels were associated with lower depressive symptoms, even if this association lacked statistical significance in two studies. Although some studies are beginning to shed light upon the complex nature of OT's effect in depression, its role as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in PPD is still unclear. Future research is needed to clarify the neuroendocrinological and psychosocial particularities of mothers with PPD and to define a specific profile associated with OT dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Moura
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Canavarro
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Apart. 6153, 3001-802, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Figueiredo-Braga
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal. .,I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, R. Alfredo Allen, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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94
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Cardoso C, Valkanas H, Serravalle L, Ellenbogen MA. Oxytocin and social context moderate social support seeking in women during negative memory recall. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 70:63-9. [PMID: 27164224 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is theorized to promote social support seeking under stress- an alternate biobehavioural response to challenge known as the tend-and-befriend response. These effects may be context dependent, however, and no study has evaluated this effect in the presence and absence of social support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oxytocin on the experience of recalling emotional autobiographical memories in two contexts-with and without social contact with an experimenter. METHOD Sixty-three individuals (32 female) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and within-subject study. RESULTS During recall of negative memories in the absence of social contact, oxytocin decreased perceived emotional support relative to placebo F(1,62)=10.75, p=0.002. In this same context, women who were motivated to affiliate with the experimenter following oxytocin administration showed this effect in greater magnitude t(57)=-2.04, p=0.047, but showed the reverse effect (i.e. increased perceived support in response to oxytocin) when social contact with the experimenter was available t(57)=2.78, p=0.007. Male participants did not evidence this pattern. CONCLUSION These findings support the role of oxytocin in social support seeking in distressed women, and highlight the negative consequences of increasing oxytocin bioavailability in the absence of social support. Supportive relationships may be necessary to elicit the prosocial effects oxytocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Cardoso
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Helen Valkanas
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa Serravalle
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark A Ellenbogen
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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95
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McQuaid RJ, McInnis OA, Matheson K, Anisman H. Oxytocin and Social Sensitivity: Gene Polymorphisms in Relation to Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:358. [PMID: 27486392 PMCID: PMC4949220 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the neuropeptide oxytocin has been associated with enhanced prosocial behaviors, it has also been linked to aggression and mental health disorders. Thus, it was suggested that oxytocin might act by increasing the salience of social stimuli, irrespective of whether these are positive or negative, thus increasing vulnerability to negative mental health outcomes. The current study (N = 243), conducted among white university students, examined the relation of trauma, depressive symptoms including suicidal ideation in relation to a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), rs53576, and a SNP on the CD38 gene that controls oxytocin release, rs3796863. Individuals with the polymorphism on both alleles (AA genotype) of the CD38 SNP had previously been linked to elevated plasma oxytocin levels. Consistent with the social sensitivity perspective, however, in the current study, individuals carrying the AA genotype displayed elevated feelings of alienation from parents and peers as well as increased levels of suicidal ideation. Moreover, they tended to report elevated depressive symptoms compared to CC homozygotes. It was also observed that the CD38 genotype moderated the relation between trauma and suicidal ideation scores, such that high levels of trauma were associated with elevated suicidal ideation among all CD38 genotypes, but this relationship was stronger among individuals with the AA genotype. In contrast, there was no relationship between the OXTR SNP, rs53576, depression or suicidal ideation. These findings support a social sensitivity hypothesis of oxytocin, wherein the AA genotype of the CD38 SNP, which has been considered the "protective allele" was associated with increased sensitivity and susceptibility to disturbed social relations and suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn J McQuaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Opal A McInnis
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Hymie Anisman
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University Ottawa, ON, Canada
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96
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Depression-like behaviors in tree shrews and comparison of the effects of treatment with fluoxetine and carbetocin. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 145:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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97
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Cavanaugh J, Carp SB, Rock CM, French JA. Oxytocin modulates behavioral and physiological responses to a stressor in marmoset monkeys. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 66:22-30. [PMID: 26771946 PMCID: PMC6007987 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation is a major source of stress and can lead to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The presence of a close social partner can reduce the magnitude of the HPA-axis response during a stressor, a phenomenon known as social buffering. The oxytocin (OXT) system has been identified as one candidate for mediating social buffering due to its role in the facilitation of social bonding and the expression of prosocial behavior. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the OXT system contributes to social buffering of HPA-axis activity in response to stressor exposure in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus). Male and female marmosets experienced a standardized psychogenic stressor with and without their long-term mate under OXT-treatments (Pro(8)-OXT, Leu(8)-OXT, OXT antagonist, and saline); we assessed HPA-axis activity by measuring urinary cortisol across the stressor. We found that blocking, but not augmenting, the OXT system altered patterns of cortisol and proximity behavior in response to a stressor. We demonstrated that (1) the presence of a mate during a stressor significantly attenuated HPA-axis activity in female, but not male, marmosets; (2) male, but not female, marmosets treated with an OXT antagonist had significantly higher HPA-axis activity across the stressor than when they were treated with saline, suggesting that the OXT system may reduce the stressor-induced rise in cortisol levels; (3) male and female marmosets treated with an OXT antagonist spent significantly less time in close proximity to their mate during the first 30 min of the stressor than when they were treated with saline, suggesting that the OXT system may be important for the expression of partner-seeking behavior during a stressor. Thus, the OXT system and social context differentially influenced how the HPA-axis responded to a stressor in male and female marmosets, and may modulate HPA-axis activity by promoting the expression of proximity behavior with a close social partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Cavanaugh
- Callitrichid Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States.
| | - Sarah B Carp
- Callitrichid Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States
| | - Chelsea M Rock
- Callitrichid Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Callitrichid Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States; Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States
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98
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Massey SH, Backes KA, Schuette SA. PLASMA OXYTOCIN CONCENTRATION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE AND DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH. Depress Anxiety 2016; 33:316-22. [PMID: 26756305 PMCID: PMC4818702 DOI: 10.1002/da.22467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is substantial recent interest in the role of oxytocin in social and affiliative behaviors-animal models of depression have suggested a link between oxytocin and mood. We reviewed literature to date for evidence of a potential relationship between peripheral oxytocin concentration and depressive symptoms in humans. Pubmed(®) and PsychINFO(®) were searched for biomedical and social sciences literature from 1960 to May 19, 2015 for empirical articles in English involving human subjects focused on the relationship between peripheral oxytocin concentration and depressive symptoms, excluding articles on the oxytocin receptor gene, or involving exogenous (i.e. intranasal) administration of oxytocin. Eight studies meeting criteria were identified and formally reviewed. Studies of pregnant women suggested an inverse relationship between oxytocin level and depressive symptom severity. Findings in nonpregnant women were broadly consistent with the role of oxytocin release in response to stress supported by animal studies. The relationship between oxytocin and depression in men appeared to be in the opposite direction, possibly reflecting the influence of gonadal hormones on oxytocinergic functioning found in other mammalian species. Overall, small sample sizes, heterogeneity in study designs, and other methodological limitations may account for inconsistent findings. Future research utilizing reliable oxytocin measurement protocols including measurements across time, larger sample sizes, and sample homogeneity with respect to multiple possible confounders (age, gender, race and ethnicity, ovarian status among women, and psychosocial context) are needed to elucidate the role of oxytocin in the pathogenesis of depression, and could guide the design of novel pharmacologic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suena H. Massey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 North Saint Clair Street, 19th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Katherine A Backes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Stephanie A. Schuette
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 North Saint Clair Street, 19th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Maternal separation during nursing alters basal neuroendocrine levels in juvenile and adult rats. BIOMEDICA 2016; 36:67-77. [PMID: 27622440 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v36i1.2830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Work with different animal models including that of maternal separation during nursing has shown that early adverse experiences such as abuse, maternal abandonment and psychosocial stress may favor the development of various psychopathologies. However, several neuroendocrine changes have not been completely described yet. OBJECTIVE To establish whether maternal separation during nursing modifies the basal levels of neurohormones such as corticosterone, ACTH, oxytocin and vasopressin in juvenile and adult rats (aged 35 and 90 days, respectively). MATERIALS AND METHODS Wistar rats were separated from their mothers for two periods of 3 hours per day during the 21 days of nursing. Once these rats had reached 35 and then 90 days of age, blood samples were taken from both the separated and control groups to obtain serum for immunoenzymatic assays and measure the levels of each of the hormones. RESULTS Concentrations of corticosterone were higher in control adult females in comparison with the rest of the groups and lower in the control adult males. Those of ACTH were higher in the separated young males and females than in the adult groups. Oxytocin levels were significantly higher in the separated adult females in comparison with the other groups and significantly lower in the adult males. With respect to vasopressin, the separated groups had lower concentrations than the young and adult control groups. CONCLUSIONS These results show that the early stress to which rats were submitted produced changes in the basal responses of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, that these responses were distinct in males and females and that they also differed according to age.
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Feldman R, Monakhov M, Pratt M, Ebstein RP. Oxytocin Pathway Genes: Evolutionary Ancient System Impacting on Human Affiliation, Sociality, and Psychopathology. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:174-84. [PMID: 26392129 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a nonapeptide signaling molecule originating from an ancestral peptide, appears in different variants across all vertebrate and several invertebrate species. Throughout animal evolution, neuropeptidergic signaling has been adapted by organisms for regulating response to rapidly changing environments. The family of OT-like molecules affects both peripheral tissues implicated in reproduction, homeostasis, and energy balance, as well as neuromodulation of social behavior, stress regulation, and associative learning in species ranging from nematodes to humans. After describing the OT-signaling pathway, we review research on the three genes most extensively studied in humans: the OT receptor (OXTR), the structural gene for OT (OXT/neurophysin-I), and CD38. Consistent with the notion that sociality should be studied from the perspective of social life at the species level, we address human social functions in relation to OT-pathway genes, including parenting, empathy, and using social relationships to manage stress. We then describe associations between OT-pathway genes with psychopathologies involving social dysfunctions such as autism, depression, or schizophrenia. Human research particularly underscored the involvement of two OXTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs53576, rs2254298) with fewer studies focusing on other OXTR (rs7632287, rs1042778, rs2268494, rs2268490), OXT (rs2740210, rs4813627, rs4813625), and CD38 (rs3796863, rs6449197) single nucleotide polymorphisms. Overall, studies provide evidence for the involvement of OT-pathway genes in human social functions but also suggest that factors such as gender, culture, and early environment often confound attempts to replicate first findings. We conclude by discussing epigenetics, conceptual implications within an evolutionary perspective, and future directions, especially the need to refine phenotypes, carefully characterize early environments, and integrate observations of social behavior across ecological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Feldman
- Department of Psychology (RF, MP) Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Gonda Brain Sciences Center (RF), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| | - Mikhail Monakhov
- Department of Psychology (MM, RPE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maayan Pratt
- Department of Psychology (RF, MP) Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- Department of Psychology (MM, RPE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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