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Roque A, Ruiz-González R, Pineda-López E, Torner L, Lajud N. Prenatal immobilization stress and postnatal maternal separation cause differential neuroendocrine responses to fasting stress in adult male rats. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 62:737-748. [PMID: 31886525 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal immobilization stress (PNS) and postnatal maternal separation (MS180) are two widely used rodent models of early-life stress (ELS) that affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, cause behavioral alterations, and affect glucose tolerance in adults. We compared anxiety-like behavior, coping strategies, and HPA axis activity in PNS and MS180 adult (4-month-old) male rats and assessed their glucose tolerance and HPA axis response after mild fasting stress. Both PNS and MS180 induced a passive coping strategy in the forced swimming test, without affecting anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze. Moreover, both PNS and MS180 increased the hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone expression; however, only MS180 increased the circulating corticosterone levels. Both early life stressors increased fasting glucose levels and this effect was significantly higher in PNS rats. MS180 rats showed impaired glucose tolerance 120 min after intravenous glucose administration, whereas PNS rats displayed an efficient homeostatic response. Moreover, MS180 rats showed higher circulating corticosteroid levels in response to fasting stress (overnight fasting, 12 hr), which were restored after glucose administration. In conclusion, early exposure to postnatal MS180, unlike PNS, increases the HPA axis response to moderate fasting stress, indicating a differential perception of fasting as a stressor in these two ELS models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Roque
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología del Desarrollo, División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de - Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Roberto Ruiz-González
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología del Desarrollo, División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de - Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Edel Pineda-López
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología del Desarrollo, División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de - Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Luz Torner
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de - Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Naima Lajud
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología del Desarrollo, División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de - Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
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Brydges NM, Hall J, Best C, Rule L, Watkin H, Drake AJ, Lewis C, Thomas KL, Hall J. Childhood stress impairs social function through AVP-dependent mechanisms. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:330. [PMID: 31819033 PMCID: PMC6901493 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0678-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired social function is a core feature of many psychiatric illnesses. Adverse experiences during childhood increase risk for mental illness, however it is currently unclear whether stress early in life plays a direct role in the development of social difficulties. Using a rat model of pre-pubertal stress (PPS), we investigated effects on social behaviour, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the periphery (plasma) and centrally in the paraventricular and supraoptic hypothalamic nuclei. We also explored social performance and AVP expression (plasma) in participants with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who experienced a high incidence of childhood stress. Social behaviour was impaired and AVP expression increased in animals experiencing PPS and participants with BPD. Behavioural deficits in animals were rescued through administration of the AVPR1a antagonist Relcovaptan (SR49059). AVP levels and recognition of negative emotions were significantly correlated in BPD participants only. In conclusion, early life stress plays a role in the precipitation of social dysfunction, and AVP mediates at least part of this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichola M Brydges
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
| | - Jessica Hall
- National Centre for Mental Health, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Caroline Best
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Lowenna Rule
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Holly Watkin
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Amanda J Drake
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catrin Lewis
- National Centre for Mental Health, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Kerrie L Thomas
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
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53
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Hodges TE, Eltahir AM, Patel S, Bredewold R, Veenema AH, McCormick CM. Effects of oxytocin receptor antagonism on social function and corticosterone release after adolescent social instability in male rats. Horm Behav 2019; 116:104579. [PMID: 31449812 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin influences social behaviour and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function. We previously found that social instability stress (SS) from postnatal day 30 to 45 increased oxytocin receptor (OTR) densities in the lateral septum and nucleus accumbens of adolescent male rats. Here, we investigated social behaviour and HPA function in adolescent male SS rats compared with age- and sex-matched controls after intraperitoneal treatment with an OTR antagonist L-368,899 (OTR-A). Regardless of OTR antagonism, adolescent SS rats spent more time in social approach (investigation through wire mesh) but less time in social interaction (physical interaction) with unfamiliar same-sex and same-age peers than did controls. However, OTR-A-treatment caused SS rats to be more socially avoidant than OTR-A-treated controls and saline-treated rats of the same condition. Additionally, the predicted rise in plasma corticosterone in response to OTR-A treatment was blunted in SS rats. Fos immunoreactivity (IR) was used as a marker of neural activation in social brain regions and oxytocin-IR was examined in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in response to interacting with unfamiliar peers in SS and control rats after OTR-A treatment. OTR-A treatment had little effect on Fos-IR and oxytocin-IR in the analyzed brain regions, but SS rats had lower Fos-IR and oxytocin-IR in the PVN and greater Fos-IR in subregions of the prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, and lateral septum than did controls. Finally, binding density of OTR was measured in the PVN and hippocampus, and greater OTR binding density was found in the PVN of SS rats. Together, these data demonstrate a greater influence of OTR antagonism on social behaviour and a reduced influence of OTR antagonism on HPA responses after adolescent SS in male rats. The results also suggest that differences in neural functioning in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and lateral septum of adolescent SS rats may be involved in their altered social behaviour relative to that of controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis E Hodges
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Akif M Eltahir
- Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Smit Patel
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Remco Bredewold
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Cheryl M McCormick
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada.
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Prounis GS, Ophir AG. The Impact of Early Postnatal and Juvenile Social Environments on the Effects of Chronic Intranasal Oxytocin in the Prairie Vole. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:206. [PMID: 31572140 PMCID: PMC6753389 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between social experiences at different stages of development (e.g., with parents as juveniles and peers as subadults) can profoundly shape the expression of social behavior. Rarely are the influences of more than one stage of developmental sensitivity to social environment investigated simultaneously. Furthermore, oxytocin (OT) has an extraordinary effect on a breadth of social behaviors, activationally or organizationally. The use of intranasal OT (IN-OT) has become increasingly common therapeutically in humans and scientifically in non-human experiments, however very little attention has been paid to the potential developmental consequences on social behavior that might result. We investigated the effects of early-life social environments and the impact of chronic IN-OT on social behavior at different stages of development in male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). We raised animals under two conditions: “socially enriched” (in which they were biparentally reared and then weaned into group housing as subadults), or “socially limited” (in which they were reared by a single-mother, and that were then weaned into social isolation). Males raised under each condition were either administered daily doses of IN-OT or a saline control for 21 days from postnatal day (PND) 21–42. During this time, we assessed the prosocial behavior subjects demonstrated by evaluating juvenile affiliation (as subadults), alloparental care (as adults no longer being exposed to IN-OT), and partner preference tests to assess tendencies to form adult monogamous pairbonds. We found that “socially limited” males, exhibited increased social contact in juvenile affiliation tests at PND 35 and 42. These males were also more likely to form a partner preference than “socially enriched” males and formed stronger partner preferences overall. IN-OT did not alter these behavioral effects. We also found that “socially limited” males exhibited a distinct response to chronic IN-OT treatment. When compared to all other treatment groups, “socially limited” males that received IN-OT exhibited a greater amount of huddling behavior in the alloparental care test. This effect was, in part, explained by an absence of attack behavior, found only in these males. This study contributes to understanding the complex interactions between the developmental social environment, oxytocin, and social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Prounis
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Alexander G Ophir
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Witchey SK, Fuchs J, Patisaul HB. Perinatal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure alters brain oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression in a sex- and region- specific manner: A CLARITY-BPA consortium follow-up study. Neurotoxicology 2019; 74:139-148. [PMID: 31251963 PMCID: PMC6750986 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-characterized endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) used in plastics, epoxy resins and other products. Neurodevelopmental effects of BPA exposure are a major concern with multiple rodent and human studies showing that early life BPA exposure may impact the developing brain and sexually dimorphic behaviors. The CLARITY-BPA (Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity) program was established to assess multiple endpoints, including neural, across a wide dose range. Studies from our lab as part of (and prior to) CLARITY-BPA have shown that BPA disrupts estrogen receptor expression in the developing brain, and some evidence of oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) disruption in the hypothalamus and amygdala. While BPA disruption of steroid hormone function is well documented, less is known about its capacity to alter nonapeptide signals. In this CLARITY-BPA follow up study, we used remaining juvenile rat tissues to test the hypothesis that developmental BPA exposure affects OTR expression across the brain. Perinatal BPA exposure (2.5, 25, or 2500 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day) spanned gestation and lactation with dams gavaged from gestational day 6 until birth and then the offspring gavaged directly through weaning. Ethinyl estradiol (0.5 μg/kg bw/day) was used as a reference estrogen. Animals of both sexes were sacrificed as juveniles and OTR expression assessed by receptor binding. Our results demonstrate prenatal exposure to BPA can eliminate sex differences in OTR expression in three hypothalamic regions, and that male OTR expression may be more susceptible. Our data also identify a sub-region of the BNST with sexually dimorphic OTR expression not previously reported in juvenile rats that is also susceptible to BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannah K Witchey
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Joelle Fuchs
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States; Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States.
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Worley NB, Dumais KM, Yuan JC, Newman LE, Alonso AG, Gillespie TC, Hobbs NJ, Breedlove SM, Jordan CL, Bredewold R, Veenema AH. Oestrogen and androgen receptor activation contribute to the masculinisation of oxytocin receptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12760. [PMID: 31233647 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) often regulates social behaviours in sex-specific ways, and this may be a result of sex differences in the brain OT system. Adult male rats show higher OT receptor (OTR) binding in the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (pBNST) than adult female rats. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms that lead to this sex difference. First, we found that male rats have higher OTR mRNA expression in the pBNST than females at postnatal day (P) 35 and P60, which demonstrates the presence of the sex difference in OTR binding density at message level. Second, the sex difference in OTR binding density in the pBNST was absent at P0 and P3, but was present by P5. Third, systemic administration of the oestrogen receptor (ER) antagonist fulvestrant at P0 and P1 dose-dependently reduced OTR binding density in the pBNST of 5-week-old male rats, but did not eliminate the sex difference in OTR binding density. Fourth, pBNST-OTR binding density was lower in androgen receptor (AR) deficient genetic male rats compared to wild-type males, but higher compared to wild-type females. Finally, systemic administration of the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid at P0 and P1 did not alter pBNST-OTR binding density in 5-week-old male and female rats. Interestingly, neonatal ER antagonism, AR deficiency, and neonatal valproic acid treatment each eliminated the sex difference in pBNST size. Overall, we demonstrate a role for neonatal ER and AR activation in setting up the sex difference in OTR binding density in the pBNST, which may underlie sexual differentiation of the pBNST and social behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas B Worley
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Kelly M Dumais
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Jingting C Yuan
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Laura E Newman
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Alonso
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Tessa C Gillespie
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Hobbs
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - S Marc Breedlove
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Cynthia L Jordan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Remco Bredewold
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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57
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Lee W, Hiura LC, Yang E, Broekman KA, Ophir AG, Curley JP. Social status in mouse social hierarchies is associated with variation in oxytocin and vasopressin 1a receptor densities. Horm Behav 2019; 114:104551. [PMID: 31279703 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin and their receptors have established roles in the regulation of mammalian social behavior including parental care, sex, affiliation and pair-bonding, but less is known regarding their relationship to social dominance and subordination within social hierarchies. We have previously demonstrated that male mice can form stable linear dominance hierarchies with individuals occupying one of three classes of social status: alpha, subdominant, subordinate. Alpha males exhibit high levels of aggression and rarely receive aggression. Subdominant males exhibit aggression towards subordinate males but also receive aggression from more dominant individuals. Subordinate males rarely exhibit aggression and receive aggression from more dominant males. Here, we examined whether variation in social status was associated with levels of oxytocin (OTR) and vasopressin 1a (V1aR) receptor binding in socially relevant brain regions. We found that socially dominant males had significantly higher OTR binding in the nucleus accumbens core than subordinate animals. Alpha males also had higher OTR binding in the anterior olfactory nucleus, posterior part of the cortical amygdala and rostral lateral septum compared to more subordinate individuals. Conversely, alpha males had lower V1aR binding in the rostral lateral septum and lateral preoptic area compared to subordinates. These observed relationships have two potential explanations. Preexisting individual differences in the patterns of OTR and V1aR binding may underlie behavioral differences that promote or inhibit the acquisition of social status. More likely, the differential social environments experienced by dominant and subordinate animals may shift receptor expression, potentially facilitating the expression of adaptive social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Lee
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa C Hiura
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Eilene Yang
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine A Broekman
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; SUNY Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - James P Curley
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Center for Integrative Animal Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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Kompier NF, Keysers C, Gazzola V, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early Life Adversity and Adult Social Behavior: Focus on Arginine Vasopressin and Oxytocin as Potential Mediators. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:143. [PMID: 31404254 PMCID: PMC6676334 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stress during the early postnatal period (i.e., early life stress, ES) can impact brain physiology and modify individual variability in adult social behavior. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) are two centrally released neuropeptides that are involved in shaping essential social behaviors, like aggression, social recognition, and social motivation. AVP and OXT modulate activity in brain regions important for the establishment of social behavior, and may be particularly sensitive to ES. In this review, we discuss whether ES alters the characteristics of the AVP- and OXT- systems in rodents, and whether these changes are associated with later alterations in aggression, social recognition, and social motivation. We have integrated causal studies indicating that (1) ES affects AVP/OXT, and (2) that changing AVP/OXT in affected regions alters social behavior. Although there is encouraging evidence that ES causes AVP- and OXT-system changes, and that these may mediate social behavior, a comprehensive understanding of the exact nature of AVP- and OXT changes and whether they are causal in establishing these behavioral disturbances needs further investigation. As there are indications that ES alters AVP- and OXT characteristics in humans as well, and that these may interact with adult predisposition to psychopathology with social dysfunction, future rodent studies may lay ground for a better understanding of such changes in humans. Ultimately, this may assist in developing therapeutic strategies to target ES effects on social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nine F. Kompier
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christian Keysers
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Valeria Gazzola
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harmen J. Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Yüksel O, Ateş M, Kızıldağ S, Yüce Z, Koç B, Kandiş S, Güvendi G, Karakılıç A, Gümüş H, Uysal N. Regular Aerobic Voluntary Exercise Increased Oxytocin in Female Mice: The Cause of Decreased Anxiety and Increased Empathy-Like Behaviors. Balkan Med J 2019; 36:257-262. [PMID: 31140236 PMCID: PMC6711252 DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2019.2018.12.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: It is known that regular physical activity reduces anxiety. Low anxiety levels affect mood, emotions, and empathy. Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that regulates social interaction, sexual reproduction, maternal–infant bonding, milk release, empathy, and anxiety. Empathy is an important behavior in the living community; and also important for sportsmen during sportive competition and daily living life, because sportsmen are also role model of people. Aims: To investigate the effects of voluntary physical activity on oxytocin, anxiety, and empathy levels as well as the relationship between them. Study Design: Animal experiment. Methods: Male and female mice were made to exercise in running wheel cages for 6 weeks. Their empathy and anxiety levels were evaluated by using Helping Behavior test and elevated plus maze and open field test, respectively. And then the brain and blood oxytocin levels were measured. Results: Empathy-like behavior was improved in both genders of the exercise groups (door-opening time decreased in both genders of exercise groups, p for both=0.0001). As a response to exercise, both the brain and serum oxytocin levels increased in female mice (both of p=0.0001); however, in males, oxytocin levels increased in only the brain (p<0.05). Anxiety levels decreased in all the exercise groups (increased time spent in the middle area of open field test, both genders, p=0.002; increased time spent in the open arms of elevated plus maze test, females p=0.004, males p=0.0001). There was a strong negative correlation between serum oxytocin levels and door opening time of helping behavior equipment, and moderate negative correlation was found between the brain oxytocin levels and door-opening time of helping behavior equipment in females. However, there was no correlation between both the brain and serum oxytocin levels and empathy behavior in males. But there were very strong positive correlations between low anxiety indicators and both the brain and serum oxytocin levels in both the genders. Conclusion: Voluntary physical activity decreases anxiety and increases empathy-like behavior in mice; which is associated with increased oxytocin levels in female mice but not in male mice. Further research is required to investigate the mechanisms of exercise effect on anxiety and empathic brain pathways in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oğuz Yüksel
- Department of Sports Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ateş
- College of Vocational School of Health Services, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Servet Kızıldağ
- College of Vocational School of Health Services, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Yüce
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Başar Koç
- Department of Physiology, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sevim Kandiş
- Department of Physiology, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Güven Güvendi
- Department of Physiology, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aslı Karakılıç
- Department of Physiology, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hikmet Gümüş
- Department of Physiology, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey,Dokuz Eylül University School of Sport Sciences and Technology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Nazan Uysal
- Department of Physiology, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
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Tanaka K, Osako Y, Takahashi K, Hidaka C, Tomita K, Yuri K. Effects of post-weaning social isolation on social behaviors and oxytocinergic activity in male and female rats. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01646. [PMID: 31193027 PMCID: PMC6513811 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Post-weaning social deprivation is known to induce behavioral and neuronal alterations associated with anxiety and stress responses in adulthood. However, the effects of social deprivation on the development of sociability are poorly understood. We examined the effects of social deprivation on subsequent social behaviors and oxytocinergic activity using socially-isolated (approximately two months post-weaning) male and female rats. Main methods The behaviors were analyzed using a social preference test and a social approach test. Immunohistochemical investigations were conducted in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) to examine the effects of social isolation on oxytocinergic activity in these regions. Oxytocinergic activity was measured by quantifying the number of oxytocin neurons expressing Fos following exposure to a novel conspecific. In all of the experiments of this study, ovariectomized females were used for social stimuli. Key findings The behavioral results show that isolation-reared females, but not males, displayed impaired social preference and decreased social approach towards ovariectomized females, compared with the pair-reared group, suggesting low priority of processing social versus non-social stimuli and low motivation for contact with a stranger, respectively. The immunohistochemical results show that social isolation decreased both the number and the ratio of Fos-positive cells in oxytocin neurons in the PVN in females, but not in males, following exposure to ovariectomized females. In the SON, the Fos-positive ratio was decreased in isolation-reared females, but not in males, compared with the pair-reared group. Significance Post-weaning social isolation changed social behaviors and oxytocinergic activity in female rats, suggesting that in female rats post-weaning social experiences contribute to the development of sociability. These findings could impact the treatment of social dysfunction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro Tanaka
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Yoji Osako
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Kou Takahashi
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Chiharu Hidaka
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Koichi Tomita
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Kazunari Yuri
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
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Filippa M, Poisbeau P, Mairesse J, Monaci MG, Baud O, Hüppi P, Grandjean D, Kuhn P. Pain, Parental Involvement, and Oxytocin in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Front Psychol 2019; 10:715. [PMID: 31001173 PMCID: PMC6454868 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm infants (PTI) typically experience many painful and stressful procedures or events during their first weeks of life in a neonatal intensive care unit, and these can profoundly impact subsequent brain development and function. Several protective interventions during this sensitive period stimulate the oxytocin system, reduce pain and stress, and improve brain development. This review provides an overview of the environmental risk factors experienced by PTI during hospitalization, with a focus on the effects of pain, and early maternal separation. We also describe the long-term adverse effects of the simultaneous experiences of pain and maternal separation, and the potential beneficial effects of maternal vocalizations, parental contact, and several related processes, which appear to be mediated by the oxytocin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Filippa
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Neuroscience of Emotion and Affective Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Social Sciences, University of Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
| | - Pierrick Poisbeau
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérôme Mairesse
- INSERM U1141 Protect, Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France.,Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universtiy of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Olivier Baud
- INSERM U1141 Protect, Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France.,Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universtiy of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Service de Médecine et Réanimation Néonatale, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Petra Hüppi
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universtiy of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Didier Grandjean
- Neuroscience of Emotion and Affective Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Kuhn
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Service de Médecine et Réanimation Néonatale, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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62
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Comparing vasopressin and oxytocin fiber and receptor density patterns in the social behavior neural network: Implications for cross-system signaling. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 53:100737. [PMID: 30753840 PMCID: PMC7469073 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) regulate social behavior by binding to their canonical receptors, the vasopressin V1a receptor (V1aR) and oxytocin receptor (OTR), respectively. Recent studies suggest that these neuropeptides may also signal via each other's receptors. The extent to which such cross-system signaling occurs likely depends on anatomical overlap between AVP/OXT fibers and V1aR/OTR expression. By comparing AVP/OXT fiber densities with V1aR/OTR binding densities throughout the rat social behavior neural network (SBNN), we propose the potential for cross-system signaling in four regions: the medial amygdala (MeA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTp), medial preoptic area, and periaqueductal grey. We also discuss possible implications of corresponding sex (higher in males versus females) and age (higher in adults versus juveniles) differences in AVP fiber and OTR binding densities in the MeA and BNSTp. Overall, this review reveals the need to unravel the consequences of potential cross-system signaling between AVP and OXT systems in the SBNN for the regulation of social behavior.
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63
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Pharmacological rescue of nociceptive hypersensitivity and oxytocin analgesia impairment in a rat model of neonatal maternal separation. Pain 2019; 159:2630-2640. [PMID: 30169420 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), known for its neurohormonal effects around birth, has recently been suggested for being a critical determinant in neurodevelopmental disorders. This hypothalamic neuropeptide exerts a potent analgesic effect through an action on the nociceptive system. This endogenous control of pain has an important adaptive value but might be altered by early life stress, possibly contributing to its long-term consequences on pain responses and associated comorbidities. We tested this hypothesis using a rat model of neonatal maternal separation (NMS) known to induce long-term consequences on several brain functions including chronic stress, anxiety, altered social behavior, and visceral hypersensitivity. We found that adult rats with a history of NMS were hypersensitive to noxious mechanical/thermal hot stimuli and to inflammatory pain. We failed to observe OT receptor-mediated stress-induced analgesia and OT antihyperalgesia after carrageenan inflammation. These alterations were partially rescued if NMS pups were treated by intraperitoneal daily injection during NMS with OT or its downstream second messenger allopregnanolone. The involvement of epigenetic changes in these alterations was confirmed since neonatal treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA, not only normalized nociceptive sensitivities but also restored OT receptor-mediated stress-induced analgesia and the endogenous antihyperalgesia in inflamed NMS rats. There is growing evidence in the literature that early life stress might impair the nociceptive system ontogeny and function. This study suggests that these alterations might be restored while stimulating OT receptor signaling or histone deacetylase inhibitors, using molecules that are currently available or part of clinical trials for other pathologies.
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64
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Abraham E, Hendler T, Zagoory-Sharon O, Feldman R. Interoception sensitivity in the parental brain during the first months of parenting modulates children's somatic symptoms six years later: The role of oxytocin. Int J Psychophysiol 2019; 136:39-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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65
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Oliveira VEDM, Neumann ID, de Jong TR. Post-weaning social isolation exacerbates aggression in both sexes and affects the vasopressin and oxytocin system in a sex-specific manner. Neuropharmacology 2019; 156:107504. [PMID: 30664846 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-weaning social isolation (PWSI) is known to induce exaggerated and abnormal aggression in male rats. Here we aimed to assess the effects of PWSI on aggressiveness and social behavior in both male and female rats. Furthermore, we evaluated how PWSI affects the central oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) systems in both sexes. Wistar rats were isolated (IS) or group housed (GH) in same-sex groups immediately after weaning. After seven weeks, rats underwent an intruder test to assess aggression. In one group, brains were immediately dissected afterwards for in situ hybridization and receptor autoradiography. The other group underwent additional anxiety-like and social behavior tests. PWSI induced increased (abnormal) aggression and impaired social memory in both sexes. Especially IS females exhibited abnormal aggression towards juveniles. Furthermore, PWSI increased OXT mRNA expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and decreased OXTR binding in the anterior portion of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), independent of the sex. V1a receptor binding was decreased in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and dentate gyrus (DG) in IS rats, regardless of sex. However, V1a receptor binding in the anterior portion of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNSTa) was decreased in IS females but increased in IS males. Taken together, our data support PWSI as a reliable model to exacerbate aggression not only in male but also in female rats. In addition, OXT receptors in the NAcca and V1a receptors in the LH, DG, and BNSTa may play a role in the link between PWSI and aggression. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Current status of the neurobiology of aggression and impulsivity'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Trynke R de Jong
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Germany; Lifelines Biobank Noord-Nederland B.V. Groningen, Netherlands
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66
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Schafer D, Kane G, Colledge WH, Piet R, Herbison AE. Sex- and sub region-dependent modulation of arcuate kisspeptin neurones by vasopressin and vasoactive intestinal peptide. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12660. [PMID: 30422333 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A population of kisspeptin neurones located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARN) very likely represent the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone pulse generator responsible for driving pulsatile luteinising hormone secretion in mammals. As such, it has become important to understand the neural inputs that modulate the activity of ARN kisspeptin (ARNKISS ) neurones. Using a transgenic GCaMP6 mouse model allowing the intracellular calcium levels ([Ca2+ ]i ) of individual ARNKISS neurones to be assessed simultaneously, we examined whether the circadian neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) modulated the activity of ARNKISS neurones directly. To validate this methodology, we initially evaluated the effects of neurokinin B (NKB) on [Ca2+ ]i in kisspeptin neurones residing within the rostral, middle and caudal ARN subregions of adult male and female mice. All experiments were undertaken in the presence of tetrodotoxin and ionotropic amino acid antagonists. NKB was found to evoke an abrupt increase in [Ca2+ ]i in 95%-100% of kisspeptin neurones throughout the ARN of both sexes. By contrast, both VIP and AVP were found to primarily activate kisspeptin neurones located in the caudal ARN of female mice. Although 58% and 59% of caudal ARN kisspeptin neurones responded to AVP and VIP, respectively, in female mice, only 0%-8% of kisspeptin neurones located in other ARN subregions responded in females and 0%-12% of cells in any subregion in males (P < 0.05). These observations demonstrate unexpected sex differences and marked heterogeneity in functional neuropeptide receptor expression amongst ARNKISS neurones organised on a rostro-caudal basis. The functional significance of this unexpected influence of VIP and AVP on ARNKISS neurones remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Schafer
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Grace Kane
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - William H Colledge
- Reproductive Physiology Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Richard Piet
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Allan E Herbison
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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67
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Attachment style: The neurobiological substrate, interaction with genetics and role in neurodevelopmental disorders risk pathways. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:515-527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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68
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Baracz SJ, Everett NA, Cornish JL. The impact of early life stress on the central oxytocin system and susceptibility for drug addiction: Applicability of oxytocin as a pharmacotherapy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 110:114-132. [PMID: 30172802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Early life trauma is strongly associated with an increased vulnerability to abuse illicit drugs and the impairment of neural development. This includes alterations to the development of the oxytocin system, which plays a pivotal role in the regulation of social behaviours and emotion. Dysregulation of this important system also contributes to increased susceptibility to develop drug addiction. In this review, we provide an overview of the animal models of early life stress that are widely used, and discuss the impact that early life stress has on drug-taking behaviour in adolescence and adulthood in both sexes. We link this to the changes that early life stress has on the endogenous oxytocin system, and how exogenously administered oxytocin may help to re-establish functioning of the system, and in turn, reduce drug-taking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Baracz
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Nicholas A Everett
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Cornish
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
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69
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Haller J. Preclinical models of conduct disorder – principles and pharmacologic perspectives. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:112-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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70
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Prounis GS, Thomas K, Ophir AG. Developmental trajectories and influences of environmental complexity on oxytocin receptor and vasopressin 1A receptor expression in male and female prairie voles. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:1820-1842. [PMID: 29665010 PMCID: PMC5990463 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nonapeptide receptors, like oxytocin receptor (OTR) and vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR), modulate a variety of functions across taxa, and mediate phenotypic variation within and between species. Despite the popularity of studying nonapeptides in adults, developmental perspectives on properties of OTR and V1aR expression are lacking. Study of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) has facilitated an understanding of mechanisms of social behavior and provides great potential to inform how early life experiences alter phenotype. We provide the first comprehensive profiling of OTR and V1aR in male and female prairie voles across postnatal development and into adulthood. Differences in receptor densities across the forebrain were region- and sex-specific. Postnatal changes in receptor expression fell into four themes: (a) constant over time, (b) increasing with age, (c) decreasing with age, or (d) peaking during late pre-weaning (postnatal day 15-21). We also examined the influence of post-weaning social and spatial enrichment (i.e., environmental complexity) on OTR and V1aR. Environmental complexity appeared to promote expression of OTR in males and females, and reduced expression of V1aR across several brain regions in males. Our results show that nonapeptide receptor profiles are plastic over development and suggest that different patterns of expression might represent functional differences in sensitivity to nonapeptide activation over a period when social environments are dynamic. Our results on environmental complexity suggest that nonapeptide sensitivity responds flexibly to different environmental contexts during development. Understanding the developmental trajectories of nonapeptide receptors provides a better understanding of the dynamic nature of social behavior and the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyle Thomas
- Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
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71
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Jurek B, Neumann ID. The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1805-1908. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The many facets of the oxytocin (OXT) system of the brain and periphery elicited nearly 25,000 publications since 1930 (see FIGURE 1 , as listed in PubMed), which revealed central roles for OXT and its receptor (OXTR) in reproduction, and social and emotional behaviors in animal and human studies focusing on mental and physical health and disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OXT expression and release, expression and binding of the OXTR in brain and periphery, OXTR-coupled signaling cascades, and their involvement in behavioral outcomes to assemble a comprehensive picture of the central and peripheral OXT system. Traditionally known for its role in milk let-down and uterine contraction during labor, OXT also has implications in physiological, and also behavioral, aspects of reproduction, such as sexual and maternal behaviors and pair bonding, but also anxiety, trust, sociability, food intake, or even drug abuse. The many facets of OXT are, on a molecular basis, brought about by a single receptor. The OXTR, a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor capable of binding to either Gαior Gαqproteins, activates a set of signaling cascades, such as the MAPK, PKC, PLC, or CaMK pathways, which converge on transcription factors like CREB or MEF-2. The cellular response to OXT includes regulation of neurite outgrowth, cellular viability, and increased survival. OXTergic projections in the brain represent anxiety and stress-regulating circuits connecting the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, or the medial prefrontal cortex. Which OXT-induced patterns finally alter the behavior of an animal or a human being is still poorly understood, and studying those OXTR-coupled signaling cascades is one initial step toward a better understanding of the molecular background of those behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Bülbül M, Travagli RA. Novel transmitters in brain stem vagal neurocircuitry: new players on the pitch. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2018; 315:G20-G26. [PMID: 29597355 PMCID: PMC6109706 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00059.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The last few decades have seen a major increase in the number of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides recognized as playing a role in brain stem neurocircuits, including those involved in homeostatic functions such as stress responsiveness, gastrointestinal motility, feeding, and/or arousal/wakefulness. This minireview will focus on the known physiological role of three of these novel neuropeptides, i.e., apelin, nesfatin-1, and neuropeptide-S, with a special emphasis on their hypothetical roles in vagal signaling related to gastrointestinal motor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Bülbül
- 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Akdeniz UniversityAntalya, Turkey
| | - R. Alberto Travagli
- 2Department of Neural and Behavioral Neurosciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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73
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Palumbo S, Mariotti V, Iofrida C, Pellegrini S. Genes and Aggressive Behavior: Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Individual Susceptibility to Aversive Environments. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:117. [PMID: 29950977 PMCID: PMC6008527 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, the study of the relationship between nature and nurture in shaping human behavior has encountered a renewed interest. Behavioral genetics showed that distinct polymorphisms of genes that code for proteins that control neurotransmitter metabolic and synaptic function are associated with individual vulnerability to aversive experiences, such as stressful and traumatic life events, and may result in an increased risk of developing psychopathologies associated with violence. On the other hand, recent studies indicate that experiencing aversive events modulates gene expression by introducing stable changes to DNA without modifying its sequence, a mechanism known as “epigenetics”. For example, experiencing adversities during periods of maximal sensitivity to the environment, such as prenatal life, infancy and early adolescence, may introduce lasting epigenetic marks in genes that affect maturational processes in brain, thus favoring the emergence of dysfunctional behaviors, including exaggerate aggression in adulthood. The present review discusses data from recent research, both in humans and animals, concerning the epigenetic regulation of four genes belonging to the neuroendocrine, serotonergic and oxytocinergic pathways—Nuclear receptor subfamily 3-group C-member 1 (NR3C1), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), solute carrier-family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)—and their role in modulating vulnerability to proactive and reactive aggressive behavior. Behavioral genetics and epigenetics are shedding a new light on the fine interaction between genes and environment, by providing a novel tool to understand the molecular events that underlie aggression. Overall, the findings from these studies carry important implications not only for neuroscience, but also for social sciences, including ethics, philosophy and law.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Palumbo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Veronica Mariotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Pellegrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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74
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Godino A, Renard GM. Effects of alcohol and psychostimulants on the vasopressin system: behavioral implications. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12611. [PMID: 29802803 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease characterized by a compulsion to seek drugs, a loss of control with respect to drug consumption, and negative emotional states, including increased anxiety and irritability during withdrawal. Central vasopressin (AVP) and its receptors are involved in controlling social behavior, anxiety and reward, all of which are altered by drugs of abuse. Hypothalamic AVP neurons influence the stress response by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The extrahypothalamic AVP system, however, is commonly associated with social recognition, motivational and anxiety responses. The specific relationship between AVP and drugs of abuse has been rarely reviewed. Here, we provide an overview of the interaction between the brain AVP system and psychostimulants and alcohol. We focus on the effects of alcohol and psychostimulants on AVP regulation of the HPA axis, their effect on the brain AVP system and their behavioral implications, the influence of the AVP system on addictive behaviors, AVP's organizational effects on the brain and consequently on behavior, and we highlight clinical studies on the relation between the AVP system and drug addiction. Finally, we discuss the data to address areas that need further research to support clinical trials and prevent drug-related disorders. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Godino
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Casilla de Correo 389-5000, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCórdoba, Argentina
| | - Georgina M Renard
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Gatta E, Mairesse J, Deruyter L, Marrocco J, Van Camp G, Bouwalerh H, Lo Guidice JM, Morley-Fletcher S, Nicoletti F, Maccari S. Reduced maternal behavior caused by gestational stress is predictive of life span changes in risk-taking behavior and gene expression due to altering of the stress/anti-stress balance. Neurotoxicology 2018; 66:138-149. [PMID: 29630914 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of the mother to adverse events during pregnancy is known to induce pathological programming of the HPA axis in the progeny, thereby increasing the vulnerability to neurobehavioral disorders. Maternal care plays a crucial role in the programming of the offspring, and oxytocin plays a key role in mother/pup interaction. Therefore, we investigated whether positive modulation of maternal behavior by activation of the oxytocinergic system could reverse the long-term alterations induced by perinatal stress (PRS; gestational restraint stress 3 times/day during the last ten days of gestation) on HPA axis activity, risk-taking behavior in the elevated-plus maze, hippocampal mGlu5 receptor and gene expression in Sprague-Dawley rats. Stressed and control unstressed dams were treated during the first postpartum week with an oxytocin receptor agonist, carbetocin (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Remarkably, reduction of maternal behavior was predictive of behavioral disturbances in PRS rats as well as of the impairment of the oxytocin and its receptor gene expression. Postpartum carbetocin corrected the reduction of maternal behavior induced by gestational stress as well as the impaired oxytocinergic system in the PRS progeny, which was associated with reduced risk-taking behavior. Moreover, postpartum carbetocin had an anti-stress effect on HPA axis activity in the adult PRS progeny and increased hippocampal mGlu5 receptor expression in aging. In conclusion, the activation of the oxytocinergic system in the early life plays a protective role against the programming effect by adverse experiences and could be considered as a novel and powerful potential therapeutic target for stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Gatta
- Center of Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
| | - Jérôme Mairesse
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lucie Deruyter
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle (UGSF), 59000 Lille, France
| | - Jordan Marrocco
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, United States
| | - Gilles Van Camp
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle (UGSF), 59000 Lille, France; Associated International Laboratory (LIA): "Perinatal Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases", University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 France, Sapienza University of Rome/IRCCS Neuromed, Italy
| | - Hammou Bouwalerh
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle (UGSF), 59000 Lille, France; Associated International Laboratory (LIA): "Perinatal Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases", University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 France, Sapienza University of Rome/IRCCS Neuromed, Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Lo Guidice
- University of Lille, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, EA 4483: Impact de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé Humaine (IMPECS), 59000 Lille, France
| | - Sara Morley-Fletcher
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle (UGSF), 59000 Lille, France; Associated International Laboratory (LIA): "Perinatal Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases", University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 France, Sapienza University of Rome/IRCCS Neuromed, Italy.
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Maccari
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle (UGSF), 59000 Lille, France; IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
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76
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Oxytocin Signaling in the Lateral Septum Prevents Social Fear during Lactation. Curr Biol 2018; 28:1066-1078.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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77
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Spencer KA. Developmental stress and social phenotypes: integrating neuroendocrine, behavioural and evolutionary perspectives. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0242. [PMID: 28673918 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The social world is filled with different types of interactions, and social experience interacts with stress on several different levels. Activation of the neuroendocrine axis that regulates the response to stress can have consequences for innumerable behavioural responses, including social decision-making and aspects of sociality, such as gregariousness and aggression. This is especially true for stress experienced during early life, when physiological systems are developing and highly sensitive to perturbation. Stress at this time can have persistent effects on social behaviours into adulthood. One important question remaining is to what extent these effects are adaptive. This paper initially reviews the current literature investigating the complex relationships between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and other neuroendocrine systems and several aspects of social behaviour in vertebrates. In addition, the review explores the evidence surrounding the potential for 'social programming' via differential development and activation of the HPA axis, providing an insight into the potential for positive effects on fitness following early life stress. Finally, the paper provides a framework from which novel investigations could work to fully understand the adaptive significance of early life effects on social behaviours.This article is part of the themed issue 'Physiological determinants of social behaviour in animals'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Spencer
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, South Street, St Andrews KY16 9JP, UK
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78
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Kelly AM, Hiura LC, Saunders AG, Ophir AG. Oxytocin Neurons Exhibit Extensive Functional Plasticity Due To Offspring Age in Mothers and Fathers. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 57:603-618. [PMID: 28957529 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The needs of offspring change as they develop. Thus, parents should concomitantly change their investment based on the age-related needs of the offspring as they mature. Due to the high costs of parental care, it is optimal for parents to exhibit a shift from intense caregiving of young offspring to promoting independence in older offspring. Yet, the neural mechanisms that underlie shifts in parental behavior are poorly understood, and little is known about how the parental brain responds to offspring of different ages. To elucidate mechanisms that relate to shifts in parental behavior as offspring develop, we examined behavioral and neural responses of male and female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a biparental rodent, to interactions with offspring at different stages of development (ranging from neonatal to weaning age). Importantly, in biparental species, males and females may adjust their behavior differentially as offspring develop. Because the nonapeptides, vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT), are well known for modulating aspects of parental care, we focused on functional activity of distinct VP and OT cell groups within the maternal and paternal brain in response to separation from, reunion (after a brief period of separation) with, or no separation from offspring of different ages. We found several differences in the neural responses of individual VP and OT cell groups that varied based on the age of pups and sex of the parent. Hypothalamic VP neurons exhibit similar functional responses in both mothers and fathers. However, hypothalamic and amygdalar OT neurons exhibit differential functional responses to being separated from pups based on the sex of the parent. Our results also reveal that the developmental stage of offspring significantly impacts neural function within OT, but not VP, cell groups of both mothers and fathers. These findings provide insight into the functional plastic capabilities of the nonapeptide system, specifically in relation to parental behavior. Identifying neural mechanisms that exhibit functional plasticity can elucidate one way in which animals are able to shift behavior on relatively short timescales in order to exhibit the most context-appropriate and adaptive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Kelly
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Lisa C Hiura
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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79
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Krause S, Boeck C, Gumpp AM, Rottler E, Schury K, Karabatsiakis A, Buchheim A, Gündel H, Kolassa IT, Waller C. Child Maltreatment Is Associated with a Reduction of the Oxytocin Receptor in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. Front Psychol 2018. [PMID: 29535656 PMCID: PMC5835067 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Child maltreatment (CM) and attachment experiences are closely linked to alterations in the human oxytocin (OXT) system. However, human data about oxytocin receptor (OXTR) protein levels are lacking. Therefore, we investigated oxytocin receptor (OXTR) protein levels in circulating immune cells and related them to circulating levels of OXT in peripheral blood. We hypothesized reduced OXTR protein levels, associated with both, experiences of CM and an insecure attachment representation. Methods: OXTR protein expressions were analyzed by western blot analyses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma OXT levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 49 mothers. We used the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to assess adverse childhood experiences. Attachment representations (secure vs. insecure) were classified using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) and levels of anxiety and depression were assessed with the German version of the Hospital Depression and Anxiety scale (HADS-D). Results: CM-affected women showed significantly lower OXTR protein expression with significantly negative correlations between the OXTR protein expression and the CTQ sum score, whereas plasma OXT levels showed no significant differences in association with CM. Lower OXTR protein expression in PBMC were particularly pronounced in the group of insecurely attached mothers compared to the securely attached group. Anxiety levels were significantly higher in CM-affected women. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant association between CM and an alteration of OXTR protein expression in human blood cells as a sign for chronic, long-lasting alterations in this attachment-related neurobiological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Krause
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christina Boeck
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Anja M Gumpp
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Edit Rottler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katharina Schury
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Ulm University, Germany
| | | | - Anna Buchheim
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Harald Gündel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Christiane Waller
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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80
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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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81
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Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has a solid reputation as a facilitator of social interactions such as parental and pair bonding, trust, and empathy. The many results supporting a pro-social role of OT have generated the hypothesis that impairments in the endogenous OT system may lead to antisocial behavior, most notably social withdrawal or pathological aggression. If this is indeed the case, administration of exogenous OT could be the "serenic" treatment that psychiatrists have for decades been searching for.In the present review, we list and discuss the evidence for an endogenous "hypo-oxytocinergic state" underlying aggressive and antisocial behavior, derived from both animal and human studies. We furthermore examine the reported effects of synthetic OT administration on aggression in rodents and humans.Although the scientific findings listed in this review support, in broad lines, the link between a down-regulated or impaired OT system activity and increased aggression, the anti-aggressive effects of synthetic OT are less straightforward and require further research. The rather complex picture that emerges adds to the ongoing debate questioning the unidirectional pro-social role of OT, as well as the strength of the effects of intranasal OT administration in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trynke R de Jong
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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82
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Tsuji C, Tsuji T, Allchorne A, Leng G, Ludwig M. Effects of lateral olfactory tract stimulation on Fos immunoreactivity in vasopressin neurones of the rat piriform cortex. J Neuroendocrinol 2017; 29:e12531. [PMID: 28862781 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the main olfactory system, odours are registered at the main olfactory epithelium and are then processed at the main olfactory bulb (MOB) and, subsequently, by the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), the piriform cortex (PC) and the cortical amygdala. Previously, we reported populations of vasopressin neurones in different areas of the rat olfactory system, including the MOB, accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) and the AON and showed that these are involved in the coding of social odour information. Utilising immunohistochemistry and a transgenic rat in which an enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter gene is expressed in vasopressin neurones (eGFP-vasopressin), we now show a population of vasopressin neurones in the PC. The vasopressin neurones are predominantly located in the layer II of the PC and the majority co-express the excitatory transmitter glutamate. Furthermore, there is no sex difference in the number of neurones expressing vasopressin. Electrical stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract leads to a significant increase in the number of Fos-positive nuclei in the PC, MOB, AOB, dorsal AON and supraoptic nucleus (SON). However, there was only a significant increase in Fos expression in vasopressin cells of the PC and SON. Thus, functionally distinct populations of vasopressin cells are implicated in olfactory processing at multiple stages of the olfactory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tsuji
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - T Tsuji
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A Allchorne
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - G Leng
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Ludwig
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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83
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Suppressed play behaviour and decreased oxytocin receptor binding in the amygdala after prenatal exposure to low-dose valproic acid. Behav Pharmacol 2017; 28:450-457. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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84
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Social instability stress in adolescent male rats reduces social interaction and social recognition performance and increases oxytocin receptor binding. Neuroscience 2017; 359:172-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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85
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Gouin JP, Zhou QQ, Booij L, Boivin M, Côté SM, Hébert M, Ouellet-Morin I, Szyf M, Tremblay RE, Turecki G, Vitaro F. Associations among oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) DNA methylation in adulthood, exposure to early life adversity, and childhood trajectories of anxiousness. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7446. [PMID: 28785027 PMCID: PMC5547144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent models propose deoxyribonucleic acid methylation of key neuro-regulatory genes as a molecular mechanism underlying the increased risk of mental disorder associated with early life adversity (ELA). The goal of this study was to examine the association of ELA with oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) methylation among young adults. Drawing from a 21-year longitudinal cohort, we compared adulthood OXTR methylation frequency of 46 adults (23 males and 23 females) selected for high or low ELA exposure based on childhood socioeconomic status and exposure to physical and sexual abuse during childhood and adolescence. Associations between OXTR methylation and teacher-rated childhood trajectories of anxiousness were also assessed. ELA exposure was associated with one significant CpG site in the first intron among females, but not among males. Similarly, childhood trajectories of anxiousness were related to one significant CpG site within the promoter region among females, but not among males. This study suggests that females might be more sensitive to the impact of ELA on OXTR methylation than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Gouin
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Q Q Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - L Booij
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - M Boivin
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Institute of Genetic, Neurobiological, and Social Foundations of Child Development, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - S M Côté
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM and Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Hébert
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - I Ouellet-Morin
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - M Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - R E Tremblay
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- School of Public Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Turecki
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - F Vitaro
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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86
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Moul C, Hawes DJ, Dadds MR. Mapping the developmental pathways of child conduct problems through the neurobiology of empathy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 91:34-50. [PMID: 28377098 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The notion that antisocial behavior reflects failures of empathy has a long history in the clinical literature, yet only recently has evidence emerged to support neuroscientific accounts of empathy and the development of child conduct problems. Much of this evidence has come from research into callous-unemotional traits, which correspond to the affective component of psychopathy and therefore encompass deficits in empathy within a broader cluster of emotional impairments. In this review we integrate current evidence concerning the biobehavioral bases of empathy and callous-unemotional traits, and discuss how it may inform models of heterogeneous subgroups of individuals with early onset conduct problems. We argue that somewhat distinct failures of empathy map onto distinct risk pathways to early onset conduct problems, and that these pathways may be best understood by examining empathy in terms of cognitive and environmental prerequisites and the various neurochemical systems implicated therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Moul
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Australia.
| | - David J Hawes
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Australia.
| | - Mark R Dadds
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Australia.
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87
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Amini-Khoei H, Amiri S, Mohammadi-Asl A, Alijanpour S, Poursaman S, Haj-Mirzaian A, Rastegar M, Mesdaghinia A, Banafshe HR, Sadeghi E, Samiei E, Mehr SE, Dehpour AR. Experiencing neonatal maternal separation increased pain sensitivity in adult male mice: Involvement of oxytocinergic system. Neuropeptides 2017; 61:77-85. [PMID: 27932062 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Early-life stress adversely affects the development of the brain, and alters a variety of behaviors such as pain in later life. In present study, we investigated how early-life stress (maternal separation or MS) can affect the nociceptive response later in life. We particularly focused on the role of oxytocin (OT) in regulating nociception in previously exposed (MS during early postnatal development) mice that were subjected to acute stress (restraint stress or RS). Further, we evaluated whether such modulation of pain sensation in MS mice are regulated by shared mechanisms of the OTergic and opioidergic systems. To do this, we assessed the underlying systems mediating the nociceptive response by administrating different antagonists (for both opioid and OTergic systems) under the different experimental conditions (control vs MS, and control plus RS vs MS plus RS). Our results showed that MS increased pain sensitivity in both tail-flick and hot-plate tests while after administration of OT (1μg/μl/mouse, i.c.v) pain threshold was increased. Atosiban, an OT antagonist (10μg/μl/mouse, i.c.v) abolished the effects of OT. While acute RS increased the pain threshold in control (and not MS) mice, treating MS mice with OT normalized the pain response to RS. This latter effect was reversed by atosiban and/or naltrexone, an opioid antagonist (0.5μg/μl/mouse, i.c.v) suggesting that OT enhances the effect of endogenous opioids. OTergic system is involved in mediating the nociception under acute stress in mice subjected to early-life stress and OTergic and opioidergic systems interact to modulate pain sensitivity in MS mice.
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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
| | - Shayan Amiri
- 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
| | - Ali Mohammadi-Asl
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Alijanpour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad, Iran
| | - Simin Poursaman
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - 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, P.O. Box: 13145-784, Tehran, 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
| | - Azam Mesdaghinia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Banafshe
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Physiology Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ehsanollah Sadeghi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elika Samiei
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Ejtemaie Mehr
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 13145-784, 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, P.O. Box: 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
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88
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Oxytocin Signaling in the Early Life of Mammals: Link to Neurodevelopmental Disorders Associated with ASD. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 35:239-268. [PMID: 28812269 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin plays a role in various functions including endocrine and immune functions but also parent-infant bonding and social interactions. It might be considered as a main neuropeptide involved in mediating the regulation of adaptive interactions between an individual and his/her environment. Recently, a critical role of oxytocin in early life has been revealed in sensory processing and multi-modal integration that are essential for normal postnatal neurodevelopment. An early alteration in the oxytocin-system may disturb its maturation and may have short-term and long-term pathological consequences such as autism spectrum disorders. Here, we will synthesize the existing literature on the development of the oxytocin system and its role in the early postnatal life of mammals (from birth to weaning) in a normal or pathological context. Oxytocin is required in critical windows of time that play a pivotal role and that should be considered for therapeutical interventions.
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89
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Litvin Y, Turner CA, Rios MB, Maras PM, Chaudhury S, Baker MR, Blandino P, Watson SJ, Akil H, McEwen B. Fibroblast growth factor 2 alters the oxytocin receptor in a developmental model of anxiety-like behavior in male rat pups. Horm Behav 2016; 86:64-70. [PMID: 27693608 PMCID: PMC5789801 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to determine the short-term effects of early-life stress in the form of maternal separation (MS) on anxiety-like behavior in male rat pups. In order to assess anxiety, we measured 40kHz separation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) on postnatal day (PND) 11. We further aimed to evaluate the potential involvement of two neurochemical systems known to regulate social and anxiety-like behaviors throughout life: oxytocin (OT) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). For these purposes, we tested the effects of neonatal administration (on PND1) of an acute dose of FGF2 on USV and its potential interaction with MS. In addition, we validated the anxiolytic effects of OT and measured oxytocin receptor (OTR) gene expression, binding and epigenetic regulation via histone acetylation. Our results show that MS potentiated USV while acute administration of OT and FGF2 attenuated them. Further, we found that both FGF2 and MS increased OTR gene expression and the association of acH3K14 with the OTR promoter in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Comparable changes, though not as pronounced, were also found for the central amygdala (CeA). Our findings suggest that FGF2 may exert its anxiolytic effects in male MS rats by a compensatory increase in the acetylation of the OTR promoter to overcome reduced OT levels in the BNST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Litvin
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Cortney A Turner
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Mariel B Rios
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Pamela M Maras
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Sraboni Chaudhury
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Miriam R Baker
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Peter Blandino
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Stanley J Watson
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Huda Akil
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Bruce McEwen
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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90
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McCoy CR, Rana S, Stringfellow SA, Day JJ, Wyss JM, Clinton SM, Kerman IA. Neonatal maternal separation stress elicits lasting DNA methylation changes in the hippocampus of stress-reactive Wistar Kyoto rats. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 44:2829-2845. [PMID: 27643783 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) can alter neurodevelopment in variable ways, ranging from producing deleterious outcomes to stress resilience. While most ELS studies focus on its harmful effects, recent work by our laboratory and others shows that ELS elicits positive effects in certain individuals. We exposed Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, known for a stress reactive, anxiety/depression-like phenotype, to maternal separation (MS), a model of ELS. MS exposure elicited anxiolytic and antidepressant behavioral effects as well as improved cardiovascular function in adult WKY offspring. This study interrogates an epigenetic mechanism (DNA methylation) that may confer the adaptive effects of MS in WKY offspring. We quantified global genome methylation levels in limbic brain regions of adult WKYs exposed to daily 180-min MS or neonatal handling from postnatal day 1-14. MS exposure triggered dramatic DNA hypermethylation specifically in the hippocampus. Next-generation sequencing methylome profiling revealed reduced methylation at intragenic sites within two key nodes of insulin signaling pathways: the insulin receptor and one of its major downstream targets, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 5 (Map3k5). We then tested the hypothesis that enhancing DNA methylation in WKY rats would elicit adaptive changes akin to the effects of MS. Dietary methyl donor supplementation improved WKY rats' anxiety/depression-like behaviors and also improved cardiovascular measures, similar to previous observations following MS. Overall, these data suggest a potential molecular mechanism that mediates a predicted adaptive response, whereby ELS induces DNA methylation changes in the brain that may contribute to successful stress coping and adaptive physiological changes in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R McCoy
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech University, 1981 Kraft Drive, 2012 ILSB, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Samir Rana
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Jeremy J Day
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J Michael Wyss
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sarah M Clinton
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech University, 1981 Kraft Drive, 2012 ILSB, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Ilan A Kerman
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech University, 1981 Kraft Drive, 2012 ILSB, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
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91
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Chronic Postnatal Stress Induces Depressive-like Behavior in Male Mice and Programs second-Hit Stress-Induced Gene Expression Patterns of OxtR and AvpR1a in Adulthood. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:4813-4819. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0043-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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92
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Kim S, Kwok S, Mayes LC, Potenza MN, Rutherford HJV, Strathearn L. Early adverse experience and substance addiction: dopamine, oxytocin, and glucocorticoid pathways. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1394:74-91. [PMID: 27508337 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Substance addiction may follow a chronic, relapsing course and critically undermine the physical and psychological well-being of the affected individual and the social units of which the individual is a member. Despite the public health burden associated with substance addiction, treatment options remain suboptimal, with relapses often seen. The present review synthesizes growing insights from animal and human research to shed light upon developmental and neurobiological pathways that may increase susceptibility to addiction. We examine the dopamine system, the oxytocin system, and the glucocorticoid system, as they are particularly relevant to substance addiction. Our aim is to delineate how early adverse experience may induce long-lasting alterations in each of these systems at molecular, neuroendocrine, and behavioral levels and ultimately lead to heightened vulnerability to substance addiction. We further discuss how substance addiction in adulthood may increase the risk of suboptimal caregiving for the next generation, perpetuating the intergenerational cycle of early adverse experiences and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohye Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Attachment and Neurodevelopment Laboratory, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephanie Kwok
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Linda C Mayes
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASAColumbia), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Lane Strathearn
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Attachment and Neurodevelopment Laboratory, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
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93
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Age and sex differences in oxytocin and vasopressin V1a receptor binding densities in the rat brain: focus on the social decision-making network. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:981-1006. [PMID: 27389643 PMCID: PMC5334374 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1260-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) regulate various social behaviors via activation of the OT receptor (OTR) and the AVP V1a receptor (V1aR) in the brain. Social behavior often differs across development and between the sexes, yet our understanding of age and sex differences in brain OTR and V1aR binding remains incomplete. Here, we provide an extensive analysis of OTR and V1aR binding density throughout the brain in juvenile and adult male and female rats, with a focus on regions within the social decision-making network. OTR and V1aR binding density were higher in juveniles than in adults in regions associated with reward and socio-spatial memory and higher in adults than in juveniles in key regions of the social decision-making network and in cortical regions. We discuss possible implications of these shifts in OTR and V1aR binding density for the age-specific regulation of social behavior. Furthermore, sex differences in OTR and V1aR binding density were less numerous than age differences. The direction of these sex differences was region-specific for OTR but consistently higher in females than in males for V1aR. Finally, almost all sex differences in OTR and V1aR binding density were already present in juveniles and occurred in regions with denser binding in adults compared to juveniles. Possible implications of these sex differences for the sex-specific regulation of behavior, as well potential underlying mechanisms, are discussed. Overall, these findings provide an important framework for testing age- and sex-specific roles of OTR and V1aR in the regulation of social behavior.
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94
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Vaidyanathan R, Hammock EA. Oxytocin receptor dynamics in the brain across development and species. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:143-157. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Vaidyanathan
- Department of Psychology; Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
| | - Elizabeth A.D. Hammock
- Department of Psychology; Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
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95
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Harden SW, Frazier CJ. Oxytocin depolarizes fast-spiking hilar interneurons and induces GABA release onto mossy cells of the rat dentate gyrus. Hippocampus 2016; 26:1124-39. [PMID: 27068005 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of exogenous oxytocin (OXT) to central oxytocin receptors (OXT-Rs) is currently being investigated as a potential treatment for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, social anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite significant research implicating central OXT signaling in modulation of mood, affect, social behavior, and stress response, relatively little is known about the cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying these complex actions, particularly in brain regions which express the OXT-R but lie outside of the hypothalamus (where OXT-synthesizing neurons reside). We report that bath application of low concentrations of the selective OXT-R agonist Thr4,Gly7-OXT (TGOT) reliably and robustly drives GABA release in the dentate gyrus in an action potential dependent manner. Additional experiments led to identification of a small subset of small hilar interneurons that are directly depolarized by acute application of TGOT. From a physiological perspective, TGOT-responsive hilar interneurons have high input resistance, rapid repolarization velocity during an action potential, and a robust afterhyperpolarization. Further, they fire irregularly (or stutter) in response to moderate depolarization, and fire quickly with minimal spike frequency accommodation in response to large current injections. From an anatomical perspective, TGOT responsive hilar interneurons have dense axonal arborizations in the hilus that were found in close proximity with mossy cell somata and/or proximal dendrites, and also invade the granule cell layer. Further, they have primary dendrites that always extend into the granule cell layer, and sometimes have clear arborizations in the molecular layer. Overall, these data reveal a novel site of action for OXT in an important limbic circuit, and represent a significant step towards better understanding how endogenous OXT may modulate flow of information in hippocampal networks. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W Harden
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Charles J Frazier
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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96
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Schneider-Hassloff H, Straube B, Jansen A, Nuscheler B, Wemken G, Witt SH, Rietschel M, Kircher T. Oxytocin receptor polymorphism and childhood social experiences shape adult personality, brain structure and neural correlates of mentalizing. Neuroimage 2016; 134:671-684. [PMID: 27109357 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The oxytocin system is involved in human social behavior and social cognition such as attachment, emotion recognition and mentalizing (i.e. the ability to represent mental states of oneself and others). It is shaped by social experiences in early life, especially by parent-infant interactions. The single nucleotid polymorphism rs53576 in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene has been linked to social behavioral phenotypes. METHOD In 195 adult healthy subjects we investigated the interaction of OXTR rs53576 and childhood attachment security (CAS) on the personality traits "adult attachment style" and "alexithymia" (i.e. emotional self-awareness), on brain structure (voxel-based morphometry) and neural activation (fMRI) during an interactive mentalizing paradigm (prisoner's dilemma game; subgroup: n=163). RESULTS We found that in GG-homozygotes, but not in A-allele carriers, insecure childhood attachment is - in adulthood - associated with a) higher attachment-related anxiety and alexithymia, b) higher brain gray matter volume of left amygdala and lower volumes in right superior parietal lobule (SPL), left temporal pole (TP), and bilateral frontal regions, and c) higher mentalizing-related neural activity in bilateral TP and precunei, and right middle and superior frontal gyri. Interaction effects of genotype and CAS on brain volume and/or function were associated with individual differences in alexithymia and attachment-related anxiety. Interactive effects were in part sexually dimorphic. CONCLUSION The interaction of OXTR genotype and CAS modulates adult personality as well as brain structure and function of areas implicated in salience processing and mentalizing. Rs53576 GG-homozygotes are partially more susceptible to childhood attachment experiences than A-allele carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Schneider-Hassloff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Germany.
| | - B Straube
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Germany
| | - A Jansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Germany
| | - B Nuscheler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Germany
| | - G Wemken
- Institute of Psychology, Social Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, Germany
| | - S H Witt
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - M Rietschel
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - T Kircher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Germany
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97
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Hicks C, Cornish JL, Baracz SJ, Suraev A, McGregor IS. Adolescent pre-treatment with oxytocin protects against adult methamphetamine-seeking behavior in female rats. Addict Biol 2016; 21:304-15. [PMID: 25402719 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), given acutely, reduces self-administration of the psychostimulant drug methamphetamine (METH). Additionally, chronic OT administration to adolescent rats reduces levels of alcohol consumption in adulthood, suggesting developmental neuroplasticity in the OT system relevant to addiction-related behaviors. Here, we examined whether OT exposure during adolescence might subsequently inhibit METH self-administration in adulthood. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered vehicle or OT (1 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily from postnatal days (PND) 28 to 37 (adolescence). At PND 62 (adulthood), rats were trained to self-administer METH (intravenous, i.v.) in daily 2-hour sessions for 10 days under a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) reinforcement schedule, followed by determination of dose-response functions (0.01-0.3 mg/kg/infusion, i.v.) under both FR1 and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement. Responding was then extinguished, and relapse to METH-seeking behavior assessed following priming doses of non-contingent METH (0.1-1 mg/kg, i.p.). Finally, plasma was collected to determine pre-treatment effects on OT and corticosterone levels. Results showed that OT pre-treatment did not significantly inhibit the acquisition of METH self-administration or FR1 responding. However, rats pre-treated with OT responded significantly less for METH under a PR reinforcement schedule, and showed reduced METH-primed reinstatement with the 1 mg/kg prime. Plasma OT levels were also significantly higher in OT pre-treated rats. These results confirm earlier observations that adolescent OT exposure can subtly, yet significantly, inhibit addiction-relevant behaviors in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Hicks
- School of Psychology; University of Sydney; Australia
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98
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Olazábal DE, Alsina-Llanes M. Are age and sex differences in brain oxytocin receptors related to maternal and infanticidal behavior in naïve mice? Horm Behav 2016; 77:132-40. [PMID: 25910577 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Parental Care". There is significant variability in the behavioral responses displayed by naïve young and adult mice when first exposed to pups. This variability has been associated with differences in the expression of oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) in the brain in several species. Experiment I investigated the behavioral responses of juvenile, adolescent, and adult CB57BL/6 males and females when first exposed to pups. We found an age increase in maternal females (11% of juveniles, 20% of adolescents, and 50% of young adults), and infanticidal males (0% of juveniles, 30% of adolescents, 44.5% of young adults, and 100% of older adults). Experiment II investigated OXTR density in the brain of juvenile and adult mice. Our results revealed an age decline in the density of OXTR in several brain regions, including the lateral septum, cingulated and posterior paraventricular thalamic nucleus in both males and females. Adult females had higher OXTR density in the ventromedial nucleus/postero-ventral hypothalamus (VMH) and the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), but lower density in the ventral region of the lateral septum (LSv) than juveniles. Males had lower OXTR density in the anterior olfactory area (AOA) compared to juveniles. No age or sex differences were found in the medial preoptic area, and amygdaloid nuclei, among other brain regions. This study suggests that 1) maturation of parental and infanticidal behavioral responses is not reached until adulthood; 2) the pattern of development of OXTR in the mouse brain is unique, region specific, and differs from that observed in other rodents; 3) either up or down regulation of OXTR in a few brain regions (VMH/AOB/LSv/AOA) might contribute to age or sex differences in parental or infanticidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Olazábal
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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99
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Beery AK, McEwen LM, MacIsaac JL, Francis DD, Kobor MS. Natural variation in maternal care and cross-tissue patterns of oxytocin receptor gene methylation in rats. Horm Behav 2016; 77:42-52. [PMID: 26122287 PMCID: PMC4691570 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Parental Care". Since the first report of maternal care effects on DNA methylation in rats, epigenetic modifications of the genome in response to life experience have become the subject of intense focus across many disciplines. Oxytocin receptor expression varies in response to early experience, and both oxytocin signaling and methylation status of the oxytocin receptor gene (Oxtr) in blood have been related to disordered social behavior. It is unknown whether Oxtr DNA methylation varies in response to early life experience, and whether currently employed peripheral measures of Oxtr methylation reflect variation in the brain. We examined the effects of early life rearing experience via natural variation in maternal licking and grooming during the first week of life on behavior, physiology, gene expression, and epigenetic regulation of Oxtr across blood and brain tissues (mononucleocytes, hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus). Rats reared by "high" licking-grooming (HL) and "low" licking-grooming (LL) rat dams exhibited differences across study outcomes: LL offspring were more active in behavioral arenas, exhibited lower body mass in adulthood, and showed reduced corticosterone responsivity to a stressor. Oxtr DNA methylation was significantly lower at multiple CpGs in the blood of LL versus HL males, but no differences were found in the brain. Across groups, Oxtr transcript levels in the hypothalamus were associated with reduced corticosterone secretion in response to stress, congruent with the role of oxytocin signaling in this region. Methylation of specific CpGs at a high or low level was consistent across tissues, especially within the brain. However, individual variation in DNA methylation relative to these global patterns was not consistent across tissues. These results suggest that blood Oxtr DNA methylation may reflect early experience of maternal care, and that Oxtr methylation across tissues is highly concordant for specific CpGs, but that inferences across tissues are not supported for individual variation in Oxtr methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaliese K Beery
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA; Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholars Program, University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Lisa M McEwen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, and Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, and Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Darlene D Francis
- Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholars Program, University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco, CA, USA; School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, and Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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100
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Garfield L, Mathews HL, Janusek LW. Inflammatory and Epigenetic Pathways for Perinatal Depression. Biol Res Nurs 2015; 18:331-43. [DOI: 10.1177/1099800415614892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Depression during the perinatal period is common and can have adverse consequences for women and their children. Yet, the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying perinatal depression are not known. Adverse early life experiences increase the risk for adult depression. One potential mechanism by which this increased risk occurs is epigenetic embedding of inflammatory pathways. The purpose of this article is to propose a conceptual model that explicates the linkage between early life adversity and the risk for maternal depression. The model posits that early life adversity embeds a proinflammatory epigenetic signature (altered DNA methylation) that predisposes vulnerable women to depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. As proposed, women with a history of early life adversity are more likely to exhibit higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines and lower levels of oxytocin in response to the demands of pregnancy and new motherhood, both of which are associated with the risk for perinatal depression. The model is designed to guide investigations into the biobehavioral basis for perinatal depression, with emphasis upon the impact of early life adversity. Testing this model will provide a better understanding of maternal depressive risk and improve identification of vulnerable women who would benefit from targeted interventions that can reduce the impact of perinatal depression on maternal–infant health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Garfield
- Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Herbert L. Mathews
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Linda Witek Janusek
- Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
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