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Tsang E, Orlandini C, Sureka R, Crevenna AH, Perlas E, Prankerd I, Masferrer ME, Gross CT. Induction of flight via midbrain projections to the cuneiform nucleus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281464. [PMID: 36795666 PMCID: PMC9934373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The dorsal periaqueductal gray is a midbrain structure implicated in the control of defensive behaviors and the processing of painful stimuli. Electrical stimulation or optogenetic activation of excitatory neurons in dorsal periaqueductal gray results in freezing or flight behavior at low and high intensity, respectively. However, the output structures that mediate these defensive behaviors remain unconfirmed. Here we carried out a targeted classification of neuron types in dorsal periaqueductal gray using multiplex in situ sequencing and then applied cell-type and projection-specific optogenetic stimulation to identify projections from dorsal periaqueductal grey to the cuneiform nucleus that promoted goal-directed flight behavior. These data confirmed that descending outputs from dorsal periaqueductal gray serve as a trigger for directed escape behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmy Tsang
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Orlandini
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
- Neurobiology Master’s Program, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro, Rome, Italy
| | - Rahul Sureka
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Alvaro H. Crevenna
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Emerald Perlas
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Izzie Prankerd
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
- University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Maria E. Masferrer
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Cornelius T. Gross
- Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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52
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Iglesias LP, Fernandes HB, de Miranda AS, Perez MM, Faccioli LH, Sorgi CA, Bertoglio LJ, Aguiar DC, Wotjak CT, Moreira FA. TRPV1 modulation of contextual fear memory depends on stimulus intensity and endocannabinoid signalling in the dorsal hippocampus. Neuropharmacology 2023; 224:109314. [PMID: 36336070 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channels have been implicated in the modulation of aversive responses. The endocannabinoid anandamide acts as an endogenous TRPV1 agonist, exerting opposite functions at TRPV1 and type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R). Here we tested the hypothesis that hippocampal TRPV1 modulates contextual fear memory retrieval and investigated the influence of the aversive stimulus intensity as well as the role of endocannabinoid signaling. Male C57BL/6J mice were tested for contextual fear memory after low-, moderate-, or high-intensity shock protocols. The selective TRPV1 blockers SB366791 (1-10 nmol) and 6-I-NC (2 nmol) were infused via intra-dorsal hippocampus before the retrieval test session. The local levels of endocannabinoids and Arc and Zif268 mRNAs, involved in synaptic plasticity and memory, were quantified. First, both TRPV1 blockers reduced memory retrieval in animals exposed to moderate or high (but not low) intensity training protocols. In the second series of results, the magnitude of the freezing responses positively correlated with the hippocampal anandamide levels; TRPV1 and CB1R were found co-localized in this brain region; and the CB1R antagonist, AM251, prevented the effects of SB366791. Thus, endocannabinoid signaling possibly mediates the effects of TRPV1 blockers. Finally, inhibition of memory retrieval by TRPV1 blockers increased Arc and Zif268 mRNAs and impaired fear memory reinstatement. In conclusion, the modulation of fear memories by dorsal hippocampal TRPV1 channels may depend on the aversive stimulus intensity and occur via anandamide/CB1 signaling. Moreover, TRPV1 blockers promote Arc and Zif268 transcription, with subsequent attenuation of aversive memory reinstatement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia P Iglesias
- Graduate School in Neuroscience and Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Heliana B Fernandes
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Aline S de Miranda
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Malena M Perez
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucia H Faccioli
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Sorgi
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro J Bertoglio
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Daniele C Aguiar
- Graduate School in Neuroscience and Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Central Nervous System Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach Riß, Germany
| | - Fabrício A Moreira
- Graduate School in Neuroscience and Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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53
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Falconi-Sobrinho LL, Dos Anjos-Garcia T, Hernandes PM, Rodrigues BMDP, Almada RC, Coimbra NC. Unravelling the dorsal periaqueductal grey matter NMDA receptors relevance in the nitric oxide-mediated panic‑like behaviour and defensive antinociception organised by the anterior hypothalamus of male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:319-335. [PMID: 36648509 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06309-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies suggested that the dorsal column of the periaqueductal grey matter (dPAG) can be a target of neural pathways from hypothalamic nuclei involved in triggering fear-related defensive responses. In turn, evidence is provided suggesting that microinjection of the nitric oxide (NO) donor SIN-1 into the anterior hypothalamus (AH) of mice evokes panic-like behaviours and fear-induced antinociception. However, it is unknown whether the dPAG of mice mediates these latter defensive responses organised by AH neurons. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to examine the role of dPAG in mediating SIN-1-evoked fear-induced defensive behavioural and antinociceptive responses organised in the AH of mice. METHODS First, neural tract tracing was performed to characterise the AH-dPAG pathways. Then, using neuropharmacological approaches, we evaluated the effects of dPAG pretreatment with either the non-selective synaptic blocker cobalt chloride (CoCl2; 1 mM/0.1 μL) or the competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist LY235959 (0.1 nmol/0.1 μL) on defensive behaviours and antinociception induced by microinjections of SIN-1 in the AH of male C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS AlexaFluor488-conjugated dextran-labelled axonal fibres from AH neurons were identified in both dorsomedial and dorsolateral PAG columns. Furthermore, we showed that pre-treatment of the dPAG with either CoCl2 or LY235959 inhibited freezing and impaired oriented escape and antinociception induced by infusions of SIN-1 into the AH. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the panic-like freezing and oriented escape defensive behaviours, and fear-induced antinociception elicited by intra-AH microinjections of SIN-1 depend on the activation of dPAG NMDA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Luciano Falconi-Sobrinho
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil.
- NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions (NuPNE) Research Centre, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil.
- Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Avenida do Café, 2450, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14220-030, Brazil.
| | - Tayllon Dos Anjos-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
- Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paloma Molina Hernandes
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Humanities and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mangili de Paula Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Carvalho Almada
- Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Avenida do Café, 2450, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14220-030, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Humanities and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Norberto Cysne Coimbra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil.
- NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions (NuPNE) Research Centre, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil.
- Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Avenida do Café, 2450, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14220-030, Brazil.
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54
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Hipólito LTM, Batista TH, Dos Anjos-Garcia T, Giusti-Paiva A, Vilela FC. Methimazole-induced gestational hypothyroidism affects the offspring development and differently impairs the conditioned fear in male and female adulthood rodents. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:108-120. [PMID: 36445265 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational hypothyroidism is a prevalent disorder in pregnant women and also impairs fetal development with relevant outcomes. One of the outcomes of greatest interest has been rodent fear- and anxiety-like behavior. However, the relationship between maternal hypothyroidism and onset of conditioned fear-related responses in offspring remains controversial. Here, we used a well-validated methimazole-induced gestational hypothyroidism to investigate the behavioral consequences in offspring. Dams were treated with methimazole at 0.02% in drinking water up to gestational Day 9. Maternal body weights and maternal behavior were evaluated, and the puppies ware analyzed for weight gain and physical/behavioral development and assigned for the open field and fear conditioning test. Methimazole-induced gestational hypothyroidism induced loss in maternal and litter weight, increases in maternal behavior, and impairs in offspring developmental landmarks in both male and female rodents. Only male offspring enhanced responsiveness to conditioned fear-like behavior in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laísa T M Hipólito
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências Aplicadas à Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Tatiane H Batista
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Tayllon Dos Anjos-Garcia
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Giusti-Paiva
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências Aplicadas à Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Fabiana C Vilela
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências Aplicadas à Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, Brazil
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55
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Coelho CM, Araújo AS, Suttiwan P, Zsido AN. An ethologically based view into human fear. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 145:105017. [PMID: 36566802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.105017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The quality of the defensive response to a threat depends on the elements that trigger the fear response. The current classification system of phobias does not account for this. Here, we analyze the fear-eliciting elements and discern the different types of fears that originate from them. We propose Pain, Disgust, Vasovagal response, Visual-vestibular and postural interactions, Movement and Speed, Distance and Size, Low and mid-level visual features, Smell, and Territory and social status. We subdivide phobias according to the fear-eliciting elements most frequently triggered by them and their impact on behavior. We discuss the implications of a clinical conceptualization of phobias in humans by reconsidering the current nosology. This conceptualization will facilitate finding etiological factors in defensive behavior expression, fine-tuning exposure techniques, and challenging preconceived notions of preparedness. This approach to phobias leads to surprising discoveries and shows how specific responses bear little relation to the interpretation we might later give to them. Dividing fears into their potentially fear-eliciting elements can also help in applying the research principles formulated by the Research Domain Criteria initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Coelho
- University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana S Araújo
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Panrapee Suttiwan
- Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Life Di Center, Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Andras N Zsido
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs 7622, Hungary
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56
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Maresh K, Papageorgiou A, Ridout D, Harrison NA, Mandy W, Skuse D, Muntoni F. Startle responses in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a novel biomarker of brain dystrophin deficiency. Brain 2023; 146:252-265. [PMID: 35136951 PMCID: PMC9825594 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by loss of dystrophin in muscle, however patients also have variable degree of intellectual disability and neurobehavioural co-morbidities. In contrast to muscle, in which a single full-length dystrophin isoform (Dp427) is produced, multiple isoforms are produced in the brain, and their deficiency accounts for the variability of CNS manifestations, with increased risk of comorbidities in patients carrying mutations affecting the 3' end of the gene, which disrupt expression of shorter Dp140 and Dp71 isoforms. A mouse model (mdx mouse) lacks Dp427 in muscle and CNS and exhibits exaggerated startle responses to threat, linked to the deficiency of dystrophin in limbic structures such as the amygdala, which normalize with postnatal brain dystrophin-restoration therapies. A pathological startle response is not a recognized feature of DMD, and its characterization has implications for improved clinical management and translational research. To investigate startle responses in DMD, we used a novel fear-conditioning task in an observational study of 56 males aged 7-12 years (31 affected boys, mean age 9.7 ± 1.8 years; 25 controls, mean age 9.6 ± 1.4 years). Trials of two neutral visual stimuli were presented to participants: one 'safe' cue presented alone; one 'threat' cue paired with an aversive noise to enable conditioning of physiological startle responses (skin conductance response and heart rate). Retention of conditioned physiological responses was subsequently tested by presenting both cues without the aversive noise in an 'Extinction' phase. Primary outcomes were the initial unconditioned skin conductance and change in heart rate responses to the aversive 'threat' and acquisition and retention of conditioned responses after conditioning. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were neuropsychological measures and genotype associations. The mean unconditioned skin conductance response was greater in the DMD group than controls [mean difference 3.0 µS (1.0, 5.1); P = 0.004], associated with a significant threat-induced bradycardia only in the patient group [mean difference -8.7 bpm (-16.9, -0.51); P = 0.04]. Participants with DMD found the task more aversive than controls, with increased early termination rates during the Extinction phase (26% of DMD group versus 0% of controls; P = 0.007). This study provides the first evidence that boys with DMD show similar increased unconditioned startle responses to threat to the mdx mouse, which in the mouse respond to brain dystrophin restoration. Our study provides new insights into the neurobiology underlying the complex neuropsychiatric co-morbidities in DMD and defines an objective measure of this CNS phenotype, which will be valuable for future CNS-targeted dystrophin-restoration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Maresh
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Andriani Papageorgiou
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Deborah Ridout
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Neil A Harrison
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - William Mandy
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - David Skuse
- Department of Behavioural and Brain Sciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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57
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Couto Pereira NDS, Klippel Zanona Q, Pastore Bernardi M, Alves J, Dalmaz C, Calcagnotto ME. Aversive memory reactivation: A possible role for delta oscillations in the hippocampus-amygdala circuit. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:48-69. [PMID: 36128957 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Memory labilization, the process by which memories become susceptible to update, is essential for memory reconsolidation and has been a target for novel therapies for traumatic memory-associated disorders. Maternal separation (MS) in male rats produced memories resistant to labilization in adulthood. Based on previous results, we hypothesized that temporal desynchronization between the dorsal hippocampus (DHc) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA), during memory retrieval, could be responsible for this impairment. Our goal was to investigate possible differences in oscillatory activity and synchrony between the DHc and BLA during fear memory reactivation, between MS and non-handled (NH) rats. We used male adult Wistar rats, NH or MS, with electrodes for local field potential (LFP) recordings implanted in the DHc and BLA. Animals were submitted to aversive memory reactivation by exposure to the conditioned context (Reat) or to pseudo-reactivation in a neutral context (pReat), and LFP was recorded. Plasticity markers linked to reconsolidation were evaluated one hour after reactivation. The power of delta oscillations and DHc-BLA synchrony in Reat animals was increased, during freezing. Besides, delta modulation of gamma oscillations amplitude in the BLA was associated with the increase in DHc Zif268 levels, an immediate early gene specifically associated with reconsolidation. Concerning early life stress, we found lower power of delta and strength of delta-gamma oscillations coupling in MS rats, compared to NH, which could explain the low Zif268 levels in a subgroup of MS animals. These results suggest a role for delta oscillations in memory reactivation that should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natividade de Sá Couto Pereira
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory (NNNESP Lab.), Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Querusche Klippel Zanona
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory (NNNESP Lab.), Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Pastore Bernardi
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory (NNNESP Lab.), Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Joelma Alves
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carla Dalmaz
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory (NNNESP Lab.), Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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58
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Trevor C, Renner M, Frühholz S. Acoustic and structural differences between musically portrayed subtypes of fear. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 153:384. [PMID: 36732275 DOI: 10.1121/10.0016857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fear is a frequently studied emotion category in music and emotion research. However, research in music theory suggests that music can convey finer-grained subtypes of fear, such as terror and anxiety. Previous research on musically expressed emotions has neglected to investigate subtypes of fearful emotions. This study seeks to fill this gap in the literature. To that end, 99 participants rated the emotional impression of short excerpts of horror film music predicted to convey terror and anxiety, respectively. Then, the excerpts that most effectively conveyed these target emotions were analyzed descriptively and acoustically to demonstrate the sonic differences between musically conveyed terror and anxiety. The results support the hypothesis that music conveys terror and anxiety with markedly different musical structures and acoustic features. Terrifying music has a brighter, rougher, harsher timbre, is musically denser, and may be faster and louder than anxious music. Anxious music has a greater degree of loudness variability. Both types of fearful music tend towards minor modalities and are rhythmically unpredictable. These findings further support the application of emotional granularity in music and emotion research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Trevor
- Department of Psychology, University of Zürich, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marina Renner
- Department of Psychology, University of Zürich, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sascha Frühholz
- Department of Psychology, University of Zürich, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
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59
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A circuit from the ventral subiculum to anterior hypothalamic nucleus GABAergic neurons essential for anxiety-like behavioral avoidance. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7464. [PMID: 36463200 PMCID: PMC9719513 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35211-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral observations suggest a connection between anxiety and predator defense, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here we examine the role of the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN), a node in the predator defense network, in anxiety-like behaviors. By in vivo recordings in male mice, we find that activity of AHN GABAergic (AHNVgat+) neurons shows individually stable increases when animals approach unfamiliar objects in an open field (OF) or when they explore the open-arm of an elevated plus-maze (EPM). Moreover, object-evoked AHN activity overlap with predator cue responses and correlate with the object and open-arm avoidance. Crucially, exploration-triggered optogenetic inhibition of AHNVgat+ neurons reduces object and open-arm avoidance. Furthermore, retrograde viral tracing identifies the ventral subiculum (vSub) of the hippocampal formation as a significant input to AHNVgat+ neurons in driving avoidance behaviors in anxiogenic situations. Thus, convergent activation of AHNVgat+ neurons serves as a shared mechanism between anxiety and predator defense to promote behavioral avoidance.
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60
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Hyperacusis: Loudness Intolerance, Fear, Annoyance and Pain. Hear Res 2022; 426:108648. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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61
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Zhong C, Wang L, Cao Y, Sun C, Huang J, Wang X, Pan S, He S, Huang K, Lu Z, Xu F, Lu Y, Wang L. A neural circuit from the dorsal CA3 to the dorsomedial hypothalamus mediates balance between risk exploration and defense. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111570. [PMID: 36323263 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An appropriate balance between explorative and defensive behavior is essential for the survival and reproduction of prey animals in risky environments. However, the neural circuit and mechanism that allow for such a balance remains poorly understood. Here, we use a semi-naturalistic predator threat test (PTT) to observe and quantify the defense-exploration balance, especially risk exploration behavior in mice. During the PTT, the activity of the putative dorsal CA3 glutamatergic neurons (dCA3Glu) is suppressed by predatory threat and risk exploration, whereas the neurons are activated during contextual exploration. Moreover, optogenetic excitation of these neurons induces a significant increase in risk exploration. A circuit, comprising the dorsal CA3, dorsal lateral septal, and dorsomedial hypothalamic (dCA3Glu-dLSGABA-DMH) areas, may be involved. Moreover, activation of the dCA3Glu-dLSGABA-DMH circuit promotes the switch from defense to risk exploration and suppresses threat-induced increase in arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chongyang Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jianyu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xufang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Suwan Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuyu He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Kang Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhonghua Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; Center for Brain Science, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Liping Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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62
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Rahy R, Asari H, Gross CT. Sensory-thresholded switch of neural firing states in a computational model of the ventromedial hypothalamus. Front Comput Neurosci 2022; 16:964634. [PMID: 36157840 PMCID: PMC9491323 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.964634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is both necessary and sufficient for defensive responses to predator and social threats. Defensive behaviors typically involve cautious approach toward potentially threatening stimuli aimed at obtaining information about the risk involved, followed by sudden avoidance and flight behavior to escape harm. In vivo neural recording studies in mice have identified two major populations of VMH neurons that either increase their firing activity as the animal approaches the threat (called Assessment+ cells) or increase their activity as the animal flees the threat (called Flight+ cells). Interestingly, Assessment+ and Flight+ cells abruptly decrease and increase their firing activity, respectively, at the decision point for flight, creating an escape-related “switch” in functional state. This suggests that the activity of the two cell types in VMH is coordinated and could result from local circuit interactions. Here, we used computational modeling to test if a local inhibitory feedback circuit could give rise to key features of the neural activity seen in VMH during the approach-to-flight transition. Starting from a simple dual-population inhibitory feedback circuit receiving repeated trains of monotonically increasing sensory input to mimic approach to threat, we tested the requirement for balanced sensory input, balanced feedback, short-term synaptic plasticity, rebound excitation, and inhibitory feedback exclusivity to reproduce an abrupt, sensory-thresholded reciprocal firing change that resembles Assessment+ and Flight+ cell activity seen in vivo. Our work demonstrates that a relatively simple local circuit architecture is sufficient for the emergence of firing patterns similar to those seen in vivo and suggests that a reiterative process of experimental and computational work may be a fruitful avenue for better understanding the functional organization of mammalian instinctive behaviors at the circuit level.
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Almada RC, Falconi-Sobrinho LL, da Silva JA, Wotjak CT, Coimbra NC. Augmented anandamide signalling in the substantia nigra pars reticulata mediates panicolytic-like effects in mice confronted by Crotalus durissus terrificus pit vipers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2753-2769. [PMID: 35650304 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06127-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid modulation of fear and anxiety due to the on-demand synthesis and degradation is supported by a large body of research. Although it has been proposed that anandamide (AEA) in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) seems to be important for the organisation of innate fear-related behaviours, a role for endogenous AEA has yet to be clarified. METHODS Mice were treated with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) selective inhibitor URB597 at different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 nmol/0.1 µL) in the SNpr and confronted by rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus terrificus). The most effective dose of URB597 (1 nmol) was also preceded by microinjections of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (0.1 nmol) into the SNpr, and mice were then confronted by the venomous snake. RESULTS URB597 (0.1 and 1 nmol) in the SNpr decreased the expression of defensive behaviours such as defensive attention, escape, and time spent inside the burrow of mice confronted by rattlesnakes. Moreover, pretreatment of SNpr with AM251 suppressed these antiaversive effects of URB597 in this midbrain structure. CONCLUSION Overall, these data clearly indicate that the panicolytic consequences of endogenous AEA enhancement in the SNpr are mediated by CB1 receptor signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael C Almada
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Humanities and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Luciano Falconi-Sobrinho
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil.,Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Ophidiarium LNN-FMRP-USP/INeC, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana A da Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil.,Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Central Nervous System Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Gesellschaft Mit Beschränkter Haftung & Compagnie Kommanditgesellschaft, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Norberto C Coimbra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil. .,Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. .,Ophidiarium LNN-FMRP-USP/INeC, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. .,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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64
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Kulason S, Ratnanather JT, Miller MI, Kamath V, Hua J, Yang K, Ma M, Ishizuka K, Sawa A. A comparative neuroimaging perspective of olfaction and higher-order olfactory processing: on health and disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 129:22-30. [PMID: 34462249 PMCID: PMC9900497 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction is often the earliest indicator of disease in a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. One tempting working hypothesis is that pathological changes in the peripheral olfactory system where the body is exposed to many adverse environmental stressors may have a causal role for the brain alteration. Whether and how the peripheral pathology spreads to more central brain regions may be effectively studied in rodent models, and there is successful precedence in experimental models for Parkinson's disease. It is of interest to study whether a similar mechanism may underlie the pathology of psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia. However, direct comparison between rodent models and humans includes challenges under light of comparative neuroanatomy and experimental methodologies used in these two distinct species. We believe that neuroimaging modality that has been the main methodology of human brain studies may be a useful viewpoint to address and fill the knowledge gap between rodents and humans in this scientific question. Accordingly, in the present review article, we focus on brain imaging studies associated with olfaction in healthy humans and patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders, and if available those in rodents. We organize this review article at three levels: 1) olfactory bulb (OB) and peripheral structures of the olfactory system, 2) primary olfactory cortical and subcortical regions, and 3) associated higher-order cortical regions. This research area is still underdeveloped, and we acknowledge that further validation with independent cohorts may be needed for many studies presented here, in particular those with human subjects. Nevertheless, whether and how peripheral olfactory disturbance impacts brain function is becoming even a hotter topic in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, given the risk of long-term changes of mental status associated with olfactory infection of SARS-CoV-2. Together, in this review article, we introduce this underdeveloped but important research area focusing on its implications in neurological and psychiatric disorders, with several pioneered publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Kulason
- Center for Imaging Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J Tilak Ratnanather
- Center for Imaging Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael I Miller
- Center for Imaging Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vidyulata Kamath
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jun Hua
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Schizophrenia Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Minghong Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Koko Ishizuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Schizophrenia Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Schizophrenia Center, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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65
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Fan R, Reader SM, Sakata JT. Alarm cues and alarmed conspecifics: neural activity during social learning from different cues in Trinidadian guppies. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220829. [PMID: 36043284 PMCID: PMC9428528 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning to respond appropriately to novel dangers is often essential to survival and success, but carries risks. Learning about novel threats from others (social learning) can reduce these risks. Many species, including the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata), respond defensively to both conspecific chemical alarm cues and conspecific anti-predator behaviours, and in other fish such social information can lead to a learned aversion to novel threats. However, relatively little is known about the neural substrates underlying social learning and the degree to which different forms of learning share similar neural mechanisms. Here, we explored the neural substrates mediating social learning of novel threats from two different conspecific cues (i.e. social cue-based threat learning). We first demonstrated that guppies rapidly learn about threats paired with either alarm cues or with conspecific threat responses (demonstration). Then, focusing on acquisition rather than recall, we discovered that phospho-S6 expression, a marker of neural activity, was elevated in guppies during learning from alarm cues in the putative homologue of the mammalian lateral septum and the preoptic area. Surprisingly, these changes in neural activity were not observed in fish learning from conspecific demonstration. Together, these results implicate forebrain areas in social learning about threat but raise the possibility that circuits contribute to such learning in a stimulus-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina Fan
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simon M. Reader
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jon T. Sakata
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Center for Studies in Behavioural Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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66
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Kang SJ, Liu S, Ye M, Kim DI, Pao GM, Copits BA, Roberts BZ, Lee KF, Bruchas MR, Han S. A central alarm system that gates multi-sensory innate threat cues to the amygdala. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111222. [PMID: 35977501 PMCID: PMC9420642 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Perception of threats is essential for survival. Previous findings suggest that parallel pathways independently relay innate threat signals from different sensory modalities to multiple brain areas, such as the midbrain and hypothalamus, for immediate avoidance. Yet little is known about whether and how multi-sensory innate threat cues are integrated and conveyed from each sensory modality to the amygdala, a critical brain area for threat perception and learning. Here, we report that neurons expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the parvocellular subparafascicular nucleus in the thalamus and external lateral parabrachial nucleus in the brainstem respond to multi-sensory threat cues from various sensory modalities and relay negative valence to the lateral and central amygdala, respectively. Both CGRP populations and their amygdala projections are required for multi-sensory threat perception and aversive memory formation. The identification of unified innate threat pathways may provide insights into developing therapeutic candidates for innate fear-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukjae J Kang
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Shijia Liu
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mao Ye
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Dong-Il Kim
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gerald M Pao
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Bryan A Copits
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Benjamin Z Roberts
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kuo-Fen Lee
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Center of Excellence in the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Departments of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, and Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sung Han
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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67
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Melleu FF, de Oliveira AR, Grego KF, Blanchard DC, Canteras NS. Dissecting the brain's fear systems responding to snake threats. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4788-4802. [PMID: 35971965 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We examined the behavioral responses and Fos expression pattern of rats that were exposed to snake threats from shed snakeskin and a live snake. We differentiated the behavioral responses and the pattern of Fos expression in response to the odor cues and mild threat from a live snake. Animals exposed to the snake odor alone or to the confined snake showed a great deal of risk assessment. Conversely, the intensification of odor during exposure to the live snake decreased the threat ambiguity, and the animals froze for a significantly longer period. Our Fos analysis showed that a pathway formed by the posteroventral part of the medial amygdalar nucleus to the central part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus appeared to be solely responsive to odor cues. In addition, we showed increased Fos expression in a parallel circuit comprising the lateral amygdalar nucleus, ventral subiculum, lateral septum and juxtadorsomedial region of the lateral hypothalamic area that is responsive to both the odor and mild threat from a live snake. This path is likely to process the environmental boundaries of the threat to be avoided. Both paths merge into the dorsal premammillary nucleus and periaqueductal gray sites, which all increase Fos expression in response to the snake threats and are likely to organize the defensive responses. Moreover, we found that the snake threat mobilized the Edinger-Westphal and supraoculomotor nuclei, which are involved in stress adaptation and attentional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando F Melleu
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Kathleen F Grego
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - D Caroline Blanchard
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Pacific Biosciences Research Centre, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| | - Newton S Canteras
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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68
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Bortoloci JGT, Motta SC. Failure of AAV retrograde tracer transduction in hypothalamic projections to the periaqueductal gray matter. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10243. [PMID: 36061004 PMCID: PMC9433681 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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69
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Cuccovia V Reis FM, Novaes LS, Dos Santos NB, Ferreira-Rosa KC, Perfetto JG, Baldo MVC, Munhoz CD, Canteras NS. Predator fear memory depends on glucocorticoid receptors and protein synthesis in the basolateral amygdala and ventral hippocampus. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 141:105757. [PMID: 35427951 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the ventral hippocampus (VH) are critical sites for predator-related fear memory. Predator exposure is an intense emotional experience and should increase plasmatic corticosterone likely to modulate the emotion-related memories. However, it is unclear whether the BLA and VH harbor plastic events underlying predator-related fear memory storage and how molecular and endocrine mechanisms interact to modulate memory to the predatory threat. Here, we first examined the effects of protein synthesis inhibition in the BLA and VH on fear memory to a predatory threat. We next evaluated how exposure to a predatory threat impacts the corticosterone release and how the inhibition of corticosterone synthesis can influence predator-related fear memory. Finally, we examined how predator exposure triggers the activation of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in the BLA and VH and whether the GR antagonist injection affects predator-related fear memory. We showed that predator-related contextual fear is dependent on protein synthesis in the BLA and VH. Moreover, we described the impact of rapid glucocorticoid release during predatory exposure on the formation of contextual fear responses and that GR-induced signaling facilitates memory consolidation within the BLA and VH. The results are relevant in understanding how life-threatening situations such as a predator encounter impact fear memory storage and open exciting perspectives to investigate GR-induced proteins as targets to deciphering and manipulating aversive memories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Santana Novaes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Nilton Barreto Dos Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Juliano Genaro Perfetto
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinicius C Baldo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carolina Demarchi Munhoz
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Newton Sabino Canteras
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
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70
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Liu D, Li S, Ren L, Li X, Wang Z. The superior colliculus/lateral posterior thalamic nuclei in mice rapidly transmit fear visual information through the theta frequency band. Neuroscience 2022; 496:230-240. [PMID: 35724770 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Animals perceive threat information mainly from vision, and the subcortical visual pathway plays a critical role in the rapid processing of fear visual information. The superior colliculus (SC) and lateral posterior (LP) nuclei of the thalamus are key components of the subcortical visual pathway; however, how animals encode and transmit fear visual information is unclear. To evaluate the response characteristics of neurons in SC and LP thalamic nuclei under fear visual stimuli, extracellular action potentials (spikes) and local field potential signals were recorded under looming and dimming visual stimuli. The results showed that both SC and LP thalamic nuclei were strongly responsive to looming visual stimuli but not sensitive to dimming visual stimuli. Under the looming visual stimulus, the theta (θ) frequency bands of both nuclei showed obvious oscillations, which markedly enhanced the synchronization between neurons. The functional network characteristics also indicated that the network connection density and information transmission efficiency were higher under fear visual stimuli. These findings suggest that both SC and LP thalamic nuclei can effectively identify threatening fear visual information and rapidly transmit it between nuclei through the θ frequency band. This discovery can provide a basis for subsequent coding and decoding studies in the subcortical visual pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denghui Liu
- School of Electric Engineering, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology
| | - Shouhao Li
- School of Electric Engineering, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology
| | - Liqing Ren
- School of Electric Engineering, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology
| | - Xiaoyuan Li
- School of Electric Engineering, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology.
| | - Zhenlong Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology; School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China.
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Piwowarczyk-Nowak A, Pałasz A, Bogus K, Krzystanek M, Błaszczyk I, Worthington JJ, Grajoszek A. Modulatory effect of long-term treatment with escitalopram and clonazepam on the expression of anxiety-related neuropeptides: neuromedin U, neuropeptide S and their receptors in the rat brain. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:9041-9049. [PMID: 35690686 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07578-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newly identified multifunctional peptidergic modulators of stress responses: neuromedin U (NMU) and neuropeptide S (NPS) are involved in the wide spectrum of brain functions. However, there are no reports dealing with potential molecular relationships between the action of diverse anxiolytic or antidepressant drugs and NMU and NPS signaling in the brain. The present work was therefore focused on local expression of the aforementioned stress-related neuropeptides in the rat brain after long-term treatment with escitalopram and clonazepam. METHODS Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats that were divided into 3 groups: animals injected with saline (control) and experimental individuals treated with escitalopram (at single dose 5 mg/kg daily), and clonazepam (at single dose 0.5 mg/kg). All individuals were sacrificed under anaesthesia and the whole brain excised. Total mRNA was isolated from homogenized samples of amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebellum and brainstem. Real time-PCR method was used for estimation of related NPS, NPS receptor (NPSR), NMU, NMU and receptor 2 (NMUR2) mRNA expression. The whole brains were also sliced for general immunohistochemical assessment of the neuropeptides expression. RESULTS Chronic administration of clonazepam resulted in an increase of NMU mRNA expression and formation of NMU-expressing fibers in the amygdala, while escitalopram produced a significant decrease in NPSR mRNA level in hypothalamus. Long-term escitalopram administration affects the local expression of examined neuropeptides mRNA in a varied manner depending on the brain structure. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological effects of escitalopram may be connected with local at least partially NPSR-related alterations in the NPS/NMU/NMUR2 gene expression at the level selected rat brain regions. A novel alternative mode of SSRI action can be therefore cautiously proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Piwowarczyk-Nowak
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Bogus
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Ziolowa 45/47 Katowice 40- 635, Katowice, Poland
| | - Iwona Błaszczyk
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ, Lancaster, UK
| | - Aniela Grajoszek
- Department for Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 4, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
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La-Vu MQ, Sethi E, Maesta-Pereira S, Schuette PJ, Tobias BC, Reis FMCV, Wang W, Torossian A, Bishop A, Leonard SJ, Lin L, Cahill CM, Adhikari A. Sparse genetically defined neurons refine the canonical role of periaqueductal gray columnar organization. eLife 2022; 11:77115. [PMID: 35674316 PMCID: PMC9224993 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During threat exposure, survival depends on defensive reactions. Prior works linked large glutamatergic populations in the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) to defensive freezing and flight, and established that the overarching functional organization axis of the PAG is along anatomically-defined columns. Accordingly, broad activation of the dorsolateral column induces flight, while activation of the lateral or ventrolateral (l and vl) columns induces freezing. However, the PAG contains diverse cell types that vary in neurochemistry. How these cell types contribute to defense remains unknown, indicating that targeting sparse, genetically-defined populations may reveal how the PAG generates diverse behaviors. Though prior works showed that broad excitation of the lPAG or vlPAG causes freezing, we found in mice that activation of lateral and ventrolateral PAG (l/vlPAG) cholecystokinin-expressing (CCK) cells selectively caused flight to safer regions within an environment. Furthermore, inhibition of l/vlPAG-CCK cells reduced predator avoidance without altering other defensive behaviors like freezing. Lastly, l/vlPAG-CCK activity decreased when approaching threat and increased during movement to safer locations. These results suggest CCK cells drive threat avoidance states, which are epochs during which mice increase distance from threat and perform evasive escape. Conversely, l/vlPAG pan-neuronal activation promoted freezing, and these cells were activated near threat. Thus, CCK l/vlPAG cells have opposing function and neural activation motifs compared to the broader local ensemble defined solely by columnar boundaries. In addition to the anatomical columnar architecture of the PAG, the molecular identity of PAG cells may confer an additional axis of functional organization, revealing unexplored functional heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Q La-Vu
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Ekayana Sethi
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Sandra Maesta-Pereira
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Peter J Schuette
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Brooke C Tobias
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Fernando M C V Reis
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Weisheng Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Anita Torossian
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Amy Bishop
- Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Saskia J Leonard
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Lilly Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, United States.,Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Avishek Adhikari
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
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73
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Dysfunctional Heteroreceptor Complexes as Novel Targets for the Treatment of Major Depressive and Anxiety Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111826. [PMID: 35681521 PMCID: PMC9180493 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Among mental diseases, major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety deserve a special place due to their high prevalence and their negative impact both on society and patients suffering from these disorders. Consequently, the development of novel strategies designed to treat them quickly and efficiently, without or at least having limited side effects, is considered a highly important goal. Growing evidence indicates that emerging properties are developed on recognition, trafficking, and signaling of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) upon their heteromerization with other types of GPCRs, receptor tyrosine kinases, and ionotropic receptors such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Therefore, to develop new treatments for MDD and anxiety, it will be important to identify the most vulnerable heteroreceptor complexes involved in MDD and anxiety. This review focuses on how GPCRs, especially serotonin, dopamine, galanin, and opioid heteroreceptor complexes, modulate synaptic and volume transmission in the limbic networks of the brain. We attempt to provide information showing how these emerging concepts can contribute to finding new ways to treat both MDD and anxiety disorders.
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Piwowarczyk-Nowak A, Pałasz A, Suszka-Świtek A, Della Vecchia A, Grajoszek A, Krzystanek M, Worthington JJ. Escitalopram alters local expression of noncanonical stress-related neuropeptides in the rat brain via NPS receptor signaling. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:637-653. [PMID: 35653031 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00374-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a multifunctional regulatory factor that exhibits a potent anxiolytic activity in animal models. However, there are no reports dealing with the potential molecular relationships between the anxiolytic activity of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and NPS signaling, especially in the context of novel stress-related neuropeptides action. The present work therefore focused on gene expression of novel stress neuropeptides in the rat brain after acute treatment with escitalopram and in combination with neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) blockade. METHODS Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats that were divided into five groups: animals injected with saline (control) and experimental rats treated with escitalopram (at single dose 10 mg/kg daily), escitalopram and SHA-68, a selective NPSR antagonist (at a single dose of 40 mg/kg), SHA-68 alone and corresponding vehicle (solvent SHA-68) control. To measure anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity the open field test was performed. All individuals were killed under anaesthesia and the whole brain was excised. Total mRNA was isolated from homogenized samples of the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebellum, and brainstem. Real-time PCR was used for estimation of related NPS, NPSR, neuromedin U (NMU), NMU receptor 2 (NMUR2) and nesfatin-1 precursor nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) gene expression. RESULTS Acute escitalopram administration affects the local expression of the examined neuropeptides mRNA in a varied manner depending on brain location. An increase in NPSR and NUCB2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and brainstem was abolished by SHA-68 coadministration, while NMU mRNA expression was upregulated after NPSR blockade in the hippocampus and cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacological effects of escitalopram may be connected with local NPSR-related alterations in NPS/NMU/NMUR2 and nesfatin-1 gene expression at the level of selected rat brain regions. A novel alternative mode of SSRI action can be therefore cautiously proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Piwowarczyk-Nowak
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Suszka-Świtek
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 67, Via Roma, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Aniela Grajoszek
- Department for Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 4, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Ziolowa 45/47, 40-635, Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
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Lee JY, You T, Lee CH, Im GH, Seo H, Woo CW, Kim SG. Role of anterior cingulate cortex inputs to periaqueductal gray for pain avoidance. Curr Biol 2022; 32:2834-2847.e5. [PMID: 35609604 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although pain-related excessive fear is known to be a key factor in chronic pain disability, which involves the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), little is known about the downstream circuits of the ACC for fear avoidance in pain processing. Using behavioral experiments and functional magnetic resonance imaging with optogenetics at 15.2 T, we demonstrate that the ACC is a part of the abnormal circuit changes in chronic pain and its downstream circuits are closely related to modulating sensorimotor integration and generating active movement rather than carrying sensory information. The projection from the ACC to the dorsolateral and lateral parts of the periaqueductal gray (dl/lPAG) especially enhances both reflexive and active avoidance behavior toward pain. Collectively, our results indicate that increased signals from the ACC to the dl/lPAG might be critical for excessive fear avoidance in chronic pain disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Yun Lee
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Taeyi You
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Choong-Hee Lee
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun Ho Im
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Heewon Seo
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44704, USA
| | - Choong-Wan Woo
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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76
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Fan P, Song Y, Lu B, Wang Y, Dai Y, Xie J, He E, Xu Z, Yang G, Mo F, Liu J, Wang M, Cai X. PtNPs/PEDOT:PSS-Modified Microelectrode Arrays Reveal Electrophysiological Activities of Different Neurons in Medial Amygdala of Mice Under Innate Fear. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:868235. [PMID: 35620664 PMCID: PMC9127061 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.868235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial amygdala (MA) plays an important role in the innate fear circuit. However, the electrophysiological mechanism of MA for processing innate fear needs to be further explored. In this study, we fabricated microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with detecting sites arranged to match the location and shape of MA in mice and detected the electrophysiology in freely behaving mice under 2-methyl-2-thiazoline (2MT)-induced fear. The detection performance of MEA is improved by modifying metal nanoparticles and conductive polymers (PtNPs/PEDOT:PSS). After modification, the impedance magnitude and phase of electrodes were decreased to 27.0 ± 2.3 kΩ and −12.30 ± 0.52°, respectively, leading to a signal-to-noise ratio of 10. Its electrochemical stability and mechanical stability were also verified by cyclic voltammetry (CV) sweeping and ultrasonic vibration. MEAs were then implanted into the MA of mice, and the electrophysiology and behavioral characteristics were synchronously recorded and analyzed. The results showed that 2MT induced strong defensive behaviors in mice, accompanied by increases in the average spike firing rate and local field potential (LFP) power of MA neurons. According to principles commonly applied to cortical extracellular recordings, the recorded neurons are divided into two classes based on waveforms. Statistics showed that about 37% of type 1 neurons (putative GABAergic neurons) and 87% of type 2 neurons (putative glutamatergic neurons) were significantly activated under innate fear. At the same time, the firing rate of some activated neurons had a good linear correlation with the freezing rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yilin Song
| | - Botao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiding Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchuan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Enhui He
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaojie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gucheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxia Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Xinxia Cai
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Noga BR, Whelan PJ. The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region: Beyond Locomotor Control. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:884785. [PMID: 35615623 PMCID: PMC9124768 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.884785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) was discovered several decades ago in the cat. It was functionally defined based on the ability of low threshold electrical stimuli within a region comprising the cuneiform and pedunculopontine nucleus to evoke locomotion. Since then, similar regions have been found in diverse vertebrate species, including the lamprey, skate, rodent, pig, monkey, and human. The MLR, while often viewed under the lens of locomotion, is involved in diverse processes involving the autonomic nervous system, respiratory system, and the state-dependent activation of motor systems. This review will discuss the pedunculopontine nucleus and cuneiform nucleus that comprises the MLR and examine their respective connectomes from both an anatomical and functional angle. From a functional perspective, the MLR primes the cardiovascular and respiratory systems before the locomotor activity occurs. Inputs from a variety of higher structures, and direct outputs to the monoaminergic nuclei, allow the MLR to be able to respond appropriately to state-dependent locomotion. These state-dependent effects are roughly divided into escape and exploratory behavior, and the MLR also can reinforce the selection of these locomotor behaviors through projections to adjacent structures such as the periaqueductal gray or to limbic and cortical regions. Findings from the rat, mouse, pig, and cat will be discussed to highlight similarities and differences among diverse species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. Noga
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Brian R. Noga Patrick J. Whelan
| | - Patrick J. Whelan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Brian R. Noga Patrick J. Whelan
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Cao Y, Sun C, Huang J, Sun P, Wang L, He S, Liao J, Lu Z, Lu Y, Zhong C. Dysfunction of the Hippocampal-Lateral Septal Circuit Impairs Risk Assessment in Epileptic Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:828891. [PMID: 35571372 PMCID: PMC9103201 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.828891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy, a chronic disease of the brain characterized by degeneration of the hippocampus, has impaired risk assessment. Risk assessment is vital for survival in complex environments with potential threats. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. The intricate balance of gene regulation and expression across different brain regions is related to the structure and function of specific neuron subtypes. In particular, excitation/inhibition imbalance caused by hyperexcitability of glutamatergic neurons and/or dysfunction of GABAergic neurons, have been implicated in epilepsy. First, we estimated the risk assessment (RA) by evaluating the behavior of mice in the center of the elevated plus maze, and found that the kainic acid-induced temporal lobe epilepsy mice were specifically impaired their RA. This experiment evaluated approach-RA, with a forthcoming approach to the open arm, and avoid-RA, with forthcoming avoidance of the open arm. Next, results from free-moving electrophysiological recordings showed that in the hippocampus, ∼7% of putative glutamatergic neurons and ∼15% of putative GABAergic neurons were preferentially responsive to either approach-risk assessment or avoid-risk assessment, respectively. In addition, ∼12% and ∼8% of dorsal lateral septum GABAergic neurons were preferentially responsive to approach-risk assessment and avoid-risk assessment, respectively. Notably, during the impaired approach-risk assessment, the favorably activated dorsal dentate gyrus and CA3 glutamatergic neurons increased (∼9%) and dorsal dentate gyrus and CA3 GABAergic neurons decreased (∼7%) in the temporal lobe epilepsy mice. Then, we used RNA sequencing and immunohistochemical staining to investigate which subtype of GABAergic neuron loss may contribute to excitation/inhibition imbalance. The results show that temporal lobe epilepsy mice exhibit significant neuronal loss and reorganization of neural networks. In particular, the dorsal dentate gyrus and CA3 somatostatin-positive neurons and dorsal lateral septum cholecystokinin-positive neurons are selectively vulnerable to damage after temporal lobe epilepsy. Optogenetic activation of the hippocampal glutamatergic neurons or chemogenetic inhibition of the hippocampal somatostatin neurons directly disrupts RA, suggesting that an excitation/inhibition imbalance in the dHPC dorsal lateral septum circuit results in the impairment of RA behavior. Taken together, this study provides insight into epilepsy and its comorbidity at different levels, including molecular, cell, neural circuit, and behavior, which are expected to decrease injury and premature mortality in patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chongyang Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianyu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuyu He
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, China Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianxiang Liao
- Epilepsy Center, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhonghua Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- Yi Lu,
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Zhong,
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Maresh K, Papageorgiou A, Ridout D, Harrison N, Mandy W, Skuse D, Muntoni F. Development of a novel startle response task in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264091. [PMID: 35439255 PMCID: PMC9017900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an X-linked childhood-onset muscular dystrophy caused by loss of the protein dystrophin, can be associated with neurodevelopmental, emotional and behavioural problems. A DMD mouse model also displays a neuropsychiatric phenotype, including increased startle responses to threat which normalise when dystrophin is restored in the brain. We hypothesised that startle responses may also be increased in humans with DMD, which would have potential translational therapeutic implications. To investigate this, we first designed a novel discrimination fear-conditioning task and tested it in six healthy volunteers, followed by male DMD (n = 11) and Control (n = 9) participants aged 7–12 years. The aims of this methodological task development study were to: i) confirm the task efficacy; ii) optimise data processing procedures; iii) determine the most appropriate outcome measures. In the task, two neutral visual stimuli were presented: one ‘safe’ cue presented alone; one ‘threat’ cue paired with a threat stimulus (aversive noise) to enable conditioning of physiological startle responses (skin conductance response, SCR, and heart rate). Outcomes were the unconditioned physiological startle responses to the initial threat, and retention of conditioned responses in the absence of the threat stimulus. We present the protocol development and optimisation of data processing methods based on empirical data. We found that the task was effective in producing significantly higher physiological startle SCR in reinforced ‘threat’ trials compared to ‘safe’ trials (P < .001). Different data extraction methods were compared and optimised, and the optimal sampling window was derived empirically. SCR amplitude was the most effective physiological outcome measure when compared to SCR area and change in heart rate, with the best profile on data processing, the least variance, successful conditioned response retention (P = .01) and reliability assessment in test-retest analysis (rho = .86). The definition of this novel outcome will allow us to study this response in a DMD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Maresh
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andriani Papageorgiou
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Ridout
- Department of Population, Policy & Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, & Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Harrison
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - William Mandy
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Skuse
- Department of Behavioural and Brain Sciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, & Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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80
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Bang JY, Sunstrum JK, Garand D, Parfitt GM, Woodin M, Inoue W, Kim J. Hippocampal-hypothalamic circuit controls context-dependent innate defensive responses. eLife 2022; 11:74736. [PMID: 35420543 PMCID: PMC9042231 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preys use their memory - where they sensed a predatory threat and whether a safe shelter is nearby - to dynamically control their survival instinct to avoid harm and reach safety. However, it remains unknown which brain regions are involved, and how such top-down control of innate behaviour is implemented at the circuit level. Here, using adult male mice, we show that the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN) is best positioned to control this task as an exclusive target of the hippocampus (HPC) within the medial hypothalamic defense system. Selective optogenetic stimulation and inhibition of hippocampal inputs to the AHN revealed that the HPC→AHN pathway not only mediates the contextual memory of predator threats but also controls the goal-directed escape by transmitting information about the surrounding environment. These results reveal a new mechanism for experience-dependent, top-down control of innate defensive behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Yoon Bang
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Danielle Garand
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gustavo Morrone Parfitt
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Melanie Woodin
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wataru Inoue
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Junchul Kim
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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81
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Carli G, Farabollini F. Neural circuits of fear and defensive behavior. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2022; 271:51-69. [PMID: 35397895 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Innate fear-related behavioral responses have evolved as strategies for survival. The neural circuits responsible for defensive responses, studied mainly in rodents, have been substantially preserved across evolution. Amygdala collects sensory information (visual, auditory and olfactory) in the cortical division and conveys it to the striatal output division. Distinct amygdala nuclei/subnuclei are activated by different fearful stimuli, such as exposure to a predator or to an aggressive conspecific. The same stimuli segregation is observed in downstream structures, i.e., hypothalamus and PAG. In guinea pigs, the circuits underlying Tonic Immobility (TI) and freezing in response to a natural predator, have been mapped in different subnuclei of the same amygdala area. In the PAG circuits, defensive responses are differentially represented along the dorso-ventral and rostro-caudal axis. The coordination of behavioral, anti-nociceptive and autonomic responses is due to the overlapping of the involved neurons in longitudinal columns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Carli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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82
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Watts AG, Kanoski SE, Sanchez-Watts G, Langhans W. The physiological control of eating: signals, neurons, and networks. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:689-813. [PMID: 34486393 PMCID: PMC8759974 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past 30 yr, investigating the physiology of eating behaviors has generated a truly vast literature. This is fueled in part by a dramatic increase in obesity and its comorbidities that has coincided with an ever increasing sophistication of genetically based manipulations. These techniques have produced results with a remarkable degree of cell specificity, particularly at the cell signaling level, and have played a lead role in advancing the field. However, putting these findings into a brain-wide context that connects physiological signals and neurons to behavior and somatic physiology requires a thorough consideration of neuronal connections: a field that has also seen an extraordinary technological revolution. Our goal is to present a comprehensive and balanced assessment of how physiological signals associated with energy homeostasis interact at many brain levels to control eating behaviors. A major theme is that these signals engage sets of interacting neural networks throughout the brain that are defined by specific neural connections. We begin by discussing some fundamental concepts, including ones that still engender vigorous debate, that provide the necessary frameworks for understanding how the brain controls meal initiation and termination. These include key word definitions, ATP availability as the pivotal regulated variable in energy homeostasis, neuropeptide signaling, homeostatic and hedonic eating, and meal structure. Within this context, we discuss network models of how key regions in the endbrain (or telencephalon), hypothalamus, hindbrain, medulla, vagus nerve, and spinal cord work together with the gastrointestinal tract to enable the complex motor events that permit animals to eat in diverse situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan G Watts
- The Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- The Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Graciela Sanchez-Watts
- The Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Wolfgang Langhans
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule-Zürich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
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83
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Lu B, Fan P, Wang Y, Dai Y, Xie J, Yang G, Mo F, Xu Z, Song Y, Liu J, Cai X. Neuronal Electrophysiological Activities Detection of Defense Behaviors Using an Implantable Microelectrode Array in the Dorsal Periaqueductal Gray. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12040193. [PMID: 35448253 PMCID: PMC9032743 DOI: 10.3390/bios12040193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Defense is the basic survival mechanism of animals when facing dangers. Previous studies have shown that the midbrain periaqueduct gray (PAG) was essential for the production of defense responses. However, the correlation between the endogenous neuronal activities of the dorsal PAG (dPAG) and different defense behaviors was still unclear. In this article, we designed and manufactured microelectrode arrays (MEAs) whose detection sites were arranged to match the shape and position of dPAG in rats, and modified it with platinum-black nanoparticles to improve the detection performance. Subsequently, we successfully recorded the electrophysiological activities of dPAG neurons via designed MEAs in freely behaving rats before and after exposure to the potent analog of predator odor 2-methyl-2-thiazoline (2-MT). Results demonstrated that 2-MT could cause strong innate fear and a series of defensive behaviors, accompanied by the significantly increased average firing rate and local field potential (LFP) power of neurons in dPAG. We also observed that dPAG participated in different defense behaviors with different degrees of activation, which was significantly stronger in the flight stage. Further analysis showed that the neuronal activities of dPAG neurons were earlier than flight, and the intensity of activation was inversely proportional to the distance from predator odor. Overall, our results indicate that dPAG neuronal activities play a crucial role in controlling different types of predator odor-evoked innate fear/defensive behaviors, and provide some guidance for the prediction of defense behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Penghui Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiding Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuchuan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingyu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Gucheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaojie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yilin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinxia Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (B.L.); (P.F.); (Y.W.); (Y.D.); (J.X.); (G.Y.); (F.M.); (Z.X.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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84
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Alfieri V, Mattera A, Baldassarre G. Neural Circuits Underlying Social Fear in Rodents: An Integrative Computational Model. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:841085. [PMID: 35350477 PMCID: PMC8957808 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.841085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social avoidance in rodents arises from a complex interplay between the prefrontal cortex and subcortical structures, such as the ventromedial hypothalamus and the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter. Experimental studies are revealing the contribution of these areas, but an integrative view and model of how they interact to produce adaptive behavior are still lacking. Here, we present a computational model of social avoidance, proposing a set of integrated hypotheses on the possible macro organization of the brain system underlying this phenomenon. The model is validated by accounting for several different empirical findings and produces predictions to be tested in future experiments.
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85
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Genetic influences on central and peripheral nervous system activity during fear conditioning. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:95. [PMID: 35260551 PMCID: PMC8904491 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01861-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear conditioning is an evolutionarily conserved type of learning serving as a model for the acquisition of situationally induced anxiety. Brain function supporting fear conditioning may be genetically influenced, which in part could explain genetic susceptibility for anxiety following stress exposure. Using a classical twin design and functional magnetic resonance imaging, we evaluated genetic influences (h2) on brain activity and standard autonomic measures during fear conditioning. We found an additive genetic influence on mean brain activation (h2 = 0.34) and autonomic responses (h2 = 0.24) during fear learning. The experiment also allowed estimation of the genetic influence on brain activation during safety learning (h2 = 0.55). The mean safety, but not fear, related brain activation was genetically correlated with autonomic responses. We conclude that fear and safety learning processes, both involved in anxiety development, are moderately genetically influenced as expressed both in the brain and the body.
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86
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Baker PM, Mathis V, Lecourtier L, Simmons SC, Nugent FS, Hill S, Mizumori SJY. Lateral Habenula Beyond Avoidance: Roles in Stress, Memory, and Decision-Making With Implications for Psychiatric Disorders. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:826475. [PMID: 35308564 PMCID: PMC8930415 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.826475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this Perspective review, we highlight some of the less explored aspects of lateral habenula (LHb) function in contextual memory, sleep, and behavioral flexibility. We provide evidence that LHb is well-situated to integrate different internal state and multimodal sensory information from memory-, stress-, motivational-, and reward-related circuits essential for both survival and decision making. We further discuss the impact of early life stress (ELS) on LHb function as an example of stress-induced hyperactivity and dysregulation of neuromodulatory systems within the LHb that promote anhedonia and motivational deficits following ELS. We acknowledge that recent technological advancements in manipulation and recording of neural circuits in simplified and well-controlled behavioral paradigms have been invaluable in our understanding of the critical role of LHb in motivation and emotional regulation as well as the involvement of LHb dysfunction in stress-induced psychopathology. However, we also argue that the use of ethologically-relevant behaviors with consideration of complex aspects of decision-making is warranted for future studies of LHb contributions in a wide range of psychiatric illnesses. We conclude this Perspective with some of the outstanding issues for the field to consider where a multi-systems approach is needed to investigate the complex nature of LHb circuitry interactions with environmental stimuli that predisposes psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M. Baker
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Phillip M. Baker,
| | - Victor Mathis
- CNRS UPR 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Center National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucas Lecourtier
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Lucas Lecourtier,
| | - Sarah C. Simmons
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Fereshteh S. Nugent,
| | - Sierra Hill
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sheri J. Y. Mizumori
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Sheri J. Y. Mizumori,
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87
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Bindi RP, Maia RGO, Pibiri F, Baldo MVC, Poulter SL, Lever C, Canteras NS. Neural correlates of distinct levels of predatory threat in dorsal periaqueductal gray neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:1504-1518. [PMID: 35229373 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal PAG is an important site for integrating predatory threats. However, it remains unclear whether predator-related activation in PAG primarily reflects threat itself, and thus can distinguish between various degrees of threat, or rather reflects threat-oriented behaviors, with the PAG potentially orchestrating different types of defensive repertoire. To address this issue, we performed extracellular recording of dorsal PAG neurons in freely behaving rats and examined neuronal and behavioral responses to stimulus conditions with distinct levels of predatory threat. Animals were sequentially exposed to a non-threatening stimulus familiar environment (exposure to habituated environment) and to a novel non-threatening stimulus (i.e., a toy animal - plush) and to conditions with high (exposure to a live cat), intermediate (exposure to the environment just visited by the cat, with remnant predator scent), and low (exposure on the following day to the predatory context) levels of predatory threat. To test for contributions of both threat stimuli and behavior to changes in firing rate, we applied a Poisson Generalized Linear Model regression, using the different predator stimulus conditions and defensive repertoires as predictor variables. Analysis revealed that the different predator stimulus conditions were more predictive of changes in firing rate (primarily threat-induced increases) than the different defensive repertoires. Thus, the dorsal PAG may code for different levels of predatory threat, more than it directly orchestrates distinct threat-oriented behaviors. The present results open interesting perspectives to investigate the role of the dorsal PAG in mediating primal emotional and cognitive responses to fear-inducing stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo P Bindi
- Dept. Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo G O Maia
- Dept. Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francesca Pibiri
- Psychology Department, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Vinicius C Baldo
- Dept. Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Steven L Poulter
- Psychology Department, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Lever
- Psychology Department, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Newton S Canteras
- Dept. Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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88
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Subfornical organ interleukin 1 receptor: A novel regulator of spontaneous and conditioned fear associated behaviors in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:304-317. [PMID: 35032573 PMCID: PMC9836229 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired threat responding and fear regulation is a hallmark of psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Panic Disorder (PD). Most studies have focused on external psychogenic threats to study fear, however, accumulating evidence suggests a primary role of homeostatic perturbations and interoception in regulating emotional behaviors. Heightened reactivity to interoceptive threat carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation associates with increased risk for developing PD and PTSD, however, contributory mechanisms and molecular targets are not well understood. Previous studies from our group suggested a potential role of interleukin 1 receptor (IL-1R1) signaling within BBB-devoid sensory circumventricular organ, the subfornical organ (SFO) in CO2-evoked fear. However, the necessity of SFO-IL-1R1 in regulating CO2-associated spontaneous fear as well as, long-term fear potentiation relevant to PD/PTSD has not been investigated. The current study tested male mice with SFO-targeted microinfusion of the IL-1R1 antagonist (IL-1RA) or vehicle in a recently developed CO2-startle-fear conditioning-extinction paradigm. Consistent with our hypothesis, SFO IL-1RA treatment elicited significant attenuation of freezing and increased rearing during CO2 inhalation suggesting SFO-IL1R1 regulation of spontaneous fear to CO2. Intriguingly, SFO IL-1RA treatment normalized CO2-associated potentiation of conditioned fear and impaired extinction a week later suggesting modulation of long-term fear by SFO-IL-1R1 signaling. Post behavior FosB mapping revealed recruitment of prefrontal cortex-amygdala-periaqueductal gray (PAG) areas in SFO-IL-1RA mediated effects. Additionally, we localized cellular IL-1R1 expression within the SFO to blood vessel endothelial cells and observed CO2-induced alterations in IL-1β/IL-1R1 expression in peripheral mononuclear cells and SFO. Lastly, CO2-evoked microglial activation was attenuated in SFO-IL-1RA treated mice. These observations suggest a peripheral monocyte-endothelial-microglia interplay in SFO-IL-1R1 modulation of CO2-associated spontaneous fear and delayed fear memory. Collectively, our data highlight a novel, "bottom-up" neuroimmune mechanism that integrates interoceptive and exteroceptive threat processing of relevance to fear-related pathologies.
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89
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Zeytinoglu S, Neuman K, Degnan KA, Almas AN, Henderson H, Chronis-Tuscano A, Pine DS, Fox NA. Pathways from maternal shyness to adolescent social anxiety. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:342-349. [PMID: 34184279 PMCID: PMC9394112 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social anxiety is amongst the most prevalent adolescent mental health problems; however, it is often unrecognized due to its comorbidity with other anxiety problems such as generalized anxiety. Thus, understanding the unique developmental pathways to social anxiety is critical for improving its prevention. We examined the pathway from maternal shyness, when children were 4 years old, to adolescents' social anxiety at age 15 through social wariness at age 7. We hypothesized that childhood social wariness would mediate the association between maternal shyness and social anxiety in adolescence. METHODS Participants (N = 291; 54% female) were followed from early childhood to adolescence. Mothers reported on their own shyness when children were 4 years old. Social wariness toward unfamiliar peers was observed in the laboratory at ages 4 and 7. Adolescent social anxiety and generalized anxiety were assessed via self-report, parent-report, and clinical diagnoses at age 15. RESULTS Maternal shyness was positively associated with adolescent social anxiety but not generalized anxiety at age 15. Higher levels of maternal shyness at age 4 predicted greater social wariness at age 7, which in turn predicted greater social anxiety but not generalized anxiety at age 15. Social wariness at age 7 partially mediated the association between maternal shyness and adolescent social anxiety. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies a unique developmental pathway from maternal shyness to adolescent social anxiety. Findings suggest that childhood social wariness connects maternal shyness to adolescent social anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selin Zeytinoglu
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Keara Neuman
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University
| | | | - Alisa N. Almas
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia
| | | | | | - Daniel S. Pine
- Emotion and Development Branch, Section on Development and Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health
| | - Nathan A. Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park
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90
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Suzuki A, Kosugi S, Murayama E, Sasakawa E, Ohkawa N, Konno A, Hirai H, Inokuchi K. A cortical cell ensemble in the posterior parietal cortex controls past experience-dependent memory updating. Nat Commun 2022; 13:41. [PMID: 35017495 PMCID: PMC8752845 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27763-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
When processing current sensory inputs, animals refer to related past experiences. Current information is then incorporated into the related neural network to update previously stored memories. However, the neuronal mechanism underlying the impact of memories of prior experiences on current learning is not well understood. Here, we found that a cellular ensemble in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) that is activated during past experience mediates an interaction between past and current information to update memory through a PPC-anterior cingulate cortex circuit in mice. Moreover, optogenetic silencing of the PPC ensemble immediately after retrieval dissociated the interaction without affecting individual memories stored in the hippocampus and amygdala. Thus, a specific subpopulation of PPC cells represents past information and instructs downstream brain regions to update previous memories. Animals refer to related past experiences when processing sensory inputs. The authors show that a cellular ensemble in the posterior parietal cortex that is activated during past experience mediates an interaction between past and current information to update memory through a circuit including the anterior cingulate cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinobu Suzuki
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.,CREST, JST, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.,Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Sakurako Kosugi
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.,CREST, JST, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Emi Murayama
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.,CREST, JST, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.,Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Eri Sasakawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Noriaki Ohkawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.,CREST, JST, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.,PRESTO, JST, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.,Division for Memory and Cognitive Function, Research Center for Advanced Medical Science, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Ayumu Konno
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kaoru Inokuchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan. .,CREST, JST, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan. .,Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
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91
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Fronda DC, Labrague LJ. TURNOVER INTENTION AND CORONAPHOBIA AMONG FRONTLINE NURSES DURING THE SECOND SURGE OF COVID-19: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND COPING SKILLS. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:612-621. [PMID: 34989437 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Turnover among frontline healthcare workers, particularly nurses, reached an alarming rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. This turnover has been attributed, in part, to excessive fear of the virus (a condition called coronaphobia). Studies have not yet been conducted examining whether social support and coping skills could act as buffers between coronaphobia and the intention to leave. AIM To examine the relationship between coronaphobia and frontline nurses' organizational and professional turnover intention and to assess whether social support and coping skills can buffer this relationship. METHODS A correlational research design was used to collect responses through an online questionnaire from a convenience sample of 687 frontline nurses from the Central Philippines. Data was analysed using descriptive (mean, standard deviation, percentages) and inferential statistics (t - test, Pearson r correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression). RESULTS More than half of the frontline nurses experienced coronaphobia, while 25.8% reported a desire to leave their job and 20.7% reported a desire to leave their profession. Coronaphobia had direct significant effects on nurses' organizational (β=.424, p<.001) and professional turnover intention (β=.316, p<.001). Social support and coping skills partially mediated the relationship between organizational (β=.365, p<.001; β=.362, p<.001) and professional turnover intention (β=.279, p<.001; β=.289, p<.001). CONCLUSION Frontline nurses who experienced coronaphobia were more likely to quit their job and the nursing profession. Increasing nurses' social support and enhancing their coping skills reduced the negative effects of coronaphobia, resulting in improved nurse retention. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Institutional approaches to reduce coronaphobia and turnover intention during the pandemic can be facilitated by improving social support through innovative approaches (e.g., use of technology, social media) and equipping nurses with positive coping skills through coping skills training and other empirically based coping skill-building interventions.
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92
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de Lima MAX, Baldo MVC, Oliveira FA, Canteras NS. The anterior cingulate cortex and its role in controlling contextual fear memory to predatory threats. eLife 2022; 11:67007. [PMID: 34984975 PMCID: PMC8730726 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Predator exposure is a life-threatening experience and elicits learned fear responses to the context in which the predator was encountered. The anterior cingulate area (ACA) occupies a pivotal position in a cortical network responsive to predatory threats, and it exerts a critical role in processing fear memory. The experiments were made in mice and revealed that the ACA is involved in both the acquisition and expression of contextual fear to predatory threat. Overall, the ACA can provide predictive relationships between the context and the predator threat and influences fear memory acquisition through projections to the basolateral amygdala and perirhinal region and the expression of contextual fear through projections to the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray. Our results expand previous studies based on classical fear conditioning and open interesting perspectives for understanding how the ACA is involved in processing contextual fear memory to ethologic threatening conditions that entrain specific medial hypothalamic fear circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcus Vinicius C Baldo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando A Oliveira
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory (LaNeC) - Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Newton Sabino Canteras
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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93
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Mechanically evoked defensive attack is controlled by GABAergic neurons in the anterior hypothalamic nucleus. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:72-85. [PMID: 34980925 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00985-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Innate defensive behaviors triggered by environmental threats are important for animal survival. Among these behaviors, defensive attack toward threatening stimuli (for example, predators) is often the last line of defense. How the brain regulates defensive attack remains poorly understood. Here we show that noxious mechanical force in an inescapable context is a key stimulus for triggering defensive attack in laboratory mice. Mechanically evoked defensive attacks were abrogated by photoinhibition of vGAT+ neurons in the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN). The vGAT+ AHN neurons encoded the intensity of mechanical force and were innervated by brain areas relevant to pain and attack. Activation of these neurons triggered biting attacks toward a predator while suppressing ongoing behaviors. The projection from vGAT+ AHN neurons to the periaqueductal gray might be one AHN pathway participating in mechanically evoked defensive attack. Together, these data reveal that vGAT+ AHN neurons encode noxious mechanical stimuli and regulate defensive attack in mice.
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94
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Murray EA, Fellows LK. Prefrontal cortex interactions with the amygdala in primates. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:163-179. [PMID: 34446829 PMCID: PMC8616954 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01128-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review addresses functional interactions between the primate prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the amygdala, with emphasis on their contributions to behavior and cognition. The interplay between these two telencephalic structures contributes to adaptive behavior and to the evolutionary success of all primate species. In our species, dysfunction in this circuitry creates vulnerabilities to psychopathologies. Here, we describe amygdala-PFC contributions to behaviors that have direct relevance to Darwinian fitness: learned approach and avoidance, foraging, predator defense, and social signaling, which have in common the need for flexibility and sensitivity to specific and rapidly changing contexts. Examples include the prediction of positive outcomes, such as food availability, food desirability, and various social rewards, or of negative outcomes, such as threats of harm from predators or conspecifics. To promote fitness optimally, these stimulus-outcome associations need to be rapidly updated when an associative contingency changes or when the value of a predicted outcome changes. We review evidence from nonhuman primates implicating the PFC, the amygdala, and their functional interactions in these processes, with links to experimental work and clinical findings in humans where possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lesley K Fellows
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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95
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Introduction to defensive behavior in vertebrates. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2022; 271:37-49. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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96
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ZHOU P, XIAO H, LI Y, DONG X. Sustained hyperarousal induced by acute stress in tryptophan-hydroxylase-2 genetic deficient male mice. ACTA PSYCHOLOGICA SINICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1041.2022.00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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97
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Paula BD, Vieira-Rasteli E, Calvo F, Coimbra N, Leite-Panissi C. Functional activation of the periaqueductal gray matter during conditioned and unconditioned fear in guinea pigs confronted with the Boa constrictor constrictor snake. Braz J Med Biol Res 2022; 55:e11542. [PMID: 35195195 PMCID: PMC8856599 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2021e11542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) is an essential structure involved in the
elaboration of defensive responses, such as when facing predators and
conspecific aggressors. Using a prey vs predator paradigm, we
aimed to evaluate the PAG activation pattern evoked by unconditioned and
conditioned fear situations. Adult male guinea pigs were confronted either by a
Boa constrictor constrictor wild snake or by the aversive
experimental context. After the behavioral test, the rodents were euthanized and
the brain prepared for immunohistochemistry for Fos protein identification in
different PAG columns. Although Fos-protein-labeled neurons were found in
different PAG columns after both unconditioned and conditioned fear situations
at the caudal level of the PAG, we found greater activation of the lateral
column compared to the ventrolateral and dorsomedial columns after predator
exposure. Moreover, the lateral column of the PAG showed higher Fos-labeled
cells at the caudal level compared to the same area at the rostral level. The
present results suggested that there are different activation patterns of PAG
columns during unconditioned and conditioned fear in guinea pigs. It is possible
to hypothesize that the recruitment of specific PAG columns depended on the
nature of the threatening stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - F. Calvo
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
| | - N.C. Coimbra
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Brasil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
| | - C.R.A. Leite-Panissi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Brasil
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98
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Zhang Y, Xing X, Long B, Cao Y, Hu S, Li X, Yu Y, Tian D, Sui B, Luo Z, Liu W, Lv L, Wu Q, Dai J, Zhou M, Han H, Fu ZF, Gong H, Bai F, Zhao L. A spatial and cellular distribution of rabies virus infection in the mouse brain revealed by fMOST and single-cell RNA sequencing. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e700. [PMID: 35051311 PMCID: PMC8776042 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotropic virus infection can cause serious damage to the central nervous system (CNS) in both humans and animals. The complexity of the CNS poses unique challenges to investigate the infection of these viruses in the brain using traditional techniques. METHODS In this study, we explore the use of fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to map the spatial and cellular distribution of a representative neurotropic virus, rabies virus (RABV), in the whole brain. Mice were inoculated with a lethal dose of a recombinant RABV encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under different infection routes, and a three-dimensional (3D) view of RABV distribution in the whole mouse brain was obtained using fMOST. Meanwhile, we pinpointed the cellular distribution of RABV by utilizing scRNA-seq. RESULTS Our fMOST data provided the 3D view of a neurotropic virus in the whole mouse brain, which indicated that the spatial distribution of RABV in the brain was influenced by the infection route. Interestingly, we provided evidence that RABV could infect multiple nuclei related to fear independent of different infection routes. More surprisingly, our scRNA-seq data revealed that besides neurons RABV could infect macrophages and the infiltrating macrophages played at least three different antiviral roles during RABV infection. CONCLUSION This study draws a comprehensively spatial and cellular map of typical neurotropic virus infection in the mouse brain, providing a novel and insightful strategy to investigate the pathogenesis of RABV and other neurotropic viruses.
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99
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Bertram T, Hoffmann Ayala D, Huber M, Brandl F, Starke G, Sorg C, Mulej Bratec S. Human threat circuits: Threats of pain, aggressive conspecific, and predator elicit distinct BOLD activations in the amygdala and hypothalamus. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1063238. [PMID: 36733415 PMCID: PMC9887727 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1063238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Threat processing, enabled by threat circuits, is supported by a remarkably conserved neural architecture across mammals. Threatening stimuli relevant for most species include the threat of being attacked by a predator or an aggressive conspecific and the threat of pain. Extensive studies in rodents have associated the threats of pain, predator attack and aggressive conspecific attack with distinct neural circuits in subregions of the amygdala, the hypothalamus and the periaqueductal gray. Bearing in mind the considerable conservation of both the anatomy of these regions and defensive behaviors across mammalian species, we hypothesized that distinct brain activity corresponding to the threats of pain, predator attack and aggressive conspecific attack would also exist in human subcortical brain regions. METHODS Forty healthy female subjects underwent fMRI scanning during aversive classical conditioning. In close analogy to rodent studies, threat stimuli consisted of painful electric shocks, a short video clip of an attacking bear and a short video clip of an attacking man. Threat processing was conceptualized as the expectation of the aversive stimulus during the presentation of the conditioned stimulus. RESULTS Our results demonstrate differential brain activations in the left and right amygdala as well as in the left hypothalamus for the threats of pain, predator attack and aggressive conspecific attack, for the first time showing distinct threat-related brain activity within the human subcortical brain. Specifically, the threat of pain showed an increase of activity in the left and right amygdala and the left hypothalamus compared to the threat of conspecific attack (pain > conspecific), and increased activity in the left amygdala compared to the threat of predator attack (pain > predator). Threat of conspecific attack revealed heightened activity in the right amygdala, both in comparison to threat of pain (conspecific > pain) and threat of predator attack (conspecific > predator). Finally, for the condition threat of predator attack we found increased activity in the bilateral amygdala and the hypothalamus when compared to threat of conspecific attack (predator > conspecific). No significant clusters were found for the contrast predator attack > pain. CONCLUSION Results suggest that threat type-specific circuits identified in rodents might be conserved in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Bertram
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Hoffmann Ayala
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Huber
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Brandl
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Starke
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,College of Humanities, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian Sorg
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Satja Mulej Bratec
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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100
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Deep brain stimulation of the "medial forebrain bundle": a strategy to modulate the reward system and manage treatment-resistant depression. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:574-592. [PMID: 33903731 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01100-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The medial forebrain bundle-a white matter pathway projecting from the ventral tegmental area-is a structure that has been under a lot of scrutinies recently due to its implications in the modulation of certain affective disorders such as major depression. In the following, we will discuss major depression in the context of being a disorder dependent on multiple relevant networks, the pathological performance of which is responsible for the manifestation of various symptoms of the disease which extend into emotional, motivational, physiological, and also cognitive domains of daily living. We will focus on the reward system, an evolutionarily conserved pathway whose underperformance leads to anhedonia and lack of motivation, which are key traits in depression. In the field of deep brain stimulation (DBS), different "hypothesis-driven" targets have been chosen as the subject of clinical trials on efficacy in the treatment-resistant depressed patient. The "medial forebrain bundle" is one such target for DBS, and has had remarkably rapid success in alleviating depressive symptoms, improving anhedonia and motivation. We will review what we have learned from pre-clinical animal studies on defining this white matter tract, its connectivity, and the complex molecular (i.e., neurotransmitter) mechanisms by which its modulation exerts its effects. Imaging studies in the form of tractographic depictions have elucidated its presence in the human brain. Such has led to ongoing clinical trials of DBS targeting this pathway to assess efficacy, which is promising yet still lack in sufficient numbers. Ultimately, one must confirm the mechanism of action and validate proof of antidepressant effect in order to have such treatment become mainstream, to promote widespread improvement in the quality of life of suffering patients.
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