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Partial Ablation of Postsynaptic Dopamine D2 Receptors in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Increases Risk Avoidance in Exploratory Tasks. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0528-21.2022. [PMID: 35210287 PMCID: PMC8925651 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0528-21.2022] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is involved in the expression of fear and has been implicated in several anxiety disorders. This structure is densely innervated by DAergic projections that impinge on amygdalar neurons expressing various dopamine (DA) receptor subtypes, including D2 receptors (D2Rs). Although various pharmacological approaches have assessed the role of D2Rs in the CeA, the actual participation of postsynaptic D2Rs in the CeA to defensive behaviors remains unclear. Here, we investigated the distribution of D2Rs in the CeA and their role in modifying neuronal activity and fear related behaviors in mice. First, using the mouse reporter strain D2R-EGFP, we verified that D2Rs are present both in neurons of the CeA and in A10 dorsocaudal (A10dc) DAergic neurons that innervate the CeA. Moreover, we showed that pharmacological stimulation of D2Rs increases the activity of protein kinase C (PKC)δ cells present in the CeA, a type of neuron previously associated with reduced defensive behaviors. Finally, using a molecular genetics approach that discriminates postsynaptic D2Rs from presynaptic D2 autoreceptors, we demonstrated that mice carrying targeted deletions of postsynaptic D2Rs in the CeA display increased risk avoidance in exploratory tasks. Together, our results indicate that postsynaptic D2Rs in the CeA attenuate behavioral reactions to potential environmental threats.
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102
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Brinkman BAW, Yan H, Maffei A, Park IM, Fontanini A, Wang J, La Camera G. Metastable dynamics of neural circuits and networks. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 9:011313. [PMID: 35284030 PMCID: PMC8900181 DOI: 10.1063/5.0062603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Cortical neurons emit seemingly erratic trains of action potentials or "spikes," and neural network dynamics emerge from the coordinated spiking activity within neural circuits. These rich dynamics manifest themselves in a variety of patterns, which emerge spontaneously or in response to incoming activity produced by sensory inputs. In this Review, we focus on neural dynamics that is best understood as a sequence of repeated activations of a number of discrete hidden states. These transiently occupied states are termed "metastable" and have been linked to important sensory and cognitive functions. In the rodent gustatory cortex, for instance, metastable dynamics have been associated with stimulus coding, with states of expectation, and with decision making. In frontal, parietal, and motor areas of macaques, metastable activity has been related to behavioral performance, choice behavior, task difficulty, and attention. In this article, we review the experimental evidence for neural metastable dynamics together with theoretical approaches to the study of metastable activity in neural circuits. These approaches include (i) a theoretical framework based on non-equilibrium statistical physics for network dynamics; (ii) statistical approaches to extract information about metastable states from a variety of neural signals; and (iii) recent neural network approaches, informed by experimental results, to model the emergence of metastable dynamics. By discussing these topics, we aim to provide a cohesive view of how transitions between different states of activity may provide the neural underpinnings for essential functions such as perception, memory, expectation, or decision making, and more generally, how the study of metastable neural activity may advance our understanding of neural circuit function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - H. Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | - J. Wang
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | - G. La Camera
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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103
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Chandler LJ, Vaughan DT, Gass JT. Adolescent Alcohol Exposure Results in Sex-specific Alterations in Conditioned Fear Learning and Memory in Adulthood. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:837657. [PMID: 35211024 PMCID: PMC8861326 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.837657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study used auditory fear conditioning to assess the impact of repeated binge-like episodes of alcohol exposure during adolescence on conditioned fear in adulthood. Male and female Long-Evans rats were subjected to adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure by vapor inhalation between post-natal day 28 and 44. After aging into adulthood, rats then underwent fear conditioning by exposure to a series of tone-shock pairings. This was followed by cued-tone extinction training, and then testing of fear recovery. In male rats, AIE exposure enhanced conditioned freezing but did not alter the time-course of extinction of cued-tone freezing. During subsequent assessment of fear recovery, AIE exposed rats exhibited less freezing during contextual fear renewal, but greater freezing during extinction recall and spontaneous recovery. Compared to males, female rats exhibited significantly lower levels of freezing during fear conditioning, more rapid extinction of freezing behavior, and significantly lower levels of freezing during the tests of fear recovery. Unlike males that were all classified as high conditioners; female rats could be parsed into either a high or low conditioning group. However, irrespective of their level of conditioned freezing, both the high and low conditioning groups of female rats exhibited rapid extinction of conditioned freezing behavior and comparatively low levels of freezing in tests of fear recovery. Regardless of group classification, AIE had no effect on freezing behavior in female rats during acquisition, extinction, or fear recovery. Lastly, exposure of male rats to the mGlu5 positive allosteric modulator CDPPB prevented AIE-induced alterations in freezing. Taken together, these observations demonstrate sex-specific changes in conditioned fear behaviors that are reversible by pharmacological interventions that target mGlu5 receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Dylan T Vaughan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Justin T Gass
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
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104
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Hung CJ, Yamanaka A, Ono D. Conditional Knockout of Bmal1 in Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Neurons Does Not Alter Sleep–Wake Rhythm in Mice. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:808754. [PMID: 35250437 PMCID: PMC8894318 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.808754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep and wakefulness are regulated by both the homeostatic mechanism and circadian clock. In mammals, the central circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, in the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the timing of physiology and behavior. Recently, we found that the circadian regulation of wakefulness was transmitted via corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. However, it is still unclear how the molecular clock in the CRF neurons contributes to the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. In the present study, we established CRF neuron-specific Bmal1-deficient mice and measured locomotor activity or electroencephalography and electromyography. We found that these mice showed normal circadian locomotor activity rhythms in both light–dark cycle and constant darkness. Furthermore, they showed normal daily patterns of sleep and wakefulness. These results suggest that Bmal1 in CRF neurons has no effect on either circadian locomotor activity or sleep and wakefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Jung Hung
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ono
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- *Correspondence: Daisuke Ono,
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105
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Liu N, Li B, Zhang L, Yang D, Yang F. Basolateral Amygdala Mediates Central Mechanosensory Feedback of Musculoskeletal System. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:834980. [PMID: 35250478 PMCID: PMC8889035 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.834980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia, are tremendous and growing public health concerns. Considering the intimate functional relationship between muscle and bone throughout development, growth, and aging, muscle provides the primary source of skeletal loading through contraction force. However, significant gaps exist in our knowledge regarding the role of muscle in bone homeostasis and little is known regarding the mechanism through which the central nervous system responds and regulates unloading-induced bone loss. Here, we showed that the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and medial part of the central nucleus (CeM) are anatomically connected with the musculoskeletal system. Unloading-induced bone loss is accompanied by a decrease in serum semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) levels as well as sensory denervation. In vivo fiber photometry recordings indicated that the mechanical signal is integrated by the BLA and CeM within 24 h and subsequently regulates bone remodeling. Moreover, chemogenetic activation of BLACaMKII neurons mitigates severe bone loss caused by mechanical unloading via increased serum levels of Sema3A and sensory innervation. These results indicate that the BLA integrates the mechanosensory signals rapidly and mediates the systemic hormonal secretion of Sema3A to maintain bone homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Liu
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Botai Li
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dazhi Yang
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Dazhi Yang,
| | - Fan Yang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- Fan Yang,
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106
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Tokunaga R, Takahashi Y, Touj S, Hotta H, Leblond H, Kato F, Piché M. Attenuation of widespread hypersensitivity to noxious mechanical stimuli by inhibition of GABAergic neurons of the right amygdala in a rat model of chronic back pain. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:911-928. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Tokunaga
- Department of Anatomy Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières Trois‐Rivières QC Canada G9A 5H7
- CogNAC Research Group Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières Trois‐Rivières QC Canada G9A 5H7
| | - Y. Takahashi
- Department of Neuroscience Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - S. Touj
- Department of Anatomy Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières Trois‐Rivières QC Canada G9A 5H7
- CogNAC Research Group Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières Trois‐Rivières QC Canada G9A 5H7
| | - H. Hotta
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Tokyo Japan
| | - H. Leblond
- Department of Anatomy Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières Trois‐Rivières QC Canada G9A 5H7
- CogNAC Research Group Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières Trois‐Rivières QC Canada G9A 5H7
| | - F. Kato
- Department of Neuroscience Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - M. Piché
- Department of Anatomy Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières Trois‐Rivières QC Canada G9A 5H7
- CogNAC Research Group Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières Trois‐Rivières QC Canada G9A 5H7
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107
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Mork BE, Lamerand SR, Zhou S, Taylor BK, Sheets PL. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 agonist SEW2871 alters membrane properties of late-firing somatostatin expressing neurons in the central lateral amygdala. Neuropharmacology 2022; 203:108885. [PMID: 34798130 PMCID: PMC8672675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that mediates a wide spectrum of biological processes including apoptosis, immune response and inflammation. Here, we sought to understand how S1P signaling affects neuronal excitability in the central amygdala (CeA), which is a brain region associated with fear learning, aversive memory, and the affective dimension of pain. Because the G-protein coupled S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) has been shown to be the primary mediator of S1P signaling, we utilized S1PR1 agonist SEW2871 and S1PR1 antagonist NIBR to determine a potential role of S1PR1 in altering the cellular physiology of neurons in the lateral division of the CeA (CeL) that share the neuronal lineage marker somatostatin (Sst). CeL-Sst neurons play a critical role in expression of conditioned fear and pain modulation. Here we used transgenic breeding strategies to identify fluorescently labeled CeL-Sst neurons for electrophysiological recordings. Using principal component analysis, we identified two primary subtypes of Sst neurons within the CeL in both male and female mice. We denoted the two types regular-firing (type A) and late-firing (type B) CeL-Sst neurons. In response to SEW2871 application, Type A neurons exhibited increased input resistance, while type B neurons displayed a depolarized resting membrane potential and voltage threshold, increased current threshold, and decreased voltage height. NIBR application had no effect on CeL Sst neurons, indicating the absence of tonic S1P-induced S1PR1. Our findings reveal subtypes of Sst neurons within the CeL that are uniquely affected by S1PR1 activation, which may have implications for how S1P alters supraspinal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana E Mork
- Medical Neurosciences Graduate Program, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Sydney R Lamerand
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Shudi Zhou
- Medical Neurosciences Graduate Program, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Bradley K Taylor
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Patrick L Sheets
- Medical Neurosciences Graduate Program, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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108
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Puccetti NA, Villano WJ, Fadok JP, Heller AS. Temporal dynamics of affect in the brain: Evidence from human imaging and animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 133:104491. [PMID: 34902442 PMCID: PMC8792368 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.014] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Emotions are time-varying internal states that promote survival in the face of dynamic environments and shifting homeostatic needs. Research in non-human organisms has recently afforded specific insights into the neural mechanisms that support the emergence, persistence, and decay of affective states. Concurrently, a separate affective neuroscience literature has begun to dissect the neural bases of affective dynamics in humans. However, the circuit-level mechanisms identified in animals lack a clear mapping to the human neuroscience literature. As a result, critical questions pertaining to the neural bases of affective dynamics in humans remain unanswered. To address these shortcomings, the present review integrates findings from humans and non-human organisms to highlight the neural mechanisms that govern the temporal features of emotional states. Using the theory of affective chronometry as an organizing framework, we describe the specific neural mechanisms and modulatory factors that arbitrate the rise-time, intensity, and duration of emotional states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki A Puccetti
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - William J Villano
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Jonathan P Fadok
- Department of Psychology and Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Aaron S Heller
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
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109
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Abstract
In this review, we describe proposed circuits mediating the mechanism of action of pherines, a new class of synthetic neuroactive steroids with demonstrated antianxiety and antidepressant properties, that engage nasal chemosensory receptors. We hypothesize that afferent signals triggered by activation of these peripheral receptors could reach subgroups of olfactory bulb neurons broadcasting information to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the limbic amygdala. We propose that chemosensory inputs triggered by pherines project to centrolateral (CeL) and centromedial (CeM) amygdala neurons, with downstream effects mediating behavioral actions. Anxiolytic pherines could activate the forward inhibitory GABAergic neurons that facilitate the release of neuropeptide S (NPS) in the locus coeruleus (LC) and GABA in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and inhibit catecholamine release in the LC and ventral tegmental area (VTA) leading to rapid anxiolytic effect. Alternatively, antidepressant pherines could facilitate the CRH and GABAergic neurons that inhibit the release of NPS from the LC, increase glutamate release from the BNST, and increase norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin release from the LC, VTA, and raphe nucleus, respectively. Activation of these neural circuits leads to rapid antidepressant effect. The information provided is consistent with this model, but it should be noted that some steps on these pathways have not been demonstrated conclusively in the human brain.
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110
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Yan Y, Aierken A, Wang C, Jin W, Quan Z, Wang Z, Qing H, Ni J, Zhao J. Neuronal Circuits Associated with Fear Memory: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Neuroscientist 2022; 29:332-351. [PMID: 35057666 DOI: 10.1177/10738584211069977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that is associated with long-lasting memories of traumatic experiences. Extinction and discrimination of fear memory have become therapeutic targets for PTSD. Newly developed optogenetics and advanced in vivo imaging techniques have provided unprecedented spatiotemporal tools to characterize the activity, connectivity, and functionality of specific cell types in complicated neuronal circuits. The use of such tools has offered mechanistic insights into the exquisite organization of the circuitry underlying the extinction and discrimination of fear memory. This review focuses on the acquisition of more detailed, comprehensive, and integrated neural circuits to understand how the brain regulates the extinction and discrimination of fear memory. A future challenge is to translate these researches into effective therapeutic treatment for PTSD from the perspective of precise regulation of the neural circuits associated with the extinction and discrimination of fear memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ailikemu Aierken
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chunjian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Aerospace Medical Center, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
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111
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Abstract
Locomotion is a universal motor behavior that is expressed as the output of many integrated brain functions. Locomotion is organized at several levels of the nervous system, with brainstem circuits acting as the gate between brain areas regulating innate, emotional, or motivational locomotion and executive spinal circuits. Here we review recent advances on brainstem circuits involved in controlling locomotion. We describe how delineated command circuits govern the start, speed, stop, and steering of locomotion. We also discuss how these pathways interface between executive circuits in the spinal cord and diverse brain areas important for context-specific selection of locomotion. A recurrent theme is the need to establish a functional connectome to and from brainstem command circuits. Finally, we point to unresolved issues concerning the integrated function of locomotor control. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Neuroscience, Volume 45 is July 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Leiras
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jared M. Cregg
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Kiehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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112
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An epigenetic mechanism for over-consolidation of fear memories. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4893-4904. [PMID: 36127428 PMCID: PMC9763112 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01758-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Excessive fear is a hallmark of anxiety disorders, a major cause of disease burden worldwide. Substantial evidence supports a role of prefrontal cortex-amygdala circuits in the regulation of fear and anxiety, but the molecular mechanisms that regulate their activity remain poorly understood. Here, we show that downregulation of the histone methyltransferase PRDM2 in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex enhances fear expression by modulating fear memory consolidation. We further show that Prdm2 knock-down (KD) in neurons that project from the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex to the basolateral amygdala (dmPFC-BLA) promotes increased fear expression. Prdm2 KD in the dmPFC-BLA circuit also resulted in increased expression of genes involved in synaptogenesis, suggesting that Prdm2 KD modulates consolidation of conditioned fear by modifying synaptic strength at dmPFC-BLA projection targets. Consistent with an enhanced synaptic efficacy, we found that dmPFC Prdm2 KD increased glutamatergic release probability in the BLA and increased the activity of BLA neurons in response to fear-associated cues. Together, our findings provide a new molecular mechanism for excessive fear responses, wherein PRDM2 modulates the dmPFC -BLA circuit through specific transcriptomic changes.
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113
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Upadhyay J, Verrico CD, Cay M, Kodele S, Yammine L, Koob GF, Schreiber R. Neurocircuitry basis of the opioid use disorder-post-traumatic stress disorder comorbid state: conceptual analyses using a dimensional framework. Lancet Psychiatry 2022; 9:84-96. [PMID: 34774203 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the interface between opioid use disorder (OUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is challenging. By use of a dimensional framework, such as research domain criteria, convergent and targetable neurobiological processes in OUD-PTSD comorbidity can be identified. We hypothesise that, in OUD-PTSD, circuitry that is implicated in two research domain criteria systems (ie, negative valence and cognitive control) underpins dysregulation of incentive salience, negative emotionality, and executive function. We also propose that the OUD-PTSD state might be systematically investigated with approaches outlined within a neuroclinical assessment framework for addictions and PTSD. Our dimensional analysis of the OUD-PTSD state shows how first-line therapeutic approaches (ie, partial μ-type opioid receptor [MOR1] agonism) modulate overlapping neurobiological and clinical features and also provides mechanistic rationale for evaluating polytherapeutic strategies (ie, partial MOR1 agonism, κ-type opioid receptor [KOR1] antagonism, and α-2A adrenergic receptor [ADRA2A] agonism). A combination of these therapeutic mechanisms is projected to facilitate recovery in patients with OUD-PTSD by mitigating negative valence states and enhancing executive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaymin Upadhyay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.
| | - Christopher D Verrico
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mariesa Cay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Sanda Kodele
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Section Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Luba Yammine
- Louis A Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George F Koob
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rudy Schreiber
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Section Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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114
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Bazaz A, Ghanbari A, Vafaei AA, Khaleghian A, Rashidy-Pour A. Oxytocin in dorsal hippocampus facilitates auditory fear memory extinction in rats. Neuropharmacology 2022; 202:108844. [PMID: 34687711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fear extinction is impaired in some psychiatric disorders. Any treatment that facilitates the extinction of fear is a way to advance the treatment of related psychiatric disorders. Recent studies have highlighted the role of oxytocin (OT) in fear extinction, but the endogenous release of OT during fear extinction in the dorsal hippocampal (dHPC) is not clear. We investigated the release of OT during fear extinction and the role of the HPC - medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) circuit and BDNF in the effects of exogenous OT on auditory fear conditioning in male rats. We found that the release of endogenous OT in the dHPC is significantly increased during the fear extinction process as measured by the microdialysis method. Increased freezing response in the OT-treated rats compared to saline-treated rats showed that exogenous OT in the dHPC enhanced the fear extinction. Injection of BDNF antagonist (ANA-12) into the infralimbic (IL) blocked the effect of exogenous OT on the dHPC. Following OT injection, BDNF levels increased in the dHPC, ventral HPC, and IL cortex; but decreased in the prelimbic cortex (PL). Finally, OT microinjected into the dHPC significantly increased neural activity of pyramidal neurons of the CA1-vHPC and IL but decreased the neural activity in the PL cortex. Our findings strongly support that the dHPC endogenous OT plays a crucial role in enhancing fear extinction. It seems that the activation of the HPC-mPFC pathway, and consequently, the release of BDNF in the IL cortex mediates the enhancing effects of OT on fear extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Bazaz
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanbari
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Department of physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Khaleghian
- Department of Biochemistry, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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115
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Fiedler D, Pape HC, Lange MD. Stress-induced impairment of fear extinction recall is associated with changes in neuronal activity patterns in PVT. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110338. [PMID: 33915218 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Treatment resistance of anxiety-related disorders often arises from an inappropriate fear expression, impairment in fear extinction, and spontaneous return of fear. Stress exposure is considered a high risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders, but understanding of the long-term consequences of stress is limited, particularly when it comes to treatment outcome. Therefore, studying the consequences of acute stress would provide critical information on the role of stress in psychopathology. In the present study, we investigated the effect of acute immobilization stress on anxiety-like behavior and on conditioned fear memory. Our results demonstrate that prior stress exposure had no effect on anxiety-related behavior, fear acquisition, as well as fear extinction compared to non-stressed controls, but resulted in significantly higher rates of freezing during recall of extinction, indicating a consolidation failure. Further, immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of the immediate early gene c-Fos after recall of extinction revealed increased neuronal activity in the posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) in previously stressed animals compared to non-stressed controls. These results indicate, firstly, that acute stress affects long-term fear memory even after successful extinction training, and secondly, a strong involvement of the PVT in maladaptive fear responses induced by prior stress. Thus, stress-induced changes in PVT neuronal activity might be of importance for the pathophysiology of stress-sensitive anxiety-related psychiatric disorders, since exposure to an earlier acute stressor could counteract the success of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fiedler
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - H C Pape
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - M D Lange
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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116
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Choi K, Park K, Lee S, Yi JH, Woo C, Kang SJ, Shin KS. Auditory fear conditioning facilitates neurotransmitter release at lateral amygdala to basal amygdala synapses. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 584:39-45. [PMID: 34768080 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The lateral amygdala (LA) is a main sensory input site from the cortical and thalamic regions. In turn, LA glutamatergic pyramidal neurons strongly project to the basal amygdala (BA). Although it is well known that auditory fear conditioning involves synaptic potentiation in the LA, it is not clear whether the LA-BA synaptic transmission is modified upon auditory fear conditioning. Here we found that high-frequency stimulation ex vivo resulted in long-term potentiation (LTP) with a concomitant enhancement of neurotransmitter release at LA-BA synapses. Auditory fear conditioning also led to the presynaptic facilitation at LA-BA synapses. Meanwhile, AMPA/NMDA current ratio was not changed upon fear conditioning, excluding the involvement of postsynaptic mechanism. Notably, fear conditioning occluded electrically induced ex vivo LTP in the LA-BA pathway, indicating that the conditioning and electrically induced LTP share common mechanisms. Our findings suggest that the presynaptic potentiation of LA-BA synapses may be involved in fear conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyuhyun Choi
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungjoon Park
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Soonje Lee
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Yi
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsu Woo
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Jung Kang
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Soon Shin
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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117
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Visser RM, Bathelt J, Scholte HS, Kindt M. Robust BOLD Responses to Faces But Not to Conditioned Threat: Challenging the Amygdala's Reputation in Human Fear and Extinction Learning. J Neurosci 2021; 41:10278-10292. [PMID: 34750227 PMCID: PMC8672698 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0857-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of our knowledge about human emotional memory comes from animal research. Based on this work, the amygdala is often labeled the brain's "fear center", but it is unclear to what degree neural circuitries underlying fear and extinction learning are conserved across species. Neuroimaging studies in humans yield conflicting findings, with many studies failing to show amygdala activation in response to learned threat. Such null findings are often treated as resulting from MRI-specific problems related to measuring deep brain structures. Here we test this assumption in a mega-analysis of three studies on fear acquisition (n = 98; 68 female) and extinction learning (n = 79; 53 female). The conditioning procedure involved the presentation of two pictures of faces and two pictures of houses: one of each pair was followed by an electric shock [a conditioned stimulus (CS+)], the other one was never followed by a shock (CS-), and participants were instructed to learn these contingencies. Results revealed widespread responses to the CS+ compared with the CS- in the fear network, including anterior insula, midcingulate cortex, thalamus, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, but not the amygdala, which actually responded stronger to the CS- Results were independent of spatial smoothing, and of individual differences in trait anxiety and conditioned pupil responses. In contrast, robust amygdala activation distinguished faces from houses, refuting the idea that a poor signal could account for the absence of effects. Moving forward, we suggest that, apart from imaging larger samples at higher resolution, alternative statistical approaches may be used to identify cross-species similarities in fear and extinction learning.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The science of emotional memory provides the foundation of numerous theories on psychopathology, including stress and anxiety disorders. This field relies heavily on animal research, which suggests a central role of the amygdala in fear learning and memory. However, this finding is not strongly corroborated by neuroimaging evidence in humans, and null findings are too easily explained away by methodological limitations inherent to imaging deep brain structures. In a large nonclinical sample, we find widespread BOLD activation in response to learned fear, but not in the amygdala. A poor signal could not account for the absence of effects. While these findings do not disprove the involvement of the amygdala in human fear learning, they challenge its typical portrayals and illustrate the complexities of translational science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée M Visser
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joe Bathelt
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, United Kingdom
| | - H Steven Scholte
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Merel Kindt
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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118
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Meyer HC, Sangha S, Radley JJ, LaLumiere RT, Baratta MV. Environmental certainty influences the neural systems regulating responses to threat and stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1037-1055. [PMID: 34673111 PMCID: PMC8642312 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Flexible calibration of threat responding in accordance with the environment is an adaptive process that allows an animal to avoid harm while also maintaining engagement of other goal-directed actions. This calibration process, referred to as threat response regulation, requires an animal to calculate the probability that a given encounter will result in a threat so they can respond accordingly. Here we review the neural correlates of two highly studied forms of threat response suppression: extinction and safety conditioning. We focus on how relative levels of certainty or uncertainty in the surrounding environment alter the acquisition and application of these processes. We also discuss evidence indicating altered threat response regulation following stress exposure, including enhanced fear conditioning, and disrupted extinction and safety conditioning. To conclude, we discuss research using an animal model of coping that examines the impact of stressor controllability on threat responding, highlighting the potential for previous experiences with control, or other forms of coping, to protect against the effects of future adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi C Meyer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Susan Sangha
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Jason J Radley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Ryan T LaLumiere
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Michael V Baratta
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA.
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119
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AlSubaie R, Wee RWS, Ritoux A, Mishchanchuk K, Passlack J, Regester D, MacAskill AF. Control of parallel hippocampal output pathways by amygdalar long-range inhibition. eLife 2021; 10:e74758. [PMID: 34845987 PMCID: PMC8654375 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Projections from the basal amygdala (BA) to the ventral hippocampus (vH) are proposed to provide information about the rewarding or threatening nature of learned associations to support appropriate goal-directed and anxiety-like behaviour. Such behaviour occurs via the differential activity of multiple, parallel populations of pyramidal neurons in vH that project to distinct downstream targets, but the nature of BA input and how it connects with these populations is unclear. Using channelrhodopsin-2-assisted circuit mapping in mice, we show that BA input to vH consists of both excitatory and inhibitory projections. Excitatory input specifically targets BA- and nucleus accumbens-projecting vH neurons and avoids prefrontal cortex-projecting vH neurons, while inhibitory input preferentially targets BA-projecting neurons. Through this specific connectivity, BA inhibitory projections gate place-value associations by controlling the activity of nucleus accumbens-projecting vH neurons. Our results define a parallel excitatory and inhibitory projection from BA to vH that can support goal-directed behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawan AlSubaie
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ryan WS Wee
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Anne Ritoux
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Karyna Mishchanchuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jessica Passlack
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Daniel Regester
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Andrew F MacAskill
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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120
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Shao D, Cao Z, Fu Y, Yang H, Gao P, Zheng P, Lai B. Projection from the basolateral amygdala to the anterior cingulate cortex facilitates the consolidation of long-term withdrawal memory. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13048. [PMID: 33973711 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The process through which early memories are transferred to the cerebral cortex to form long-term memories is referred to as memory consolidation, and the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is an important brain region involved in this process. Although functional connections between the BLA and multiple brain regions are critical for the consolidation of withdrawal memory, whether the projection from the BLA to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is involved in the formation or consolidation of withdrawal memory remains unclear. In this paper, we used a chemical genetic method to specifically label the BLA-ACC projection in a combined morphine withdrawal and conditioned place aversion (CPA) animal model. We found that (1) the inhibition of the BLA-ACC projection during conditioning had no effects on the formation of early withdrawal memory; (2) the inhibition of the BLA-ACC projection had no effects on the retrieval of either early or long-term withdrawal memory; and (3) the persistent inhibition of the BLA-ACC projection after early withdrawal memory formation could inhibit the formation of long-term withdrawal memory and decrease Arc protein expression in the ACC. These results suggested that the persistent activation of the BLA-ACC projection after the formation of early withdrawal memory facilitates the formation of long-term withdrawal memory by increasing the plasticity of ACC neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science Fudan University Shanghai China
- Research Center of Translation Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
| | - Zixuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Yali Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Hao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Pengyu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Ping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Bin Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science Fudan University Shanghai China
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121
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Concina G, Renna A, Milano L, Manassero E, Stabile F, Sacchetti B. Expression of IGF-2 Receptor in the Auditory Cortex Improves the Precision of Recent Fear Memories and Maintains Detailed Remote Fear Memories Over Time. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:5381-5395. [PMID: 34145441 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic memories may become less precise over time and lead to the development of fear responses to novel stimuli, a process referred to as time-dependent fear generalization. The conditions that cause the growth of fear generalization over time are poorly understood. Here, we found that, in male rats, the level of discrimination at the early time point contributes to determining whether fear generalization will develop with the passage of time or not, suggesting a link between the precision of recent memory and the stability of remote engrams. We also found that the expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor in layer 2/3 of the auditory cortex is linked to the precision of recent memories and to the stability of remote engrams and the development of fear generalization over time. These findings provide new insights on the neural mechanisms that underlie the time-dependent development of fear generalization that may occur over time after a traumatic event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Concina
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Annamaria Renna
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Luisella Milano
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Eugenio Manassero
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Stabile
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetto Sacchetti
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
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122
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Baldi E, Costa A, Rani B, Passani MB, Blandina P, Romano A, Provensi G. Oxytocin and Fear Memory Extinction: Possible Implications for the Therapy of Fear Disorders? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10000. [PMID: 34576161 PMCID: PMC8467761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several psychiatric conditions such as phobias, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are characterized by pathological fear and anxiety. The main therapeutic approach used in the management of these disorders is exposure-based therapy, which is conceptually based upon fear extinction with the formation of a new safe memory association, allowing the reduction in behavioral conditioned fear responses. Nevertheless, this approach is only partially resolutive, since many patients have difficulty following the demanding and long process, and relapses are frequently observed over time. One strategy to improve the efficacy of the cognitive therapy is the combination with pharmacological agents. Therefore, the identification of compounds able to strengthen the formation and persistence of the inhibitory associations is a key goal. Recently, growing interest has been aroused by the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT), which has been shown to have anxiolytic effects. Furthermore, OXT receptors and binding sites have been found in the critical brain structures involved in fear extinction. In this review, the recent literature addressing the complex effects of OXT on fear extinction at preclinical and clinical levels is discussed. These studies suggest that the OXT roles in fear behavior are due to its local effects in several brain regions, most notably, distinct amygdaloid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Baldi
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Alessia Costa
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences (DSS), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (B.R.); (M.B.P.)
| | - Barbara Rani
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences (DSS), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (B.R.); (M.B.P.)
| | - Maria Beatrice Passani
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences (DSS), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (B.R.); (M.B.P.)
| | - Patrizio Blandina
- Section of Pharmacology of Toxicology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ‘V. Erspamer’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gustavo Provensi
- Section of Pharmacology of Toxicology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
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123
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Murkar A, De Koninck J, Merali Z. Cannabinoids: Revealing their complexity and role in central networks of fear and anxiety. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:30-46. [PMID: 34487746 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The first aim of the present review is to provide an in-depth description of the cannabinoids and their known effects at various neuronal receptors. It reveals that cannabinoids are highly diverse, and recent work has highlighted that their effects on the central nervous system (CNS) are surprisingly more complex than previously recognized. Cannabinoid-sensitive receptors are widely distributed throughout the CNS where they act as primary modulators of neurotransmission. Secondly, we examine the role of cannabinoid receptors at key brain sites in the control of fear and anxiety. While our understanding of how cannabinoids specifically modulate these networks is mired by their complex interactions and diversity, a plausible framework(s) for their effects is proposed. Finally, we highlight some important knowledge gaps in our understanding of the mechanism(s) responsible for their effects on fear and anxiety in animal models and their use as therapeutic targets in humans. This is particularly important for our understanding of the phytocannabinoids used as novel clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Murkar
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Joseph De Koninck
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Zul Merali
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Carleton University, Neuroscience Department, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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124
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Ueda S, Hosokawa M, Arikawa K, Takahashi K, Fujiwara M, Kakita M, Fukada T, Koyama H, Horigane SI, Itoi K, Kakeyama M, Matsunaga H, Takeyama H, Bito H, Takemoto-Kimura S. Distinctive Regulation of Emotional Behaviors and Fear-Related Gene Expression Responses in Two Extended Amygdala Subnuclei With Similar Molecular Profiles. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:741895. [PMID: 34539345 PMCID: PMC8446640 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.741895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and the lateral division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) are the two major nuclei of the central extended amygdala that plays essential roles in threat processing, responsible for emotional states such as fear and anxiety. While some studies suggested functional differences between these nuclei, others showed anatomical and neurochemical similarities. Despite their complex subnuclear organization, subnuclei-specific functional impact on behavior and their underlying molecular profiles remain obscure. We here constitutively inhibited neurotransmission of protein kinase C-δ-positive (PKCδ+) neurons-a major cell type of the lateral subdivision of the CeA (CeL) and the oval nucleus of the BNST (BNSTov)-and found striking subnuclei-specific effects on fear- and anxiety-related behaviors, respectively. To obtain molecular clues for this dissociation, we conducted RNA sequencing in subnuclei-targeted micropunch samples. The CeL and the BNSTov displayed similar gene expression profiles at the basal level; however, both displayed differential gene expression when animals were exposed to fear-related stimuli, with a more robust expression change in the CeL. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular makeup and differential engagement of distinct subnuclei of the extended amygdala, critical for regulation of threat processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Ueda
- Department of Neuroscience I, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahito Hosokawa
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Arikawa
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Takahashi
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mao Fujiwara
- Department of Neuroscience I, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Manami Kakita
- Department of Neuroscience I, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Laboratory for Systems Neurosciences and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
- Research Institute for Environmental Medical Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Taro Fukada
- Department of Neuroscience I, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Koyama
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-ichiro Horigane
- Department of Neuroscience I, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keiichi Itoi
- Department of Nursing, Tohoku Fukushi University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masaki Kakeyama
- Laboratory for Systems Neurosciences and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
- Research Institute for Environmental Medical Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Hiroko Matsunaga
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruko Takeyama
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Takemoto-Kimura
- Department of Neuroscience I, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan
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Steele JS, Bertocci M, Eckstrand K, Chase HW, Stiffler R, Aslam H, Lockovich J, Bebko G, Phillips ML. A specific neural substrate predicting current and future impulsivity in young adults. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:4919-4930. [PMID: 33495543 PMCID: PMC8589683 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01017-0] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Impulsivity (rash action with deleterious outcomes) is common to many psychiatric disorders. While some studies indicate altered amygdala and prefrontal cortical (PFC) activity associated with impulsivity, it remains unclear whether these patterns of neural activity are specific to impulsivity or common to a range of affective and anxiety symptoms. To elucidate neural markers specific to impulsivity, we aimed to differentiate patterns of amygdala-PFC activity and functional connectivity associated with impulsivity from those associated with affective and anxiety symptoms, and identify measures of this circuitry predicting future worsening of impulsivity. Using a face emotion processing task that reliably activates amygdala-PFC circuitry, neural activity and connectivity were assessed in a transdiagnostically-recruited sample of young adults, including healthy (N = 47) and treatment-seeking individuals (N = 67). Relationships were examined between neural measures and impulsivity, anhedonia, and affective and anxiety symptoms at baseline (N = 114), and at 6 months post scan (N = 30). Impulsivity, particularly negative urgency and lack of perseverance, was related to greater amygdala activity (beta = 0.82, p = 0.003; beta = 0.68, p = 0.004; respectively) and lower amygdala-medial PFC functional connectivity (voxels = 60, tpeak = 4.45, pFWE = 0.017; voxels = 335, tpeak = 5.26, pFWE = 0.001; respectively) to facial fear. Left vlPFC, but not amygdala, activity to facial anger was inversely associated with mania/hypomania (beta = -2.08, p = 0.018). Impulsivity 6 months later was predicted by amygdala activity to facial sadness (beta = 0.50, p = 0.017). There were no other significant relationships between neural activity and 6-month anhedonia, affective, and anxiety symptoms. Our findings are the first to associate amygdala-PFC activity and functional connectivity with impulsivity in a large, transdiagnostic sample, providing neural targets for future interventions to reduce predisposition to impulsivity and related future mental health problems in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scott Steele
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Brain Imaging Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Michele Bertocci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kristen Eckstrand
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Henry W Chase
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Richelle Stiffler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haris Aslam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Genna Bebko
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary L Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Shallcross J, Wu L, Wilkinson CS, Knackstedt LA, Schwendt M. Increased mGlu5 mRNA expression in BLA glutamate neurons facilitates resilience to the long-term effects of a single predator scent stress exposure. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:2279-2293. [PMID: 34175993 PMCID: PMC10416208 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02326-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in a subset of individuals exposed to a trauma with core features being increased anxiety and impaired fear extinction. To model the heterogeneity of PTSD behavioral responses, we exposed male Sprague-Dawley rats to predator scent stress once for 10 min and then assessed anxiety-like behavior 7 days later using the elevated plus maze and acoustic startle response. Rats displaying anxiety-like behavior in both tasks were classified as stress Susceptible, and rats exhibiting behavior no different from un-exposed Controls were classified as stress Resilient. In Resilient rats, we previously found increased mRNA expression of mGlu5 in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC) and CB1 in the amygdala. Here, we performed fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the subregion and cell-type-specific expression of these genes in Resilient rats 3 weeks after TMT exposure. Resilient rats displayed increased mGlu5 mRNA expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the infralimbic and prelimbic regions of the PFC and increased BLA CB1 mRNA. These increases were limited to glutamatergic cells. To test the necessity of mGlu5 for attenuating TMT-conditioned contextual fear 3 weeks after TMT conditioning, intra-BLA infusions of the mGlu5 negative allosteric modulator MTEP were administered prior to context re-exposure. In TMT-exposed Resilient rats, but not Controls, MTEP increased freezing on the day of administration, which extinguished over two additional un-drugged sessions. These results suggest that increased mGlu5 expression in BLA glutamate neurons contributes to the behavioral flexibility observed in stress-Resilient animals by facilitating a capacity for extinguishing contextual fear associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Shallcross
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
| | - Lizhen Wu
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
| | - Courtney S Wilkinson
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Lori A Knackstedt
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Marek Schwendt
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA.
- Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
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127
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Topiramate-chitosan nanoparticles prevent morphine reinstatement with no memory impairment: Dopaminergic and glutamatergic molecular aspects in rats. Neurochem Int 2021; 150:105157. [PMID: 34390773 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Besides their clinical application, chronic misuse of opioids has often been associated to drug addiction due to their addictive properties, underlying neuroadaptations of AMPA glutamate-receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity. Topiramate (TPM), an AMPAR antagonist, has been used to treat psychostimulants addiction, despite its harmful effects on memory. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel topiramate nanosystem on molecular changes related to morphine reinstatement. Rats were previously exposed to morphine in conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and treated with topiramate-chitosan nanoparticles (TPM-CS-NP) or non-encapsulated topiramate in solution (S-TPM) during CPP extinction; following memory performance evaluation, they were re-exposed to morphine reinstatement. While morphine-CPP extinction was comparable among all experimental groups, TPM-CS-NP treatment prevented morphine reinstatement, preserving memory performance, which was impaired by both morphine-conditioning and S-TPM treatment. In the NAc, morphine increased D1R, D2R, D3R, DAT, GluA1 and MOR immunoreactivity. It also increased D1R, DAT, GluA1 and MOR in the dorsal hippocampus. TPM-CS-NP treatment decreased D1R, D3R and GluA1 and increased DAT in the NAc, decreasing GluA1 and increasing D2 and DAT in the dorsal hippocampus. Taken together, we may infer that TPM-CS-NP treatment was able to prevent the morphine reinstatement without memory impairment. Therefore, TPM-CS-NP may be considered an innovative therapeutic tool due to its property to prevent opioid reinstatement because it acts modifying both dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, which are commonly related to morphine addiction.
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128
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Electronic Nicotine Vapor Exposure Produces Differential Changes in Central Amygdala Neuronal Activity, Thermoregulation and Locomotor Behavior in Male Mice. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0189-21.2021. [PMID: 34321216 PMCID: PMC8362686 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0189-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine is an addictive substance historically consumed through smoking and more recently through the use of electronic vapor devices. The increasing prevalence and popularity of vaping prompts the need for preclinical rodent models of nicotine vapor exposure and an improved understanding of the impact of vaping on specific brain regions, bodily functions, and behaviors. We used a rodent model of electronic nicotine vapor exposure to examine the cellular and behavioral consequences of acute and repeated vapor exposure. Adult male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to a single 3-h session (acute exposure) or five daily sessions (repeated exposure) of intermittent vapes of 120 mg/ml nicotine in propylene glycol:vegetable glycerol (PG/VG) or PG/VG control. Acute and repeated nicotine vapor exposure did not alter body weight, and both exposure paradigms produced pharmacologically significant serum nicotine and cotinine levels in the 120 mg/ml nicotine group compared with PG/VG controls. Acute exposure to electronic nicotine vapor increased central amygdala (CeA) activity in individual neuronal firing and in expression of the molecular activity marker, cFos. The changes in neuronal activity following acute exposure were not observed following repeated exposure. Acute and repeated nicotine vapor exposure decreased core body temperature, however acute exposure decreased locomotion while repeated exposure increased locomotion. Collectively, these studies provide validation of a mouse model of nicotine vapor exposure and important evidence for how exposure to electronic nicotine vapor produces differential effects on CeA neuronal activity and on specific body functions and behaviors like thermoregulation and locomotion.
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129
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Olsen N, Furlong TM, Carrive P. Behavioural and cardiovascular effects of orexin-A infused into the central amygdala under basal and fear conditions in rats. Behav Brain Res 2021; 415:113515. [PMID: 34371088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide orexin-A (OX-A) has diverse functions, including maintaining arousal, autonomic control, motor activity and stress responses. These functions are regulated at different terminal regions where OX-A is released. The current study examined the physiological and behavioural effects of OX-A microinjections into the central amygdala (CeA) under basal and stressed conditions in rats. When OX-A was microinjected into the CeA and the animals returned to the home-cage, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were increased compared to vehicle-injected controls. General activity of the animal was also increased, indicating that OX-A activity in CeA contributes to increased arousal. This outcome is similar to the effects of central intracerebroventricular infusions of OX-A, as well as the cardiovascular effects previously demonstrated at many of OX's efferent hypothalamic and brainstem structures. In a second study, animals were fear-conditioned to a context by delivery of electric footshocks and then animals were re-exposed to the conditioned context at test. When OX-A was microinjected at test, freezing behaviour was reduced and there was a corresponding increase in the animal's activity but no impact on the pressor and cardiac responses (i.e, blood pressure and heart rate were unchanged). This reduction in freezing suggests that OX-A activates amygdala neurons that inhibit freezing, which is similar to the actions of other neuropeptides in the CeA that modulate the appropriate defence response to fearful stimuli. Overall, these data indicate that the CeA is an important site of OX-A modulation of cardiovascular and motor activity, as well as conditioned freezing responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Olsen
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Teri M Furlong
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Australia.
| | - Pascal Carrive
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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130
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Morikawa S, Katori K, Takeuchi H, Ikegaya Y. Brain-wide mapping of presynaptic inputs to basolateral amygdala neurons. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:3062-3075. [PMID: 33797073 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA), a region critical for emotional processing, is the limbic hub that is connected with various brain regions. BLA neurons are classified into different subtypes that exhibit differential projection patterns and mediate distinct emotional behaviors; however, little is known about their presynaptic input patterns. In this study, we employed projection-specific monosynaptic rabies virus tracing to identify the direct monosynaptic inputs to BLA subtypes. We found that each neuronal subtype receives long-range projection input from specific brain regions. In contrast to their specific axonal projection patterns, all BLA neuronal subtypes exhibited relatively similar input patterns. This anatomical organization supports the idea that the BLA is a central integrator that associates sensory information in different modalities with valence and sends associative information to behaviorally relevant brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Morikawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Katori
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruki Takeuchi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Social Cooperation Program of Evolutional Chemical Safety Assessment System, LECSAS, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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131
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Venkataraman A, Hunter SC, Dhinojwala M, Ghebrezadik D, Guo J, Inoue K, Young LJ, Dias BG. Incerto-thalamic modulation of fear via GABA and dopamine. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1658-1668. [PMID: 33864008 PMCID: PMC8280196 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01006-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Fear generalization and deficits in extinction learning are debilitating dimensions of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Most understanding of the neurobiology underlying these dimensions comes from studies of cortical and limbic brain regions. While thalamic and subthalamic regions have been implicated in modulating fear, the potential for incerto-thalamic pathways to suppress fear generalization and rescue deficits in extinction recall remains unexplored. We first used patch-clamp electrophysiology to examine functional connections between the subthalamic zona incerta and thalamic reuniens (RE). Optogenetic stimulation of GABAergic ZI → RE cell terminals in vitro induced inhibitory post-synaptic currents (IPSCs) in the RE. We then combined high-intensity discriminative auditory fear conditioning with cell-type-specific and projection-specific optogenetics in mice to assess functional roles of GABAergic ZI → RE cell projections in modulating fear generalization and extinction recall. In addition, we used a similar approach to test the possibility of fear generalization and extinction recall being modulated by a smaller subset of GABAergic ZI → RE cells, the A13 dopaminergic cell population. Optogenetic stimulation of GABAergic ZI → RE cell terminals attenuated fear generalization and enhanced extinction recall. In contrast, optogenetic stimulation of dopaminergic ZI → RE cell terminals had no effect on fear generalization but enhanced extinction recall in a dopamine receptor D1-dependent manner. Our findings shed new light on the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of ZI-located cells that contribute to adaptive fear by increasing the precision and extinction of learned associations. In so doing, these data reveal novel neuroanatomical substrates that could be therapeutically targeted for treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Venkataraman
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Emory University Neuroscience Graduate Program, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Sarah C. Hunter
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Emory University Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology Undergraduate Program, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Maria Dhinojwala
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Emory University Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology Undergraduate Program, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Diana Ghebrezadik
- grid.251844.e0000 0001 2226 7265Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA USA
| | - JiDong Guo
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Kiyoshi Inoue
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Larry J. Young
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Emory University Neuroscience Graduate Program, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Brian George Dias
- Emory University Neuroscience Graduate Program, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Division of Research on Children, Youth & Families, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Developmental Neuroscience and Neurogenetics Program, The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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132
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K v1.1 channels mediate network excitability and feed-forward inhibition in local amygdala circuits. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15180. [PMID: 34312446 PMCID: PMC8313690 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Kv1.1 containing potassium channels play crucial roles towards dampening neuronal excitability. Mice lacking Kv1.1 subunits (Kcna1−/−) display recurrent spontaneous seizures and often exhibit sudden unexpected death. Seizures in Kcna1−/− mice resemble those in well-characterized models of temporal lobe epilepsy known to involve limbic brain regions and spontaneous seizures result in enhanced cFos expression and neuronal death in the amygdala. Yet, the functional alterations leading to amygdala hyperexcitability have not been identified. In this study, we used Kcna1−/− mice to examine the contributions of Kv1.1 subunits to excitability in neuronal subtypes from basolateral (BLA) and central lateral (CeL) amygdala known to exhibit distinct firing patterns. We also analyzed synaptic transmission properties in an amygdala local circuit predicted to be involved in epilepsy-related comorbidities. Our data implicate Kv1.1 subunits in controlling spontaneous excitatory synaptic activity in BLA pyramidal neurons. In the CeL, Kv1.1 loss enhances intrinsic excitability and impairs inhibitory synaptic transmission, notably resulting in dysfunction of feed-forward inhibition, a critical mechanism for controlling spike timing. Overall, we find inhibitory control of CeL interneurons is reduced in Kcna1−/− mice suggesting that basal inhibitory network functioning is less able to prevent recurrent hyperexcitation related to seizures.
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133
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Ashby DM, Dias C, Aleksandrova LR, Lapish CC, Wang YT, Phillips AG. Disruption of Long-Term Depression Potentiates Latent Inhibition: Key Role for Central Nucleus of the Amygdala. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:580-591. [PMID: 33693669 PMCID: PMC8299826 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab011] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latent inhibition (LI) reflects an adaptive form of learning impaired in certain forms of mental illness. Glutamate receptor activity is linked to LI, but the potential role of synaptic plasticity remains unspecified. METHODS Accordingly, the present study examined the possible role of long-term depression (LTD) in LI induced by prior exposure of rats to an auditory stimulus used subsequently as a conditional stimulus to signal a pending footshock. We employed 2 mechanistically distinct LTD inhibitors, the Tat-GluA23Y peptide that blocks endocytosis of the GluA2-containing glutamate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor, or the selective glutamate n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor 2B antagonist, Ro25-6981, administered prior to the acquisition of 2-way conditioned avoidance with or without tone pre-exposure. RESULTS Systemic LTD blockade with the Tat-GluA23Y peptide strengthened the LI effect by further impairing acquisition of conditioned avoidance in conditional stimulus-preexposed rats compared with normal conditioning in non-preexposed controls. Systemic Ro25-6981 had no significant effects. Brain region-specific microinjections of the Tat-GluA23Y peptide into the nucleus accumbens, medial prefrontal cortex, or central or basolateral amygdala demonstrated that disruption of glutamate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor endocytosis in the central amygdala also potentiated the LI effect. CONCLUSIONS These data revealed a previously unknown role for central amygdala LTD in LI as a key mediator of cognitive flexibility required to respond to previously irrelevant stimuli that acquire significance through reinforcement. The findings may have relevance both for our mechanistic understanding of LI and its alteration in disease states such as schizophrenia, while further elucidating the role of LTD in learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan M Ashby
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carine Dias
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lily R Aleksandrova
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher C Lapish
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yu Tian Wang
- Department of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anthony G Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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134
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Secretagogin marks amygdaloid PKCδ interneurons and modulates NMDA receptor availability. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:1921123118. [PMID: 33558223 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921123118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The perception of and response to danger is critical for an individual's survival and is encoded by subcortical neurocircuits. The amygdaloid complex is the primary neuronal site that initiates bodily reactions upon external threat with local-circuit interneurons scaling output to effector pathways. Here, we categorize central amygdala neurons that express secretagogin (Scgn), a Ca2+-sensor protein, as a subset of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ)+ interneurons, likely "off cells." Chemogenetic inactivation of Scgn+/PKCδ+ cells augmented conditioned response to perceived danger in vivo. While Ca2+-sensor proteins are typically implicated in shaping neurotransmitter release presynaptically, Scgn instead localized to postsynaptic compartments. Characterizing its role in the postsynapse, we found that Scgn regulates the cell-surface availability of NMDA receptor 2B subunits (GluN2B) with its genetic deletion leading to reduced cell membrane delivery of GluN2B, at least in vitro. Conclusively, we describe a select cell population, which gates danger avoidance behavior with secretagogin being both a selective marker and regulatory protein in their excitatory postsynaptic machinery.
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135
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Wichert N, Witt M, Blume C, Scheper T. Clinical applicability of optogenetic gene regulation. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:4168-4185. [PMID: 34287844 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The field of optogenetics is rapidly growing in relevance and number of developed tools. Among other things, the optogenetic repertoire includes light-responsive ion channels and methods for gene regulation. This review will be confined to the optogenetic control of gene expression in mammalian cells as suitable models for clinical applications. Here optogenetic gene regulation might offer an excellent method for spatially and timely regulated gene and protein expression in cell therapeutic approaches. Well-known systems for gene regulation, such as the LOV-, CRY2/CIB-, PhyB/PIF-systems, as well as other, in mammalian cells not yet fully established systems, will be described. Advantages and disadvantages with regard to clinical applications are outlined in detail. Among the many unanswered questions concerning the application of optogenetics, we discuss items such as the use of exogenous chromophores and their effects on the biology of the cells and methods for a gentle, but effective gene transfection method for optogenetic tools for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wichert
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Witt
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cornelia Blume
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheper
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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136
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Chen YH, Wu JL, Hu NY, Zhuang JP, Li WP, Zhang SR, Li XW, Yang JM, Gao TM. Distinct projections from the infralimbic cortex exert opposing effects in modulating anxiety and fear. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e145692. [PMID: 34263737 DOI: 10.1172/jci145692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety-related disorders can be treated by cognitive therapies and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which involve the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Subregions of the mPFC have been implicated in mediating different and even opposite roles in anxiety-related behaviors. However, precise causal targets of these top-down connections among diverse possibilities have not been established. Here, we show that the lateral septum (LS) and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) represent 2 direct targets of the infralimbic cortex (IL), a subregion of the mPFC that modulates anxiety and fear. Two projections were unexpectedly found to exert opposite effects on the anxious state and learned freezing: the IL-LS projection promoted anxiety-related behaviors and fear-related freezing, whereas the IL-CeA projection exerted anxiolytic and fear-releasing effects for the same features. Furthermore, selective inhibition of corresponding circuit elements showed opposing behavioral effects compared with excitation. Notably, the IL-CeA projection implemented top-down control of the stress-induced high-anxiety state. These results suggest that distinct IL outputs exert opposite effects in modulating anxiety and fear and that modulating the excitability of these projections with distinct strategies may be beneficial for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
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137
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Lei S, Hu B. Ionic and signaling mechanisms involved in neurotensin-mediated excitation of central amygdala neurons. Neuropharmacology 2021; 196:108714. [PMID: 34271017 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108714] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT) serves as a neuromodulator in the brain where it regulates a variety of physiological functions. Whereas the central amygdala (CeA) expresses NT peptide and NTS1 receptors and application of NT has been shown to excite CeA neurons, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms have not been determined. We found that activation of NTS1 receptors increased the neuronal excitability of the lateral nucleus (CeL) of CeA. Both phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) depletion were required, whereas intracellular Ca2+ release and PKC were unnecessary for NT-elicited excitation of CeL neurons. NT increased the input resistance and time constants of CeL neurons, suggesting that NT excites CeL neurons by decreasing a membrane conductance. Depressions of the inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels including both the Kir2 subfamily and the GIRK channels were required for NT-elicited excitation of CeL neurons. Activation of NTS1 receptors in the CeL led to GABAergic inhibition of medial nucleus of CeA neurons, suggesting that NT modulates the network activity in the amygdala. Our results may provide a cellular and molecular mechanism to explain the physiological functions of NT in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saobo Lei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA.
| | - Binqi Hu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA
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138
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Webler RD, Berg H, Fhong K, Tuominen L, Holt DJ, Morey RA, Lange I, Burton PC, Fullana MA, Radua J, Lissek S. The neurobiology of human fear generalization: meta-analysis and working neural model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:421-436. [PMID: 34242718 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fear generalization to stimuli resembling a conditioned danger-cue (CS+) is a fundamental dynamic of classical fear-conditioning. Despite the ubiquity of fear generalization in human experience and its known pathogenic contribution to clinical anxiety, neural investigations of human generalization have only recently begun. The present work provides the first meta-analysis of this growing literature to delineate brain substrates of conditioned fear-generalization and formulate a working neural model. Included studies (K = 6, N = 176) reported whole-brain fMRI results and applied generalization-gradient methodology to identify brain activations that gradually strengthen (positive generalization) or weaken (negative generalization) as presented stimuli increase in CS+ resemblance. Positive generalization was instantiated in cingulo-opercular, frontoparietal, striatal-thalamic, and midbrain regions (locus coeruleus, periaqueductal grey, ventral tegmental area), while negative generalization was implemented in default-mode network nodes (ventromedial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, middle temporal gyrus, angular gyrus) and amygdala. Findings are integrated within an updated neural account of generalization centering on the hippocampus, its modulation by locus coeruleus and basolateral amygdala, and the excitation of threat- or safety-related loci by the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Webler
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Hannah Berg
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Kimberly Fhong
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Lauri Tuominen
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Daphne J Holt
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Rajendra A Morey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham VAMC, Durham, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Duke-UNC Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Iris Lange
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Duboisdomein 30, 6229 GT, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Philip C Burton
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Miquel Angel Fullana
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBERSAM, Campus Casanova, Casanova, 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain; Adult Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic, Casanovas 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Radua
- Adult Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic, Casanovas 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain; Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatric Research and Education, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shmuel Lissek
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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139
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Whittle N, Fadok J, MacPherson KP, Nguyen R, Botta P, Wolff SBE, Müller C, Herry C, Tovote P, Holmes A, Singewald N, Lüthi A, Ciocchi S. Central amygdala micro-circuits mediate fear extinction. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4156. [PMID: 34230461 PMCID: PMC8260764 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear extinction is an adaptive process whereby defensive responses are attenuated following repeated experience of prior fear-related stimuli without harm. The formation of extinction memories involves interactions between various corticolimbic structures, resulting in reduced central amygdala (CEA) output. Recent studies show, however, the CEA is not merely an output relay of fear responses but contains multiple neuronal subpopulations that interact to calibrate levels of fear responding. Here, by integrating behavioural, in vivo electrophysiological, anatomical and optogenetic approaches in mice we demonstrate that fear extinction produces reversible, stimulus- and context-specific changes in neuronal responses to conditioned stimuli in functionally and genetically defined cell types in the lateral (CEl) and medial (CEm) CEA. Moreover, we show these alterations are absent when extinction is deficient and that selective silencing of protein kinase C delta-expressing (PKCδ) CEl neurons impairs fear extinction. Our findings identify CEA inhibitory microcircuits that act as critical elements within the brain networks mediating fear extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Whittle
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jonathan Fadok
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Psychology and Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kathryn P MacPherson
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robin Nguyen
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Botta
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steffen B E Wolff
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christian Müller
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Herry
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philip Tovote
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Lüthi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stéphane Ciocchi
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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140
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Seewald A, Schönherr S, Hörtnagl H, Ehrlich I, Schmuckermair C, Ferraguti F. Fear Memory Retrieval Is Associated With a Reduction in AMPA Receptor Density at Thalamic to Amygdala Intercalated Cell Synapses. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:634558. [PMID: 34295235 PMCID: PMC8290482 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.634558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala plays a crucial role in attaching emotional significance to environmental cues. Its intercalated cell masses (ITC) are tight clusters of GABAergic neurons, which are distributed around the basolateral amygdala complex. Distinct ITC clusters are involved in the acquisition and extinction of conditioned fear responses. Previously, we have shown that fear memory retrieval reduces the AMPA/NMDA ratio at thalamic afferents to ITC neurons within the dorsal medio-paracapsular cluster. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the fear-mediated reduction in the AMPA/NMDA ratio at these synapses and, in particular, whether specific changes in the synaptic density of AMPA receptors underlie the observed change. To this aim, we used a detergent-digested freeze-fracture replica immunolabeling technique (FRIL) approach that enables to visualize the spatial distribution of intrasynaptic AMPA receptors at high resolution. AMPA receptors were detected using an antibody raised against an epitope common to all AMPA subunits. To visualize thalamic inputs, we virally transduced the posterior thalamic complex with Channelrhodopsin 2-YFP, which is anterogradely transported along axons. Using face-matched replica, we confirmed that the postsynaptic elements were ITC neurons due to their prominent expression of μ-opioid receptors. With this approach, we show that, following auditory fear conditioning in mice, the formation and retrieval of fear memory is linked to a significant reduction in the density of AMPA receptors, particularly at spine synapses formed by inputs of the posterior intralaminar thalamic and medial geniculate nuclei onto identified ITC neurons. Our study is one of the few that has directly linked the regulation of AMPA receptor trafficking to memory processes in identified neuronal networks, by showing that fear-memory induced reduction in AMPA/NMDA ratio at thalamic-ITC synapses is associated with a reduced postsynaptic AMPA receptor density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Seewald
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sabine Schönherr
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heide Hörtnagl
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ingrid Ehrlich
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Francesco Ferraguti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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141
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Zhou YG, Shang ZL, Zhang F, Wu LL, Sun LN, Jia YP, Yu HB, Liu WZ. PTSD: Past, present and future implications for China. Chin J Traumatol 2021; 24:187-208. [PMID: 33994278 PMCID: PMC8343811 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a long history since human beings began to realize the existence of post-traumatic symptoms. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a diagnostic category adopted in 1980 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Ⅲ, described typical clusters of psychiatric symptoms occurring after traumatic events. Abundant researches have helped deepen the understanding of PTSD in terms of epidemiological features, biological mechanisms, and treatment options. The prevalence of PTSD in general population ranged from 6.4% to 7.8% and was significantly higher among groups who underwent major public traumatic events. There has been a long way in the studies of animal models and genetic characteristics of PTSD. However, the high comorbidity with other stress-related psychiatric disorders and complexity in the pathogenesis of PTSD hindered the effort to find specific biological targets for PTSD. Neuroimage was widely used to elucidate the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of PTSD. Functional MRI studies have showed that PTSD was linked to medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and sub-cortical structures like amygdala and hippocampus, and to explore the functional connectivity among these brain areas which might reveal the possible neurobiological mechanism related to PTSD symptoms. For now, cognitive behavior therapy-based psychotherapy, including combination with adjunctive medication, showed evident treatment effects on PTSD. The emergence of more effective PTSD pharmacotherapies awaits novel biomarkers from further fundamental research. Several natural disasters and emergencies have inevitably increased the possibility of suffering from PTSD in the last two decades, making it critical to strengthen PTSD research in China. To boost PTSD study in China, the following suggestions might be helpful: (1) establishing a national psychological trauma recover project, and (2) exploring the mechanisms of PTSD with joint effort and strengthening the indigenized treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Guang Zhou
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhi-Lei Shang
- The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Li-Li Wu
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China,The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lu-Na Sun
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China,The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yan-Pu Jia
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China,The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hai-Bo Yu
- Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China,Corresponding author.
| | - Wei-Zhi Liu
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China,The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China,Corresponding author. Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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142
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Central amygdala circuitry modulates nociceptive processing through differential hierarchical interaction with affective network dynamics. Commun Biol 2021; 4:732. [PMID: 34127787 PMCID: PMC8203648 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02262-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The central amygdala (CE) emerges as a critical node for affective processing. However, how CE local circuitry interacts with brain wide affective states is yet uncharted. Using basic nociception as proxy, we find that gene expression suggests diverging roles of the two major CE neuronal populations, protein kinase C δ-expressing (PKCδ+) and somatostatin-expressing (SST+) cells. Optogenetic (o)fMRI demonstrates that PKCδ+/SST+ circuits engage specific separable functional subnetworks to modulate global brain dynamics by a differential bottom-up vs. top-down hierarchical mesoscale mechanism. This diverging modulation impacts on nocifensive behavior and may underly CE control of affective processing. In order to examine how central amygdala (CE) local circuitry interacts with brain-wide affective states, Wank et al performed gene expression analysis and optogenetic fMRI in mice, using basic nociception as a proxy. They found evidence for diverging roles of two major CE neuronal populations in modulating global brain states, which impacts on aversive processing and nocifensive behaviour.
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143
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Modulation of PARP-1 Activity in a Broad Time Window Attenuates Memorizing Fear. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126170. [PMID: 34201014 PMCID: PMC8226584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala plays a critical role in the acquisition and consolidation of fear-related memories. Recent studies have demonstrated that ADP-ribosylation of histones, accelerated by PARPs, affects the chromatin structure and the binding of chromatin remodeling complexes with transcription factors. Inhibition of PARP-1 activity during the labile phase of re-consolidation may erase memory. Accordingly, we investigated the possibility of interfering with fear conditioning by PARP-1 inhibition. Herein, we demonstrate that injection of PARP-1 inhibitors, specifically into the CeA or i.p., in different time windows post-retrieval, attenuates freezing behavior. Moreover, the association of memory with pharmacokinetic timing of PARP inhibitor arrival to the brain enabled/achieved attenuation of a specific cue-associated memory of fear but did not hinder other memories (even traumatic events) associated with other cues. Our results suggest using PARP-1 inhibitors as a new avenue for future treatment of PTSD by disrupting specific traumatic memories in a broad time window, even long after the traumatic event. The safety of using these PARP inhibitors, that is, not interfering with other natural memories, is an added value.
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144
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Ressler KJ. Translating Across Circuits and Genetics Toward Progress in Fear- and Anxiety-Related Disorders. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2021; 19:247-255. [PMID: 34690590 PMCID: PMC8475910 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.19205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
(Reprinted with permission from Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:214-222).
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145
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Samineni VK, Grajales-Reyes JG, Grajales-Reyes GE, Tycksen E, Copits BA, Pedersen C, Ankudey ES, Sackey JN, Sewell SB, Bruchas MR, Gereau RW. Cellular, circuit and transcriptional framework for modulation of itch in the central amygdala. eLife 2021; 10:e68130. [PMID: 34032210 PMCID: PMC8172243 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation that elicits robust scratching and aversive experience. However, the identity of the cells and neural circuits that organize this information remains elusive. Here, we show the necessity and sufficiency of chloroquine-activated neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) for both itch sensation and associated aversion. Further, we show that chloroquine-activated CeA neurons play important roles in itch-related comorbidities, including anxiety-like behaviors, but not in some aversive and appetitive behaviors previously ascribed to CeA neurons. RNA-sequencing of chloroquine-activated CeA neurons identified several differentially expressed genes as well as potential key signaling pathways in regulating pruritis. Finally, viral tracing experiments demonstrate that these neurons send projections to the ventral periaqueductal gray that are critical in modulation of itch. These findings reveal a cellular and circuit signature of CeA neurons orchestrating behavioral and affective responses to pruritus in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Samineni
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Jose G Grajales-Reyes
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Neuroscience Program, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Gary E Grajales-Reyes
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Genome Technology Access Center, Washington University School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
| | - Bryan A Copits
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Christian Pedersen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Edem S Ankudey
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Julian N Sackey
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Sienna B Sewell
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Departmentsof Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of MedicineSt.LouisUnited States
| | - Robert W Gereau
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Departmentsof Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of MedicineSt.LouisUnited States
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146
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Warlow SM, Berridge KC. Incentive motivation: 'wanting' roles of central amygdala circuitry. Behav Brain Res 2021; 411:113376. [PMID: 34023307 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) mediates positively-valenced reward motivation as well as negatively-valenced fear. Optogenetic or neurochemical stimulation of CeA circuitry can generate intense incentive motivation to pursue and consume a paired natural food, sex, or addictive drug reward, and even create maladaptive 'wanting what hurts' such as attraction to a shock rod. Evidence indicates CeA stimulations selectively amplify incentive motivation ('wanting') but not hedonic impact ('liking') of the same reward. Further, valence flips can occur for CeA contributions to motivational salience. That is, CeA stimulation can promote either incentive motivation or fearful motivation, even in the same individual, depending on situation. These findings may carry implications for understanding CeA roles in neuropsychiatric disorders involving aberrant motivational salience, ranging from addiction to paranoia and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley M Warlow
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Kent C Berridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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147
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Kong MS, Zweifel LS. Central amygdala circuits in valence and salience processing. Behav Brain Res 2021; 410:113355. [PMID: 33989728 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral responses to environmental stimuli are dictated by the affective valence of the stimulus, good (positive valence) or bad (negative valence). These stimuli can innately elicit an affective response that promotes approach or avoidance behavior. In addition to innately valenced stimuli, valence can also be assigned to initially neutral stimuli through associative learning. A stimulus of a given valence can vary in salience depending on the strength of the stimulus, the underlying state of the animal, and the context of the stimulus presentation. Salience endows the stimulus with the ability to direct attention and elicit preparatory responses to mount an incentive-based motivated behavior. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) has emerged as an early integration point for valence and salience detection to engage preparatory autonomic responses and behavioral posturing in response to both aversive and appetitive stimuli. There are numerous cell types in the CeA that are involved in valence and salience processing through a variety of connections, and we will review the recent progress that has been made in identifying these circuit elements and their roles in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Seon Kong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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148
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Raam T, Hong W. Organization of neural circuits underlying social behavior: A consideration of the medial amygdala. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 68:124-136. [PMID: 33940499 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The medial amygdala (MeA) is critical for the expression of a broad range of social behaviors, and is also connected to many other brain regions that mediate those same behaviors. Here, we summarize recent advances toward elucidating mechanisms that enable the MeA to regulate a diversity of social behaviors, and also consider what role the MeA plays within the broader network of regions that orchestrate social sensorimotor transformations. We outline the molecular, anatomical, and electrophysiological features of the MeA that segregate distinct social behaviors, propose experimental strategies to disambiguate sensory representations from behavioral function in the context of a social interaction, and consider to what extent MeA function may overlap with other regions mediating similar behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Raam
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Weizhe Hong
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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149
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van Rooij SJ, Sippel LM, McDonald WM, Holtzheimer PE. Defining focal brain stimulation targets for PTSD using neuroimaging. Depress Anxiety 2021; 38:10.1002/da.23159. [PMID: 33876868 PMCID: PMC8526638 DOI: 10.1002/da.23159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Focal brain stimulation has potential as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this review, we aim to inform selection of focal brain stimulation targets for treating PTSD by examining studies of the functional neuroanatomy of PTSD and treatment response. We first briefly review data on brain stimulation interventions for PTSD. Although published data suggest good efficacy overall, the neurobiological rationale for each stimulation target is not always clear. METHODS Therefore, we assess pre- and post-treatment (predominantly psychotherapy) functional neuroimaging studies in PTSD to determine which brain changes seem critical to treatment response. Results of these studies are presented within a previously proposed functional neural systems model of PTSD. RESULTS While not completely consistent, research suggests that downregulating the fear learning and threat and salience detection circuits (i.e., amygdala, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and insula) and upregulating the emotion regulation and executive function and contextual processing circuits (i.e., prefrontal cortical regions and hippocampus) may mediate PTSD treatment response. CONCLUSION This literature review provides some justification for current focal brain stimulation targets. However, the examination of treatment effects on neural networks is limited, and studies that include the stimulation targets are lacking. Further, additional targets, such as the cingulate, medial prefrontal cortex, and inferior parietal lobe, may also be worth investigation, especially when considering how to achieve network level changes. Additional research combining PTSD treatment with functional neuroimaging will help move the field forward by identifying and validating novel targets, providing better rationale for specific treatment parameters and personalizing treatment for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne J.H. van Rooij
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lauren M. Sippel
- National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, White River Junction, VT
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
| | - William M. McDonald
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA
| | - Paul E. Holtzheimer
- National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, White River Junction, VT
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
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Distinct circuits in rat central amygdala for defensive behaviors evoked by socially signaled imminent versus remote danger. Curr Biol 2021; 31:2347-2358.e6. [PMID: 33848461 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Animals display a rich repertoire of defensive responses adequate to the threat proximity. In social species, these reactions can be additionally influenced by the behavior of fearful conspecifics. However, the majority of neuroscientific studies on socially triggered defensive responses focuses on one type of behavior, freezing. To study a broader range of socially triggered reactions and underlying mechanisms, we directly compared two experimental paradigms, mimicking occurrence of the imminent versus remote threat. Observation of a partner currently experiencing aversive stimulation evokes passive defensive responses in the observer rats. Similar interaction with a partner that has just undergone the aversive stimulation prompts animals to increase active exploration. Although the observers display behaviors similar to those of the aversively stimulated demonstrators, their reactions are not synchronized in time, suggesting that observers' responses are caused by the change in their affective state rather than mimicry. Using opsins targeted to behaviorally activated neurons, we tagged central amygdala (CeA) cells implicated in observers' responses to either imminent or remote threat and reactivated them during the exploration of a novel environment. The manipulation revealed that the two populations of CeA cells promote passive or active defensive responses, respectively. Further experiments confirmed that the two populations of cells at least partially differ in expression of molecular markers (protein kinase C-δ [PKC-δ] and corticotropin-releasing factor [CRF]) and connectivity patterns (receiving input from the basolateral amygdala or from the anterior insula). The results are consistent with the literature on single subjects' fear conditioning, suggesting that similar neuronal circuits control defensive responses in social and non-social contexts.
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