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Chaves T, Fazekas CL, Horváth K, Correia P, Szabó A, Török B, Bánrévi K, Zelena D. Stress Adaptation and the Brainstem with Focus on Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169090. [PMID: 34445795 PMCID: PMC8396605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress adaptation is of utmost importance for the maintenance of homeostasis and, therefore, of life itself. The prevalence of stress-related disorders is increasing, emphasizing the importance of exploratory research on stress adaptation. Two major regulatory pathways exist: the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis and the sympathetic adrenomedullary axis. They act in unison, ensured by the enormous bidirectional connection between their centers, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), and the brainstem monoaminergic cell groups, respectively. PVN and especially their corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) producing neurons are considered to be the centrum of stress regulation. However, the brainstem seems to be equally important. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the present knowledge on the role of classical neurotransmitters of the brainstem (GABA, glutamate as well as serotonin, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine) in stress adaptation. Neuropeptides, including CRH, might be co-localized in the brainstem nuclei. Here we focused on CRH as its role in stress regulation is well-known and widely accepted and other CRH neurons scattered along the brain may also complement the function of the PVN. Although CRH-positive cells are present on some parts of the brainstem, sometimes even in comparable amounts as in the PVN, not much is known about their contribution to stress adaptation. Based on the role of the Barrington’s nucleus in micturition and the inferior olivary complex in the regulation of fine motoric—as the main CRH-containing brainstem areas—we might assume that these areas regulate stress-induced urination and locomotion, respectively. Further studies are necessary for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Chaves
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Horváth
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Szabó
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bánrévi
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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Lalonde R, Strazielle C. Neuroanatomical pathways underlying the effects of hypothalamo-hypophysial-adrenal hormones on exploratory activity. Rev Neurosci 2018; 28:617-648. [PMID: 28609296 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
When injected via the intracerebroventricular route, corticosterone-releasing hormone (CRH) reduced exploration in the elevated plus-maze, the center region of the open-field, and the large chamber in the defensive withdrawal test. The anxiogenic action of CRH in the elevated plus-maze also occurred when infused in the basolateral amygdala, ventral hippocampus, lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, nucleus accumbens, periaqueductal grey, and medial frontal cortex. The anxiogenic action of CRH in the defensive withdrawal test was reproduced when injected in the locus coeruleus, while the amygdala, hippocampus, lateral septum, nucleus accumbens, and lateral globus pallidus contribute to center zone exploration in the open-field. In addition to elevated plus-maze and open-field tests, the amygdala appears as a target region for CRH-mediated anxiety in the elevated T-maze. Thus, the amygdala is the principal brain region identified with these three tests, and further research must identify the neural circuits underlying this form of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Strazielle
- , Laboratoire 'Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes' EA 7300 and Service de Microscopie Electronique, Faculté de Médecine
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Elucidation of the neural circuits activated by a GABA B receptor positive modulator: Relevance to anxiety. Neuropharmacology 2017; 136:129-145. [PMID: 28734870 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Although there is much evidence for a role of GABAB receptors in the pathophysiology of anxiety, the underlying neuronal mechanisms are largely unclear. The GABAB receptor allosteric positive modulator, GS39783, exerts anxiolytic effects without interfering with GABAB-mediated modulation of body temperature, cognitive performance and locomotor activity thus offering advantages over GABAB receptor agonists. However, the precise neural circuits underlying the anxiolytic effects of GS39783 are unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify brain structures and associated neuronal circuits that are modulated by GS39783 under either basal or mild stress conditions. To this end, the expression pattern of c-Fos, a marker of neuronal activation, was examined in mice acutely treated with GS39783 under basal conditions or following a mild anxiogenic challenge induced by exposure to the Open Arm (OA) of an Elevated Plus Maze. OA exposure enhanced c-Fos expression in vehicle-treated animals in several brain regions, including the medial prefrontal cortex, lateral septum, amygdala, hippocampus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Under basal conditions, GS39783 increased c-Fos in a restricted panel of areas notably amygdala nuclei, cortical areas and PAG subregions, while it inhibited c-Fos expression in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Under stress conditions, GS39783 reversed OA-induced c-Fos expression in the granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus, no longer increased c-Fos expression in the amygdala nor reduced c-Fos expression in the DRN. These specific patterns of neural activation by GS39783 might explain the neurobiological correlates implicated in GABAB-mediated anti-anxiety effects. This article is part of the "Special Issue Dedicated to Norman G. Bowery".
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Penney J, Mendell A, Zeng M, Tran K, Lymer J, Turner PV, Choleris E, MacLusky N, Lu R. LUMAN/CREB3 is a key regulator of glucocorticoid-mediated stress responses. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 439:95-104. [PMID: 27789393 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Altered glucocorticoid sensitivity is believed to contribute to a number of human diseases, including inflammatory and autoimmune conditions as well as disorders characterized by abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) function. LUMAN (or CREB3), originally identified through its interaction with a cell cycle regulator HCFC1, is an endoplasmic reticulum membrane-bound transcription factor that is involved in the unfolded protein response. Here we demonstrate that LUMAN changes the glucocorticoid response by modulating the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor leading to an overall increase in GR activity. Luman-deficient mice exhibited a blunted stress response characterized by low levels of both anxiety and depressive-like behaviour in addition to low circulating corticosterone levels. These mice also have reduced dendritic branching in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, consistent with increased GR responses. These findings are consistent with the notion that elevated GR activities are the primary cause of the observed phenotype in these LUMAN-deficient mice. We thus postulate that LUMAN is a key regulator of GR-mediated signaling and modulates HPA axis reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Penney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ari Mendell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Minghua Zeng
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Khoa Tran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jennifer Lymer
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Patricia V Turner
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Neil MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ray Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Ellenbroek BA, Angelucci F, Husum H, Mathé AA. Gene-environment interactions in a rat model of depression. Maternal separation affects neurotensin in selected brain regions. Neuropeptides 2016; 59:83-88. [PMID: 27372546 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although the etiology of major psychiatric disorders has not been elucidated, accumulating evidence indicates that both genetic and early environmental factors play a role. We have previously demonstrated behavioral and neurochemical changes both in non-manipulated genetic rat models of depression, such as Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and Fawn Hooded (FH), and in normal rats following maternal separation (MS). The aim of the present study was to extend this work by exploring whether neurotensin (NT), a peptide implicated in several psychiatric disorders, is altered in a new animal model based on gene - environment interactions. More specifically, we used the FSL rats as a genetic model of depression and the Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) as controls and subjected them to MS. Pups randomly assigned to the MS procedure were separated from the dam as a litter for 180min daily between postnatal day 2 to 14. On postnatal day 90, rats were weighed and sacrificed by a two second high energy focused microwave irradiation and several brain regions were obtained by micropuncture. Neurotensin-like immunoreactivity (NT-LI) was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results showed that the FSL rats compared to the FRL rats have higher baseline NT-LI concentrations in the temporal cortex and periaqueductal gray and a markedly different response to maternal separation. The only observed change following maternal separation in the FRL rats was an NT-LI increase in the periaqueductal gray. In contrast, in the FSL significant increases were found in the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex and a decrease was seen in the temporal cortex after MS. The present study revealed baseline regional differences in NT-LI concentrations between the FSL and FRL strains and demonstrated that early MD differentially affects the two strains. The relevance of these alterations for depression as well as possible mechanisms underlying this gene-environment interaction are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart A Ellenbroek
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | | | - Henriette Husum
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aleksander A Mathé
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Henckens MJAG, Deussing JM, Chen A. Region-specific roles of the corticotropin-releasing factor-urocortin system in stress. Nat Rev Neurosci 2016; 17:636-51. [PMID: 27586075 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2016.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-urocortin (UCN) system has been implicated in stress-related psychopathologies such as depression and anxiety. It has been proposed that CRF-CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) signalling promotes the stress response and anxiety-like behaviour, whereas UCNs and CRFR2 activation mediate stress recovery and the restoration of homeostasis. Recent findings, however, provide clear evidence that this view is overly simplistic. Instead, a more complex picture has emerged that suggests that there are brain region- and cell type-specific effects of CRFR signalling that are influenced by the individual's prior experience and that shape molecular, cellular and ultimately behavioural responses to stressful challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes J A G Henckens
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.,Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan M Deussing
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.,Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
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Cipriano AC, Gomes KS, Nunes-de-Souza RL. CRF receptor type 1 (but not type 2) located within the amygdala plays a role in the modulation of anxiety in mice exposed to the elevated plus maze. Horm Behav 2016; 81:59-67. [PMID: 27060334 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The amygdala (Amy) is an important center that processes threatening stimuli. Among the neurotransmitters implicated in the control of emotional states, the corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) is an important modulator, acting at CRF1 and CRF2 receptors. Few studies have investigated the role of CRF and its receptors in the Amy on anxiety in mice. Here, we investigated the effects of intra-Amy (aimed at the basolateral nucleus) injections of CRF (37.5 and 75pmol/0.1μl), urocortin 3 (UCn3, a selective CRF2 agonist; 4, 8, 16 or 24pmol/0.1μl), CP376395 (a selective CRF1 antagonist; 0.375, 0.75 or 1.5nmol/0.1μl), antisauvagine-30 (ASV-30, a selective CRF2 antagonist; 1 or 3nmol/0.1μl) on the behavior of mice exposed to the elevated plus maze (EPM). Both spatiotemporal (e.g., percentage of open-arm entries and percentage of open-arm time; %OE and %OT) and complementary [e.g., frequency of protected and unprotected stretched attend postures (pSAP and uSAP) and head dips (pHD and uHD); frequency and time spent on open arm end exploration (OAEE)] measures were recorded during a 5-min test in the EPM. While intra-Amy injections of CRF decreased %OE, %OT and OAEE, suggesting an anxiogenic-like action, UCn3 (all doses) did not change any behavior. In contrast, injections of CP376395 (0.75nmol) produced an anxiolytic-like effect, by increasing %OT and OAEE and decreasing pSAP and pHD. Neither spatiotemporal nor complementary measures were changed by intra-Amy ASV-30. These results suggest that CRF plays a marked anxiogenic role at CRF1 receptors in the amygdala of mice exposed to the EPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Cipriano
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, 14800-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar/UNESP, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil.
| | - Karina Santos Gomes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, 14800-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo Luiz Nunes-de-Souza
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, 14800-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar/UNESP, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil.
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Borelli KG, Albrechet-Souza L, Fedoce AG, Fabri DS, Resstel LB, Brandão ML. Conditioned fear is modulated by CRF mechanisms in the periaqueductal gray columns. Horm Behav 2013; 63:791-9. [PMID: 23603480 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The periaqueductal gray (PAG) columns have been implicated in controlling stress responses through corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which is a neuropeptide with a prominent role in the etiology of fear- and anxiety-related psychopathologies. Several studies have investigated the involvement of dorsal PAG (dPAG) CRF mechanisms in models of unconditioned fear. However, less is known about the role of this neurotransmission in the expression of conditioned fear memories in the dPAG and ventrolateral PAG (vlPAG) columns. We assessed the effects of ovine CRF (oCRF 0.25 and 1.0 μg/0.2 μL) locally administered into the dPAG and vlPAG on behavioral (fear-potentiated startle and freezing) and autonomic (arterial pressure and heart rate) responses in rats subjected to contextual fear conditioning. The lower dose injected into the columns promoted proaversive effects, enhanced contextual freezing, increased the blood pressure and heart rate and decreased tail temperature. The lower dose of oCRF into the vlPAG, but not into the dPAG, produced a pronounced enhancement of the fear-potentiated startle response. The results imply that the PAG is a heterogeneous structure that is involved in the coordination of distinct behaviors and autonomic control, suggest PAG involvement in the expression of contextual fear memory as well as implicate the CRF as an important modulator of the neural substrates of fear in the PAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina G Borelli
- Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Charney DS. The psychobiology of resilience and vulnerability to anxiety disorders: implications for prevention and treatment. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2012. [PMID: 22034473 PMCID: PMC3181630 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2003.5.3/dcharney] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Much of the research on the neurobiology of human anxiety disorders has focused on psychopaihological abnormalities in patients with anxiety disorders. While this line of research is obviously important, more investigation is needed to elucidate the psychobiology of resilience to extreme stress. Study of the psychobiology of resilience has the potential to identify neurochemical, neuropeptide, and hormonal mediators of vulnerability and resilience to severe stress. In addition, the relevance of neural mechanisms of reward and motivation, fear responsiveness, and social behavior to character traits associated with risk and resistance to anxiety disorders may be clarified. These areas of investigation should lead to improved methods of diagnosis, novel approaches to prevention, and new targets for antianxiety drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis S Charney
- Chief, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Md, USA
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Miguel TT, Gomes KS, Nunes-de-Souza RL. Contrasting effects of nitric oxide and corticotropin- releasing factor within the dorsal periaqueductal gray on defensive behavior and nociception in mice. Braz J Med Biol Res 2012; 45:299-307. [PMID: 22450373 PMCID: PMC3854172 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2012007500043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects produced by glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation within the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) matter have been related to nitric oxide (NO) production, since injection of NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors reverses these effects. dPAG corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRFr) activation also induces anxiety-like behavior and antinociception, which, in turn, are selectively blocked by local infusion of the CRF type 1 receptor (CRFr1) antagonist, NBI 27914 [5-chloro-4-(N-(cyclopropyl)methyl-N-propylamino)-2-methyl-6-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)aminopyridine]. Here, we determined whether i) the blockade of the dPAG by CRFr1 attenuates the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects induced by local infusion of the NO donor, NOC-9 [6-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitrosohydrazino)-N-methyl-1-hexanamine], and ii) the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects induced by intra-dPAG CRF are prevented by local infusion of N(ω)-propyl-L-arginine (NPLA), a neuronal NOS inhibitor, in mice. Male Swiss mice (12 weeks old, 25-35 g, N = 8-14/group) were stereotaxically implanted with a 7-mm cannula aimed at the dPAG. Intra-dPAG NOC-9 (75 nmol) produced defensive-like behavior (jumping and running) and antinociception (assessed by the formalin test). Both effects were reversed by prior local infusion of NBI 27914 (2 nmol). Conversely, intra-dPAG NPLA (0.4 nmol) did not modify the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects of CRF (150 pmol). These results suggest that CRFr1 plays an important role in the defensive behavior and antinociception produced by NO within the dPAG. In contrast, the anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects produced by intra-dPAG CRF are not related to NO synthesis in this limbic midbrain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- T T Miguel
- Programa Interinstitucional de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
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Miguel TT, Nunes-de-Souza RL. Anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects induced by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) injections into the periaqueductal gray are modulated by CRF1 receptor in mice. Horm Behav 2011; 60:292-300. [PMID: 21723867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Revised: 06/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chemical or electrical stimulation of the dorsal portion of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (dPAG) produces anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects. In rats, chemical stimulation of dPAG by local infusion of the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) provokes anxiogenic effects in the elevated plus-maze test (EPM). CRF also produces antinociception when injected intracerebroventricularly in rats, however it remains unclear whether this response is also observed following CRF injection into the dPAG in mice. Yet, given that there are CRF1 and CRF2 receptor subtypes within the PAG, it is important to show in which receptor subtypes CRF exert its anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects in the dPAG. Here, we investigated the role of these receptors in the anxiogenic (assessed in the EPM) and antinociceptive (assessed by the Formalin test: 2.5% formalin injection into the right hind paw) effects following intra-dPAG infusion of CRF in mice. The results show that intra-dPAG injections of CRF (75 pmol/0.1μl and 150 pmol/0.2 μl) produced dose-dependent anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects. In addition, local infusion of NBI 27914 (5-chloro-4-(N-(cyclopropyl)methyl-N-propylamino)-2-methyl-6-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)-aminopyridine; 2 nmol/0.2 μl), a CRF1 receptor antagonist, completely blocked both the anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects induced by local infusion of CRF, while that of antisauvagine 30 (ASV30; 1nmol/0.2μl), a CRF2 receptor antagonist, did not alter the CRF effects. Present results are suggestive that CRF1 (but not CRF2) receptors play a crucial role in the anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects induced by CRF in the dPAG in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarciso Tadeu Miguel
- Programa Interinstitucional de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos e Universidade Estadual Paulista (UFSCar & Unesp), Araraquara, SP, 14801-902, Brazil
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Treit D, Engin E, McEown K. Animal models of anxiety and anxiolytic drug action. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2009; 2:121-60. [PMID: 21309109 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2009_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Animal models of anxiety attempt to represent some aspect of the etiology, symptomatology, or treatment of human anxiety disorders, in order to facilitate their scientific study. Within this context, animal models of anxiolytic drug action can be viewed as treatment models relevant to the pharmacological control of human anxiety. A major purpose of these models is to identify novel anxiolytic compounds and to study the mechanisms whereby these compounds produce their anxiolytic effects. After a critical analysis of "face," "construct," and "predictive" validity, the biological context in which animal models of anxiety are to be evaluated is specified. We then review the models in terms of their general pharmacological profiles, with particular attention to their sensitivity to 5-HTIA agonists and antidepressant compounds. Although there are important exceptions, most of these models are sensitive to one or perhaps two classes of anxiolytic compounds, limiting their pharmacological generality somewhat, but allowing in depth analysis of individual mechanisms of anxiolytic drug action (e.g., GABAA agonism). We end with a discussion of possible sources of variability between models in response to 5-HTIA agonists and antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dallas Treit
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience, University of Alberta, P-449 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E9.
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Engin E, Treit D. The effects of intra-cerebral drug infusions on animals' unconditioned fear reactions: a systematic review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1399-419. [PMID: 18495312 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2007] [Revised: 03/25/2008] [Accepted: 03/26/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Intra-cerebral (i.c.) microinfusion of selective receptor agonists and antagonists into behaving animals can provide both neuroanatomical and neurochemical insights into the neural mechanisms of anxiety. However, there have been no systematic reviews of the results of this experimental approach that include both a range of unconditioned anxiety reactions and a sufficiently broad theoretical context. Here we focus on amino acid, monoamine, cholinergic and peptidergic receptor ligands microinfused into neural structures previously implicated in anxiety, and subsequent behavioral effects in animal models of unconditioned anxiety or fear. GABAA receptor agonists and glutamate receptor antagonists produced the most robust anxiolytic-like behavioral effects, in the majority of neural substrates and animal models. In contrast, ligands of the other receptor systems had more selective, site-specific anti-anxiety effects. For example, 5-HT1A receptor agonists produced anxiolytic-like effects in the raphe nuclei, but inconsistent effects in the amygdala, septum, and hippocampus. Conversely, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists produced anxiolytic-like effects in the amygdala but not in the raphe nuclei. Nicotinic receptor agonists produced anxiolytic-like effects in the raphe and anxiogenic effects in the septum and hippocampus. Unexpectedly, physostigmine, a general cholinergic agonist, produced anxiolytic-like effects in the hippocampus. Neuropeptide receptors, although they are popular targets for the development of selective anxiolytic agents, had the least reliable effects across different animal models and brain structures, perhaps due in part to the fact that selective receptor ligands are relatively scarce. While some inconsistencies in the microinfusion data can easily be attributed to pharmacological variables such as dose or ligand selectivity, in other instances pharmacological explanations are more difficult to invoke: e.g., even the same dose of a known anxiolytic compound (midazolam) with a known mechanism of action (the benzodiazepine-GABAA receptor complex), can selectively affect different fear reactions depending upon the different subregions of the nucleus into which it is infused (CeA versus BLA). These particular functional dissociations are important and may depend on the ability of a GABAA receptor agonist to interact with distinct isoforms and combinations of GABAA receptor subunits (e.g., alpha1-6, beta1-3, Upsilon1-2, delta), many of which are unevenly distributed throughout the brain. Although this molecular hypothesis awaits thorough evaluation, the microinfusion data overall give some support for a model of "anxiety" that is functionally segregated along different levels of a neural hierarchy, analogous in some ways to the organization of sensorimotor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Engin
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, P449 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2E9
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Borelli KG, Brandão ML. Effects of ovine CRF injections into the dorsomedial, dorsolateral and lateral columns of the periaqueductal gray: a functional role for the dorsomedial column. Horm Behav 2008; 53:40-50. [PMID: 17920596 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2007] [Revised: 08/16/2007] [Accepted: 08/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its receptor subtypes have been implicated in the regulation of endocrine, behavioral and autonomic responses to stress, fear and anxiety. Ovine CRF (oCRF) is a nonspecific CRF receptor agonist that produces anxiogenic-like effects when injected locally into the dorsal aspects of the periaqueductal gray (PAG). This structure is subdivided into four distinct longitudinal columns but their exact functional role is not fully understood. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the effects of oCRF (0.25, 0.5 and 1 microg/0.2 microL) injections into the dorsomedial (dmPAG), dorsolateral (dlPAG) and lateral (lPAG) columns of the PAG using an analysis of the exploratory behavior of rats in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test. The results showed that microinjections of oCRF intra-dmPAG reduced entries and time spent in the open arms and decreased end-arm exploration and head-dipping. In contrast, oCRF intra-dlPAG or lPAG did not affect the exploratory behavior of the animals in the EPM. These findings point to a columnar specificity for the oCRF effects in the PAG, that is, it increased spatial avoidance measures of the EPM test only in the dmPAG. The proaversive effects of oCRF in the dmPAG gain further relevance when combined with previous immunohistochemical studies showing that CRF-containing projections from the periventricular hypothalamic system arch dorsomedially to the PAG, which could function as an important relay station in the midbrain tectum for avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina G Borelli
- Instituto de Neurociências & Comportamento-INeC, Campus USP, 14040-901, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Litvin Y, Pentkowski NS, Blanchard DC, Blanchard RJ. CRF type 1 receptors in the dorsal periaqueductal gray modulate anxiety-induced defensive behaviors. Horm Behav 2007; 52:244-51. [PMID: 17540371 PMCID: PMC1986744 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2007] [Revised: 04/19/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) is involved in defensive coping reactions to threatening stimuli. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is substantially implicated as a direct modulator of physiological, endocrine and behavioral responses to a stressor. Previous findings demonstrate a direct role of the central CRF system in dPAG-mediated defensive reactions toward a threatening stimulus. These include anxiogenic behaviors in the elevated plus maze (EPM) in rats and defensive reactions in both the mouse defense test battery (MDTB) and rat exposure test (RET) paradigms in mice. Furthermore, CRF was shown to directly and dose-dependently excite PAG neurons in vitro. The aim of the present series of experiments was to directly evaluate the role of the CRF1 receptor (CRF1) in dPAG-induced defensive behaviors in the MDTB and the RET paradigms. For this purpose, cortagine, a novel CRF1-selective agonist, was directly infused into the dPAG. In the RET the high dose of cortagine (100 ng) significantly affected spatial avoidance measures and robustly increased burying behavior, an established avoidance activity, while having no effects on behaviors in the MDTB. Collectively, these results implicate CRF1 in the dPAG as a mediator of temporally and spatially dependent avoidance in response to controllable and constant stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Litvin
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2430 Campus Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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Carvalho-Netto EF, Litvin Y, Nunes-de-Souza RL, Blanchard DC, Blanchard RJ. Effects of intra-PAG infusion of ovine CRF on defensive behaviors in Swiss-Webster mice. Behav Brain Res 2006; 176:222-9. [PMID: 17095103 PMCID: PMC3253759 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2006.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2006] [Revised: 09/29/2006] [Accepted: 10/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The midbrain dorsal periaqueductal gray (DPAG) is part of the brain defensive system involved in active defense reactions to threatening stimuli. Corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) is a peptidergic neurotransmitter that has been strongly implicated in the control of both behavioral and endocrine responses to threat and stress. We investigated the effect of the nonspecific CRF receptor agonist, ovine CRF (oCRF), injected into the DPAG of mice, in two predator-stress situations, the mouse defense test battery (MDTB), and the rat exposure test (RET). In the MDTB, oCRF weakly modified defensive behaviors in mice confronted by the predator (rat); e.g. it increased avoidance distance when the rat was approached and escape attempts (jump escapes) in forced contact. In the RET, drug infusion enhanced duration in the chamber while reduced tunnel and surface time, and reduced contact with the screen which divides the subject and the predator. oCRF also reduced both frequency and duration of risk assessment (stretch attend posture: SAP) in the tunnel and tended to increase freezing. These findings suggest that patterns of defensiveness in response to low intensity threat (RET) are more sensitive to intra-DPAG oCRF than those triggered by high intensity threats (MDTB). Our data indicate that CRF systems may be functionally involved in unconditioned defenses to a predator, consonant with a role for DPAG CRF systems in the regulation of emotionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo F Carvalho-Netto
- Psychobiology Graduate Program, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-901, Brazil; Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP 14801-902, Brazil.
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de Almeida LP, Ramos PL, Pandossio JE, Landeira-Fernandez J, Zangrossi H, Nogueira RL. Prior electrical stimulation of dorsal periaqueductal grey matter or deep layers of the superior colliculus sensitizes rats to anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated T-maze test. Behav Brain Res 2006; 170:175-81. [PMID: 16569447 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2006.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2005] [Revised: 02/06/2006] [Accepted: 02/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of the dorsal periaqueductal grey matter (DPAG) and deep layers of the superior colliculus (DLSC) of the rat elicits anxiety-like reactions such as freezing and flight. The temporal course of the effects of the aversive electrical stimulation of the DPAG (5, 15 and 30 min afterward) and DLSC (5, 10 and 15 min afterward) on the defensive response of rats exposed to elevated T-maze were determined. The elevated T-maze generates two defensive behaviors, inhibitory avoidance and one-way escape, which have been related, respectively, to generalized anxiety and panic disorders. Prior electrical stimulation of the DPAG (15 min) and DLSC (5 min) enhanced inhibitory avoidance when compared to no-operated and sham animals, although not affecting escape. Therefore, stimulation of the DPAG and DLSC causes a heightened responsivity to anxiogenic stimulus, but not to panicogenic stimulus, inherent to elevated T-maze. These findings support the participation of the DPAG and DLSC in the elaboration of adaptive responses to stressful situations. Besides, the data supports the view that prior electrical stimulation of DPAG and DLSC is selective in sensitizing rats to anxiety-like behaviors, but not to panic-like behaviors in the elevated T-maze test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Pinto de Almeida
- Laboratory of Comparative Psychology, School of Psychology, University Estácio de Sá, 20260-060 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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18
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Bowers LK, Swisher CB, Behbehani MM. Membrane and synaptic effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on periaqueductal gray neurons of the rat. Brain Res 2003; 981:52-7. [PMID: 12885425 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(03)02886-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been identified as a major component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. By stimulating the release of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), CRF acts as a key mediator of the stress response. However, CRF receptors and neuronal elements are present in many extrahypothalamic regions of the brain. A region that contains both CRF-ergic neurons and CRF receptors is the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG). The physiological effects of CRF in the PAG are unknown. In this study, an in vitro preparation, extracellular and intracellular patch-clamp recordings, were used to examine the effects of CRF, applied through an injecting electrode, on PAG neurons. Recordings were made from 147 neurons in the PAG. CRF injecting electrode concentrations of 0.05 and 1 microM were tested. At the higher concentration, CRF had a predominant excitatory effect on the neurons, and at the lower concentration, CRF produced no significant effect on the neurons. The excitatory effect was dose dependent and was often associated with a depolarization in membrane potential in intracellular recordings. Application of the CRF antagonist, alpha-helical CRF, blocked this excitatory effect. It is concluded that CRF has a predominant excitatory effect on PAG neurons. It is also concluded that CRF is not acting presynaptically. This excitatory effect of CRF on PAG neurons may lead to activation of a descending analgesic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Bowers
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 670576, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0576, USA
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Kask A, Harro J, von Hörsten S, Redrobe JP, Dumont Y, Quirion R. The neurocircuitry and receptor subtypes mediating anxiolytic-like effects of neuropeptide Y. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2002; 26:259-83. [PMID: 12034130 DOI: 10.1016/s0149-7634(01)00066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to give a brief overview of NPY receptor distribution and physiology in the brain and summarizes series of studies, test by test and region by region, aimed at identification receptor subtypes and neuronal circuitry mediating anxiolytic-like effects of NPY. We conclude that from four known NPY receptor subtypes in the rat (Y(1), Y(2), Y(4), Y(5)), only the NPY Y(1) receptor can be linked to anxiety-regulation with certainty in the forebrain, and that NPY Y(2) receptor may have a role in the pons. Microinjection studies with NPY and NPY receptor antagonists support the hypothesis that the amygdala, the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter, dorsocaudal lateral septum and locus coeruleus form a neuroanatomical substrate that mediates anxiolytic-like effects of NPY. The release of NPY in these areas is likely phasic, as NPY receptor antagonists are silent on their own. However, constant NPY-ergic tone seems to exist in the dorsal periaqueductal gray, the only brain region where NPY Y(1) receptor antagonists had anxiogenic-like effects. We conclude that endogenous NPY has an important role in reducing anxiety and serves as a physiological stabilizer of neural activity in circuits involved in the regulation of arousal and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ants Kask
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tartu, 50090, Tartu, Estonia.
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