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Botterill JJ, Khlaifia A, Appings R, Wilkin J, Violi F, Premachandran H, Cruz-Sanchez A, Canella AE, Patel A, Zaidi SD, Arruda-Carvalho M. Dorsal peduncular cortex activity modulates affective behavior and fear extinction in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:993-1006. [PMID: 38233571 PMCID: PMC11039686 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01795-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is critical to cognitive and emotional function and underlies many neuropsychiatric disorders, including mood, fear and anxiety disorders. In rodents, disruption of mPFC activity affects anxiety- and depression-like behavior, with specialized contributions from its subdivisions. The rodent mPFC is divided into the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), spanning the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsal prelimbic cortex (PL), and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), which includes the ventral PL, infralimbic cortex (IL), and in some studies the dorsal peduncular cortex (DP) and dorsal tenia tecta (DTT). The DP/DTT have recently been implicated in the regulation of stress-induced sympathetic responses via projections to the hypothalamus. While many studies implicate the PL and IL in anxiety-, depression-like and fear behavior, the contribution of the DP/DTT to affective and emotional behavior remains unknown. Here, we used chemogenetics and optogenetics to bidirectionally modulate DP/DTT activity and examine its effects on affective behaviors, fear and stress responses in C57BL/6J mice. Acute chemogenetic activation of DP/DTT significantly increased anxiety-like behavior in the open field and elevated plus maze tests, as well as passive coping in the tail suspension test. DP/DTT activation also led to an increase in serum corticosterone levels and facilitated auditory fear extinction learning and retrieval. Activation of DP/DTT projections to the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) acutely decreased freezing at baseline and during extinction learning, but did not alter affective behavior. These findings point to the DP/DTT as a new regulator of affective behavior and fear extinction in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Botterill
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Abdessattar Khlaifia
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Ryan Appings
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Jennifer Wilkin
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Francesca Violi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Hanista Premachandran
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Arely Cruz-Sanchez
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G5, Canada
| | - Anna Elisabete Canella
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Ashutosh Patel
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - S Danyal Zaidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Maithe Arruda-Carvalho
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada.
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G5, Canada.
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Wilson KM, Arquilla AM, Hussein M, Rosales-Torres KM, Chan MG, Saltzman W. Effects of reproductive status on behavioral and neural responses to isolated pup stimuli in female California mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 457:114727. [PMID: 37871656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114727] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The transition to motherhood in mammals is marked by changes in females' perception of and responsiveness to sensory stimuli from infants. Our understanding of maternally induced sensory plasticity relies most heavily on studies in uniparental, promiscuous house mice and rats, which may not be representative of rodent species with different life histories. We exposed biparental, monogamous California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) mothers and ovariectomized virgin females to one of four acoustic and olfactory stimulus combinations (Control: clean cotton and white noise; Call: clean cotton and pup vocalizations; Odor: pup-scented cotton and white noise; Call + Odor: pup-scented cotton and pup vocalizations) and quantified females' behavior and Fos expression in select brain regions. Behavior did not differ between mothers and ovariectomized virgins. Among mothers, however, those exposed to the Control condition took the longest to sniff the odor stimulus, and mothers exposed to the Odor condition were quicker to sniff the odor ball compared to those in the Call condition. Behavior did not differ among ovariectomized virgins exposed to the different conditions. Fos expression differed across conditions only in the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN), which responds to aversive stimuli: among mothers, the Control condition elicited the highest AHN Fos and Call + Odor elicited the lowest. Among ovariectomized virgin females, Call elicited the lowest Fos in the AHN. Thus, reproductive status in California mice alters females' behavioral responses to stimuli from pups, especially odors, and results in the inhibition of defense circuitry in response to pup stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerianne M Wilson
- Department of Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA; Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - April M Arquilla
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Manal Hussein
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Kelsey M Rosales-Torres
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - May G Chan
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Saltzman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
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Tran H, Feng Y, Chao D, Liu QS, Hogan QH, Pan B. Descending mechanism by which medial prefrontal cortex endocannabinoid signaling controls the development of neuropathic pain and neuronal activity of dorsal root ganglion. Pain 2024; 165:102-114. [PMID: 37463226 PMCID: PMC10787817 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although regulation of nociceptive processes in the dorsal horn by deep brain structures has long been established, the role of cortical networks in pain regulation is minimally explored. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a key brain area in pain processing that receives ascending nociceptive input and exerts top-down control of pain sensation. We have shown critical changes in mPFC synaptic function during neuropathic pain, controlled by endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling. This study tests whether mPFC eCB signaling modulates neuropathic pain through descending control. Intra-mPFC injection of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) agonist WIN-55,212-2 (WIN) in the chronic phase transiently alleviates the pain-like behaviors in spared nerve injury (SNI) rats. By contrast, intra-mPFC injection of CB1R antagonist AM4113 in the early phase of neuropathic pain reduces the development of pain-like behaviors in the chronic phase. Spared nerve injury reduced the mechanical threshold to induce action potential firing of dorsal horn wide-dynamic-range neurons, but this was reversed in rats by WIN in the chronic phase of SNI and by mPFC injection of AM4113 in the early phase of SNI. Elevated dorsal root ganglion neuronal activity after injury was also diminished in rats by mPFC injection of AM4113, potentially by reducing antidromic activity and subsequent neuronal inflammation. These findings suggest that depending on the phase of the pain condition, both blocking and activating CB1 receptors in the mPFC can regulate descending control of pain and affect both dorsal horn neurons and peripheral sensory neurons, contributing to changes in pain sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Tran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Yin Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Dongman Chao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Qing-song Liu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Quinn H. Hogan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
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Lai TT, Liou CW, Tsai YH, Lin YY, Wu WL. Butterflies in the gut: the interplay between intestinal microbiota and stress. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:92. [PMID: 38012609 PMCID: PMC10683179 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00984-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress is a global issue that affects at least one-third of the population worldwide and increases the risk of numerous psychiatric disorders. Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut and its inhabiting microbes may regulate stress and stress-associated behavioral abnormalities. Hence, the objective of this review is to explore the causal relationships between the gut microbiota, stress, and behavior. Dysbiosis of the microbiome after stress exposure indicated microbial adaption to stressors. Strikingly, the hyperactivated stress signaling found in microbiota-deficient rodents can be normalized by microbiota-based treatments, suggesting that gut microbiota can actively modify the stress response. Microbiota can regulate stress response via intestinal glucocorticoids or autonomic nervous system. Several studies suggest that gut bacteria are involved in the direct modulation of steroid synthesis and metabolism. This review provides recent discoveries on the pathways by which gut microbes affect stress signaling and brain circuits and ultimately impact the host's complex behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Ting Lai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Liou
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Tsai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Yuan Lin
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Wu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
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Ishaq S, Ahmed T. Sexually Dimorphic Effects of Neuromodulatory Drugs on Normal and Stress-Induced Social Interaction in Rats. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1378. [PMID: 37891747 PMCID: PMC10604924 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Social behavior is a complex term which involves different interactions between various individuals of a community. It is controlled by different neurotransmitter systems in a sexually dimorphic way. Certain environmental factors, like stress, cause various neurological disorders with associated social abnormalities in a sexually dimorphic way. Multiple drugs are used in clinical settings to treat behavioral disorders. However, the sexually dimorphic effects of these drugs, particularly on social behavior, still need to be studied. The present study was designed to investigate the sex-dependent effects of Risperidone, Donepezil, and Paroxetine in 8-12 weeks old male and female rats under normal and stressed conditions. There were four male and four female groups, i.e., control group (no drug treatment), Risperidone (3 mg/kg/day) treated group, Donepezil (5 mg/kg/day) treated group, and Paroxetine (10 mg/kg/day) treated group. Each group received its respective drug during phase 1 for 21 days, followed by a 10-day break with no drug treatment. After the break, same groups received the same drugs along with tilt-cage stress for an additional 21 days during phase 2. A social preference and novelty test was performed at the end of both phases (1 and 2). During phase 1, Risperidone treatment caused impaired social behavior and reduced locomotion in the male group only, compared to its control group. Donepezil treatment caused a reduction in social interaction, while Paroxetine treatment caused increased social interaction and locomotion in a sex-dependent manner. During phase 2, social novelty was affected in both male and female stress groups. Treatment with drugs along with stress showed differential sex-dependent effects. The study showed a predominant effect of Risperidone on males while there were differential effects of Donepezil and Paroxetine on both sexes. This study has paved the way for the development of more targeted and effective neuromodulatory drugs for use against various psychiatric and social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ishaq
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Touqeer Ahmed
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
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dos-Santos RC, Sweeten BLW, Stelly CE, Tasker JG. The Neuroendocrine Impact of Acute Stress on Synaptic Plasticity. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad149. [PMID: 37788632 PMCID: PMC11046011 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Stress induces changes in nervous system function on different signaling levels, from molecular signaling to synaptic transmission to neural circuits to behavior-and on different time scales, from rapid onset and transient to delayed and long-lasting. The principal effectors of stress plasticity are glucocorticoids, steroid hormones that act with a broad range of signaling competency due to the expression of multiple nuclear and membrane receptor subtypes in virtually every tissue of the organism. Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors are localized to each of the cellular compartments of the receptor-expressing cells-the membrane, cytosol, and nucleus. In this review, we cover the neuroendocrine effects of stress, focusing mainly on the rapid actions of acute stress-induced glucocorticoids that effect changes in synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability by modulating synaptic and intrinsic neuronal properties via activation of presumed membrane glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors. We describe the synaptic plasticity that occurs in 4 stress-associated brain structures, the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, in response to single or short-term stress exposure. The rapid transformative impact of glucocorticoids makes this stress signal a particularly potent effector of acute neuronal plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoni Conceição dos-Santos
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Brook L W Sweeten
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Claire E Stelly
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Tasker
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
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Borges-Assis AB, Uliana DL, Hott SC, Guimarães FS, Lisboa SF, Resstel LBM. Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis CB1 receptors and the FAAH enzyme modulate anxiety behavior depending on previous stress exposure. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 125:110739. [PMID: 36870468 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) anandamide (AEA) is synthesized on-demand in the post-synaptic terminal and can act on presynaptic cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors, decreasing the release of neurotransmitters, including glutamate. AEA action is ended through enzymatic hydrolysis via FAAH (fatty acid amid hydrolase) in the post-synaptic neuron. eCB system molecules are widely expressed in brain areas involved in the modulation of fear and anxiety responses, including the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST), which is involved in the integration of autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral regulation. The presence of the CB1 and FAAH was described in the BNST; however, their role in the modulation of defensive reactions is not fully comprehended. In the present work we aimed at investigating the role of AEA and CB1 receptors in the BNST in modulating anxiety-related behaviors. Adult male Wistar rats received local BNST injections of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (0.1-0.6 nmol) and/or the FAAH inhibitor (URB597; 0.001-0.1 nmol) and were evaluated in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, with or without previous acute restraint stress (2 h) exposure, or in the contextual fear conditioning. We observed that although AM251 and URB597 had no effects on the EPM, they increased and decreased, respectively, the conditioned fear response. Supporting a possible influence of stress in these differences, URB597 was able to prevent the restraint stress-induced anxiogenic effect in the EPM. The present data, therefore, suggest that eCB signaling in the BNST is recruited during more aversive situations to counteract the stress effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bárbara Borges-Assis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Lescano Uliana
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Sara Cristina Hott
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco Silveira Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Francesca Lisboa
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Barbosa Moraes Resstel
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Halladay LR, Herron SM. Lasting impact of postnatal maternal separation on the developing BNST: Lifelong socioemotional consequences. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109404. [PMID: 36572178 PMCID: PMC9926961 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nearly one percent of children in the US experience childhood neglect or abuse, which can incite lifelong emotional and behavioral disorders. Many studies investigating the neural underpinnings of maleffects inflicted by early life stress have largely focused on dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Newer veins of evidence suggest that exposure to early life stressors can interrupt neural development in extrahypothalamic areas as well, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). One widely used approach in this area is rodent maternal separation (MS), which typically consists of separating pups from the dam for extended periods of time, over several days during the first weeks of postnatal life - a time when pups are highly dependent on maternal care for survival. MS has been shown to incite myriad lasting effects not limited to increased anxiety-like behavior, hyper-responsiveness to stressors, and social behavior deficits. The behavioral effects of MS are widespread and thus unlikely to be limited to hypothalamic mechanisms. Recent work has highlighted the BNST as a critical arbiter of some of the consequences of MS, especially socioemotional behavioral deficits. The BNST is a well-documented modulator of anxiety, reward, and social behavior by way of its connections with hypothalamic and extra-hypothalamic systems. Moreover, during the postnatal period when MS is typically administered, the BNST undergoes critical neural developmental events. This review highlights evidence that MS interferes with neural development to permanently alter BNST circuitry, which may account for a variety of behavioral deficits seen following early life stress. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'Fear, Anxiety and PTSD'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay R Halladay
- Department of Psychology, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA, 95053, USA.
| | - Steven M Herron
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Richardson B, MacPherson A, Bambico F. Neuroinflammation and neuroprogression in depression: Effects of alternative drug treatments. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100554. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Corbett BF, Luz S, Arner J, Vigderman A, Urban K, Bhatnagar S. Arc-Mediated Plasticity in the Paraventricular Thalamic Nucleus Promotes Habituation to Stress. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:116-126. [PMID: 35527070 PMCID: PMC9246972 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Habituation is defined as a progressive decline in response to repeated exposure to a familiar and predictable stimulus and is highly conserved across species. Disrupted habituation is a signature of posttraumatic stress disorder. In rodents, habituation is observed in neural, neuroendocrine, and behavioral responses to repeated exposure to predictable and moderately intense stress or restraint. We previously demonstrated that lesioning the posterior paraventricular thalamic nucleus (pPVT) impairs habituation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and specific neural connections among the pPVT and other brain regions that underlie habituation are unknown. METHODS Behavioral and neuroendocrine habituation was assessed in adult male Sprague Dawley rats using the repeated restraint paradigm. Pan-neuronal and Cre-dependent DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) were used to chemogenetically inhibit the pPVT and the subpopulation of pPVT neurons that project to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), respectively. Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) expression was knocked down in the pPVT using small interfering RNA. Structural plasticity of pPVT neurons was assessed using Golgi staining. Local field potential recordings were used to assess coherent neural activity between the pPVT and mPFC. The attentional set shifting task was used to assess mPFC-dependent behavior. RESULTS Here, we show that Arc promotes habituation by increasing stress-induced spinogenesis in the pPVT, increasing coherent neural activity with the mPFC, and improving mPFC-mediated cognitive flexibility. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that Arc induction in the pPVT regulates habituation and mPFC function. Therapies that improve synaptic plasticity during posttraumatic stress disorder therapy may enhance habituation and the efficacy of posttraumatic stress disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian F. Corbett
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sandra Luz
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jay Arner
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abigail Vigderman
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kimberly Urban
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Chen X, Xu L, Li Z. Autonomic Neural Circuit and Intervention for Comorbidity Anxiety and Cardiovascular Disease. Front Physiol 2022; 13:852891. [PMID: 35574459 PMCID: PMC9092179 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.852891] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorder is a prevalent psychiatric disease and imposes a significant influence on cardiovascular disease (CVD). Numerous evidence support that anxiety contributes to the onset and progression of various CVDs through different physiological and behavioral mechanisms. However, the exact role of nuclei and the association between the neural circuit and anxiety disorder in CVD remains unknown. Several anxiety-related nuclei, including that of the amygdala, hippocampus, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, and medial prefrontal cortex, along with the relevant neural circuit are crucial in CVD. A strong connection between these nuclei and the autonomic nervous system has been proven. Therefore, anxiety may influence CVD through these autonomic neural circuits consisting of anxiety-related nuclei and the autonomic nervous system. Neuromodulation, which can offer targeted intervention on these nuclei, may promote the development of treatment for comorbidities of CVD and anxiety disorders. The present review focuses on the association between anxiety-relevant nuclei and CVD, as well as discusses several non-invasive neuromodulations which may treat anxiety and CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanzhao Chen
- The Center of Pathological Diagnosis and Research, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Zeyan Li
- The Center of Pathological Diagnosis and Research, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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12
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Thrivikraman KV, Kinkead B, Owens MJ, Rapaport MH, Plotsky PM. Locus Coeruleus Noradrenergic Modulation of Diurnal Corticosterone, Stress Reactivity, and Cardiovascular Homeostasis in Male Rats. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:763-776. [PMID: 34649254 PMCID: PMC9037608 DOI: 10.1159/000520192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activation of the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC-NA) system during awakening is associated with an increase in plasma corticosterone and cardiovascular tone. These studies evaluate the role of the LC in this corticosterone and cardiovascular response. METHODS Male rats, on day 0, were treated intraperitoneally with either DSP4 (50 mg/kg body weight) (DSP), an LC-NA specific neurotoxin, or normal saline (SAL). On day 10, animals were surgically prepared with jugular vein (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal [HPA] axis) or carotid artery (hemodynamics) catheters and experiments performed on day 14. HPA axis activity, diurnally (circadian) and after stress (transient hemorrhage [14 mL/kg body weight] or air puff-startle), and basal and post-hemorrhage hemodynamics were evaluated. On day 16, brain regions from a subset of rats were dissected for norepinephrine and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) assay. RESULTS In DSP rats compared to SAL rats, (1) regional brain norepinephrine was decreased, but there was no change in median eminence or olfactory bulb CRF content; (2) during HPA axis acrophase, the plasma corticosterone response was blunted; (3) after hemorrhage and air puff-startle, the plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone response was attenuated, whereas the corticosterone response was dependent on stressor category; (4) under basal conditions, hemodynamic measures exhibited altered blood flow dynamics and systemic vasodilation; and (5) after hemorrhage, hemodynamics exhibited asynchronous responses. CONCLUSION LC-NA modulation of diurnal and stress-induced HPA axis reactivity occurs via distinct neurocircuits. The integrity of the LC-NA system is important to maintain blood flow dynamics. The importance of increases in plasma corticosterone at acrophase to maintain short- and long-term cardiovascular homeostasis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. V. Thrivikraman
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Becky Kinkead
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Michael J. Owens
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mark H. Rapaport
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Paul M. Plotsky
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Noto T, Zhou G, Yang Q, Lane G, Zelano C. Human Primary Olfactory Amygdala Subregions Form Distinct Functional Networks, Suggesting Distinct Olfactory Functions. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:752320. [PMID: 34955769 PMCID: PMC8695617 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.752320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Three subregions of the amygdala receive monosynaptic projections from the olfactory bulb, making them part of the primary olfactory cortex. These primary olfactory areas are located at the anterior-medial aspect of the amygdala and include the medial amygdala (MeA), cortical amygdala (CoA), and the periamygdaloid complex (PAC). The vast majority of research on the amygdala has focused on the larger basolateral and basomedial subregions, which are known to be involved in implicit learning, threat responses, and emotion. Fewer studies have focused on the MeA, CoA, and PAC, with most conducted in rodents. Therefore, our understanding of the functions of these amygdala subregions is limited, particularly in humans. Here, we first conducted a review of existing literature on the MeA, CoA, and PAC. We then used resting-state fMRI and unbiased k-means clustering techniques to show that the anatomical boundaries of human MeA, CoA, and PAC accurately parcellate based on their whole-brain resting connectivity patterns alone, suggesting that their functional networks are distinct, relative both to each other and to the amygdala subregions that do not receive input from the olfactory bulb. Finally, considering that distinct functional networks are suggestive of distinct functions, we examined the whole-brain resting network of each subregion and speculated on potential roles that each region may play in olfactory processing. Based on these analyses, we speculate that the MeA could potentially be involved in the generation of rapid motor responses to olfactory stimuli (including fight/flight), particularly in approach/avoid contexts. The CoA could potentially be involved in olfactory-related reward processing, including learning and memory of approach/avoid responses. The PAC could potentially be involved in the multisensory integration of olfactory information with other sensory systems. These speculations can be used to form the basis of future studies aimed at clarifying the olfactory functions of these under-studied primary olfactory areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Noto
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Guangyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Qiaohan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Gregory Lane
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christina Zelano
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Barbier M, González JA, Houdayer C, Burdakov D, Risold P, Croizier S. Projections from the dorsomedial division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to hypothalamic nuclei in the mouse. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:929-956. [PMID: 32678476 PMCID: PMC7891577 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24988] [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: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As stressful environment is a potent modulator of feeding, we seek in the present work to decipher the neuroanatomical basis for an interplay between stress and feeding behaviors. For this, we combined anterograde and retrograde tracing with immunohistochemical approaches to investigate the patterns of projections between the dorsomedial division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), well connected to the amygdala, and hypothalamic structures such as the paraventricular (PVH) and dorsomedial (DMH), the arcuate (ARH) nuclei and the lateral hypothalamic areas (LHA) known to control feeding and motivated behaviors. We particularly focused our study on afferences to proopiomelanocortin (POMC), agouti-related peptide (AgRP), melanin-concentrating-hormone (MCH) and orexin (ORX) neurons characteristics of the ARH and the LHA, respectively. We found light to intense innervation of all these hypothalamic nuclei. We particularly showed an innervation of POMC, AgRP, MCH and ORX neurons by the dorsomedial and dorsolateral divisions of the BNST. Therefore, these results lay the foundation for a better understanding of the neuroanatomical basis of the stress-related feeding behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Barbier
- EA481, Neurosciences Intégratives et Cliniques, UFR SantéUniversité Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéBesançonFrance
- Department of PsychiatrySeaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - J. Antonio González
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- The Rowett Institute, School of MedicineMedical Sciences and Nutrition, University of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Christophe Houdayer
- EA481, Neurosciences Intégratives et Cliniques, UFR SantéUniversité Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéBesançonFrance
| | - Denis Burdakov
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Neurobehavioural Dynamics Lab, Institute for Neuroscience, D‐HESTSwiss Federal Institute of Technology / ETH ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Pierre‐Yves Risold
- EA481, Neurosciences Intégratives et Cliniques, UFR SantéUniversité Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéBesançonFrance
| | - Sophie Croizier
- University of LausanneCenter for Integrative GenomicsLausanneSwitzerland
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15
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Zou HW, Li ZL, Jing XY, Wang Y, Liu YJ, Li LF. The GABA(B1) receptor within the infralimbic cortex is implicated in stress resilience and vulnerability in mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 406:113240. [PMID: 33727046 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Resilience is the capacity to maintain normal psychological and physical functions in the face of stress and adversity. Understanding how one can develop and enhance resilience is of great relevance to not only promoting coping mechanisms but also mitigating maladaptive stress responses in psychiatric illnesses such as depression. Preclinical studies suggest that GABA(B) receptors (GABA(B1) and GABA(B2)) are potential targets for the treatment of major depression. In this study, we assessed the functional role of GABA(B) receptors in stress resilience and vulnerability by using a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model in mice. As the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a key role in the top-down modulation of stress responses, we focused our study on this brain structure. Our results showed that only approximately 41.9% of subjects exhibited anxiety- or despair-like behaviors after exposure to CUS. The vulnerable mice showed higher c-Fos expression in the infralimbic cortex (IL) subregion of the mPFC when exposed to a social stressor. Moreover, the expression of GABA(B1) but not GABA(B2) receptors was significantly downregulated in IL subregion of susceptible mice. Finally, we found that intra-IL administration of baclofen, a GABA(B) receptor agonist, rapidly relieved the social avoidance symptoms of the "stress-susceptible" mice. Taken together, our results show that the GABA(B1) receptor within the IL may play an important role in stress resilience and vulnerability, and thus open an avenue to develop novel, personalized approaches to promote stress resilience and treat stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Wei Zou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Zi-Lin Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Jing
- College of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Ying-Juan Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China.
| | - Lai-Fu Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China.
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Lagatta DC, Kuntze LB, Uliana DL, Borges-Assis AB, Resstel LBM. Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulates baroreflex cardiac activity: an interaction between alpha-1 receptors and NMDA/nitric oxide pathway. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:253-271. [PMID: 33140200 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02475-1] [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: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a forebrain structure, involved in the modulation of neuroendocrine, cardiovascular and autonomic responses. One of the responses is baroreflex activity, which consists in a neural mechanism responsible for keeping the blood pressure within a narrow range of variation. It has been reported that blockade of BNST α1-adrenoceptors increased the bradycardic component of baroreflex. In addition, such receptors are able to modulate glutamate release in this structure. Interestingly, BNST NMDA receptor antagonism and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibition led to the same effect of the α1-adrenoceptors blockade on baroreflex bradycardic response. Therefore, the hypothesis of the present study is that BNST noradrenergic transmission interacts with NMDA/NO pathway through α1 adrenoceptors to modulate the baroreflex activity. Male Wistar rats had stainless steel guide cannulas bilaterally implanted in the BNST. Subsequently, a catheter was inserted into the femoral artery for cardiovascular recordings, and into the femoral vein for assessing baroreflex activation. Injection of the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor reboxetine in the BNST did not modify the tachycardic, but significantly decreased the bradycardic component of baroreflex. Administration of an α1, but not an α2 antagonist into the BNST prior to reboxetine prevented this effect. Likewise, previous injection of NMDA/NO pathway blockers inhibited the effect of reboxetine on bradycardic response. In conclusion, it was demonstrated for the first time the existence of an interaction between BNST noradrenergic, glutamatergic and nitrergic neurotransmissions in the modulation of bradycardic baroreflex response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi C Lagatta
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition College, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Luciana B Kuntze
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Daniela L Uliana
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Anna B Borges-Assis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo B M Resstel
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil.
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17
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Ao W, Cheng Y, Chen M, Wei F, Yang G, An Y, Mao F, Zhu X, Mao G. Intrinsic brain abnormalities of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: a preliminary resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. BMC Med Imaging 2021; 21:4. [PMID: 33407222 PMCID: PMC7788841 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-020-00541-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the present study was to explore the brain active characteristics of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging technology. Methods Thirteen IBS-D patients and fourteen healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. All subjects underwent head MRI examination during resting state. A voxel-based analysis of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) maps between IBS-D and HC was performed using a two-sample t-test. The relationship between the fALFF values in abnormal brain regions and the scores of Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results Compared with HC, IBS-D patients had lower fALFF values in the left medial superior frontal gyrus and higher fALFF values in the left hippocampus and right precuneus. There was a positive correlation between the duration scores of IBS-SSS and fALFF values in the right precuneus. Conclusion The altered fALFF values in the medial superior frontal gyri, left hippocampus and right precuneus revealed changes of intrinsic neuronal activity, further revealing the abnormality of gut-brain axis of IBS-D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqun Ao
- Department of Radiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yougen Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingxian Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fuquan Wei
- Department of Radiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guangzhao Yang
- Department of Radiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yongyu An
- Department of Radiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fan Mao
- Department of Radiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiandi Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guoqun Mao
- Department of Radiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China.
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18
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Herman JP, Nawreen N, Smail MA, Cotella EM. Brain mechanisms of HPA axis regulation: neurocircuitry and feedback in context Richard Kvetnansky lecture. Stress 2020; 23:617-632. [PMID: 33345670 PMCID: PMC8034599 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2020.1859475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of stress reactivity is a fundamental priority of all organisms. Stress responses are critical for survival, yet can also cause physical and psychological damage. This review provides a synopsis of brain mechanisms designed to control physiological responses to stress, focusing primarily on glucocorticoid secretion via the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The literature provides strong support for multi-faceted control of HPA axis responses, involving both direct and indirect actions at paraventricular nucleus (PVN) corticotropin releasing hormone neurons driving the secretory cascade. The PVN is directly excited by afferents from brainstem and hypothalamic circuits, likely relaying information on homeostatic challenge. Amygdala subnuclei drive HPA axis responses indirectly via disinhibition, mediated by GABAergic relays onto PVN-projecting neurons in the hypothalamus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST). Inhibition of stressor-evoked HPA axis responses is mediated by an elaborate network of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-containing circuits, providing a distributed negative feedback signal that inhibits PVN neurons. Prefrontal and hippocampal neurons play a major role in HPA axis inhibition, again mediated by hypothalamic and BST GABAergic relays to the PVN. The complexity of the regulatory process suggests that information on stressors is integrated across functional disparate brain circuits prior to accessing the PVN, with regions such as the BST in prime position to relay contextual information provided by these sources into appropriate HPA activation. Dysregulation of the HPA in disease is likely a product of inappropriate checks and balances between excitatory and inhibitory inputs ultimately impacting PVN output.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Herman
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nawshaba Nawreen
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marissa A Smail
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Evelin M Cotella
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Plieger T, Reuter M. Stress & executive functioning: A review considering moderating factors. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 173:107254. [PMID: 32485224 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A multitude of studies investigating the effects of stress on cognition has produced an inconsistent picture on whether - and under which conditions - stress has advantageous or disadvantageous effects on executive functions (EF). This review provides a short introduction to the concept of stress and its neurobiology, before discussing the need to consider moderating factors in the association between stress and EF. Three core domains are described and discussed in relation to the interplay between stress and cognition: the influence of different paradigms on physiological stress reactivity, individual differences in demographic and biological factors, and task-related features of cognitive tasks. Although some moderating variables such as the endocrine stress response have frequently been considered in single studies, no attempt of a holistic overview has been made so far. Therefore, we propose a more nuanced and systematic framework to study the effects of stress on executive functioning, comprising a holistic overview from the induction of stress, via biological mechanisms and interactions with individual differences, to the influence of stress on cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Plieger
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics University of Bonn, Kaiser-Karl-Ring 9, D-53111 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Martin Reuter
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics University of Bonn, Kaiser-Karl-Ring 9, D-53111 Bonn, Germany
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20
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Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) is a risk factor in the development of psychiatric disorders. The underlying biological mechanisms governing this phenomenon are not fully understood, but dysregulation of stress responses is likely to play a key role. Males and females differ in their propensity to develop psychiatric disorders, with far higher rates of anxiety, major depressive disorder, affective disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder found in women. We hypothesized that sex differences in response to ELS may play a crucial role in differential vulnerability between the sexes. To test this, we evaluated the consequences of pre-pubertal stress (PPS) on the HPA axis in adult female and male Lister Hooded rats. PPS animals were exposed to swim, restraint and elevated platform stress on postnatal days 25-27, controls remained in their home cage. Once adult, animals were either a) sacrificed directly and brains collected or b) sacrificed 20 minutes or 1 week after a social test and trunk blood collected. In the female hippocampal formation, PPS increased expression of FKBP5 and AVPR1a. In the female prefrontal cortex, PPS resulted in increased glucocorticoid receptor expression, increased glucocorticoid:mineralocorticoid (GR:MR) receptor expression ratio and decreased AVPR1a expression. Females exposed to PPS did not show the normal rise in blood corticosterone levels following a social interaction test. In contrast, PPS did not alter the expression of oxytocin or oxytocin receptors, and no effects of PPS were seen in males. However, striking sex differences were found. Females had higher oxytocin receptor expression in the prefrontal cortex and AVPR1a and oxytocin expression in the hypothalamus, whereas males demonstrated higher expression of GR, MR, GR:MR, FKBP5 and oxytocin receptor in the hypothalamus. These results demonstrate heightened reactivity of the female HPA axis to PPS and may help explain why in humans females display an increased susceptibility to certain stress-related psychopathologies.LAY SUMMARYWomen are at greater risk of developing several psychiatric illnesses. Using a rodent model, we show that the female stress system is more reactive to the lasting effects of early life stress. This heightened reactivity of the female stress response may help explain why women are at a greater risk of developing psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichola M Brydges
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Caroline Best
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kerrie L Thomas
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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21
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Ueda S, Yamaguchi T, Ehara A. Neonatal shaking brain injury changes psychological stress-induced neuronal activity in adult male rats. Neurosci Lett 2020; 718:134744. [PMID: 31923523 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal shaking brain injury (SBI) leads to increases in anxiety-like behavior and altered hormonal responses to psychological stressors as adults. These abnormalities are hypothesized to be due to a change in sensitization in neuronal circuits as a consequence of neonatal SBI. We examined the effects of neonatal SBI on neuronal activity in the anxiety- and/or stress-related areas of adult rats using Fos immunohistochemistry. Exposure to a novel elevated plus maze (EPM) resulted in a marked increase in Fos expression in the parvocellular (PVNp) and magnocellular parts of the paraventricular nucleus and the ventral part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBNST) of shaken rats (S group) compared to non-shaken control rats (C group). On the contrary, Fos expression was significantly lower in the medial nucleus of the amygdala and the ventral subiculum (vS) of S group rats than C group rats exposed to EPM. Although we found no significant correlation in the number of Fos-expressing cells in the vBNST and PVNp in the C group rats, these numbers were significantly correlated in the S group rats. Furthermore, in the S group rats, but not in the C group rats, the number of Fos-expressing cells in the vBNST was inversely correlated with that in the vS. Interestingly, previous neuronal tracing studies have demonstrated direct projections from the vS to the vBNST and from the vBNST to the PVNp. The present data suggest that neonatal SBI can alter neuronal activity in anxiety- and/or stress-related neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichi Ueda
- Department of Histology and Neurobiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi
- Department of Histology and Neurobiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Ayuka Ehara
- Department of Histology and Neurobiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
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Environment and early life: Decisive factors for stress-resilience and vulnerability. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 150:155-185. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Pedersen WS, Kral TRA, Rosenkranz MA, Mumford JA, Davidson RJ. Increased BNST reactivity to affective images is associated with greater α-amylase response to social stress. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2019; 14:1263-1272. [PMID: 31993663 PMCID: PMC7137719 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsaa010] [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: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While rodent research suggests that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and centromedial amygdala (CM) coordinate the hormonal stress response, little is known about the BNST’s role in the human stress response. The human BNST responds to negatively valenced stimuli, which likely subserves its role in responding to threat. Thus, variation in BNST reactivity to negatively valenced stimuli may relate to differences in the stress response. We measured participants’ blood oxygenated level-dependent response to affective images and salivary cortisol and α-amylase (AA) levels in response to a subsequent Trier social stress test (TSST). Greater BNST activation to emotionally evocative images was associated with a larger TSST-evoked AA, but not cortisol response. This association remained after controlling for CM activation, which was not related to the cortisol or AA response. These results suggest that the BNST response to negatively valenced images subserves its role in coordinating the stress response, a BNST role in the stress response independent from the CM, and highlight the need for investigation of the conditions under which BNST activation predicts the cortisol response. Our findings are critical for the future study of mood and anxiety disorders, as dysregulation of the stress system plays a key role in their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walker S Pedersen
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2280, USA
| | - Tammi R A Kral
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2280, USA
| | - Melissa A Rosenkranz
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2280, USA
| | - Jeanette A Mumford
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2280, USA
| | - Richard J Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2280, USA
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Pedersen WS, Schaefer SM, Gresham LK, Lee SD, Kelly MP, Mumford JA, Oler JA, Davidson RJ. Higher resting-state BNST-CeA connectivity is associated with greater corrugator supercilii reactivity to negatively valenced images. Neuroimage 2019; 207:116428. [PMID: 31809887 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) are hypothesized to be the output nodes of the extended amygdala threat response, integrating multiple signals to coordinate the threat response via outputs to the hypothalamus and brainstem. The BNST and CeA are structurally and functionally connected, suggesting interactions between these regions may regulate how the response to provocation unfolds. However, the relationship between human BNST-CeA connectivity and the behavioral response to affective stimuli is little understood. To investigate whether individual differences in BNST-CeA connectivity are related to the affective response to negatively valenced stimuli, we tested relations between resting-state BNST-CeA connectivity and both facial electromyographic (EMG) activity of the corrugator supercilii muscle and eyeblink startle magnitude during affective image presentation within the Refresher sample of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. We found that higher right BNST-CeA connectivity was associated with greater corrugator activity to negative, but not positive, images. There was a trend-level association between right BNST-CeA connectivity and trait negative affect. Eyeblink startle magnitude was not significantly related to BNST-CeA connectivity. These results suggest that functional interactions between BNST and CeA contribute to the behavioral response to negative emotional events.
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Koizumi R, Kiyokawa Y, Tanaka KD, Tanikawa T, Takeuchi Y. Novel objects elicit greater activation in the basolateral complex of the amygdala of wild rats compared with laboratory rats. J Vet Med Sci 2019; 81:1121-1128. [PMID: 31270283 PMCID: PMC6715923 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.19-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild animals tend to avoid novel objects that do not elicit clear avoidance behaviors in
domesticated animals. We previously found that the basolateral complex of the amygdala
(BLA) and dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dBNST) were larger in trapped wild
rats compared with laboratory rats. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the BLA
and/or dBNST would be differentially activated when wild and laboratory rats showed
different avoidance behaviors towards novel objects. In this study, we placed novel
objects at one end of the home cage. We measured the time spent in that half of the cage
and expressed the data as a percentage of the time spent in that region with no object
placement. We found that this percentage was lower in the wild rats compared with the
laboratory rats. These behavioral differences were accompanied by increased Fos expression
in the BLA, but not in the dBNST, of the wild rats. These results suggest that wild rats
show greater BLA activation compared with laboratory rats in response to novel objects. We
also found increased Fos expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus,
ventral BNST, and ventromedial hypothalamus, but not in the central amygdala of wild rats.
Taken together, our data represent new information regarding differences in behavioral and
neural responses towards novel objects in wild vs. laboratory rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoko Koizumi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Ethology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kiyokawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Ethology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki D Tanaka
- Technical Research Laboratory, Ikari Shodoku Corporation, 1-12-3 Akanehama, Narashino-shi, Chiba 275-0024, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Tanikawa
- Technical Research Laboratory, Ikari Shodoku Corporation, 1-12-3 Akanehama, Narashino-shi, Chiba 275-0024, Japan
| | - Yukari Takeuchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Ethology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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Klampfl SM, Bosch OJ. When mothers neglect their offspring: an activated CRF system in the BNST is detrimental for maternal behavior. Arch Womens Ment Health 2019; 22:409-415. [PMID: 30078057 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-018-0897-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Becoming a mother is an intense experience that not only changes a woman's life but is also paralleled by multiple central adaptations. These changes evolve before parturition and continue to persist into lactation, thereby ensuring the full commitment of the mother to care for the newborns. Most of our knowledge on these adaptations that drive the peripartum brain come from rodent animal models. On one side, it is known that maternal behavior is initiated and maternal mood is stabilized by an upregulation of the pro-maternal neuropeptide systems' activity of oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin. On the other side, signaling of the rather anti-maternal corticotropin-releasing factor system triggers maternal neglect and increases maternal anxiety. Here, we discuss how the corticotropin-releasing factor system based in the limbic bed nucleus of the stria terminalis negatively affects maternal behavior and maternal mood. Moreover, we apply microdialysis and acute pharmacological interventions to demonstrate how the corticotropin-releasing factor system potentially interacts with the pro-maternal oxytocin system in the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to trigger certain aspects of maternal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M Klampfl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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Woelfer M, Kasties V, Kahlfuss S, Walter M. The Role of Depressive Subtypes within the Neuroinflammation Hypothesis of Major Depressive Disorder. Neuroscience 2019; 403:93-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Prefrontal-Bed Nucleus Circuit Modulation of a Passive Coping Response Set. J Neurosci 2018; 39:1405-1419. [PMID: 30573644 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1421-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges facing neuroscience entails localization of circuits and mechanisms accounting for how multiple features of stress responses are organized to promote survival during adverse experiences. The rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is generally regarded as a key site for cognitive and affective information processing, and the anteroventral bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (avBST) integrates homeostatic information from a variety of sources, including the mPFC. Thus, we proposed that the mPFC is capable of generating multiple features (endocrine, behavioral) of adaptive responses via its influence over the avBST. To address this possibility, we first optogenetically inhibited input to avBST from the rostral prelimbic cortical region of mPFC and observed concurrent increases in immobility and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) output in male rats during tail suspension, whereas photostimulation of this pathway decreased immobility during the same challenge. Anatomical tracing experiments confirmed projections from the rostral prelimbic subfield to separate populations of avBST neurons, and from these to HPA effector neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, and to aspects of the midbrain periaqueductal gray that coordinate passive defensive behaviors. Finally, stimulation and inhibition of the prelimbic-avBST pathway, respectively, decreased and increased passive coping in the shock-probe defensive burying test, without having any direct effect on active coping (burying) behavior. These results define a new neural substrate in the coordination of a response set that involves the gating of passive, rather than active, coping behaviors while restraining neuroendocrine activation to optimize adaptation during threat exposure.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The circuits and mechanisms accounting for how multiple features of responses are organized to promote adaptation have yet to be elucidated. Our report identifies a prefrontal-bed nucleus pathway that organizes a response set capable of gating passive coping behaviors while concurrently restraining neuroendocrine activation during exposure to inescapable stressors. These data provide insight into the central organization of how multiple features of responses are integrated to promote adaptation during adverse experiences, and how disruption in one neural pathway may underlie a broad array of maladaptive responses in stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Ch'ng S, Fu J, Brown RM, McDougall SJ, Lawrence AJ. The intersection of stress and reward: BNST modulation of aversive and appetitive states. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 87:108-125. [PMID: 29330137 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is widely acknowledged as a brain structure that regulates stress and anxiety states, as well as aversive and appetitive behaviours. The diverse roles of the BNST are afforded by its highly modular organisation, neurochemical heterogeneity, and complex intrinsic and extrinsic circuitry. There has been growing interest in the BNST in relation to psychopathologies such as anxiety and addiction. Although research on the human BNST is still in its infancy, there have been extensive preclinical studies examining the molecular signature and hodology of the BNST and their involvement in stress and reward seeking behaviour. This review examines the neurochemical phenotype and connectivity of the BNST, as well as electrophysiological correlates of plasticity in the BNST mediated by stress and/or drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ch'ng
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jingjing Fu
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robyn M Brown
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDougall
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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30
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Lee MR, Sheskier MB, Farokhnia M, Feng N, Marenco S, Lipska BK, Leggio L. Oxytocin receptor mRNA expression in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in major psychiatric disorders: A human post-mortem study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 96:143-147. [PMID: 29940428 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in oxytocin as a putative treatment for various psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. However, potential alterations in the endogenous brain oxytocin system in these disorders are poorly characterized. Brain expression of oxytocin and its receptor genes in patients with these psychiatric disorders has not been well studied outside the hypothalamus. We measured expression of mRNA for oxytocin and its receptor in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of postmortem brains using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in a total of 581 individuals. These individuals either were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (n = 135), bipolar disorder (n = 57), schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder (n = 169), or were control subjects, defined as individuals with no lifetime history of any of these disorders (n = 220). Diagnoses of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder were associated with significantly increased oxytocin receptor mRNA levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This finding is discussed in light of the extant literature on the dysregulation of oxytocin signaling in individuals with major psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Lee
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Basic Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - M B Sheskier
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Basic Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M Farokhnia
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Basic Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - N Feng
- Human Brain Collection Core, Division of Intramural Research Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - S Marenco
- Human Brain Collection Core, Division of Intramural Research Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - B K Lipska
- Human Brain Collection Core, Division of Intramural Research Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - L Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Basic Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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31
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Harris NA, Winder DG. Synaptic Plasticity in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Ramifications for Reinstatement of Drug- and Alcohol-Seeking Behaviors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2173-2187. [PMID: 29851347 PMCID: PMC6146063 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a component of the extended amygdala that shows significant changes in activity and plasticity through chronic exposure to drugs and stress. The region is critical for stress- and cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behaviors and is thus a candidate region for the plastic changes that occur in abstinence that prime addicted patients for reinstatement behaviors. Here, we discuss the various forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in the rodent BNST and highlight the way that these changes in excitatory transmission interact with exposure to alcohol and other drugs of abuse, as well as other stressors. In addition, we highlight potential areas for future research in this area, including investigating input- and cell-specific bidirectional changes in activity. As we continue to accrue foundational knowledge in the mechanisms and effects of plasticity in the BNST, molecular targets and treatment strategies that are relevant to reinstatement behaviors will also begin to emerge. Here, we briefly discuss the effects of catecholamine receptor modulators on synaptic plasticity in the BNST due to the role of norepinephrine in LTD and dopamine on the short-term component of LTP as well as the role that signaling at these receptors plays in reinstatement of drug- and alcohol-seeking behaviors. We hope that insights gained on the specific changes in plasticity that occur within the BNST during abstinence from alcohol and other drugs of abuse will provide insight into the biological underpinnings of relapse behavior in human addicts and inform future treatment modalities for addiction that tackle this complex biological problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Harris
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
| | - Danny G. Winder
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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32
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Incubation of feeding behavior is regulated by neuromedin U receptor 2 in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Behav Brain Res 2018; 359:763-770. [PMID: 30227148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A diet of energy-dense food, characterized mainly as a high-fat diet, leads to a persistent excessive consumption defined as overeating. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 2 in 3 adults in the United States are overweight or obese, straining our healthcare system with epidemic proportions. Diets that include abstaining from high-fat foods, ironically, result in an increase in motivation and craving for said high-fat foods, defined as an incubation effect because the behavior aids in developing overeating. Previously, we have shown that modulation of neuromedin U receptor 2 (NMUR2) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) results in increased food intake and motivation for energy-dense foods. Here, we continue our focus on NMUR2 in the PVN, but in relation to the incubation effect on craving for high-fat food. We employed a model for incubation of craving by having rats abstain from high-fat foods for 30 days before undergoing intake of fatty food on fixed ratio and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, and then assess their response to reactivity to cues. Using this model, we compared the feeding behaviors of rats that underwent an mRNA knockdown of the NMUR2 in the PVN to controls after both underwent a 30-day abstinence from high-fat foods. Our results show knockdown of NMUR2 in the PVN blocks the incubation of feeding behavior for food-related cues and high-fat foods.
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33
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Glutamatergic and gabaergic ventral BNST neurons differ in their physiological properties and responsiveness to noradrenaline. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:2126-2133. [PMID: 29704000 PMCID: PMC6098041 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0070-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) regulates defensive responses to threats and its anteroventral portion (BNST-AV) is involved. BNST-AV contains a minority of glutamatergic neurons scattered among a dominant population of GABAergic cells. There is evidence that these two cell types might exert opposite influences, the former promoting and the latter reducing anxiety. Although GABAergic cells greatly outnumber glutamatergic neurons in BNST-AV, in some circumstances the influence of glutamatergic cells appears to predominate. Related to this, BNST-AV receives a very strong noradrenaline (NA) input and negative emotional states are associated with a marked rise of NA concentration in BNST-AV. However, it is currently unclear whether NA differentially alters the excitability of glutamatergic and GABAergic BNST-AV neurons. Thus, to shed light on how BNST-AV regulates negative emotional states, the present study compared the physiological properties and NA responsiveness of glutamatergic and GABAergic BNST-AV neurons using whole-cell recordings in transgenic mice that express a fluorescent reporter in either cell group. We found that glutamatergic cells had a slightly more complex morphology than the GABAergic cells, a higher intrinsic excitability, and a different responsiveness to NA. Indeed, while NA inhibited EPSPs in both cell types through α1 and α2 adrenoreceptors, the EPSP reduction seen in glutamatergic cells had a lower amplitude and a shorter duration than in GABAergic cells. These differences were due to the presence of a β-receptor-mediated EPSP enhancement in the glutamatergic cells. Together, our results suggest that multiple properties contribute to the disproportionate influence of glutamatergic BNST-AV neurons.
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Anteroventral bed nuclei of the stria terminalis neurocircuitry: Towards an integration of HPA axis modulation with coping behaviors - Curt Richter Award Paper 2017. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 89:239-249. [PMID: 29395488 PMCID: PMC5878723 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A network of interconnected cell groups in the limbic forebrain regulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation and behavioral responses to emotionally stressful experiences, and chronic disruption of these systems chronically is implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric illnesses. A significant challenge has been to unravel the circuitry and mechanisms providing for regulation of HPA activity, as these limbic forebrain regions do not provide any direct innervation of HPA effector cell groups in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH). Moreover, information regarding how endocrine and behavioral responses are integrated has remained obscure. Here we summarize work from our laboratory showing that anteroventral (av) bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (BST) acts as a point of convergence between the limbic forebrain and PVH, receiving and coordinating upstream influences, and restraining HPA axis output in response to inescapable stressors. Recent studies highlight a more expansive modulatory role for avBST as one that coordinates HPA-inhibitory influences while concurrently suppressing passive behavioral responses via divergent pathways. avBST is uniquely positioned to convey endocrine and behavioral alterations resulting from chronic stress exposure, such as HPA axis hyperactivity and increased passive coping strategies, that may result from synaptic reorganization in upstream limbic cortical regions. We discuss how these studies give new insights into understanding the systems-level organization of stress response circuitry, the neurobiology of coping styles, and BST circuit dysfunction in stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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35
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Baker KD, Loughman A, Spencer SJ, Reichelt AC. The impact of obesity and hypercaloric diet consumption on anxiety and emotional behavior across the lifespan. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:173-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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36
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Nowacka-Chmielewska MM, Kasprowska-Liśkiewicz D, Barski JJ, Obuchowicz E, Małecki A. The behavioral and molecular evaluation of effects of social instability stress as a model of stress-related disorders in adult female rats. Stress 2017; 20:549-561. [PMID: 28911267 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1376185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to test the hypotheses that chronic social instability stress (CSIS) alters behavioral and physiological parameters and expression of selected genes important for stress response and social behaviors. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to the 4-week CSIS procedure, which involves unpredictable rotation between phases of isolation and overcrowding. Behavioral analyses (Experiment 1) were performed on the same rats before and after CSIS (n = 16) and physiological and biochemical measurements (Experiment 2) were made on further control (CON; n = 7) and stressed groups (CSIS; n = 8). Behaviors in the open field test (locomotor and exploratory activities) and elevated-plus maze (anxiety-related behaviors) indicated anxiety after CSIS. CSIS did not alter the physiological parameters measured, i.e. body weight gain, regularity of estrous cycles, and circulating concentrations of stress hormones and sex steroids. QRT-PCR analysis of mRNA expression levels was performed on amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hypothalamus. The main finding is that CSIS alters the mRNA levels for the studied genes in a region-specific manner. Hence, expression of POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin), AVPR1a (arginine vasopressin receptor), and OXTR (oxytocin receptor) significantly increased in the amygdala following CSIS, while in PFC and/or hypothalamus, POMC, AVPR1a, AVPR1b, OXTR, and ERβ (estrogen receptor beta) expression decreased. CSIS significantly reduced expression of CRH-R1 (corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor type 1) in the hippocampus. The directions of change in gene expression and the genes and regions affected indicate a molecular basis for the behavior changes. In conclusion, CSIS may be valuable for further analyzing the neurobiology of stress-related disorders in females.
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MESH Headings
- Amygdala/metabolism
- Animals
- Anxiety/genetics
- Anxiety/metabolism
- Behavior, Animal
- Brain/metabolism
- Chronic Disease
- Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor beta/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism
- Hypothalamus/metabolism
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- Pro-Opiomelanocortin/genetics
- Pro-Opiomelanocortin/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Receptors, Oxytocin/genetics
- Receptors, Oxytocin/metabolism
- Receptors, Vasopressin/genetics
- Receptors, Vasopressin/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/genetics
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maria Nowacka-Chmielewska
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy , The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education , Katowice , Poland
- b Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Daniela Kasprowska-Liśkiewicz
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy , The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education , Katowice , Poland
- b Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Jarosław Jerzy Barski
- b Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
- c Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Ewa Obuchowicz
- d Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Andrzej Małecki
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy , The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education , Katowice , Poland
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37
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Goode TD, Maren S. Role of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in aversive learning and memory. Learn Mem 2017; 24:480-491. [PMID: 28814474 PMCID: PMC5580527 DOI: 10.1101/lm.044206.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Surviving threats in the environment requires brain circuits for detecting (or anticipating) danger and for coordinating appropriate defensive responses (e.g., increased cardiac output, stress hormone release, and freezing behavior). The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a critical interface between the "affective forebrain"-including the amygdala, ventral hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex-and the hypothalamic and brainstem areas that have been implicated in neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to actual or anticipated threats. However, the precise contribution of the BNST to defensive behavior is unclear, both in terms of the antecedent stimuli that mobilize BNST activity and the consequent defensive reactions. For example, it is well known that the BNST is essential for contextual fear conditioning, but dispensable for fear conditioning to discrete conditioned stimuli (CSs), at least as indexed by freezing behavior. However, recent evidence suggests that there are circumstances in which contextual freezing may persist independent of the BNST. Furthermore, the BNST is involved in the reinstatement (or relapse) of conditioned freezing to extinguished discrete CSs. As such, there are critical gaps in understanding how the BNST contributes to fundamental processes involved in Pavlovian fear conditioning. Here, we attempt to provide an integrative account of BNST function in fear conditioning. We discuss distinctions between unconditioned stress and conditioned fear and the role of BNST circuits in organizing behaviors associated with these states. We propose that the BNST mediates conditioned defensive responses-not based on the modality or duration of the antecedent threat or the duration of the behavioral response to the threat-but rather as consequence the ability of an antecedent stimulus to predict when an aversive outcome will occur (i.e., its temporal predictability). We argue that the BNST is not uniquely mobilized by sustained threats or uniquely involved in organizing sustained fear responses. In contrast, we argue that the BNST is involved in organizing fear responses to stimuli that poorly predict when danger will occur, no matter the duration, modality, or complexity of those stimuli. The concepts discussed in this review are critical to understanding the contribution of the human BNST to fear and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis D Goode
- Institute for Neuroscience and the Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3474, USA
| | - Stephen Maren
- Institute for Neuroscience and the Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3474, USA
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A Basal Forebrain Site Coordinates the Modulation of Endocrine and Behavioral Stress Responses via Divergent Neural Pathways. J Neurosci 2017; 36:8687-99. [PMID: 27535914 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1185-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (BST) are critically important for integrating stress-related signals between the limbic forebrain and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) effector neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH). Nevertheless, the circuitry underlying BST control over the stress axis and its role in depression-related behaviors has remained obscure. Utilizing optogenetic approaches in rats, we have identified a novel role for the anteroventral subdivision of BST in the coordinated inhibition of both HPA output and passive coping behaviors during acute inescapable (tail suspension, TS) stress. Follow-up experiments probed axonal pathways emanating from the anteroventral BST which accounted for separable endocrine and behavioral functions subserved by this cell group. The PVH and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray were recipients of GABAergic outputs from the anteroventral BST that were necessary to restrain stress-induced HPA activation and passive coping behavior, respectively, during TS and forced swim tests. In contrast to other BST subdivisions implicated in anxiety-like responses, these results direct attention to the anteroventral BST as a nodal point in a stress-modulatory network for coordinating neuroendocrine and behavioral coping responses, wherein impairment could account for core features of stress-related mood disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dysregulation of the neural pathways modulating stress-adaptive behaviors is implicated in stress-related psychiatric illness. While aversive situations activate a network of limbic forebrain regions thought to mediate such changes, little is known about how this information is integrated to orchestrate complex stress responses. Here we identify novel roles for the anteroventral bed nuclei of the stria terminalis in inhibiting both stress hormone output and passive coping behavior via divergent projections to regions of the hypothalamus and midbrain. Inhibition of these projections produced features observed with rodent models of depression, namely stress hormone hypersecretion and increased passive coping behavior, suggesting that dysfunction in these networks may contribute to expression of pathological changes in stress-related disorders.
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Functional Heterogeneity in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis. J Neurosci 2017; 36:8038-49. [PMID: 27488624 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0856-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early work stressed the differing involvement of the central amygdala (CeA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in the genesis of fear versus anxiety, respectively. In 2009, Walker, Miles, and Davis proposed a model of amygdala-BNST interactions to explain these functional differences. This model became extremely influential and now guides a new wave of studies on the role of BNST in humans. Here, we consider evidence for and against this model, in the process highlighting central principles of BNST organization. This analysis leads us to conclude that BNST's influence is not limited to the generation of anxiety-like responses to diffuse threats, but that it also shapes the impact of discrete threatening stimuli. It is likely that BNST-CeA interactions are involved in modulating responses to such threats. In addition, whereas current views emphasize the contributions of the anterolateral BNST region in anxiety, accumulating data indicate that the anteromedial and anteroventral regions also play a critical role. The presence of multiple functional subregions within the small volume of BNST raises significant technical obstacles for functional imaging studies in humans.
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Ko J. Neuroanatomical Substrates of Rodent Social Behavior: The Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Its Projection Patterns. Front Neural Circuits 2017; 11:41. [PMID: 28659766 PMCID: PMC5468389 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2017.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behavior encompasses a number of distinctive and complex constructs that form the core elements of human imitative culture, mainly represented as either affiliative or antagonistic interactions with conspecifics. Traditionally considered in the realm of psychology, social behavior research has benefited from recent advancements in neuroscience that have accelerated identification of the neural systems, circuits, causative genes and molecular mechanisms that underlie distinct social cognitive traits. In this review article, I summarize recent findings regarding the neuroanatomical substrates of key social behaviors, focusing on results from experiments conducted in rodent models. In particular, I will review the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and downstream subcortical structures in controlling social behavior, and discuss pertinent future research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)Daegu, South Korea
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41
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Impulsivity as a mechanism linking child abuse and neglect with substance use in adolescence and adulthood. Dev Psychopathol 2017; 30:417-435. [DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractEmerging developmental perspectives suggest that adverse rearing environments promote neurocognitive adaptations that heighten impulsivity and increase vulnerability to risky behavior. Although studies document links between harsh rearing environments and impulsive behavior on substance use, the developmental hypothesis that impulsivity acts as mechanism linking adverse rearing environments to downstream substance use remains to be investigated. The present study investigated the role of impulsivity in linking child abuse and neglect with adult substance use using data from (a) a longitudinal sample of youth (Study 1, N = 9,421) and (b) a cross-sectional sample of adults (Study 2, N = 1,011). In Study 1, the links between child abuse and neglect and young adult smoking and marijuana use were mediated by increases in adolescent impulsivity. In Study 2, indirect links between child abuse and neglect and substance use were evidenced via delayed reward discounting and impulsivity traits. Among impulsivity subcomponents, robust indirect effects connecting childhood experiences to cigarette use emerged for negative urgency. Negative urgency, positive urgency, and sensation seeking mediated the effect of child abuse and neglect on cannabis and alcohol use. Results suggest that child abuse and neglect increases risk for substance use in part, due to effects on impulsivity. Individuals with adverse childhood experiences may benefit from substance use preventive intervention programs that target impulsive behaviors.
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Blaine SK, Seo D, Sinha R. Peripheral and prefrontal stress system markers and risk of relapse in alcoholism. Addict Biol 2017; 22:468-478. [PMID: 26537217 PMCID: PMC4860170 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that hyperactivation in ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VmPFC) and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and high cortisol to corticotrophin ratio (cort:ACTH ratio) during neutral-relaxed states predict relapse in alcohol-dependent (AD) patients. Other studies have shown that VmPFC/rACC deactivation and blunted cortisol release to stress and alcohol cues are predictive of time to relapse and relapse severity. However, no previous study has assessed the relationship between these markers of central and peripheral nervous system dysfunction in AD participants and their potential joint effects on relapse risk. Forty early abstinent, treatment engaged AD patients underwent a laboratory experiment with exposure to neutral, alcohol and stress cues and a separate functional magnetic resonance imaging scan with similar cue exposure. Neutral-relaxed state cort:ACTH ratio was significantly associated with VmPFC hyperreactivity to neutral-relaxing cues, and also with hypoactivation in response to alcohol and stress cues in AD patients. Basal heart rate, neutral cort:ACTH ratio and neutral VmPFC hyperreactivty were each associated with risk of relapse. However, abnormal VmPFC activation and elevated cort:ACTH ratio overlap in predicting risk for relapse, and dysfunctional VmPFC response was the sole significant predictor of odds of relapse in a joint model of relapse risk. These findings suggest that the cort:ACTH ratio may serve as a peripheral marker of VmPFC brain dysfunction, while aberrant VmPFC responses need further evaluation as a potential biomarker of alcohol relapse risk in clinical outcome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Blaine
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dongju Seo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Blaine SK, Sinha R. Alcohol, stress, and glucocorticoids: From risk to dependence and relapse in alcohol use disorders. Neuropharmacology 2017; 122:136-147. [PMID: 28159647 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we detail the clinical evidence supporting the role of psychological and physiological stress in instrumental motivation for alcohol consumption during the development of mild to moderate alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and in the compulsive, habitual alcohol consumption seen in severe, chronic, relapsing AUDs. Traditionally, the study of AUDs has focused on the direct and indirect effects of alcohol on striatal dopaminergic pathways and their role in the reinforcing effects of alcohol. However, growing evidence also suggests that alcohol directly stimulates the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and has effects on glucocorticoid receptors in extrahypothalamic, limbic forebrain, and medial Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) circuits, which contribute to the development of AUDs and their progression in severity, chronicity, and relapse risk. Evidence indicates HPA axis, glucocorticoid, and PFC dysfunction during protracted withdrawal and under high arousal conditions in those with severe AUDs, and novel evidence is also emerging to suggest HPA axis dysfunction with binge/heavy drinking, which is associated with motivation for alcohol in non-dependent individuals. Specifically, alcohol-associated alterations in HPA axis responses to stress and alcohol cues may serve as interoceptive physiological signals and facilitate conditioning mechanisms to influence alcohol motivation. Thus, this dysfunction may serve as a potential biomarker of both risk and of relapse. Based on this emerging data, we conceptualize and present early evidence for treatment targets that may improve PFC function and/or normalize HPA axis functioning and may be beneficial in the treatment and relapse prevention of AUDs. Finally, we suggest that individual differences in alcohol-related pathophysiology in these circuits may modulate treatment and recovery response, thereby supporting the need for building personalized medicine algorithms to understand and treat AUDs. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Alcoholism".
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Blaine
- Department of Psychiatry Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Interdisciplinary Stress Center, 2 Church Street South, Suite 209, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Interdisciplinary Stress Center, 2 Church Street South, Suite 209, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
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Prefrontal cortical control of a brainstem social behavior circuit. Nat Neurosci 2017; 20:260-270. [PMID: 28067904 PMCID: PMC5580810 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in adjusting an organism's behavior to its environment. In particular, numerous studies have implicated the prefrontal cortex in the control of social behavior, but the neural circuits that mediate these effects remain unknown. Here we investigated behavioral adaptation to social defeat in mice and uncovered a critical contribution of neural projections from the medial prefrontal cortex to the dorsal periaqueductal grey, a brainstem area vital for defensive responses. Social defeat caused a weakening of functional connectivity between these two areas and selective inhibition of these projections mimicked the behavioral effects of social defeat. These findings define a specific neural projection by which the prefrontal cortex can control and adapt social behavior.
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Stark R, Santos VV, Geenen B, Cabral A, Dinan T, Bayliss JA, Lockie SH, Reichenbach A, Lemus MB, Perello M, Spencer SJ, Kozicz T, Andrews ZB. Des-Acyl Ghrelin and Ghrelin O-Acyltransferase Regulate Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activation and Anxiety in Response to Acute Stress. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3946-3957. [PMID: 27490185 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin exists in two forms in circulation, acyl ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin, both of which have distinct and fundamental roles in a variety of physiological functions. Despite this fact, a large proportion of papers simply measure and refer to plasma ghrelin without specifying the acylation status. It is therefore critical to assess and state the acylation status of plasma ghrelin in all studies. In this study we tested the effect of des-acyl ghrelin administration on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and on anxiety-like behavior of mice lacking endogenous ghrelin and in ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) knockout (KO) mice that have no endogenous acyl ghrelin and high endogenous des-acyl ghrelin. Our results show des-acyl ghrelin produces an anxiogenic effect under nonstressed conditions, but this switches to an anxiolytic effect under stress. Des-acyl ghrelin influences plasma corticosterone under both nonstressed and stressed conditions, although c-fos activation in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus is not different. By contrast, GOAT KO are anxious under both nonstressed and stressed conditions, although this is not due to corticosterone release from the adrenals but rather from impaired feedback actions in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, as assessed by c-fos activation. These results reveal des-acyl ghrelin treatment and GOAT deletion have differential effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and anxiety-like behavior, suggesting that anxiety-like behavior in GOAT KO mice is not due to high plasma des-acyl ghrelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Stark
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Vanessa V Santos
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Bram Geenen
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Agustina Cabral
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Tara Dinan
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Jacqueline A Bayliss
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Sarah H Lockie
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Alex Reichenbach
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Moyra B Lemus
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Mario Perello
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Zane B Andrews
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology (R.S., V.V.S., J.A.B., S.H.L., A.R., M.B.L., Z.B.A.), Monash University, Clayton, Australia Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy (B.G.M T.K.), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology (A.C., M.P.) Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council [CONICET] and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires [CIC-PBA]), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (T.D., S.J.S.), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; and Hayward Genetics Center (T.K.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
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Blaine SK, Milivojevic V, Fox H, Sinha R. Alcohol Effects on Stress Pathways: Impact on Craving and Relapse Risk. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2016; 61:145-53. [PMID: 27254089 PMCID: PMC4813419 DOI: 10.1177/0706743716632512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A significant amount of neurobiological research regarding the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) has focused on alcohol-related activation and long-term alterations in the mesocortical dopaminergic reward pathways. However, alcohol does not only interact with brain reward systems. Many of its acute and chronic effects may be related to allostatic adaptations in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic stress regulation pathways. For example, acute binge intoxication is associated with hypothalamically driven increases in blood cortisol, norepinephrine, and sex steroid metabolite levels. This may contribute to the development of mesocortical sensitization to alcohol. Furthermore, chronic alcohol exposure is associated with systemic dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, sympathetic adrenal medullary system, and sex steroid systems. This dysregulation appears to manifest as neuroendocrine tolerance. In this review, we first summarize the literature suggesting that alcohol-induced alterations in these hypothalamic systems influence craving and contribute to the development of AUDs. We note that for women, the effects of alcohol on these neuroendocrine stress regulation systems may be influenced by the rhythmic variations of hormones and steroids across the menstrual cycle. Second, we discuss how changes in these systems may indicate progression of AUDs and increased risk of relapse in both sexes. Specifically, neuroendocrine tolerance may contribute to mesocortical sensitization, which in turn may lead to decreased prefrontal inhibitory control of the dopaminergic reward and hypothalamic stress systems. Thus, pharmacological strategies that counteract alcohol-associated changes in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic stress regulation pathways may slow the development and progression of AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Blaine
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Verica Milivojevic
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Helen Fox
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Klampfl SM, Brunton PJ, Bayerl DS, Bosch OJ. CRF-R1 activation in the anterior-dorsal BNST induces maternal neglect in lactating rats via an HPA axis-independent central mechanism. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 64:89-98. [PMID: 26630389 PMCID: PMC4712652 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Adequate maternal behavior in rats requires minimal corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRF-R) activation in the medial-posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (mpBNST). Based on the architectural heterogeneity of the BNST and its distinct inter-neural connectivity, we tested whether CRF-R manipulation in another functional part, the anterior-dorsal BNST (adBNST), differentially modulates maternal behavior. We demonstrate that in the adBNST, activation of CRF-R1 reduced arched back nursing (ABN) and nursing, whereas activation of CRF-R2 resulted in an initial reduction in nursing but significantly increased the incidence of ABN 5h after the treatment. Following stressor exposure, which is detrimental to maternal care, ABN tended to be protected by CRF-R1 blockade. Maternal motivation, maternal aggression, and anxiety were unaffected by any manipulation. Furthermore, under basal and stress conditions, activation of adBNST CRF-R1 increased plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations, whereas stimulation of adBNST CRF-R2 increased basal plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations, but blocked the stress-induced increase in plasma corticosterone secretion. Moreover, both the CRF-R1 and -R2 antagonists prevented the stress-induced increase in plasma corticosterone secretion. Importantly, elevated levels of circulating corticosterone induced by intra-adBNST administration of CRF-R1 or -R2 agonist did not impact maternal care. Finally, Crf mRNA expression in the adBNST was increased during lactation; however, Crfr1 mRNA expression was similar between lactating and virgin rats. In conclusion, maternal care is impaired by adBNST CRF-R1 activation, and this appears to be the result of a central action, rather than an effect of elevated circulating levels of CORT. These data provide new insights into potential causes of disturbed maternal behavior postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M. Klampfl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Paula J. Brunton
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Doris S. Bayerl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver J. Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany,Corresponding author. Fax: +49 941 9433052.
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Vollmer LL, Schmeltzer S, Schurdak J, Ahlbrand R, Rush J, Dolgas CM, Baccei ML, Sah R. Neuropeptide Y Impairs Retrieval of Extinguished Fear and Modulates Excitability of Neurons in the Infralimbic Prefrontal Cortex. J Neurosci 2016; 36:1306-15. [PMID: 26818517 PMCID: PMC6604823 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4955-13.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36 aa peptide, regulates stress and emotional behaviors. Preclinical and clinical studies support an association of NPY with trauma-evoked syndromes such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although the exact contribution of NPY is not clear. In the current study, we examined functional attributes of NPY in the infralimbic (IL) cortex, an area that regulates fear memories and is reported to be hypoactive in PTSD. Carriers of NPY gene polymorphism rs16147 have been reported to have elevated prefrontal NPY expression. Infusion of NPY into the IL cortex in rats significantly impaired fear extinction memory without affecting conditioned fear expression or acquisition of extinction. Neuroendocrine stress response, depression-like behavior, and working memory performance were not affected by NPY infusion into the IL. The NPY Y1 receptor antagonist BIBO3304 completely abolished NPY effects on fear extinction retrieval. Y1 receptor expression was localized on CaMKII-positive pyramidal projection neurons and GAD67-positive interneurons in the IL. Patch-clamp recordings revealed increased inhibitory synaptic transmission onto IL projection neurons in the presence of NPY. Thus, NPY dampens excitability of IL projection neurons and impairs retrieval of extinction memory by inhibiting consolidation of extinction. Of relevance to PTSD, elevation of prefrontal NPY attributable to the genetic polymorphism rs16147 may contribute to IL hypoactivity, resulting in impaired extinction memory and susceptibility to the disorder. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a stress modulatory transmitter, is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Contribution of NPY to PTSD symptomology is unclear. PTSD patients have reduced activity in the infralimbic (IL) subdivision of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), associated with compromised extinction memory. No information exists on fear modulation by NPY in the IL cortex, although NPY and NPY receptors are abundant in these areas. This study shows that IL NPY inhibits consolidation of extinction, resulting in impaired retrieval of extinction memory and modulates excitability of IL projection neurons. In addition to providing a novel perspective on extinction memory modulation by NPY, our findings suggest that elevated mPFC NPY in gene polymorphism rs16147 carriers or after chronic stress could increase susceptibility to PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L Vollmer
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, and
| | - Sarah Schmeltzer
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, and
| | | | | | - Jennifer Rush
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience and
| | | | - Mark L Baccei
- Anesthesiology and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, and
| | - Renu Sah
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
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Vila-Verde C, Marinho ALZ, Lisboa SF, Guimarães FS. Nitric oxide in the prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex is involved in the anxiogenic-like effect induced by acute restraint stress in rats. Neuroscience 2016; 320:30-42. [PMID: 26812037 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurons containing the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) enzyme are located in brain areas related to defensive behavior, such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC). Rats exposed to a live predator (a cat) present anxiety-like behavior and an increased number of nNOS-positive neurons in this brain area one-week later. Moreover, stress-related behavioral changes in rodents can be prevented by systemic or local vMPFC nNOS inhibition. In the present study we investigated if acute restraint stress (RS)-induced delayed (one-week) anxiogenic-like effect was associated with increased nNOS expression or activity in the vMPFC. Furthermore, we also tested if local pharmacological nNOS inhibition would prevent stress-induced behavioral changes. Male Wistar rats were submitted to RS for 3h and tested in the elevated plus maze (EPM) 24h or 7 days later. Two hours after the EPM test, their brains were removed, processed and nNOS expression in the vMPFC was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Another group of animals was used for measuring NO metabolites (NOx; an indirect measure of NOS activity) immediately after the EPM test, 24h after RS. Independent groups had guide cannula implanted bilaterally into the prelimbic (PL) portion of vMPFC. Five to six days after surgery, the animals were submitted to RS and 24h later received local administration of the nNOS inhibitor, N-propyl-l-arginine (NPLA; 0.04 nmol). They were tested in the EPM 10 min later. RS-induced anxiogenic-like effect was accompanied by increased nNOS expression in the PL (p<0.05), but not in the infralimbic (IL) vMPFC, both 24h and 7 days after RS. Moreover, open-arm exploration of the EPM was negatively correlated with nNOS expression (p<0.05) and NOx levels (p<0.05) in the PL. The anxiogenic-like effect observed 24h after RS was prevented by NPLA (p<0.05). Our results suggest that RS-induced anxiogenic-like effect might depend on increased nNOS-mediated signaling in the PL MPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vila-Verde
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - A L Z Marinho
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S F Lisboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - F S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil
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50
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Dampney RAL. Central mechanisms regulating coordinated cardiovascular and respiratory function during stress and arousal. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2015; 309:R429-43. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00051.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Actual or potentially threatening stimuli in the external environment (i.e., psychological stressors) trigger highly coordinated defensive behavioral responses that are accompanied by appropriate autonomic and respiratory changes. As discussed in this review, several brain regions and pathways have major roles in subserving the cardiovascular and respiratory responses to threatening stimuli, which may vary from relatively mild acute arousing stimuli to more prolonged life-threatening stimuli. One key region is the dorsomedial hypothalamus, which receives inputs from the cortex, amygdala, and other forebrain regions and which is critical for generating autonomic, respiratory, and neuroendocrine responses to psychological stressors. Recent studies suggest that the dorsomedial hypothalamus also receives an input from the dorsolateral column in the midbrain periaqueductal gray, which is another key region involved in the integration of stress-evoked cardiorespiratory responses. In addition, it has recently been shown that neurons in the midbrain colliculi can generate highly synchronized autonomic, respiratory, and somatomotor responses to visual, auditory, and somatosensory inputs. These collicular neurons may be part of a subcortical defense system that also includes the basal ganglia and which is well adapted to responding to threats that require an immediate stereotyped response that does not involve the cortex. The basal ganglia/colliculi system is phylogenetically ancient. In contrast, the defense system that includes the dorsomedial hypothalamus and cortex evolved at a later time, and appears to be better adapted to generating appropriate responses to more sustained threatening stimuli that involve cognitive appraisal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger A. L. Dampney
- School of Medical Sciences (Physiology) and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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