1
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Brouillard A, Davignon LM, Vachon-Presseau É, Roy M, Marin MF. Starting the pill during adolescence: Age of onset and duration of use influence morphology of the hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Eur J Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39245916 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16509] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
From adolescence, women become more likely to experience fear dysregulation. Oral contraceptives (OCs) can modulate the brain regions involved in fear processes. OCs are generally used for years and often initiated during adolescence, a sensitive period where certain brain regions involved in the fear circuitry are still undergoing important reorganization. It remains unknown whether OC use during adolescence may induce long-lasting changes in the fear circuitry. This study aimed to examine whether age of onset moderated the relationship between duration of use and fear-related brain structures. We collected structural MRI data in 98 healthy adult women (61 current users, 37 past users) and extracted grey matter volumes (GMV) and cortical thickness (CT) of key regions of the fear circuitry. Non-linear multiple regressions revealed interaction effects between age of onset and quadratic duration of use on GMV of the right hippocampus and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Among women who initiated OCs earlier in adolescence, a short duration of use was associated with smaller hippocampal GMV and thicker vmPFC compared to a longer duration of use. For both GMV and CT of the right vmPFC, women with an early OC onset had more grey matter at a short duration of use than those with a later onset. Our results suggest that OC use earlier in adolescence may induce lasting effects on structural correlates of fear learning and its regulation. These findings support further investigation into the timing of OC use to better comprehend how OCs could disrupt normal brain development processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brouillard
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa-Marie Davignon
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Étienne Vachon-Presseau
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mathieu Roy
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-France Marin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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2
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Park SB, Lur G. Repeated exposure to multiple concurrent stressors alters visual processing in the adult posterior parietal cortex. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 31:100660. [PMID: 39100726 PMCID: PMC11296072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100660] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is well known to erode cognitive functions. Yet, our understanding of how repeated stress exposure impacts one of the fundamental bases of cognition: sensory processing, remains limited. The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is a high order visual region, known for its role in visually guided decision making, multimodal integration, attention, and working memory. Here, we used functional measures to determine how repeated exposure to multiple concurrent stressors (RMS) affects sensory processing in the PPC in adult male mice. A longitudinal experimental design, repeatedly surveying the same population of neurons using in vivo two-photon imaging, revealed that RMS disrupts the balanced turnover of visually responsive cells in layer 2/3 of the PPC. Across the population, RMS-induced changes in visual responsiveness followed a bimodal distribution suggesting idiosyncratic stress effects. In cells that maintained their responsiveness across recording sessions, we found that stress reduced visual response magnitudes and feature selectivity. While we did not observe stress-induced elimination of excitatory synapses, noise correlation statistics indicated that RMS altered visual input to the neuronal population. The impact of RMS was restricted to visually evoked responses and was not evident in neuronal activity associated with locomotion onset. Together, our results indicate that despite no apparent synaptic reorganization, stress exposure in adulthood can disrupt sensory processing in the PPC, with the effects showing remarkable individual variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Bin Park
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA USA, 92697
| | - Gyorgy Lur
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA USA, 92697
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3
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Merz EC, Myers B, Hansen M, Simon KR, Strack J, Noble KG. Socioeconomic Disparities in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation and Prefrontal Cortical Structure. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:83-96. [PMID: 38090738 PMCID: PMC10714216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Socioeconomic disadvantage during childhood predicts an increased risk for mental health problems across the life span. Socioeconomic disadvantage shapes multiple aspects of children's proximal environments and increases exposure to chronic stressors. Drawing from multiple literatures, we propose that childhood socioeconomic disadvantage may lead to adaptive changes in the regulation of stress response systems including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These changes, in turn, affect the development of prefrontal cortical (PFC) circuitry responsible for top-down control over cognitive and emotional processes. Translational findings indicate that chronic stress reduces dendritic complexity and spine density in the medial PFC and anterior cingulate cortex, in part through altered HPA axis regulation. Socioeconomic disadvantage has frequently been associated with reduced gray matter in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral PFC and anterior cingulate cortex and lower fractional anisotropy in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum bundle, and uncinate fasciculus during middle childhood and adolescence. Evidence of socioeconomic disparities in hair cortisol concentrations in children has accumulated, although null findings have been reported. Coupled with links between cortisol levels and reduced gray matter in the PFC and anterior cingulate cortex, these results support mechanistic roles for the HPA axis and these PFC circuits. Future longitudinal studies should simultaneously consider multiple dimensions of proximal factors, including cognitive stimulation, while focusing on epigenetic processes and genetic moderators to elucidate how socioeconomic context may influence the HPA axis and PFC circuitry involved in cognitive and emotional control. These findings, which point to modifiable factors, can be harnessed to inform policy and more effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Merz
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Brent Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Melissa Hansen
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Katrina R. Simon
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jordan Strack
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Kimberly G. Noble
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
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4
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Palamarchuk IS, Slavich GM, Vaillancourt T, Rajji TK. Stress-related cellular pathophysiology as a crosstalk risk factor for neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:65. [PMID: 38087196 PMCID: PMC10714507 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00831-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we examine biological processes linking psychological stress and cognition, with a focus on how psychological stress can activate multiple neurobiological mechanisms that drive cognitive decline and behavioral change. First, we describe the general neurobiology of the stress response to define neurocognitive stress reactivity. Second, we review aspects of epigenetic regulation, synaptic transmission, sex hormones, photoperiodic plasticity, and psychoneuroimmunological processes that can contribute to cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric conditions. Third, we explain mechanistic processes linking the stress response and neuropathology. Fourth, we discuss molecular nuances such as an interplay between kinases and proteins, as well as differential role of sex hormones, that can increase vulnerability to cognitive and emotional dysregulation following stress. Finally, we explicate several testable hypotheses for stress, neurocognitive, and neuropsychiatric research. Together, this work highlights how stress processes alter neurophysiology on multiple levels to increase individuals' risk for neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders, and points toward novel therapeutic targets for mitigating these effects. The resulting models can thus advance dementia and mental health research, and translational neuroscience, with an eye toward clinical application in cognitive and behavioral neurology, and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna S Palamarchuk
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1H4, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Division of Neurology, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - George M Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tracy Vaillancourt
- Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1H4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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5
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Soteros BM, Tillmon H, Wollet M, General J, Chin H, Lee JB, Carreno FR, Morilak DA, Kim JH, Sia GM. Heterogeneous complement and microglia activation mediates stress-induced synapse loss. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.28.546889. [PMID: 37425856 PMCID: PMC10327081 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.546889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Spatially heterogeneous synapse loss is a characteristic of many psychiatric and neurological disorders, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that spatially-restricted complement activation mediates stress-induced heterogeneous microglia activation and synapse loss localized to the upper layers of the mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Single cell RNA sequencing also reveals a stress-associated microglia state marked by high expression of the apolipoprotein E gene (ApoE high ) localized to the upper layers of the mPFC. Mice lacking complement component C3 are protected from stress-induced layer-specific synapse loss, and the ApoE high microglia population is markedly reduced in the mPFC of these mice. Furthermore, C3 knockout mice are also resilient to stress-induced anhedonia and working memory behavioral deficits. Our findings suggest that region-specific complement and microglia activation can contribute to the disease-specific spatially restricted patterns of synapse loss and clinical symptoms found in many brain diseases.
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6
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Matisz C, Gruber A. Neuroinflammatory remodeling of the anterior cingulate cortex as a key driver of mood disorders in gastrointestinal disease and disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 133:104497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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7
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Meyer HC, Sangha S, Radley JJ, LaLumiere RT, Baratta MV. Environmental certainty influences the neural systems regulating responses to threat and stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1037-1055. [PMID: 34673111 PMCID: PMC8642312 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Flexible calibration of threat responding in accordance with the environment is an adaptive process that allows an animal to avoid harm while also maintaining engagement of other goal-directed actions. This calibration process, referred to as threat response regulation, requires an animal to calculate the probability that a given encounter will result in a threat so they can respond accordingly. Here we review the neural correlates of two highly studied forms of threat response suppression: extinction and safety conditioning. We focus on how relative levels of certainty or uncertainty in the surrounding environment alter the acquisition and application of these processes. We also discuss evidence indicating altered threat response regulation following stress exposure, including enhanced fear conditioning, and disrupted extinction and safety conditioning. To conclude, we discuss research using an animal model of coping that examines the impact of stressor controllability on threat responding, highlighting the potential for previous experiences with control, or other forms of coping, to protect against the effects of future adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi C Meyer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Susan Sangha
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Jason J Radley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Ryan T LaLumiere
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Michael V Baratta
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA.
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8
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Martins DF, Viseux FJF, Salm DC, Ribeiro ACA, da Silva HKL, Seim LA, Bittencourt EB, Bianco G, Moré AOO, Reed WR, Mazzardo-Martins L. The role of the vagus nerve in fibromyalgia syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1136-1149. [PMID: 34710514 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is a common illness characterized by chronic widespread pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Dysfunctional neurotransmitter systems that influence the body's endogenous stress response systems are thought to underlie many of the major FM-related symptoms. A model of FM pathogenesis suggests biological and psychosocial variables interact to influence the genetic predisposition, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The Polyvagal Theory provides a theoretical framework from which to investigate potential biological mechanisms. The vagus nerve (VN) has anti-inflammatory properties via its afferent and efferent fibers. A low vagal tone (as assessed by low heart rate variability), has been observed in painful and inflammatory diseases, including FM, while the ventral branch of the VN is linked to emotional expression and social engagement. These anti-inflammatory and psychological (limbic system) properties of the VN may possess therapeutic potential in treating FM. This review paper summarizes the scientific literature regarding the potential role of the VN in transducing and/or therapeutically managing FM signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Martins
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Physiotherapy Graduate Course, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil.
| | - Frederic J F Viseux
- Laboratoire d'Automatique, de Mécanique et d'Informatique industrielle et Humaine (LAMIH), UMR CNRS 8201, Université Polytechnique des Hauts-de-France, Valenciennes, France; Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur (CETD), Hôpital Jean Bernard, Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes, F-59322 Valenciennes, France
| | - Daiana C Salm
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Physiotherapy Graduate Course, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil
| | - Anny Caroline Avelino Ribeiro
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Physiotherapy Graduate Course, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil
| | - Helen Kassiana Lopes da Silva
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Physiotherapy Graduate Course, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil
| | - Lynsey A Seim
- Hospital Internal Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Road, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Gianluca Bianco
- Research Laboratory of Posturology and Neuromodulation RELPON, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Istituto di Formazione in Agopuntura e Neuromodulazione IFAN, Rome, Italy
| | - Ari Ojeda Ocampo Moré
- Integrative Medicine and Acupuncture Service, University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - William R Reed
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Rehabilitation Science Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Leidiane Mazzardo-Martins
- Postgraduate Program in Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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9
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Zhou Y, Huang J, Zhang P, Tong J, Fan F, Gou M, Cui Y, Luo X, Tan S, Wang Z, Feng W, Yang F, Tian B, Tian L, Savransky A, Hare S, Ryan MC, Goldwaser E, Chiappelli J, Chen S, Kochunov P, Kvarta M, Tan Y, Hong LE. Allostatic Load Effects on Cortical and Cognitive Deficits in Essentially Normotensive, Normoweight Patients with Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2021; 47:1048-1057. [PMID: 33501486 PMCID: PMC8266595 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbaa196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Reduced cortical gray matter integrity and cognitive abilities are among core deficits in schizophrenia. We hypothesized that higher allostatic load (AL) that accounts for exposure to chronic stress is a contributor to structural and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. One hundred and sixty-seven schizophrenia patients who were on average with normal weight, normal systolic, and diastolic blood pressure and 72 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Group differences in subclinical cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and neuroendocrine biological markers as indexed by AL and contribution of AL components to the structural and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia were explored. Compared with controls, schizophrenia patients who were normotensive, normoweight, and had low total cholesterol levels still had significantly higher AL mainly due to lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher heart rate, waist-hip ratio, hemoglobinA1c, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, and overnight-urine cortisol levels. Patients also had decreased whole-brain mean cortical thickness, and lower cognition assessed by the MATRICS consensus cognitive battery. AL was inversely correlated with mean cortical thickness and cognition in schizophrenia, while none of these relationships existed in controls. Mediation analyses showed the effect of AL on cognitive deficits in schizophrenia was significantly mediated by cortical thinning, and the most significant mediating cortical area was the left superior frontal gyrus. Cortical thickness may act as a mediator between AL and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Early intervention strategies to reduce cortical thinning and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia should target specific aspects of their high AL in addition to weight gain, hypertension and high cholesterol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Zhou
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Junchao Huang
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jinghui Tong
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fengmei Fan
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mengzhuang Gou
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yimin Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xingguang Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Shuping Tan
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhiren Wang
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Feng
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fude Yang
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Baopeng Tian
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Li Tian
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anya Savransky
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Stephanie Hare
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Meghann C Ryan
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Eric Goldwaser
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Joshua Chiappelli
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shuo Chen
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Peter Kochunov
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mark Kvarta
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - L Elliot Hong
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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10
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Patel D, Anilkumar S, Chattarji S, de Boer SF, Buwalda B. Repeated victorious and defeat experiences induce similar apical dendritic spine remodeling in CA1 hippocampus of rats. Behav Brain Res 2021; 406:113243. [PMID: 33727049 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, apical dendritic spine density of neurons in hippocampal, amygdalar and prefrontal cortical areas was compared in rats that were repeatedly winning or losing social conflicts. Territorial male wild-type Groningen (WTG) rats were allowed multiple daily attacks (>20 times) on intruder males in the resident-intruder paradigm. Frequent winning experiences are known to facilitate uncontrolled aggressive behavior reflected in aggressive attacks on anesthetized males which was also observed in the winners in this study. Both winners and losers were socially housed during the experiments; winners with females to stimulate territorial behavior, and losers with two other losing male rats. Twenty-four hours after the last social encounter, brains from experienced residential winners and repeatedly defeated intruder rats were collected and neuronal morphology in selected brain regions was studied via Golgi-Cox staining. Results indicate that spine density in the apical dendrites of the hippocampal CA1 reduced similarly in both winners and losers. In addition, winners showed increased spine densities at the proximal segments (20-30 μm) of the basolateral amygdala neurons and losers tended to show a decreased spine density at the more proximal segments of the infralimbic region of prefrontal cortex neurons. No effect of winning and losing was observed in the medial amygdala. The atrophic effect of repeated defeats in hippocampal and prefrontal regions was anticipated despite the fact that social housing of the repeatedly losing intruder males may have played a protective role. The reduction of hippocampal spine density in the winners seems surprising but supports previous findings in hierarchical dominant males in rat colonies. The dominants showed even greater shrinkage of the apical dendritic arbors of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons compared to the stressed subordinates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Patel
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, 560065, India; Dept. of Behavioral Neuroscience, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Shobha Anilkumar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, 560065, India; Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Sumantra Chattarji
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, 560065, India; Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, 560065, India; Centre for Integrative Physiology, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH89XD, UK
| | - Sietse F de Boer
- Dept. of Behavioral Neuroscience, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bauke Buwalda
- Dept. of Behavioral Neuroscience, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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11
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Drzewiecki CM, Willing J, Cortes LR, Juraska JM. Adolescent stress during, but not after, pubertal onset impairs indices of prepulse inhibition in adult rats. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:837-850. [PMID: 33629385 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to stress during adolescence is a risk factor for developing several psychiatric disorders, many of which involve prefrontal cortex (PFC) dysfunction. The human PFC and analogous rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) continue to mature functionally and anatomically during adolescence, and some of these maturational events coincide with pubertal onset. As developing brain regions are more susceptible to the negative effects of stress, this may make puberty especially vulnerable. To test this, we exposed male and female rats to isolation and restraint stress during the onset of puberty or during the post-pubertal period of adolescence. In young adulthood, both stressed groups and an unstressed control group underwent testing on a battery of tasks to assess emotional and cognitive behaviors, and the volume of the mPFC was quantified postmortem. Factor analysis revealed only subjects stressed peri-pubertally showed a long-term deficiency compared to controls in prepulse inhibition. Additionally, both sexes showed volumetric mPFC decreases following adolescent stress, and these losses were most pronounced in females. Our findings suggest that pubertal onset may be a vulnerable window wherein adolescents are most susceptible to the negative consequences of stress exposure. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of accounting for pubertal status when studying adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly M Drzewiecki
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Jari Willing
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.,Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, 822 E Merry Ave, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
| | - Laura R Cortes
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Janice M Juraska
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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12
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Kaul D, Schwab SG, Mechawar N, Matosin N. How stress physically re-shapes the brain: Impact on brain cell shapes, numbers and connections in psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:193-215. [PMID: 33556389 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe stress is among the most robust risk factors for the development of psychiatric disorders. Imaging studies indicate that life stress is integral to shaping the human brain, especially regions involved in processing the stress response. Although this is likely underpinned by changes to the cytoarchitecture of cellular networks in the brain, we are yet to clearly understand how these define a role for stress in human psychopathology. In this review, we consolidate evidence of macro-structural morphometric changes and the cellular mechanisms that likely underlie them. Focusing on stress-sensitive regions of the brain, we illustrate how stress throughout life may lead to persistent remodelling of the both neurons and glia in cellular networks and how these may lead to psychopathology. We support that greater translation of cellular alterations to human cohorts will support parsing the psychological sequalae of severe stress and improve our understanding of how stress shapes the human brain. This will remain a critical step for improving treatment interventions and prevention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Kaul
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Sibylle G Schwab
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle blvd, Verdun, Qc, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Natalie Matosin
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany.
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13
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Kaul D, Smith CC, Stevens J, Fröhlich AS, Binder EB, Mechawar N, Schwab SG, Matosin N. Severe childhood and adulthood stress associates with neocortical layer-specific reductions of mature spines in psychiatric disorders. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100270. [PMID: 33344723 PMCID: PMC7739192 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe stress exposure causes the loss of dendritic spines on cortical pyramidal neurons and induces psychiatric-like symptoms in rodent models. These effects are strongest following early-life stress and are most persistent on apical dendrites. However, the long-term impacts and temporal effects of stress exposure on the human brain remain poorly understood. Using a novel postmortem cohort of psychiatric cases with severe stress experienced in childhood, adulthood, or no severe stress, and matched controls, we aimed to determine the impact of stress timing on pyramidal neuron structure in the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). We performed Golgi Cox staining and manually measured the morphology and density of over 22,000 dendritic spines on layer-specific pyramidal neuron apical dendrites. We also quantified glucocorticoid receptor mRNA and protein as a marker of stress dysregulation. Both childhood and adulthood stress were associated with large reductions in mature mushroom spine density (up to 56% loss) in both the superficial (II/III) and deeper layers (V) of the OFC. However, childhood stress caused more substantial reductions to both total and mature mushroom spines. No difference in glucocorticoid receptor mRNA and protein were seen between groups, although both negatively correlated with total spine density within the whole cohort. These findings indicate that severe stress, especially when experienced during childhood, persistently affects the fine morphological properties of neurons in the human OFC. This may impact on cell connectivity in this brain area, and at least partly explain the social and emotional symptoms that originate in the OFC in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Kaul
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, 2522, Australia
| | - Caine C Smith
- NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julia Stevens
- NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna S Fröhlich
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Verdun, Qc, Canada, H4H 1R3
| | - Sibylle G Schwab
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, 2522, Australia
| | - Natalie Matosin
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, 2522, Australia.,Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
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14
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Barfield ET, Sequeira MK, Parsons RG, Gourley SL. Morphological Responses of Excitatory Prelimbic and Orbitofrontal Cortical Neurons to Excess Corticosterone in Adolescence and Acute Stress in Adulthood. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:45. [PMID: 33013327 PMCID: PMC7506158 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence indicates that chronic stress and excess glucocorticoids induce neuronal remodeling in prefrontal cortical (PFC) regions. Adolescence is also characterized by a structural reorganization of PFC neurons, yet interactions between stress- and age-related structural plasticity are still being determined. We quantified dendritic spine densities on apical dendrites of excitatory neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, prelimbic subregion (PL). Densities decreased across adolescent development, as expected, and spine volume increased. Unexpectedly, exposure to excess corticosterone (CORT) throughout adolescence did not cause additional dendritic spine loss detectable in adulthood. As a positive control dendrite population expected to be sensitive to CORT, we imaged neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), confirming CORT-induced dendritic spine attrition on basal arbors of layer V neurons. We next assessed the effects of acute, mild stress in adulthood: On PL neurons, an acute stressor increased the density of mature, mushroom-shaped spines. Meanwhile, on OFC neurons, dendritic spine volumes and lengths were lower in mice exposed to both CORT and an acute stressor (also referred to as a "double hit"). In sum, prolonged exposure to excess glucocorticoids during adolescence can have morphological and also metaplastic consequences, but they are not global. Anatomical considerations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T. Barfield
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michelle K. Sequeira
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Graduate Training Programs in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ryan G. Parsons
- Graduate Program in Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Shannon L. Gourley
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Graduate Training Programs in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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15
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Anderson RM, Johnson SB, Lingg RT, Hinz DC, Romig-Martin SA, Radley JJ. Evidence for Similar Prefrontal Structural and Functional Alterations in Male and Female Rats Following Chronic Stress or Glucocorticoid Exposure. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:353-370. [PMID: 31184364 PMCID: PMC7029687 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work of ours and others has documented regressive changes in neuronal architecture and function in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male rats following chronic stress. As recent focus has shifted toward understanding whether chronic stress effects on mPFC are sexually dimorphic, here we undertake a comprehensive analysis to address this issue. First, we show that chronic variable stress (14-day daily exposure to different challenges) resulted in a comparable degree of adrenocortical hyperactivity, working memory impairment, and dendritic spine loss in mPFC pyramidal neurons in both sexes. Next, exposure of female rats to 21-day regimen of corticosterone resulted in a similar pattern of mPFC dendritic spine attrition and increase in spine volume. Finally, we examined the effects of another widely used regimen, chronic restraint stress (CRS, 21-day of daily 6-h restraint), on dendritic spine changes in mPFC in both sexes. CRS resulted in response decrements in adrenocortical output (habituation), and induced a pattern of consistent, but less widespread, dendritic spine loss similar to the foregoing challenges. Our data suggest that chronic stress or glucocorticoid exposure induces a relatively undifferentiated pattern of structural and functional alterations in mPFC in both males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Anderson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Shane B Johnson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ryan T Lingg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Dalton C Hinz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sara A Romig-Martin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jason J Radley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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16
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Lesuis SL, Timmermans W, Lucassen PJ, Hoogenraad CC, Krugers HJ. Glucocorticoid and β-adrenergic regulation of hippocampal dendritic spines. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12811. [PMID: 31715030 PMCID: PMC7003927 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones are particularly potent with respect to enhancing memory formation. Notably, this occurs in close synergy with arousal (i.e., when norepinephrine levels are enhanced). In the present study, we examined whether glucocorticoid and norepinephrine hormones regulate the number of spines in hippocampal primary neurons. We report that brief administration of corticosterone or the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol alone increases spine number. This effect becomes particularly prominent when corticosterone and isoproterenol are administered together. In parallel, corticosterone and isoproterenol alone increased the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, an effect that is not amplified when both hormones are administered together. The effects of co-application of corticosterone and isoproterenol on spines could be prevented by blocking the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486. Taken together, both corticosterone and β-adrenergic receptor activation increase spine number, and they exert additive effects on spine number for which activation of glucocorticoid receptors is permissive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L. Lesuis
- SILS‐CNSUniversiteit van AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Neurosciences and Mental HealthHospital for Sick Children Research InstituteUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | | | | | - Casper C. Hoogenraad
- Cell BiologyDepartment of BiologyFaculty of ScienceUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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17
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Opala EA, Verlezza S, Long H, Rusu D, Woodside B, Walker CD. Experience of Adversity during a First Lactation Modifies Prefrontal Cortex Morphology in Primiparous Female Rats: Lack of Long Term Effects on a Subsequent Lactation. Neuroscience 2019; 417:95-106. [PMID: 31437474 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive experience is associated with morphological and functional plasticity in brain areas important for cognitive and emotional responses, including the infralimbic (IL) medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here we examined whether suboptimal conditions during a first lactation could modify lactation-induced morphological IL mPFC changes, leading to alterations in stress responses and attention and whether any observed effects would persist into a second lactation. Reduced availability of bedding and nesting material (LB) was used to induce unfavorable conditions in primiparous (P) mothers. In normal bedding (NB) conditions, P mothers exhibited high spine number and density on postpartum day (PPD)10, which greatly decreased 2 weeks after weaning of their pups. In contrast, P-LB mothers had a lower spine number and density on PPD10, which markedly increased after weaning. LB exposure did not modify stress responsiveness to a ferret odor on PPD5 in primiparous or in multiparous (M) females. Number of errors and trials to criterion in the attention set shifting task were not modified by a history of adversity in multiparous females, although this group tended to exhibit higher attentional abilities than M-NB females. These results suggest that adversity acutely reduces morphological plasticity in the maternal mPFC during lactation, an effect that is not associated with significant changes in stress responses and/or glucocorticoid production. Medial PFC morphological changes induced by LB subside during a subsequent lactation as does the effect of maternity itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Opala
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, Quebec, QC H4H 1R3, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Silvanna Verlezza
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, Quebec, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Hong Long
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, Quebec, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Denisa Rusu
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, Quebec, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Barbara Woodside
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Claire-Dominique Walker
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, Quebec, QC H4H 1R3, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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18
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Prouty EW, Chandler DJ, Gao WJ, Waterhouse BD. Selective vulnerability of dorsal raphe-medial prefrontal cortex projection neurons to corticosterone-induced hypofunction. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:1712-1726. [PMID: 30687960 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones and serotonin (5-HT) are strongly associated with the development and treatment of depression, respectively. Glucocorticoids regulate the function of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), which are the major source of 5-HT to the forebrain. DR 5-HT neurons are electrophysiologically heterogeneous, though whether this phenotypic variation aligns with specific brain functions or neuropsychiatric disease states is largely unknown. The goal of this work was to determine if chronic exogenous glucocorticoid administration differentially affects the electrophysiological profile of DR neurons implicated in the regulation of emotion versus visual sensation by comparing properties of cells projecting to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) versus lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Following retrograde tracer injection into mPFC or LGN, male Sprague-Dawley rats received daily injections of corticosterone (CORT) for 21 days, after which whole-cell patch clamp recordings were made from retrogradely labeled DR neurons. CORT-treatment significantly increased the action potential half-width of LGN-projecting DR neurons, but did not significantly affect the firing frequency or excitatory postsynaptic currents of these cells. CORT-treatment significantly reduced the input resistance, evoked firing frequency, and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency of mPFC-projecting DR neurons, indicating a concurrent reduction of both intrinsic excitability and excitatory drive. Our results suggest that the serotonergic regulation of cognitive and emotional networks in the mPFC may be more sensitive to the effects of glucocorticoid excess than visual sensory circuits in the LGN and that reduced 5-HT transmission in the mPFC may underlie the association between glucocorticoid excess and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W Prouty
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel J Chandler
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Barry D Waterhouse
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey
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19
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Fiacco S, Walther A, Ehlert U. Steroid secretion in healthy aging. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 105:64-78. [PMID: 30314729 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, people spend a considerable amount of their lives as older adults, but this longer lifespan is often accompanied by an increase in chronic conditions and disease, resulting in reduced quality of life and unprecedented societal and economic burden. Healthy aging is therefore increasingly recognized as a healthcare priority. Physical and mental adaptations to changes over the life course, and the maintenance of well-being, represent pivotal challenges in healthy aging. To capture the complexity of healthy aging, we propose a specific phenotype based on body composition, cognition, mood, and sexual function as indicators of different dimensions of healthy aging. With increasing age, sex hormones as well as glucocorticoids undergo significant alterations, and different patterns emerge for women and men. This review describes age-related patterns of change for women and men, and sheds light on the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, an overview is provided of the challenges for healthy aging resulting from these age-related steroid alterations. While clinical practice guidelines recommend hormonal treatment only in the case of consistently low hormone levels and symptoms of hormone deficiency, physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle emerge as preventive strategies which can counter age-related hormonal changes and at best prevent chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Fiacco
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; URPP Dynamics of Healthy Aging Research Priority Program, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Walther
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Biopsychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; URPP Dynamics of Healthy Aging Research Priority Program, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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20
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Yamamuro K, Yoshino H, Ogawa Y, Makinodan M, Toritsuka M, Yamashita M, Corfas G, Kishimoto T. Social Isolation During the Critical Period Reduces Synaptic and Intrinsic Excitability of a Subtype of Pyramidal Cell in Mouse Prefrontal Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2019; 28:998-1010. [PMID: 28158488 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile social experience is crucial for the functional development of forebrain regions, especially the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We previously reported that social isolation for 2 weeks after weaning induces prefrontal cortex dysfunction and hypomyelination. However, the effect of social isolation on physiological properties of PFC neuronal circuit remained unknown. Since hypomyelination due to isolation is prominent in deep-layer of medial PFC (mPFC), we focused on 2 types of Layer-5 pyramidal cells in the mPFC: prominent h-current (PH) cells and nonprominent h-current (non-PH) cells. We found that a 2-week social isolation after weaning leads to a specific deterioration in action potential properties and reduction in excitatory synaptic inputs in PH cells. The effects of social isolation on PH cells, which involve reduction in functional glutamatergic synapses and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-d-aspartate charge ratio, are specific to the 2 weeks after weaning and to the mPFC. We conclude that juvenile social experience plays crucial roles in the functional development in a subtype of Layer-5 pyramidal cells in the mPFC. Since these neurons project to subcortical structures, a deficit in social experience during the critical period may result in immature neural circuitry between mPFC and subcortical targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Yamamuro
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yoshino
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yoichi Ogawa
- Department of Physiology I, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Manabu Makinodan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Michihiro Toritsuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamashita
- Center for Medical Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Gabriel Corfas
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Toshifumi Kishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
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21
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Spencer-Segal JL, Akil H. Glucocorticoids and resilience. Horm Behav 2019; 111:131-134. [PMID: 30448249 PMCID: PMC7384477 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
All organisms endure frequent challenges to homeostasis, or stressors, that require adaptation. Depending on the individual, the context, and the magnitude of stress, this active adaptation can lead to behavioral susceptibility or resilience. The latter is an under-appreciated consequence of stress, as the damaging effects of chronic stress and chronically elevated glucocorticoids have received much more attention. We suggest here that neural pathways promoting resilience are initiated at the time of stress, and that they involve glucocorticoid signaling. By focusing on the neurobiology of resilience induction and the identification of vulnerable individuals, we may be able to intervene in the future at the time of stress to promote positive adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Spencer-Segal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Huda Akil
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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22
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Bittar TP, Nair BB, Kim JS, Chandrasekera D, Sherrington A, Iremonger KJ. Corticosterone mediated functional and structural plasticity in corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Neuropharmacology 2019; 154:79-86. [PMID: 30771372 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Corticosteroid stress hormones drive a multitude of adaptations in the brain. Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons control the circulating levels of corticosteroid stress hormones in the body and are themselves highly sensitive to corticosteroids. CRH neurons have been shown to undergo various adaptions in response to acute stress hormone elevations. However, their structural and physiological changes under chronically elevated corticosterone are less clear. To address this, we determined the structural and functional changes in CRH neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus following 14 days of corticosterone treatment. We find that prolonged corticosterone elevation reduces CRH neuron intrinsic excitability as measured by summation of subthreshold postsynaptic depolarisations and spiking output. We find that under normal conditions, CRH neurons have a relatively compact and simple dendritic arbor, with a low density of somatic and dendritic spines. Interestingly, the axon originated from a proximal dendrite close to the soma in approximately half of the CRH neurons reconstructed. While prolonged elevation in corticosterone levels did not result in any changes to gross dendritic morphology, it induced a significant reduction in both somatic and dendritic spine density. Together these data reveal the morphological features of hypothalamic CRH neurons and highlight their capacity to undergo functional and morphological plasticity in response to chronic corticosterone elevations. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Hypothalamic Control of Homeostasis'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault P Bittar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Betina B Nair
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Joon S Kim
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Dhananjie Chandrasekera
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Aidan Sherrington
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Karl J Iremonger
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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23
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Tactile Stimulation on Adulthood Modifies the HPA Axis, Neurotrophic Factors, and GFAP Signaling Reverting Depression-Like Behavior in Female Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:6239-6250. [PMID: 30741369 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a common psychiatric disease which pharmacological treatment relieves symptoms, but still far from ideal. Tactile stimulation (TS) has shown beneficial influences in neuropsychiatric disorders, but the mechanism of action is not clear. Here, we evaluated the TS influence when applied on adult female rats previously exposed to a reserpine-induced depression-like animal model. Immediately after reserpine model (1 mg/kg/mL, 1×/day, for 3 days), female Wistar rats were submitted to TS (15 min, 3×/day, for 8 days) or not (unhandled). Imipramine (10 mg/kg/mL) was used as positive control. After behavioral assessments, animals were euthanized to collect plasma and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Behavioral observations in the forced swimming test, splash test, and sucrose preference confirmed the reserpine-induced depression-like behavior, which was reversed by TS. Our findings showed that reserpine increased plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B, and increased proBDNF immunoreactivity in the PFC, which were also reversed by TS. Moreover, TS reestablished glial fibrillary acidic protein and glucocorticoid receptor levels, decreased by reserpine in PFC, while glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor was increased by TS per se. Our outcomes are showing that TS applied in adulthood exerts a beneficial influence in depression-like behaviors, modulating the HPA axis and regulating neurotrophic factors more effectively than imipramine. Based on this, our proposal is that TS, in the long term, could be considered a new therapeutic strategy for neuropsychiatric disorders improvement in adult life, which may represent an interesting contribution to conventional pharmacological treatment.
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Coordination between Prefrontal Cortex Clock Gene Expression and Corticosterone Contributes to Enhanced Conditioned Fear Extinction Recall. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0455-18. [PMID: 30627637 PMCID: PMC6325539 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0455-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with impaired conditioned fear extinction learning, a ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC)-dependent process. PTSD is also associated with dysregulation of vmPFC, circadian, and glucocorticoid hormone function. Rats have rhythmic clock gene expression in the vmPFC that requires appropriate diurnal circulatory patterns of corticosterone (CORT), suggesting the presence of CORT-entrained intrinsic circadian clock function within the PFC. We examined the role of vmPFC clock gene expression and its interaction with CORT profiles in regulation of auditory conditioned fear extinction learning. Extinction learning and recall were examined in male rats trained and tested either in the night (active phase) or in the day (inactive phase). Using a viral vector strategy, Per1 and Per2 clock gene expression were selectively knocked down within the vmPFC. Circulating CORT profiles were manipulated via adrenalectomy (ADX) ± diurnal and acute CORT replacement. Rats trained and tested during the night exhibited superior conditioned fear extinction recall that was absent in rats that had knock-down of vmPFC clock gene expression. Similarly, the superior nighttime extinction recall was absent in ADX rats, but restored in ADX rats given a combination of a diurnal pattern of CORT and acute elevation of CORT during the postextinction training consolidation period. Thus, conditioned fear extinction learning is regulated in a diurnal fashion that requires normal vmPFC clock gene expression and a combination of circadian and training-associated CORT. Strategic manipulation of these factors may enhance the therapeutic outcome of conditioned fear extinction related treatments in the clinical setting.
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25
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Barfield ET, Gourley SL. Prefrontal cortical trkB, glucocorticoids, and their interactions in stress and developmental contexts. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:535-558. [PMID: 30477984 PMCID: PMC6392187 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tropomyosin/tyrosine receptor kinase B (trkB) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulate neuron structure and function and the hormonal stress response. Meanwhile, disruption of trkB and GR activity (e.g., by chronic stress) can perturb neuronal morphology in cortico-limbic regions implicated in stressor-related illnesses like depression. Further, several of the short- and long-term neurobehavioral consequences of stress depend on the developmental timing and context of stressor exposure. We review how the levels and activities of trkB and GR in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) change during development, interact, are modulated by stress, and are implicated in depression. We review evidence that trkB- and GR-mediated signaling events impact the density and morphology of dendritic spines, the primary sites of excitatory synapses in the brain, highlighting effects in adolescents when possible. Finally, we review the role of neurotrophin and glucocorticoid systems in stress-related metaplasticity. We argue that better understanding the long-term effects of developmental stressors on PFC trkB, GR, and related factors may yield insights into risk for chronic, remitting depression and related neuropsychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Barfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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26
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Wosiski-Kuhn M, Bota M, Snider CA, Wilson SP, Venkataraju KU, Osten P, Stranahan AM. Hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor determines recruitment of anatomically connected networks after stress in diabetic mice. Hippocampus 2018; 28:900-912. [PMID: 30098276 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes increases adrenal steroids in humans and animal models, but potential interactions with psychological stress remain poorly understood. Diabetic rodents exhibit anxiety and reductions in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, and these studies investigated whether loss of BDNF-driven hippocampal activity promotes anxiety and disinhibits the HPA axis. Mice with genetic obesity and diabetes (db/db) received intrahippocampal injections of lentivirus for BDNF overexpression (db/db-BDNFOE), and Wt mice received lentiviral constructs for BDNF knockdown (Wt-BDNFKD). Behavioral anxiety and glucocorticoid responses to acute restraint were compared with mice that received a fluorescent reporter (Wt-GFP, db/db-GFP). These experiments revealed that changes in hippocampal BDNF were necessary and sufficient for behavioral anxiety and HPA axis disinhibition. To examine patterns of stress-induced regional activity, we used algorithmic detection of cFos and automated segmentation of forebrain regions to generate maps of functional covariance, which were subsequently aligned with anatomical connectivity weights from the Brain Architecture Management database. db/db-GFP mice exhibited reduced activation of the hippocampal ventral subiculum (vSub) and anterior bed nucleus of stria terminalis (aBNST), and increases in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH), relative to Wt-GFP. BDNFKD recapitulated this pattern in Wt mice, and BDNFOE normalized activation of the vSub > aBNST > PVH pathway in db/db mice. Analysis of forebrain activation revealed largely overlapping patterns of network disruption in db/db-GFP and Wt-BDNFKD mice, implicating BDNF-driven hippocampal activity as a determinant of stress vulnerability in both the intact and diabetic brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlena Wosiski-Kuhn
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Mihail Bota
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Christina A Snider
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Steven P Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina
| | | | - Pavel Osten
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Alexis M Stranahan
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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27
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Jenkins S, Harker A, Gibb R. Maternal Preconception Stress Alters Prefrontal Cortex Development in Long-Evans Rat Pups without Changing Maternal Care. Neuroscience 2018; 394:98-108. [PMID: 30366025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Stress during development can shift the typical developmental trajectory. Maternal stress prior to conception has recently been shown to exert similar influences on the offspring. The present study questioned if a consistent maternal stressor prior to conception (elevated platform stress) would impact the pre-weaning development of offspring brain and behavior, and if maternal care was vulnerable to this experience. Adult female Long-Evans rats were subjected to elevated platform stress for 27 days prior to mating with non-stressed males. Maternal care was monitored, and pups were assessed in two tests of early behavioral development, negative geotaxis and open field. Pups were perfused at weaning and their brains were extracted and stained with Cresyl Violet, allowing gross measurements of cortical and subcortical structures and estimates of neuron density. Main findings indicate that a change in prefrontal cortical thickness is evident despite no change in maternal care. Female offspring show a decrease in medial-dorsal thalamus size. The current study failed to find an effect of maternal preconception stress on early behavioral development. These results suggest that the PFC, and likely behavior dependent on the PFC, is vulnerable to maternal preconception stress and that a strong sex effect is evident. Further studies should examine how such offspring fare using a lifespan model and investigate potential mechanisms responsible for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Jenkins
- Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Allonna Harker
- Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Robbin Gibb
- Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.
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28
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Pinzón-Parra C, Vidal-Jiménez B, Camacho-Abrego I, Flores-Gómez AA, Rodríguez-Moreno A, Flores G. Juvenile stress causes reduced locomotor behavior and dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala in Sprague-Dawley rats. Synapse 2018; 73:e22066. [DOI: 10.1002/syn.22066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Pinzón-Parra
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología; Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla; Puebla México
| | - Blanca Vidal-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología; Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla; Puebla México
| | - Israel Camacho-Abrego
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología; Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla; Puebla México
| | - Alejandra A. Flores-Gómez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud; Licenciatura en Medicina, Universidad de las Américas Puebla; Cholula, Puebla México
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Celular y Plasticidad; Benemérita Universidad Pablo de Olavide; Sevilla España
| | - Gonzalo Flores
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología; Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla; Puebla México
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29
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McQuail JA, Krause EG, Setlow B, Scheuer DA, Bizon JL. Stress-induced corticosterone secretion covaries with working memory in aging. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 71:156-160. [PMID: 30144648 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A substantial literature details the relationship between age-related changes to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and deterioration of mnemonic functions that depend on the hippocampus. The relationship between adrenocortical status and other forms of memory that depend on the prefrontal cortex is less well understood in the context of advanced age. Here, we characterized performance of young adult and aged F344 rats on a prefrontal cortex-dependent working memory task and subsequently measured corticosterone (CORT) levels over the diurnal cycle and during exposure to an acute stressor. Our analyses revealed that aged rats with better working memory mounted a greater CORT response during acute stress exposure than either young adults or age-matched rats with impaired working memory. We also observed that age-related elevation of basal CORT levels is not associated with working memory performance. Jointly, these data reveal that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-mediated response to acute stress is positively associated with working memory in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A McQuail
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Eric G Krause
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Deborah A Scheuer
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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30
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McReynolds JR, Doncheck EM, Li Y, Vranjkovic O, Graf EN, Ogasawara D, Cravatt BF, Baker DA, Liu QS, Hillard CJ, Mantsch JR. Stress Promotes Drug Seeking Through Glucocorticoid-Dependent Endocannabinoid Mobilization in the Prelimbic Cortex. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:85-94. [PMID: 29100630 PMCID: PMC5889367 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical reports suggest that rather than directly driving cocaine use, stress may create a biological context within which other triggers for drug use become more potent. We hypothesize that stress-induced increases in corticosterone "set the stage" for relapse by promoting endocannabinoid-induced attenuation of inhibitory transmission in the prelimbic cortex (PL). METHODS We have established a rat model for these stage-setting effects of stress. In this model, neither a stressor (electric footshock) nor stress-level corticosterone treatment alone reinstates cocaine seeking following self-administration and extinction, but each treatment potentiates reinstatement in response to an otherwise subthreshold cocaine priming dose (2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). The contributions of endocannabinoid signaling in the PL to the effects of stress-level corticosterone on PL neurotransmission and cocaine seeking were determined using intra-PL microinfusions. Endocannabinoid-dependent effects of corticosterone on inhibitory synaptic transmission in the rat PL were determined using whole-cell recordings in layer V pyramidal neurons. RESULTS Corticosterone application attenuated inhibitory synaptic transmission in the PL via cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R)- and 2-arachidonoylglycerol-dependent inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid release without altering postsynaptic responses. The ability of systemic stress-level corticosterone treatment to potentiate cocaine-primed reinstatement was recapitulated by intra-PL injection of corticosterone, the CB1R agonist WIN 55,212-2, or the monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor URB602. Corticosterone effects on reinstatement were attenuated by intra-PL injections of either the CB1R antagonist, AM251, or the diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, DO34. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that stress-induced increases in corticosterone promote cocaine seeking by mobilizing 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the PL, resulting in CB1R-mediated attenuation of inhibitory transmission in this brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayme R. McReynolds
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | | | - Yan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Oliver Vranjkovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Evan N. Graf
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Daisuke Ogasawara
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - David A. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Qing-song Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Cecilia J. Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - John R. Mantsch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
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31
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Maynard KR, Hobbs JW, Rajpurohit SK, Martinowich K. Electroconvulsive seizures influence dendritic spine morphology and BDNF expression in a neuroendocrine model of depression. Brain Stimul 2018; 11:856-859. [PMID: 29674117 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a rapid and effective treatment for major depressive disorder. Chronic stress-induced depression causes dendrite atrophy and deficiencies in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which are reversed by anti-depressant drugs. Electroconvulsive seizures (ECS), an animal model of ECT, robustly increase BDNF expression and stimulate dendritic outgrowth. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to understand cellular and molecular plasticity mechanisms contributing to the efficacy of ECS following chronic stress-induced depression. METHODS We quantify Bdnf transcript levels and dendritic spine density and morphology on cortical pyramidal neurons in mice exposed to vehicle or corticosterone and receiving either Sham or ECS treatment. RESULTS ECS rescues corticosterone-induced defects in spine morphology and elevates Bdnf exon 1 and exon 4-containing transcripts in cortex. CONCLUSIONS Dendritic spine remodeling and induction of activity-induced BDNF in the cortex represent important cellular and molecular plasticity mechanisms underlying the efficacy of ECS for treatment of chronic stress-induced depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen R Maynard
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - John W Hobbs
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Sumita K Rajpurohit
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Keri Martinowich
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States.
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32
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Zhai ZW, Yip SW, Morie KP, Sinha R, Mayes LC, Potenza MN. Substance-use initiation moderates the effect of stress on white-matter microstructure in adolescents. Am J Addict 2018; 27:217-224. [PMID: 29569312 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While childhood stress may contribute risk to substance-use initiation and differences in brain white-matter development, understanding of the potential impact of substance-use initiation on the relationship between experienced stress and white-matter microstructure remains limited. OBJECTIVES This study examined whether substance-use initiation moderated the effect of perceived stress on white-matter differences using measures of primary white-matter fiber anisotropy. METHODS Forty adolescents (age 14.75 ± .87 years) were assessed on the Perceived Stress Scale, and 50% were determined to have presence of substance-use initiation. White-matter microstructure was examined using primary-fiber orientations anisotropy, which may reflect white-matter integrity, modeled separately from other fiber orientations in the same voxels. Analyses were conducted on regions of interest previously associated with childhood stress and substance use. RESULTS Lower perceived stress and presence of substance-use initiation were related to greater right cingulum primary-fiber measures. Substance-use-initiation status moderated the association between perceived stress and right cingulum primary-fiber measures, such that higher perceived stress was associated with lower right cingulum primary-fiber anisotropy in adolescents without substance-use initiation, but not in those with substance-use initiation. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Findings in primary-fiber anisotropy suggest differences in right cingulum white-matter integrity is associated with substance-use initiation in higher-stress adolescents. This reflects a possible pre-existing risk factor, an impact of early substance use, or a combination thereof. Examination of potential markers associated with substance-use initiation in white-matter microstructure among stress-exposed youth warrant additional investigation as such biomarkers may inform efforts relating to tailored interventions. (Am J Addict 2018;27:217-224).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu Wei Zhai
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sarah W Yip
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kristen P Morie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Linda C Mayes
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Departments of Epidemiology, Pediatrics, and Psychology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut
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33
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Pinheiro H, Gaspar R, Baptista FI, Fontes-Ribeiro CA, Ambrósio AF, Gomes CA. Adenosine A 2A Receptor Blockade Modulates Glucocorticoid-Induced Morphological Alterations in Axons, But Not in Dendrites, of Hippocampal Neurons. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:219. [PMID: 29615903 PMCID: PMC5868516 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The exposure to supra-physiological levels of glucocorticoids in prenatal life can lead to a long-term impact in brain cytoarchitecture, increasing the susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. Dexamethasone, an exogenous glucocorticoid widely used in pregnant women in risk of preterm delivery, is associated with higher rates of neuropsychiatric conditions throughout life of the descendants. In animal models, prenatal dexamethasone exposure leads to anxious-like behavior and increased susceptibility to depressive-like behavior in adulthood, concomitant with alterations in neuronal morphology in brain regions implicated in the control of emotions and mood. The pharmacologic blockade of the purinergic adenosine A2A receptor, which was previously described as anxiolytic, is also able to modulate neuronal morphology, namely in the hippocampus. Additionally, recent observations point to an interaction between glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and adenosine A2A receptors. In this work, we explored the impact of dexamethasone on neuronal morphology, and the putative implication of adenosine A2A receptor in the mediation of dexamethasone effects. We report that in vitro hippocampal neurons exposed to dexamethasone (250 nM), in the early phases of development, exhibit a polarized morphology alteration: dendritic atrophy and axonal hypertrophy. While the effect of dexamethasone in the axon is dependent on the activation of adenosine A2A receptor, the effect in the dendrites relies on the activation of GRs, regardless of the activation of adenosine A2A receptor. These results support the hypothesis of the interaction between GRs and adenosine A2A receptors and the potential therapeutic value of modulating adenosine A2A receptors activation in order to prevent glucocorticoid-induced alterations in developing neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pinheiro
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Gaspar
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa I Baptista
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Fontes-Ribeiro
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António F Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina A Gomes
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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34
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Juszczak GR, Stankiewicz AM. Glucocorticoids, genes and brain function. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 82:136-168. [PMID: 29180230 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The identification of key genes in transcriptomic data constitutes a huge challenge. Our review of microarray reports revealed 88 genes whose transcription is consistently regulated by glucocorticoids (GCs), such as cortisol, corticosterone and dexamethasone, in the brain. Replicable transcriptomic data were combined with biochemical and physiological data to create an integrated view of the effects induced by GCs. The most frequently reported genes were Errfi1 and Ddit4. Their up-regulation was associated with the altered transcription of genes regulating growth factor and mTORC1 signaling (Gab1, Tsc22d3, Dusp1, Ndrg2, Ppp5c and Sesn1) and progression of the cell cycle (Ccnd1, Cdkn1a and Cables1). The GC-induced reprogramming of cell function involves changes in the mRNA level of genes responsible for the regulation of transcription (Klf9, Bcl6, Klf15, Tle3, Cxxc5, Litaf, Tle4, Jun, Sox4, Sox2, Sox9, Irf1, Sall2, Nfkbia and Id1) and the selective degradation of mRNA (Tob2). Other genes are involved in the regulation of metabolism (Gpd1, Aldoc and Pdk4), actin cytoskeleton (Myh2, Nedd9, Mical2, Rhou, Arl4d, Osbpl3, Arhgef3, Sdc4, Rdx, Wipf3, Chst1 and Hepacam), autophagy (Eva1a and Plekhf1), vesicular transport (Rhob, Ehd3, Vps37b and Scamp2), gap junctions (Gjb6), immune response (Tiparp, Mertk, Lyve1 and Il6r), signaling mediated by thyroid hormones (Thra and Sult1a1), calcium (Calm2), adrenaline/noradrenaline (Adcy9 and Adra1d), neuropeptide Y (Npy1r) and histamine (Hdc). GCs also affected genes involved in the synthesis of polyamines (Azin1) and taurine (Cdo1). The actions of GCs are restrained by feedback mechanisms depending on the transcription of Sgk1, Fkbp5 and Nr3c1. A side effect induced by GCs is increased production of reactive oxygen species. Available data show that the brain's response to GCs is part of an emergency mode characterized by inactivation of non-core activities, restrained inflammation, restriction of investments (growth), improved efficiency of energy production and the removal of unnecessary or malfunctioning cellular components to conserve energy and maintain nutrient supply during the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz R Juszczak
- Department of Animal Behavior, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Jastrzebiec, ul. Postepu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland.
| | - Adrian M Stankiewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Jastrzebiec, ul. Postepu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
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The Stress-Induced Transcription Factor NR4A1 Adjusts Mitochondrial Function and Synapse Number in Prefrontal Cortex. J Neurosci 2018; 38:1335-1350. [PMID: 29295823 PMCID: PMC5815341 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2793-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The energetic costs of behavioral chronic stress are unlikely to be sustainable without neuronal plasticity. Mitochondria have the capacity to handle synaptic activity up to a limit before energetic depletion occurs. Protective mechanisms driven by the induction of neuronal genes likely evolved to buffer the consequences of chronic stress on excitatory neurons in prefrontal cortex (PFC), as this circuitry is vulnerable to excitotoxic insults. Little is known about the genes involved in mitochondrial adaptation to the buildup of chronic stress. Using combinations of genetic manipulations and stress for analyzing structural, transcriptional, mitochondrial, and behavioral outcomes, we characterized NR4A1 as a stress-inducible modifier of mitochondrial energetic competence and dendritic spine number in PFC. NR4A1 acted as a transcription factor for changing the expression of target genes previously involved in mitochondrial uncoupling, AMP-activated protein kinase activation, and synaptic growth. Maintenance of NR4A1 activity by chronic stress played a critical role in the regressive synaptic organization in PFC of mouse models of stress (male only). Knockdown, dominant-negative approach, and knockout of Nr4a1 in mice and rats (male only) protected pyramidal neurons against the adverse effects of chronic stress. In human PFC tissues of men and women, high levels of the transcriptionally active NR4A1 correlated with measures of synaptic loss and cognitive impairment. In the context of chronic stress, prolonged expression and activity of NR4A1 may lead to responses of mitochondria and synaptic connectivity that do not match environmental demand, resulting in circuit malfunction between PFC and other brain regions, constituting a pathological feature across disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The bioenergetic cost of chronic stress is too high to be sustainable by pyramidal prefrontal neurons. Cellular checkpoints have evolved to adjust the responses of mitochondria and synapses to the buildup of chronic stress. NR4A1 plays such a role by controlling the energetic competence of mitochondria with respect to synapse number. As an immediate-early gene, Nr4a1 promotes neuronal plasticity, but sustained expression or activity can be detrimental. NR4A1 expression and activity is sustained by chronic stress in animal models and in human studies of neuropathologies sensitive to the buildup of chronic stress. Therefore, antagonism of NR4A1 is a promising avenue for preventing the regressive synaptic reorganization in cortical systems in the context of chronic stress.
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Buhusi M, Olsen K, Buhusi CV. Increased temporal discounting after chronic stress in CHL1-deficient mice is reversed by 5-HT2C agonist Ro 60-0175. Neuroscience 2017; 357:110-118. [PMID: 28583411 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which impaired decision-making and goal-directed behaviors are core features. One of the genes associated with schizophrenia is the Close Homolog of L1 (CHL1); CHL1-deficient mice are considered a model of schizophrenia-like deficits, including sensorimotor gating, interval timing and spatial memory impairments. Here we investigated temporal discounting in CHL1-deficient (KO) mice and their wild-type littermates. Although no discounting differences were found under baseline conditions, CHL1-KO mice showed increased impulsive choice following chronic unpredictable stress (fewer % larger-later choices, and reduced area under the discounting curve). Stressed CHL1-KO mice also showed decreased neuronal activation (number of cFos positive neurons) in the discounting task in the prelimbic cortex and dorsal striatum, areas thought to be part of executive and temporal processing circuits. Impulsive choice alterations were reversed by the 5-HT2C agonist Ro 60-0175. Our results provide evidence for a gene x environment, double-hit model of stress-related decision-making impairments, and identify CHL1-deficient mice as a mouse model for these deficits in regard to schizophrenia-like phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Buhusi
- Utah State University, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Dept. Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, United States.
| | - Kaitlin Olsen
- Utah State University, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Dept. Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, United States
| | - Catalin V Buhusi
- Utah State University, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Dept. Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, United States
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Chiappelli J, Kochunov P, Savransky A, Fisseha F, Wisner K, Du X, Rowland LM, Hong LE. Allostatic load and reduced cortical thickness in schizophrenia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 77:105-111. [PMID: 28027496 PMCID: PMC5336512 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Structural imaging studies have consistently found reduced gray matter thickness of the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia, a finding that is evident in first episode psychosis and may be progressive in some cases. Although genetic predisposition and medication effects may contribute to cortical thinning, we hypothesize that the cumulative effects of stress may represent an environmental factor impacting brain morphology in schizophrenia. We examined the relationship between allostatic load, an index of peripheral biomarkers representing the cumulative effects of stress, and cortical thickness. Allostatic load was calculated for 44 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and 33 normal controls (NC) based on 13 cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic measurements. Controlling for age, SSD had significantly elevated allostatic load as compared with NC (p=0.008). Controlling for age, whole brain average cortical thickness was lower in SSD patients compared to NC (p=0.008). However, once allostatic load was accounted for, the group difference in cortical thickness became marginal (p=0.058). Exploratory analyses on subcomponents of allostatic load suggested that elevated immune marker C-reactive protein, stress hormones, and cardiovascular indices within allostatic load were more strongly associated with reduced cortical thickness in SSD. In NC, only the association between immune marker C-reactive protein and cortical thickness was replicated. These results support the hypothesis that allostatic load may account for some of the gray matter deficits observed in schizophrenia. Among the allostatic indices, the inflammatory mechanism appears particularly relevant to cortical thickness in both schizophrenia patients and normal controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Chiappelli
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Ross RA, Foster SL, Ionescu DF. The Role of Chronic Stress in Anxious Depression. CHRONIC STRESS 2017; 1:2470547016689472. [PMID: 32440578 PMCID: PMC7219927 DOI: 10.1177/2470547016689472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a heterogeneous disease with many different subtypes. Patients with the anxious depression-a common subtype of major depression-are at an increased risk for treatment-resistance to standard antidepressants, with resultant increases in morbidity. However, the underlying pathophysiology of anxious depression remains unknown. Without such knowledge, the development of targeted treatments towards this specific depression subtype will likely remain elusive. One method by which research into the neurobiology of anxious depression may prove fruitful is with the research domain criteria (RDoC). RDoC provides a framework for investigation into the underlying pathophysiology of mental illness. By studying disorders in terms of RDoC constructs-such as the sustained threat construct of the negative valence system-new insights may be gained into neurobiological mechanisms of disease. These mechanisms may be useful for the development of novel antidepressants that are based on specific brain targets. Specifically, we review the impact that sustained threat-or chronic stress-has on the eventual development of depression (especially anxious depression) through pathological changes to molecules, cells, neurocircuitry, physiology, and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Simmie L Foster
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Dawn F Ionescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Gipson CD, Olive MF. Structural and functional plasticity of dendritic spines - root or result of behavior? GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 16:101-117. [PMID: 27561549 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are multifunctional integrative units of the nervous system and are highly diverse and dynamic in nature. Both internal and external stimuli influence dendritic spine density and morphology on the order of minutes. It is clear that the structural plasticity of dendritic spines is related to changes in synaptic efficacy, learning and memory and other cognitive processes. However, it is currently unclear whether structural changes in dendritic spines are primary instigators of changes in specific behaviors, a consequence of behavioral changes, or both. In this review, we first examine the basic structure and function of dendritic spines in the brain, as well as laboratory methods to characterize and quantify morphological changes in dendritic spines. We then discuss the existing literature on the temporal and functional relationship between changes in dendritic spines in specific brain regions and changes in specific behaviors mediated by those regions. Although technological advancements have allowed us to better understand the functional relevance of structural changes in dendritic spines that are influenced by environmental stimuli, the role of spine dynamics as an underlying driver or consequence of behavior still remains elusive. We conclude that while it is likely that structural changes in dendritic spines are both instigators and results of behavioral changes, improved research tools and methods are needed to experimentally and directly manipulate spine dynamics in order to more empirically delineate the relationship between spine structure and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Gipson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - M F Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Buhusi M, Olsen K, Yang BZ, Buhusi CV. Stress-Induced Executive Dysfunction in GDNF-Deficient Mice, A Mouse Model of Parkinsonism. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:114. [PMID: 27445722 PMCID: PMC4914592 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Maladaptive reactivity to stress is linked to improper decision making, impulsivity, and discounting of delayed rewards. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) alters dopaminergic function, re-shapes dopaminergic circuits in key areas involved in decision making, and impairs prefrontal-cortex dependent response inhibition and working memory. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is essential for regulating dopamine (DA) release in the basal ganglia and for the survival of dopaminergic neurons; GDNF-deficient mice are considered an animal model for aging-related Parkinsonism. Recently, GDNF expression in the striatum has been linked to resilience to stress. Here we investigated the effects of CUS on decision making in GDNF-heterozygous (HET) mice and their wild-type littermate controls (WT). Before CUS no differences in temporal discounting (TD) were found between genotypes. However, following CUS GDNF HET mice, having a partial reduction of GDNF levels, showed increased impulsive choice indexed by a reduction in percent Larger-Later (LL) choices in the TD paradigm, and a reduction in area under the TD curve. Moreover, stressed GDNF HET mice, but not their WT controls, showed decreased neuronal activation (number of cFos positive neurons) in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), nucleus accumbens (NA) core, and NA shell, suggestive of a maladaptive response to stress. Interestingly, area under the TD curve positively correlated with cFos activation in the NA core, and NA shell, but not with orbitofrontal activity. These results provide further evidence of the differential involvement of the OFC, NA core, and NA shell in impulsive choice, and identify GDNF-deficient mice as a double-hit (gene × environment) model of stress-related executive dysfunction, particularly relevant to substance abuse and Parkinson’s disease (PD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Buhusi
- Department of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA
| | - Kaitlin Olsen
- Department of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA
| | - Benjamin Z Yang
- Department of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA
| | - Catalin V Buhusi
- Department of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA
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