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Domin H, Śmiałowska M. The diverse role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its CRF1 and CRF2 receptors under pathophysiological conditions: Insights into stress/anxiety, depression, and brain injury processes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105748. [PMID: 38857667 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF, corticoliberin) is a neuromodulatory peptide activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) in mammals. In addition to its neuroendocrine effects, CRF is essential in regulating many functions under physiological and pathophysiological conditions through CRF1 and CRF2 receptors (CRF1R, CRF2R). This review aims to present selected examples of the diverse and sometimes opposite effects of CRF and its receptor ligands in various pathophysiological states, including stress/anxiety, depression, and processes associated with brain injury. It seems interesting to draw particular attention to the fact that CRF and its receptor ligands exert different effects depending on the brain structures or subregions, likely stemming from the varied distribution of CRFRs in these regions and interactions with other neurotransmitters. CRFR-mediated region-specific effects might also be related to brain site-specific ligand binding and the associated activated signaling pathways. Intriguingly, different types of CRF molecules can also influence the diverse actions of CRF in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Domin
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, 12 Smętna Street, Kraków 31-343, Poland.
| | - Maria Śmiałowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, 12 Smętna Street, Kraków 31-343, Poland
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Ritchie JL, Qi S, Soto DA, Swatzell SE, Grenz HI, Pruitt AY, Artimenia LM, Cooke SK, Berridge CW, Fuchs RA. Dorsal raphe to basolateral amygdala corticotropin-releasing factor circuit regulates cocaine-memory reconsolidation. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01892-5. [PMID: 38802479 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Environmental stimuli elicit drug craving and relapse in cocaine users by triggering the retrieval of strong cocaine-related contextual memories. Retrieval can also destabilize drug memories, requiring reconsolidation, a protein synthesis-dependent storage process, to maintain memory strength. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is necessary for cocaine-memory reconsolidation. We have hypothesized that a critical source of CRF in the BLA is the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) based on its neurochemistry, anatomical connectivity, and requisite involvement in cocaine-memory reconsolidation. To test this hypothesis, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received adeno-associated viruses to express Gi-coupled designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) selectively in CRF neurons of the DR and injection cannulae directed at the BLA. The rats were trained to self-administer cocaine in a distinct environmental context then received extinction training in a different context. Next, they were briefly re-exposed to the cocaine-predictive context to destabilize (reactivate) cocaine memories. Intra-BLA infusions of the DREADD agonist deschloroclozapine (DCZ; 0.1 mM, 0.5 µL/hemisphere) immediately after memory reactivation attenuated cocaine-memory strength, relative to vehicle infusion. This was indicated by a selective, DCZ-induced and memory reactivation-dependent decrease in drug-seeking behavior in the cocaine-predictive context in DREADD-expressing males and females at test compared to respective controls. Notably, BLA-projecting DR CRF neurons that exhibited increased c-Fos expression during memory reconsolidation co-expressed the glutamatergic neuronal marker, vesicular glutamate transporter 3. Together, these findings suggest that the DRCRF → BLA circuit is engaged to maintain cocaine-memory strength after memory destabilization, and this phenomenon may be mediated by DR CRF and/or glutamate release in the BLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jobe L Ritchie
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Shuyi Qi
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - David A Soto
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Sydney E Swatzell
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Hope I Grenz
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Avery Y Pruitt
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Lilia M Artimenia
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Spencer K Cooke
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Craig W Berridge
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rita A Fuchs
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA.
- Washington State University Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program, Pullman, WA, USA.
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Ritchie JL, Qi S, Soto DA, Swatzell SE, Grenz HI, Pruitt AY, Artimenia LM, Cooke SK, Berridge CW, Fuchs RA. Dorsal Raphe to Basolateral Amygdala Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Circuit Regulates Cocaine-Memory Reconsolidation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.10.579725. [PMID: 38405858 PMCID: PMC10888894 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.10.579725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Environmental stimuli elicit drug craving and relapse in cocaine users by triggering the retrieval of strong cocainerelated contextual memories. Retrieval can also destabilize drug memories, requiring reconsolidation, a protein synthesis-dependent storage process, to maintain memory strength. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is necessary for cocainememory reconsolidation. We have hypothesized that a critical source of CRF in the BLA is the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) based on its neurochemistry, anatomical connectivity, and requisite involvement in cocaine-memory reconsolidation. To test this hypothesis, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received adeno-associated viruses to express Gi-coupled designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) selectively in CRF neurons of the DR and injection cannulae directed at the BLA. The rats were trained to self-administer cocaine in a distinct environmental context then received extinction training in a different context. They were then briefly reexposed to the cocaine-predictive context to destabilize (reactivate) cocaine memories. Intra-BLA infusions of the DREADD agonist deschloroclozapine (DCZ; 0.1 mM, 0.5 μL/hemisphere) after memory reactivation attenuated cocaine-memory strength, relative to vehicle infusion. This was indicated by a selective, DCZ-induced and memory reactivation-dependent decrease in drug-seeking behavior in the cocaine-predictive context in DREADD-expressing males and females at test compared to respective controls. Notably, BLA-projecting DR CRF neurons that exhibited increased c-Fos expression during memory reconsolidation co-expressed glutamatergic and serotonergic neuronal markers. Together, these findings suggest that the DRCRF → BLA circuit is engaged to maintain cocaine-memory strength after memory destabilization, and this phenomenon may be mediated by DR CRF, glutamate, and/or serotonin release in the BLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jobe L. Ritchie
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Shuyi Qi
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - David A. Soto
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Sydney E. Swatzell
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Hope I. Grenz
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Avery Y. Pruitt
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Lilia M. Artimenia
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Spencer K. Cooke
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Craig W. Berridge
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rita A. Fuchs
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, USA
- Washington State University Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program, Pullman, WA, USA
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Sato T, Sugaya T, Talukder AH, Tsushima Y, Sasaki S, Uchida K, Sato T, Ikoma Y, Sakimura K, Fukuda A, Matsui K, Itoi K. Dual action of serotonin on local excitatory and inhibitory neural circuits regulating the corticotropin-releasing factor neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13351. [PMID: 37901949 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Serotonergic neurons originating from the raphe nuclei have been proposed to regulate corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). Since glutamate- and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-containing neurons, constituting the hypothalamic local circuits, innervate PVH CRF neurons, we examined whether they mediate the actions of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) on CRF neurons. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) or spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) were recorded in PVH CRF neurons, under whole cell patch-clamp, using the CRF-modified yellow fluorescent protein (Venus) ΔNeo mouse. Serotonin elicited an increase in the frequency of sEPSCs in 77% of the cells and a decrease in the frequency of sIPSCs in 71% of the cells, tested in normal medium. Neither the amplitude nor decay time of sEPSC and sIPSC was affected, thus the site(s) of action of serotonin may be presynaptic. In the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX), serotonin had no significant effects on either parameter of sEPSC or sIPSC, indicating that the effects of serotonin are action potential-dependent, and that the presynaptic interneurons are largely intact within the slice; distant neurons may exist, though, since some 20%-30% of neurons did not respond to serotonin without TTX. We next examined through what receptor subtype(s) serotonin exerts its effects on presynaptic interneurons. DOI (5-HT2A/2C agonist) mimicked the action of serotonin on the sIPSCs, and the serotonin-induced decrease in sIPSC frequency was inhibited by a selective 5-HT2C antagonist RS102221. 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A/7 agonist) mimicked the action of serotonin on the sEPSCs, and the serotonin-induced increase in sEPSC frequency was inhibited by a selective 5-HT7 antagonist SB269970. Thus, serotonin showed a dual action on PVH CRF neurons, by upregulating glutamatergic- and downregulating GABAergic interneurons; the former may partly be mediated by 5-HT7 receptors, whereas the latter by 5-HT2C receptors. The CRF-Venus ΔNeo mouse was useful for the electrophysiological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Sato
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takuma Sugaya
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ashraf Hossain Talukder
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Tsushima
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shotaro Sasaki
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Katsuya Uchida
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoko Ikoma
- Super-Network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Physiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Ko Matsui
- Super-Network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keiichi Itoi
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Super-Network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Nursing, Tohoku Fukushi University, Sendai, Japan
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Chudoba R, Dabrowska J. Distinct populations of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons mediate divergent yet complementary defensive behaviors in response to a threat. Neuropharmacology 2023; 228:109461. [PMID: 36775096 PMCID: PMC10055972 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Defensive behaviors in response to a threat are shared across the animal kingdom. Active (fleeing, sheltering) or passive (freezing, avoiding) defensive responses are adaptive and facilitate survival. Selecting appropriate defensive strategy depends on intensity, proximity, temporal threat threshold, and past experiences. Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a major driver of an acute stress response, whereas extrahypothalamic CRF mediates stress-related affective behaviors. In this review, we shift the focus from a monolithic role of CRF as an anxiogenic peptide to comprehensively dissecting contributions of distinct populations of CRF neurons in mediating defensive behaviors. Direct interrogation of CRF neurons of the central amygdala (CeA) or the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) show they drive unconditioned defensive responses, such as vigilance and avoidance of open spaces. Although both populations also contribute to learned fear responses in familiar, threatening contexts, CeA-CRF neurons are particularly attuned to the ever-changing environment. Depending on threat intensities, they facilitate discrimination of salient stimuli predicting manageable threats, and prevent their generalization. Finally, hypothalamic CRF neurons mediate initial threat assessment and active defense such as escape to shelter. Overall, these three major populations of CRF neurons demonstrate divergent, yet complementary contributions to the versatile defense system: heightened vigilance, discriminating salient threats, and active escape, representing three legs of the defense tripod. Despite the 'CRF exhaustion' in the field of affective neuroscience, understanding contributions of specific CRF neurons during adaptive defensive behaviors is needed in order to understand the implications of their dysregulation in fear- and anxiety-related psychiatric disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Fear, Anxiety and PTSD".
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Chudoba
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States; School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joanna Dabrowska
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States; School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States.
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Ronan PJ, Korzan WJ, Johnson PL, Lowry CA, Renner KJ, Summers CH. Prior stress and vasopressin promote corticotropin-releasing factor inhibition of serotonin release in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1148292. [PMID: 37064300 PMCID: PMC10098171 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1148292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is essential for coordinating endocrine and neural responses to stress, frequently facilitated by vasopressin (AVP). Previous work has linked CRF hypersecretion, binding site changes, and dysfunctional serotonergic transmission with anxiety and affective disorders, including clinical depression. Crucially, CRF can alter serotonergic activity. In the dorsal raphé nucleus and serotonin (5-HT) terminal regions, CRF effects can be stimulatory or inhibitory, depending on the dose, site, and receptor type activated. Prior stress alters CRF neurotransmission and CRF-mediated behaviors. Lateral, medial, and ventral subdivisions of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) produce CRF and coordinate stress responsiveness. The purpose of these experiments was to determine the effect of intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of CRF and AVP on extracellular 5-HT as an index of 5-HT release in the CeA, using in vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. We also examined the effect of prior stress (1 h restraint, 24 h prior) on CRF- and AVP-mediated release of 5-HT within the CeA. Our results show that icv CRF infusion in unstressed animals had no effect on 5-HT release in the CeA. Conversely, in rats with prior stress, CRF caused a profound dose-dependent decrease in 5-HT release within the CeA. This effect was long-lasting (240 min) and was mimicked by CRF plus AVP infusion without stress. Thus, prior stress and AVP functionally alter CRF-mediated neurotransmission and sensitize CRF-induced inhibition of 5-HT release, suggesting that this is a potential mechanism underlying stress-induced affective reactivity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Ronan
- Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Research in Psychiatry, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Kenneth J. Renner,
| | - Wayne J. Korzan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, United States
| | - Philip L. Johnson
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
| | - Christopher A. Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Kenneth J. Renner
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Patrick J. Ronan,
| | - Cliff H. Summers
- Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- *Correspondence: Cliff H. Summers,
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Hammack SE, Braas KM, May V. Chemoarchitecture of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis: Neurophenotypic diversity and function. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 179:385-402. [PMID: 34225977 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819975-6.00025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a compact but neurophenotypically complex structure in the ventral forebrain that is structurally and functionally linked to other limbic structures, including the amygdala nuclear complex, hypothalamic nuclei, hippocampus, and related midbrain structures, to participate in a wide range of functions, especially emotion, emotional learning, stress-related responses, and sexual behaviors. From a variety of sensory inputs, the BNST acts as a node for signal integration and coordination for information relay to downstream central neuroendocrine and autonomic centers for appropriate homeostatic physiological and behavioral responses. In contrast to the role of the amygdala in fear, the BNST has gained wide interest from work suggesting that it has main roles in mediating sustained responses to diffuse, unpredictable and/or long-duration threats that are typically associated with anxiety-related responses. Further, some BNST subregions are highly sexually dimorphic which appear contributory to the differential stress and social interactive behaviors, including reproductive responses, between males and females. Notably, maladaptive BNST neuroplasticity and function have been implicated in chronic pain, depression, anxiety-related abnormalities, and other psychopathologies including posttraumatic stress disorders. The BNST circuits are predominantly GABAergic-the glutaminergic neurons represent a minor population-but the complexity of the system results from an overlay of diverse neuropeptide coexpression in these neurons. More than a dozen neuropeptides may be differentially coexpressed in BNST neurons, and from variable G protein-coupled receptor signaling, may inhibit or activate downstream circuit activities. The mechanisms and roles of these peptides in modulating intrinsic BNST neurocircuit signaling and BNST long-distance target cell projections are still not well understood. Nevertheless, an understanding of some of the principal players may allow assembly of the circuit interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Karen M Braas
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Victor May
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States.
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Kawatani M, Itoi K, Talukder AH, Uchida K, Sakimura K, Kawatani M. Cholinergic modulation of CRH and non-CRH neurons in Barrington's nucleus of the mouse. J Neurophysiol 2020; 124:443-457. [PMID: 32609567 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00342.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is expressed in Barrington's nucleus (BarN), which plays an essential role in the regulation of micturition. To control the neural activities of BarN, glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs from multiple sources have been demonstrated; however, it is not clear how modulatory neurotransmitters affect the activity of BarN neurons. We have employed knock-in mice, CRH-expressing neurons of which are labeled with a modified yellow fluorescent protein (Venus). Using whole cell patch-clamp recordings, we examined the responses of Venus-expressing (putative CRH-expressing) neurons in BarN (BarCRH), as well as non-CRH-expressing neurons (BarCRH-negative), following bath application of cholinergic agonists. According to the present study, the activity of BarCRH neurons could be modulated by dual cholinergic mechanisms. First, they are inhibited by a muscarinic receptor-mediated mechanism, most likely through the M2 subclass of muscarinic receptors. Second, BarCRH neurons are excited by a nicotinic receptor-mediated mechanism. BarCRH-negative neurons also responded to cholinergic agents. Choline transporter-immunoreactive nerve terminals were observed in close proximity to the neurites, as well as the somata of BarCRH. The present results suggest that BarN neurons are capable of responding to cholinergic input.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigates the effects of bath-applied cholinergic agonists on Barrington's nucleus (BarN) neurons in vitro. They were either excitatory, through nicotinic receptors, or inhibitory, through muscarinic receptors. Putative corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons in BarN, as well as putative non-CRH-expressing neurons, responded to cholinergic agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kawatani
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Keiichi Itoi
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Neuroendocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ashraf Hossain Talukder
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Katsuya Uchida
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masahito Kawatani
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
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Guo Q, Wang L, Yuan W, Li L, Zhang J, Hou W, Yang Y, Zhang X, Cai W, Ma H, Xun Y, Jia R, He Z, Tai F. Different effects of chronic social defeat on social behavior and the brain CRF system in adult male C57 mice with different susceptibilities. Behav Brain Res 2020; 384:112553. [PMID: 32057826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) has been found to produce different impacts on anxiety-like behaviors, spatial cognitive function and memory in rodents with different susceptibilities. However, the impacts of chronic social defeat on social behaviors in adult male mice with different susceptibilities to social defeat and the underlying mechanisms in the brain remain unclear. In the present study, we found that ten days of social defeat reduced the tendency of susceptible adult male C57 mice to approach an unfamiliar individual and increased their avoidance of an unfamiliar CD-1 mouse but had no effects on resilient individuals. In addition, CSDS enhanced anxiety-like behavior in susceptible animals, but produced no effects in the resilient group. Meanwhile, CSDS increased the number of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-positive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and CRF-R2-positive neurons in the accumbens nucleus shell in both resilient and susceptible animals. CSDS increased the number of CRF-R1-positive neurons and CRF-R1 mRNA expression in the prelimbic cortex (PrL) and the number of CRF-R2-positive neurons in the basolateral amygdala, but reduced the number of CRF-R2-positive neurons and mRNA expression in the PrL in susceptible animals. Therefore, the different effects of CSDS on sociability and anxiety-like behavior in mice with different susceptibilities may be associated with region- and type-specific alterations in CRF receptor levels. These findings help us understand the underlying mechanism by which social stress affects emotion and social behavior and provides an important basis for the treatment of disorders of social and emotional behavior caused by social stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Limin Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Laifu Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Wenjuan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Xueni Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - YuFeng Xun
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Zhixiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China.
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China; Cognition Neuroscience and Learning Division, Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China.
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10
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Hupalo S, Bryce CA, Bangasser DA, Berridge CW, Valentino RJ, Floresco SB. Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF) circuit modulation of cognition and motivation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 103:50-59. [PMID: 31212019 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), is a key modulator of physiological, endocrine, and behavioral responses during stress. Dysfunction of the CRF system has been observed in stress-related affective disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Beyond affective symptoms, these disorders are also characterized by impaired cognition, for which current pharmacological treatments are lacking. Thus, there is a need for pro-cognitive treatments to improve quality of life for individuals suffering from mental illness. In this review, we highlight research demonstrating that CRF elicits potent modulatory effects on higher-order cognition via actions within the prefrontal cortex and subcortical monoaminergic and cholinergic systems. Additionally, we identify questions for future preclinical research on this topic, such as the need to investigate sex differences in the cognitive and microcircuit actions of CRF, and whether CRF may represent a pharmacological target to treat cognitive dysfunction. Addressing these questions will provide new insight into pathophysiology underlying cognitive dysfunction and may lead to improved treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiya Hupalo
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| | - Courtney A Bryce
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Debra A Bangasser
- Psychology Department and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States
| | - Craig W Berridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Rita J Valentino
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Stan B Floresco
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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11
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Diniz GB, Battagello DS, Cherubini PM, Reyes-Mendoza JD, Luna-Illades C, Klein MO, Motta-Teixeira LC, Sita LV, Miranda-Anaya M, Morales T, Bittencourt JC. Melanin-concentrating hormone peptidergic system: Comparative morphology between muroid species. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:2973-3001. [PMID: 31152440 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a conserved neuropeptide, predominantly located in the diencephalon of vertebrates, and associated with a wide range of functions. While functional studies have focused on the use of the traditional mouse laboratory model, critical gaps exist in our understanding of the morphology of the MCH system in this species. Even less is known about the nontraditional animal model Neotomodon alstoni (Mexican volcano mouse). A comparative morphological study among these rodents may, therefore, contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of the MCH peptidergic system. To this end, we employed diverse immunohistochemical protocols to identify key aspects of the MCH system, including its spatial relationship to another neurochemical population of the tuberal hypothalamus, the orexins. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were also employed to convey a better sense of spatial distribution to these neurons. Our results show that the distribution of MCH neurons in all rodents studied follows a basic plan, but individual characteristics are found for each species, such as the preeminence of a periventricular group only in the rat, the lack of posterior groups in the mouse, and the extensive presence of MCH neurons in the anterior hypothalamic area of Neotomodon. Taken together, these data suggest a strong anatomical substrate for previously described functions of the MCH system, and that particular neurochemical and morphological features may have been determinant to species-specific phenotypes in rodent evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanne B Diniz
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniella S Battagello
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Pedro M Cherubini
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julio D Reyes-Mendoza
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Cesar Luna-Illades
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Marianne O Klein
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lívia C Motta-Teixeira
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciane V Sita
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manuel Miranda-Anaya
- Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Teresa Morales
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Jackson C Bittencourt
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Li XF, Adekunbi DA, Alobaid HM, Li S, Pilot M, Lightman SL, O'Byrne KT. Role of the posterodorsal medial amygdala in predator odour stress-induced puberty delay in female rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12719. [PMID: 30963653 PMCID: PMC6563483 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Puberty onset is influenced by various factors, including psychosocial stress. The present study investigated cat-odour stress on puberty onset and oestrous cyclicity in rats. Female weanling rats were exposed to either soiled cat litter or fresh unused litter for 10 consecutive days. Following vaginal opening (VO), rats were smeared for 14 days to determine oestrous cyclicity. Anxiety-like behaviour was assessed using standard anxiety tests. Brains were collected to determine corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF receptor 1 (CRF-R1) and CRF receptor 2 (CRF-R2) mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), as well as the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) and the medial nucleus of the amygdala (MEA). Cat odour delayed VO and first oestrus, disrupted oestrous cycles and caused anxiogenic responses. Cat odour elicited increased CRF mRNA expression in the PVN but not in the CeA. CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 mRNA levels in the PVN and CeA were unaffected by cat odour; however, CRF-R1 mRNA levels were decreased in the MeA. The role of CRF signalling in the MeA, particularly its posterodorsal subnucleus (MePD), with respect to pubertal timing was directly examined by unilateral intra-MePD administration of CRF (0.2 nmol day-1 for 14 days) via an osmotic mini-pump from postnatal day 24 and was shown to delay VO and first oestrus. These data suggest that CRF signalling in the MePD may be associated with predator odour-induced puberty delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Feng Li
- Department of Women and Children's HealthFaculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Daniel A. Adekunbi
- Department of Women and Children's HealthFaculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Hussah M. Alobaid
- Department of Women and Children's HealthFaculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
- Zoology DepartmentCollege of ScienceKing Saud UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Shengyun Li
- Department of Women and Children's HealthFaculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Michel Pilot
- Department of Women and Children's HealthFaculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Stafford L. Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience and EndocrinologyUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Kevin T. O'Byrne
- Department of Women and Children's HealthFaculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
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13
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Maejima S, Abe Y, Yamaguchi S, Musatov S, Ogawa S, Kondo Y, Tsukahara S. VGF in the Medial Preoptic Nucleus Increases Sexual Activity Following Sexual Arousal Induction in Male Rats. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3993-4005. [PMID: 30371765 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The central part of the medial preoptic nucleus (MPNc) is associated with sexual arousal induction in male rats. However, it is largely unclear how males are sexually aroused and achieve their first copulation. We previously reported that more MPNc neurons activate during the first copulation than the second copulation. In this study, to explore the molecules responsible for sexual arousal induction, we performed DNA microarray of the MPNc in sexually naive males and males after they copulated for their first and second times. We then performed quantitative PCR analyses to validate the results of the DNA microarray. Six genes were identified. Their expression increased following copulation and was higher in males after they copulated for the first time than after the second time. The genes encode transcription factors (Fos, Nfil3, and Nr4a3), a serine/threonine kinase (Sik1), an antioxidant protein (Srxn1), and a neuropeptide precursor VGF (Vgf), which may be the candidate genes responsible for sexual arousal induction. We examined the effects of Vgf knockdown in the MPNc on sexual partner preference and sexual behavior in sexually inexperienced and experienced males to determine the role of VGF in sexual arousal induction. A preference for estrous female rats was reinforced, and the latency of mount and intromission became short after sexually inexperienced males copulated for the first time. However, Vgf knockdown disrupted these phenomena. Vgf knockdown did not have any significant effect in sexually experienced males. VGF-derived neuropeptides presumably serve as an effector molecule to increase sexual activity following sexual arousal induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Maejima
- Area of Life-NanoBio, Division of Strategy Research, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yuta Abe
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shohei Yamaguchi
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Sergei Musatov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Sonoko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kondo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Uenohara, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Area of Life-NanoBio, Division of Strategy Research, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
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14
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CRF modulation of central monoaminergic function: Implications for sex differences in alcohol drinking and anxiety. Alcohol 2018; 72:33-47. [PMID: 30217435 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Decades of research have described the importance of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling in alcohol addiction, as well as in commonly co-expressed neuropsychiatric diseases, including anxiety and mood disorders. However, CRF signaling can also acutely regulate binge alcohol consumption, anxiety, and affect in non-dependent animals, possibly via modulation of central monoaminergic signaling. We hypothesize that basal CRF tone is particularly high in animals and humans with an inherent propensity for high anxiety and alcohol consumption, and thus these individuals are at increased risk for the development of alcohol use disorder and comorbid neuropsychiatric diseases. The current review focuses on extrahypothalamic CRF circuits, particularly those stemming from the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), found to play a role in basal phenotypes, and examines whether the intrinsic hyperactivity of these circuits is sufficient to escalate the expression of these behaviors and steepen the trajectory of development of disease states. We focus our efforts on describing CRF modulation of biogenic amine neuron populations that have widespread projections to the forebrain to modulate behaviors, including alcohol and drug intake, stress reactivity, and anxiety. Further, we review the known sex differences and estradiol modulation of these neuron populations and CRF signaling at their synapses to address the question of whether females are more susceptible to the development of comorbid addiction and stress-related neuropsychiatric diseases because of hyperactive extrahypothalamic CRF circuits compared to males.
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15
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Deussing JM, Chen A. The Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Family: Physiology of the Stress Response. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:2225-2286. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological stress response is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis in the presence of real or perceived challenges. In this function, the brain activates adaptive responses that involve numerous neural circuits and effector molecules to adapt to the current and future demands. A maladaptive stress response has been linked to the etiology of a variety of disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders, eating disorders, and the metabolic syndrome. The neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its relatives, the urocortins 1–3, in concert with their receptors (CRFR1, CRFR2), have emerged as central components of the physiological stress response. This central peptidergic system impinges on a broad spectrum of physiological processes that are the basis for successful adaptation and concomitantly integrate autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral stress responses. This review focuses on the physiology of CRF-related peptides and their cognate receptors with the aim of providing a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the field. We describe the major molecular features covering aspects of gene expression and regulation, structural properties, and molecular interactions, as well as mechanisms of signal transduction and their surveillance. In addition, we discuss the large body of published experimental studies focusing on state-of-the-art genetic approaches with high temporal and spatial precision, which collectively aimed to dissect the contribution of CRF-related ligands and receptors to different levels of the stress response. We discuss the controversies in the field and unravel knowledge gaps that might pave the way for future research directions and open up novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Deussing
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; and Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; and Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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16
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Kelly EA, Fudge JL. The neuroanatomic complexity of the CRF and DA systems and their interface: What we still don't know. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 90:247-259. [PMID: 29704516 PMCID: PMC5993645 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a neuropeptide that mediates the stress response. Long known to contribute to regulation of the adrenal stress response initiated in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA), a complex pattern of extrahypothalamic CRF expression is also described in rodents and primates. Cross-talk between the CRF and midbrain dopamine (DA) systems links the stress response to DA regulation. Classically CRF + cells in the extended amygdala and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) are considered the main source of this input, principally targeting the ventral tegmental area (VTA). However, the anatomic complexity of both the DA and CRF system has been increasingly elaborated in the last decade. The DA neurons are now recognized as having diverse molecular, connectional and physiologic properties, predicted by their anatomic location. At the same time, the broad distribution of CRF cells in the brain has been increasingly delineated using different species and techniques. Here, we review updated information on both CRF localization and newer conceptualizations of the DA system to reconsider the CRF-DA interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Kelly
- University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, The Ernest J Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - J L Fudge
- University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, The Ernest J Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Rochester, NY, United States; University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, The Ernest J Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Rochester, NY, United States.
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17
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Fuentes IM, Christianson JA. The Influence of Early Life Experience on Visceral Pain. Front Syst Neurosci 2018; 12:2. [PMID: 29434541 PMCID: PMC5790786 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2018.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is the most reported and troublesome symptom of nearly all functional disorders affecting the genitourinary and gastrointestinal organs. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS), vulvodynia, and/or chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS; collectively termed chronic pelvic pain syndromes) report pain severe enough to impact quality of life and often suffer from symptoms of or are diagnosed with more than one of these syndromes. This increased comorbidity between chronic pelvic pain syndromes, and with pain disorders of disparate body regions, as well as with mood disorders, can be influenced by disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the response to stress and influences the perception of pain. Experiencing trauma, neglect, or abuse in early life can permanently affect the functioning of the HPA axis. As such, a significant proportion of patients suffering from comorbid chronic pelvic pain syndromes report a history of early life stress or trauma. Here we will report on how these early life experiences influence chronic pelvic pain in patients. We will also discuss various rodent models that have been developed to study this phenomenon to understand the mechanisms underlying HPA axis dysfunction, as well as potential underlying mechanisms connecting these syndromes to one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella M Fuentes
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Julie A Christianson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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18
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Tan LA, Vaughan JM, Perrin MH, Rivier JE, Sawchenko PE. Distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor binding in the mouse brain using a new, high-affinity radioligand, [125I]-PD-Sauvagine. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:3840-3864. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Tan
- Laboratory of Neuronal Structure and Function; The Salk Institute for Biological Studies; La Jolla CA
| | - Joan M. Vaughan
- Laboratory of Neuronal Structure and Function; The Salk Institute for Biological Studies; La Jolla CA
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies; La Jolla CA
| | - Marilyn H. Perrin
- Laboratory of Neuronal Structure and Function; The Salk Institute for Biological Studies; La Jolla CA
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies; La Jolla CA
| | - Jean E. Rivier
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies; La Jolla CA
| | - Paul E. Sawchenko
- Laboratory of Neuronal Structure and Function; The Salk Institute for Biological Studies; La Jolla CA
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19
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Wang Y, Chen ZP, Zhuang QX, Zhang XY, Li HZ, Wang JJ, Zhu JN. Role of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor in Cerebellar Motor Control and Ataxia. Curr Biol 2017; 27:2661-2669.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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20
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Functional Heterogeneity in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis. J Neurosci 2017; 36:8038-49. [PMID: 27488624 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0856-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early work stressed the differing involvement of the central amygdala (CeA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in the genesis of fear versus anxiety, respectively. In 2009, Walker, Miles, and Davis proposed a model of amygdala-BNST interactions to explain these functional differences. This model became extremely influential and now guides a new wave of studies on the role of BNST in humans. Here, we consider evidence for and against this model, in the process highlighting central principles of BNST organization. This analysis leads us to conclude that BNST's influence is not limited to the generation of anxiety-like responses to diffuse threats, but that it also shapes the impact of discrete threatening stimuli. It is likely that BNST-CeA interactions are involved in modulating responses to such threats. In addition, whereas current views emphasize the contributions of the anterolateral BNST region in anxiety, accumulating data indicate that the anteromedial and anteroventral regions also play a critical role. The presence of multiple functional subregions within the small volume of BNST raises significant technical obstacles for functional imaging studies in humans.
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21
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Blacktop JM, Todd RP, Sorg BA. Role of perineuronal nets in the anterior dorsal lateral hypothalamic area in the acquisition of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference and self-administration. Neuropharmacology 2017; 118:124-136. [PMID: 28322980 PMCID: PMC5492967 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Addiction involves drug-induced neuroplasticity in the circuitry of motivated behavior, which includes the medial forebrain bundle and the lateral hypothalamic area. Emerging at the forefront of neuroplasticity regulation are specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) structures that form perineuronal nets (PNNs) around certain neurons, mainly parvalbumin positive (PV+), fast-spiking interneurons (FSINs), making them a promising target for the regulation of drug-induced neuroplasticity. Despite the emerging significance of PNNs in drug-induced neuroplasticity and the well-established role of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) in reward, reinforcement, and motivation, very little is known about how PNN-expressing neurons control drug-seeking behavior. We found that a discrete region of the anterior dorsal LHA (LHAad) exhibited robust PNN and dense ECM expression. Approximately 87% of parvalbumin positive (PV+) neurons co-expressed the PNN marker Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA), while 62% of WFA positive (WFA+) neurons co-expressed PV in the LHAad of drug naïve rats. Removal of PNNs within this brain region via chrondroitinase ABC (Ch-ABC) administration abolished acquisition of cocaine-induced CPP and significantly attenuated the acquisition of cocaine self-administration (SA). Removal of LHAad PNNs did not affect locomotor activity, sucrose intake, sucrose-induced CPP, or acquisition of sucrose SA in separate groups of cocaine naïve animals. These data suggest that PNN-dependent neuroplasticity within the LHAad is critical for the acquisition of both cocaine-induced CPP and SA but is not general to all rewards, and that PNN degradation may have utility for the management of drug-associated behavioral plasticity and memory in cocaine addicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Blacktop
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States.
| | - Ryan P Todd
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | - Barbara A Sorg
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
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22
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Distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor neurons in the mouse brain: a study using corticotropin-releasing factor-modified yellow fluorescent protein knock-in mouse. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:1705-1732. [PMID: 27638512 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1303-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We examined the morphological features of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in a mouse line in which modified yellow fluorescent protein (Venus) was expressed under the CRF promoter. We previously generated the CRF-Venus knock-in mouse, in which Venus is inserted into the CRF gene locus by homologous recombination. In the present study, the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (Neo), driven by the pgk-1 promoter, was deleted from the CRF-Venus mouse genome, and a CRF-Venus∆Neo mouse was generated. Venus expression is much more prominent in the CRF-Venus∆Neo mouse when compared to the CRF-Venus mouse. In addition, most Venus-expressing neurons co-express CRF mRNA. Venus-expressing neurons constitute a discrete population of neuroendocrine neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) that project to the median eminence. Venus-expressing neurons were also found in brain regions outside the neuroendocrine PVH, including the olfactory bulb, the piriform cortex (Pir), the extended amygdala, the hippocampus, the neocortices, Barrington's nucleus, the midbrain/pontine dorsal tegmentum, the periaqueductal gray, and the inferior olivary nucleus (IO). Venus-expressing perikarya co-expressing CRF mRNA could be observed clearly even in regions where CRF-immunoreactive perikarya could hardly be identified. We demonstrated that the CRF neurons contain glutamate in the Pir and IO, while they contain gamma-aminobutyric acid in the neocortex, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. A population of CRF neurons was demonstrated to be cholinergic in the midbrain tegmentum. The CRF-Venus∆Neo mouse may be useful for studying the structural and functional properties of CRF neurons in the mouse brain.
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23
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Hewagalamulage SD, Lee TK, Clarke IJ, Henry BA. Stress, cortisol, and obesity: a role for cortisol responsiveness in identifying individuals prone to obesity. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 56 Suppl:S112-20. [PMID: 27345309 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
There is a strong inter-relationship between activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and energy homeostasis. Patients with abdominal obesity have elevated cortisol levels. Furthermore, stress and glucocorticoids act to control both food intake and energy expenditure. In particular, glucocorticoids are known to increase the consumption of foods enriched in fat and sugar. It is well-known that, in all species, the cortisol response to stress or adrenocorticotropin is highly variable. It has now emerged that cortisol responsiveness is an important determinant in the metabolic sequelae to stress. Sheep that are characterized as high-cortisol responders (HRs) have greater propensity to weight gain and obesity than low-cortisol responders (LRs). This difference in susceptibility to become obese is associated with a distinct metabolic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral phenotype. In women and ewes, HR individuals eat more in response to stress than LR. Furthermore, HR sheep have impaired melanocortin signaling and reduced skeletal muscle thermogenesis. High-cortisol responder sheep exhibit reactive coping strategies, whereas LRs exhibit proactive coping strategies. This complex set of traits leads to increased food intake and reduced energy expenditure in HR and thus, predisposition to obesity. We predict that cortisol responsiveness may be used as a marker to identify individuals who are at risk of weight gain and subsequent obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - T K Lee
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - I J Clarke
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - B A Henry
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia.
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Belmer A, Patkar OL, Pitman KM, Bartlett SE. Serotonergic Neuroplasticity in Alcohol Addiction. Brain Plast 2016; 1:177-206. [PMID: 29765841 PMCID: PMC5928559 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-150022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol addiction is a debilitating disorder producing maladaptive changes in the brain, leading drinkers to become more sensitive to stress and anxiety. These changes are key factors contributing to alcohol craving and maintaining a persistent vulnerability to relapse. Serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter widely expressed in the central nervous system where it plays an important role in the regulation of mood. The serotonin system has been extensively implicated in the regulation of stress and anxiety, as well as the reinforcing properties of all of the major classes of drugs of abuse, including alcohol. Dysregulation within the 5-HT system has been postulated to underlie the negative mood states associated with alcohol use disorders. This review will describe the serotonergic (5-HTergic) neuroplastic changes observed in animal models throughout the alcohol addiction cycle, from prenatal to adulthood exposure. The first section will focus on alcohol-induced 5-HTergic neuroadaptations in offspring prenatally exposed to alcohol and the consequences on the regulation of stress/anxiety. The second section will compare alterations in 5-HT signalling induced by acute or chronic alcohol exposure during adulthood and following alcohol withdrawal, highlighting the impact on the regulation of stress/anxiety signalling pathways. The third section will outline 5-HTergic neuroadaptations observed in various genetically-selected ethanol preferring rat lines. Finally, we will discuss the pharmacological manipulation of the 5-HTergic system on ethanol- and anxiety/stress-related behaviours demonstrated by clinical trials, with an emphasis on current and potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnauld Belmer
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Omkar L Patkar
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kim M Pitman
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Selena E Bartlett
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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25
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Wisłowska-Stanek A, Lehner M, Skórzewska A, Krząścik P, Płaźnik A. Behavioral effects and CRF expression in brain structures of high- and low-anxiety rats after chronic restraint stress. Behav Brain Res 2016; 310:26-35. [PMID: 27150225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of chronic restraint stress (5 weeks, 3h/day) on behavior and central corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression in rats selected for high (HR) and low anxiety (LR). The conditioned freezing response was used as a discriminating variable. Moreover, we assessed the influence of acute restraint on CRF expression in the brain in HR and LR rats. We found that chronic restraint induced symptoms of anhedonia (decreased consumption of 1% sucrose solution) in HR rats. In addition, HR restraint rats showed an increased learned helplessness behavior (immobility time in the Porsolt test) as well as neophobia in the open field test vs. LR restraint and HR control rats. These behavioral changes were accompanied by a decreased expression of CRF in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (pPVN) and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus (DG) compared to the HR control and LR restraint rat groups, respectively. The acute restraint condition increased the expression of CRF in the pPVN of HR rats compared to the HR control group, and enhanced the expression of CRF in the CA1 area and DG of LR restraint animals compared to the HR restraint and LR control rats, respectively. The present results indicate that chronic restraint stress in high anxiety rats attenuated CRF expression in the pPVN and DG, which was probably due to detrimental actions on the hippocampus-hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland feedback mechanism, thus modulating the stress response and inducing anhedonia and depressive-like symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Lehner
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skórzewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Krząścik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Płaźnik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
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26
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Santos FN, Pereira CW, Sánchez-Pérez AM, Otero-García M, Ma S, Gundlach AL, Olucha-Bordonau FE. Comparative Distribution of Relaxin-3 Inputs and Calcium-Binding Protein-Positive Neurons in Rat Amygdala. Front Neuroanat 2016; 10:36. [PMID: 27092060 PMCID: PMC4823275 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2016.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural circuits involved in mediating complex behaviors are being rapidly elucidated using various newly developed and powerful anatomical and molecular techniques, providing insights into the neural basis for anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, and dysfunctional social behaviors. Many of these behaviors and associated physiological processes involve the activation of the amygdala in conjunction with cortical and hippocampal circuits. Ascending subcortical projections provide modulatory inputs to the extended amygdala and its related nodes (or "hubs") within these key circuits. One such input arises from the nucleus incertus (NI) in the tegmentum, which sends amino acid- and peptide-containing projections throughout the forebrain. Notably, a distinct population of GABAergic NI neurons expresses the highly-conserved neuropeptide, relaxin-3, and relaxin-3 signaling has been implicated in the modulation of reward/motivation and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in rodents via actions within the extended amygdala. Thus, a detailed description of the relaxin-3 innervation of the extended amygdala would provide an anatomical framework for an improved understanding of NI and relaxin-3 modulation of these and other specific amygdala-related functions. Therefore, in this study, we examined the distribution of NI projections and relaxin-3-positive elements (axons/fibers/terminals) within the amygdala, relative to the distribution of neurons expressing the calcium-binding proteins, parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR) and/or calbindin. Anterograde tracer injections into the NI revealed a topographic distribution of NI efferents within the amygdala that was near identical to the distribution of relaxin-3-immunoreactive fibers. Highest densities of anterogradely-labeled elements and relaxin-3-immunoreactive fibers were observed in the medial nucleus of the amygdala, medial divisions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and in the endopiriform nucleus. In contrast, sparse anterogradely-labeled and relaxin-3-immunoreactive fibers were observed in other amygdala nuclei, including the lateral, central and basal nuclei, while the nucleus accumbens lacked any innervation. Using synaptophysin as a synaptic marker, we identified relaxin-3 positive synaptic terminals in the medial amygdala, BST and endopiriform nucleus of amygdala. Our findings demonstrate the existence of topographic NI and relaxin-3-containing projections to specific nuclei of the extended amygdala, consistent with a likely role for this putative integrative arousal system in the regulation of amygdala-dependent social and emotional behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio N Santos
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universitat ValenciaValencia, Spain; Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade TiradentesAracaju, Brazil
| | - Celia W Pereira
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universitat ValenciaValencia, Spain; Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade TiradentesAracaju, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Otero-García
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universitat Valencia Valencia, Spain
| | - Sherie Ma
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkville, VIC, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universitat ValenciaValencia, Spain; Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume ICastellón, Spain
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27
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Faria MP, Miguel TT, Gomes KS, Nunes-de-Souza RL. Anxiety-like responses induced by nitric oxide within the BNST in mice: Role of CRF1 and NMDA receptors. Horm Behav 2016; 79:74-83. [PMID: 26774463 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of rats contains nitrergic neurons, which are activated during animal exposure to aversive stimuli. The BNST is also populated by glutamatergic and corticotrophin releasing factor (CRFergic) neurons, which in turn are activated under stressful situations. Here we investigated the anxiogenic-like effects of intra-BNST injections of a nitric oxide (NO) donor, NOC-9 in mice. The role of CRFergic and glutamatergic systems on defensive behavior induced by NOC-9 was investigated with previous intra-BNST infusion of different doses of CP376395, a CRF type 1 receptor antagonist (CRF1), or AP-7, an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed immediately and 5 min after intra-BNST drug injection, exposing mice to a novel arena and to the elevated plus-maze (EPM; an anxiogenic situation). Results showed that NOC-9 provoked a short period (≈ 150 s) of freezing behavior in the novel arena and increased anxiety in the EPM. Both CP and AP-7 attenuated the anxiogenic-like effects of NOC-9 in the EPM without changing freezing behavior in the novel arena. When given alone (i.e. without prior intra-BNST injection of NOC-9), AP-7 (0.20 nmol), but not CP (0.75, 1.50, or 3.00 nmol), attenuated anxiety in mice exposed to the EPM. These results suggest that CRF1 and NMDA receptors located within the BNST differentially modulate aversive effects induced by NO production in this limbic forebrain structure.
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MESH Headings
- Aminopyridines/pharmacology
- Animals
- Anxiety/chemically induced
- Anxiety/metabolism
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Freezing Reaction, Cataleptic/drug effects
- Male
- Maze Learning/drug effects
- Mice
- Neurons/drug effects
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neurons/pathology
- Nitric Oxide/pharmacology
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/physiology
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/physiology
- Septal Nuclei/drug effects
- Stress, Psychological/chemically induced
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/psychology
- Triazenes/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Faria
- Programa Interinstitucional de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos and Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - T T Miguel
- Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - K S Gomes
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - R L Nunes-de-Souza
- Programa Interinstitucional de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos and Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
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28
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Simão F, Habekost Oliveira V, Nunes ML. Enhanced susceptibility to seizures modulated by high interleukin‐1β levels during early life malnutrition. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 76:1150-9. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Revised: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrício Simão
- Neuroscience LaboratoryBiomedical Research Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS)Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Victória Habekost Oliveira
- Neuroscience LaboratoryBiomedical Research Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS)Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Magda Lahourgue Nunes
- Neuroscience LaboratoryBiomedical Research Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS)Porto Alegre RS Brazil
- School of Medicine and Brain Institute (InsCer)Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS)Porto Alegre RS Brazil
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29
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Chen Y, Molet J, Gunn BG, Ressler K, Baram TZ. Diversity of Reporter Expression Patterns in Transgenic Mouse Lines Targeting Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Expressing Neurons. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4769-80. [PMID: 26402844 PMCID: PMC4655217 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic mice, including lines targeting corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF or CRH), have been extensively employed to study stress neurobiology. These powerful tools are poised to revolutionize our understanding of the localization and connectivity of CRH-expressing neurons, and the crucial roles of CRH in normal and pathological conditions. Accurate interpretation of studies using cell type-specific transgenic mice vitally depends on congruence between expression of the endogenous peptide and reporter. If reporter expression does not faithfully reproduce native gene expression, then effects of manipulating unintentionally targeted cells may be misattributed. Here, we studied CRH and reporter expression patterns in 3 adult transgenic mice: Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai14 (tdTomato mouse), Crfp3.0CreGFP, and Crh-GFP BAC. We employed the CRH antiserum generated by Vale after validating its specificity using CRH-null mice. We focused the analyses on stress-salient regions, including hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and hippocampus. Expression patterns of endogenous CRH were consistent among wild-type and transgenic mice. In tdTomato mice, most CRH-expressing neurons coexpressed the reporter, yet the reporter identified a few non-CRH-expressing pyramidal-like cells in hippocampal CA1 and CA3. In Crfp3.0CreGFP mice, coexpression of CRH and the reporter was found in central amygdala and, less commonly, in other evaluated regions. In Crh-GFP BAC mice, the large majority of neurons expressed either CRH or reporter, with little overlap. These data highlight significant diversity in concordant expression of reporter and endogenous CRH among 3 available transgenic mice. These findings should be instrumental in interpreting important scientific findings emerging from the use of these potent neurobiological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncai Chen
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
| | - Jenny Molet
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
| | - Benjamin G Gunn
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
| | - Kerry Ressler
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
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30
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Corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 2 mediates the enhanced activation of satiety-related responses through oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus after adrenalectomy. Neurosci Lett 2015; 606:123-8. [PMID: 26320022 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Adrenalectomy (ADX)-induced hypophagia is associated with increased activation of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and oxytocin (OT) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) after refeeding. CRF2- and OT-receptor antagonists abolish the hypophagia and the augmented activation of the nucleus of the solitary tract neurons induced by feeding after ADX. In addition, OT-receptor antagonist reversed CRF-induced anorexia. We evaluated the effect of intracerebroventricular pretreatment with CRF2-receptor antagonist, antisauvagine-30 (AS30), on the activation of OT neurons of the PVN in response to refeeding of sham, adrenalectomized (ADX) and ADX rats replaced with corticosterone (ADX+B). In vehicle-pretreated animals, refeeding increased the number of Fos+OT double labeled neurons in the posterior parvocellular subdivision of the PVN (PaPo) of sham, ADX and ADX+B animals, with higher Fos expression and OT neuronal activation in the ADX group. AS30 reversed refeeding-induced increased activation of OT and non-OT neurons in the PaPo in the ADX group. In the medial parvocellular subdivision of the PVN (PaMP) of vehicle-pretreated animals, the number of Fos- and Fos+OT-immunoreactive neurons was increased after refeeding in ADX group. AS30 in the ADX group attenuated the enhanced Fos expression but not the number of Fos+OT double labeled neurons in the PaMP. In conclusion, CRF2-receptor antagonist reverses the increased activation of OT neurons in the PaPo induced by feeding in ADX animals, suggesting that OT neurons might be downstream mediators of CRF effects on satiety-related responses after ADX.
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31
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Gungor NZ, Yamamoto R, Paré D. Optogenetic study of the projections from the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to the central amygdala. J Neurophysiol 2015; 114:2903-11. [PMID: 26400259 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00677.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that the central amygdala (CeA), particularly its medial sector (CeM), generates brief fear responses to discrete conditioned cues, whereas the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) promotes long-lasting, anxiety-like states in response to more diffuse contingencies. Although it is believed that BNST-CeA interactions determine the transition between short- and long-duration responses, the nature of these interactions remains unknown. To shed light on this question, we used a double viral strategy to drive the expression of channelrhodopsin (ChR2) in BNST cells that project to CeA. Next, using patch-clamp recordings in vitro, we investigated the connectivity of infected cells to noninfected cells in BNST and compared the influence of BNST axons on neurons in the medial and lateral (CeL) parts of CeA. CeA-projecting BNST cells were concentrated in the anterolateral (AL) and anteroventral (AV) sectors of BNST. Dense plexuses of BNST axons were observed throughout CeA. In CeA and BNST, light-evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials accounted for a minority of responses (0-9% of tested cells); inhibition prevailed. The incidence of inhibitory responses was higher in CeM than in CeL (66% and 43% of tested cells, respectively). Within BNST, the connections from CeA-projecting to non-CeA-targeting cells varied as a function of the BNST sector: 50% vs. 9% of tested cells exhibited light-evoked responses in BNST-AL vs. BNST-AV, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that via its projection to CeA, BNST exerts an inhibitory influence over cued fear and that BNST neurons projecting to CeA form contrasting connections in different BNST subnuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Zeynep Gungor
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Ryo Yamamoto
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Denis Paré
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, New Jersey
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32
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Waters RP, Rivalan M, Bangasser DA, Deussing JM, Ising M, Wood SK, Holsboer F, Summers CH. Evidence for the role of corticotropin-releasing factor in major depressive disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 58:63-78. [PMID: 26271720 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a devastating disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide, and costing an estimated 380 billion Euros in lost productivity and health care in the European Union alone. Although a wealth of research has been directed toward understanding and treating MDD, still no therapy has proved to be consistently and reliably effective in interrupting the symptoms of this disease. Recent clinical and preclinical studies, using genetic screening and transgenic rodents, respectively, suggest a major role of the CRF1 gene, and the central expression of CRF1 receptor protein in determining an individual's risk of developing MDD. This gene is widely expressed in brain tissue, and regulates an organism's immediate and long-term responses to social and environmental stressors, which are primary contributors to MDD. This review presents the current state of knowledge on CRF physiology, and how it may influence the occurrence of symptoms associated with MDD. Additionally, this review presents findings from multiple laboratories that were presented as part of a symposium on this topic at the annual 2014 meeting of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (IBNS). The ideas and data presented in this review demonstrate the great progress that has been made over the past few decades in our understanding of MDD, and provide a pathway forward toward developing novel treatments and detection methods for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - J M Deussing
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - M Ising
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - S K Wood
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - F Holsboer
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; HMNC GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Cliff H Summers
- University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA; Sanford School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD, USA.
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33
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Shu YM, Ni RJ, Sun YJ, Fang H, Zhou JN. Distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor in the tree shrew brain. Brain Res 2015; 1618:270-85. [PMID: 26074350 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the brain plays an important role in regulations of physiological and behavioral processes, yet CRF distribution in tree shrew brain has not been thoroughly and systematically reported. Here we examined the distribution of CRF immunoreactivity in the brain of tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) using immunohistochemical techniques. CRF-immunoreactive (-ir) cells and fibers were present in the rhinencephalon, telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, metencephalon and myelencephalon of saline- and colchicine-treated tree shrews. Laminar distribution of CRF-ir cells was found in the main olfactory bulb and neocortex. Compared with saline-treated tree shrews, a larger number of CRF-ir cells in colchicine-treated tree shrews were found in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, medial preoptic area, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, reuniens thalamic nucleus, inferior colliculus, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, median raphe nucleus, locus coeruleus, parabrachial nucleus, dorsal tegmental nucleus, lateral reticular nucleus, and inferior olive. CRF-ir fibers from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus projected toward and through the internal zone of the median eminence. In addition, density of CRF immunoreactivity is significantly different in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central amygdaloid nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, median raphe nucleus, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, locus coeruleus and inferior olive between tree shrews and rats after saline or colchicine treatment. Our findings provide, for the first time, the comprehensive description of CRF immunoreactivity and whole brain mapping of CRF in tree shrews, which is an anatomical basis for the participation of CRF system in the regulation of numerous behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Mian Shu
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, PR China
| | - Rong-Jun Ni
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, PR China
| | - Yun-Jun Sun
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, PR China
| | - Hui Fang
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, PR China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, PR China.
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Valentino RJ, Van Bockstaele E. Endogenous opioids: opposing stress with a cost. F1000PRIME REPORTS 2015; 7:58. [PMID: 26097731 PMCID: PMC4447041 DOI: 10.12703/p7-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The stress response is characterized by the coordinated engagement of central and peripheral neural systems in response to life-threatening challenges. It has been conserved through evolution and is essential for survival. However, the frequent or continual elicitation of the stress response by repeated or chronic stress, respectively, results in the dysfunction of stress response circuits, ultimately leading to stress-related pathology. In an effort to best respond to stressors, yet at the same time maintain homeostasis and avoid dysfunction, stress response systems are finely balanced and co-regulated by neuromodulators that exert opposing effects. These opposing systems serve to restrain certain stress response systems and promote recovery. However, the engagement of opposing systems comes with the cost of alternate dysfunctions. This review describes, as an example of this dynamic, how endogenous opioids function to oppose the effects of the major stress neuromediator, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and promote recovery from a stress response and how these actions can both protect and be hazardous to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita J. Valentino
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Children‘s Hospital of PhiladelphiaCivic Ctr. Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104USA
- University of PennsylvaniaCivic Ctr. Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19104USA
| | - Elisabeth Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology, Drexel University College of MedicineN. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102USA
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Abstract
Our dynamic environment regularly exposes us to potentially life-threatening challenges or stressors. To answer these challenges and maintain homeostasis, the stress response, an innate coordinated engagement of central and peripheral neural systems is initiated. Although essential for survival, the inappropriate initiation of the stress response or its continuation after the stressor is terminated has pathological consequences that have been linked to diverse neuropsychiatric and medical diseases. Substantial individual variability exists in the pathological consequences of stressors. A theme of this Special Issue is that elucidating the basis of individual differences in resilience or its flipside, vulnerability, will greatly advance our ability to prevent and treat stress-related diseases. This can be approached by studying individual differences in "pro-stress" mediators such as corticosteroids or the hypothalamic orchestrator of the stress response, corticotropin-releasing factor. More recently, the recognition of endogenous neuromodulators with "anti-stress" activity that have opposing actions or that restrain stress-response systems suggests additional bases for individual differences in stress pathology. These "anti-stress" neuromodulators offer alternative strategies for manipulating the stress response and its pathological consequences. This review uses the major brain norepinephrine system as a model stress-response system to demonstrate how co-regulation by opposing pro-stress (corticotropin-releasing factor) and anti-stress (enkephalin) neuromodulators must be fine-tuned to produce an adaptive response to stress. The clinical consequences of tipping this fine-tuned balance in the direction of either the pro- or anti-stress systems are emphasized. Finally, that each system provides multiple points at which individual differences could confer stress vulnerability or resilience is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita J. Valentino
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Contoreggi C. Corticotropin releasing hormone and imaging, rethinking the stress axis. Nucl Med Biol 2014; 42:323-39. [PMID: 25573209 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The stress system provides integration of both neurochemical and somatic physiologic functions within organisms as an adaptive mechanism to changing environmental conditions throughout evolution. In mammals and primates the complexity and sophistication of these systems have surpassed other species in triaging neurochemical and physiologic signaling to maximize chances of survival. Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and its related peptides and receptors have been identified over the last three decades and are fundamental molecular initiators of the stress response. They are crucial in the top down regulatory cascade over a myriad of neurochemical, neuroendocrine and sympathetic nervous system events. From neuroscience, we've seen that stress activation impacts behavior, endocrine and somatic physiology and influences neurochemical events that one can capture in real time with current imaging technologies. To delineate these effects one can demonstrate how the CRH neuronal networks infiltrate critical cognitive, emotive and autonomic regions of the central nervous system (CNS) with somatic effects. Abundant preclinical and clinical studies show inter-regulatory actions of CRH with multiple neurotransmitters/peptides. Stress, both acute and chronic has epigenetic effects which magnify genetic susceptibilities to alter neurochemistry; stress system activation can add critical variables in design and interpretation of basic and clinical neuroscience and related research. This review will attempt to provide an overview of the spectrum of known functions and speculative actions of CRH and stress responses in light of imaging technology and its interpretation. Metabolic and neuroreceptor positron emission/single photon tomography (PET/SPECT), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), anatomic MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (pMRS) are technologies that can delineate basic mechanisms of neurophysiology and pharmacology. Stress modulates the myriad of neurochemical and networks within and controlled through the central and peripheral nervous system and the effects of stress activation on imaging will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Contoreggi
- Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD, 21224.
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Itoi K, Talukder AH, Fuse T, Kaneko T, Ozawa R, Sato T, Sugaya T, Uchida K, Yamazaki M, Abe M, Natsume R, Sakimura K. Visualization of corticotropin-releasing factor neurons by fluorescent proteins in the mouse brain and characterization of labeled neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Endocrinology 2014; 155:4054-60. [PMID: 25057791 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is the key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. CRF neurons cannot be distinguished morphologically from other neuroendocrine neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) without immunostaining. Thus, we generated a knock-in mouse that expresses modified yellow fluorescent protein (Venus) in CRF neurons (CRF-Venus), and yet its expression is driven by the CRF promoter and responds to changes in the interior milieu. In CRF-Venus, Venus-expressing neurons were distributed in brain regions harboring CRF neurons, including the PVH. The majority of Venus-expressing neurons overlapped with CRF-expressing neurons in the PVH, but many neurons expressed only Venus or CRF in a physiological glucocorticoid condition. After glucocorticoid deprivation, however, Venus expression intensified, and most Venus neurons coexpressed CRF. Conversely, Venus expression was suppressed by excess glucocorticoids. Expression of copeptin, a peptide encoded within the vasopressin gene, was induced in PVH-Venus neurons by glucocorticoid deprivation and suppressed by glucocorticoid administration. Thus, Venus neurons recapitulated glucocorticoid-dependent vasopressin expression in PVH-CRF neurons. Noradrenaline increased the frequency of glutamate-dependent excitatory postsynaptic currents recorded from Venus-expressing neurons in the voltage clamp mode. In addition, the CRF-iCre knock-in mouse was crossed with a CAG-CAT-EGFP reporter mouse to yield the Tg(CAG-CAT-EGFP/wt);CRF(iCre/wt) (EGFP/CRF-iCre) mouse, in which enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) is driven by the CAG promoter. EGFP was expressed more constitutively in the PVH of EGFP/CRF-iCre mice. Thus, CRF-Venus may have an advantage for monitoring dynamic changes in CRF neurons and CRF networks in different glucocorticoid states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Itoi
- Laboratory of Information Biology (K.I., A.H.T., T.F., T.K., R.O., T.Sa., T.Su., K.U.), Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan; Department of Neuroendocrinology (K.I.), Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan; and Department of Cellular Neurobiology (M.Y., M.A., R.N., K.S.), Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
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Local corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) signals to its receptor CRHR1 during postnatal development of the mouse olfactory bulb. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 221:1-20. [PMID: 25224546 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0888-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides play important physiological functions during distinct behaviors such as arousal, learning, memory, and reproduction. However, the role of local, extrahypothalamic neuropeptide signaling in shaping synapse formation and neuronal plasticity in the brain is not well understood. Here, we characterize the spatiotemporal expression profile of the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and its receptor CRHR1 in the mouse OB throughout development. We found that CRH-expressing interneurons are present in the external plexiform layer, that its cognate receptor is expressed by granule cells, and show that both CRH and CRHR1 expression enriches in the postnatal period when olfaction becomes important towards olfactory-related behaviors. Further, we provide electrophysiological evidence that CRHR1-expressing granule cells functionally respond to CRH ligand, and that the physiological circuitry of CRHR1 knockout mice is abnormal, leading to impaired olfactory behaviors. Together, these data suggest a physiologically relevant role for local CRH signaling towards shaping the neuronal circuitry within the mouse OB.
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Regev L, Baram TZ. Corticotropin releasing factor in neuroplasticity. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:171-9. [PMID: 24145148 PMCID: PMC3965598 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Stress is among the strongest signals promoting neuroplasticity: Stress signals, indicating real or perceived danger, lead to alterations of neuronal function and often structure, designed to adapt to the changed conditions and promote survival. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is expressed and released in several types of neuronal populations that are involved in cognition, emotion and the regulation of autonomic and endocrine function. CRF expressing neurons undergo functional and structural plasticity during stress and, in addition, the peptide acts via specific receptors to promote plasticity of target neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Regev
- Departments of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Departments of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Huang LT. Early-life stress impacts the developing hippocampus and primes seizure occurrence: cellular, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms. Front Mol Neurosci 2014; 7:8. [PMID: 24574961 PMCID: PMC3918912 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2014.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress includes prenatal, postnatal, and adolescence stress. Early-life stress can affect the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and cause cellular and molecular changes in the developing hippocampus that can result in neurobehavioral changes later in life. Epidemiological data implicate stress as a cause of seizures in both children and adults. Emerging evidence indicates that both prenatal and postnatal stress can prime the developing brain for seizures and an increase in epileptogenesis. This article reviews the cellular and molecular changes encountered during prenatal and postnatal stress, and assesses the possible link between these changes and increases in seizure occurrence and epileptogenesis in the developing hippocampus. In addititon, the priming effect of prenatal and postnatal stress for seizures and epileptogenesis is discussed. Finally, the roles of epigenetic modifications in hippocampus and HPA axis programming, early-life stress, and epilepsy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tung Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine Kaohsiung, Taiwan ; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University Linkou, Taiwan
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Van't Veer A, Carlezon WA. Role of kappa-opioid receptors in stress and anxiety-related behavior. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 229:435-52. [PMID: 23836029 PMCID: PMC3770816 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3195-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Accumulating evidence indicates that brain kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) and dynorphin, the endogenous ligand that binds at these receptors, are involved in regulating states of motivation and emotion. These findings have stimulated interest in the development of KOR-targeted ligands as therapeutic agents. As one example, it has been suggested that KOR antagonists might have a wide range of indications, including the treatment of depressive, anxiety, and addictive disorders, as well as conditions characterized by co-morbidity of these disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) A general effect of reducing the impact of stress may explain how KOR antagonists can have efficacy in such a variety of animal models that would appear to represent different disease states. OBJECTIVE Here, we review evidence that disruption of KOR function attenuates prominent effects of stress. We will describe behavioral and molecular endpoints including those from studies that characterize the effects of KOR antagonists and KOR ablation on the effects of stress itself, as well as on the effects of exogenously delivered corticotropin-releasing factor, a brain peptide that mediates key effects of stress. CONCLUSION Collectively, available data suggest that KOR disruption produces anti-stress effects and under some conditions can prevent the development of stress-induced adaptations. As such, KOR antagonists may have unique potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment and even prevention of stress-related psychiatric illness, a therapeutic niche that is currently unfilled.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Anxiety Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Anxiety Agents/therapeutic use
- Anxiety Disorders/drug therapy
- Anxiety Disorders/metabolism
- Anxiety Disorders/psychology
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/physiopathology
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Dynorphins/genetics
- Dynorphins/metabolism
- Humans
- Ligands
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/drug therapy
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/psychology
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee Van't Veer
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, MRC 217, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
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Fox JH, Lowry CA. Corticotropin-releasing factor-related peptides, serotonergic systems, and emotional behavior. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:169. [PMID: 24065880 PMCID: PMC3778254 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a 41-amino acid neuropeptide that is involved in stress-related physiology and behavior, including control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Members of the CRF family of neuropeptides, including urocortin 1 (UCN 1), UCN 2, and UCN 3, bind to the G protein-coupled receptors, CRF type 1 (CRF1) and CRF2 receptors. In addition, CRF binding protein (CRFBP) binds both CRF and UCN 1 and can modulate their activities. There are multiple mechanisms through which CRF-related peptides may influence emotional behavior, one of which is through altering the activity of brainstem neuromodulatory systems, including serotonergic systems. CRF and CRF-related peptides act within the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), the major source for serotonin (5-HT) in the brain, to alter the neuronal activity of specific subsets of serotonergic neurons and to influence stress-related behavior. CRF-containing axonal fibers innervate the DR in a topographically organized manner, which may contribute to the ability of CRF to alter the activity of specific subsets of serotonergic neurons. CRF and CRF-related peptides can either increase or decrease serotonergic neuronal firing rates and serotonin release, depending on their concentrations and on the specific CRF receptor subtype(s) involved. This review aims to describe the interactions between CRF-related peptides and serotonergic systems, the consequences for stress-related behavior, and implications for vulnerability to anxiety and affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Fox
- Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO, USA
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Lunden JW, Kirby LG. Opiate exposure and withdrawal dynamically regulate mRNA expression in the serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus. Neuroscience 2013; 254:160-72. [PMID: 24055683 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.08.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous results from our lab suggest that hypofunctioning of the serotonergic (5-HT) dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is involved in stress-induced opiate reinstatement. To further investigate the effects of morphine dependence and withdrawal on the 5-HT DRN system, we measured gene expression at the level of mRNA in the DRN during a model of morphine dependence, withdrawal and post withdrawal stress exposure in rats. Morphine pellets were implanted for 72h and then either removed or animals were injected with naloxone to produce spontaneous or precipitated withdrawal, respectively. Animals exposed to these conditions exhibited withdrawal symptoms including weight loss, wet dog shakes and jumping behavior. Gene expression for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB), corticotrophin releasing-factor (CRF)-R1, CRF-R2, alpha 1 subunit of the GABAA receptor (GABAA-α1), μ-opioid receptor (MOR), 5-HT1A receptor, tryptophan hydroxylase2 (TPH2) and the 5-HT transporter was then measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction at multiple time-points across the model of morphine exposure, withdrawal and post withdrawal stress. Expression levels of BDNF, TrkB and CRF-R1 mRNA were decreased during both morphine exposure and following 7days of withdrawal. CRF-R2 mRNA expression was elevated after 7days of withdrawal. 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression was decreased following 3h of morphine exposure, while TPH2 mRNA expression was decreased after 7days of withdrawal with swim stress. There were no changes in the expression of GABAA-α1, MOR or 5-HT transporter mRNA. Collectively these results suggest that alterations in neurotrophin support, CRF-dependent stress signaling, 5-HT synthesis and release may underlie 5-HT DRN hypofunction that can potentially lead to stress-induced opiate relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Lunden
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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Bethea CL, Phu K, Reddy AP, Cameron JL. The effect of short moderate stress on the midbrain corticotropin-releasing factor system in a macaque model of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:1111-21. [PMID: 23849846 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of moderate stress on corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) components in the serotonergic midbrain region in a monkey model of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. DESIGN After characterization of stress sensitivity, monkeys were moved to a novel room and given 20% less chow for 5 days before euthanasia. SETTING Primate research center. ANIMAL(S) Female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) characterized as highly stress resilient (HSR, n = 5), medium stress resilient (n = 4), or stress sensitive (SS, n = 4). INTERVENTION(S) Five days of diet in a novel room with unfamiliar conspecifics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Density of CRF axons in the serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus; the number of urocortin 1 (UCN1) cells; the density of UCN1 axons; the expression of CRF receptor 1 (CRF-R1) and CRF-R2 in the dorsal raphe nucleus. RESULT(S) The CRF innervation was higher in HSR than in SS animals; UCN1 cell number was higher in HSR than in SS animals and UCN1 axon bouton density was not different; all opposite of nonstressed animals. The CRF-R1 was not different between the sensitivity groups, but CRF-R2 was higher in HSR than in SS animals. The relative expression of CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 was similar to nonstressed animals. CONCLUSION(S) The HSR animals respond to stress with an increase in CRF delivery to serotonin neurons. With stress, UCN1 transport decreases in HSR animals. The CRF receptor expression was similar with or without stress. These changes may contribute to resilience in HSR animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Bethea
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Portland, Oregon; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
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Wood SK, McFadden K, Griffin T, Wolfe JH, Zderic S, Valentino RJ. A corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist improves urodynamic dysfunction produced by social stress or partial bladder outlet obstruction in male rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 304:R940-50. [PMID: 23552576 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00257.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Barrington's nucleus, in the pons, regulates micturition through spinal projections to preganglionic parasympathetic neurons. The stress neuropeptide CRF is prominent in these projections and has an inhibitory influence. Social stress in rats causes urinary retention and abnormal urodynamics resembling those produced by partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO), and this is associated with CRF upregulation in Barrington's nucleus. Here, we examined the role of CRF in social stress- and pBOO-induced urodynamic dysfunction by assessing the ability of a CRF₁ receptor antagonist to alter these effects. Male rats exposed to repeated resident-intruder stress were administered vehicle or a CRF₁ antagonist (NBI-30775) daily prior to the stress. Urodynamic function was recorded in the unanesthetized state 72 h after the final stress. NBI-30775 prevented the increased intermicturition interval, micturition volume, and bladder capacity produced by social stress, but not the increase in CRF expression in Barrington's nucleus neurons. The urinary dysfunction was also partly prevented by shRNA targeting of CRF in Barrington's nucleus, suggesting that stress-induced urinary dysfunction results, in part, from CRF upregulation in Barrington's nucleus and enhanced postsynaptic effects in the spinal cord. Finally, NBI-30775 improved urodynamic function of rats that had pBOO of 2-wk duration when administered daily during the second week but did not block the increase in CRF expression in Barrington's nucleus neurons. These findings implicate a role for Barrington's nucleus CRF in stress- and pBOO-induced urodynamic changes and suggest that CRF₁ antagonists may be useful therapeutic agents for the treatment of urinary dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Wood
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Development of the serotonergic cells in murine raphe nuclei and their relations with rhombomeric domains. Brain Struct Funct 2012; 218:1229-77. [PMID: 23052546 PMCID: PMC3748323 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-012-0456-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The raphe nuclei represent the origin of central serotonergic projections. The literature distinguishes seven nuclei grouped into rostral and caudal clusters relative to the pons. The boundaries of these nuclei have not been defined precisely enough, particularly with regard to developmental units, notably hindbrain rhombomeres. We hold that a developmental point of view considering rhombomeres may explain observed differences in connectivity and function. There are twelve rhombomeres characterized by particular genetic profiles, and each develops between one and four distinct serotonergic populations. We have studied the distribution of the conventional seven raphe nuclei among these twelve units. To this aim, we correlated 5-HT-immunoreacted neurons with rhombomeric boundary landmarks in sagittal mouse brain sections at different developmental stages. Furthermore, we performed a partial genoarchitectonic analysis of the developing raphe nuclei, mapping all known serotonergic differentiation markers, and compared these results, jointly with others found in the literature, with our map of serotonin-containing populations, in order to examine regional variations in correspondence. Examples of regionally selective gene patterns were identified. As a result, we produced a rhombomeric classification of some 45 serotonergic populations, and suggested a corresponding modified terminology. Only a minor rostral part of the dorsal raphe nucleus lies in the midbrain. Some serotonergic neurons were found in rhombomere 4, contrary to the conventional assumption that it lacks such neurons. We expect that our reclassification of raphe nuclei may be useful for causal analysis of their differential molecular specification, as well as for studies of differential connectivity and function.
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McFadden K, Griffin TA, Levy V, Wolfe JH, Valentino RJ. Overexpression of corticotropin-releasing factor in Barrington's nucleus neurons by adeno-associated viral transduction: effects on bladder function and behavior. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 36:3356-64. [PMID: 22882375 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2012.08250.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The stress-related neuropeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), is prominent in neurons of the pontine micturition center, Barrington's nucleus. These neurons co-innervate spinal preganglionic neurons that control the bladder, and locus coeruleus (LC) neurons that provide norepinephrine innervation throughout the brain. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated transfer of CRF cDNA was used to increase CRF expression in Barrington's nucleus neurons and investigate the impact of a gain of function in Barrington's nucleus spinal and LC projections. AAV transfer of the reverse CRF cDNA sequence served as the control. Bladder urodynamics and behavior were assessed 4 weeks after vector injection into Barrington's nucleus. Rats with bilateral injections of AAV-CRF cDNA into Barrington's nucleus had immunohistochemical evidence of CRF overexpression in neurons and transport to the spinal cord and LC. The bladder : body weight ratio was greater and micturition pressure was less in these rats compared with controls, consistent with an inhibitory influence on bladder function. Other indices of urodynamic function were not altered. CRF innervation of the LC was increased in rats with bilateral Barrington's nucleus injections of AAV-CRF cDNA, and this was associated with increased burying behavior, an endpoint of LC activation by CRF. The results provide immunohistochemical evidence for viral vector-induced CRF overexpression in Barrington's nucleus neurons and underscore the ability of AAV vector-mediated transfer to increase CRF function in selective circuits. The findings support an inhibitory influence of CRF in Barrington's nucleus regulation of the bladder and an excitatory influence on the brain norepinephrine system that translates to behavioral activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kile McFadden
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Chen Y, Andres AL, Frotscher M, Baram TZ. Tuning synaptic transmission in the hippocampus by stress: the CRH system. Front Cell Neurosci 2012; 6:13. [PMID: 22514519 PMCID: PMC3322336 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2012.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To enhance survival, an organism needs to remember—and learn from—threatening or stressful events. This fact necessitates the presence of mechanisms by which stress can influence synaptic transmission in brain regions, such as hippocampus, that subserve learning and memory. A major focus of this series of monographs is on the role and actions of adrenal-derived hormones, corticosteroids, and of brain-derived neurotransmitters, on synaptic function in the stressed hippocampus. Here we focus on the contribution of hippocampus-intrinsic, stress-activated CRH-CRH receptor signaling to the function and structure of hippocampal synapses. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is expressed in interneurons of adult hippocampus, and is released from axon terminals during stress. The peptide exerts time- and dose-dependent effects on learning and memory via modulation of synaptic function and plasticity. Whereas physiological levels of CRH, acting over seconds to minutes, augment memory processes, exposure to presumed severe-stress levels of the peptide results in spine retraction and loss of synapses over more protracted time-frames. Loss of dendritic spines (and hence of synapses) takes place through actin cytoskeleton collapse downstream of CRHR1 receptors that reside within excitatory synapses on spine heads. Chronic exposure to stress levels of CRH may promote dying-back (atrophy) of spine-carrying dendrites. Thus, the acute effects of CRH may contribute to stress-induced adaptive mechanisms, whereas chronic or excessive exposure to the peptide may promote learning problems and premature cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncai Chen
- Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy/Neurobiology, and Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine CA, USA
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Takahashi C, Ohata H, Shibasaki T. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor subtypes in mediating neuronal activation of brain areas involved in responses to intracerebroventricular CRF and stress in rats. Peptides 2011; 32:2384-93. [PMID: 21964377 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays an important role in stress responses through activation of its receptor subtypes, CRF1 receptor (CRF(1)) and CRF2 receptor (CRF(2)). The parvocellular paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVNp), the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and the oval nucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTov), which are rich in CRF neurons with equivocal expression of CRF(1) and CRF(2), are involved in stress-related responses. In these areas, Fos expression is induced by various stimuli, although the functions of CRF receptor subtypes in stimuli-induced Fos expression are unknown. To elucidate this issue and to examine whether Fos is expressed in CRF or non-CRF neurons in these areas, the effects of antalarmin and antisauvagine-30 (AS-30), CRF(1)- and CRF(2)-specific antagonists, respectively, on intracerebroventricular (ICV) CRF- or 60min-restraint-induced Fos expression were examined in rats. ICV CRF increased the number of Fos-positive CRF and non-CRF neurons in the PVNp, with the increases being inhibited by antalarmin in CRF and non-CRF neurons and by AS-30 in CRF neurons. Restraint also increased Fos-positive CRF and non-CRF neurons in the PVNp, with the increases being inhibited by antalarmin in the CRF neurons. ICV CRF also increased Fos-positive non-CRF neurons in the CeA and the BNSTov, which was inhibited by AS-30 in both areas, and inhibited by antalarmin in the BNSTov only. Restraint increased Fos-positive non-CRF neurons in the CeA and BNSTov, with the increases being almost completely inhibited by either antagonist. These results indicate that both ICV CRF and restraint activate both CRF and non-CRF neurons in the PVNp and non-CRF neurons in the CeA and BNSTov, and that the activation is mediated by CRF(1) and/or CRF(2). However, the manner of involvement for CRF(1) and CRF(2) in ICV CRF- and restraint-induced activation of neurons differs with respect to the stimuli and brain areas; being roughly equivalent in the CeA and BNSTov, but different in the PVNp. Furthermore, the non-CRF(1&2)-mediated signals seem to primarily play a role in restraint-induced activation of non-CRF neurons in the PVNp since the activation was not inhibited by CRF receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaki Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan.
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Engert V, Vogel S, Efanov SI, Duchesne A, Corbo V, Ali N, Pruessner JC. Investigation into the cross-correlation of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase responses to psychological stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:1294-302. [PMID: 21470780 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a multidimensional construct. To accurately represent stress physiology, multiple stress measures across multiple stress-related systems should be assessed. However, associations may be masked given that different systems underlie different time courses. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase (sAA) are reliable biological stress markers of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, respectively. Studies examining the link between sAA and cortisol levels in response to stress have produced inconsistent results. Here, we investigated whether the covariance of stress-induced sAA and cortisol release is dependent on the distinct temporal dynamics of the two stress markers. A total of 50 male participants were exposed to a psychological laboratory stressor with high frequency (2-min interval) saliva sampling in two independent studies. Synchronized time series of sAA and cortisol measures before, during and after stress induction were obtained. Cross-correlation analysis was applied to test for the association of sAA and cortisol levels at various stages relative to the onset of the stressor. Positive and negative cross-correlations between lagged pairs of sAA and cortisol measures were found in both studies. The strongest correlation was found for sAA preceding cortisol release by 13.5 min (r = .27, p < .001). With a smaller effect size cortisol also significantly preceded sAA by 13.5 min (r = -.16, p < .001). We suggest that sAA and cortisol stress responses are reliably associated at various time lags throughout a stressful situation. As a possible connection site between HPA axis and SNS that may underlie sAA-cortisol associations, we discuss CRF neurons of the hypothalamus involved in sympathetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Engert
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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