1
|
Florido A, Velasco ER, Romero LR, Acharya N, Marin Blasco IJ, Nabás JF, Perez-Caballero L, Rivero G, Olabarrieta E, Nuñez-delMoral A, González-Parra JA, Porta-Casteràs D, Cano M, Steward T, Antony MS, Cardoner N, Torrubia R, Jackson AC, Fullana MA, Andero R. Sex differences in neural projections of fear memory processing in mice and humans. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3365. [PMID: 38985873 PMCID: PMC11235172 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
It remains unexplored in the field of fear memory whether functional neuronal connectivity between two brain areas is necessary for one sex but not the other. Here, we show that chemogenetic silencing of centromedial (CeM)-Tac2 fibers in the lateral posterior BNST (BNSTpl) decreased fear memory consolidation in male mice but not females. Optogenetic excitation of CeM-Tac2 fibers in the BNSTpl exhibited enhanced inhibitory postsynaptic currents in males compared to females. In vivo calcium imaging analysis revealed a sex-dimorphic fear memory engram in the BNSTpl. Furthermore, in humans, the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Tac2 receptor (rs2765) (TAC3R) decreased CeM-BNST connectivity in a fear task, impaired fear memory consolidation, and increased the expression of the TAC3R mRNA in AA-carrier men but not in women. These sex differences in critical neuronal circuits underlying fear memory formation may be relevant to human neuropsychiatric disorders with fear memory alterations such as posttraumatic stress disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Florido
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric R. Velasco
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leire R. Romero
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neha Acharya
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio J. Marin Blasco
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaime F. Nabás
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Perez-Caballero
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Rivero
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Estíbaliz Olabarrieta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Amaia Nuñez-delMoral
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose A. González-Parra
- IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Cell-Type Mechanisms in Normal and Pathological Behavior, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Porta-Casteràs
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health Department, Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Tauli University Hospital, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Sanitària Parc Taulí (I3PT), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine Bellaterra, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Cano
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Trevor Steward
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica S. Antony
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Narcís Cardoner
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health Department, Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Tauli University Hospital, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Sanitària Parc Taulí (I3PT), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine Bellaterra, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Torrubia
- Unitat de Psicologia Mèdica, Departament de Psiquiatria i Medicina Legal and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexander C. Jackson
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- The Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS), Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Miquel A. Fullana
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Adult Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raül Andero
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Sabadell, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Roland AV, Harry Chao TH, Hon OJ, Machinski SN, Sides TR, Lee SI, Ian Shih YY, Kash TL. Acute and chronic alcohol modulation of extended amygdala calcium dynamics. Alcohol 2024; 116:53-64. [PMID: 38423261 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.02.004] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The central amygdala (CeA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) are reciprocally connected nodes of the extended amygdala thought to play an important role in alcohol consumption. Studies of immediate-early genes indicate that BNST and CeA are acutely activated following alcohol drinking and may signal alcohol reward in nondependent drinkers, while stress signaling in the extended amygdala following chronic alcohol exposure drives increased drinking via negative reinforcement. However, the temporal dynamics of neuronal activation in these regions during drinking behavior are poorly understood. In this study, we used fiber photometry and the genetically encoded calcium sensor GCaMP6s to assess acute changes in neuronal activity during alcohol consumption in BNST and CeA before and after a chronic drinking paradigm. Activity was examined in the pan-neuronal population and separately in dynorphinergic neurons. BNST and CeA showed increased pan-neuronal activity during acute consumption of alcohol and other fluid tastants of positive and negative valence, as well as highly palatable chow. Responses were greatest during initial consummatory bouts and decreased in amplitude with repeated consumption of the same tastant, suggesting modulation by stimulus novelty. Dynorphin neurons showed similar consumption-associated calcium increases in both regions. Following three weeks of continuous alcohol access (CA), calcium increases in dynorphin neurons during drinking were maintained, but pan-neuronal activity and BNST-CeA coherence were altered in a sex-specific manner. These results indicate that BNST and CeA, and dynorphin neurons specifically, are engaged during drinking behavior, and activity dynamics are influenced by stimulus novelty and chronic alcohol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison V Roland
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tzu-Hao Harry Chao
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Olivia J Hon
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samantha N Machinski
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tori R Sides
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sophia I Lee
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yen-Yu Ian Shih
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thomas L Kash
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feola B, Moussa-Tooks AB, Sheffield JM, Heckers S, Woodward ND, Blackford JU. Threat Responses in Schizophrenia: A Negative Valence Systems Framework. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:9-25. [PMID: 38183600 PMCID: PMC10962319 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01479-9] [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] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Emotions are prominent in theories and accounts of schizophrenia but are largely understudied compared to cognition. Utilizing the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Negative Valence Systems framework, we review the current knowledge of emotions in schizophrenia. Given the pivotal role of threat responses in theories of schizophrenia and the substantial evidence of altered threat responses, we focus on three components of Negative Valence Systems tied to threat responses: responses to acute threat, responses to potential threat, and sustained threat. RECENT FINDINGS Individuals with schizophrenia show altered responses to neutral stimuli during acute threat, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis connectivity in response to potential threat, and threat responses associated with sustained threat. Our review concludes that Negative Valence Systems are altered in schizophrenia; however, the level and evidence of alterations vary across the types of threat responses. We suggest avenues for future research to further understand and intervene on threat responses in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandee Feola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
| | - Alexandra B Moussa-Tooks
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Julia M Sheffield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Stephan Heckers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Neil D Woodward
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Jennifer U Blackford
- Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hanna C, Yao R, Sajjad M, Gold M, Blum K, Thanos PK. Exercise Modifies the Brain Metabolic Response to Chronic Cocaine Exposure Inhibiting the Stria Terminalis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1705. [PMID: 38137153 PMCID: PMC10742065 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that exercise promotes health and wellness, both mentally and physiologically. It has been shown to play a protective role in many diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric diseases. The present study examined the effects of aerobic exercise on brain glucose metabolic activity in response to chronic cocaine exposure in female Lewis rats. Rats were divided into exercise and sedentary groups. Exercised rats underwent treadmill running for six weeks and were compared to the sedentary rats. Using positron emission tomography (PET) and [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), metabolic changes in distinct brain regions were observed when comparing cocaine-exposed exercised rats to cocaine-exposed sedentary rats. This included activation of the secondary visual cortex and inhibition in the cerebellum, stria terminalis, thalamus, caudate putamen, and primary somatosensory cortex. The functional network of this brain circuit is involved in sensory processing, fear and stress responses, reward/addiction, and movement. These results show that chronic exercise can alter the brain metabolic response to cocaine treatment in regions associated with emotion, behavior, and the brain reward cascade. This supports previous findings of the potential for aerobic exercise to alter the brain's response to drugs of abuse, providing targets for future investigation. These results can provide insights into the fields of exercise neuroscience, psychiatry, and addiction research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin Hanna
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacob School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Rutao Yao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Munawwar Sajjad
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Mark Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research and Education, Center for Sports, Exercise and Global Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacob School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ding SL. A novel subdivision of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis in monkey, rat, and mouse brains. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:2121-2145. [PMID: 36583448 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BST) is a critical structure that mediates sustained vigilant responses to contextual, diffuse, and unpredictable threats. Dysfunction of the BST could lead to excessive anxiety and hypervigilance, which are often observed in posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders. Vigilance of potential future threats from the external environment is a basic brain function and probably requires rapid and/or short neural circuits, which enable both quick detection of the potential threats and fast adaptive responses. However, the BST in literature does not appear to receive spatial information directly from earlier visual or spatial processing structures. In this study, a novel subdivision of the BST is uncovered in monkey, rat, and mouse brains based on the human equivalent and is found in mouse to receive direct inputs from the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus and pretectal nucleus as well as from the spatial processing structures such as subiculum, presubiculum, and medial entorhinal cortex. This new subdivision, termed spindle-shaped small cell subdivision (BSTsc), is located between the known BST and the anterior thalamus. In addition to the unique afferent connections and cell morphology, the BSTsc also displays unique molecular signature (e.g., positive for excitatory markers) compared with other BST subdivisions, which are mostly composed of inhibitory GABAergic neurons. The BSTsc appears to have largely overlapping efferent projections with other BST subdivisions such as the projections to the amygdala, hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, septum, and brainstem. Together, the present study suggests that the BSTsc is poised to serve as a shortcut bridge directly linking spatial information from the environment to vigilant adaptive internal responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song-Lin Ding
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Roland AV, Harry Chao TH, Hon OJ, Machinski SN, Sides TR, Lee SI, Ian Shih YY, Kash TL. Acute and chronic alcohol modulation of extended amygdala calcium dynamics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561741. [PMID: 37873188 PMCID: PMC10592781 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The central amygdala (CeA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) are reciprocally connected nodes of the extended amygdala thought to play an important role in alcohol consumption. Studies of immediate-early genes indicate that BNST and CeA are acutely activated following alcohol drinking and may signal alcohol reward in nondependent drinkers, while increased stress signaling in the extended amygdala following chronic alcohol exposure drives increased drinking via negative reinforcement. However, the temporal dynamics of neuronal activation in these regions during drinking behavior are poorly understood. In this study, we used fiber photometry and the genetically encoded calcium sensor GCaMP6s to assess acute changes in neuronal activity during alcohol consumption in BNST and CeA before and after a chronic drinking paradigm. Activity was examined in the pan-neuronal population and separately in dynorphinergic neurons. BNST and CeA showed increased pan-neuronal activity during acute consumption of alcohol and other fluid tastants of positive and negative valence, as well as highly palatable chow. Responses were greatest during initial consummatory bouts and decreased in amplitude with repeated consumption of the same tastant, suggesting modulation by stimulus novelty. Dynorphin neurons showed similar consumption-associated calcium increases in both regions. Following three weeks of continuous alcohol access (CA), calcium increases in dynorphin neurons during drinking were maintained, but pan-neuronal activity and BNST-CeA coherence were altered in a sex-specific manner. These results indicate that BNST and CeA, and dynorphin neurons specifically, are engaged during drinking behavior, and activity dynamics are influenced by stimulus novelty and chronic alcohol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison V Roland
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tzu-Hao Harry Chao
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Olivia J Hon
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samantha N Machinski
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tori R Sides
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sophia I Lee
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yen-Yu Ian Shih
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thomas L Kash
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van de Poll Y, Cras Y, Ellender TJ. The neurophysiological basis of stress and anxiety - comparing neuronal diversity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) across species. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1225758. [PMID: 37711509 PMCID: PMC10499361 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1225758] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), as part of the extended amygdala, has become a region of increasing interest regarding its role in numerous human stress-related psychiatric diseases, including post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder amongst others. The BNST is a sexually dimorphic and highly complex structure as already evident by its anatomy consisting of 11 to 18 distinct sub-nuclei in rodents. Located in the ventral forebrain, the BNST is anatomically and functionally connected to many other limbic structures, including the amygdala, hypothalamic nuclei, basal ganglia, and hippocampus. Given this extensive connectivity, the BNST is thought to play a central and critical role in the integration of information on hedonic-valence, mood, arousal states, processing emotional information, and in general shape motivated and stress/anxiety-related behavior. Regarding its role in regulating stress and anxiety behavior the anterolateral group of the BNST (BNSTALG) has been extensively studied and contains a wide variety of neurons that differ in their electrophysiological properties, morphology, spatial organization, neuropeptidergic content and input and output synaptic organization which shape their activity and function. In addition to this great diversity, further species-specific differences are evident on multiple levels. For example, classic studies performed in adult rat brain identified three distinct neuron types (Type I-III) based on their electrophysiological properties and ion channel expression. Whilst similar neurons have been identified in other animal species, such as mice and non-human primates such as macaques, cross-species comparisons have revealed intriguing differences such as their comparative prevalence in the BNSTALG as well as their electrophysiological and morphological properties, amongst other differences. Given this tremendous complexity on multiple levels, the comprehensive elucidation of the BNSTALG circuitry and its role in regulating stress/anxiety-related behavior is a major challenge. In the present Review we bring together and highlight the key differences in BNSTALG structure, functional connectivity, the electrophysiological and morphological properties, and neuropeptidergic profiles of BNSTALG neurons between species with the aim to facilitate future studies of this important nucleus in relation to human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yana van de Poll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yasmin Cras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tommas J. Ellender
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Giacometti C, Amiez C, Hadj-Bouziane F. Multiple routes of communication within the amygdala-mPFC network: A comparative approach in humans and macaques. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:100103. [PMID: 37601951 PMCID: PMC10432920 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The network formed by the amygdala (AMG) and the medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC), at the interface between our internal and external environment, has been shown to support some important aspects of behavioral adaptation. Whether and how the anatomo-functional organization of this network evolved across primates remains unclear. Here, we compared AMG nuclei morphological characteristics and their functional connectivity with the mPFC in humans and macaques to identify potential homologies and differences between these species. Based on selected studies, we highlight two subsystems within the AMG-mPFC circuits, likely involved in distinct temporal dynamics of integration during behavioral adaptation. We also show that whereas the mPFC displays a large expansion but a preserved intrinsic anatomo-functional organization, the AMG displays a volume reduction and morphological changes related to specific nuclei. We discuss potential commonalities and differences in the dialogue between AMG nuclei and mPFC in humans and macaques based on available data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Giacometti
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500, Bron, France
| | - C. Amiez
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500, Bron, France
| | - F. Hadj-Bouziane
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team (ImpAct), INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Flook EA, Feola B, Benningfield MM, Silveri MM, Winder DG, Blackford JU. Alterations in BNST Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in Early Abstinence from Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Alcohol 2023; 58:298-307. [PMID: 36847484 PMCID: PMC10168710 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Maintaining abstinence from alcohol use disorder (AUD) is extremely challenging, partially due to increased symptoms of anxiety and stress that trigger relapse. Rodent models of AUD have identified that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) contributes to symptoms of anxiety-like behavior and drug-seeking during abstinence. In humans, however, the BNST's role in abstinence remains poorly understood. The aims of this study were to assess BNST network intrinsic functional connectivity in individuals during abstinence from AUD compared to healthy controls and examine associations between BNST intrinsic functional connectivity, anxiety and alcohol use severity during abstinence. METHODS The study included resting state fMRI scans from participants aged 21-40 years: 20 participants with AUD in abstinence and 20 healthy controls. Analyses were restricted to five pre-selected brain regions with known BNST structural connections. Linear mixed models were used to test for group differences, with sex as a fixed factor given previously shown sex differences. RESULTS BNST-hypothalamus intrinsic connectivity was lower in the abstinent group relative to the control group. There were also pronounced sex differences in both the group and individual analyses; many of the findings were specific to men. Within the abstinent group, anxiety was positively associated with BNST-amygdala and BNST-hypothalamus connectivity, and men, not women, showed a negative relationship between alcohol use severity and BNST-hypothalamus connectivity. CONCLUSIONS Understanding differences in connectivity during abstinence may help explain the clinically observed anxiety and depression symptoms during abstinence and may inform the development of individualized treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Flook
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S # D3300, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brandee Feola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Margaret M Benningfield
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S # D3300, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Marisa M Silveri
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Jennifer Urbano Blackford
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 6902 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jacobs JT, Maior RS, Waguespack HF, Campos-Rodriguez C, Forcelli PA, Malkova L. Pharmacological Inactivation of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Increases Affiliative Social Behavior in Rhesus Macaques. J Neurosci 2023; 43:3331-3338. [PMID: 37012054 PMCID: PMC10162455 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2090-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in a variety of social behaviors, including aggression, maternal care, mating behavior, and social interaction. Limited evidence from rodent studies suggests that activation of the BNST results in a decrease in social interaction between unfamiliar animals. The role of the BNST in social interaction in primates remains wholly unexamined. Nonhuman primates provide a valuable model for studying social behavior because of both their rich social repertoire and neural substrates of behavior with high translational relevance to humans. To test the hypothesis that the primate BNST is a critical modulator of social behavior, we performed intracerebral microinfusions of the GABAA agonist muscimol to transiently inactivate the BNST in male macaque monkeys. We measured changes in social interaction with a familiar same-sex conspecific. Inactivation of the BNST resulted in significant increase in total social contact. This effect was associated with an increase in passive contact and a significant decrease in locomotion. Other nonsocial behaviors (sitting passively alone, self-directed behaviors, and manipulation) were not impacted by BNST inactivation. As part of the "extended amygdala," the BNST is highly interconnected with the basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA) nuclei of the amygdala, both of which also play critical roles in regulating social interaction. The precise pattern of behavioral changes we observed following inactivation of the BNST partially overlaps with our prior reports in the BLA and CeA. Together, these data demonstrate that the BNST is part of a network regulating social behavior in primates.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has a well-established role in anxiety behaviors, but its role in social behavior is poorly understood. No prior studies have evaluated the impact of BNST manipulations on social behavior in primates. We found that transient pharmacological inactivation of the BNST increased social behavior in pairs of macaque monkeys. These data suggest the BNST contributes to the brain networks regulating sociability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T Jacobs
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
| | - Rafael S Maior
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Metabolism and Behavior, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, 70910-900, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Hannah F Waguespack
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
| | | | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
| | - Ludise Malkova
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jin S, Liu W, Hu Y, Liu Z, Xia Y, Zhang X, Ding Y, Zhang L, Xie S, Ma C, Kang Y, Hu Z, Cheng W, Yang Z. Aberrant functional connectivity of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and its age dependence in children and adolescents with social anxiety disorder. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 82:103498. [PMID: 36758449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent and impairing mental disorder among children and adolescents. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays a critical role in anxiety disorders, including valence surveillance and hypervigilance for potential threats. However, the role of BNST and its related functional network in children and adolescents with SAD has not been fully investigated. This study examined the aberration of BNST's functional connectivity and its age dependence in adolescents with SAD. METHODS Using a sample of 75 SAD patients and 75 healthy controls (HCs) children aged 9-18 years old, we delineated the group-by-age interaction of BNST-seeded functional connectivity (FC) during resting state and movie-watching. The relationships between BNST-seeded FC and clinical scores were also examined. RESULTS During movie viewing, the FC between the right BNST and the left amygdala, bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), bilateral superior temporal cortex, and right pericalcarine cortex showed a diagnostic group-by-age interaction. Compared to HCs, SAD patients showed a significant enhancement of the above FC at younger ages. Meanwhile, they showed an age-dependent decrease in FC between the right BNST and left amygdala. Furthermore, for SAD patients, FC between the right BNST and left amygdala during movie viewing was positively correlated with separation anxiety scores. CONCLUSIONS The right BNST plays an essential role in the aberrant brain functioning in children and adolescents with SAD. The atypicality of BNST's FC has remarkable age dependence in SAD, suggesting an association of SAD with neurodevelopmental traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Jin
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yang Hu
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yufeng Xia
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yue Ding
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shuqi Xie
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Changminghao Ma
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yinzhi Kang
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhishan Hu
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wenhong Cheng
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Laboratory of Psychological Health and Imaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kenwood MM, Oler JA, Tromp DPM, Fox AS, Riedel MK, Roseboom PH, Brunner KG, Aggarwal N, Murray EA, Kalin NH. Prefrontal influences on the function of the neural circuitry underlying anxious temperament in primates. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2:kvac016. [PMID: 37583705 PMCID: PMC10426770 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Anxious temperament, characterized by heightened behavioral and physiological reactivity to potential threat, is an early childhood risk factor for the later development of stress-related psychopathology. Using a well-validated nonhuman primate model, we tested the hypothesis that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critical in regulating the expression of primate anxiety-like behavior, as well as the function of subcortical components of the anxiety-related neural circuit. We performed aspiration lesions of a narrow 'strip' of the posterior orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) intended to disrupt both cortex and axons entering, exiting and coursing through the pOFC, particularly those of the uncinate fasciculus (UF), a white matter tract that courses adjacent to and through this region. The OFC is of particular interest as a potential regulatory region because of its extensive reciprocal connections with amygdala, other subcortical structures and other frontal lobe regions. We validated this lesion method by demonstrating marked lesion-induced decreases in the microstructural integrity of the UF, which contains most of the fibers that connect the ventral PFC with temporal lobe structures as well as with other frontal regions. While the lesions resulted in modest decreases in threat-related behavior, they substantially decreased metabolism in components of the circuit underlying threat processing. These findings provide evidence for the importance of structural connectivity between the PFC and key subcortical structures in regulating the functions of brain regions known to be involved in the adaptive and maladaptive expression of anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kevin G Brunner
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | | | - Elisabeth A Murray
- Section on the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Laboratory of Neuropsychology, NIMH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ned H Kalin
- Psychiatry, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sasaoka T, Harada T, Sato D, Michida N, Yonezawa H, Takayama M, Nouzawa T, Yamawaki S. Neural basis for anxiety and anxiety-related physiological responses during a driving situation: an fMRI study. Cereb Cortex Commun 2022; 3:tgac025. [PMID: 35854841 PMCID: PMC9279323 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the exteroceptive and interoceptive prediction of a negative event increases a person’s anxiety in daily life situations, the relationship between the brain mechanism of anxiety and the anxiety-related autonomic response has not been fully understood. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we examined the neural basis of anxiety and anxiety-related autonomic responses in a daily driving situation. Participants viewed a driving video clip in the first-person perspective. During the video clip, participants were presented with a cue to indicate whether a subsequent crash could occur (attention condition) or not (safe condition). Enhanced activities in the anterior insula, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, thalamus, and periaqueductal gray, and higher sympathetic nerve responses (pupil dilation and peripheral arterial stiffness) were triggered by the attention condition but not with the safe condition. Autonomic response-related functional connectivity was detected in the visual cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, and MCC/PCC with the right anterior insula and its adjacent regions as seed regions. Thus, the right anterior insula and adjacent regions, in collaboration with other regions play a role in eliciting anxiety based on the prediction of negative events, by mediating anxiety-related autonomic responses according to interoceptive information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Sasaoka
- Center for Brain, Mind, and KANSEI Sciences Research, Hiroshima University , 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551 , Japan
| | - Tokiko Harada
- Center for Brain, Mind, and KANSEI Sciences Research, Hiroshima University , 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551 , Japan
| | - Daichi Sato
- Mazda Motor Corporation , 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima, 730-8670 , Japan
| | - Nanae Michida
- Mazda Motor Corporation , 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima, 730-8670 , Japan
| | - Hironobu Yonezawa
- Mazda Motor Corporation , 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima, 730-8670 , Japan
| | - Masatoshi Takayama
- Mazda Motor Corporation , 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima, 730-8670 , Japan
| | - Takahide Nouzawa
- Office of Academic Research and Industry-Academia-Government and Community Collaboration , Hiroshima University, 1-3-2, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8511 , Japan
| | - Shigeto Yamawaki
- Center for Brain, Mind, and KANSEI Sciences Research, Hiroshima University , 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551 , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Luyck K, Bervoets C, Deblieck C, Nuttin B, Luyten L. Deep brain stimulation in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis: A symptom provocation study in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:252-260. [PMID: 35512619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging therapy for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and several targets for electrode implantation and contact selection have been proposed, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST). Selecting the active electrode contacts (patients typically have four to choose from in each hemisphere), and thus the main locus of stimulation, can be a taxing process. Here, we investigated whether contact selection based purely on their neuroanatomical position in the BST is a worthwhile approach. For the first time, we also compared the effects of uni- versus bilateral BST stimulation. METHODS Nine OCD patients currently receiving DBS participated in a double-blind, randomized symptom provocation study to compare no versus BST stimulation. Primary outcomes were anxiety and mood ratings in response to disorder-relevant trigger images, as well as ratings of obsessions, compulsions, tendency to avoid and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, we asked whether patients preferred the electrode contacts in the BST over their regular stimulation contacts as a new treatment setting after the end of the task. RESULTS We found no statistically significant group differences between the four conditions (no, left, right and bilateral BST stimulation). Exploratory analyses, as well as follow-up data, did indicate that (bilateral) bipolar stimulation in the BST was beneficial for some patients, particularly for those who had achieved unsatisfactory effects through the typical contact selection procedure. CONCLUSIONS Despite its limitations, this study suggests that selection of stimulation contacts in the BST is a viable option for DBS in treatment-resistant OCD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Luyck
- KU Leuven, Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Herestraat 49 PB 7003, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49 PB 1021, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Bervoets
- Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49 PB 1021, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; University Hospitals Leuven, Psychiatry, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Choi Deblieck
- University Hospitals Leuven, Psychiatry, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Nuttin
- KU Leuven, Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Herestraat 49 PB 7003, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49 PB 1021, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; University Hospitals Leuven, Neurosurgery, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Luyten
- KU Leuven, Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Herestraat 49 PB 7003, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49 PB 1021, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Tiensestraat 102 PB 3712, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yao Y, Lu C, Chen J, Sun J, Zhou C, Tan C, Xian X, Tong J, Yao H. Increased Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Hippocampus in Rats With Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:894720. [PMID: 35720716 PMCID: PMC9201098 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.894720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) has been identified as a frequent complication of sepsis, featured by an aberrant level of cognitive and affective functions. The present study is designed to explore the changes in functional connectivity (FC) of the hippocampus in rats with SAE utilizing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the SAE and control groups. We acquired rs-fMRI data using a 7T MRI to evaluate hippocampal network functional differences between the two groups with a seed-based approach. Behavioral performance was assessed using the open field test and forced swimming test. Statistical analysis was undertaken to evaluate the correlation between the hippocampal FC and behavioral findings.ResultsCompared with the control group, the SAE group showed increased FC between the bilateral hippocampus and thalamus, septum, bed nuclei stria terminalis (BNST), left primary forelimb somatosensory cortex (S1FL), primary motor cortex (M1), and inferior colliculus. Increased FC between the left hippocampus and thalamus, septum, BNST, left S1FL, and inferior colliculus was observed. While with the right hippocampus, FC in thalamus, septum, left S1FL and inferior colliculus was enhanced. Additionally, positive correlations were found between the hippocampal FC and the immobility time in the forced swimming test.ConclusionHippocampus-related brain networks have significant alterations in rats with SAE, and the elevated hippocampal resting-state FC was positively related to affective deficits. Changes in FC between the hippocampus and other brain regions could be a potential neuroimaging biomarker of cognitive or mental disorders triggered by SAE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yao
- Cardiovascular Surgery Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunqiang Lu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiu Chen
- Institute of Brain Functional Imaging, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cuihua Zhou
- Cardiovascular Surgery Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Tan
- Cardiovascular Surgery Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xian Xian
- Cardiovascular Surgery Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianhua Tong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Jianhua Tong,
| | - Hao Yao
- Cardiovascular Surgery Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Hao Yao,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Berry SC, Lawrence AD, Lancaster TM, Casella C, Aggleton JP, Postans M. Subiculum - BNST Structural Connectivity in Humans and Macaques. Neuroimage 2022; 253:119096. [PMID: 35304264 PMCID: PMC9227740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive tract-tracing studies in rodents implicate a direct connection between the subiculum and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) as a key component of neural pathways mediating hippocampal regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. A clear characterisation of the connections linking the subiculum and BNST in humans and non-human primates is lacking. To address this, we first delineated the projections from the subiculum to the BNST using anterograde tracers injected into macaque monkeys, revealing evidence for a monosynaptic subiculum-BNST projection involving the fornix. Second, we used in vivo diffusion MRI tractography in macaques and humans to demonstrate substantial subiculum complex connectivity to the BNST in both species. This connection was primarily carried by the fornix, with additional connectivity via the amygdala, consistent with rodent anatomy. Third, utilising the twin-based nature of our human sample, we found that microstructural properties of these tracts were moderately heritable (h2 ∼ 0.5). In a final analysis, we found no evidence of any significant association between subiculum complex-BNST tract microstructure and indices of perceived stress/dispositional negativity and alcohol use, derived from principal component analysis decomposition of self-report data. Our findings address a key translational gap in our knowledge of the neurocircuitry regulating stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C Berry
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Andrew D Lawrence
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Chiara Casella
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - John P Aggleton
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mark Postans
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Basolateral and central amygdala orchestrate how we learn whom to trust. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1329. [PMID: 34824373 PMCID: PMC8617284 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02815-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cooperation and mutual trust are essential in our society, yet not everybody is trustworthy. In this fMRI study, 62 healthy volunteers performed a repeated trust game, placing trust in a trustworthy or an untrustworthy player. We found that the central amygdala was active during trust behavior planning while the basolateral amygdala was active during outcome evaluation. When planning the trust behavior, central and basolateral amygdala activation was stronger for the untrustworthy player compared to the trustworthy player but only in participants who actually learned to differentiate the trustworthiness of the players. Independent of learning success, nucleus accumbens encoded whether trust was reciprocated. This suggests that learning whom to trust is not related to reward processing in the nucleus accumbens, but rather to engagement of the amygdala. Our study overcomes major empirical gaps between animal models and human neuroimaging and shows how different subnuclei of the amygdala and connected areas orchestrate learning to form different subjective trustworthiness beliefs about others and guide trust choice behavior.
Collapse
|
18
|
Siminski N, Borgmann L, Becker MPI, Hofmann D, Gathmann B, Leehr EJ, Böhnlein J, Seeger FR, Schwarzmeier H, Roesmann K, Junghöfer M, Dannlowski U, Lueken U, Straube T, Herrmann MJ. Centromedial amygdala is more relevant for phobic confrontation relative to the bed nucleus of stria terminalis in patients with spider phobia. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 143:268-275. [PMID: 34530337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate differential involvement of the centromedial amygdala (CM) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) during processing (anticipation and confrontation) of threat stimuli. Here, temporal predictability was shown to be a relevant factor. In this study, we want to investigate the relevance of these effects, which were found in healthy subjects, for anxiety disorders. Therefore, we investigated the differential involvement of CM and BNST in the anticipation and confrontation of phobic stimuli under variation of temporal predictability in spider phobia. 21 patients with spider phobia and 21 healthy controls underwent a temporally predictable/unpredictable phobic and neutral anticipation and confrontation paradigm using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and ROI analyses. During the anticipation phase, healthy controls showed higher CM and BNST activity during the predictable compared with the unpredictable condition compared with the anxiety patients. During a confrontation phase that followed the anticipation phase, CM was more activated than BNST during the phobic compared with the neutral confrontation. While this effect was independent of threat predictability in patients, healthy controls showed higher activation in the CM compared with the BNST only during the predictable spider confrontation compared with the predictable bird confrontation. The results contribute to a better understanding of the separate roles of the CM and BNST during phobic processes. The CM was found to be more relevant to phobic confrontation in patients with spider phobia compared with the BNST.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Siminski
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - L Borgmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Germany
| | - M P I Becker
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Germany
| | - D Hofmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Germany
| | - B Gathmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Germany
| | - E J Leehr
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Germany
| | - J Böhnlein
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Germany
| | - F R Seeger
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - H Schwarzmeier
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - K Roesmann
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Germany; Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Siegen, Germany
| | - M Junghöfer
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Germany
| | - U Dannlowski
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Germany
| | - U Lueken
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
| | - T Straube
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Germany
| | - M J Herrmann
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Better living through understanding the insula: Why subregions can make all the difference. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108765. [PMID: 34461066 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Insula function is considered critical for many motivated behaviors, with proposed functions ranging from attention, behavioral control, emotional regulation, goal-directed and aversion-resistant responding. Further, the insula is implicated in many neuropsychiatric conditions including substance abuse. More recently, multiple insula subregions have been distinguished based on anatomy, connectivity, and functional contributions. Generally, posterior insula is thought to encode more somatosensory inputs, which integrate with limbic/emotional information in middle insula, that in turn integrate with cognitive processes in anterior insula. Together, these regions provide rapid interoceptive information about the current or predicted situation, facilitating autonomic recruitment and quick, flexible action. Here, we seek to create a robust foundation from which to understand potential subregion differences, and provide direction for future studies. We address subregion differences across humans and rodents, so that the latter's mechanistic interventions can best mesh with clinical relevance of human conditions. We first consider the insula's suggested roles in humans, then compare subregional studies, and finally describe rodent work. One primary goal is to encourage precision in describing insula subregions, since imprecision (e.g. including both posterior and anterior studies when describing insula work) does a disservice to a larger understanding of insula contributions. Additionally, we note that specific task details can greatly impact recruitment of various subregions, requiring care and nuance in design and interpretation of studies. Nonetheless, the central ethological importance of the insula makes continued research to uncover mechanistic, mood, and behavioral contributions of paramount importance and interest. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse'.
Collapse
|
20
|
Boucher MN, May V, Braas KM, Hammack SE. PACAP orchestration of stress-related responses in neural circuits. Peptides 2021; 142:170554. [PMID: 33865930 PMCID: PMC8592028 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a pleiotropic polypeptide that can activate G protein-coupled PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2 receptors, and has been implicated in stress signaling. PACAP and its receptors are widely distributed throughout the nervous system and other tissues and can have a multitude of effects. Human and animal studies suggest that PACAP plays a role responding to a variety of threats and stressors. Here we review the roles of PACAP in several regions of the central nervous system (CNS) as they relate to several behavioral functions. For example, in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), PACAP is upregulated following chronic stress and may drive anxiety-like behavior. PACAP can also influence both the consolidation and expression of fear memories, as demonstrated by studies in several fear-related areas, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. PACAP can also mediate the emotional component of pain, as PACAP in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is able to decrease pain sensitivity thresholds. Outside of the central nervous system, PACAP may drive glucocorticoid release via enhanced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and may participate in infection-induced stress responses. Together, this suggests that PACAP exerts effects on many stress-related systems and may be an important driver of emotional behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa N Boucher
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States
| | - Victor May
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States.
| | - Karen M Braas
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States
| | - Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Weis CN, Bennett KP, Huggins AA, Parisi EA, Gorka SM, Larson C. A 7-Tesla MRI Study of the Periaqueductal Grey: Resting State and Task Activation Under Threat. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2021; 17:187-197. [PMID: 34244809 PMCID: PMC8847906 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsab085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The periaqueductal grey (PAG) is a region of the midbrain implicated in a variety of behaviors including defensive responses to threat. Despite the wealth of knowledge pertaining to the differential functional roles of the PAG columns in nonhuman and human research, the basic functional connectivity of the PAG at rest has not been well characterized. Therefore, the current study utilized 7-Tesla MRI to characterize PAG functional connectivity at rest and task activation under uncertain threat. A sample of 53 neurologically healthy undergraduate participants (Mage=22.2, SDage=3.62) underwent structural and resting state functional MRI scans. Supporting previous work, voxel-wise analyses showed the PAG is functionally connected to emotion regulation and fear networks. Comparison of functional connectivity of PAG columns did not reveal any significant differences. Thirty-five participants from the same sample also completed an uncertain threat task with blocks of 3 conditions-No shock, Predictable shock, and Unpredictable shock. There were no robust activity differences within the PAG columns or the whole PAG across conditions, though there was differential activity at the voxel level in the PAG and in other regions theoretically relevant to uncertain threat. Results of this study elucidate PAG connectivity at rest and activation in response to uncertain threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carissa N Weis
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Ashley A Huggins
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Parisi
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Stephanie M Gorka
- The Ohio State University, Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christine Larson
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Feola B, McHugo M, Armstrong K, Noall MP, Flook EA, Woodward ND, Heckers S, Blackford JU. BNST and amygdala connectivity are altered during threat anticipation in schizophrenia. Behav Brain Res 2021; 412:113428. [PMID: 34182009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In schizophrenia, impairments in affect are prominent and anxiety disorders are prevalent. Neuroimaging studies of fear and anxiety in schizophrenia have focused on the amygdala and show alterations in connectivity. Emerging evidence suggests that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) also plays a critical role in anxiety, especially during anticipation of an unpredictable threat; however, previous studies have not examined the BNST in schizophrenia. In the present study, we examined BNST function and connectivity in people with schizophrenia (n = 31; n = 15 with comorbid anxiety) and controls (n = 15) during anticipation of unpredictable and predictable threat. A secondary analysis tested for differences in activation and connectivity of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), which has also been implicated in threat anticipation. Analyses tested for group differences in both activation and connectivity during anticipation of unpredictable threat and predictable threat (p < .05). Relative to controls, individuals with schizophrenia showed stronger BNST-middle temporal gyrus (MTG) connectivity during unpredictable threat anticipation and stronger BNST-MTG and BNST-dorsolateral prefrontal connectivity during predictable threat anticipation. Comparing subgroups of individuals with schizophrenia and a comorbid anxiety disorder (SZ+ANX) to those without an anxiety disorder (SZ-ANX) revealed broader patterns of altered connectivity. During unpredictable threat anticipation, the SZ+ANX group had stronger BNST connectivity with regions of the salience network (insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex). During predictable threat anticipation, the SZ+ANX group had stronger BNST connectivity with regions associated with fear processing (insula, extended amygdala, prefrontal cortex). A secondary CeA analysis revealed a different pattern; the SZ+ANX group had weaker CeA connectivity across multiple brain regions during threat anticipation compared to the SZ-ANX group. These findings provide novel evidence for altered functional connectivity during threat anticipation in schizophrenia, especially in individuals with comorbid anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandee Feola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States; Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Maureen McHugo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kristan Armstrong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Madison P Noall
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Flook
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Neil D Woodward
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Stephan Heckers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jennifer Urbano Blackford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States; Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Neural substrates of human fear generalization: A 7T-fMRI investigation. Neuroimage 2021; 239:118308. [PMID: 34175426 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear generalization - the tendency to interpret ambiguous stimuli as threatening due to perceptual similarity to a learned threat - is an adaptive process. Overgeneralization, however, is maladaptive and has been implicated in a number of anxiety disorders. Neuroimaging research has indicated several regions sensitive to effects of generalization, including regions involved in fear excitation (e.g., amygdala, insula) and inhibition (e.g., ventromedial prefrontal cortex). Research has suggested several other small brain regions may play an important role in this process (e.g., hippocampal subfields, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis [BNST], habenula), but, to date, these regions have not been examined during fear generalization due to limited spatial resolution of standard human neuroimaging. To this end, we utilized the high spatial resolution of 7T fMRI to characterize the neural circuits involved in threat discrimination and generalization. Additionally, we examined potential modulating effects of trait anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty on neural activation during threat generalization. In a sample of 31 healthy undergraduate students, significant positive generalization effects (i.e., greater activation for stimuli with increasing perceptual similarity to a learned threat cue) were observed in the visual cortex, thalamus, habenula and BNST, while negative generalization effects were observed in the dentate gyrus, CA1, and CA3. Associations with individual differences were underpowered, though preliminary findings suggested greater generalization in the insula and primary somatosensory cortex may be correlated with self-reported anxiety. Overall, findings largely support previous neuroimaging work on fear generalization and provide additional insight into the contributions of several previously unexplored brain regions.
Collapse
|
24
|
Pang M, Zhong Y, Hao Z, Xu H, Wu Y, Teng C, Li J, Xiao C, Fox PT, Zhang N, Wang C. Resting-state causal connectivity of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in panic disorder. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:25-35. [PMID: 31833015 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Panic disorder (PD) is associated with anticipatory anxiety, a sustained threat response that appears to be related to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Individuals with panic disorder may demonstrate significant differences in causal connectivity of the BNST in comparison to healthy controls. To test this hypothesis, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to identify aberrant causal connectivity of the BNST in PD patients. 19 PD patients and 18 healthy controls (HC) matched for gender, age and education were included. Granger causality analysis (GCA) utilizing the BNST as a seed region was used to investigate changes in directional connectivity. Relative to healthy controls, PD patients displayed abnormal directional connectivity of the BNST including enhanced causal connectivity between the left parahippocampal gyrus and left BNST, the right insula and the right BNST, the left BNST and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and right BNST to the left and right dlPFC. Furthermore, PD patients displayed weakened causal connectivity between the right dlPFC and the left BNST, the left dlPFC and the right BNST, the left BNST and the left dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), right insula, right fusiform, and right BNST to the right insula. The results suggest that PD strongly correlates with increased causal connectivity between emotional processing regions and the BNST and enhanced causal connectivity between the BNST and cognitive control regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manlong Pang
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziyu Hao
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huazhen Xu
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changjun Teng
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chaoyong Xiao
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peter T Fox
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. .,Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. .,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kark SM, Birnie MT, Baram TZ, Yassa MA. Functional Connectivity of the Human Paraventricular Thalamic Nucleus: Insights From High Field Functional MRI. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 15:662293. [PMID: 33967711 PMCID: PMC8096909 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.662293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) is a small but highly connected nucleus of the dorsal midline thalamus. The PVT has garnered recent attention as a context-sensitive node within the thalamocortical arousal system that modulates state-dependent motivated behaviors. Once considered related to generalized arousal responses with non-specific impacts on behavior, accumulating evidence bolsters the contemporary view that discrete midline thalamic subnuclei belong to specialized corticolimbic and corticostriatal circuits related to attention, emotions, and cognition. However, the functional connectivity patterns of the human PVT have yet to be mapped. Here, we combined high-quality, high-resolution 7T and 3T resting state MRI data from 121 young adult participants from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and thalamic subnuclei atlas masks to investigate resting state functional connectivity of the human PVT. The 7T results demonstrated extensive positive functional connectivity with the brainstem, midbrain, ventral and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), anterior and posterior cingulate, ventral striatum, hippocampus, and amygdala. These connections persist upon controlling for functional connectivity of the rest of the thalamus. Whole-brain contrasts provided further evidence that, compared to three nearby midline thalamic subnuclei, functional connectivity of the PVT is strong with the hippocampus, amygdala, ventral and dorsal mPFC, and middle temporal gyrus. These findings suggest that, even during rest, the human PVT is functionally coupled with many regions known to be structurally connected to rodent and non-human primate PVT. Further, cosine similarity analysis results suggested the PVT is integrated into the default mode network (DMN), an intrinsic connectivity network associated with episodic memory and self-referential thought. The current work provides a much-needed foundation for ongoing and future work examining the functional roles of the PVT in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Kark
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Michael A. Yassa
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Berry SC, Wise RG, Lawrence AD, Lancaster TM. Extended-amygdala intrinsic functional connectivity networks: A population study. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:1594-1616. [PMID: 33314443 PMCID: PMC7978137 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-clinical and human neuroimaging research implicates the extended-amygdala (ExtA) (including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis [BST] and central nucleus of the amygdala [CeA]) in networks mediating negative emotional states associated with stress and substance-use behaviours. The extent to which individual ExtA structures form a functionally integrated unit is controversial. We utilised a large sample (n > 1,000 healthy young adult humans) to compare the intrinsic functional connectivity networks (ICNs) of the BST and CeA using task-free functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from the Human Connectome Project. We assessed whether inter-individual differences within these ICNs were related to two principal components representing negative disposition and alcohol use. Building on recent primate evidence, we tested whether within BST-CeA intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) was heritable and further examined co-heritability with our principal components. We demonstrate the BST and CeA to have discrete, but largely overlapping ICNs similar to previous findings. We found no evidence that within BST-CeA iFC was heritable; however, post hoc analyses found significant BST iFC heritability with the broader superficial and centromedial amygdala regions. There were no significant correlations or co-heritability associations with our principal components either across the ICNs or for specific BST-Amygdala iFC. Possible differences in phenotype associations across task-free, task-based, and clinical fMRI are discussed, along with suggestions for more causal investigative paradigms that make use of the now well-established ExtA ICNs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C. Berry
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of PsychologyCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Richard G. Wise
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences"G. D'Annunzio University" of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
| | - Andrew D. Lawrence
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of PsychologyCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Flook EA, Feola B, Benningfield MM, Silveri MM, Winder DG, Blackford JU. Alterations in connectivity of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis during early abstinence in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:1028-1038. [PMID: 33830508 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), long-term recovery is difficult in part due to symptoms of anxiety that occur during early abstinence and can trigger relapse. Research in rodent models of AUD has identified the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a small, sexually dimorphic, subcortical region, as critical for regulating anxiety-like behaviors during abstinence, particularly in female mice. Furthermore, prolonged alcohol use and subsequent abstinence alter BNST afferent and efferent connections to other brain regions. To our knowledge, however, no studies of early abstinence have investigated BNST structural connectivity in humans during abstinence; this study addresses that gap. METHODS Nineteen participants with AUD currently in early abstinence and 20 healthy controls completed a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scan. BNST structural connectivity was evaluated using probabilistic tractography. A linear mixed model was used to test between-groups differences in BNST network connectivity. Exploratory analyses were conducted to test for correlations between BNST connectivity and alcohol use severity and anxiety within the abstinence group. Sex was included as a factor for all analyses. RESULTS The BNST showed stronger structural connectivity with the BNST network in early abstinence women than in control women, which was not seen in men. Women also showed region-specific differences, with stronger BNST-hypothalamus structural connectivity but weaker vmPFC-BNST structural connectivity than men. Exploratory analyses also demonstrated a relationship between alcohol use severity and vmPFC-BNST structural connectivity that was moderated by sex. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to demonstrate BNST structural connectivity differences in early abstinence and revealed key sex differences. The sex-specific differences in BNST structural connectivity during early abstinence could underlie known sex differences in abstinence symptoms and relapse risk and help to inform potential sex-specific treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Flook
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brandee Feola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Margaret M Benningfield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Marisa M Silveri
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer Urbano Blackford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Flook EA, Luchsinger JR, Silveri MM, Winder DG, Benningfield MM, Blackford JU. Anxiety during abstinence from alcohol: A systematic review of rodent and human evidence for the anterior insula's role in the abstinence network. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12861. [PMID: 31991531 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing disease that impacts almost a third of Americans. Despite effective treatments for attaining sobriety, the majority of patients relapse within a year, making relapse a substantial barrier to long-term treatment success. A major factor contributing to relapse is heightened negative affect that results from the combination of abstinence-related increases in stress-reactivity and decreases in reward sensitivity. Substantial research has contributed to the understanding of reward-related changes in AUD. However, less is known about anxiety during abstinence, a critical component of understanding addiction as anxiety during abstinence can trigger relapse. Most of what we know about abstinence-related negative affect comes from rodent studies which have identified key brain regions responsible for abstinence-related behaviors. This abstinence network is composed of brain regions that make up the extended amygdala: the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). More recently, emerging evidence from rodent and human studies suggests a fourth brain region, the anterior insula, might be part of the abstinence network. Here, we review current rodent and human literature on the extended amygdala's role in alcohol abstinence and anxiety, present evidence for the anterior insula's role in the abstinence network, and provide future directions for research to further elucidate the neural underpinnings of abstinence in humans. A better understanding of the abstinence network is critical toward understanding and possibly preventing relapse in AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Flook
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
| | - Joseph R. Luchsinger
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
| | - Marisa M. Silveri
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital Belmont MA USA
- Department of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Danny G. Winder
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
| | - Margaret M. Benningfield
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
| | - Jennifer Urbano Blackford
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville TN USA
- Research Health Scientist, Research and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Nashville TN USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Maita I, Bazer A, Blackford JU, Samuels BA. Functional anatomy of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis-hypothalamus neural circuitry: Implications for valence surveillance, addiction, feeding, and social behaviors. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 179:403-418. [PMID: 34225978 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819975-6.00026-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a medial basal forebrain structure that modulates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The heterogeneous subnuclei of the BNST integrate inputs from mood and reward-related areas and send direct inhibitory projections to the hypothalamus. The connections between the BNST and hypothalamus are conserved across species, promote activation of the HPA axis, and can increase avoidance of aversive environments, which is historically associated with anxiety behaviors. However, BNST-hypothalamus circuitry is also implicated in motivated behaviors, drug seeking, feeding, and sexual behavior. These complex and diverse roles, as well its sexual dimorphism, indicate that the BNST-hypothalamus circuitry is an essential component of the neural circuitry that may underlie various psychiatric diseases, ranging from anorexia to anxiety to addiction. The following review is a cross-species exploration of BNST-hypothalamus circuitry. First, we describe the BNST subnuclei, microcircuitry and complex reciprocal connections with the hypothalamus. We will then discuss the behavioral functions of BNST-hypothalamus circuitry, including valence surveillance, addiction, feeding, and social behavior. Finally, we will address sex differences in morphology and function of the BNST and hypothalamus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Maita
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Allyson Bazer
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Jennifer Urbano Blackford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States; Research Health Scientist, Tennessee Valley HealthCare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hofmann D, Straube T. Effective connectivity between bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala: Reproducibility and relation to anxiety. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 42:824-836. [PMID: 33155747 PMCID: PMC7814768 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we investigated the resting‐state fMRI effective connectivity (EC) between the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the laterobasal (LB), centromedial (CM), and superficial (SF) amygdala. We found strong negative EC from all amygdala nuclei to the BNST, while the BNST showed positive EC to the amygdala. However, the validity of these findings remains unclear, since a reproduction in different samples has not been done. Moreover, the association of EC with measures of anxiety offers deeper insight, due to the known role of the BNST and amygdala in fear and anxiety. Here, we aimed to reproduce our previous results in three additional samples. We used spectral Dynamic Causal Modeling to estimate the EC between the BNST, the LB, CM, and SF, and its association with two measures of self‐reported anxiety. Our results revealed consistency over samples with regard to the negative EC from the amygdala nuclei to the BNST, while the positive EC from BNST to the amygdala was also found, but weaker and more heterogenic. Moreover, we found the BNST‐BNST EC showing a positive and the CM‐BNST EC, showing a negative association with anxiety. Our study suggests a reproducible pattern of negative EC from the amygdala to the BNST along with weaker positive EC from the BNST to the amygdala. Moreover, less BNST self‐inhibition and more inhibitory influence from the CM to the BNST seems to be a pattern of EC that is related to higher anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hofmann
- University Hospital Muenster, Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, Muenster, Germany
| | - Thomas Straube
- University Hospital Muenster, Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, Muenster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yuan R, Biswal BB, Zaborszky L. Functional Subdivisions of Magnocellular Cell Groups in Human Basal Forebrain: Test-Retest Resting-State Study at Ultra-high Field, and Meta-analysis. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:2844-2858. [PMID: 30137295 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneous neuronal subgroups of the basal forebrain corticopetal system (BFcs) have been shown to modulate cortical functions through their cholinergic, gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic, and glutamatergic projections to the entire cortex. Although previous studies suggested that the basalo-cortical projection system influences various cognitive functions, particularly via its cholinergic component, these studies only focused on certain parts of the BFcs or nearby structures, leaving aside a more systematic picture of the functional connectivity of BFcs subcompartments. Moreover, these studies lacked the high-spatial resolution and the probability maps needed to identify specific subcompartments. Recent advances in the ultra-high field 7T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provided potentially unprecedented spatial resolution of functional MRI images to study the subdivision of the BFcs. In this study, the BF space containing corticopetal cells was divided into 3 functionally distinct subdivisions based on functional connection to cortical regions derived from fMRI. The overall functional connection of each BFcs subdivision was examined with a test-retest study. Finally, a meta-analysis was used to study the related functional topics of each BF subdivision. Our results demonstrate distinct functional connectivity patterns of these subdivisions along the rostrocaudal axis of the BF. All three compartments have shown consistent segregation and overlap at specific target regions including the hippocampus, insula, thalamus, and the cingulate gyrus, suggesting functional integration and separation in BFcs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Bharat B Biswal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA.,The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Laszlo Zaborszky
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Awasthi S, Pan H, LeDoux JE, Cloitre M, Altemus M, McEwen B, Silbersweig D, Stern E. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and functionally linked neurocircuitry modulate emotion processing and HPA axis dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 28:102442. [PMID: 33070099 PMCID: PMC7569227 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Task-based functional cooccurrence (tbFC) elucidates role of BNST in human PTSD neurocircuitry. The BNST is hyperactive during the processing of trauma-related words in PTSD. BNST activity correlates to PTSD symptom severity and reduced diurnal cortisol index. The BNST has positive tbFC with negative emotion- and stress-related neurocircuitry. The BNST has negative tbFC with executive function and stress regulation neurocircuitry.
Background The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays an important role in rodent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but evidence to support its relevance to human PTSD is limited. We sought to understand the role of the BNST in human PTSD via fMRI, behavioral, and physiological measurements. Methods 29 patients with PTSD (childhood sexual abuse) and 23 healthy controls (HC) underwent BOLD imaging with an emotional word paradigm. Symptom severity was assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale and HPA-axis dysfunction was assessed by measuring the diurnal cortisol amplitude index (DCAI). A data-driven multivariate analysis was used to determine BNST task-based functional co-occurrence (tbFC) across individuals. Results In the trauma-versus-neutral word contrast, patients showed increased activation compared to HC in the BNST, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG), caudate heads, and midbrain, and decreased activation in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Symptom severity positively correlated with activity in the BNST, caudate head, amygdala, hippocampus, dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus (dACG), and PCG, and negatively with activity in the medial orbiotofrontal cortex (mOFC) and DLPFC. Patients and HC showed marked differences in the relationship between the DCAI and BOLD activity in the BNST, septal nuclei, dACG, and PCG. Patients showed stronger tbFC between the BNST and closely linked limbic and subcortical regions, and a loss of negative tbFC between the BNST and DLPFC. Conclusions Based upon novel data, we present a new model of dysexecutive emotion processing and HPA-axis dysfunction in human PTSD that incorporates the role of the BNST and functionally linked neurocircuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Awasthi
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hong Pan
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph E LeDoux
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marylene Cloitre
- National Center for PTSD, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Margaret Altemus
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - David Silbersweig
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Emily Stern
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Siminski N, Böhme S, Zeller JBM, Becker MPI, Bruchmann M, Hofmann D, Breuer F, Mühlberger A, Schiele MA, Weber H, Schartner C, Deckert J, Pauli P, Reif A, Domschke K, Straube T, Herrmann MJ. BNST and amygdala activation to threat: Effects of temporal predictability and threat mode. Behav Brain Res 2020; 396:112883. [PMID: 32860830 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent animal and human studies highlight the uncertainty about the onset of an aversive event as a crucial factor for the involvement of the centromedial amygdala (CM) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) activity. However, studies investigating temporally predictable or unpredictable threat anticipation and confrontation processes are rare. Furthermore, the few existing fMRI studies analyzing temporally predictable and unpredictable threat processes used small sample sizes or limited fMRI paradigms. Therefore, we measured functional brain activity in 109 predominantly female healthy participants during a temporally predictable-unpredictable threat paradigm, which aimed to solve limited aspects of recent studies. Results showed higher BNST activity compared to the CM during the cue indicating that the upcoming confrontation is aversive relative to the cue indicating an upcoming neutral confrontation. Both the CM and BNST showed higher activity during the confrontation with unpredictable and aversive stimuli, but the reaction to aversive confrontation relative to neutral confrontation was stronger in the CM compared to the BNST. Additional modulation analyses by NPSR1 rs324981 genotype revealed higher BNST activity relative to the CM in unpredictable anticipation relative to predictable anticipation in T-carriers compared to AA carriers. Our results indicate that during the confrontation with aversive or neutral stimuli, temporal unpredictability modulates CM and BNST activity. Further, there is a differential activity concerning threat processing, as BNST is more involved when focussing on fear-related anticipation processes and CM is more involved when focussing on threat confrontation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Siminski
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - S Böhme
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - J B M Zeller
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - M P I Becker
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - M Bruchmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - D Hofmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - F Breuer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS), Development Center for X-ray Technology (EZRT), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - A Mühlberger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - H Weber
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - C Schartner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - J Deckert
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - P Pauli
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy), University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - A Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - K Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuro Modulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - T Straube
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - M J Herrmann
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Integrative structural, functional, and transcriptomic analyses of sex-biased brain organization in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:18788-18798. [PMID: 32690678 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1919091117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans display reproducible sex differences in cognition and behavior, which may partly reflect intrinsic sex differences in regional brain organization. However, the consistency, causes and consequences of sex differences in the human brain are poorly characterized and hotly debated. In contrast, recent studies in mice-a major model organism for studying neurobiological sex differences-have established: 1) highly consistent sex biases in regional gray matter volume (GMV) involving the cortex and classical subcortical foci, 2) a preponderance of regional GMV sex differences in brain circuits for social and reproductive behavior, and 3) a spatial coupling between regional GMV sex biases and brain expression of sex chromosome genes in adulthood. Here, we directly test translatability of rodent findings to humans. First, using two independent structural-neuroimaging datasets (n > 2,000), we find that the spatial map of sex-biased GMV in humans is highly reproducible (r > 0.8 within and across cohorts). Relative GMV is female biased in prefrontal and superior parietal cortices, and male biased in ventral occipitotemporal, and distributed subcortical regions. Second, through systematic comparison with functional neuroimaging meta-analyses, we establish a statistically significant concentration of human GMV sex differences within brain regions that subserve face processing. Finally, by imaging-transcriptomic analyses, we show that GMV sex differences in human adulthood are specifically and significantly coupled to regional expression of sex-chromosome (vs. autosomal) genes and enriched for distinct cell-type signatures. These findings establish conserved aspects of sex-biased brain development in humans and mice, and shed light on the consistency, candidate causes, and potential functional corollaries of sex-biased brain anatomy in humans.
Collapse
|
35
|
Jenks SK, Zhang S, Li CSR, Hu S. Threat bias and resting state functional connectivity of the amygdala and bed nucleus stria terminalis. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 122:54-63. [PMID: 31927266 PMCID: PMC7010552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has distinguished the activations of the amygdala and bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) during threat-related contingencies. However, how intrinsic connectivities of the amygdala and BNST relate to threat bias remains unclear. Here, we investigated how resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the amygdala and BNST in healthy controls (HC) and patients with anxiety-related disorders (PAD) associate with threat bias in a dot-probe task. METHODS Imaging and behavioral data of 30 PAD and 83 HC were obtained from the Nathan Kline Institute - Rockland sample and processed according to published routines. All imaging results were evaluated at voxel p < 0.001 and cluster p < 0.05, FWE corrected in SPM. RESULTS PAD and HC did not show differences in whole brain rsFC with either the amygdala or BNST. In linear regressions threat bias was positively correlated with amygdala-thalamus/anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) rsFC in HC but not PAD, and with BNST-caudate rsFC in PAD but not HC. Slope tests confirmed group differences in the correlations between threat bias and amygdala-thalamus/ACC as well as BNST-caudate rsFC. LIMITATIONS As only half of the patients included were diagnosed with comorbid anxiety, the current findings need to be considered with the clinical heterogeneity and require replication in populations specifically with anxiety disorders. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results suggest amygdala and BNST connectivities as new neural markers of anxiety disorders. Whereas amygdala-thalamus/ACC rsFC support adaptive regulation of threat response in the HC, BNST-caudate rsFC may reflect maladaptive neural processes that are dominated by anticipatory anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha K. Jenks
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY 13126
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519
| | - Chiang-shan R. Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Sien Hu
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY, 13126, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Vekaria KM, O'Connell K, Rhoads SA, Brethel-Haurwitz KM, Cardinale EM, Robertson EL, Walitt B, VanMeter JW, Marsh AA. Activation in bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) corresponds to everyday helping. Cortex 2020; 127:67-77. [PMID: 32169677 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Everyday prosociality includes helping behaviors such as holding doors or giving directions that are spontaneous and low-cost and are performed frequently by the average person. Such behaviors promote a wide array of positive outcomes that include increased well-being, trust, and social capital, but the cognitive and neural mechanisms that support these behaviors are not yet well understood. Whereas costly altruistic responding to others' distress is associated with elevated reactivity in the amygdala, we hypothesized that everyday prosociality would be more closely associated with activation in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a region of the extended amygdala known for its roles in maintaining vigilance for relevant socio-affective environmental cues and in supporting parental care. One previous study of the neural correlates of everyday prosociality highlighted a functional cluster identified as the septal area but which overlapped with established coordinates of BNST. We used an anatomical mask of BNST (Torrisi et al., 2015) to evaluate the association of BNST activation and daily helping in a sample of 25 adults recruited from the community as well as 23 adults who had engaged in acts of extraordinary altruism. Results found that activation in left BNST during an empathy task predicted everyday helping over a subsequent 14-day period in both samples. BNST activation most strongly predicted helping strangers and proactive helping. We conclude that beyond facilitating care for offspring, activation in BNST may provide a basis for the motivation to engage in a broad array of everyday helping behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kruti M Vekaria
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Katherine O'Connell
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shawn A Rhoads
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Elise M Cardinale
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emily L Robertson
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Brian Walitt
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John W VanMeter
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Abigail A Marsh
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Flook EA, Feola B, Avery SN, Winder DG, Woodward ND, Heckers S, Blackford JU. BNST-insula structural connectivity in humans. Neuroimage 2020; 210:116555. [PMID: 31954845 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is emerging as a critical region in multiple psychiatric disorders including anxiety, PTSD, and alcohol and substance use disorders. In conjunction with growing knowledge of the BNST, an increasing number of studies examine connections of the BNST and how those connections impact BNST function. The importance of this BNST network is highlighted by rodent studies demonstrating that projections from other brain regions regulate BNST activity and influence BNST-related behavior. While many animal and human studies replicate the components of the BNST network, to date, structural connections between the BNST and insula have only been described in rodents and have yet to be shown in humans. In this study, we used probabilistic tractography to examine BNST-insula structural connectivity in humans. We used two methods of dividing the insula: 1) anterior and posterior insula, to be consistent with much of the existing insula literature; and 2) eight subregions that represent informative cytoarchitectural divisions. We found evidence of a BNST-insula structural connection in humans, with the strongest BNST connectivity localized to the anteroventral insula, a region of agranular cortex. BNST-insula connectivity differed by hemisphere and was moderated by sex. These results translate rodent findings to humans and lay an important foundation for future studies examining the role of BNST-insula pathways in psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Flook
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brandee Feola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Suzanne N Avery
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Neil D Woodward
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stephan Heckers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer Urbano Blackford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Research and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Clauss J. Extending the neurocircuitry of behavioural inhibition: a role for the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in risk for anxiety disorders. Gen Psychiatr 2019; 32:e100137. [PMID: 31922088 PMCID: PMC6937153 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2019-100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioural inhibition is a biologically based risk factor for anxiety disorders. Children with behavioural inhibition are shy, cautious and avoidant of new situations. Much research on behavioural inhibition has focused on the amygdala as an underlying neural substrate and has identified differences in amygdala function and volume; however, amygdala findings have yet to lead to meaningful interventions for prevention or treatment of anxiety disorders. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a prime candidate to be a neural substrate of behavioural inhibition, given current evidence of BNST function and development in human research and animal models. Children with behavioural inhibition have an increased startle response to safety cues and an increased cortisol response to social evaluative situations, both of which are mediated by the BNST. In rodents, activation of the BNST underlies contextual fear responses and responses to uncertain and sustained threat. Non-human primates with anxious temperament (the macaque equivalent of behavioural inhibition) have increased BNST activity to ambiguous social situations, and activity of the BNST in anxious temperament is significantly heritable. Importantly, the BNST is sexually dimorphic and continues to develop into adulthood, paralleling the development of anxiety disorders in humans. Together, these findings suggest that further investigation of the BNST in behavioural inhibition is necessary and may lead to new avenues for the prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Clauss
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pedersen WS, Schaefer SM, Gresham LK, Lee SD, Kelly MP, Mumford JA, Oler JA, Davidson RJ. Higher resting-state BNST-CeA connectivity is associated with greater corrugator supercilii reactivity to negatively valenced images. Neuroimage 2019; 207:116428. [PMID: 31809887 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) are hypothesized to be the output nodes of the extended amygdala threat response, integrating multiple signals to coordinate the threat response via outputs to the hypothalamus and brainstem. The BNST and CeA are structurally and functionally connected, suggesting interactions between these regions may regulate how the response to provocation unfolds. However, the relationship between human BNST-CeA connectivity and the behavioral response to affective stimuli is little understood. To investigate whether individual differences in BNST-CeA connectivity are related to the affective response to negatively valenced stimuli, we tested relations between resting-state BNST-CeA connectivity and both facial electromyographic (EMG) activity of the corrugator supercilii muscle and eyeblink startle magnitude during affective image presentation within the Refresher sample of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. We found that higher right BNST-CeA connectivity was associated with greater corrugator activity to negative, but not positive, images. There was a trend-level association between right BNST-CeA connectivity and trait negative affect. Eyeblink startle magnitude was not significantly related to BNST-CeA connectivity. These results suggest that functional interactions between BNST and CeA contribute to the behavioral response to negative emotional events.
Collapse
|
40
|
Weis CN, Huggins AA, Bennett KP, Parisi EA, Larson CL. High-Resolution Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Extended Amygdala. Brain Connect 2019; 9:627-637. [DOI: 10.1089/brain.2019.0688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carissa N. Weis
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ashley A. Huggins
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Kenneth P. Bennett
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Elizabeth A. Parisi
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Christine L. Larson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Torrisi S, Alvarez GM, Gorka AX, Fuchs B, Geraci M, Grillon C, Ernst M. Resting-state connectivity of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the central nucleus of the amygdala in clinical anxiety. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2019; 44:313-323. [PMID: 30964612 PMCID: PMC6710087 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.180150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The central nucleus of the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis are involved primarily in phasic and sustained aversive states. Although both structures have been implicated in pathological anxiety, few studies with a clinical population have specifically focused on them, partly because of their small size. Previous work in our group used high-resolution imaging to map the restingstate functional connectivity of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the central nucleus of the amygdala in healthy subjects at 7 T, confirming and extending structural findings in humans and animals, while providing additional insight into cortical connectivity that is potentially unique to humans. Methods In the current follow-up study, we contrasted resting-state functional connectivity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and central nucleus of the amygdala at 7 T between healthy volunteers (n = 30) and patients with generalized and/or social anxiety disorder (n = 30). Results Results revealed significant voxel-level group differences. Compared with healthy volunteers, patients showed stronger resting-state functional connectivity between the central nucleus of the amygdala and the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and superior temporal sulcus. They also showed weaker resting-state functional connectivity between the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and occipital cortex. Limitations These findings depart from a previous report of resting-state functional connectivity in the central nucleus of the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis under sustained threat of shock in healthy volunteers. Conclusion This study provides functional MRI proxies of the functional dissociation of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and central nucleus of the amygdala, and suggests that resting-state functional connectivity of key structures in the processing of defensive responses do not recapitulate changes related to induced state anxiety. Future work needs to replicate and further probe the clinical significance of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Torrisi
- From the Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Torrisi, Alvarez, Gorka, Fuchs, Geraci, Grillon, Ernst)
| | - Gabriella M. Alvarez
- From the Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Torrisi, Alvarez, Gorka, Fuchs, Geraci, Grillon, Ernst)
| | - Adam X. Gorka
- From the Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Torrisi, Alvarez, Gorka, Fuchs, Geraci, Grillon, Ernst)
| | - Bari Fuchs
- From the Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Torrisi, Alvarez, Gorka, Fuchs, Geraci, Grillon, Ernst)
| | - Marilla Geraci
- From the Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Torrisi, Alvarez, Gorka, Fuchs, Geraci, Grillon, Ernst)
| | - Christian Grillon
- From the Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Torrisi, Alvarez, Gorka, Fuchs, Geraci, Grillon, Ernst)
| | - Monique Ernst
- From the Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Torrisi, Alvarez, Gorka, Fuchs, Geraci, Grillon, Ernst)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Clauss JA, Avery SN, Benningfield MM, Blackford JU. Social anxiety is associated with BNST response to unpredictability. Depress Anxiety 2019; 36:666-675. [PMID: 30953446 PMCID: PMC6679811 DOI: 10.1002/da.22891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and cause substantial suffering and impairment. Whereas the amygdala has well-established contributions to anxiety, evidence from rodent and nonhuman primate models suggests that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) may play a critical, and possibly distinct, role in human anxiety disorders. The BNST mediates hypervigilance and anticipatory anxiety in response to an unpredictable or ambiguous threat, core symptoms of social anxiety, yet little is known about the BNST's role in social anxiety. METHODS Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure neural responses during a cued anticipation task with an unpredictable, predictable threat, and predictable neutral cues followed by threat or neutral images. Social anxiety was examined using a dimensional approach (N = 44 adults). RESULTS For unpredictable cues, higher social anxiety was associated with lower BNST-amygdala connectivity. For unpredictable images, higher social anxiety was associated with greater connectivity between the BNST and both the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex and lower connectivity between the BNST and postcentral gyrus. Social anxiety moderated the BNST-amygdala dissociation for unpredictable images; higher social anxiety was associated with BNST > amygdala response to unpredictable threat relative to unpredictable neutral images. CONCLUSIONS Social anxiety was associated with alterations in BNST responses to unpredictability, particularly in the BNST's interactions with other brain regions, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. To our knowledge, these findings provide the first evidence for the BNST's role in social anxiety, which may be a potential new target for prevention and intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Clauss
- Massachusetts General and McLean Hospitals, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Suzanne N Avery
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Margaret M Benningfield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jennifer Urbano Blackford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN,Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN,Research Service, Research and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hur J, Stockbridge MD, Fox AS, Shackman AJ. Dispositional negativity, cognition, and anxiety disorders: An integrative translational neuroscience framework. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 247:375-436. [PMID: 31196442 PMCID: PMC6578598 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
When extreme, anxiety can become debilitating. Anxiety disorders, which often first emerge early in development, are common and challenging to treat, yet the underlying mechanisms have only recently begun to come into focus. Here, we review new insights into the nature and biological bases of dispositional negativity, a fundamental dimension of childhood temperament and adult personality and a prominent risk factor for the development of pediatric and adult anxiety disorders. Converging lines of epidemiological, neurobiological, and mechanistic evidence suggest that dispositional negativity increases the likelihood of psychopathology via specific neurocognitive mechanisms, including attentional biases to threat and deficits in executive control. Collectively, these observations provide an integrative translational framework for understanding the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders in adults and youth and set the stage for developing improved intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juyoen Hur
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States.
| | | | - Andrew S Fox
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alexander J Shackman
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States; Maryland Neuroimaging Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Goode TD, Ressler RL, Acca GM, Miles OW, Maren S. Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis regulates fear to unpredictable threat signals. eLife 2019; 8:46525. [PMID: 30946011 PMCID: PMC6456295 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in conditioned fear and anxiety, but the specific factors that engage the BNST in defensive behaviors are unclear. Here we examined whether the BNST mediates freezing to conditioned stimuli (CSs) that poorly predict the onset of aversive unconditioned stimuli (USs) in rats. Reversible inactivation of the BNST selectively reduced freezing to CSs that poorly signaled US onset (e.g., a backward CS that followed the US), but did not eliminate freezing to forward CSs even when they predicted USs of variable intensity. Additionally, backward (but not forward) CSs selectively increased Fos in the ventral BNST and in BNST-projecting neurons in the infralimbic region of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but not in the hippocampus or amygdala. These data reveal that BNST circuits regulate fear to unpredictable threats, which may be critical to the etiology and expression of anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis D Goode
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| | - Reed L Ressler
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| | - Gillian M Acca
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| | - Olivia W Miles
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| | - Stephen Maren
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
During real-life situations, multiple factors interact dynamically to determine threat level. In the current fMRI study involving healthy adult human volunteers, we investigated interactions between proximity, direction (approach vs. retreat), and speed during a dynamic threat-of-shock paradigm. As a measure of threat-evoked physiological arousal, skin conductance responses were recorded during fMRI scanning. Some brain regions tracked individual threat-related factors, and others were also sensitive to combinations of these variables. In particular, signals in the anterior insula tracked the interaction between proximity and direction where approach versus retreat responses were stronger when threat was closer compared with farther. A parallel proximity-by-direction interaction was also observed in physiological skin conductance responses. In the right amygdala, we observed a proximity by direction interaction, but intriguingly in the opposite direction as the anterior insula; retreat versus approach responses were stronger when threat was closer compared with farther. In the right bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, we observed an effect of threat proximity, whereas in the right periaqueductal gray/midbrain we observed an effect of threat direction and a proximity by direction by speed interaction (the latter was detected in exploratory analyses but not in a voxelwise fashion). Together, our study refines our understanding of the brain mechanisms involved during aversive anticipation in the human brain. Importantly, it emphasizes that threat processing should be understood in a manner that is both context-sensitive and dynamic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Meyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Srikanth Padmala
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Luiz Pessoa
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Maryland Neuroimaging Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hofmann D, Straube T. Resting-state fMRI effective connectivity between the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala nuclei. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:2723-2735. [PMID: 30829454 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the laterobasal nucleus (LB), centromedial nucleus (CM), and superficial nucleus (SF) of the amygdala form an interconnected dynamical system, whose combined activity mediates a variety of behavioral and autonomic responses in reaction to homeostatic challenges. Although previous research provided deeper insight into the structural and functional connections between these nuclei, studies investigating their resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) connectivity were solely based on undirected connectivity measures. Here, we used high-quality data of 391 subjects from the Human Connectome Project to estimate the effective connectivity (EC) between the BNST, the LB, CM, and SF through spectral dynamic causal modeling, the relation of the EC estimates with age and sex as well as their stability over time. Our results reveal a time-stable asymmetric EC structure with positive EC between all amygdala nuclei, which strongly inhibited the BNST while the BNST exerted positive influence onto all amygdala nuclei. Simulation of the impulse response of the estimated system showed that this EC structure shapes partially antagonistic (out of phase) activity flow between the BNST and amygdala nuclei. Moreover, the BNST-LB and BNST-CM EC parameters were less negative in males. In conclusion, our data points toward partially separated information processing between BNST and amygdala nuclei in the resting-state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hofmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Thomas Straube
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Fox AS, Shackman AJ. The central extended amygdala in fear and anxiety: Closing the gap between mechanistic and neuroimaging research. Neurosci Lett 2019; 693:58-67. [PMID: 29195911 PMCID: PMC5976525 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders impose a staggering burden on public health, underscoring the need to develop a deeper understanding of the distributed neural circuits underlying extreme fear and anxiety. Recent work highlights the importance of the central extended amygdala, including the central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce) and neighboring bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST). Anatomical data indicate that the Ce and BST form a tightly interconnected unit, where different kinds of threat-relevant information can be integrated to assemble states of fear and anxiety. Neuroimaging studies show that the Ce and BST are engaged by a broad spectrum of potentially threat-relevant cues. Mechanistic work demonstrates that the Ce and BST are critically involved in organizing defensive responses to a wide range of threats. Studies in rodents have begun to reveal the specific molecules, cells, and microcircuits within the central extended amygdala that underlie signs of fear and anxiety, but the relevance of these tantalizing discoveries to human experience and disease remains unclear. Using a combination of focal perturbations and whole-brain imaging, a new generation of nonhuman primate studies is beginning to close this gap. This work opens the door to discovering the mechanisms underlying neuroimaging measures linked to pathological fear and anxiety, to understanding how the Ce and BST interact with one another and with distal brain regions to govern defensive responses to threat, and to developing improved intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Fox
- Department of Psychology and University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Alexander J Shackman
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Maryland Neuroimaging Center, University of Maryland,College Park, MD 20742, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lago TR, Hsiung A, Leitner BP, Duckworth CJ, Chen KY, Ernst M, Grillon C. Exercise decreases defensive responses to unpredictable, but not predictable, threat. Depress Anxiety 2018; 35:868-875. [PMID: 29637654 PMCID: PMC6314494 DOI: 10.1002/da.22748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research supports the anxiolytic effect of exercise, but the mechanism underlying this effect is unclear. This study examines the influence of exercise in healthy controls on two distinct defensive states implicated in anxiety disorders: fear, a phasic response to a predictable threat, and anxiety, a sustained response to an unpredictable threat. METHODS Thirty-four healthy volunteers (17 male, age M = 26.18, SD = 5.6) participated in sessions of exercise (biking at 60-70% of heart rate reserve) and control (biking at 10-20% of heart rate reserve) activity for 30 min, separated by 1 week. Threat responses were measured by eyeblink startle and assessed with the "Neutral-Predictable-Unpredictable threat test," which includes a neutral (N) and two threat conditions, one with predictable (P) and one with unpredictable (U) shock. RESULTS Results show that exercise versus control activity reduces startle potentiation during unpredictable threat (P = .031), but has no effect on startle potentiation during predictable threat (P = .609). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that exercise reduces defensive response to unpredictable, but not predictable, threat, a dissociation that may help inform clinical indications for this behavioral intervention, as well as provide clues to its underlying neurobehavioral mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R Lago
- Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Abigail Hsiung
- Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brooks P Leitner
- Energy Metabolism Section, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Courtney J Duckworth
- Energy Metabolism Section, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kong Y Chen
- Energy Metabolism Section, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Monique Ernst
- Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christian Grillon
- Section on the Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Functional Connectivity within the Primate Extended Amygdala Is Heritable and Associated with Early-Life Anxious Temperament. J Neurosci 2018; 38:7611-7621. [PMID: 30061190 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0102-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with an extremely inhibited, anxious temperament (AT) are at increased risk for anxiety disorders and depression. Using a rhesus monkey model of early-life AT, we previously demonstrated that metabolism in the central extended amygdala (EAc), including the central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), is associated with trait-like variation in AT. Here, we use fMRI to examine relationships between Ce-BST functional connectivity and AT in a large multigenerational family pedigree of rhesus monkeys (n = 170 females and 208 males). Results demonstrate that Ce-BST functional connectivity is heritable, accounts for a significant but modest portion of the variance in AT, and is coheritable with AT. Interestingly, Ce-BST functional connectivity and AT-related BST metabolism were not correlated and accounted for non-overlapping variance in AT. Exploratory analyses suggest that Ce-BST functional connectivity is associated with metabolism in the hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray. Together, these results suggest the importance of coordinated function within the EAc for determining individual differences in AT and metabolism in brain regions associated with its behavioral and neuroendocrine components.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Anxiety disorders directly impact the lives of nearly one in five people, accounting for substantial worldwide suffering and disability. Here, we use a nonhuman primate model of anxious temperament (AT) to understand the neurobiology underlying the early-life risk to develop anxiety disorders. Leveraging the same kinds of neuroimaging measures routinely used in human studies, we demonstrate that coordinated activation between the central nucleus of the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is correlated with, and coinherited with, early-life AT. Understanding how these central extended amygdala regions work together to produce extreme anxiety provides a neural target for early-life interventions with the promise of preventing lifelong disability in at-risk children.
Collapse
|
50
|
Cano M, Alonso P, Martínez-Zalacaín I, Subirà M, Real E, Segalàs C, Pujol J, Cardoner N, Menchón JM, Soriano-Mas C. Altered functional connectivity of the subthalamus and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychol Med 2018; 48:919-928. [PMID: 28826410 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717002288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of inter-regional functional connectivity (FC) has allowed for the description of the putative mechanism of action of treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Nevertheless, the possible FC alterations of other clinically-effective DBS targets have not been explored. Here we evaluated the FC patterns of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in patients with OCD, as well as their association with symptom severity. METHODS Eighty-six patients with OCD and 104 healthy participants were recruited. A resting-state image was acquired for each participant and a seed-based analysis focused on our two regions of interest was performed using statistical parametric mapping software (SPM8). Between-group differences in FC patterns were assessed with two-sample t test models, while the association between symptom severity and FC patterns was assessed with multiple regression analyses. RESULTS In comparison with controls, patients with OCD showed: (1) increased FC between the left STN and the right pre-motor cortex, (2) decreased FC between the right STN and the lenticular nuclei, and (3) increased FC between the left BNST and the right frontopolar cortex. Multiple regression analyses revealed a negative association between clinical severity and FC between the right STN and lenticular nucleus. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a neurobiological framework to understand the mechanism of action of DBS on the STN and the BNST, which seems to involve brain circuits related with motor response inhibition and anxiety control, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Cano
- Department of Psychiatry,Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat,Barcelona,Spain
| | - P Alonso
- Department of Psychiatry,Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat,Barcelona,Spain
| | - I Martínez-Zalacaín
- Department of Psychiatry,Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat,Barcelona,Spain
| | - M Subirà
- Department of Psychiatry,Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat,Barcelona,Spain
| | - E Real
- Department of Psychiatry,Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat,Barcelona,Spain
| | - C Segalàs
- Department of Psychiatry,Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat,Barcelona,Spain
| | - J Pujol
- CIBERSAM, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid,Spain
| | - N Cardoner
- CIBERSAM, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid,Spain
| | - J M Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry,Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat,Barcelona,Spain
| | - C Soriano-Mas
- Department of Psychiatry,Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat,Barcelona,Spain
| |
Collapse
|