1
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Bensing PC, Moye C, Leong KC. Oxytocin attenuates cocaine-associated place preference via the dorsal hippocampus in male and female rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 282:114599. [PMID: 38823754 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114599] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is the third largest cause of overdose-related deaths in the United States. Research investigating therapeutic targets for cocaine reward processes is key to combating this issue. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has been shown to reduce cocaine reward processes, though specific mechanisms are not understood. This study examines the effect of intra-dorsal hippocampal (DH) OXT on the expression of cocaine context associations using a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. In this paradigm, one of two visually distinct chambers is paired with a drug. With repeated pairings, control animals display preference for the drug-associated context by spending more time in that context at test. In the present study, four conditioning days took place where male and female rats were injected with either cocaine or saline and placed into the corresponding chamber. On test day, rats received infusions of OXT or saline (VEH) into the DH and were allowed access to both chambers. The results show that while VEH-infused rats displayed cocaine CPP, OXT-infused rats did not prefer the cocaine-paired chamber. These findings implicate the DH as necessary in the mechanism by which OXT acts to block the expression of cocaine-context associations, providing insight into how OXT may exert its therapeutic effect in cocaine reward processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige C Bensing
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chase Moye
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Kah-Chung Leong
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas.
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2
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Walia V, Wal P, Mishra S, Agrawal A, Kosey S, Dilipkumar Patil A. Potential role of oxytocin in the regulation of memories and treatment of memory disorders. Peptides 2024; 177:171222. [PMID: 38649032 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is an "affiliative" hormone or neurohormone or neuropeptide consists of nine amino acids, synthesized in magnocellular neurons of paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) of hypothalamus. OXT receptors are widely distributed in various region of brain and OXT has been shown to regulate various social and nonsocial behavior. Hippocampus is the main region which regulates the learning and memory. Hippocampus particularly regulates the acquisition of new memories and retention of acquired memories. OXT has been shown to regulate the synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and consolidation of memories. Further, findings from both preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that the OXT treatment improves performance in memory related task. Various trials have suggested the positive impact of intranasal OXT in the dementia patients. However, these studies are limited in number. In the present study authors have highlighted the role of OXT in the formation and retrieval of memories. Further, the study demonstrated the outcome of OXT treatment in various memory and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Walia
- SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
| | - Pranay Wal
- PSIT-Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), Kanpur, UP 209305, India
| | - Shweta Mishra
- SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Ankur Agrawal
- Jai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Gwalior, MP, India
| | - Sourabh Kosey
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Aditya Dilipkumar Patil
- Founder, Tech Hom Research Solutions (THRS), Plot no. 38, 1st floor, opposite to biroba mandir, near ST stand, Satara, Maharashtra 415110, India
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3
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Hung YC, Wu YJ, Chien ME, Lin YT, Tsai CF, Hsu KS. Loss of oxytocin receptors in hilar mossy cells impairs social discrimination. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106311. [PMID: 37769745 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106311] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal oxytocin receptor (OXTR) signaling is crucial for discrimination of social stimuli to guide social recognition, but circuit mechanisms and cell types involved remain incompletely understood. Here, we report a role for OXTR-expressing hilar mossy cells (MCs) of the dentate gyrus in social stimulus discrimination by regulating granule cell (GC) activity. Using a Cre-loxP recombination approach, we found that ablation of Oxtr from MCs impairs discrimination of social, but not object, stimuli in adult male mice. Ablation of MC Oxtr increases spontaneous firing rate of GCs, synaptic excitation to inhibition ratio of MC-to-GC circuit, and GC firing when temporally associated with the lateral perforant path inputs. Using mouse hippocampal slices, we found that bath application of OXTR agonist [Thr4,Gly7]-oxytocin causes membrane depolarization and increases MC firing activity. Optogenetic activation of MC-to-GC circuit ameliorates social discrimination deficit in MC OXTR deficient mice. Together, our results uncover a previously unknown role of MC OXTR signaling for discrimination of social stimuli and delineate a MC-to-GC circuit responsible for social information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chieh Hung
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70457, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Er Chien
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70457, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Fang Tsai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Kuei-Sen Hsu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
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4
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Talpo F, Spaiardi P, Castagno AN, Maniezzi C, Raffin F, Terribile G, Sancini G, Pisani A, Biella GR. Neuromodulatory functions exerted by oxytocin on different populations of hippocampal neurons in rodents. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1082010. [PMID: 36816855 PMCID: PMC9932910 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1082010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide widely known for its peripheral hormonal effects (i.e., parturition and lactation) and central neuromodulatory functions, related especially to social behavior and social, spatial, and episodic memory. The hippocampus is a key structure for these functions, it is innervated by oxytocinergic fibers, and contains OT receptors (OTRs). The hippocampal OTR distribution is not homogeneous among its subregions and types of neuronal cells, reflecting the specificity of oxytocin's modulatory action. In this review, we describe the most recent discoveries in OT/OTR signaling in the hippocampus, focusing primarily on the electrophysiological oxytocinergic modulation of the OTR-expressing hippocampal neurons. We then look at the effect this modulation has on the balance of excitation/inhibition and synaptic plasticity in each hippocampal subregion. Additionally, we review OTR downstream signaling, which underlies the OT effects observed in different types of hippocampal neuron. Overall, this review comprehensively summarizes the advancements in unraveling the neuromodulatory functions exerted by OT on specific hippocampal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Talpo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Spaiardi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Nicolas Castagno
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Maniezzi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Raffin
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Terribile
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Sancini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy,Nanomedicine Center, Neuroscience Center, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,Neurological Institute Foundation Casimiro Mondino (IRCCS), Pavia, Italy
| | - Gerardo Rosario Biella
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy,*Correspondence: Gerardo Rosario Biella,
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5
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Thinschmidt JS, Harden SW, King MA, Talton JD, Frazier CJ. A rapid in vitro assay for evaluating the effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and reactivators in the rat basolateral amygdala. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1066312. [DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1066312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We established a novel brain slice assay to test the ability of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators to prevent ACh-induced M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) dependent hyperexcitability observed after exposure to the organophosphate (OP)-based AChE inhibitor and sarin surrogate 4-nitrophenyl isopropyl methylphosphonate (NIMP). Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were used to evaluate the response of pyramidal neurons in the rat basolateral amygdala (BLA) to brief (1 min) bath application of ACh (100 μM), either in control conditions, or after exposure to NIMP ± an AChE reactivator. Bath application of ACh produced atropine- and pirenzepine-sensitive inward currents in voltage clamped BLA pyramidal neurons, and increased the frequency of spontaneous EPSCs, suggesting robust activation of M1 mAChRs. Responses to ACh were increased ~3–5 fold in slices that had been preincubated in NIMP, and these effects were reversed in a concentration dependent manner by exposure to a commercially available AChE reactivator. The current work outlines a simple assay that can be used to evaluate the efficacy of both known and novel AChE reactivators in an area of the limbic system that likely contributes to seizures after acute exposure to OP-based AChE inhibitors.
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6
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Shang Q, Chen G, Zhang P, Zhao W, Chen H, Yu D, Yu F, Liu H, Zhang X, He J, Yu X, Zhang Z, Tan R, Wu Z, Tang J, Liang D, Shen G, Jiang X, Ren H. Myristic acid alleviates hippocampal aging correlated with GABAergic signaling. Front Nutr 2022; 9:907526. [PMID: 36159502 PMCID: PMC9493098 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.907526] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that myristic acid (MA), a saturated fatty acid, could promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in vitro. However, the effect of MA on hippocampal neurons aging has not been reported in vivo. Here we employed 22-month-old naturally aged C57BL/6 mice to evaluate the effect and mechanism of MA on hippocampal aging. First, we examined a decreased exploration and spatial memory ability in aging mice using the open field test and Morris water maze. Consistently, aging mice showed degenerative hippocampal histomorphology by H&E and Nissl staining. In terms of mechanism, imbalance of GABRB2 and GABRA2 expression in aging mice might be involved in hippocampus aging by mRNA high throughput sequencing (mRNA-seq) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) validation. Then, we revealed that MA alleviated the damage of exploration and spatial memory ability and ameliorated degeneration and aging of hippocampal neurons. Meanwhile, MA downregulated GABRB2 and upregulated GABRA2 expression, indicating MA might alleviate hippocampal aging correlated with GABAergic signaling. In conclusion, our findings revealed MA alleviated hippocampal aging correlated with GABAergic signaling, which might provide insight into the treatment of aging-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guifeng Chen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhua Zhao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honglin Chen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Die Yu
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuyong Yu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiwen Liu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuelai Zhang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui He
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhida Zhang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Riwei Tan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zixian Wu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Tang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - De Liang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gengyang Shen
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Nanshan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Gengyang Shen
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Xiaobing Jiang
| | - Hui Ren
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Ren
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7
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Intranasal Administration of Oxytocin Attenuates Social Recognition Deficits and Increases Prefrontal Cortex Inhibitory Postsynaptic Currents following Traumatic Brain Injury. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0061-21.2021. [PMID: 34035071 PMCID: PMC8205495 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0061-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in heightened risk for social deficits that can emerge during adolescence and adulthood. A moderate TBI in male and female rats on postnatal day 11 (equivalent to children below the age of 4) resulted in impairments in social novelty recognition, defined as the preference for interacting with a novel rat compared with a familiar rat, but not sociability, defined as the preference for interacting with a rat compared with an object in the three-chamber test when tested at four weeks (adolescence) and eight weeks (adulthood) postinjury. The deficits in social recognition were not accompanied by deficits in novel object recognition memory and were associated with a decrease in the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) recorded from pyramidal neurons within Layer II/III of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Whereas TBI did not affect the expression of oxytocin (OXT) or the OXT receptor (OXTR) mRNAs in the hypothalamus and mPFC, respectively, intranasal administration of OXT before behavioral testing was found to reduce impairments in social novelty recognition and increase IPSC frequency in the mPFC in brain-injured animals. These results suggest that TBI-induced deficits in social behavior may be linked to increased excitability of neurons in the mPFC and suggests that the regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission in this region as a potential mechanism underlying these deficits.
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8
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Francesconi W, Berton F, Olivera-Pasilio V, Dabrowska J. Oxytocin excites BNST interneurons and inhibits BNST output neurons to the central amygdala. Neuropharmacology 2021; 192:108601. [PMID: 33971215 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTDL) has high expression of oxytocin (OT) receptors (OTR), which were shown to facilitate cued fear. However, the role of OTR in the modulation of BNSTDL activity remains elusive. BNSTDL contains GABA-ergic neurons classified based on intrinsic membrane properties into three types. Using in vitro patch-clamp recordings in male rats, we demonstrate that OT selectively excites and increases spontaneous firing rate of Type I BNSTDL neurons. As a consequence, OT increases the frequency, but not amplitude, of spontaneous inhibitory post-synaptic currents (sIPSCs) selectively in Type II neurons, an effect abolished by OTR antagonist or tetrodotoxin, and reduces spontaneous firing rate in these neurons. These results suggest an indirect effect of OT in Type II neurons, which is mediated via OT-induced increase in firing of Type I interneurons. As Type II BNSTDL neurons were shown projecting to the central amygdala (CeA), we also recorded from retrogradely labeled BNST→CeA neurons and we show that OT increases the frequency of sIPSC in these Type II BNST→CeA output neurons. In contrast, in Type III neurons, OT reduces the amplitude, but not frequency, of both sIPSCs and evoked IPSCs via a postsynaptic mechanism without changing their intrinsic excitability. We present a model of fine-tuned modulation of BNSTDL activity by OT, which selectively excites BNSTDL interneurons and inhibits Type II BNST→CeA output neurons. These results suggest that OTR in the BNST might facilitate cued fear by inhibiting the BNST→CeA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Francesconi
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Fulvia Berton
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Valentina Olivera-Pasilio
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA; School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Joanna Dabrowska
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA; School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
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9
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Abstract
Oxytocin regulates parturition, lactation, parental nurturing, and many other social behaviors in both sexes. The circuit mechanisms by which oxytocin modulates social behavior are receiving increasing attention. Here, we review recent studies on oxytocin modulation of neural circuit function and social behavior, largely enabled by new methods of monitoring and manipulating oxytocin or oxytocin receptor neurons in vivo. These studies indicate that oxytocin can enhance the salience of social stimuli and increase signal-to-noise ratios by modulating spiking and synaptic plasticity in the context of circuits and networks. We highlight oxytocin effects on social behavior in nontraditional organisms such as prairie voles and discuss opportunities to enhance the utility of these organisms for studying circuit-level modulation of social behaviors. We then discuss recent insights into oxytocin neuron activity during social interactions. We conclude by discussing some of the major questions and opportunities in the field ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Froemke
- Skirball Institute, Neuroscience Institute, and Departments of Otolaryngology and Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; .,Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, and Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA.,Center for Social Neural Networks, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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10
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Hu B, Boyle CA, Lei S. Activation of Oxytocin Receptors Excites Subicular Neurons by Multiple Signaling and Ionic Mechanisms. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:2402-2415. [PMID: 33341872 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a nonapeptide that serves as a neuromodulator in the brain and a hormone participating in parturition and lactation in the periphery. The subiculum is the major output region of the hippocampus and an integral component in the networks that process sensory and motor cues to form a cognitive map encoding spatial, contextual, and emotional information. Whilst the subiculum expresses the highest OXT-binding sites and is the first brain region to be activated by peripheral application of OXT, the precise actions of OXT in the subiculum have not been determined. Our results demonstrate that application of the selective OXT receptor (OXTR) agonist, [Thr4,Gly7]-oxytocin (TGOT), excited subicular neurons via activation of TRPV1 channels, and depression of K+ channels. The OXTR-mediated excitation of subicular neurons required the functions of phospholipase Cβ, protein kinase C, and degradation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). OXTR-elicited excitation of subicular neurons enhanced long-term potentiation via activation of TRPV1 channels. Our results provide a cellular and molecular mechanism to explain the physiological functions of OXT in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binqi Hu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
| | - Cody A Boyle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
| | - Saobo Lei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
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11
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Meyer MAA, Anstötz M, Ren LY, Fiske MP, Guedea AL, Grayson VS, Schroth SL, Cicvaric A, Nishimori K, Maccaferri G, Radulovic J. Stress-related memories disrupt sociability and associated patterning of hippocampal activity: a role of hilar oxytocin receptor-positive interneurons. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:428. [PMID: 33311459 PMCID: PMC7733596 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01091-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In susceptible individuals, memories of stressful experiences can give rise to debilitating socio-affective symptoms. This occurs even when the ability to retrieve such memories is limited, as seen in patients suffering from traumatic amnesia. We therefore hypothesized that the encoding, rather than retrieval, mechanisms of stress-related memories underlie their impact on social and emotional behavior. To test this hypothesis, we used combinations of stress-enhanced and state-dependent fear conditioning, which engage different encoding mechanisms for the formation of stress-related memories. We found that the encoding of stress-enhanced state-dependent memories robustly and sex specifically impairs sociability in male mice and disrupts the asymmetry of dentate gyrus (DG)/CA3 activity accompanying social interactions. These deficits were restored by chemogenetic inactivation of oxytocin receptor-positive interneurons localized in the hilus (Oxtr-HI), and by inactivation of dorsohippocampal efferents to the caudal lateral septum. Together, our data suggest that disrupted patterning of dorsohippocampal DG/CA3 activity underlies stress-induced sociability deficits, and that Oxtr-HI can be a cellular target for improving these deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah A. A. Meyer
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Max Anstötz
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Lynn Y. Ren
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Michael P. Fiske
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Anita L. Guedea
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Viktoriya S. Grayson
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Samantha L. Schroth
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Ana Cicvaric
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- grid.411582.b0000 0001 1017 9540Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, 960-1295 Japan
| | - Gianmaria Maccaferri
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Jelena Radulovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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12
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Wong JC, Shapiro L, Thelin JT, Heaton EC, Zaman RU, D'Souza MJ, Murnane KS, Escayg A. Nanoparticle encapsulated oxytocin increases resistance to induced seizures and restores social behavior in Scn1a-derived epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 147:105147. [PMID: 33189882 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) has broad effects in the brain and plays an important role in cognitive, social, and neuroendocrine function. OT has also been identified as potentially therapeutic in neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and depression, which are often comorbid with epilepsy, raising the possibility that it might confer protection against the behavioral and seizure phenotypes in epilepsy. Dravet syndrome (DS) is an early-life encephalopathy associated with prolonged and recurrent early-life febrile seizures (FSs), treatment-resistant afebrile epilepsy, and cognitive and behavioral deficits. De novo loss-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel SCN1A are the main cause of DS, while genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), also characterized by early-life FSs and afebrile epilepsy, is typically caused by inherited mutations that alter the biophysical properties of SCN1A. Despite the wide range of available antiepileptic drugs, many patients with SCN1A mutations do not achieve adequate seizure control or the amelioration of associated behavioral comorbidities. In the current study, we demonstrate that nanoparticle encapsulation of OT conferred robust and sustained protection against induced seizures and restored more normal social behavior in a mouse model of Scn1a-derived epilepsy. These results demonstrate the ability of a nanotechnology formulation to significantly enhance the efficacy of OT. This approach will provide a general strategy to enhance the therapeutic potential of additional neuropeptides in epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Wong
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Lindsey Shapiro
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jacquelyn T Thelin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth C Heaton
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Rokon U Zaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Martin J D'Souza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Kevin S Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Andrew Escayg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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13
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Young WS, Song J. Characterization of Oxytocin Receptor Expression Within Various Neuronal Populations of the Mouse Dorsal Hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:40. [PMID: 32256314 PMCID: PMC7093644 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin, acting through the oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) in the periphery, is best known for its roles in regulating parturition and lactation. However, it is also now known to possess a number of important social functions within the central nervous system, including social preference, memory and aggression, that vary to different degrees in different species. The Oxtr is found in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons within the brain and research is focusing on how, for example, activation of the receptor in interneurons can enhance the signal-to-noise of neuronal transmission. It is important to understand which neurons in the mouse dorsal hippocampus might be activated during memory formation. Therefore, we examined the colocalization of transcripts in over 5,000 neurons for Oxtr with those for nine different markers often found in interneurons using hairpin chain reaction in situ hybridization on hippocampal sections. Most pyramidal cell neurons of CA2 and many in the CA3 express Oxtr. Outside of those excitatory neurons, over 90% of Oxtr-expressing neurons co-express glutamic acid decarboxylase-1 (Gad-1) with progressively decreasing numbers of co-expressing cholecystokinin, somatostatin, parvalbumin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, the serotonin 3a receptor, the vesicular glutamate transporter 3, calbindin 2 (calretinin), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide neurons. Distributions were analyzed within hippocampal layers and regions as well. These findings indicate that Oxtr activation will modulate the activity of ~30% of the Gad-1 interneurons and the majority of the diverse population of those, mostly, interneuron types specifically examined in the mouse hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Scott Young
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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14
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Pati D, Harden SW, Sheng W, Kelly KB, de Kloet AD, Krause EG, Frazier CJ. Endogenous oxytocin inhibits hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing hormone neurones following acute hypernatraemia. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12839. [PMID: 32133707 PMCID: PMC7384450 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Significant prior evidence indicates that centrally acting oxytocin robustly modulates stress responsiveness and anxiety-like behaviour, although the neural mechanisms behind these effects are not entirely understood. A plausible neural basis for oxytocin-mediated stress reduction is via inhibition of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) that regulate activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Previously, we have shown that, following s.c. injection of 2.0 mol L-1 NaCl, oxytocin synthesising neurones are activated in the rat PVN, an oxytocin receptor (Oxtr)-dependent inhibitory tone develops on a subset of parvocellular neurones and stress-mediated increases in plasma corticosterone levels are blunted. In the present study, we utilised transgenic male CRH-reporter mice to selectively target PVN CRH neurones for whole-cell recordings. These experiments reveal that acute salt loading produces tonic inhibition of PVN CRH neurones through a mechanism that is largely independent of synaptic activity. Further studies reveal that a subset of CRH neurones within the PVN synthesise mRNA for Oxtr(s). Salt induced Oxtr-dependent inhibitory tone was eliminated in individual PVN CRH neurones filled with GDP-β-S. Additional electrophysiological studies suggest that reduced excitability of PVN CRH neurones in salt-loaded animals is associated with increased activation of inwardly rectifying potassium channels. Nevertheless, substantial effort to recapitulate the core effects of salt loading by activating Oxtr(s) with an exogenous agonist produced mixed results. Collectively, these results enhance our understanding of how oxytocin receptor-mediated signalling modulates the function of CRH neurones in the PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipanwita Pati
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
| | - Scott W. Harden
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
| | | | - Kyle B. Kelly
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
| | - Annette D. de Kloet
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College
of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Eric G. Krause
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
| | - Charles J. Frazier
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University
of Florida
- Corresponding author: Charles J.
Frazier, Ph.D., Associate Professor and University of Florida Term Professor,
Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida,
JHMHC Box 100487, Room P1-20, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA,
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15
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Crane JW, Holmes NM, Fam J, Westbrook RF, Delaney AJ. Oxytocin increases inhibitory synaptic transmission and blocks development of long-term potentiation in the lateral amygdala. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:587-599. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00571.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuroactive peptide that influences the processing of fearful stimuli in the amygdala. In the central nucleus of the amygdala, the activation of OT receptors alters neural activity and ultimately suppresses the behavioral response to a fear conditioned stimulus. Receptors for OT are also found in the lateral amygdala (LA), and infusion of OT into the basolateral amygdala complex affects the formation and consolidation of fear memories. Yet, how OT receptor activation alters neurons and neural networks in the LA is unknown. In this study we used whole cell electrophysiological recordings to determine how OT-receptor activation changes synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity in the LA of Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results demonstrate that OT-receptor activation results in a 200% increase in spontaneous inhibitory transmission in the LA that leads to the activation of presynaptic GABAB receptors. The activation of these receptors inhibits excitatory transmission in the LA, blocking long-term potentiation of cortical inputs onto LA neurons. Hence, this study provides the first demonstration that OT influences synaptic transmission and plasticity in the LA, revealing a mechanism that could explain how OT regulates the formation and consolidation of conditioned fear memories in the amygdala. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigates modulation of synaptic transmission by oxytocin (OT) in the lateral amygdala (LA). We demonstrate that OT induces transient increases in spontaneous GABAergic transmission by activating interneurons in the basolateral amygdala. The resultant increase in GABA release in the LA activates presynaptic GABAB receptors on both inhibitory and excitatory inputs onto LA neurons, reducing release probability at these synapses. We subsequently demonstrate that OT modulates synaptic plasticity at cortical inputs to the LA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. W. Crane
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - N. M. Holmes
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J. Fam
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R. F. Westbrook
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A. J. Delaney
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Excitation/inhibition imbalance and impaired neurogenesis in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Rev Neurosci 2019; 30:807-820. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2019-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance controls the synaptic inputs to prevent the inappropriate responses of neurons to input strength, and is required to restore the initial pattern of network activity. Various neurotransmitters affect synaptic plasticity within neural networks via the modulation of neuronal E/I balance in the developing and adult brain. Less is known about the role of E/I balance in the control of the development of the neural stem and progenitor cells in the course of neurogenesis and gliogenesis. Recent findings suggest that neural stem and progenitor cells appear to be the target for the action of GABA within the neurogenic or oligovascular niches. The same might be true for the role of neuropeptides (i.e. oxytocin) in neurogenic niches. This review covers current understanding of the role of E/I balance in the regulation of neuroplasticity associated with social behavior in normal brain, and in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are required to decipher the GABA-mediated regulation of postnatal neurogenesis and synaptic integration of newly-born neurons as a potential target for the treatment of brain diseases.
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17
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Davies C, Paloyelis Y, Rutigliano G, Cappucciati M, De Micheli A, Ramella-Cravaro V, Provenzani U, Antoniades M, Modinos G, Oliver D, Stahl D, Murguia S, Zelaya F, Allen P, Shergill S, Morrison P, Williams S, Taylor D, McGuire P, Fusar-Poli P. Oxytocin modulates hippocampal perfusion in people at clinical high risk for psychosis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1300-1309. [PMID: 30626906 PMCID: PMC6784972 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical and human studies suggest that hippocampal dysfunction is a key factor in the onset of psychosis. People at Clinical High Risk for psychosis (CHR-P) present with a clinical syndrome that can include social withdrawal and have a 20-35% risk of developing psychosis in the next 2 years. Recent research shows that resting hippocampal blood flow is altered in CHR-P individuals and predicts adverse clinical outcomes, such as non-remission/transition to frank psychosis. Previous work in healthy males indicates that a single dose of intranasal oxytocin has positive effects on social function and marked effects on resting hippocampal blood flow. The present study examined the effects of intranasal oxytocin on hippocampal blood flow in CHR-P individuals. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 30 CHR-P males were studied using pseudo-continuous Arterial Spin Labelling on 2 occasions, once after 40IU intranasal oxytocin and once after placebo. The effects of oxytocin on left hippocampal blood flow were examined in a region-of-interest analysis of data acquired at 22-28 and at 30-36 minutes post-intranasal administration. Relative to placebo, administration of oxytocin was associated with increased hippocampal blood flow at both time points (p = .0056; p = .034), although the effect at the second did not survive adjustment for the effect of global blood flow. These data indicate that oxytocin can modulate hippocampal function in CHR-P individuals and therefore merits further investigation as a candidate novel treatment for this group.
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Grants
- G0901868 Medical Research Council
- 22593 Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (Brain & Behavior Research Foundation)
- Dominic Oliver is supported by the UK Medical Research Council (MR/N013700/1) and is a King’s College London member of the MRC Doctoral Training Partnership in Biomedical Sciences.
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London, UK
- DH | National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
- This work was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London (PFP, PM, DS); by a Brain & Behaviour Research Foundation NARSAD Award (grant number 22593 to PFP); and by the Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. The funders had no influence on the design, collection, analysis and interpretation of the data, writing of the report and decision to submit this article for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Davies
- Early Psychosis: Interventions & Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yannis Paloyelis
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Grazia Rutigliano
- Early Psychosis: Interventions & Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Cappucciati
- Early Psychosis: Interventions & Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea De Micheli
- Early Psychosis: Interventions & Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Valentina Ramella-Cravaro
- Early Psychosis: Interventions & Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Umberto Provenzani
- Early Psychosis: Interventions & Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mathilde Antoniades
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gemma Modinos
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dominic Oliver
- Early Psychosis: Interventions & Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel Stahl
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Silvia Murguia
- Tower Hamlets Early Detection Service (THEDS), East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Fernando Zelaya
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Allen
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Sukhi Shergill
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Morrison
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Steve Williams
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David Taylor
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Philip McGuire
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Outreach And Support in South London (OASIS) Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Early Psychosis: Interventions & Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
- Outreach And Support in South London (OASIS) Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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18
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Cilz NI, Cymerblit-Sabba A, Young WS. Oxytocin and vasopressin in the rodent hippocampus. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 18:e12535. [PMID: 30378258 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The role of the hippocampus in social memory and behavior is under intense investigation. Oxytocin (Oxt) and vasopressin (Avp) are two neuropeptides with many central actions related to social cognition. Oxt- and Avp-expressing fibers are abundant in the hippocampus and receptors for both peptides are seen throughout the different subfields, suggesting that Oxt and Avp modulate hippocampal-dependent processes. In this review, we first focus on the anatomical sources of Oxt and Avp input to the hippocampus and consider the distribution of their corresponding receptors in different hippocampal subfields and neuronal populations. We next discuss the behavioral outcomes related to social memory seen with perturbation of hippocampal Oxt and Avp signaling. Finally, we review Oxt and Avp modulatory mechanisms in the hippocampus that may underlie the behavioral roles for both peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas I Cilz
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Adi Cymerblit-Sabba
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - W Scott Young
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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19
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Lopatina OL, Komleva YK, Gorina YV, Olovyannikova RY, Trufanova LV, Hashimoto T, Takahashi T, Kikuchi M, Minabe Y, Higashida H, Salmina AB. Oxytocin and excitation/inhibition balance in social recognition. Neuropeptides 2018; 72:1-11. [PMID: 30287150 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Social recognition is the sensitive domains of complex behavior critical for identification, interpretation and storage of socially meaningful information. Social recognition develops throughout childhood and adolescent, and is affected in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders. Recently, new data appeared on the molecular mechanisms of these processes, particularly, the excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) ratio which is modified during development, and then E/I balance is established in the adult brain. While E/I imbalance has been proposed as a mechanism for schizophrenia, it also seems to be the common mechanism in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, there is a strong suggestion that the oxytocinergic system is related to GABA-mediated E/I control in the context of brain socialization. In this review, we attempt to summarize the underpinning molecular mechanisms of E/I balance and its imbalance, and related biomarkers in the brain in healthiness and pathology. In addition, because there are increasing interest on oxytocin in the social neuroscience field, we will pay intensive attention to the role of oxytocin in maintaining E/I balance from the viewpoint of its effects on improving social impairment in psychiatric diseases, especially in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L Lopatina
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia; Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yulia K Komleva
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Yana V Gorina
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Raisa Ya Olovyannikova
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Lyudmila V Trufanova
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Takanori Hashimoto
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Takahashi
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yoshio Minabe
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia; Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia; Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
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20
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Lin YT, Hsu KS. Oxytocin receptor signaling in the hippocampus: Role in regulating neuronal excitability, network oscillatory activity, synaptic plasticity and social memory. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 171:1-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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21
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Wang B, Li HH, Yue XJ, Jia FY, DU L. [A review on the role of γ-aminobutyric acid signaling pathway in autism spectrum disorder]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2018; 20:974-978. [PMID: 30477634 PMCID: PMC7389027 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The etiology and pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not yet clear. Studies have shown that there are many neurotransmitter abnormalities in children with ASD, mainly involving in glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, 5-HT and oxytocin. The imbalance of excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmitters and inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmitters is closely related to the pathogenesis of ASD. Both animal model studies and clinical studies on ASD suggest that GABA signaling pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ASD. This article reviews the research on the association between GABA signaling pathway and the pathogenesis of ASD to further explore the pathogenesis of ASD and provide theoretical basis for the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- Department of Developmental and Behaviorial Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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22
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Ben-Ari Y. Oxytocin and Vasopressin, and the GABA Developmental Shift During Labor and Birth: Friends or Foes? Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:254. [PMID: 30186114 PMCID: PMC6110879 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are usually associated with sociability and reduced stress for the former and antidiuretic agent associated with severe stress and pathological conditions for the latter. Both OT and AVP play major roles during labor and birth. Recent contradictory studies suggest that they might exert different roles on the GABA excitatory/inhibitory developmental shift. We reported (Tyzio et al., 2006) that at birth, OT exerts a neuro-protective action mediated by an abrupt reduction of intracellular chloride levels ([Cl-]i) that are high in utero, reinforcing GABAergic inhibition and modulating the generation of the first synchronized patterns of cortical networks. This reduction of [Cl-]i levels is abolished in rodent models of Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders, and its restoration attenuates the severity of the pathological sequels, stressing the importance of the shift at birth (Tyzio et al., 2014). In contrast, Kaila and co-workers (Spoljaric et al., 2017) reported excitatory GABA actions before and after birth that are modulated by AVP but not by OT, challenging both the developmental shift and the roles of OT. Here, I analyze the differences between these studies and suggest that the ratio AVP/OT like that of excitatory/inhibitory GABA depend on stress and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehezkel Ben-Ari
- Neurochlore and Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille, France
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Han RT, Kim YB, Park EH, Kim JY, Ryu C, Kim HY, Lee J, Pahk K, Shanyu C, Kim H, Back SK, Kim HJ, Kim YI, Na HS. Long-Term Isolation Elicits Depression and Anxiety-Related Behaviors by Reducing Oxytocin-Induced GABAergic Transmission in Central Amygdala. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:246. [PMID: 30158853 PMCID: PMC6104450 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolation stress is a major risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders such as depressive and anxiety disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying isolation-induced neuropsychiatric disorders remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated the subcellular mechanisms by which long-term isolation elicits depression and anxiety-related behaviors in mice. First, we found that long-term isolation induced depression-related behaviors in the forced swimming test (FST) and the sucrose preference test, as well as anxiety-related behaviors in the elevated zero maze test (EZMT) and the open field test. Next, we showed that intracentral amygdala (CeA) injection of oxytocin (OXT), but not intracerebroventricular injection, attenuated isolation-induced depression and anxiety-related behaviors via oxytocin receptor (OXTR), not vasopressin-1a receptor (V1aR), in the FST and EZMT, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that after 5 weeks of isolation, mRNA transcription of OXTR in the CeA, but not that of V1aR, significantly decreased, whereas OXT and vasopressin mRNA transcription in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus did not change significantly. Whole-cell patch clamping of acute brain slices demonstrated that the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in CeA neurons, but not their amplitude, was lower in isolated mice than in group-housed mice. Notably, OXT treatment increased the mIPSC frequency in the CeA neurons, but to a lesser extent in the case of isolated mice than in that of group-housed mice via OXTR. Taken together, our findings suggest that long-term isolation down-regulates OXTR mRNA transcription and diminishes OXT-induced inhibitory synaptic transmission in the CeA and may contribute to the development of depression and anxiety-related behaviors in isolated mice through the enhancement of CeA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael T Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Beom Kim
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eui-Ho Park
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Yong Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Changhyeon Ryu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye Y Kim
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - JaeHee Lee
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kisoo Pahk
- Department of Neuroscience, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Cui Shanyu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung K Back
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biotechnology, College of Medical Engineering, Konyang University, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Hee J Kim
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Science and Technology College, Yonsei University, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Yang In Kim
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heung S Na
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Janeček M, Dabrowska J. Oxytocin facilitates adaptive fear and attenuates anxiety responses in animal models and human studies-potential interaction with the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:143-172. [PMID: 30054732 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2889-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite its relatively well-understood role as a reproductive and pro-social peptide, oxytocin (OT) tells a more convoluted story in terms of its modulation of fear and anxiety. This nuanced story has been obscured by a great deal of research into the therapeutic applications of exogenous OT, driving more than 400 ongoing clinical trials. Drawing from animal models and human studies, we review the complex evidence concerning OT's role in fear learning and anxiety, clarifying the existing confusion about modulation of fear versus anxiety. We discuss animal models and human studies demonstrating the prevailing role of OT in strengthening fear memory to a discrete signal or cue, which allows accurate and rapid threat detection that facilitates survival. We also review ostensibly contrasting behavioral studies that nonetheless provide compelling evidence of OT attenuating sustained contextual fear and anxiety-like behavior, arguing that these OT effects on the modulation of fear vs. anxiety are not mutually exclusive. To disambiguate how endogenous OT modulates fear and anxiety, an understudied area compared to exogenous OT, we survey behavioral studies utilizing OT receptor (OTR) antagonists. Based on emerging evidence about the role of OTR in rat dorsolateral bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) and elsewhere, we postulate that OT plays a critical role in facilitating accurate discrimination between stimuli representing threat and safety. Supported by human studies, we demonstrate that OT uniquely facilitates adaptive fear but reduces maladaptive anxiety. Last, we explore the limited literature on endogenous OT and its interaction with corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) with a special emphasis on the dorsolateral BNST, which may hold the key to the neurobiology of phasic fear and sustained anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Janeček
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Joanna Dabrowska
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
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Molecular Mechanisms of Oxytocin Signaling at the Synaptic Connection. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:4864107. [PMID: 30057594 PMCID: PMC6051047 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4864107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant regulation of oxytocin signaling is associated with the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Synaptic dysfunctions in neurodevelopmental disorders are becoming increasingly known, and their pathogenic mechanisms could be a target of potential therapeutic intervention. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the role of oxytocin and its receptor in synapse structure, function, and neuron connectivity. An early alteration in oxytocin signaling may disturb neuronal maturation and may have short-term and long-term pathological consequences. At the molecular level, neurodevelopmental disorders include alterations in cytoskeletal rearrangement and neuritogenesis resulting in a diversity of synaptopathies. The presence of oxytocin receptors in the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes and the direct effects of oxytocin on neuronal excitability by regulating the activity of ion channels in the cell membrane implicate that alterations in oxytocin signaling could be involved in synaptopathies. The ability of oxytocin to modulate neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and certain parameters of cytoskeletal arrangement is discussed in the present review.
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Jurek B, Neumann ID. The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1805-1908. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The many facets of the oxytocin (OXT) system of the brain and periphery elicited nearly 25,000 publications since 1930 (see FIGURE 1 , as listed in PubMed), which revealed central roles for OXT and its receptor (OXTR) in reproduction, and social and emotional behaviors in animal and human studies focusing on mental and physical health and disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OXT expression and release, expression and binding of the OXTR in brain and periphery, OXTR-coupled signaling cascades, and their involvement in behavioral outcomes to assemble a comprehensive picture of the central and peripheral OXT system. Traditionally known for its role in milk let-down and uterine contraction during labor, OXT also has implications in physiological, and also behavioral, aspects of reproduction, such as sexual and maternal behaviors and pair bonding, but also anxiety, trust, sociability, food intake, or even drug abuse. The many facets of OXT are, on a molecular basis, brought about by a single receptor. The OXTR, a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor capable of binding to either Gαior Gαqproteins, activates a set of signaling cascades, such as the MAPK, PKC, PLC, or CaMK pathways, which converge on transcription factors like CREB or MEF-2. The cellular response to OXT includes regulation of neurite outgrowth, cellular viability, and increased survival. OXTergic projections in the brain represent anxiety and stress-regulating circuits connecting the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, or the medial prefrontal cortex. Which OXT-induced patterns finally alter the behavior of an animal or a human being is still poorly understood, and studying those OXTR-coupled signaling cascades is one initial step toward a better understanding of the molecular background of those behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, and little is known about its neurobiology. Much of autism research has focused on the social, communication and cognitive difficulties associated with the condition. However, the recent revision of the diagnostic criteria for autism has brought another key domain of autistic experience into focus: sensory processing. Here, we review the properties of sensory processing in autism and discuss recent computational and neurobiological insights arising from attention to these behaviours. We argue that sensory traits have important implications for the development of animal and computational models of the condition. Finally, we consider how difficulties in sensory processing may relate to the other domains of behaviour that characterize autism.
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Oxytocin stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis via oxytocin receptor expressed in CA3 pyramidal neurons. Nat Commun 2017; 8:537. [PMID: 28912554 PMCID: PMC5599651 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00675-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the regulation of social and emotional behaviors, the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis in adult dentate gyrus; however, the mechanisms underlying the action of oxytocin are still unclear. Taking advantage of the conditional knockout mouse model, we show here that endogenous oxytocin signaling functions in a non-cell autonomous manner to regulate survival and maturation of newly generated dentate granule cells in adult mouse hippocampus via oxytocin receptors expressed in CA3 pyramidal neurons. Through bidirectional chemogenetic manipulations, we also uncover a significant role for CA3 pyramidal neuron activity in regulating adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. Retrograde neuronal tracing combined with immunocytochemistry revealed that the oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus project directly to the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Our findings reveal a critical role for oxytocin signaling in adult neurogenesis. Oxytocin (OXT) has been implicated in adult neurogenesis. Here the authors show that CA3 pyramidal cells in the adult mouse hippocampus express OXT receptors and receive inputs from hypothalamic OXT neurons; activation of OXT signaling in CA3 pyramidal cells promotes the survival and maturation of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus in a non-cell autonomous manner.
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Erfanparast A, Tamaddonfard E, Henareh-Chareh F. Intra-hippocampal microinjection of oxytocin produced antiepileptic effect on the pentylenetetrazol-induced epilepsy in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:757-763. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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