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Andreatta T, Armini RS, Salaroli R, Vieira GM, Tavares CVC, Sanches H, Aguiar RM, Campos FV, Schenberg LC. Role of L- and T-type voltage-dependent calcium channels in the hierarchical organization of defensive responses to electrical stimulation of the rat dorsolateral periaqueductal gray. Neuropharmacology 2024; 258:110059. [PMID: 38992791 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110059] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Stimulation of the dorsal half of the rat periaqueductal gray (DPAG) with 60-Hz pulses of increasing intensity, 30-μA pulses of increasing frequency, or increasing doses of an excitatory amino acid elicits sequential defensive responses of exophthalmia, immobility, trotting, galloping, and jumping. These responses may be controlled by voltage-gated calcium channel-specific firing patterns. Indeed, a previous study showed that microinjection of the DPAG with 15 nmol of verapamil, a putative blocker of L-type calcium channels, attenuated all defensive responses to electrical stimulation at the same site as the injection. Accordingly, here we investigated the effects of microinjection of lower doses (0.7 and 7 nmol) of both verapamil and mibefradil, a preferential blocker of T-type calcium channels, on DPAG-evoked defensive behaviors of the male rat. Behaviors were recorded either 24 h before or 10 min, 24 h, and 48 h after microinjection. Effects were analyzed by both threshold logistic analysis and repeated measures analysis of variance for treatment by session interactions. Data showed that the electrodes were all located within the dorsolateral PAG. Compared to the effects of saline, verapamil significantly attenuated exophthalmia, immobility, and trotting. Mibefradil significantly attenuated exophthalmia and marginally attenuated immobility while facilitating trotting. While galloping was not attenuated by either antagonist, jumping was unexpectedly attenuated by 0.7 nmol verapamil only. These results suggest that T-type calcium channels are involved in the low-threshold freezing responses of exophthalmia and immobility, whereas L-type calcium channels are involved in the trotting response that precedes the full-fledged escape responses of galloping and jumping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiani Andreatta
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| | - Rubia Souza Armini
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| | - Ruam Salaroli
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Machado Vieira
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| | | | - Hugo Sanches
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Moraes Aguiar
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Health Science Center, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Fabiana Vasconcelos Campos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil; Department of Morphology, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Carlos Schenberg
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
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2
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Reis FMCV, Mobbs D, Canteras NS, Adhikari A. Orchestration of innate and conditioned defensive actions by the periaqueductal gray. Neuropharmacology 2023; 228:109458. [PMID: 36773777 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109458] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) has been recognized for decades as having a central role in the control of a wide variety of defensive responses. Initial discoveries relied primarily on lesions, electrical stimulation and pharmacology. Recent developments in neural activity imaging and in methods to control activity with anatomical and genetic specificity have revealed additional streams of data informing our understanding of PAG function. Here, we discuss both classic and modern studies reporting on how PAG-centered circuits influence innate as well as learned defensive actions in rodents and humans. Though early discoveries emphasized the PAG's role in rapid induction of innate defensive actions, emerging new data indicate a prominent role for the PAG in more complex processes, including representing behavioral states and influencing fear learning and memory. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Fear, Anxiety and PTSD".
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando M C V Reis
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Dean Mobbs
- Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Computation and Neural Systems Program, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Newton S Canteras
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Avishek Adhikari
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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3
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Acuña LR, Back F, Barp CG, Guilherme Tassoni Bortoloci J, Assreuy J, Carobrez AP. Role of nitric oxide on defensive behavior and long-term aversive learning induced by chemical stimulation of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 200:107735. [PMID: 36813080 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107735] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The midbrain periaqueductal gray matter, especially the dorsolateral portion (dlPAG), coordinates immediate defensive responses (DR) to threats, but also ascends forebrain information for aversive learning. The synaptic dynamics in the dlPAG regulate the intensity and type of behavioral expression, as well as long-term processes such as memory acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval. Among several neurotransmitters and neural modulators, nitric oxide seems to play an important regulatory role in the immediate expression of DR, but it remains unclear if this gaseous on-demand neuromodulator contributes to aversive learning. Therefore, the role of nitric oxide in the dlPAG was investigated, during conditioning in an olfactory aversive task. The behavioral analysis consisted of freezing and crouch-sniffing in the conditioning day after glutamatergic NMDA agonist injection into the dlPAG. Two days later, rats were re-exposed to the odor cue and avoidance was measured. 7NI, a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (40 and 100 nmol), injected before NMDA (50 pmol) impaired immediate DR and consequent aversive learning. The scavenging of extrasynaptic nitric oxide by C-PTIO (1 and 2 nmol) induced similar results. Moreover, spermine NONOate, a nitric oxide donor (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 nmol), produced DR by itself, but only the low dose also promoted learning. The following experiments utilized a fluorescent probe, DAF-FM diacetate (5 µM), directly into the dlPAG, to quantify nitric oxide in the three previous experimental situations. Nitric oxide levels were increased after NMDA stimulation, decreased after 7NI, and increased after spermine NONOate, in line with alterations in defensive expression. Altogether, the results indicate that nitric oxide plays a modulatory and decisive role in the dlPAG regarding immediate DR and aversive learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía R Acuña
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil; Instituto Misionero de Biodiversidad, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
| | - Franklin Back
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Clarissa G Barp
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Jamil Assreuy
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Antonio P Carobrez
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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4
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Liu D, Li S, Ren L, Liu X, Li X, Wang Z. Different coding characteristics between flight and freezing in dorsal periaqueductal gray of mice during exposure to innate threats. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:491-501. [PMID: 36225094 PMCID: PMC9773308 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flight and freezing are two vital defensive behaviors that mice display to avoid natural enemies. When they are exposed to innate threats, visual cues are processed and transmitted by the visual system into the emotional nuclei and finally transmitted to the periaqueductal gray (PAG) to induce defensive behaviors. However, how the dorsal PAG (dPAG) encodes the two defensive behaviors is unclear. METHODS Multi-array electrodes were implanted in the dPAG nuclei of C57BL/6 mice. Two kinds of visual stimuli (looming and sweeping) were used to induce defensive behaviors in mice. Neural signals under different defense behaviors were recorded, and the encoding characteristics of the two behaviors were extracted and analyzed from spike firing and frequency oscillations. Finally, synchronization of neural activity during the defense process was analyzed. RESULTS The neural activity between flight and freezing behaviors showed different firing patterns, and the differences in the inter-spike interval distribution were mainly reflected in the 2-10 ms period. The frequency band activities under both defensive behaviors were concentrated in the theta band; the active frequency of flight was ~8 to 10 Hz, whereas that of freezing behavior was ~6 to 8 Hz. The network connection density under both defense behaviors was significantly higher than the period before and after defensive behavior occurred, indicating that there was a high synchronization of neural activity during the defense process. CONCLUSIONS The dPAG nuclei of mice have different coding features between flight and freezing behaviors; during strong looming stimulation, fast neuro-instinctive decision making is required while encountering weak sweeping stimulation, and computable planning late behavior is predicted in the early stage. The frequency band activities under both defensive behaviors were concentrated in the theta band. There was a high synchronization of neural activity during the defense process, which may be a key factor triggering different defensive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denghui Liu
- School of Electrical and Information EngineeringZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Shouhao Li
- School of Electrical and Information EngineeringZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Liqing Ren
- School of Electrical and Information EngineeringZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xinyu Liu
- School of Intelligent ManufacturingHuanghuai UniversityZhumadianChina
| | - Xiaoyuan Li
- School of Electrical and Information EngineeringZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhenlong Wang
- School of Life SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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5
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La-Vu MQ, Sethi E, Maesta-Pereira S, Schuette PJ, Tobias BC, Reis FMCV, Wang W, Torossian A, Bishop A, Leonard SJ, Lin L, Cahill CM, Adhikari A. Sparse genetically defined neurons refine the canonical role of periaqueductal gray columnar organization. eLife 2022; 11:77115. [PMID: 35674316 PMCID: PMC9224993 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During threat exposure, survival depends on defensive reactions. Prior works linked large glutamatergic populations in the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) to defensive freezing and flight, and established that the overarching functional organization axis of the PAG is along anatomically-defined columns. Accordingly, broad activation of the dorsolateral column induces flight, while activation of the lateral or ventrolateral (l and vl) columns induces freezing. However, the PAG contains diverse cell types that vary in neurochemistry. How these cell types contribute to defense remains unknown, indicating that targeting sparse, genetically-defined populations may reveal how the PAG generates diverse behaviors. Though prior works showed that broad excitation of the lPAG or vlPAG causes freezing, we found in mice that activation of lateral and ventrolateral PAG (l/vlPAG) cholecystokinin-expressing (CCK) cells selectively caused flight to safer regions within an environment. Furthermore, inhibition of l/vlPAG-CCK cells reduced predator avoidance without altering other defensive behaviors like freezing. Lastly, l/vlPAG-CCK activity decreased when approaching threat and increased during movement to safer locations. These results suggest CCK cells drive threat avoidance states, which are epochs during which mice increase distance from threat and perform evasive escape. Conversely, l/vlPAG pan-neuronal activation promoted freezing, and these cells were activated near threat. Thus, CCK l/vlPAG cells have opposing function and neural activation motifs compared to the broader local ensemble defined solely by columnar boundaries. In addition to the anatomical columnar architecture of the PAG, the molecular identity of PAG cells may confer an additional axis of functional organization, revealing unexplored functional heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Q La-Vu
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Ekayana Sethi
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Sandra Maesta-Pereira
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Peter J Schuette
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Brooke C Tobias
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Fernando M C V Reis
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Weisheng Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Anita Torossian
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Amy Bishop
- Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Saskia J Leonard
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Lilly Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, United States.,Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Avishek Adhikari
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
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6
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Coordination of escape and spatial navigation circuits orchestrates versatile flight from threats. Neuron 2021; 109:1848-1860.e8. [PMID: 33861942 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Naturalistic escape requires versatile context-specific flight with rapid evaluation of local geometry to identify and use efficient escape routes. It is unknown how spatial navigation and escape circuits are recruited to produce context-specific flight. Using mice, we show that activity in cholecystokinin-expressing hypothalamic dorsal premammillary nucleus (PMd-cck) cells is sufficient and necessary for context-specific escape that adapts to each environment's layout. In contrast, numerous other nuclei implicated in flight only induced stereotyped panic-related escape. We reasoned the dorsal premammillary nucleus (PMd) can induce context-specific escape because it projects to escape and spatial navigation nuclei. Indeed, activity in PMd-cck projections to thalamic spatial navigation circuits is necessary for context-specific escape induced by moderate threats but not panic-related stereotyped escape caused by perceived asphyxiation. Conversely, the PMd projection to the escape-inducing dorsal periaqueductal gray projection is necessary for all tested escapes. Thus, PMd-cck cells control versatile flight, engaging spatial navigation and escape circuits.
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7
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Charousaei A, Nasehi M, Babapour V, Vaseghi S, Zarrindast MR. The effect of 5-HT 4 serotonin receptors in the CA3 hippocampal region on D-AP5-induced anxiolytic-like effects: Isobolographic analyses. Behav Brain Res 2020; 397:112933. [PMID: 32991927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows the close relationship between hippocampal glutamatergic and serotonergic systems through the modulation of behavioral responses. This study aimed to investigate the possible involvement of 5-HT4 receptors in the CA3 hippocampal region in anxiolytic-like effects induced by D-AP5 (a competitive antagonist of the glutamate NMDA [N-Methyl-D-aspartate] receptor). Male Wistar rats were placed in the elevated plus maze (EPM) apparatus that is used to assess anxiety-related behaviors, and the percentages of open arm time (%OAT) and open arm entries (%OAE) which are associated with anxiety-related behaviors were measured. The close arm entries (CAE) which is correlated with locomotor activity was also evaluated. The results showed that, intra-CA3 injection of D-AP5 (0.4 μg/rat), RS67333 (1.2 μg/rat; a 5-HT4 receptor agonist), and RS23597-190 (1.2 μg/rat; a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist) increased %OAT and %OAE, indicating the anxiolytic-like effect of these drugs. Also, only RS23597-190 (1.2 μg/rat) decreased CAE. Intra-CA3 injection of sub-threshold dose of RS67333 (0.012 μg/rat) or RS23597-190 (0.012 μg/rat), 5 min before the injection of D-AP5 (0.2 μg/rat) increased %OAT, indicating potentiating the anxiolytic-like effect of D-AP5. The isobolographic analyses also showed the additive or synergistic anxiolytic-like effect of intra-CA3 co-administration of D-AP5 with RS67333 or RS23597-190, respectively. In conclusion, CA3 5-HT4 receptors are involved in D-AP5-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Charousaei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Vahab Babapour
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroendocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Ribeiro DE, Casarotto PC, Spiacci AJ, Fernandes GG, Pinheiro LC, Tanus-Santos JE, Zangrossi HJ, Guimarães FS, Joca SRL, Biojone C. Activation of the TRKB receptor mediates the panicolytic-like effect of the NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 93:232-239. [PMID: 30991078 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) triggers escape reactions in the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter (dPAG), a core structure mediating panic-associated response, and decreases the release of BDNF in vitro. BDNF mediates the panicolytic effect induced by antidepressant drugs and produces these effects per se when injected into the dPAG. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors would have panicolytic properties associated with increased BDNF signaling in the dPAG. We observed that the repeated (7 days), but not acute (1 day), systemic administration of the NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (AMG; 15 mg/kg/day) increased the latency to escape from the open arm of the elevated T-maze (ETM) and inhibited the number of jumps in hypoxia-induced escape reaction in rats, suggesting a panicolytic-like effect. Repeated, but not acute, AMG administration (15 mg/kg) also decreased nitrite levels and increased TRKB phosphorylation at residues Y706/7 in the dPAG. Notwithstanding the lack of AMG effect on total BDNF levels in this structure, the microinjection of the TRK antagonist K252a into the dPAG blocked the anti-escape effect of this drug in the ETM. Taken together our data suggest that the inhibition of NO production by AMG increases the levels of pTRKB, which is required for the panicolytic-like effect observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidiane Elisa Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatric Unit, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Plinio Cabrera Casarotto
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Neuroscience Center - HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ailton Jr Spiacci
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Gripp Fernandes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas César Pinheiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Tanus-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hélio Jr Zangrossi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco Silveira Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samia Regiane Lourenço Joca
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Caroline Biojone
- Neuroscience Center - HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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9
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Fernandes GG, Frias AT, Spiacci A, Pinheiro LC, Tanus-Santos JE, Zangrossi H. Nitric oxide in the dorsal periaqueductal gray mediates the panic-like escape response evoked by exposure to hypoxia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 92:321-327. [PMID: 30742862 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of rats to an environment with low O2 levels evokes a panic-like escape behavior and recruits the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG), which is considered to be a key region in the pathophysiology of panic disorder. The neurochemical basis of this response is, however, currently unknown. We here investigated the role played by nitric oxide (NO) within the dPAG in mediation of the escape reaction induced by hypoxia exposure. The results showed that exposure of male Wistar rats to 7% O2 increased nitrite levels, a NO metabolite, in the dPAG but not in the amygdala or hypothalamus. Nitrite levels in the dPAG were correlated with the number of escape attempts during the hypoxia challenge. Injections of the NO synthesis inhibitor NPA, the NO-scavenger c- PTIO, or the NMDA receptor antagonist AP-7 into the dorsolateral column of the periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) inhibited escape expression during hypoxia, without affecting the rats' locomotion. Intra-dlPAG administration of c-PTIO had no effect on the escape response evoked by the elevated-T maze, a defensive behavior that has also been associated with panic attacks. Altogether, our results suggest that NO plays a critical role in mediation of the panic-like defensive response evoked by exposure to low O2 concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Gripp Fernandes
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alana Tercino Frias
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ailton Spiacci
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas C Pinheiro
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Hélio Zangrossi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
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10
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Franklin TB. Recent Advancements Surrounding the Role of the Periaqueductal Gray in Predators and Prey. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:60. [PMID: 31133827 PMCID: PMC6524621 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in neural circuitry techniques, like optogenetics and chemogenetics, have allowed for a greater understanding of the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and its importance in predator and prey behaviors. These studies in rodents have highlighted the role of the rostrolateral PAG in hunting behaviors, and have demonstrated functional differences across the dorsal-ventral/rostral-caudal axes of the PAG associated with defensive behaviors. Human imaging studies have further demonstrated that the PAG is active during situations involving imminent threat suggesting that the function of the PAG is likely largely conserved across species. This mini-review article highlights some of the recent advancements towards our understanding of the functional neuroanatomy of the PAG and its importance in the predator and prey behaviors that are critical for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara B Franklin
- The Social Lab, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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11
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Batista LA, Moreira FA. Cannabinoid CB 1 receptors mediate the anxiolytic effects induced by systemic alprazolam and intra-periaqueductal gray 5-HT 1A receptor activation. Neurosci Lett 2019; 703:5-10. [PMID: 30858018 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the modulation of behaviors related to anxiety and panic disorders. Accordingly, facilitation of CB1 receptor signaling reduces the consequences of aversive stimuli in animal models. However, the role of the CB1 receptor in the effects of anxiolytic drugs has remained unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the anxiolytic and panicolytic responses to systemic alprazolam injection and local 5-HT1A receptor activation in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) depend on CB1 receptor activation. Systemic injection of alprazolam (4 mg/kg) induced an anxiolytic-like effect in the elevated T maze (ETM) model of panic and anxiety, which was prevented by the CB1 antagonist AM251 (0.3 mg/kg). Likewise, intra-dlPAG injection of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (3.2 nmol/0.2 u L) also reduced anxiety-like behavior, a response prevented by intra-dlPAG injection of AM251 (100 pmol/0.2 µL). 8-OH-DPAT (8 nmol/0.2 µL) also presented a panicolytic-like activity in the escape reaction induced by chemical stimulation of the dlPAG, which was not prevented by AM251 (100 pmol/0.2 µL). These results suggest that CB1 receptor signaling is involved in the effects of anxiolytic drugs, with potential implications for developing new treatments for anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luara A Batista
- Graduate School in Neuroscience, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Fabricio A Moreira
- Graduate School in Neuroscience, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
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12
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The rostrodorsal periaqueductal gray influences both innate fear responses and acquisition of fear memory in animals exposed to a live predator. Brain Struct Funct 2019; 224:1537-1551. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-019-01852-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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13
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Almeida-Santos AF, Moreira FA, Guimaraes FS, Aguiar DC. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol endocannabinoid signaling coupled to metabotropic glutamate receptor type-5 modulates anxiety-like behavior in the rat ventromedial prefrontal cortex. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:740-749. [PMID: 28440729 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117704986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
2-Arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide are the main endocannabinoids, which act through cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 receptors. Among its many functions, anandamide modulates anxiety-like behaviors in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. The role of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in this region, however, has remained unclear. Here, we verified whether intra- ventromedial prefrontal cortex injection of 2-arachidonoylglycerol or URB602, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor (responsible for 2-arachidonoylglycerol hydrolysis), induce anxiolytic-like effects in Wistar rats. Since activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 promotes diacylglycerol lipase-α-mediated 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis, we also verified if the blockade of this receptor impairs the anxiolytic-like effect induced by URB 602. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol reduced anxiety-like response in rats exposed to the Elevated Plus Maze test, an effect mimicked by URB602. Cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 receptor antagonists prevented these effects. The pre-treatment with an ineffective dose of MPEP, a metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 antagonist, also attenuated the anxiolytic-like effect of URB602. Moreover, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed co-expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 and diacylglycerol lipase-α in several neurons in slices from the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Altogether, our results implicate 2-arachidonoylglycerol and both cannabinoid receptors on anxiety-related behaviors mediated by ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Further, these data support a role for the coupling between metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 activation and 2-arachidonoylglycerol signalling as a mechanism modulating aversive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F Almeida-Santos
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabricio A Moreira
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimaraes
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,3 Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniele C Aguiar
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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14
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Souza RR, Carobrez AP. Acquisition and expression of fear memories are distinctly modulated along the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray axis of rats exposed to predator odor. Behav Brain Res 2016; 315:160-7. [PMID: 27522018 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The dorsolateral region of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) modulates both innate and conditioned fear responses. However, the contribution of the rostrocaudal portions of the dlPAG to defense reactions and aversive memories remains unclear. Here, we sought to investigate the effects of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockade within rostral or caudal dlPAG of rats exposed to innate and learned fear to cat odor. For this, adult male Wistar rats were microinjected with the NMDA antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphono-pentanoate (AP5; 3 or 6nmol/0.2μl) into the rostral or caudal dlPAG before and after the exposure to the cat odor or to the context paired with the predator odor. The results demonstrated that cat odor exposure induced unconditioned defensive behaviors as well as contextual fear. AP5 microinjected in the rostral dlPAG reduced the defensive responses to cat odor and impaired the acquisition, but not consolidation of contextual fear. On the other hand, AP5 infused within the caudal dlPAG promoted long-lasting reduction of contextual fear expression. Altogether, our data suggest that NMDA receptors mediate a functional dichotomy in the rostrocaudal axis of dlPAG regulating unconditioned and conditioned defensive reactions to predatory cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimenez R Souza
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Antonio P Carobrez
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
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15
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Moore NLT, Altman DE, Gauchan S, Genovese RF. Adulthood stress responses in rats are variably altered as a factor of adolescent stress exposure. Stress 2016; 19:295-302. [PMID: 27295201 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2016.1191465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress exposure during development may influence adulthood stress response severity. The present study investigates persisting effects of two adolescent stressors upon adulthood response to predator exposure (PE). Rats were exposed to underwater trauma (UWT) or PE during adolescence, then to PE after reaching adulthood. Rats were then exposed to predator odor (PO) to test responses to predator cues alone. Behavioral and neuroendocrine assessments were conducted to determine acute effects of each stress experience. Adolescent stress altered behavioral response to adulthood PE. Acoustic startle response was blunted. Bidirectional changes in plus maze exploration were revealed as a factor of adolescent stress type. Neuroendocrine response magnitude did not predict severity of adolescent or adult stress response, suggesting that different adolescent stress events may differentially alter developmental outcomes regardless of acute behavioral or neuroendocrine response. We report that exposure to two different stressors in adolescence may differentially affect stress response outcomes in adulthood. Acute response to an adolescent stressor may not be consistent across all stressors or all dependent measures, and may not predict alterations in developmental outcomes pertaining to adulthood stress exposure. Further studies are needed to characterize factors underlying long-term effects of a developmental stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L T Moore
- a Military Psychiatry Branch , Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research , Silver Spring , MD , USA
| | - Daniel E Altman
- a Military Psychiatry Branch , Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research , Silver Spring , MD , USA
| | - Sangeeta Gauchan
- a Military Psychiatry Branch , Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research , Silver Spring , MD , USA
| | - Raymond F Genovese
- a Military Psychiatry Branch , Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research , Silver Spring , MD , USA
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16
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Silva BA, Mattucci C, Krzywkowski P, Cuozzo R, Carbonari L, Gross CT. The ventromedial hypothalamus mediates predator fear memory. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 43:1431-9. [PMID: 26991018 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The amygdala has been shown to be essential for the processing of acute and learned fear across animal species. However, the downstream neural circuits that mediate these fear responses differ according to the nature of the threat, with separate pathways having been identified for predator, conspecific and physically harmful threats. In particular, the dorsomedial part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VHMdm) is critical for the expression of defensive responses to predators. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this circuit also participates in predator fear memory by transient pharmacogenetic inhibition of the VMHdm and its downstream effector, the dorsal periaqueductal grey, during predator fear learning in the mouse. Our data demonstrate that neural activity in the VMHdm is required for both the acquisition and recall of predator fear memory, whereas that of its downstream effector, the dorsal periaqueductal grey, is required only for the acute expression of fear. These findings are consistent with a role for the medial hypothalamus in encoding an internal emotional state of fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca A Silva
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), via Ramarini 32, 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Camilla Mattucci
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), via Ramarini 32, 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Piotr Krzywkowski
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), via Ramarini 32, 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Rachel Cuozzo
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), via Ramarini 32, 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Laura Carbonari
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), via Ramarini 32, 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Cornelius T Gross
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), via Ramarini 32, 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
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17
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Vila-Verde C, Marinho ALZ, Lisboa SF, Guimarães FS. Nitric oxide in the prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex is involved in the anxiogenic-like effect induced by acute restraint stress in rats. Neuroscience 2016; 320:30-42. [PMID: 26812037 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurons containing the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) enzyme are located in brain areas related to defensive behavior, such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC). Rats exposed to a live predator (a cat) present anxiety-like behavior and an increased number of nNOS-positive neurons in this brain area one-week later. Moreover, stress-related behavioral changes in rodents can be prevented by systemic or local vMPFC nNOS inhibition. In the present study we investigated if acute restraint stress (RS)-induced delayed (one-week) anxiogenic-like effect was associated with increased nNOS expression or activity in the vMPFC. Furthermore, we also tested if local pharmacological nNOS inhibition would prevent stress-induced behavioral changes. Male Wistar rats were submitted to RS for 3h and tested in the elevated plus maze (EPM) 24h or 7 days later. Two hours after the EPM test, their brains were removed, processed and nNOS expression in the vMPFC was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Another group of animals was used for measuring NO metabolites (NOx; an indirect measure of NOS activity) immediately after the EPM test, 24h after RS. Independent groups had guide cannula implanted bilaterally into the prelimbic (PL) portion of vMPFC. Five to six days after surgery, the animals were submitted to RS and 24h later received local administration of the nNOS inhibitor, N-propyl-l-arginine (NPLA; 0.04 nmol). They were tested in the EPM 10 min later. RS-induced anxiogenic-like effect was accompanied by increased nNOS expression in the PL (p<0.05), but not in the infralimbic (IL) vMPFC, both 24h and 7 days after RS. Moreover, open-arm exploration of the EPM was negatively correlated with nNOS expression (p<0.05) and NOx levels (p<0.05) in the PL. The anxiogenic-like effect observed 24h after RS was prevented by NPLA (p<0.05). Our results suggest that RS-induced anxiogenic-like effect might depend on increased nNOS-mediated signaling in the PL MPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vila-Verde
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - A L Z Marinho
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S F Lisboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - F S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Uliana DL, Hott SC, Lisboa SF, Resstel LBM. Dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter CB1 and TRPV1 receptors exert opposite modulation on expression of contextual fear conditioning. Neuropharmacology 2015; 103:257-69. [PMID: 26724373 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and Transient Potential Vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) matter are involved in the modulation of conditioned response. Both CB1 and TRPV1 receptors are related to glutamate release and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. It was previously demonstrated that both NMDA glutamate receptors and NO are involved in the conditioned emotional response. Therefore, one aim of this work was to verify whether dlPAG CB1 and TRPV1 receptors modulate the expression of contextual conditioned emotional response. Moreover, we also investigated the involvement of NMDA receptors and the NO pathway in this response. Male Wistar rats with local dlPAG guide cannula were submitted to contextual fear conditioning. Following 24 h, a polyethylene catheter was implanted in the femoral artery for cardiovascular recordings. After an additional 24 h, drugs were administered in the dlPAG and freezing behavior and autonomic responses were recorded during chamber re-exposure. Both a CB1 antagonist (AM251) and a TRPV1 agonist (Capsaicin; CPS) increased the expression of a conditioned emotional response. This response was prevented by an NMDA antagonist, a preferential neuronal NO synthase inhibitor, an NO scavenger and a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (sGC). Furthermore, pretreatment with a TRPV1 antagonist also prevented the increased conditioned emotional response induced by AM251. Considering that GABA can counterbalance glutamate effects, we also investigated whether GABAA receptors were involved in the effect of a higher dose of AM251. Pretreatment with a GABAA receptor antagonist caused an increased conditioned emotional response by AM251. Our results support the possibility that dlPAG CB1 and TRPV1 receptors are involved in the expression of conditioned emotional response through the NMDA/NO/sGC pathway. Moreover, the opposite effects exerted by GABA and glutamate could produce different outcomes of drugs modulating eCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Uliana
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S C Hott
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S F Lisboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - L B M Resstel
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
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19
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Htr2a-Expressing Cells in the Central Amygdala Control the Hierarchy between Innate and Learned Fear. Cell 2015; 163:1153-1164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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20
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Batista PA, Fogaça MV, Guimarães FS. The endocannabinoid, endovanilloid and nitrergic systems could interact in the rat dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter to control anxiety-like behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2015; 293:182-8. [PMID: 26187694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid compounds usually produce biphasic effects in the modulation of emotional responses. Low doses of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) injected into the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter (dlPAG) induce anxiolytic-like effects via CB1 receptors activation. However, at higher doses the drug loses this effect, in part by activating Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 (TRPV1). Activation of these latter receptors could induce the formation of nitric oxide (NO). Thus, the present study tested the hypothesis that at high doses AEA loses it anxiolytic-like effect by facilitating, probably via TRPV1 receptor activation, the formation of NO. Male Wistar rats received combined injections into the dlPAG of vehicle, the TRPV1 receptor antagonist 6-iodo-nordihydrocapsaicin or the NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO (c-PTIO), followed by vehicle or AEA, and were submitted to the elevated plus maze (EPM) or the Vogel conflict test (VCT). A low dose (5pmol) of AEA produced an anxiolytic-like effect that disappeared at higher doses (50 and 200pmol). The anxiolytic-like effects of these latter doses, however, were restored after pre-treatment with a low and ineffective dose of c-PTIO in both animal models. In addition, the combined administration of ineffective doses of 6-iodo-nordihydrocapsaicin (1nmol) and c-PTIO (0.3nmol) produced an anxiolytic-like response. Therefore, these results support the hypothesis that intra-dlPAG injections of high doses of AEA lose their anxiolytic effects by favoring TRPV1 receptors activity and consequent NO formation, which in turn could facilitate defensive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila A Batista
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Bandeirantes Avenue, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900 São Paulo, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil
| | - Manoela V Fogaça
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Bandeirantes Avenue, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900 São Paulo, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil.
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Bandeirantes Avenue, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900 São Paulo, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil
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21
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Involvement of TRPV1 channels in the periaqueductal grey on the modulation of innate fear responses. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2015; 27:97-105. [PMID: 25529842 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2014.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 channel (TRPV1) is expressed in the midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG), a region of the brain related to aversive responses. TRPV1 antagonism in the dorsolateral PAG (dlPAG) induces anxiolytic-like effects in models based on conflict situations. No study, however, has investigated whether these receptors could contribute to fear responses to proximal threat. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that TRPV1 in the PAG could mediate fear response in rats exposed to a predator. METHODS We verified whether exposure to a live cat (a natural predator) would activate TRPV1-expressing neurons in the PAG. Double-staining immunohistochemistry was used as a technique to detect c-Fos, a marker of neuronal activation, and TRPV1 expression. We also investigated whether intra-dlPAG injections of the TRPV1 antagonist, capsazepine (CPZ), would attenuate the behavioural consequences of predator exposure. RESULTS Exposure to a cat increased c-Fos expression in TRPV1-positive neurons, mainly in the dorsal columns of the PAG, suggesting that TRPV1-expressing neurons are activated by threatening stimuli. Accordingly, local injection of CPZ inhibited the fear responses. CONCLUSION These data support the hypothesis that TRPV1 channels mediate fear reactions in the dlPAG. This may have an implication for the development of TRPV1-antagonists as potential drugs for the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders.
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22
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Lisboa SF, Gomes FV, Silva AL, Uliana DL, Camargo LHA, Guimarães FS, Cunha FQ, Joca SRL, Resstel LBM. Increased Contextual Fear Conditioning in iNOS Knockout Mice: Additional Evidence for the Involvement of Nitric Oxide in Stress-Related Disorders and Contribution of the Endocannabinoid System. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyv005. [PMID: 25618404 PMCID: PMC4571624 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inducible or neuronal nitric oxide synthase gene deletion increases or decreases anxiety-like behavior in mice, respectively. Since nitric oxide and endocannabinoids interact to modulate defensive behavior, the former effect could involve a compensatory increase in basal brain nitric oxide synthase activity and/or changes in the endocannabinoid system. Thus, we investigated the expression and extinction of contextual fear conditioning of inducible nitric oxide knockout mice and possible involvement of endocannabinoids in these responses. METHODS We evaluated the effects of a preferential neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 7-nitroindazol, nitric oxide synthase activity, and mRNA changes of nitrergic and endocannabinoid systems components in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of wild-type and knockout mice. The effects of URB597, an inhibitor of the fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme, which metabolizes the endocannabinoid anandamide, WIN55,212-2, a nonselective cannabinoid agonist, and AM281, a selective CB1 antagonist, on contextual fear conditioning were also evaluated. RESULTS Contextual fear conditioning expression was similar in wild-type and knockout mice, but the latter presented extinction deficits and increased basal nitric oxide synthase activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. 7-Nitroindazol decreased fear expression and facilitated extinction in wild-type and knockout mice. URB597 decreased fear expression in wild-type and facilitated extinction in knockout mice, whereas WIN55,212-2 and AM281 increased it in wild-type mice. Nonconditioned knockout mice showed changes in the mRNA expression of nitrergic and endocannabinoid system components in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus that were modified by fear conditioning. CONCLUSION These data reinforce the involvement of the nitric oxide and endocannabinoids (anandamide) in stress-related disorders and point to a deregulation of the endocannabinoid system in situations where nitric oxide signaling is increased.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Arachidonic Acids/metabolism
- Benzamides/pharmacology
- Benzoxazines/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Carbamates/pharmacology
- Conditioning, Psychological/drug effects
- Conditioning, Psychological/physiology
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Extinction, Psychological/drug effects
- Extinction, Psychological/physiology
- Fear/drug effects
- Fear/physiology
- Freezing Reaction, Cataleptic/drug effects
- Freezing Reaction, Cataleptic/physiology
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Indazoles/pharmacology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Naphthalenes/pharmacology
- Nitric Oxide/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism
- Polyunsaturated Alkamides/metabolism
- Prefrontal Cortex/drug effects
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina F Lisboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Silva, Cunha, and Resstel, Ms Uliana and Ms Camargo), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (Dr Joca), and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Guimarães, Joca, and Resstel).
| | - Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Silva, Cunha, and Resstel, Ms Uliana and Ms Camargo), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (Dr Joca), and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Guimarães, Joca, and Resstel)
| | - Andréia L Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Silva, Cunha, and Resstel, Ms Uliana and Ms Camargo), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (Dr Joca), and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Guimarães, Joca, and Resstel)
| | - Daniela L Uliana
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Silva, Cunha, and Resstel, Ms Uliana and Ms Camargo), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (Dr Joca), and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Guimarães, Joca, and Resstel)
| | - Laura H A Camargo
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Silva, Cunha, and Resstel, Ms Uliana and Ms Camargo), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (Dr Joca), and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Guimarães, Joca, and Resstel)
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Silva, Cunha, and Resstel, Ms Uliana and Ms Camargo), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (Dr Joca), and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Guimarães, Joca, and Resstel)
| | - Fernando Q Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Silva, Cunha, and Resstel, Ms Uliana and Ms Camargo), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (Dr Joca), and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Guimarães, Joca, and Resstel)
| | - Sâmia R L Joca
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Silva, Cunha, and Resstel, Ms Uliana and Ms Camargo), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (Dr Joca), and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Guimarães, Joca, and Resstel)
| | - Leonardo B M Resstel
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Silva, Cunha, and Resstel, Ms Uliana and Ms Camargo), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (Dr Joca), and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Drs Lisboa, Gomes, Guimarães, Joca, and Resstel)
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Batista LA, Bastos JR, Moreira FA. Role of endocannabinoid signalling in the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey in the modulation of distinct panic-like responses. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:335-43. [PMID: 25601395 DOI: 10.1177/0269881114566259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Panic attacks, a major feature of panic disorder, can be modelled in rats by exposing animals to stimuli that induce escape reactions, such as the elevated T-maze or the activation of the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey. Since the cannabinoid CB1 receptor modulates various types of aversive responses, this study tested the hypothesis that enhancement of endocannabinoid signalling in the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey inhibits panic-like reactions in rats. Local injection of the CB1 agonist, arachidonoyl 2-Chloroethylamide (0.005-0.5 pmol), attenuated the escape response from the open arm of the elevated T-maze, a panicolytic effect. The anandamide hydrolysis inhibitor, URB597 (0.3-3 nmol), did not induce consistent results. In the test of dorsolateral periaqueductal grey stimulation with d,l-homocysteic acid, arachidonoyl 2-Chloroethylamide, at the lowest dose, attenuated the escape reaction. The highest dose of URB597 also inhibited this response, contrary to the result obtained in the elevated T-maze. This effect was reversed by the CB1 antagonist, AM251 (100 pmol). The present results confirm the anti-aversive property of direct CB1 receptor activation in the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey. The effect of the anandamide hydrolysis inhibitor, however, could be detected only in a model employing direct stimulation of this structure. Altogether, these results suggest that anandamide signalling is recruited only under certain types of aversive stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luara A Batista
- Graduate School in Neuroscience, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana R Bastos
- Graduate School in Neuroscience, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabricio A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Galdino G, Romero T, Pinho da Silva JF, Aguiar D, de Paula AM, Cruz J, Parrella C, Piscitelli F, Duarte I, Di Marzo V, Perez A. Acute resistance exercise induces antinociception by activation of the endocannabinoid system in rats. Anesth Analg 2014; 119:702-715. [PMID: 24977916 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance exercise (RE) is also known as strength training, and it is performed to increase the strength and mass of muscles, bone strength, and metabolism. RE has been increasingly prescribed for pain relief. However, the endogenous mechanisms underlying this antinociceptive effect are still largely unexplored. Thus, we investigated the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in RE-induced antinociception. METHODS Male Wistar rats were submitted to acute RE in a weight-lifting model. The nociceptive threshold was measured by a mechanical nociceptive test (paw pressure) before and after exercise. To investigate the involvement of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids in RE-induced antinociception, cannabinoid receptor inverse agonists, endocannabinoid metabolizing enzyme inhibitors, and an anandamide reuptake inhibitor were injected before RE. After RE, CB1 cannabinoid receptors were quantified in rat brain tissue by Western blot and immunofluorescence. In addition, endocannabinoid plasma levels were measured by isotope dilution-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS RE-induced antinociception was prevented by preinjection with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor inverse agonists. By contrast, preadministration of metabolizing enzyme inhibitors and the anandamide reuptake inhibitor prolonged and enhanced this effect. RE also produced an increase in the expression and activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in rat brain tissue and in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral periaqueductal regions and an increase in endocannabinoid plasma levels. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that a single session of RE activates the endocannabinoid system to induce antinociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovane Galdino
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physics, and Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; and Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
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Cannabinoid modulation of predator fear: involvement of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 17:1193-206. [PMID: 24438603 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145713001788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of systemic or intra-dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) administration of CB1 agonists on behavioural changes induced in rats by predator (a live cat) exposure, a model of panic responses. Since nitric oxide (NO) and cannabinoid neurotransmission are proposed to interact in the dlPAG to modulate defensive responses, we also investigated if NO is involved in the biphasic effects of anandamide (AEA) injected into the dlPAG. The results showed that systemic administration of WIN55,212-2 or intra-dlPAG AEA attenuated the defensive behaviours caused by cat exposure. Both compounds produced biphasic curves. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) antagonist AM251 prevented the panicolytic effect of AEA whereas a neuronal NOS inhibitor turned the ineffective high dose of AEA into an effective one. These results suggest that modulation of the cannabinoid system could be a target in the treatment of panic disorders. However, the biphasic effects of these compounds could limit their therapeutic potential.
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Aguiar DC, Hott SC, Deolindo MV, Guimarães FS, Resstel LB. The dorsolateral periaqueductal grey N-methyl-D-aspartate/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway modulates the expression of contextual fear conditioning in rats. J Psychopharmacol 2014; 28:479-85. [PMID: 24008812 DOI: 10.1177/0269881113504012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The dorsolateral periaqueductal grey (dlPAG) plays an essential role in unconditioned fear responses and could also be involved in the expression of contextual fear responses. Activation of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and the nitric oxide (NO) pathway in this region facilitates anxiety-like responses. In the present study we investigated if antagonism of NMDA receptors or inhibition of the NO pathway in the dlPAG would attenuate behavioral and cardiovascular responses of rats submitted to a contextual fear-conditioning paradigm. Male Wistar rats with unilateral cannulae aimed at the dlPAG were re-exposed to a chamber where they had received footshocks 48 h before. Ten min before the test the animals received an intra-dlPAG injection of vehicle, AP7 (NMDA receptor antagonist), N-propyl-L-arginine (neuronal NO synthase inhibitor), carboxy-PTIO (NO scavenger) or 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolol [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) (guanylate cyclase inhibitor). Freezing and cardiovascular responses were recorded continuously for 10 min. Intra-dlPAG administration of AP7 before re-exposure to the aversively conditioned context attenuated these responses. Similar effects were observed after the NO synthase inhibitor, NO scavenger or guanylate cyclase inhibitor. Our findings suggest that activity of dlPAG NMDA/NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway facilitates the expression of contextual fear responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele C Aguiar
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Lisboa S, Magesto A, Aguiar J, Resstel L, Guimarães F. Complex interaction between anandamide and the nitrergic system in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray to modulate anxiety-like behavior in rats. Neuropharmacology 2013; 75:86-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Galdino G, Romero TRL, Silva JFP, Aguiar DC, de Paula AM, Cruz JS, Parrella C, Piscitelli F, Duarte ID, Di Marzo V, Perez AC. The endocannabinoid system mediates aerobic exercise-induced antinociception in rats. Neuropharmacology 2013; 77:313-24. [PMID: 24148812 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Exercise-induced antinociception is widely described in the literature, but the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon are poorly understood. Systemic (s.c.) and central (i.t., i.c.v.) pretreatment with CB₁ and CB₂ cannabinoid receptor antagonists (AM251 and AM630) blocked the antinociception induced by an aerobic exercise (AE) protocol in both mechanical and thermal nociceptive tests. Western blot analysis revealed an increase and activation of CB₁ receptors in the rat brain, and immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated an increase of activation and expression of CB₁ receptors in neurons of the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) after exercise. Additionally, pretreatment (s.c., i.t. and i.c.v.) with endocannabinoid metabolizing enzyme inhibitors (MAFP and JZL184) and an anandamide reuptake inhibitor (VDM11) prolonged and intensified this antinociceptive effect. These results indicate that exercise could activate the endocannabinoid system, producing antinociception. Supporting this hypothesis, liquid-chromatography/mass-spectrometry measurements demonstrated that plasma levels of endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) and of anandamide-related mediators (palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide) were increased after AE. Therefore, these results suggest that the endocannabinoid system mediates aerobic exercise-induced antinociception at peripheral and central levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovane Galdino
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Ave. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Thiago R L Romero
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Ave. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - José Felipe P Silva
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Ave. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniele C Aguiar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Ave. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria de Paula
- Biophotonics Lab, Department of Physics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Ave. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jader S Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Ave. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cosimo Parrella
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, via Campi Flegrei 34, Compresorio Olivetti, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, via Campi Flegrei 34, Compresorio Olivetti, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Igor D Duarte
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Ave. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, via Campi Flegrei 34, Compresorio Olivetti, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea C Perez
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Ave. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-100 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Barbaresi P, Mensà E, Lariccia V, Pugnaloni A, Amoroso S, Fabri M. Differential distribution of parvalbumin- and calbindin-D28K-immunoreactive neurons in the rat periaqueductal gray matter and their colocalization with enzymes producing nitric oxide. Brain Res Bull 2013; 99:48-62. [PMID: 24107244 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The distribution, colocalization with enzymes producing nitric oxide (NO), and the synaptic organization of neurons containing two calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) - parvalbumin (Parv) and calbindin-D28K (Calb) - were investigated in the rat periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). Parv-immunopositive (ParvIP) neurons were detected in the mesencephalic nucleus and rarely in the PAG. CalbIP neurons were found both in the dorsolateral (PAG-dl) and ventrolateral PAG (PAG-vl); their size ranged from 112.96 μm(2) (PAG-dl) to 125.13 μm(2) (PAG-vl). Ultrastructurally Parv and Calb immunoreactivity was mostly found in dendritic profiles. Axon terminals containing each of the two CaBPs formed symmetric synapses. Moreover both Parv and Calb were used to label a subpopulation of NO-producing neurons. Colocalization was investigated using two protocols: (i) a combination of Calb and Parv immunocytochemistry (Icc) with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry (Hi) and (ii) neuronal NO synthase-Icc (nNOS) (immunofluorescence). Both techniques demonstrated a complete lack of colocalization of Parv and NADPH-d/nNOS in PAG neurons. Double-labeled (DL) neurons (Calb-NADPH-d; Calb-nNOS) were detected in PAG-dl. NADPH-d-Hi/Calb-Icc indicated that 41-47% of NADPH-d-positive neurons contained Calb, whereas 17-23% of CalbIP cells contained NADPH-d. Two-color immunofluorescence revealed that 53-66% of nNOSIP cells colocalized with Calb and 24-34% of CalbIP neurons contained nNOS. DL neuron size was 104.44 μm(2); neurons labeled only with NADPH-d or Calb measured 89.793 μm(2) and 113.48 μm(2), respectively. Together with previous findings (Barbaresi et al. [2012]) these data suggest that: Therefore the important aspect of the PAG intrinsic organization emerging from this and previous double-labeling studies is the chemical diversity of NO-synthesizing neurons, which is likely related to the different functions in which these neurons are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Barbaresi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Marche Polytechnic University, I-60020 Ancona, Italy.
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Campos AC, Piorino EM, Ferreira FR, Guimarães FS. Increased nitric oxide-mediated neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex is associated with the long lasting anxiogenic-like effect of predator exposure. Behav Brain Res 2013; 256:391-7. [PMID: 23948217 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by the experience of a severe traumatic event. In rats this disorder has been modeled by exposure to a predator threat. PTSD has been associated to structural and functional changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Direct injections into this brain region of glutamate antagonists or inhibitors of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme cause anxiolytic-like effects in rodents. In the present work we investigated if the behavioral changes induced by predator exposure are associated with changes in the mPFC nitrergic system. Since the hippocampus, amygdala and dorsal periaqueductal grey have also been associated to anxiety disorders, including PTSD, we also verified if this procedure would modify the nitrergic system in these regions. Male Wistar rats were exposed to a dummy or live cat for ten minutes and tested in the elevated plus maze test (EPM) seven days later. Immediately after the test their brains were removed for neuronal NOS (nNOS) immunohistochemistry detection and measurements of nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels. Exposure to the live cat increased freezing responses. One week later the animals that froze when confronted with the cat presented a decreased percentage of entries in the open arms of the EPM and an increased number of nNOS positive neurons in the mPFC and basolateral nucleus of amygdala, but not in the hippocampus, central and medial nuclei of amygdaloid complex or dorsal-lateral periaqueductal grey. Moreover, cat exposed animals showed increased NOx levels in the mPFC but not in the hippocampus one week later. The number of nNOS neurons and NOx levels in the mPFC showed a significant correlation with freezing time during cat exposure. Our results suggest that plastic modifications of the nitrergic system in the mPFC could be related to long lasting behavioral changes induced by severe traumatic events such as predator exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alline Cristina Campos
- Departament of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil; Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Program, Medical School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Fogaça MV, Gomes FV, Moreira FA, Guimarães FS, Aguiar DC. Effects of glutamate NMDA and TRPV1 receptor antagonists on the biphasic responses to anandamide injected into the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey of Wistar rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013. [PMID: 23183551 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2927-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid and endovanniloid anandamide (AEA) exerts biphasic effects when injected into the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey (dlPAG) in rats submitted to threatening situations. Whereas lower doses of AEA induce anxiolytic-like effects by activating cannabinoid CB1 receptors, no effects are observed with higher doses, possibly due to the simultaneous activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors. This activation would facilitate glutamatergic neurotransmission. OBJECTIVE Considering that the blockade of TRPV1 or NMDA receptors in the dlPAG induces anxiolytic-like effects, we tested the hypothesis that facilitation of glutamate transmission through TRPV1 is responsible for the lack of anxiolytic-like effect observed with high AEA doses. METHODS Male Wistar rats with a unilateral cannula aimed at the dlPAG received injections of an ineffective dose of AP7 (an NMDA antagonist, 1 nmol) or capsazepine (CPZ, a TRPV1 antagonist, 10 nmol), followed by a high dose of AEA (50 and 200 pmol) and were exposed to the elevated plus maze (EPM) or the Vogel conflict test (VCT). RESULTS AP7, CPZ, or AEA did not induce any significant effects when administered alone. However, AP7 or CPZ prior to AEA significantly increased the percentage of entries and time spent in the open arms of EPM and the number of punished licks in the VCT suggesting an anxiolytic-like effect. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the lack of anxiolytic-like effect of higher AEA doses is due to facilitation of glutamate release in the dlPAG, probably via activation of TRPV1 receptors in this structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoela V Fogaça
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049900, Brazil
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Almeida-Santos AF, Moreira FA, Guimarães FS, Aguiar DC. Role of TRPV1 receptors on panic-like behaviors mediated by the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 105:166-72. [PMID: 23474373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The transient receptors potential vanilloid type 1 channels (TRPV1) are expressed in several brain regions related to defensive behaviors, including the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG). The endocannabinoid anandamide, in addition to its agonist activity at cannabinoid type 1 (CB1), is also proposed as an endogenous agonist of these receptors, through which it could facilitate anxiety-like responses. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that TRPV1 in the dlPAG of rats would mediate panic-like responses in two models, namely the escape responses induced by chemical stimulation of this structure or by exposure to the elevated T-Maze (ETM). Antagonism of TRPV1 with capsazepine injected into the dlPAG reduced the defense response induced by local NMDA-injection, suggesting an anti-aversive effect. In the ETM, capsazepine inhibited escape response, suggesting a panicolytic-like effect. Interestingly, this effect was prevented by a CB1 antagonist (AM251). The present study showed that antagonism of TRPV1 in the dlPAG induces panicolytic-like effects, which can be prevented by a CB1 antagonist. Therefore, these antiaversive effects of TRPV1 blockade may ultimately occur due to a predominant action of anandamide through CB1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Almeida-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Lisboa S, Guimarães F. Differential role of CB1 and TRPV1 receptors on anandamide modulation of defensive responses induced by nitric oxide in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:2455-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Revised: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Scopinho AA, Aguiar DC, Resstel LBM, Guimarães FS, Corrêa FMA. Brain pathways involved in the modulatory effects of noradrenaline in lateral septal area on cardiovascular responses. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2012; 32:1147-57. [PMID: 22484835 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-012-9840-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that stimulation of alpha-1 adrenoceptors by noradrenaline (NA) injected into the lateral septal area (LSA) of anaesthetized rats causes pressor and bradycardic responses that are mediated by acute vasopressin release into the circulation through activation of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Although the PVN is the final structure of this pathway, the LSA has no direct connections with the PVN, suggesting that other structures may connect these areas. To address this issue, the present study employed c-Fos immunohistochemistry to investigate changes caused by NA microinjection into the LSA in neuronal activation in brain structures related to systemic vasopressin release. NA microinjected in the LSA caused pressor and bradycardic responses, which were blocked by intraseptal administration of α-1 adrenoceptor antagonist (WB4101, 10 nmol/200 nL) or systemic V-1 receptor antagonist (dTyr(CH2)5(Me)AVP, 50 μg/kg). NA also increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the prelimbic cortex (PL), infralimbic cortex (IL), dorsomedial periaqueductal gray (dmPAG), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), PVN, and medial amygdala (MeA). No differences in the diagonal band of Broca, cingulate cortex, and dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) were found. Systemic administration of the vasopressin receptor antagonist dTyr AVP (CH2)5(Me) did not change the increase in c-Fos expression induced by intra-septal NA. This latter effect, however, was prevented by local injection of the alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist WB4101. These results suggest that areas such as the PL, IL, dmPAG, BNST, MeA, and PVN could be part of a circuit responsible for vasopressin release after activation of alpha-1 adrenoceptors in the LSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- América A Scopinho
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Fogaça MV, Lisboa SF, Aguiar DC, Moreira FA, Gomes FV, Casarotto PC, Guimarães FS. Fine-tuning of defensive behaviors in the dorsal periaqueductal gray by atypical neurotransmitters. Braz J Med Biol Res 2012; 45:357-65. [PMID: 22392189 PMCID: PMC3854170 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2012007500029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents an up-to-date review of the evidence indicating that atypical neurotransmitters such as nitric oxide (NO) and endocannabinoids (eCBs) play an important role in the regulation of aversive responses in the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Among the results supporting this role, several studies have shown that inhibitors of neuronal NO synthase or cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor agonists cause clear anxiolytic responses when injected into this region. The nitrergic and eCB systems can regulate the activity of classical neurotransmitters such as glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that control PAG activity. We propose that they exert a ‘fine-tuning’ regulatory control of defensive responses in this area. This control, however, is probably complex, which may explain the usually bell-shaped dose-response curves observed with drugs that act on NO- or CB1-mediated neurotransmission. Even if the mechanisms responsible for this complex interaction are still poorly understood, they are beginning to be recognized. For example, activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 channel (TRPV1) receptors by anandamide seems to counteract the anxiolytic effects induced by CB1 receptor activation caused by this compound. Further studies, however, are needed to identify other mechanisms responsible for this fine-tuning effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Fogaça
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brasil
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Moreira FA, Aguiar DC, Resstel LB, Lisboa SF, Campos AC, Gomes FV, Guimarães FS. Neuroanatomical substrates involved in cannabinoid modulation of defensive responses. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:40-55. [PMID: 21616976 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111400651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Administration of Cannabis sativa derivatives causes anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects in humans and laboratory animals, depending on the specific compound and dosage used. In agreement with these findings, several studies in the last decade have indicated that the endocannabinoid system modulates neuronal activity in areas involved in defensive responses. The mechanisms of these effects, however, are still not clear. The present review summarizes recent data suggesting that they involve modulation of glutamate and GABA-mediated neurotransmission in brain sites such as the medial prefrontal cortex, amygdaloid complex, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, hippocampus and dorsal periaqueductal gray. Moreover, we also discuss results indicating that, in these regions, the endocannabinoid system could be particularly engaged by highly stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Barbaresi P, Quaranta A, Amoroso S, Mensà E, Fabri M. Immunocytochemical localization of calretinin-containing neurons in the rat periaqueductal gray and colocalization with enzymes producing nitric oxide: a double, double-labeling study. Synapse 2011; 66:291-307. [PMID: 22121011 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The pattern of distribution and colocalization of the calcium-binding protein calretinin (Cal) and of enzymes producing nitric oxide (NO) was examined in the rat periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) using two different experimental approaches, by combining Cal immunocytochemistry with NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry and with NOS immunocytochemistry, respectively. Cal-immunopositive neurons were found throughout the rostrocaudal extension of both dorsolateral (PAG-dl) and ventrolateral PAG (PAG-vl). Double-labeled neurons were found only in PAG-dl. The first experimental approach indicated that 33-41% of the NADPH-d-positive (Nadph+) cells were immunoreactive for Cal, whereas NADPH-d activity appeared in 19-26% of the Cal-immunopositive (Cal(IP) ) neurons. Two-color immunofluorescence revealed that ∼39-43% of NOS-immunoreactive (NOS(IR) ) neurons were double-labeled with Cal and ∼23% of Cal(IP) neurons expressed NOS immunoreactivity. Measurement in semithin sections of the size of the three neuronal populations found in PAG-dl, showed that Cal(IP) neurons had a cross-sectional area of 94.7 μm², whereas Nadph+ neurons and double-labeled neurons were slightly smaller, having a cross-sectional area of 90.5 and 91.4 μm², respectively. On electron microscopy, Cal(IP) axon terminals formed either symmetric or asymmetric synapses; although the latter synapses were more numerous, both types contacted preferentially Cal(IP) dendrites. These experiments suggest that PAG-dl is characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolp Barbaresi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Marche Polytechnic University, I-60020 Ancona, Italy.
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Silva M, Aguiar DC, Diniz CRA, Guimarães FS, Joca SRL. Neuronal NOS Inhibitor and Conventional Antidepressant Drugs Attenuate Stress-induced Fos Expression in Overlapping Brain Regions. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2011; 32:443-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-011-9775-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Ethanol withdrawal activates nitric oxide-producing neurons in anxiety-related brain areas. Alcohol 2011; 45:641-52. [PMID: 21194876 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2010.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated whether nitric oxide (NO)-producing neurons localized in brain areas related to anxiety are also activated after ethanol withdrawal. Male Wistar rats were subjected to an oral ethanol self-administration procedure, in which they were offered 6-8% (vol/vol) ethanol solution for a period of 21 days followed by abrupt discontinuation of the treatment. Control animals received control dietary fluid for similar periods of time. Twenty-four or 48 h after ethanol discontinuation, the animals were exposed to the open field for 10 min. Two hours later, their brains were removed and processed for Fos immunohistochemistry and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase histochemistry (which is used to detect NO-producing neurons). Decreased exploratory activity was observed in animals subjected to 24-h withdrawal, characterized by a shorter distance traveled in the open field. Additionally, increased Fos expression was detected in brain areas, such as the cingulate and piriform cortices, several hypothalamic nuclei, amygdaloid nuclei, most subdivisions of the periaqueductal gray matter, and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Ethanol withdrawal activated NO-producing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter (DLPAG), and DRN. The results show that ethanol withdrawal activates NO-producing neurons in the PVN, DLPAG, and DRN, which are brain areas implicated in the modulation of emotional, autonomic, and motor expression of anxiety-like behaviors.
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Marco EM, García-Gutiérrez MS, Bermúdez-Silva FJ, Moreira FA, Guimarães F, Manzanares J, Viveros MP. Endocannabinoid system and psychiatry: in search of a neurobiological basis for detrimental and potential therapeutic effects. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:63. [PMID: 22007164 PMCID: PMC3186912 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Public concern on mental health has noticeably increased given the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders. Cognition and emotionality are the most affected functions in neuropsychiatric disorders, i.e., anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. In this review, most relevant literature on the role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in neuropsychiatric disorders will be presented. Evidence from clinical and animal studies is provided for the participation of CB1 and CB2 receptors (CB1R and CB2R) in the above mentioned neuropsychiatric disorders. CBRs are crucial in some of the emotional and cognitive impairments reported, although more research is required to understand the specific role of the eCB system in neuropsychiatric disorders. Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychotropic component of the Cannabis sativa plant, has shown therapeutic potential in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Although further studies are needed, recent studies indicate that CBD therapeutic effects may partially depend on facilitation of eCB-mediated neurotransmission. Last but not least, this review includes recent findings on the role of the eCB system in eating disorders. A deregulation of the eCB system has been proposed to be in the bases of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including eating disorders. Cannabis consumption has been related to the appearance of psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia. In contrast, the pharmacological manipulation of this eCB system has been proposed as a potential strategy for the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, and anorexia nervosa. In conclusion, the eCB system plays a critical role in psychiatry; however, detrimental consequences of manipulating this endogenous system cannot be underestimated over the potential and promising perspectives of its therapeutic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Marco
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San CarlosMadrid, Spain
| | - María S. García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández – CSICSan Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco-Javier Bermúdez-Silva
- Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Hospital Carlos Haya de Malaga, Fundacion IMABISMalaga, Spain
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM, Université Bordeaux 2Bordeaux, France
| | - Fabricio A. Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Francisco Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández – CSICSan Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - María-Paz Viveros
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San CarlosMadrid, Spain
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Baisley SK, Cloninger CL, Bakshi VP. Fos expression following regimens of predator stress versus footshock that differentially affect prepulse inhibition in rats. Physiol Behav 2011; 104:796-803. [PMID: 21843541 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress is suggested to exacerbate symptoms and contribute to relapse in patients with schizophrenia and several other psychiatric disorders. A prominent feature of many of these illnesses is an impaired ability to filter information through sensorimotor gating processes. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is a functional measure of sensorimotor gating, and known to be deficient in schizophrenia and sometimes in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both of which are also sensitive to stress-induced symptom deterioration. We previously found that a psychological stressor (exposure to a ferret without physical contact), but not footshock, disrupted PPI in rats, suggesting that intense psychological stress/trauma may uniquely model stress-induced sensorimotor gating abnormalities. In the present experiment, we sought to recreate the conditions where we found this behavioral difference, and to explore possible underlying neural substrates. Rats were exposed acutely to ferret stress, footshock, or no stress (control). 90 min later, tissue was obtained for Fos immunohistochemistry to assess neuronal activation. Several brain regions (prelimbic, infralimbic, and cingulate cortices, the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, the paraventricular thalamic nucleus, and the lateral periaqueductal gray) were equally activated following exposure to either stressor. Interestingly, the medial amygdala and dorsomedial periaqueductal gray had nearly twice as much Fos activation in the ferret-exposed rats as in the footshock-exposed rats, suggesting that higher activation within these structures may contribute to the unique behavioral effects induced by predator stress. These results may have implications for understanding the neural substrates that could participate in sensorimotor gating abnormalities seen in several psychiatric disorders after psychogenic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Baisley
- Neuroscience Training Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 7225 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Blockade of NMDA or NO in the dorsal premammillary nucleus attenuates defensive behaviors. Physiol Behav 2011; 103:279-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2010] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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