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Tanner MK, Hohorst AA, Westerman JD, Mendoza CS, Han R, Moya NA, Jaime J, Alvarez LM, Dryden MQ, Balolia A, Abdul RA, Loetz EC, Greenwood BN. Pharmacological manipulations of the dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum during fear extinction reveal opposing roles in fear renewal. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2024; 212:107937. [PMID: 38735637 PMCID: PMC11187715 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2024.107937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Systemic manipulations that enhance dopamine (DA) transmission around the time of fear extinction can strengthen fear extinction and reduce conditioned fear relapse. Prior studies investigating the brain regions where DA augments fear extinction focus on targets of mesolimbic and mesocortical DA systems originating in the ventral tegmental area, given the role of these DA neurons in prediction error. The dorsal striatum (DS), a primary target of the nigrostriatal DA system originating in the substantia nigra (SN), is implicated in behaviors beyond its canonical role in movement, such as reward and punishment, goal-directed action, and stimulus-response associations, but whether DS DA contributes to fear extinction is unknown. We have observed that chemogenetic stimulation of SN DA neurons during fear extinction prevents the return of fear in contexts different from the extinction context, a form of relapse called renewal. This effect of SN DA stimulation is mimicked by a DA D1 receptor (D1R) agonist injected into the DS, thus implicating DS DA in fear extinction. Different DS subregions subserve unique functions of the DS, but it is unclear where in the DS D1R agonist acts during fear extinction to reduce renewal. Furthermore, although fear extinction increases neural activity in DS subregions, whether neural activity in DS subregions is causally involved in fear extinction is unknown. To explore the role of DS subregions in fear extinction, adult, male Long-Evans rats received microinjections of either the D1R agonist SKF38393 or a cocktail consisting of GABAA/GABAB receptor agonists muscimol/baclofen selectively into either dorsomedial (DMS) or dorsolateral (DLS) DS subregions immediately prior to fear extinction, and extinction retention and renewal were subsequently assessed drug-free. While increasing D1R signaling in the DMS during fear extinction did not impact fear extinction retention or renewal, DMS inactivation reduced later renewal. In contrast, DLS inactivation had no effect on fear extinction retention or renewal but increasing D1R signaling in the DLS during extinction reduced fear renewal. These data suggest that DMS and DLS activity during fear extinction can have opposing effects on later fear renewal, with the DMS promoting renewal and the DLS opposing renewal. Mechanisms through which the DS could influence the contextual gating of fear extinction are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret K Tanner
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Alyssa A Hohorst
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Rebecca Han
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Nicolette A Moya
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer Jaime
- The Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lareina M Alvarez
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Miles Q Dryden
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Aleezah Balolia
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Remla A Abdul
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Esteban C Loetz
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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2
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Abramson L, Callaghan BL, Silvers JA, Choy T, VanTieghem M, Vannucci A, Fields A, Tottenham N. The effects of parental presence on amygdala and mPFC activation during fear conditioning: An exploratory study. Dev Sci 2024:e13505. [PMID: 38549194 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Learning safe versus dangerous cues is crucial for survival. During development, parents can influence fear learning by buffering their children's stress response and increasing exploration of potentially aversive stimuli. Rodent findings suggest that these behavioral effects are mediated through parental presence modulation of the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here, we investigated whether similar parental modulation of amygdala and mPFC during fear learning occurs in humans. Using a within-subjects design, behavioral (final N = 48, 6-17 years, mean = 11.61, SD = 2.84, 60% females/40% males) and neuroimaging data (final N = 39, 6-17 years, mean = 12.03, SD = 2.98, 59% females/41% males) were acquired during a classical fear conditioning task, which included a CS+ followed by an aversive noise (US; 75% reinforcement rate) and a CS-. Conditioning occurred once in physical contact with the participant's parent and once alone (order counterbalanced). Region of interest analyses examined the unconditioned stress response by BOLD activation to the US (vs. implicit baseline) and learning by activation to the CS+ (vs. CS-). Results showed that during US presentation, parental presence reduced the centromedial amygdala activity, suggesting buffering of the unconditioned stress response. In response to learned stimuli, parental presence reduced mPFC activity to the CS+ (relative to the CS-), although this result did not survive multiple comparisons' correction. These preliminary findings indicate that parents modulate amygdala and mPFC activity during exposure to unconditioned and conditioned fear stimuli, potentially providing insight into the neural mechanisms by which parents act as a social buffer during fear learning. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: (1)This study used a within-participant experimental design to investigate how parental presence (vs. absence) affects youth's neural responses in a classical fear conditioning task. (2)Parental presence reduced the youth's centromedial amygdala activation to the unconditioned stimulus (US), suggesting parental buffering of the neural unconditioned response (UR). (3)Parental presence reduced the youth's mPFC activation to a conditioned threat cue (CS+) compared to a safety cue (CS-), suggesting possible parental modulation of fear learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Abramson
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bridget L Callaghan
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer A Silvers
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tricia Choy
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michelle VanTieghem
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anna Vannucci
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Fields
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nim Tottenham
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, New York, USA
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3
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Hegoburu C, Tang Y, Niu R, Ghosh S, Triana Del Rio R, de Araujo Salgado I, Abatis M, Alexandre Mota Caseiro D, van den Burg EH, Grundschober C, Stoop R. Social buffering in rats reduces fear by oxytocin triggering sustained changes in central amygdala neuronal activity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2081. [PMID: 38453902 PMCID: PMC10920863 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of a companion can reduce fear, but the neural mechanisms underlying this social buffering of fear are incompletely known. We studied social buffering of fear in male and female, and its encoding in the amygdala of male, auditory fear-conditioned rats. Pharmacological, opto,- and/or chemogenetic interventions showed that oxytocin signaling from hypothalamus-to-central amygdala projections underlied fear reduction acutely with a companion and social buffering retention 24 h later without a companion. Single-unit recordings with optetrodes in the central amygdala revealed fear-encoding neurons (showing increased conditioned stimulus-responses after fear conditioning) inhibited by social buffering and blue light-stimulated oxytocinergic hypothalamic projections. Other central amygdala neurons showed baseline activity enhanced by blue light and companion exposure, with increased conditioned stimulus responses that persisted without the companion. Social buffering of fear thus switches the conditioned stimulus from encoding "fear" to "safety" by oxytocin-mediated recruitment of a distinct group of central amygdala "buffer neurons".
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Hegoburu
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, CHUV, Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yan Tang
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, CHUV, Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ruifang Niu
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, CHUV, Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Supriya Ghosh
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, CHUV, Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Marios Abatis
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, CHUV, Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Christophe Grundschober
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ron Stoop
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, CHUV, Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland.
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4
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Braun J, Patel M, Kameneva T, Keatch C, Lambert G, Lambert E. Central stress pathways in the development of cardiovascular disease. Clin Auton Res 2024; 34:99-116. [PMID: 38104300 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-023-01008-x] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mental stress is of essential consideration when assessing cardiovascular pathophysiology in all patient populations. Substantial evidence indicates associations among stress, cardiovascular disease and aberrant brain-body communication. However, our understanding of the flow of stress information in humans, is limited, despite the crucial insights this area may offer into future therapeutic targets for clinical intervention. METHODS Key terms including mental stress, cardiovascular disease and central control, were searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases. Articles indicative of heart rate and blood pressure regulation, or central control of cardiovascular disease through direct neural innervation of the cardiac, splanchnic and vascular regions were included. Focus on human neuroimaging research and the flow of stress information is described, before brain-body connectivity, via pre-motor brainstem intermediates is discussed. Lastly, we review current understandings of pathophysiological stress and cardiovascular disease aetiology. RESULTS Structural and functional changes to corticolimbic circuitry encode stress information, integrated by the hypothalamus and amygdala. Pre-autonomic brain-body relays to brainstem and spinal cord nuclei establish dysautonomia and lead to alterations in baroreflex functioning, firing of the sympathetic fibres, cellular reuptake of norepinephrine and withdrawal of the parasympathetic reflex. The combined result is profoundly adrenergic and increases the likelihood of cardiac myopathy, arrhythmogenesis, coronary ischaemia, hypertension and the overall risk of future sudden stress-induced heart failure. CONCLUSIONS There is undeniable support that mental stress contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. The emerging accumulation of large-scale multimodal neuroimaging data analytics to assess this relationship promises exciting novel therapeutic targets for future cardiovascular disease detection and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Braun
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia.
| | - Mariya Patel
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Tatiana Kameneva
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Charlotte Keatch
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gavin Lambert
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Lambert
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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5
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Sun Y, Qian L, Xu L, Hunt S, Sah P. Somatostatin neurons in the central amygdala mediate anxiety by disinhibition of the central sublenticular extended amygdala. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4163-4174. [PMID: 33005027 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00894-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fear and anxiety are two defensive emotional states evoked by threats in the environment. Fear can be initiated by either imminent or future threats, but experimentally, it is typically studied as a phasic response initiated by imminent danger that subsides when the threats is removed. In contrast, anxiety is a sustained response, initiated by imagined or potential threats. The central amygdala (CeA) is a key structure active during both fear and anxiety but thought to engage different neural systems. Fear responses are triggered by activation of somatostatin (SOM) expressing neurons in the lateral division of the CeA (CeL), and downstream projections from the medial division. Anxiety responses engage the central extended amygdala that includes the CeA, central sublenticular extended amygdala (SLEAc) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, but the nature of connections between these regions is not understood. Here using a combination of tract tracing, electrophysiology, and behavioral analysis in mice, we show that a population of SOM+ neurons in the CeL project to the SLEAc where they inhibit local GABAergic interneurons. Optogenetic activation of this input to the SLEAc has no effect on movement, but is anxiogenic in both open field and elevated plus maze. Our results define the inhibitory connections between CeL and SLEAc and establish a specific CeL to SLEAc projection as a circuit element in mediating anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Sun
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lei Qian
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Li Xu
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarah Hunt
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pankaj Sah
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, PR China.
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6
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Li Y, Zhi W, Qi B, Wang L, Hu X. Update on neurobiological mechanisms of fear: illuminating the direction of mechanism exploration and treatment development of trauma and fear-related disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1216524. [PMID: 37600761 PMCID: PMC10433239 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1216524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear refers to an adaptive response in the face of danger, and the formed fear memory acts as a warning when the individual faces a dangerous situation again, which is of great significance to the survival of humans and animals. Excessive fear response caused by abnormal fear memory can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. Fear memory has been studied for a long time, which is of a certain guiding effect on the treatment of fear-related disorders. With continuous technological innovations, the study of fear has gradually shifted from the level of brain regions to deeper neural (micro) circuits between brain regions and even within single brain regions, as well as molecular mechanisms. This article briefly outlines the basic knowledge of fear memory and reviews the neurobiological mechanisms of fear extinction and relapse, which aims to provide new insights for future basic research on fear emotions and new ideas for treating trauma and fear-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- College of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Weijia Zhi
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Qi
- College of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjun Hu
- College of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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7
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Oyarzun JP, Kuntz TM, Stussi Y, Karaman OT, Vranos S, Callaghan BL, Huttenhower C, LeDoux JE, Phelps EA. Human threat learning is associated with gut microbiota composition. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac271. [PMID: 36712344 PMCID: PMC9802442 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The ability to learn about threat and safety is critical for survival. Studies in rodent models have shown that the gut microbiota can modulate such behaviors. In humans, evidence showing an association with threat or extinction learning is lacking. Here, we tested whether individual variability in threat and extinction learning was related to gut microbiota composition in healthy adults. We found that threat, but not extinction learning, varies with individuals' microbiome composition. Our results provide evidence that the gut microbiota is associated with excitatory threat learning across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera P Oyarzun
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Center for Neural Science and Department of Psychology, New York University, New York NY, 10003, USA
| | - Thomas M Kuntz
- Department of Biostatistics, Microbiome Analysis Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yoann Stussi
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Olivia T Karaman
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sophia Vranos
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | - Curtis Huttenhower
- Department of Biostatistics, Microbiome Analysis Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph E LeDoux
- Center for Neural Science and Department of Psychology, New York University, New York NY, 10003, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical School, New York, NY 1003,USA
| | - Elizabeth A Phelps
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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8
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Cotella EM, Nawreen N, Moloney RD, Martelle SE, Oshima KM, Lemen P, NiBlack JN, Julakanti RR, Fitzgerald M, Baccei ML, Herman JP. Adolescent Stress Confers Resilience to Traumatic Stress Later in Life: Role of the Prefrontal Cortex. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 3:274-282. [PMID: 37124346 PMCID: PMC10140393 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent brains are sensitive to stressors. However, under certain circumstances, developmental stress can promote an adaptive phenotype, allowing individuals to cope better with adverse situations in adulthood, thereby contributing to resilience. Methods Sprague Dawley rats (50 males, 48 females) were subjected to adolescent chronic variable stress (adol CVS) for 2 weeks at postnatal day 45. At postnatal day 85, a group was subjected to single prolonged stress (SPS). After a week, animals were evaluated in an auditory-cued fear conditioning paradigm, and neuronal recruitment during reinstatement was assessed by Fos expression. Patch clamp electrophysiology (17-35 cells/group) was performed in male rats to examine physiological changes associated with resilience. Results Adol CVS blocked fear potentiation evoked by SPS. We observed that SPS impaired extinction (males) and enhanced reinstatement (both sexes) of the conditioned freezing response. Prior adol CVS prevented both effects. SPS effects were associated with a reduction of infralimbic (IL) cortex neuronal recruitment after reinstatement in males and increased engagement of the central amygdala in females, both also prevented by adol CVS, suggesting different neurocircuits involved in generating resilience between sexes. We explored the mechanism behind reduced IL recruitment in males by studying the intrinsic excitability of IL pyramidal neurons. SPS reduced excitability of IL neurons, and prior adol CVS prevented this effect. Conclusions Our data indicate that adolescent stress can impart resilience to the effects of traumatic stress on neuroplasticity and behavior. Our data provide a mechanistic link behind developmental stress-induced behavioral resilience and prefrontal (IL) cortical excitability in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin M. Cotella
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Nawshaba Nawreen
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rachel D. Moloney
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Susan E. Martelle
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kristen M. Oshima
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Paige Lemen
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jordan N. NiBlack
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Reetu R. Julakanti
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Maureen Fitzgerald
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mark L. Baccei
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Research Center, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - James P. Herman
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Address correspondence to James P. Herman, Ph.D.
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9
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Miller DB, Rassaby MM, Collins KA, Milad MR. Behavioral and neural mechanisms of latent inhibition. Learn Mem 2022; 29:38-47. [PMID: 35042827 PMCID: PMC8774194 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053439.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Fear is an adaptive emotion that serves to protect an organism against potential dangers. It is often studied using classical conditioning paradigms where a conditioned stimulus is paired with an aversive unconditioned stimulus to induce a threat response. Less commonly studied is a phenomenon that is related to this form of conditioning, known as latent inhibition. Latent inhibition (LI) is a paradigm in which a neutral cue is repeatedly presented in the absence of any aversive associations. Subsequent pairing of this pre-exposed cue with an aversive stimulus typically leads to reduced expression of a conditioned fear/threat response. In this article, we review some of the theoretical basis for LI and its behavioral and neural mechanisms. We compare and contrast LI and fear/threat extinction-a process in which a previously conditioned cue is repeatedly presented in the absence of aversive outcomes. We end with highlighting the potential clinical utility of LI. Particularly, we focus on how LI application could be useful for enhancing resilience, especially for individuals who are more prone to continuous exposure to trauma and stressful environments, such as healthcare workers and first responders. The knowledge to be gained from advancing our understanding of neural mechanisms in latent inhibition could be applicable across psychiatric disorders characterized by exaggerated fear responses and impaired emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan B Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Madeleine M Rassaby
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Katherine A Collins
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York 10962, USA
| | - Mohammad R Milad
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York 10962, USA
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10
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Sottile RJ, Vida T. A proposed mechanism for the MDMA-mediated extinction of traumatic memories in PTSD patients treated with MDMA-assisted therapy. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:991753. [PMID: 36311515 PMCID: PMC9596814 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.991753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a devastating psychiatric disorder afflicting millions of people around the world. Characterized by severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts, pervasive nightmares, an assortment of somatic symptoms, associations with severe long-term health problems, and an elevated risk of suicide, as much as 40-70% of patients suffer from refractory disease. 3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), like classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, have been used to enhance the efficacy of psychotherapy almost since their discovery, but due to their perceived potential for abuse and inclusion on USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) schedule 1, research into the mechanism by which they produce improvements in PTSD symptomology has been limited. Nevertheless, several compelling rationales have been explored, with the pro-social effects of MDMA thought to enhance therapeutic alliance and thus facilitate therapist-assisted trauma processing. This may be insufficient to fully explain the efficacy of MDMA in the treatment of psychiatric illness. Molecular mechanisms such as the MDMA mediated increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) availability in the fear memory learning pathways combined with MDMA's pro-social effects may provide a more nuanced explanation for the therapeutic actions of MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Sottile
- Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Thomas Vida
- Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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11
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Mellentin AI. Commentary on Buckfield et al. : The alcohol or drug cue exposure treatment paradox? Addiction 2021; 116:769-770. [PMID: 33210396 DOI: 10.1111/add.15285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Isabella Mellentin
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark.,Brain Research-Inter-Disciplinary Guided Excellence (BRIDGE), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark.,Tele-Psychiatric Center, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
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12
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BDNF Protein and BDNF mRNA Expression of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex, Amygdala, and Hippocampus during Situational Reminder in the PTSD Animal Model. Behav Neurol 2021; 2021:6657716. [PMID: 33763156 PMCID: PMC7964114 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6657716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether BDNF protein and BDNF mRNA expression of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC; cingulated cortex area 1 (Cg1), prelimbic cortex (PrL), and infralimbic cortex (IL)), amygdala, and hippocampus (CA1, CA2, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG)) was involved in fear of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the situational reminder of traumatic memory remains uncertain. Footshock rats experienced an inescapable footshock (3 mA, 10 s), and later we have measured fear behavior for 2 min in the footshock environment on the situational reminder phase. In the final retrieval of situational reminder, BDNF protein and mRNA levels were measured. The results showed that higher BDNF expression occurred in the Cg1, PrL, and amygdala. Lower BDNF expression occurred in the IL, CA1, CA2, CA3, and DG. BDNF mRNA levels were higher in the mPFC and amygdala but lower in the hippocampus. The neural connection analysis showed that BDNF protein and BDNF mRNA exhibited weak connections among the mPFC, amygdala, and hippocampus during situational reminders. The present data did not support the previous viewpoint in neuroimaging research that the mPFC and hippocampus revealed hypoactivity and the amygdala exhibited hyperactivity for PTSD symptoms. These findings should be discussed with the previous evidence and provide clinical implications for PTSD.
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Quinones MM, Gallegos AM, Lin FV, Heffner K. Dysregulation of inflammation, neurobiology, and cognitive function in PTSD: an integrative review. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 20:455-480. [PMID: 32170605 PMCID: PMC7682894 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-020-00782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence from animal and human research suggest a strong link between inflammation and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, recent findings support compromised neurocognitive function as a key feature of PTSD, particularly with deficits in attention and processing speed, executive function, and memory. These cognitive domains are supported by brain structures and neural pathways that are disrupted in PTSD and which are implicated in fear learning and extinction processes. The disruption of these supporting structures potentially results from their interaction with inflammation. Thus, the converging evidence supports a model of inflammatory dysregulation and cognitive dysfunction as combined mechanisms underpinning PTSD symptomatology. In this review, we summarize evidence of dysregulated inflammation in PTSD and further explore how the neurobiological underpinnings of PTSD, in the context of fear learning and extinction acquisition and recall, may interact with inflammation. We then present evidence for cognitive dysfunction in PTSD, highlighting findings from human work. Potential therapeutic approaches utilizing novel pharmacological and behavioral interventions that target inflammation and cognition also are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Quinones
- Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Autumn M Gallegos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Feng Vankee Lin
- Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kathi Heffner
- Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Division of Geriatrics & Aging, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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Arakawa H. Sensorimotor developmental factors influencing the performance of laboratory rodents on learning and memory. Behav Brain Res 2019; 375:112140. [PMID: 31401145 PMCID: PMC6741784 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral studies in animal models have advanced our knowledge of brain function and the neural mechanisms of human diseases. Commonly used laboratory rodents, such as mice and rats, provide a useful tool for studying the behaviors and mechanisms associated with learning and memory processes which are cooperatively regulated by multiple underlying factors, including sensory and motor performance and emotional/defense innate components. Each of these factors shows unique ontogeny and governs the sustainment of behavioral performance in learning tasks, and thus, understanding the integrative processes of behavioral development are crucial in the accurate interpretation of the functional meaning of learning and memory behaviors expressed in commonly employed behavioral test paradigms. In this review, we will summarize the major findings in the developmental processes of rodent behavior on the basis of the emergence of fundamental components for sustaining learning and memory behaviors. Briefly, most sensory modalities (except for vision) and motor abilities are functional at the juvenile stage, in which several defensive components, including active and passive defensive strategies and risk assessment behavior, emerge. Sex differences are detectable from the juvenile stage through adulthood and are considerable factors that influence behavioral tests. The test paradigms addressed in this review include associative learning (with an emphasis on fear conditioning), spatial learning, and recognition. This basic background information will aid in accurately performing behavioral studies in laboratory rodents and will therefore contribute to reducing inappropriate interpretations of behavioral data and further advance research on learning and memory in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St. HSF2/S251, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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Interneurons in the Prefrontal Cortex: A Role in the Genesis of Anxiety in Adolescence? Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:650-651. [PMID: 31601361 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Hansen N. Corrigendum: Memory Reinforcement and Attenuation by Activating the Human Locus Coeruleus via Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:186. [PMID: 30949016 PMCID: PMC6436075 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Brown LA, Young KS, Goldin PR, Torre JB, Burklund LJ, Davies CD, Niles AN, Lieberman MD, Saxbe DE, Craske MG. Self-referential processing during observation of a speech performance task in social anxiety disorder from pre- to post-treatment: Evidence of disrupted neural activation. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2019; 284:13-20. [PMID: 30622047 PMCID: PMC6415528 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Self-referential processing is critical to understanding social anxiety disorder (SAD). This study examined neural differences in self-referential processing in healthy controls (HC) and participants with SAD at pre- and post-treatment. Participants (n = 64) underwent fMRI scanning while viewing a video of themselves ("Self") or another person ("Other"). SAD participants were randomized to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or waitlist, and were re-scanned at post-treatment. In SAD vs. HC, the fusiform face area (FFA) showed significantly more activation during Self vs. Other, and greater SAD severity was associated with significantly more activation during Self vs. Other in the right FFA and the left extrastriate body area (EBA). Greater reduction in SAD severity was associated with stronger connectivity between the amygdala and FFA during Self vs. Other at post-treatment, whereas the strength of connectivity during Self and Other was comparable at post-treatment for those with less SAD reduction. Thus, there were significant differences in activation and functional connectivity of brain regions implicated in self-referential processing in SAD. Change in connectivity between the amygdala and FFA were observed as a function of change in SAD severity, suggesting that improvements in SAD severity may correct this altered functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily A Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street Suite 600 N Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Katherine S Young
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Social, Genetic and Development Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK.
| | - Philippe R Goldin
- Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis, 4610 X Street Suite 4202, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Jared B Torre
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Lisa J Burklund
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; NeuroGen Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 775 Burbank, CA 91505, USA.
| | - Carolyn D Davies
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Andrea N Niles
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Matthew D Lieberman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Darby E Saxbe
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, 3620 South McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Michelle G Craske
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Hansen N. Memory Reinforcement and Attenuation by Activating the Human Locus Coeruleus via Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Front Neurosci 2019; 12:955. [PMID: 30686963 PMCID: PMC6333671 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
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