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Francesconi W, Olivera-Pasilio V, Berton F, Olson SL, Chudoba R, Monroy LM, Krabichler Q, Grinevich V, Dabrowska J. Like sisters but not twins - vasopressin and oxytocin excite BNST neurons via cell type-specific expression of oxytocin receptor to reduce anxious arousal. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.06.611656. [PMID: 39282380 PMCID: PMC11398521 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.06.611656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Interoceptive signals dynamically interact with the environment to shape appropriate defensive behaviors. Hypothalamic hormones arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) regulate physiological states, including water and electrolyte balance, circadian rhythmicity, and defensive behaviors. Both AVP and OT neurons project to dorsolateral bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNSTDL), which expresses oxytocin receptors (OTR) and vasopressin receptors and mediates fear responses. However, understanding the integrated role of neurohypophysial hormones is complicated by the cross-reactivity of AVP and OT and their mutual receptor promiscuity. Here, we provide evidence that the effects of neurohypophysial hormones on BNST excitability are driven by input specificity and cell type-specific receptor selectivity. We show that OTR-expressing BNSTDL neurons, excited by hypothalamic OT and AVP inputs via OTR, play a major role in regulating BNSTDL excitability, overcoming threat avoidance, and reducing threat-elicited anxious arousal. Therefore, OTR-BNSTDL neurons are perfectly suited to drive the dynamic interactions balancing external threat risk and physiological needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Francesconi
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Valentina Olivera-Pasilio
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Fulvia Berton
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Susan L. Olson
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Rachel Chudoba
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Lorena M. Monroy
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, USA
| | - Quirin Krabichler
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Joanna Dabrowska
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
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Gobbi C, Sánchez-Marín L, Flores-López M, Medina-Vera D, Pavón-Morón FJ, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Serrano A. Sex-dependent effects of acute stress and alcohol exposure during adolescence on mRNA expression of brain signaling systems involved in reward and stress responses in young adult rats. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:75. [PMID: 39327618 PMCID: PMC11426001 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00649-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent stress and alcohol exposure increase the risk of maladaptive behaviors and mental disorders in adulthood, with distinct sex-specific differences. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these early events is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies. METHODS Male and female Wistar rats were exposed to acute restraint stress and intermittent alcohol during adolescence. We assessed lasting effects on plasma corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, and mRNA expression of genes related to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), corticoid, opioid, and arginine vasopressin systems in the amygdala and hypothalamus. RESULTS The main findings are as follows: (1) blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) increased after the final alcohol administration, but stressed males had lower BAC than non-stressed males; (2) Males gained significantly more weight than females; (3) Stressed females showed higher ACTH levels than non-stressed females, with no changes in males; (4) Stress increased CORT levels in males, while stressed, alcohol-treated females had lower CORT levels than non-stressed females; (5) CRH: Females had lower Crhr1 levels in the amygdala, while alcohol reduced Crhr2 levels in males but not females. Significant interactions among sex, stress, and alcohol were found in the hypothalamus, with distinct patterns between sexes; (6) NPY: In the amygdala, stress reduced Npy and Npy1r levels in males but increased them in females. Alcohol decreased Npy2r levels in males, with varied effects in females. Similar sex-specific patterns were observed in the hypothalamus; (7) Corticoid system: Stress and alcohol had complex, sex-dependent effects on Pomc, Nr3c1, and Nr3c2 in both brain regions; (8) Opioid receptors: Stress and alcohol blunted the elevated expression of Oprm1, Oprd1, and Oprk1 in the amygdala of males and the hypothalamus of females; (8) Vasopressin: Stress and alcohol interacted significantly to affect Avp and Avpr1a expression in the amygdala, with stronger effects in females. In the hypothalamus, alcohol increased Avp levels in females. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that adolescent acute stress and alcohol exposure induce lasting, sex-specific alterations in systems involved in reward and stress responses. These findings emphasize the importance of considering sex differences in the prevention and management of HPA dysfunction and psychiatric disorders.
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Grants
- PI19/00886, PI20/01399, PI22/00427 and PI22/01833 Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and European Regional Development Funds-European Union (ERDF-EU)
- PI19/00886, PI20/01399, PI22/00427 and PI22/01833 Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and European Regional Development Funds-European Union (ERDF-EU)
- PI19/00886, PI20/01399, PI22/00427 and PI22/01833 Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and European Regional Development Funds-European Union (ERDF-EU)
- PT20-00101 Plataforma de biobanco y biomodelos animales y 3D de Málaga
- PT20-00101 Plataforma de biobanco y biomodelos animales y 3D de Málaga
- RD21/0009/0003 Programa RICORS RIAPAD
- RD21/0009/0003 Programa RICORS RIAPAD
- PNSD 2022/020 Ministerio de Sanidad, Delegación de Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Gobbi
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-Marín
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - María Flores-López
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Dina Medina-Vera
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad Clínica Área del Corazón, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Pavón-Morón
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain.
- Unidad Clínica Área del Corazón, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain.
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Neurología, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain.
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
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Breach MR, Akouri HE, Costantine S, Dodson CM, McGovern N, Lenz KM. Prenatal allergic inflammation in rats confers sex-specific alterations to oxytocin and vasopressin innervation in social brain regions. Horm Behav 2024; 157:105427. [PMID: 37743114 PMCID: PMC10842952 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to inflammation via maternal infection, allergy, or autoimmunity increases one's risk for developing neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Many of these disorders are associated with altered social behavior, yet the mechanisms underlying inflammation-induced social impairment remain unknown. We previously found that a rat model of acute allergic maternal immune activation (MIA) produced deficits like those found in MIA-linked disorders, including impairments in juvenile social play behavior. The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulate social behavior, including juvenile social play, across mammalian species. OT and AVP are also implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social impairment, making them good candidate regulators of social deficits after MIA. We profiled how acute prenatal exposure to allergic MIA changed OT and AVP innervation in several brain regions important for social behavior in juvenile male and female rat offspring. We also assessed whether MIA altered additional behavioral phenotypes related to sociality and anxiety. We found that allergic MIA increased OT and AVP fiber immunoreactivity in the medial amygdala and had sex-specific effects in the nucleus accumbens, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and lateral hypothalamic area. We also found that MIA reduced ultrasonic vocalizations in neonates and increased the stereotypical nature of self-grooming behavior. Overall, these findings suggest that there may be sex-specific mechanisms underlying MIA-induced behavioral impairment and underscore OT and AVP as ideal candidates for future mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela R Breach
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Habib E Akouri
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sophia Costantine
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Claire M Dodson
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nolan McGovern
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathryn M Lenz
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Hernández-Pérez OR, Hernández VS, Zetter MA, Eiden LE, Zhang L. Nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract: A hub linking the water homeostasis-associated supraoptic nucleus-arginine vasopressin circuit and neocortical regions to promote social behavior under osmotic challenge. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13202. [PMID: 36283814 PMCID: PMC10027625 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Homeostatic challenges may alter the drive for social interaction. The neural activity that prompts this motivation remains poorly understood. In the present study, we identify direct projections from the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus to the cortico-amygdalar nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (NLOT). Dual in situ hybridization with probes for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), as well as vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)1, VGLUT2, V1a and V1b, revealed a population of vasopressin-receptive PACAPergic neurons in NLOT layer 2 (NLOT2). Water deprivation (48 h, WD48) increased sociability compared to euhydrated subjects, as assessed with the three-chamber social interaction test (3CST). Fos expression immunohistochemistry showed NLOT and its main efferent regions had further increases in rats subjected to WD48 + 3CST. These regions strongly expressed PAC1 mRNA. Microinjections of arginine vasopressin (AVP) into the NLOT produced similar changes in sociability to water deprivation, and these were reduced by co-injection of V1a or V1b antagonists along with AVP. We conclude that, during challenge to water homeostasis, there is a recruitment of a glutamatergic-multi-peptidergic cooperative circuit that promotes social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar R. Hernández-Pérez
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
- Authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Vito S. Hernández
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
- Authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Mario A. Zetter
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Lee E. Eiden
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Limei Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
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5
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Guoynes CD, Marler CA. Acute intranasal oxytocin dose enhances social preference for parents over peers in male but not female peri-adolescent California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 335:114230. [PMID: 36781024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Peri-adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by profound changes in the valence of social interactions with parents and peers. We hypothesized that the oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) systems, known for influencing social behavior, would be involved in the maintenance and breaking of bonding behavior expressed by very early peri-adolescent males and females. In rodents, OXT is associated with mother-pup bonding and may promote social attachment to members of the natal territory. AVP, on the other hand, can act in contrasting ways to OXT and has been associated with aggression and territoriality. Specifically, we predicted that in peri-adolescent male and female juveniles of the biparental and territorial California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), a) OXT would increase the social preferences for the parents over unfamiliar age-matched peers (one male and one female), and b) AVP would break the parent-offspring bond and either increase time in the neutral chamber and/or approach to their unfamiliar and novel peers. We examined anxiety and exploratory behavior using an elevated plus maze and a novel object task as a control. Peri-adolescent mice were administered an acute intranasal (IN) treatment of 0.5 IU/kg IN AVP, 0.5 IU/kg IN OXT, or saline control; five minutes later, the behavioral tests were conducted. As predicted, we found that IN OXT enhanced social preference for parents; however, this was only in male and not female peri-adolescent mice. IN AVP did not influence social preference in either sex. These effects appear specific to social behavior and not anxiety, as neither IN OXT nor AVP influenced behavior during the elevated plus maze or novel object tasks. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence indicating that OXT may play a role in promoting peri-adolescent social preferences for parents and delaying weaning in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh D Guoynes
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Catherine A Marler
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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François M, Delgado IC, Lafond A, Lewis EM, Kuromaru M, Hassouna R, Deng S, Thaker VV, Dölen G, Zeltser LM. Amygdala AVPR1A mediates susceptibility to chronic social isolation in females. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.15.528679. [PMID: 36824966 PMCID: PMC9948989 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.528679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Females are more sensitive to social exclusion, which could contribute to their heightened susceptibility to anxiety disorders. Chronic social isolation stress (CSIS) for at least 7 weeks after puberty induces anxiety-related behavioral adaptations in female mice. Here, we show that Arginine vasopressin receptor 1a ( Avpr1a )-expressing neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) mediate these sex-specific effects, in part, via projections to the caudate putamen. Loss of function studies demonstrate that AVPR1A signaling in the CeA is required for effects of CSIS on anxiety-related behaviors in females but has no effect in males or group housed females. This sex-specificity is mediated by AVP produced by a subpopulation of neurons in the posterodorsal medial nucleus of the amygdala that project to the CeA. Estrogen receptor alpha signaling in these neurons also contributes to preferential sensitivity of females to CSIS. These data support new therapeutic applications for AVPR1A antagonists in women.
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Kanes SJ, Dennie L, Perera P. Targeting the Arginine Vasopressin V 1b Receptor System and Stress Response in Depression and Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:811-828. [PMID: 37077711 PMCID: PMC10106826 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s402831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A healthy stress response is critical for good mental and overall health and promotes neuronal growth and adaptation, but the intricately balanced biological mechanisms that facilitate a stress response can also result in predisposition to disease when that equilibrium is disrupted. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis neuroendocrine system plays a critical role in the body's response and adaptation to stress, and vasopressinergic regulation of the HPA axis is critical to maintaining system responsiveness during chronic stress. However, exposure to repeated or excessive physical or emotional stress or trauma can shift the body's stress response equilibrium to a "new normal" underpinned by enduring changes in HPA axis function. Exposure to early life stress due to adverse childhood experiences can also lead to lasting neurobiological changes, including in HPA axis function. HPA axis impairment in patients with depression is considered among the most reliable findings in biological psychiatry, and chronic stress has been shown to play a major role in the pathogenesis and onset of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Modulating HPA axis activity, for example via targeted antagonism of the vasopressin V1b receptor, is a promising approach for patients with depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders associated with HPA axis impairment. Despite favorable preclinical indications in animal models, demonstration of clinical efficacy for the treatment of depressive disorders by targeting HPA axis dysfunction has been challenging, possibly due to the heterogeneity and syndromal nature of depressive disorders. Measures of HPA axis function, such as elevated cortisol levels, may be useful biomarkers for identifying patients who may benefit from treatments that modulate HPA axis activity. Utilizing clinical biomarkers to identify subsets of patients with impaired HPA axis function who may benefit is a promising next step in fine-tuning HPA axis activity via targeted antagonism of the V1b receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Kanes
- EmbarkNeuro, Oakland, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Stephen J Kanes, EmbarkNeuro, Inc, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1300, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA, Tel +1 610 757 7821, Email
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8
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He X, Li Y, Zhang N, Huang J, Ming X, Guo R, Hu Y, Ji P, Guo F. Melanin-concentrating hormone promotes anxiety and intestinal dysfunction via basolateral amygdala in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906057. [PMID: 36016574 PMCID: PMC9395614 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The limbic system plays a pivotal role in stress-induced anxiety and intestinal disorders, but how the functional circuits between nuclei within the limbic system are engaged in the processing is still unclear. In our study, the results of fluorescence gold retrograde tracing and fluorescence immunohistochemistry showed that the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) projected to the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Both chemogenetic activation of MCH neurons and microinjection of MCH into the BLA induced anxiety disorder in mice, which were reversed by intra-BLA microinjection of MCH receptor 1 (MCHR1) blocker SNAP-94847. In the chronic acute combining stress (CACS) stimulated mice, SNAP94847 administrated in the BLA ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors and improved intestinal dysfunction via reducing intestinal permeability and inflammation. In conclusion, MCHergic circuit from the LHA to the BLA participates in the regulation of anxiety-like behavior in mice, and this neural pathway is related to the intestinal dysfunction in CACS mice by regulating intestinal permeability and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman He
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuhang Li
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Nana Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinfang Huang
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xing Ming
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruixiao Guo
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Pengfei Ji
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Feifei Guo
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Feifei Guo,
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Boyle CA, Hu B, Quaintance KL, Lei S. Involvement of TRPC5 channels, inwardly rectifying K + channels, PLCβ and PIP 2 in vasopressin-mediated excitation of medial central amygdala neurons. J Physiol 2021; 599:3101-3119. [PMID: 33871877 DOI: 10.1113/jp281260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Activation of V1a vasopressin receptors facilitates neuronal excitability in the medial nucleus of central amygdala (CeM) V1a receptor activation excites about 80% CeM neurons by opening a cationic conductance and about 20% CeM neurons by suppressing an inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channel The cationic conductance activated by V1a receptors is identified as TRPC5 channels PLCβ-mediated depletion of PIP2 is involved in V1a receptor-elicited excitation of CeM neurons Intracellular Ca2+ release and PKC are unnecessary for V1a receptor-mediated excitation of CeM neurons ABSTRACT: Arginine vasopressin (AVP) serves as a hormone in the periphery to modulate water homeostasis and a neuromodulator in the brain to regulate a diverse range of functions including anxiety, social behaviour, cognitive activities and nociception. The amygdala is an essential brain region involved in modulating defensive and appetitive behaviours, pain and alcohol use disorders. Whereas activation of V1a receptors in the medial nucleus of the central amygdala (CeM) increases neuronal excitability, the involved ionic and signalling mechanisms have not been determined. We found that activation of V1a receptors in the CeM facilitated neuronal excitability predominantly by opening TRPC5 channels, although AVP excited about one fifth of the CeM neurons via suppressing an inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channel. G proteins and phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) were required for AVP-elicited excitation of CeM neurons, whereas intracellular Ca2+ release and the activity of protein kinase C were unnecessary. Prevention of the depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2 ) blocked AVP-induced excitation of CeM neurons, suggesting that PLCβ-mediated depletion of PIP2 is involved in AVP-mediated excitation of CeM neurons. Our results may provide a cellular and molecular mechanism to explain the anxiogenic effects of AVP in the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A Boyle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA
| | - Binqi Hu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA
| | - Kati L Quaintance
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA
| | - Saobo Lei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA
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Chaki S. Vasopressin V1B Receptor Antagonists as Potential Antidepressants. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:450-463. [PMID: 33733667 PMCID: PMC8278797 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that certain populations of depressed patients have impaired hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is one of the primary factors in HPA axis regulation under stress situations, and AVP and its receptor subtype (V1B receptor) play a pivotal role in HPA axis abnormalities observed in depression. Based on this hypothesis, several non-peptide V1B receptor antagonists have been synthesized, and the efficacies of some V1B receptor antagonists have been investigated in both animals and humans. V1B receptor antagonists exert antidepressant-like effects in several animal models at doses that attenuate the hyperactivity of the HPA axis, and some of their detailed mechanisms have been delineated. These results obtained in animal models were, at least partly, reproduced in clinical trials. At least 2 V1B receptor antagonists (TS-121 and ABT-436) showed tendencies to reduce the depression scores of patients with major depressive disorder at doses that attenuate HPA axis hyperactivity or block the pituitary V1B receptor. Importantly, TS-121 showed a clearer efficacy for patients with higher basal cortisol levels than for those with lower basal cortisol levels, which was consistent with the hypothesis that V1B receptor antagonists may be more effective for patients with HPA axis hyperactivity. Therefore, V1B receptor antagonists are promising approaches for the treatment of depression involving HPA axis impairment such as depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyuki Chaki
- Research Headquarters, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kita-ku, Saitama, Saitama, Japan,Correspondence: Shigeyuki Chaki, PhD, Research Headquarters, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1–403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama, Saitama 331–9530, Japan ()
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Limbic Neuropeptidergic Modulators of Emotion and Their Therapeutic Potential for Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. J Neurosci 2021; 41:901-910. [PMID: 33472824 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1647-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by hypervigilance, increased reactivity to unpredictable versus predictable threat signals, deficits in fear extinction, and an inability to discriminate between threat and safety. First-line pharmacotherapies for psychiatric disorders have limited therapeutic efficacy in PTSD. However, recent studies have advanced our understanding of the roles of several limbic neuropeptides in the regulation of defensive behaviors and in the neural processes that are disrupted in PTSD. For example, preclinical studies have shown that blockers of tachykinin pathways, such as the Tac2 pathway, attenuate fear memory consolidation in mice and thus might have unique potential as early post-trauma interventions to prevent PTSD development. Targeting this pathway might also be beneficial in regulating other symptoms of PTSD, including trauma-induced aggressive behavior. In addition, preclinical and clinical studies have shown the important role of angiotensin receptors in fear extinction and the promise of using angiotensin II receptor blockade to reduce PTSD symptom severity. Additional preclinical studies have demonstrated that the oxytocin receptors foster accurate fear discrimination by facilitating fear responses to predictable versus unpredictable threats. Complementary human imaging studies demonstrate unique neural targets of intranasal oxytocin and compare its efficacy with well-established anxiolytic treatments. Finally, promising data from human subjects have demonstrated that a selective vasopressin 1A receptor antagonist reduces anxiety induced by unpredictable threats. This review highlights these novel promising targets for the treatment of unique core elements of PTSD pathophysiology.
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Harper KM, Knapp DJ, Butler RK, Cook CA, Criswell HE, Stuber GD, Breese GR. Amygdala Arginine Vasopressin Modulates Chronic Ethanol Withdrawal Anxiety-Like Behavior in the Social Interaction Task. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:2134-2143. [PMID: 31386210 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure induces neurobehavioral maladaptations in the brain though the precise changes have not been fully explored. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) regulates anxiety-like behavior induced by withdrawal from chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) exposure, and the arginine vasopressin (AVP) system within the CEA regulates many anxiety-like behaviors. Thus, adaptations occur in the CEA AVP system due to chronic EtOH exposure, which lead to anxiety-like behaviors in rats. METHODS Chronic exposure to a low-dose EtOH (4.5% wt/vol) induces anxiety-like behavior in rats. Wistar or Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to a modified CIE or CIE, while intra-CEA microinjections of AVP or a V1b receptor antagonist were used to elicit or block withdrawal-induced anxiety. Additionally, AVP microinjections into the CEA were given 24 hours following 15 days of continuous high-dose EtOH (7% wt/vol), a time period when rats no longer express anxiety. Chemogenetics was also used to activate the basolateral amygdala (BLA) or deactivate the dorsal periaqueductal gray=(dm/dlPAG) therefore PAG=periaqueductal gray to elicit or block withdrawal-induced anxiety. RESULTS AVP microinjected into the CEA in lieu of exposure to the first 2 cycles of CIE was sufficient to induce anxiety-like behavior in these commonly used rat strains. The V1b receptor antagonist, but not an oxytocin receptor agonist, into the CEA during the first 2 withdrawal cycles suppressed anxiety. However, activation of the BLA in lieu of exposure to the first 2 cycles of CIE was insufficient to induce anxiety-like behavior. AVP microinjection into the CEA 24 hours into withdrawal reelicited anxiety-like behavior, and deactivation of the dm/dlPAG reduced this effect of CEA AVP. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study demonstrates a role of CEA AVP and a CEA-dm/dlPAG circuit in the development of anxiety induced by CIE. Such information is valuable for identifying novel therapeutic targets for alcohol- and anxiety-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Harper
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Darin J Knapp
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ryan K Butler
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Cory A Cook
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Hugh E Criswell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Garret D Stuber
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Curriculum in Neurobiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - George R Breese
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Harper KM, Knapp DJ, Criswell HE, Breese GR. Vasopressin and alcohol: a multifaceted relationship. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3363-3379. [PMID: 30392132 PMCID: PMC6286152 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5099-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginine vasopressin (VP) has been implicated in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders with an emphasis on situations where stress increased the severity of the disorder. Based on this hypothesized role for VP in neuropsychiatric disorders, much research is currently being undertaken in humans and animals to test VP as a target for treatment of a number of these disorders including alcohol abuse. OBJECTIVES To provide a summary of the literature regarding the role of VP in alcohol- and stress-related behaviors including the use of drugs that target VP in clinical trials. RESULTS Changes in various components of the VP system occur with alcohol and stress. Manipulating VP or its receptors can alter alcohol- and stress-related behaviors including tolerance to alcohol, alcohol drinking, and anxiety-like behavior. Finally, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to alcohol is also altered by manipulating the VP system. However, clinical trials of VP antagonists have had mixed results. CONCLUSIONS A review of VP's involvement in alcohol's actions demonstrates that there is much to be learned about brain regions involved in VP-mediated effects on behavior. Thus, future work should focus on elucidating relevant brain regions. By using previous knowledge of the actions of VP and determining the brain regions and/or systems involved in its different behavioral effects, it may be possible to identify a specific receptor subtype target, drug treatment combination, or specific clinical contexts that may point toward a more successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Harper
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA.
| | - Darin J Knapp
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
| | - Hugh E Criswell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
| | - George R Breese
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
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