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Rovný R, Marko M, Minárik G, Riečanský I. Absence of a significant interaction of two common NOS1 and 5-HTT polymorphisms on sensorimotor gating in humans. Physiol Res 2021; 70:S387-S395. [PMID: 35099257 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter serotonin has been critically implicated in the pathogenesis of several mental disorders. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is a key regulator of serotonergic neurotransmission and its genetic variability is associated with increased risk of psychopathology. One well known polymorphic locus in the 5-HTT gene affecting its expression is a tandem repeat in the promoter region (5-HTTLPR). It has been reported that 5-HTT is functionally coupled with the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1 or nNOS), an enzyme catalyzing the production of nitric oxide (NO). We have previously demonstrated that a tandem repeat polymorphism in the promoter of NOS1 exon 1f (Ex1f-VNTR) is associated with sensorimotor gating, a marker of inhibitory processing and a well established endophenotype of several neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we investigated the combined genetic effects of NOS1 Ex1f-VNTR and 5-HTTLPR on sensorimotor gating, measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex, in 164 healthy adults. We found no evidence for the interaction between NOS1 Ex1f-VNTR and 5-HTTLPR on PPI. PPI was associated with NOS1 Ex1f-VNTR, but not 5-HTTLPR. Our data suggest that while NOS1 plays a role in sensorimotor gating, the nitrergic pathway of gating regulation does not involve the action of 5-HTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rovný
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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Tomasi J, Zai CC, Zai G, Kennedy JL, Tiwari AK. Genetics of human startle reactivity: A systematic review to acquire targets for an anxiety endophenotype. World J Biol Psychiatry 2021; 22:399-427. [PMID: 33040669 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2020.1834619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Startle response is an objective physiological measure integral to the human defense system and a promising target for endophenotype investigations of anxiety. Given the alterations in startle reactivity observed among anxiety and related disorders, we searched for genetic variants associated with startle reactivity as they may be further involved in pathological anxiety risk. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed to identify genetic variants associated with startle reactivity in humans, specifically baseline and fear- or anxiety-potentiated startle. RESULTS The polymorphisms Val66Met (rs6265) from brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Val158Met (rs4680) from catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) from the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) were most commonly studied in human startle. In addition, several other genetic variants have also been identified as potential candidates that warrant further research, especially given their novelty in in the context of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Similar to psychiatric genetic studies, the studies on startle reactivity primarily focus on candidate genes and are plagued by non-replication. Startle reactivity is a promising endophenotype that requires concerted efforts to collect uniformly assessed, large, well-powered samples and hypothesis-free genome-wide strategies. To further support startle as an endophenotype for anxiety, this review suggests advanced genetic strategies for startle research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tomasi
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Clement C Zai
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gwyneth Zai
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,General Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems Division, CAMH, Toronto, Canada
| | - James L Kennedy
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Arun K Tiwari
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Rovný R, Besterciová D, Riečanský I. Genetic Determinants of Gating Functions: Do We Get Closer to Understanding Schizophrenia Etiopathogenesis? Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:550225. [PMID: 33324248 PMCID: PMC7723973 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.550225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in the gating of sensory stimuli, i.e., the ability to suppress the processing of irrelevant sensory input, are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric disorders, in particular schizophrenia. Gating is disrupted both in schizophrenia patients and their unaffected relatives, suggesting that gating deficit may represent a biomarker associated with a genetic liability to the disorder. To assess the strength of the evidence for the etiopathogenetic links between genetic variation, gating efficiency, and schizophrenia, we carried out a systematic review of human genetic association studies of sensory gating (suppression of the P50 component of the auditory event-related brain potential) and sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response). Sixty-three full-text articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review. In total, 117 genetic variants were reported to be associated with gating functions: 33 variants for sensory gating, 80 variants for sensorimotor gating, and four variants for both sensory and sensorimotor gating. However, only five of these associations (four for prepulse inhibition-CHRNA3 rs1317286, COMT rs4680, HTR2A rs6311, and TCF4 rs9960767, and one for P50 suppression-CHRNA7 rs67158670) were consistently replicated in independent samples. Although these variants and genes were all implicated in schizophrenia in research studies, only two polymorphisms (HTR2A rs6311 and TCF4 rs9960767) were also reported to be associated with schizophrenia at a meta-analytic or genome-wide level of evidence. Thus, although gating is widely considered as an important endophenotype of schizophrenia, these findings demonstrate that evidence for a common genetic etiology of impaired gating functions and schizophrenia is yet unsatisfactory, warranting further studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rastislav Rovný
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dominika Besterciová
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Igor Riečanský
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Rovný R, Marko M, Katina S, Murínová J, Roháriková V, Cimrová B, Repiská G, Minárik G, Riečanský I. Association between genetic variability of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and sensorimotor gating in humans. Nitric Oxide 2018; 80:32-36. [PMID: 30096361 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research increasingly suggests that nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. One important line of evidence comes from genetic studies, which have repeatedly detected an association between the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS or NOS1) and schizophrenia. However, the pathogenetic pathways linking nNOS, NO, and the disorder remain poorly understood. A deficit in sensorimotor gating is considered to importantly contribute to core schizophrenia symptoms such as psychotic disorganization and thought disturbance. We selected three candidate nNOS polymorphisms (Ex1f-VNTR, rs6490121 and rs41279104), associated with schizophrenia and cognition in previous studies, and tested their association with the efficiency of sensorimotor gating in healthy human adults. We found that risk variants of Ex1f-VNTR and rs6490121 (but not rs41279104) were associated with a weaker prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex, a standard measure of sensorimotor gating. Furthermore, the effect of presence of risk variants in Ex1f-VNTR and rs6490121 was additive: PPI linearly decreased with increasing number of risk alleles, being highest in participants with no risk allele, while lowest in individuals who carry three risk alleles. Our findings indicate that NO is involved in the regulation of sensorimotor gating, and highlight one possible pathogenetic mechanism for NO playing a role in the development of schizophrenia psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rastislav Rovný
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin Marko
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stanislav Katina
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Murínová
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Roháriková
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Cimrová
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Repiská
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriel Minárik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Igor Riečanský
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Quednow BB, Ejebe K, Wagner M, Giakoumaki SG, Bitsios P, Kumari V, Roussos P. Meta-analysis on the association between genetic polymorphisms and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response. Schizophr Res 2018; 198:52-59. [PMID: 29287625 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Sensorimotor gating measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response (ASR) has been proposed as one of the most promising electrophysiological endophenotypes of schizophrenia. During the past decade, a number of publications have reported significant associations between genetic polymorphisms and PPI in samples of schizophrenia patients and healthy volunteers. However, an overall evaluation of the robustness of these results has not been published so far. Therefore, we performed the first meta-analysis of published and unpublished associations between gene polymorphisms and PPI of ASR. Unpublished associations between genetic polymorphisms and PPI were derived from three independent samples. In total, 120 single observations from 16 independent samples with 2660 study participants and 43 polymorphisms were included. After correction for multiple testing based on false discovery rate and considering the number of analyzed polymorphisms, significant associations were shown for four variants, even though none of these associations survived a genome-wide correction (P<5∗10-8). These results imply that PPI might be modulated by four genotypes - COMT rs4680 (primarily in males), GRIK3 rs1027599, TCF4 rs9960767, and PRODH rs385440 - indicating a role of these gene variations in the development of early information processing deficits in schizophrenia. However, the overall impact of single genes on PPI is still rather small suggesting that PPI is - like the disease phenotype - highly polygenic. Future genome-wide analyses studies with large sample sizes will enhance our understanding on the genetic architecture of PPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Kenechi Ejebe
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Michael Wagner
- Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases and GeriatricPsychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stella G Giakoumaki
- Department of Psychology, Gallos University campus, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
| | - Panos Bitsios
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Voutes University campus, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Veena Kumari
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Panos Roussos
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (VISN 2), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, USA.
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Abstract
Because of the ethical and regulatory hurdles associated with human studies, much of what is known about the psychopharmacology of hallucinogens has been derived from animal models. However, developing reliable animal models has proven to be a challenging task due to the complexity and variability of hallucinogen effects in humans. This chapter focuses on three animal models that are frequently used to test the effects of hallucinogens on unconditioned behavior: head twitch response (HTR), prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI), and exploratory behavior. The HTR has demonstrated considerable utility in the neurochemical actions of hallucinogens. However, the latter two models have clearer conceptual bridges to human phenomenology. Consistent with the known mechanism of action of hallucinogens in humans, the behavioral effects of hallucinogens in rodents are mediated primarily by activation of 5-HT2A receptors. There is evidence, however, that other receptors may play secondary roles. The structure-activity relationships (SAR) of hallucinogens are reviewed in relation to each model, with a focus on the HTR in rats and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA.
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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Pereira-Figueiredo I, Carro J, Muñoz LJ, Sancho C, Castellano O, Gómez-Nieto R, López DE. Sex Differences in the Effects of Sertraline and Stressors in Rats Previously Exposed to Restraint Stress. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/jbise.2015.87038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Blanch A, Balada F, Aluja A. Habituation in acoustic startle reflex: individual differences in personality. Int J Psychophysiol 2014; 91:232-9. [PMID: 24412342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2014.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study analyzed the relationship of individual differences in personality with habituation in the acoustic startle response (ASR). Data from nine trials in ASR to white noise bursts and a personality questionnaire based on the alternative big five personality approach were modelled with a latent growth curve (LCM) including intercept and slope habituation growth factors. There was a negative correlation between the intercept and slope, indicating that individuals with higher initial ASR levels had also a more pronounced and faster decrease in the ASR. Contrary to expectations, Extraversion and Sensation Seeking did not relate with habituation in ASR. Neuroticism and Aggressiveness related asymmetrically with the habituation rate in ASR. Higher levels of Neuroticism were related with faster habituation, whereas higher levels of Aggressiveness were related with slower habituation. Further studies with the LCM should be undertaken to clarify in a greater extent the association of personality with habituation in ASR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Blanch
- Department of Psychology, University of Lleida, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research (IRB Lleida), Spain.
| | - Ferran Balada
- Department of Psychology, University of Lleida, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research (IRB Lleida), Spain; Department of Psychobiology, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anton Aluja
- Department of Psychology, University of Lleida, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research (IRB Lleida), Spain
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Yildirim BO, Derksen JJ. Systematic review, structural analysis, and new theoretical perspectives on the role of serotonin and associated genes in the etiology of psychopathy and sociopathy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1254-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Quednow BB, Kometer M, Geyer MA, Vollenweider FX. Psilocybin-induced deficits in automatic and controlled inhibition are attenuated by ketanserin in healthy human volunteers. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:630-40. [PMID: 21956447 PMCID: PMC3260978 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin-2A receptor (5-HT(2A)R) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and related inhibitory gating and behavioral inhibition deficits of schizophrenia patients. The hallucinogen psilocybin disrupts automatic forms of sensorimotor gating and response inhibition in humans, but it is unclear so far whether the 5-HT(2A)R or 5-HT(1A)R agonist properties of its bioactive metabolite psilocin account for these effects. Thus, we investigated whether psilocybin-induced deficits in automatic and controlled inhibition in healthy humans could be attenuated by the 5-HT(2A/2C)R antagonist ketanserin. A total of 16 healthy participants received placebo, ketanserin (40 mg p.o.), psilocybin (260 μg/kg p.o.), or psilocybin plus ketanserin in a double-blind, randomized, and counterbalanced order. Sensorimotor gating was measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response. The effects on psychopathological core dimensions and behavioral inhibition were assessed by the altered states of consciousness questionnaire (5D-ASC), and the Color-Word Stroop Test. Psilocybin decreased PPI at short lead intervals (30 ms), increased all 5D-ASC scores, and selectively increased errors in the interference condition of the Stroop Test. Stroop interference and Stroop effect of the response latencies were increased under psilocybin as well. Psilocybin-induced alterations were attenuated by ketanserin pretreatment, whereas ketanserin alone had no significant effects. These findings suggest that the disrupting effects of psilocybin on automatic and controlled inhibition processes are attributable to 5-HT(2A)R stimulation. Sensorimotor gating and attentional control deficits of schizophrenia patients might be due to changes within the 5-HT(2A)R system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris B Quednow
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kometer
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Zürich, Switzerland,Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Tel: +41 44 384 2404, Fax: +41 44 384 2249, E-mail:
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Zhang L, Hu XZ, Li H, Li X, Smerin S, Benedek DM, Ursano R. Startle response related genes. Med Hypotheses 2011; 77:685-91. [PMID: 21855231 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.07.018] [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: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The startle reaction (also known as the startle response, the startle reflex, or the alarm reaction) is the psychological and physiological response to a sudden unexpected stimulus, such as a flash of light, a loud noise (acoustic startle reflex), or a quick movement near the face. Abnormalities of startle response have been observed in many stress-related mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the molecular mechanisms of startle in stress-associated conditions--for example, whether the startle reaction is associated with any gene variance--is still unknown. In this paper, we will carry out a systematic review by retrieving, assessing, and combining, when applicable, individual studies investigating association of the molecular variation of candidate gene with the startle response. The systematic review is based on the search for numerous publications using the keywords "startle gene" on September 15, 2010 using PubMed, which comprises more than 20 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE and life science journals. A total of 486 publications regarding genes associated with startle have been obtained and reviewed here. There are fewer than 20 publications associating genes with the startle response between 1979, when the first valuable paper was published, and 1999. However, publications have dramatically increase from 2001 and reaches over 70 in 2009. We have characterized them into three categories: startle-associated gene studies in humans, in animals, as well as in both human and animals. This review of research strategy may provide the information for identifying a biomarker for startle response, with the objective of translating research into clinical utility: diagnosis and treatment of stress-induced mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States.
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Cadenhead KS. Startle reactivity and prepulse inhibition in prodromal and early psychosis: effects of age, antipsychotics, tobacco and cannabis in a vulnerable population. Psychiatry Res 2011; 188:208-16. [PMID: 21555157 PMCID: PMC3114288 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2011.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2010] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The use of biomarkers in the study of the prodrome and first episode of psychosis provides a means of not only identifying individuals at greatest risk for psychosis but also understanding neurodevelopmental abnormalities early in the course of illness. Prepulse inhibition (PPI), a marker that is deficient in schizophrenia and after developmental manipulations in animal models, was assessed in 75 early psychosis (EP), 89 at risk (AR) for psychosis and 85 comparison subjects (CS) at baseline and 6 months. Consistent with findings in chronic schizophrenia, PPI was stable with repeated assessment and EP subjects had reduced PPI but this was most evident in tobacco smokers. A significant positive PPI and age association in AR and EP samples, but not CS, demonstrated potential neurodevelopmental differences in early psychosis. Unexpected findings included the fact that medication naive EP subjects, as well as AR subjects who later developed psychosis, had greater PPI, introducing the possibility of early compensatory changes that diverge from findings in chronic patients. In addition, subjects with a history of cannabis use had greater startle reactivity while EP and AR subjects who used cannabis and were also taking an antipsychotic had greater PPI, again highlighting the potentially important cannabis/psychosis association.
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Oranje B, Wienberg M, Glenthoj BY. A single high dose of escitalopram disrupts sensory gating and habituation, but not sensorimotor gating in healthy volunteers. Psychiatry Res 2011; 186:431-6. [PMID: 20971512 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Revised: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Early mechanisms to limit the input of sensory information to higher brain areas are important for a healthy individual. In previous studies, we found that a low dose of 10mg escitalopram (SSRI) disrupts habituation, without affecting sensory and sensorimotor gating in healthy volunteers. In the current study a higher dose of 15 mg was used. The hypothesis was that this higher dose of escitalopram would not only disrupt habituation, but also sensory and sensorimotor gating. Twenty healthy male volunteers received either placebo or 15 mg escitalopram, after which they were tested in a P50 suppression, and a habituation and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex paradigm. Escitalopram significantly decreased P50 suppression and habituation, but had no effect on PPI. The results indicate that habituation and sensory gating are disrupted by increased serotonergic activity, while sensorimotor gating seems relatively insensitive to such a rise. Since the patients who are frequently treated with SSRIs (patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders) might already suffer from disrupted sensory gating and habituation, the current results call for caution in the determination of a proper dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Oranje
- Copenhagen University, University Psychiatric Center Glostrup, Denmark.
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Serotonin1A receptor deletion does not interact with maternal separation-induced increases in startle reactivity and prepulse inhibition deficits. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 214:353-65. [PMID: 20811879 PMCID: PMC3045511 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1998-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Early life stress is a risk factor for the development of psychopathology in later life. Consequences of adverse life events, however, may depend on the genetic makeup of an individual. Reduced serotonin(1A) receptor function may predispose to the development of anxiety disorders. OBJECTIVE Determine susceptibility of serotonin(1A) receptor knockout (1AKO) mice on different background strains to the effects of maternal separation (MS) by assessing startle plasticity in adulthood. METHODS 1AKO mice on a 129S6 and a Swiss Webster (SW) background were used. MS groups were separated daily from their mother for 180 min/day from postnatal days 2 to 14. Control groups underwent normal animal facility rearing. In adulthood, effects on acoustic startle response, habituation, prepulse inhibition (PPI), and foot shock sensitization were determined. RESULTS MS increased startle reactivity and reduced PPI in 129S6 mice. These effects of MS were independent of genotype. MS had no effect on the other readouts. In SW mice, MS had no consistent effect on startle reactivity and did not alter startle plasticity in wild type or in 1AKO mice. 1AKO mice did not differ from wild-type mice in startle plasticity. CONCLUSION Serotonin(1A) receptor deletion does not enhance vulnerability to the effects of MS on startle plasticity. The life-long increase in startle reactivity and PPI deficit induced by MS are strain-dependent. Further, the use of startle reactivity and plasticity may have added value in translational studies relating to early life stress.
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Umeda T, Takashima N, Nakagawa R, Maekawa M, Ikegami S, Yoshikawa T, Kobayashi K, Okanoya K, Inokuchi K, Osumi N. Evaluation of Pax6 mutant rat as a model for autism. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15500. [PMID: 21203536 PMCID: PMC3006426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/04/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a highly variable brain developmental disorder and has a strong genetic basis. Pax6 is a pivotal player in brain development and maintenance. It is expressed in embryonic and adult neural stem cells, in astrocytes in the entire central nervous system, and in neurons in the olfactory bulb, amygdala, thalamus, and cerebellum, functioning in highly context-dependent manners. We have recently reported that Pax6 heterozygous mutant (rSey2/+) rats with a spontaneous mutation in the Pax6 gene, show impaired prepulse inhibition (PPI). In the present study, we further examined behaviors of rSey2/+ rats and revealed that they exhibited abnormality in social interaction (more aggression and withdrawal) in addition to impairment in rearing activity and in fear-conditioned memory. Ultrasonic vocalization (USV) in rSey2+ rat pups was normal in male but abnormal in female. Moreover, treatment with clozapine successfully recovered the defects in sensorimotor gating function, but not in fear-conditioned memory. Taken together with our prior human genetic data and results in other literatures, rSey2/+ rats likely have some phenotypic components of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiko Umeda
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Noriko Takashima
- Laboratory for Behavioral and Developmental Disorders, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
- Mitsubishi Kagaku Institute of Life Sciences (MITILS), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoko Nakagawa
- Laboratory for Biolinguistics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Motoko Maekawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Shiro Ikegami
- Mitsubishi Kagaku Institute of Life Sciences (MITILS), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychology, Saitama Institute of Technology, Fukaya, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazuo Okanoya
- Laboratory for Biolinguistics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Kaoru Inokuchi
- Mitsubishi Kagaku Institute of Life Sciences (MITILS), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Noriko Osumi
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Pfleiderer B, Zinkirciran S, Michael N, Hohoff C, Kersting A, Arolt V, Deckert J, Domschke K. Altered auditory processing in patients with panic disorder: a pilot study. World J Biol Psychiatry 2010; 11:945-55. [PMID: 20586534 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2010.490273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical and electrophysiological studies suggest that panic disorder (PD) patients show disturbed response inhibition to sensory stimuli. Thus, habituation of neuronal activation after repeated sine tone stimulation was assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with PD. METHODS Twenty patients with PD and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were assessed by 3T fMRI for auditory habituation. During three stimulation cycles of digitally generated pulsed (ν=5 Hz) 800-Hz sine tones alternating with silent periods, activation of the auditory cortex and other anxiety- or sensory integration-related regions was assessed. Brain activation was further analyzed dependent on functional serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene variation (5-HTTLPR). RESULTS PD patients demonstrated an extended brain activity in the first stimulation block, which normalized during the second stimulation cycle. A positive correlation with anxiety measures (HAMA) and an increased activity of distinct anxiety- or sensory integration-related areas (e.g., BA 22, BA 10) were seen during the third block of auditory stimulation. There was a significant interaction of left amygdala activation and the 5-HTTLPR S allele. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the hypothesis of an aberrant processing of sensory information in PD patients. This phenomenon may underlie an enhanced responsiveness to anxiety-relevant or irrelevant stimuli possibly increasing PD vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Pfleiderer
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany. pfl
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Lim SW, Ha J, Shin DW, Woo HY, Kim KH. Associations between the serotonin-1A receptor C(-1019)G polymorphism and disordered eating symptoms in female adolescents. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2010; 117:773-9. [PMID: 20454985 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-010-0412-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the C(-1019)G polymorphism of the serotonin-1A receptor gene and eating behavior in female adolescents. A total of 204 post-menarche, adolescent women, aged 16-17 years, were recruited from two neighboring high schools in Seoul. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to isolate and examine the C(-1019)G polymorphism in the serotonin-1A receptor genes (rs6295) of all participants. The Bulimia Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE) and the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) were administered to all participants. The total score of the EAT-26 differed significantly among the three genotype groups [CC, CG, GG (F = 4.844, p = 0.009)]. Both the EAT-26 (F = 9.69, p = 0.002) and the BITE (F = 5.22, p = 0.023) scores were higher in the participants who were G allele carriers than in the non-carrier group. The dieting subscale of the EAT-26 was higher among the G allele carriers (F = 12.941, p < 0.001), and these results were maintained even after adjusting for depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that the C(-1019)G polymorphism in the 5-HT1A receptor gene is associated with disordered eating symptoms in Korean female adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Won Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 108 Pyung-dong, Jongro-Gu, Seoul, Korea
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