1
|
Rusch JA, Layden BT, Dugas LR. Signalling cognition: the gut microbiota and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1130689. [PMID: 37404311 PMCID: PMC10316519 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1130689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive function in humans depends on the complex and interplay between multiple body systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The gut microbiota, which vastly outnumbers human cells and has a genetic potential that exceeds that of the human genome, plays a crucial role in this interplay. The microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis is a bidirectional signalling pathway that operates through neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. One of the major neuroendocrine systems responding to stress is the HPA axis which produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents. Appropriate concentrations of cortisol are essential for normal neurodevelopment and function, as well as cognitive processes such as learning and memory, and studies have shown that microbes modulate the HPA axis throughout life. Stress can significantly impact the MGB axis via the HPA axis and other pathways. Animal research has advanced our understanding of these mechanisms and pathways, leading to a paradigm shift in conceptual thinking about the influence of the microbiota on human health and disease. Preclinical and human trials are currently underway to determine how these animal models translate to humans. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge of the relationship between the gut microbiota, HPA axis, and cognition, and provide an overview of the main findings and conclusions in this broad field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jody A. Rusch
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- C17 Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Groote Schuur Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian T. Layden
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lara R. Dugas
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Public Health Sciences, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Glucocorticoid-based pharmacotherapies preventing PTSD. Neuropharmacology 2023; 224:109344. [PMID: 36402246 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly disabling psychiatric condition that may arise after exposure to acute and severe trauma. It is a highly prevalent mental disorder worldwide, and the current treatment options for these patients remain limited due to low effectiveness. The time window right after traumatic events provides clinicians with a unique opportunity for preventive interventions against potential deleterious alterations in brain function that lead to PTSD. Some studies pointed out that PTSD patients present an abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that may contribute to a vulnerability toward PTSD. Moreover, glucocorticoids have arisen as a promising option for preventing the disorder's development when administered in the aftermath of trauma. The present work compiles the recent findings of glucocorticoid administration for the prevention of a PTSD phenotype, from human studies to animal models of PTSD. Overall, glucocorticoid-based therapies for preventing PTSD demonstrated moderate evidence in terms of efficacy in both clinical and preclinical studies. Although clinical studies point out that glucocorticoids may not be effective for all patients' subpopulations, those with adequate traits might greatly benefit from them. Preclinical studies provide precise insight into the mechanisms mediating this preventive effect, showing glucocorticoid-based prevention to reduce long-lasting behavioral and neurobiological abnormalities caused by traumatic stress. However, further research is needed to delineate the precise mechanisms and the extent to which these interventions can translate into lower PTSD rates and morbidity. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'Fear, Anxiety and PTSD'.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin L, Zhang L, Schwabe L. Reappraisal enhances memory formation for a stressful episode. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 146:105924. [PMID: 36150367 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Emotion regulation strategies have been shown to modify the physiological response to stress, yet whether these strategies can modulate also cognitive responses to stress is largely unknown. A prominent cognitive response to stress is the enhanced memory formation for the stressful event, which is an adaptive mechanism to prepare for similar events in the future. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether emotion regulation strategies impact the memory formation for a stressful episode. In a two-day study, participants (n = 124) underwent an enriched stressful episode or a control episode. Critically, before the exposure to the stressor, they were instructed to use a suppression or reappraisal strategy during the stressful episode. One week later, participants completed a memory test for central and peripheral details of this episode. Our results show that reappraisal enhanced not only the cortisol response to the stressor but also the memory formation for central features of the stressful episode. This reappraisal-related boost of memory for the stressor was particularly pronounced in participants' with high working memory capacity. These findings show that reappraisal may not only impact the physiological response to a stressful event but also the cognitive representation of this event in memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Lin
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lars Schwabe
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Impaired Aversive Memory Formation in GPR37L1KO Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214290. [PMID: 36430766 PMCID: PMC9696904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR37L1 is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor, which is implicated in neurological disorders, but its normal physiological role is poorly understood. Its close homologue, GPR37, is implicated in Parkinson's disease and affective disorders. In this study, we set out to characterize adult and middle-aged global GPR37L1 knock-out (KO) mice regarding emotional behaviors. Our results showed that GPR37L1KO animals, except adult GPR37L1KO males, exhibited impaired retention of aversive memory formation as assessed by the shorter retention latency in a passive avoidance task. Interestingly, the viral-mediated deletion of GPR37L1 in conditional knockout mice in the hippocampus of middle-aged mice also showed impaired retention in passive avoidance tasks, similar to what was observed in global GPR37L1KO mice, suggesting that hippocampal GPR37L1 is involved in aversive learning processes. We also observed that middle-aged GPR37L1KO male and female mice exhibited a higher body weight than their wild-type counterparts. Adult and middle-aged GPR37L1KO female mice exhibited a reduced level of serum corticosterone and middle-aged GPR37L1KO females showed a reduced level of epinephrine in the dorsal hippocampus in the aftermath of passive avoidance task, with no such effects observed in GPR37L1KO male mice, suggesting that lack of GPR37L1 influences behavior and biochemical readouts in age- and sex-specific manners.
Collapse
|
5
|
Taborsky B, Kuijper B, Fawcett TW, English S, Leimar O, McNamara JM, Ruuskanen S. An evolutionary perspective on stress responses, damage and repair. Horm Behav 2022; 142:105180. [PMID: 35569424 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Variation in stress responses has been investigated in relation to environmental factors, species ecology, life history and fitness. Moreover, mechanistic studies have unravelled molecular mechanisms of how acute and chronic stress responses cause physiological impacts ('damage'), and how this damage can be repaired. However, it is not yet understood how the fitness effects of damage and repair influence stress response evolution. Here we study the evolution of hormone levels as a function of stressor occurrence, damage and the efficiency of repair. We hypothesise that the evolution of stress responses depends on the fitness consequences of damage and the ability to repair that damage. To obtain some general insights, we model a simplified scenario in which an organism repeatedly encounters a stressor with a certain frequency and predictability (temporal autocorrelation). The organism can defend itself by mounting a stress response (elevated hormone level), but this causes damage that takes time to repair. We identify optimal strategies in this scenario and then investigate how those strategies respond to acute and chronic exposures to the stressor. We find that for higher repair rates, baseline and peak hormone levels are higher. This typically means that the organism experiences higher levels of damage, which it can afford because that damage is repaired more quickly, but for very high repair rates the damage does not build up. With increasing predictability of the stressor, stress responses are sustained for longer, because the animal expects the stressor to persist, and thus damage builds up. This can result in very high (and potentially fatal) levels of damage when organisms are exposed to chronic stressors to which they are not evolutionarily adapted. Overall, our results highlight that at least three factors need to be considered jointly to advance our understanding of how stress physiology has evolved: (i) temporal dynamics of stressor occurrence; (ii) relative mortality risk imposed by the stressor itself versus damage caused by the stress response; and (iii) the efficiency of repair mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Taborsky
- Behavioural Ecology Division, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Bram Kuijper
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, UK; Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Tim W Fawcett
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour (CRAB), University of Exeter, UK
| | - Sinead English
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Olof Leimar
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | | | - Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rowell MK, Santymire RM, Rymer TL. Corticosterone Metabolite Concentration Is Not Related to Problem Solving in the Fawn-Footed Mosaic-Tailed Rat Melomys Cervinipes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010082. [PMID: 35011188 PMCID: PMC8749903 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals can respond physiologically, such as by adjusting glucocorticoid hormone concentrations, to sudden environmental challenges. These physiological changes can then affect behavioural and cognitive responses. While the relationships between adrenocortical activity and behaviour and cognition are well documented, results are equivocal, suggesting species-specific responses. We investigated whether adrenocortical activity, measured using corticosterone metabolite concentration, was related to problem solving in an Australian rodent, the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys cervinipes). Mosaic-tailed rats live in complex environments that are prone to disturbance, suggesting a potential need to solve novel problems, and have been found to show relationships between physiology and other behaviours. We measured problem solving using five food-baited puzzles (matchbox and cylinder in the home cage, and activity board with pillars to push, tiles to slide and levers to lift in an open field), and an escape-motivated obstruction task in a light/dark box. Faecal samples were collected from individuals during routine cage cleaning. Adrenocortical activity was evaluated non-invasively by measuring faecal corticosterone metabolites using an enzyme immunoassay, which was biochemically and biologically validated. Despite varying over time, adrenocortical activity was not significantly related to problem solving success or time spent interacting for any task. However, as adrenocortical activity is reflective of multiple physiological processes, including stress and metabolism, future studies should consider how other measures of physiology are also linked to problem solving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Misha K. Rowell
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, P.O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia;
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, James Cook University, P.O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Tasmin L. Rymer
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, P.O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia;
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, James Cook University, P.O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gargot T, Kisand H, Miguel A, Tanyeri S, Soron TR, Serene B, Feron G, Žaja N, Valdés-Florido MJ, Soto-Angona Ó, Frankova I. Preventing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the general population induced by trauma during the COVID pandemic: A simple brief intervention based on cognitive science that could be delivered digitally. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2021; 5:100193. [PMID: 38620807 PMCID: PMC7833821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2020.100193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Most of the recent studies indicated the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) are increasing after the COVID pandemic around the world. Bo et al. reported PTSS prevalence of 96.2% among the COVID-19-infected people. The sociocultural and individual vulnerability and protective factors may influence onset and maintenance of the symptoms. However, there is significant lack in understanding the risk factors and preventive factors that influence the maintenance of Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms that defines Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The digital technology gives us the unique opportunity to assess this risk, to monitor and track this evolution longitudinally. In this research project we aimed to design and develop a smartphone application for longitudinal data collection enabling to (1) predict and follow the evolution of PTSS toward PTSD, (2) assess the relative efficacy of several methods to prevent the evolution of PTSS right after exposure to trauma (1-24 h), (3) educate people about psychological effects that can occur during and after trauma, normalize acute distress and refer to professional help if a disorder is constituted. We hope that this research project will help to understand how to maximize the self help support during the acute phase (golden hours) after trauma to prevent the transition from PTSS to PTSD. A video abstract can be found on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZJehj3J8go&feature=emb_title.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gargot
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Excellence Center in Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders - Tours ExAC-T, CHRU Tours
- ISIR, Sorbonne Université, CHART Laboratory-EA 4004, Paris, France
- THIM, Paris 8 University, Saint Denis, France
| | - Helena Kisand
- University of Tatru, Estonia. EFPT Psychotherapy Working Group
| | - Ana Miguel
- Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - Selin Tanyeri
- Ege University, School of Medicine, Psychiatry Department, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Nikola Žaja
- University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Óscar Soto-Angona
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Iryna Frankova
- Bogomolets National Medical University, Medical Psychology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy Department, Kyiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Norepinephrine and glucocorticoid effects on the brain mechanisms underlying memory accuracy and generalization. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 108:103537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
|
9
|
Hodinka BL, Ashley NT. Effect of sleep loss on executive function and plasma corticosterone levels in an arctic-breeding songbird, the Lapland longspur (Calcarius lapponicus). Horm Behav 2020; 122:104764. [PMID: 32380084 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sleep is a fundamental component of vertebrate life, although its exact functions remain unclear. Animals deprived of sleep typically show reduced neurobiological performance, health, and in some cases, survival. However, a number of vertebrate taxa exhibit adaptations that permit normal activities even when sleep is reduced. Lapland longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus), arctic-breeding passerine birds, exhibit around-the-clock activity during their short breeding season, with an inactive period of ca. 4 h/day. Whether behavioral or physiological costs occur from sleep loss (SL) in this species is unknown. To assess the effects of SL, wild-caught male longspurs were placed in captivity (12L:12D) and trained for one month to successfully learn color association and spatial memory tasks. Birds were then placed in automated sleep fragmentation cages that utilize a moving wire to force movement every 1 min (60 arousals/h) during 12D (inactive period) or control conditions (during 12L; active period). After SL (or control) treatment, birds were presented with color association and spatial memory tasks a final time to assess executive function. Baseline plasma corticosterone concentration, body mass, and satiety were also measured. SL significantly elevated corticosterone levels and increased accuracy during color association recall but did not affect the overall time required to complete the task. SL had no effect upon spatial memory, body mass, or satiety. Taken together, these results suggest that Lapland longspurs exhibit a degree of behavioral, but not physiological, insensitivity to acute SL. Whether elevated plasma concentrations of corticosterone play a direct role in ameliorating cognitive deficits from SL require additional study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett L Hodinka
- Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA.
| | - Noah T Ashley
- Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Taylor JE, Lau H, Seymour B, Nakae A, Sumioka H, Kawato M, Koizumi A. An Evolutionarily Threat-Relevant Odor Strengthens Human Fear Memory. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:255. [PMID: 32425741 PMCID: PMC7212458 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfaction is an evolutionary ancient sense, but it remains unclear to what extent it can influence routine human behavior. We examined whether a threat-relevant predator odor (2-methyl-2-thiazoline) would contextually enhance the formation of human fear memory associations. Participants who learned to associate visual stimuli with electric shock in this predator odor context later showed stronger fear responses to the visual stimuli than participants who learned in an aversiveness-matched control odor context. This effect generalized to testing in another odor context, even after extinction training. Results of a separate experiment indicate that a possible biological mechanism for this effect may be increased cortisol levels in a predator odor context. These results suggest that innate olfactory processes can play an important role in human fear learning. Modulatory influences of odor contexts may partly explain the sometimes maladaptive persistence of human fear memory, e.g., in post-traumatic stress disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Taylor
- Department of Decoded Neurofeedback (DecNef), Computational Neuroscience Laboratories, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hakwan Lau
- Department of Decoded Neurofeedback (DecNef), Computational Neuroscience Laboratories, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Psychology, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ben Seymour
- Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Osaka, Japan.,Computational and Biological Learning Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Neural Computation for Decision-Making, Cognitive Mechanisms Laboratories, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Aya Nakae
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Sumioka
- Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kawato
- Department of Decoded Neurofeedback (DecNef), Computational Neuroscience Laboratories, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Kyoto, Japan.,Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Osaka, Japan
| | - Ai Koizumi
- Department of Decoded Neurofeedback (DecNef), Computational Neuroscience Laboratories, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Kyoto, Japan.,Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Osaka, Japan.,Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bed nuclei of the stria terminalis modulate memory consolidation via glucocorticoid-dependent and -independent circuits. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:8104-8114. [PMID: 32193346 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1915501117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
There is extensive evidence that glucocorticoid hormones enhance memory consolidation, helping to ensure that emotionally significant events are well remembered. Prior findings suggest that the anteroventral region of bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (avBST) regulates glucocorticoid release, suggesting the potential for avBST activity to influence memory consolidation following an emotionally arousing learning event. To investigate this issue, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent inhibitory avoidance training and repeated measurement of stress hormones, immediately followed by optogenetic manipulations of either the avBST or its projections to downstream regions, and 48 h later were tested for retention. The results indicate that avBST inhibition augmented posttraining pituitary-adrenal output and enhanced the memory for inhibitory avoidance training. Pretreatment with a glucocorticoid synthesis inhibitor blocked the memory enhancement as well as the potentiated corticosterone response, indicating the dependence of the memory enhancement on glucocorticoid release during the immediate posttraining period. In contrast, posttraining avBST stimulation decreased retention yet had no effect on stress hormonal output. Subsequent experiments revealed that inhibition of avBST input to the paraventricular hypothalamus enhanced stress hormonal output and subsequent retention, whereas stimulation did not affect either. Conversely, stimulation-but not inhibition-of avBST input to the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray impaired consolidation, whereas neither manipulation affected glucocorticoid secretion. These findings indicate that divergent pathways from the avBST are responsible for the mnemonic effects of avBST inhibition versus stimulation and do so via glucocorticoid-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively.
Collapse
|
12
|
Lesuis SL, Timmermans W, Lucassen PJ, Hoogenraad CC, Krugers HJ. Glucocorticoid and β-adrenergic regulation of hippocampal dendritic spines. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12811. [PMID: 31715030 PMCID: PMC7003927 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones are particularly potent with respect to enhancing memory formation. Notably, this occurs in close synergy with arousal (i.e., when norepinephrine levels are enhanced). In the present study, we examined whether glucocorticoid and norepinephrine hormones regulate the number of spines in hippocampal primary neurons. We report that brief administration of corticosterone or the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol alone increases spine number. This effect becomes particularly prominent when corticosterone and isoproterenol are administered together. In parallel, corticosterone and isoproterenol alone increased the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, an effect that is not amplified when both hormones are administered together. The effects of co-application of corticosterone and isoproterenol on spines could be prevented by blocking the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486. Taken together, both corticosterone and β-adrenergic receptor activation increase spine number, and they exert additive effects on spine number for which activation of glucocorticoid receptors is permissive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L. Lesuis
- SILS‐CNSUniversiteit van AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Neurosciences and Mental HealthHospital for Sick Children Research InstituteUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | | | | | - Casper C. Hoogenraad
- Cell BiologyDepartment of BiologyFaculty of ScienceUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ding J, da Silva MS, Lingeman J, Chen X, Shi Y, Han F, Meijer OC. Late glucocorticoid receptor antagonism changes the outcome of adult life stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 107:169-178. [PMID: 31132569 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stressors activate a wide spectrum of interacting hormonal and neuronal systems resulting in behavioral and physiological responses, with consequences for the development of psychopathology. Several recent studies demonstrated that treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486 during adulthood normalized effects of early life stress. We aimed to evaluate the potential of RU486 to reverse stress-induced changes in an animal model of adult stress. METHOD We employed the single-prolonged stress (SPS) model as a multimodal stress exposure protocol in male rats. SPS rats and unstressed controls were treated with RU486 on days 8, 9, 10 after stress exposure and the effects of treatment were evaluated after another 4 days. We determined body weight gain, corticosterone levels, behavioral reactivity in anxiety tests, and brain gene expression of c-fos, corticosteroid receptors, drivers of the stress response and genes (epi-)genitally linked to PTSD. RESULTS RU486 affected body weight gain, corticosterone levels and open field behavior only in SPS rats. RU486 had history-independent effects in reducing fear in the elevated plus maze and fear conditioning behavior. Gene expression analysis showed a diversity of in- and interdependent effects of stress and RU486. CONCLUSION The effects of RU486 applied 1 week after stress and measured 4 days after treatment demonstrate that in the state of post-SPS the GR-dependence of homeostatic processes has changed. This suggests that GR-mediated processes are part of allostatic regulation after adult stress. The normalization of a number of SPS-effects after RU486 treatment reinforces the potential of targeting GR for treatment of stress-related psychopathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinlan Ding
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; PTSD Lab, Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Marcia Santos da Silva
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanthe Lingeman
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xinzhao Chen
- PTSD Lab, Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yuxiu Shi
- PTSD Lab, Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Fang Han
- PTSD Lab, Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Corticosteroids and Cognition: A Meta-Analysis. Neuropsychol Rev 2019; 29:288-312. [DOI: 10.1007/s11065-019-09405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
15
|
Glucocorticoid-induced enhancement of extinction-from animal models to clinical trials. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:183-199. [PMID: 30610352 PMCID: PMC6373196 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extensive evidence from both animal model and human research indicates that glucocorticoid hormones are crucially involved in modulating memory performance. Glucocorticoids, which are released during stressful or emotionally arousing experiences, enhance the consolidation of new memories, including extinction memory, but reduce the retrieval of previously stored memories. These memory-modulating properties of glucocorticoids have recently received considerable interest for translational purposes because strong aversive memories lie at the core of several fear-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias. Moreover, exposure-based psychological treatment of these disorders relies on successful fear extinction. In this review, we argue that glucocorticoid-based interventions facilitate fear extinction by reducing the retrieval of aversive memories and enhancing the consolidation of extinction memories. Several clinical trials have already indicated that glucocorticoids might be indeed helpful in the treatment of fear-related disorders.
Collapse
|
16
|
Meir Drexler S, Merz CJ, Jentsch VL, Wolf OT. How stress and glucocorticoids timing-dependently affect extinction and relapse. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 98:145-153. [PMID: 30594494 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, various research groups aimed to augment extinction learning (the most important underlying mechanism of exposure therapy) using glucocorticoids (GCs), in particular the stress hormone cortisol. In this review, we introduce the STaR (Stress Timing affects Relapse) model, a theoretical model of the timing-dependent effects of stress/GCs treatment on extinction and relapse. In particular, we show that (1) pre-extinction stress/GCs promote memory consolidation in a context-independent manner, making extinction memory more resistant to relapse following context change. (2) Post-extinction stress also enhances extinction consolidation, but in a context-bound manner. These differences may result from the timing-dependent effects of cortisol on emotional memory contextualization. At the neural level, extinction facilitation is reflected in alterations in the amygdala-hippocampal-prefrontal cortex network. (3) Stress/GCs before a retrieval test impair extinction retrieval and promote relapse. This may result from strengthening amygdala signaling or disruption of the inhibitory functioning of the prefrontal cortex. The STaR model can contribute to the understanding and prevention of relapse processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shira Meir Drexler
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian J Merz
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Valerie L Jentsch
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver T Wolf
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Time course of memory formation for an appetitive, one-trial, water-reward task in day-old chicks. Behav Processes 2018; 158:151-154. [PMID: 30458227 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Researchers studying learning and memory in the day-old chick have developed a one-trial taste avoidance learning task, in which a chick pecks a bead coated with an aversive-tasting liquid such as methylanthranilate. The current study examined, in two experiments, whether chicks could demonstrate learning of an appetitive version of the one-trial task, and how long this memory might last. The results demonstrate that chicks show significantly decreased latencies to peck a test bead similar to that pecked at training coated with water, and that this memory lasted for at least 6 h after training. These results demonstrate that this appetitive task produces significant learning.
Collapse
|
18
|
Sazma MA, Shields GS, Yonelinas AP. The effects of post-encoding stress and glucocorticoids on episodic memory in humans and rodents. Brain Cogn 2018; 133:12-23. [PMID: 31178013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
It is now well established that acute stress shortly after encoding (i.e., post-encoding stress) can benefit episodic memory. In the current paper, we briefly review the human literature examining the effects of post-encoding stress on episodic memory, and we relate that literature to studies of post-encoding manipulations of cortisol in humans, as well as studies of post-encoding stress and administration of corticosterone on analogous memory tasks in rodents. An examination of the literature reveals several important gaps in our understanding of stress and memory. For example, although the human literature shows that post-encoding stress generally improves memory, these effects are not observed if stress occurs in a different context from learning. Moreover, the rodent literature shows that post-encoding stress generally impairs memory instead of improving it, and these effects depend on whether the animal is habituated to the learning context prior to encoding. Although many aspects of the results support a cellular consolidation account of post-encoding stress, we present possible modifications, such as a network reset, to better account for the data. We also suggest that it is important to incorporate ideas of contextual binding in order to understanding the effects of post-encoding stress and glucocorticoids on memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Sazma
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95618, USA.
| | - Grant S Shields
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Andrew P Yonelinas
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95618, USA; Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD: Are memory reconsolidation and fear extinction underlying mechanisms? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018. [PMID: 29524515 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD has recently progressed to Phase 3 clinical trials and received Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA. MDMA used as an adjunct during psychotherapy sessions has demonstrated effectiveness and acceptable safety in reducing PTSD symptoms in Phase 2 trials, with durable remission of PTSD diagnosis in 68% of participants. The underlying psychological and neurological mechanisms for the robust effects in mitigating PTSD are being investigated in animal models and in studies of healthy volunteers. This review explores the potential role of memory reconsolidation and fear extinction during MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. MDMA enhances release of monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine), hormones (oxytocin, cortisol), and other downstream signaling molecules (BDNF) to dynamically modulate emotional memory circuits. By reducing activation in brain regions implicated in the expression of fear- and anxiety-related behaviors, namely the amygdala and insula, and increasing connectivity between the amygdala and hippocampus, MDMA may allow for reprocessing of traumatic memories and emotional engagement with therapeutic processes. Based on the pharmacology of MDMA and the available translational literature of memory reconsolidation, fear learning, and PTSD, this review suggests a neurobiological rationale to explain, at least in part, the large effect sizes demonstrated for MDMA in treating PTSD.
Collapse
|
20
|
Vogel S, Kluen LM, Fernández G, Schwabe L. Stress affects the neural ensemble for integrating new information and prior knowledge. Neuroimage 2018; 173:176-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
|
21
|
Abstract
Rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) is a unique phenomenon essential for maintaining normal physiological processes and is expressed at least in species higher in the evolution. The basic scaffold of the neuronal network responsible for REMS regulation is present in the brainstem, which may be directly or indirectly influenced by most other physiological processes. It is regulated by the neurons in the brainstem. Various manipulations including chemical, elec-trophysiological, lesion, stimulation, behavioral, ontogenic and deprivation studies have been designed to understand REMS genesis, maintenance, physiology and functional significance. Although each of these methods has its significance and limitations, deprivation studies have contributed significantly to the overall understanding of REMS. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of various methods used for REMS deprivation (REMSD) to understand neural regulation and physiological significance of REMS. Among the deprivation strategies, the flowerpot method is by far the method of choice because it is simple and convenient, exploits physiological parameter (muscle atonia) for REMSD and allows conducting adequate controls to overcome experimental limitations as well as to rule out nonspecific effects. Notwithstanding, a major criticism that the flowerpot method faces is that of perceived stress experienced by the experimental animals. Nevertheless, we conclude that like most methods, particularly for in vivo behavioral studies, in spite of a few limitations, given the advantages described above, the flowerpot method is the best method of choice for REMSD studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachna Mehta
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Amity Institute of Neuropsychology & Neurosciences, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Shafa Khan
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Durães D, Carneiro D, Jiménez A, Novais P. Characterizing attentive behavior in intelligent environments. Neurocomputing 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2017.05.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
23
|
Frank TD, Kiyatkin A, Cheong A, Kholodenko BN. Three-factor models versus time series models: quantifying time-dependencies of interactions between stimuli in cell biology and psychobiology for short longitudinal data. MATHEMATICAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY-A JOURNAL OF THE IMA 2017; 34:177-191. [PMID: 27079221 DOI: 10.1093/imammb/dqw001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Signal integration determines cell fate on the cellular level, affects cognitive processes and affective responses on the behavioural level, and is likely to be involved in psychoneurobiological processes underlying mood disorders. Interactions between stimuli may subjected to time effects. Time-dependencies of interactions between stimuli typically lead to complex cell responses and complex responses on the behavioural level. We show that both three-factor models and time series models can be used to uncover such time-dependencies. However, we argue that for short longitudinal data the three factor modelling approach is more suitable. In order to illustrate both approaches, we re-analysed previously published short longitudinal data sets. We found that in human embryonic kidney 293 cells cells the interaction effect in the regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 signalling activation by insulin and epidermal growth factor is subjected to a time effect and dramatically decays at peak values of ERK activation. In contrast, we found that the interaction effect induced by hypoxia and tumour necrosis factor-alpha for the transcriptional activity of the human cyclo-oxygenase-2 promoter in HEK293 cells is time invariant at least in the first 12-h time window after stimulation. Furthermore, we applied the three-factor model to previously reported animal studies. In these studies, memory storage was found to be subjected to an interaction effect of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol and certain antagonists acting on the alpha-1-adrenoceptor / glucocorticoid-receptor system. Our model-based analysis suggests that only if the antagonist drug is administer in a critical time window, then the interaction effect is relevant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Till D Frank
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Anatoly Kiyatkin
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Alex Cheong
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Boris N Kholodenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
LaLumiere RT, McGaugh JL, McIntyre CK. Emotional Modulation of Learning and Memory: Pharmacological Implications. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 69:236-255. [PMID: 28420719 DOI: 10.1124/pr.116.013474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Memory consolidation involves the process by which newly acquired information becomes stored in a long-lasting fashion. Evidence acquired over the past several decades, especially from studies using post-training drug administration, indicates that emotional arousal during the consolidation period influences and enhances the strength of the memory and that multiple different chemical signaling systems participate in this process. The mechanisms underlying the emotional influences on memory involve the release of stress hormones and activation of the basolateral amygdala, which work together to modulate memory consolidation. Moreover, work suggests that this amygdala-based memory modulation occurs with numerous types of learning and involves interactions with many different brain regions to alter consolidation. Additionally, studies suggest that emotional arousal and amygdala activity in particular influence synaptic plasticity and associated proteins in downstream brain regions. This review considers the historical understanding for memory modulation and cellular consolidation processes and examines several research areas currently using this foundational knowledge to develop therapeutic treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T LaLumiere
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (R.T.L.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California (J.L.M.); and School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, Texas (C.K.M.)
| | - James L McGaugh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (R.T.L.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California (J.L.M.); and School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, Texas (C.K.M.)
| | - Christa K McIntyre
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (R.T.L.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California (J.L.M.); and School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, Texas (C.K.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Siller-Pérez C, Serafín N, Prado-Alcalá RA, Roozendaal B, Quirarte GL. Glucocorticoid administration into the dorsolateral but not dorsomedial striatum accelerates the shift from a spatial toward procedural memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 141:124-133. [PMID: 28366865 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid stress hormones are known to enhance the consolidation of hippocampus-dependent spatial and contextual memory. Recent findings indicate that glucocorticoids also enhance the consolidation of procedural memory that relies on the dorsal striatum. The dorsal striatum can be functionally subdivided into the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), which is primarily implicated in shaping procedural memories, and the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), which is engaged in spatial memory. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that posttraining glucocorticoid administration into the DLS promotes the formation of a procedural memory that will normally take place only with extensive training. Male Wistar rats were trained to find a reward in a cross maze that can be solved through either place or response learning. Rats received four trials per day for 5days, a probe trial on Day 6, further training on Days 7-13, and an additional probe trial on Day 14. On Days 2-4 of training, they received posttraining infusions of corticosterone (10 or 30ng) or vehicle into either the DLS or DMS. Rats treated with vehicle into either the DLS or DMS displayed place learning on Day 6 and response learning on Day 14, indicating a shift in control of learned behavior toward a habit-like procedural strategy with extended training. Rats administered corticosterone (10ng) into the DLS displayed response learning on both Days 6 and 14, indicating an accelerated shift to response learning. In contrast, corticosterone administered posttraining into the DMS did not significantly alter the shift from place to response learning. These findings indicate that glucocorticoid administration into the DLS enhances memory consolidation of procedural learning and thereby influences the timing of the switch from the use of spatial/contextual memory to habit-like procedural memory to guide behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Siller-Pérez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, UNAM Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro., Mexico.
| | - Norma Serafín
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, UNAM Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro., Mexico.
| | - Roberto A Prado-Alcalá
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, UNAM Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro., Mexico.
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Gina L Quirarte
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, UNAM Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro., Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
The glucocorticoid response in a free-living bird predicts whether long-lasting memories fade or strengthen with time. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
27
|
Playful activity post-learning improves training performance in Labrador Retriever dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Physiol Behav 2016; 168:62-73. [PMID: 27777045 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Situations that are emotional and arousing have an effect on cognitive performance. It is thought that beta adrenergic activation and the release of stress hormones enhance memory consolidation and lead to an increase in memorability of emotional events. This beneficial effect has been shown in humans, non-human primates and rodents. Techniques which could enhance memory for learning specific tasks would be highly valuable, especially in dogs, which are extensively trained to aid humans. A pseudo-randomized, counterbalanced, between subject study designs was utilised and 16 Labrador Retrievers ranging from 1 to 9years of age were trained in a 2-choice discrimination paradigm. After task acquisition, either a playful activity intervention (N=8) or a resting period (N=8) took place, lasting for 30min. A range of factors including age, sex, training experience and trials to criterion on each day was subjected to a multiple factor/covariate General Linear Model analysis. The results show that playful activity post-learning improved training performance evidenced by fewer trials needed to re-learn the task 24h after initial acquisition (playful activity group: mean number of trials 26, SD 6; resting group: mean number of trials 43, SD 19, effect size 1.2). Average heart rate, as a measure of arousal, during the intervention was significantly higher in the playful activity group (143beats/min, SD 16) versus the resting group (86beats/min, SD 19, P<0.001). Salivary cortisol did not significantly differ between groups during training, however a significant decrease (T: -4.1 P<0.01) was seen after the playful activity. To our knowledge this is the first evidence that posttraining activity may influence training performance in dogs.
Collapse
|
28
|
Rickard NS, Toukhsati SR, Field SE. The Effect of Music on Cognitive Performance: Insight From Neurobiological and Animal Studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 4:235-61. [PMID: 16585799 DOI: 10.1177/1534582305285869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The past 50 years have seen numerous claims that music exposure enhances human cognitive performance. Critical evaluation of studies across a variety of contexts, however, reveals important methodological weaknesses. The current article argues that an interdisciplinary approach is required to advance this research. A case is made for the use of appropriate animal models to avoid many confounds associated with human music research. Although such research has validity limitations for humans, reductionist methodology enables a more controlled exploration of music's elementary effects. This article also explores candidate mechanisms for this putative effect. A review of neurobiological evidence from human and comparative animal studies confirms that musical stimuli modify autonomic and neurochemical arousal indices, and may also modify synaptic plasticity. It is proposed that understanding how music affects animals provides a valuable conjunct to human research and may be vital in uncovering how music might be used to enhance cognitive performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikki S Rickard
- School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xiong H, Cassé F, Zhou M, Xiong ZQ, Joels M, Martin S, Krugers HJ. Interactions between N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor and GluA2 contribute to effects of glucocorticoid hormones on AMPA receptor function in the rodent hippocampus. Hippocampus 2016; 26:848-56. [PMID: 26766634 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones, via activation of their receptors, promote memory consolidation, but the exact underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We examined how corticosterone regulates AMPA receptor (AMPAR) availability in the synapse, which is important for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Peptides which specifically block the interaction between N-Ethylmaleimide-Sensitive Factor (NSF) and the AMPAR-subunit GluA2 prevented the increase in synaptic transmission and surface expression of AMPARs known to occur after corticosterone application to hippocampal neurons. Combining a live imaging Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) approach with the use of the pH-sensitive GFP-AMPAR tagging revealed that this NSF/GluA2 interaction was also essential for the increase of the mobile fraction and reduction of the diffusion of AMPARs after treating hippocampal neurons with corticosterone. We conclude that the interaction between NSF and GluA2 contributes to the effects of corticosterone on AMPAR function. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Cassé
- Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique, University of Nice - Sophia-Antipolis Institut De Pharmacologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire, UMR7275, Valbonne, 06560, France
| | - Ming Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 20031, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Stéphane Martin
- Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique, University of Nice - Sophia-Antipolis Institut De Pharmacologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire, UMR7275, Valbonne, 06560, France
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cognitive Adaptation under Stress: A Case for the Mineralocorticoid Receptor. Trends Cogn Sci 2016; 20:192-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
31
|
Ontogeny of memory: An update on 40 years of work on infantile amnesia. Behav Brain Res 2016; 298:4-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
32
|
Pearson-Leary J, Osborne DM, McNay EC. Role of Glia in Stress-Induced Enhancement and Impairment of Memory. Front Integr Neurosci 2016; 9:63. [PMID: 26793072 PMCID: PMC4707238 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2015.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Both acute and chronic stress profoundly affect hippocampally-dependent learning and memory: moderate stress generally enhances, while chronic or extreme stress can impair, neural and cognitive processes. Within the brain, stress elevates both norepinephrine and glucocorticoids, and both affect several genomic and signaling cascades responsible for modulating memory strength. Memories formed at times of stress can be extremely strong, yet stress can also impair memory to the point of amnesia. Often overlooked in consideration of the impact of stress on cognitive processes, and specifically memory, is the important contribution of glia as a target for stress-induced changes. Astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes all have unique contributions to learning and memory. Furthermore, these three types of glia express receptors for both norepinephrine and glucocorticoids and are hence immediate targets of stress hormone actions. It is becoming increasingly clear that inflammatory cytokines and immunomodulatory molecules released by glia during stress may promote many of the behavioral effects of acute and chronic stress. In this review, the role of traditional genomic and rapid hormonal mechanisms working in concert with glia to affect stress-induced learning and memory will be emphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiah Pearson-Leary
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ewan C McNay
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Biology, University at Albany Albany, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Morena M, Patel S, Bains JS, Hill MN. Neurobiological Interactions Between Stress and the Endocannabinoid System. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:80-102. [PMID: 26068727 PMCID: PMC4677118 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 396] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress affects a constellation of physiological systems in the body and evokes a rapid shift in many neurobehavioral processes. A growing body of work indicates that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is an integral regulator of the stress response. In the current review, we discuss the evidence to date that demonstrates stress-induced regulation of eCB signaling and the consequential role changes in eCB signaling have with respect to many of the effects of stress. Across a wide array of stress paradigms, studies have generally shown that stress evokes bidirectional changes in the two eCB molecules, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), with stress exposure reducing AEA levels and increasing 2-AG levels. Additionally, in almost every brain region examined, exposure to chronic stress reliably causes a downregulation or loss of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. With respect to the functional role of changes in eCB signaling during stress, studies have demonstrated that the decline in AEA appears to contribute to the manifestation of the stress response, including activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and increases in anxiety behavior, while the increased 2-AG signaling contributes to termination and adaptation of the HPA axis, as well as potentially contributing to changes in pain perception, memory and synaptic plasticity. More so, translational studies have shown that eCB signaling in humans regulates many of the same domains and appears to be a critical component of stress regulation, and impairments in this system may be involved in the vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric conditions, such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Collectively, these data create a compelling argument that eCB signaling is an important regulatory system in the brain that largely functions to buffer against many of the effects of stress and that dynamic changes in this system contribute to different aspects of the stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Morena
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Psychiatry, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt-Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada, Tel: +1 403 220 8466, Fax: +1 403 283 2700, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Osborne DM, Pearson-Leary J, McNay EC. The neuroenergetics of stress hormones in the hippocampus and implications for memory. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:164. [PMID: 25999811 PMCID: PMC4422005 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute stress causes rapid release of norepinephrine (NE) and glucocorticoids (GCs), both of which bind to hippocampal receptors. This release continues, at varying concentrations, for several hours following the stressful event, and has powerful effects on hippocampally-dependent memory that generally promote acquisition and consolidation while impairing retrieval. Several studies have characterized the brain's energy usage both at baseline and during memory processing, but there are few data on energy requirements of memory processes under stressful conditions. Because memory is enhanced by emotional arousal such as during stress, it is likely that molecular memory processes under these conditions differ from those under non-stressful conditions that do not activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Mobilization of peripheral and central energy stores during stress may increase hippocampal glucose metabolism that enhances salience and detail to facilitate memory enhancement. Several pathways activated by the HPA axis affect neural energy supply and metabolism, and may also prevent detrimental damage associated with chronic stress. We hypothesize that alterations in hippocampal metabolism during stress are key to understanding the effects of stress hormones on hippocampally-dependent memory formation. Second, we suggest that the effects of stress on hippocampal metabolism are bi-directional: within minutes, NE promotes glucose metabolism, while hours into the stress response GCs act to suppress metabolism. These bi-directional effects of NE and GCs on glucose metabolism may occur at least in part through direct modulation of glucose transporter-4. In contrast, chronic stress and prolonged elevation of hippocampal GCs cause chronically suppressed glucose metabolism, excitotoxicity and subsequent memory deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiah Pearson-Leary
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ewan C McNay
- Behavioral Neuroscience, University at Albany Albany, NY, USA ; Biology, University at Albany Albany, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Xiong H, Krugers HJ. Tuning hippocampal synapses by stress-hormones: Relevance for emotional memory formation. Brain Res 2015; 1621:114-20. [PMID: 25907153 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
While stress is often associated with an increased risk to develop (psycho) pathology, the initial response after exposure to stressors is often highly beneficial and allows individuals to optimally cope with challenging situations. Various neurotransmitters and neuromodulators - such as catecholamines and glucocorticoids - are released upon exposure to stressors and regulate behavioural adaptation to stress and enhance the storage of salient information. Studies over the past years have revealed that catecholamines and glucocorticoids regulate synaptic function and synaptic plasticity - which underlie memory formation - in a highly dynamic manner. In this brief review we will summarise how catecholamines and glucocorticoids regulate synaptic function and discuss how these effects may contribute to acquisition and storage of emotional information. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Post-training corticosterone inhibits the return of fear evoked by platform stress and a subthreshold conditioning procedure in Sprague-Dawley rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 133:43-50. [PMID: 25818040 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The return of fear is an important issue in anxiety disorder research. Each time a fear memory is reactivated, it may further strengthen overactivation of the fear circuit, which may contribute to long-term maintenance of the fear memory. Recent evidence indicates that glucocorticoids may help attenuate pathological fear, but its role in the return of fear is unclear. In the present study, systemic corticosterone (CORT; 25mg/kg) administration 1h after fear conditioning did not impair the consolidation process but significantly suppressed the return of fear evoked by a subthreshold conditioning (SC) procedure and elevated platform (EP) stress. Compared with the SC-induced return of fear, acute stress-induced return was state-dependent. In addition, post-training CORT treatment increased the adrenocorticotropic response after EP stress, which indicates that the drug-induced suppression of the return of fear may possibly derive from its regulation effect of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity to stress. These results suggest that post-training CORT administration may help inhibit the return of fear evoked by EP or SC stress. The possible mechanisms involved in the high-dose CORT-induced suppression of the SC- and EP-induced return of fear are discussed.
Collapse
|
37
|
Affiliation(s)
- James L. McGaugh
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3800;
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Xing X, Wang H, Liang J, Bai Y, Liu Z, Zheng X. Mineralocorticoid receptors in the ventral hippocampus are involved in extinction memory in rats. Psych J 2014; 3:201-13. [DOI: 10.1002/pchj.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Xing
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Jing Liang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Yunjing Bai
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Zhengkui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Xigeng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Vermetten E, Zhohar J, Krugers HJ. Pharmacotherapy in the aftermath of trauma; opportunities in the 'golden hours'. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2014; 16:455. [PMID: 24890991 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-014-0455-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of research have demonstrated that memories for fearful events become transiently labile upon re-exposure. Activation of molecular mechanisms is required in order to maintain retrieved information. This process is called reconsolidation. Targeting reconsolidation - as in exposure-based psychotherapy - offers therefore a potentially interesting tool to manipulate fear memories, and subsequently to treat disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this paper we discuss the evidence for reconsolidation in rodents and humans and highlight recent studies in which clinical research on normal and abnormal fear extinction reduction of the expression of fear was obtained by targeting the process of reconsolidation. We conclude that reconsolidation presents an interesting opportunity to modify or alter fear and fear-related memories. More clinical research on normal and abnormal fear extinction is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vermetten
- Department Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center Utrecht, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Richard S, Davies DC, Faure JM. The role of fear in one-trial passive avoidance learning in Japanese quail chicks genetically selected for long or short duration of the tonic immobility reaction. Behav Processes 2014; 48:165-70. [PMID: 24894368 DOI: 10.1016/s0376-6357(99)00082-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/1999] [Revised: 11/22/1999] [Accepted: 12/03/1999] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Emotional arousal has been shown to affect learning in mammals, but little is known about the relationship between fear and learning in birds. In order to investigate this relationship, the learning abilities of Japanese quail chicks from lines that have been divergently selected for high or low levels of underlying fearfulness, as measured by the duration of tonic immobility behaviour, were compared. Day-old chicks from both lines were trained in a one-trial passive avoidance task. In this task, young chicks spontaneously peck at a small, visually conspicuous bead. If the bead has been coated with a gustatory aversant, the chicks learn in a single trial not to peck a similar, uncoated bead upon subsequent presentation. Significantly more chicks of the low fear line pecked the training bead compared to those of the high fear line. However, 2 h later, chicks of both lines trained on a methyl anthranilate-coated bead showed similar avoidance of the test bead. Therefore, although fear affected performance during training, it did not appear to directly affect memory formation in this task.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Richard
- Station de Recherches Avicoles, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - D C Davies
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - J M Faure
- Station de Recherches Avicoles, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sarabdjitsingh RA, Zhou M, Yau JL, Webster SP, Walker BR, Seckl JR, Joëls M, Krugers HJ. Inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 prevents stress effects on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and impairs contextual fear conditioning. Neuropharmacology 2014; 81:231-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
42
|
Paradoxical mineralocorticoid receptor-mediated effect in fear memory encoding and expression of rats submitted to an olfactory fear conditioning task. Neuropharmacology 2014; 79:201-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
43
|
Mineralocorticoid receptors guide spatial and stimulus-response learning in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86236. [PMID: 24465979 PMCID: PMC3897662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal corticosteroid hormones act via mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the brain, influencing learning and memory. MRs have been implicated in the initial behavioral response in novel situations, which includes behavioral strategies in learning tasks. Different strategies can be used to solve navigational tasks, for example hippocampus-dependent spatial or striatum-dependent stimulus-response strategies. Previous studies suggested that MRs are involved in spatial learning and induce a shift between learning strategies when animals are allowed a choice between both strategies. In the present study, we further explored the role of MRs in spatial and stimulus-response learning in two separate circular holeboard tasks using female mice with forebrain-specific MR deficiency and MR overexpression and their wildtype control littermates. In addition, we studied sex-specific effects using male and female MR-deficient mice. First, we found that MR-deficient compared to control littermates and MR-overexpressing mice display altered exploratory and searching behavior indicative of impaired acquisition of novel information. Second, female (but not male) MR-deficient mice were impaired in the spatial task, while MR-overexpressing female mice showed improved performance in the spatial task. Third, MR-deficient mice were also impaired in the stimulus-response task compared to controls and (in the case of females) MR-overexpressing mice. We conclude that MRs are important for coordinating the processing of information relevant for spatial as well as stimulus-response learning.
Collapse
|
44
|
The endocannabinoid system: an emotional buffer in the modulation of memory function. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 112:30-43. [PMID: 24382324 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Extensive evidence indicates that endocannabinoids modulate cognitive processes in animal models and human subjects. However, the results of endocannabinoid system manipulations on cognition have been contradictory. As for anxiety behavior, a duality has indeed emerged with regard to cannabinoid effects on memory for emotional experiences. Here we summarize findings describing cannabinoid effects on memory acquisition, consolidation, retrieval and extinction. Additionally, we review findings showing how the endocannabinoid system modulates memory function differentially, depending on the level of stress and arousal associated with the experimental context. Based on the evidence reviewed here, we propose that the endocannabinoid system is an emotional buffer that moderates the effects of environmental context and stress on cognitive processes.
Collapse
|
45
|
Akirav I. Cannabinoids and glucocorticoids modulate emotional memory after stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:2554-63. [PMID: 23954749 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Bidirectional and functional relationships between glucocorticoids and the endocannabinoid system have been demonstrated. Here, I review the interaction between the endocannabinoid and glucocorticoid/stress systems. Specifically, stress is known to produce rapid changes in endocannabinoid signaling in stress-responsive brain regions. In turn, the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the downregulation and habituation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity in response to stress. Glucocorticoids also recruit the endocannabinoid system to exert rapid negative feedback control of the HPA axis during stress. It became increasingly clear, however, that cannabinoid CB1 receptors are also abundantly expressed in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and other limbic regions where they modulate emotional arousal effects on memory. Enhancing cannabinoids signaling using exogenous CB1 receptor agonists prevent the effects of acute stress on emotional memory. I propose a model suggesting that the ameliorating effects of exogenously administered cannabinoids on emotional learning after acute stress are mediated by the decrease in the activity of the HPA axis via GABAergic mechanisms in the amygdala.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Michalopoulou PG, Lewis SW, Wykes T, Jaeger J, Kapur S. Treating impaired cognition in schizophrenia: the case for combining cognitive-enhancing drugs with cognitive remediation. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 23:790-8. [PMID: 23619163 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a well-documented feature of schizophrenia and represents a major impediment to the functional recovery of patients. The therapeutic strategies to improve cognition in schizophrenia have either used medications (collectively referred to as 'cognitive-enhancing drugs' in this article) or non-pharmacological training approaches ('cognitive remediation'). Cognitive-enhancing drugs have not as yet been successful and cognitive remediation has shown modest success. Therefore, we may need to explore new therapeutic paradigms to improve cognition in schizophrenia. The optimal approach may require a combination of cognitive-enhancing drugs with cognitive remediation. We review the available data from animal and human studies that provide the conceptual basis, proof-of-concept and illustrations of success of such combination strategies in experimental and clinical paradigms in other conditions. We address the major design issues relevant to the choice of the cognitive-enhancing drugs and cognitive remediation, as well as the timing and the duration of the intervention as will be relevant for schizophrenia. Finally, we address the practical realities of the development and testing of such combined approaches in the real-world clinical situation and conclude that while scientifically attractive, there are several practical difficulties to be overcome for this approach to be clinically feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota G Michalopoulou
- Section on Schizophrenia, Imaging and Therapeutics, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Although forgetting is the common fate of most of our experiences, much evidence indicates that emotional arousal enhances the storage of memories, thus serving to create, selectively, lasting memories of our more important experiences. The neurobiological systems mediating emotional arousal and memory are very closely linked. The adrenal stress hormones epinephrine and corticosterone released by emotional arousal regulate the consolidation of long-term memory. The amygdala plays a critical role in mediating these stress hormone influences. The release of norepinephrine in the amygdala and the activation of noradrenergic receptors are essential for stress hormone-induced memory enhancement. The findings of both animal and human studies provide compelling evidence that stress-induced activation of the amygdala and its interactions with other brain regions involved in processing memory play a critical role in ensuring that emotionally significant experiences are well-remembered. Recent research has determined that some human subjects have highly superior autobiographic memory of their daily experiences and that there are structural differences in the brains of these subjects compared with the brains of subjects who do not have such memory. Understanding of neurobiological bases of such exceptional memory may provide additional insights into the processes underlying the selectivity of memory.
Collapse
|
48
|
Stress and excitatory synapses: from health to disease. Neuroscience 2013; 248:626-36. [PMID: 23727506 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Individuals are exposed to stressful events in their daily life. The effects of stress on brain function ranges from highly adaptive to increasing the risk to develop psychopathology. For example, stressful experiences are remembered well which can be seen as a highly appropriate behavioral adaptation. On the other hand, stress is an important risk factor, in susceptible individuals, for depression and anxiety. An important question that remains to be addressed is how stress regulates brain function and what determines the threshold between adaptive and maladaptive responses. Excitatory synapses play a crucial role in synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity and behavioral adaptation. In this review we discuss how brief and prolonged exposure to stress, in adulthood and early life, regulate the function of these synapses, and how these effects may contribute to behavioral adaptation and psychopathology.
Collapse
|
49
|
Pielock SM, Sommer S, Hauber W. Post-training glucocorticoid receptor activation during Pavlovian conditioning reduces Pavlovian-instrumental transfer in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 104:125-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
50
|
Nemati F, Kolb B, Metz GA. Stress and risk avoidance by exploring rats: Implications for stress management in fear-related behaviours. Behav Processes 2013; 94:89-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|