1
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Guoynes CD, Marler CA. Acute intranasal oxytocin dose enhances social preference for parents over peers in male but not female peri-adolescent California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 335:114230. [PMID: 36781024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Peri-adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by profound changes in the valence of social interactions with parents and peers. We hypothesized that the oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) systems, known for influencing social behavior, would be involved in the maintenance and breaking of bonding behavior expressed by very early peri-adolescent males and females. In rodents, OXT is associated with mother-pup bonding and may promote social attachment to members of the natal territory. AVP, on the other hand, can act in contrasting ways to OXT and has been associated with aggression and territoriality. Specifically, we predicted that in peri-adolescent male and female juveniles of the biparental and territorial California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), a) OXT would increase the social preferences for the parents over unfamiliar age-matched peers (one male and one female), and b) AVP would break the parent-offspring bond and either increase time in the neutral chamber and/or approach to their unfamiliar and novel peers. We examined anxiety and exploratory behavior using an elevated plus maze and a novel object task as a control. Peri-adolescent mice were administered an acute intranasal (IN) treatment of 0.5 IU/kg IN AVP, 0.5 IU/kg IN OXT, or saline control; five minutes later, the behavioral tests were conducted. As predicted, we found that IN OXT enhanced social preference for parents; however, this was only in male and not female peri-adolescent mice. IN AVP did not influence social preference in either sex. These effects appear specific to social behavior and not anxiety, as neither IN OXT nor AVP influenced behavior during the elevated plus maze or novel object tasks. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence indicating that OXT may play a role in promoting peri-adolescent social preferences for parents and delaying weaning in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh D Guoynes
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Catherine A Marler
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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2
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Neves CN, Pillay N. Social recognition and short-term memory in two taxa of striped mouse with differing social systems. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:566-575. [PMID: 35255192 PMCID: PMC9311412 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The ability to distinguish between familiar and strange conspecifics is important in group‐living animals and influences the types of interactions between conspecifics. Social systems differ in sister taxa of the striped mouse genus Rhabdomys originating from different environments. Xeric‐adapted R. pumilio displays facultative group‐living whereas the mesic‐adapted R. d. chakae is solitary. We assessed social recognition and attraction to strangers in females of two populations each of R. pumilio and R. d. chakae by means of a social discrimination task. We used a three‐chamber apparatus developed in an established protocol and measured the latency of test females to approach and the duration of their investigation of stimulus females. Differences in social recognition of and preference for unfamiliar conspecifics in group‐living and solitary‐living taxa occurred at the taxon‐level, even though constituent populations occurring kilometers apart showed similar responses. Females differed in the latency (testing phase) and duration of investigation (familiarization and testing phases) inter‐specifically but not intra‐specifically. Female R. pumilio approached stimulus females faster than female R. d. chakae. Female R. pumilio also investigated stimulus females for longer, regardless of stimulus type compared to R. d. chakae, but both taxa spent more time investigating familiar females than novel females and approached the familiar females faster than novel females. Social recognition, short‐term memory, and social preference do not appear to differ between closely related taxa and differences in behavior between the two taxa might be related to inherent personality and social proclivity. Tested social memory and attraction in two striped mouse taxa (solitary vs. group‐living). Taxa did not differ in social recognition memory. Group‐living taxa more motivated to investigate due to personality differences between taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice N Neves
- School of Animal, Plant, and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Neville Pillay
- School of Animal, Plant, and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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3
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Zagrean AM, Georgescu IA, Iesanu MI, Ionescu RB, Haret RM, Panaitescu AM, Zagrean L. Oxytocin and vasopressin in the hippocampus. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 118:83-127. [PMID: 35180939 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) are related neuropeptides that exert a wide range of effects on general health, homeostasis, development, reproduction, adaptability, cognition, social and nonsocial behaviors. The two peptides are mainly of hypothalamic origin and execute their peripheral and central physiological roles via OXT and AVP receptors, which are members of the G protein-coupled receptor family. These receptors, largely distributed in the body, are abundantly expressed in the hippocampus, a brain region particularly vulnerable to stress exposure and various lesions. OXT and AVP have important roles in the hippocampus, by modulating important processes like neuronal excitability, network oscillatory activity, synaptic plasticity, and social recognition memory. This chapter includes an overview regarding OXT and AVP structure, synthesis, receptor distribution, and functions, focusing on their relationship with the hippocampus and mechanisms by which they influence hippocampal activity. Brief information regarding hippocampal structure and susceptibility to lesions is also provided. The roles of OXT and AVP in neurodevelopment and adult central nervous system function and disorders are highlighted, discussing their potential use as targeted therapeutic tools in neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Zagrean
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Ioana-Antoaneta Georgescu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Ioana Iesanu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rosana-Bristena Ionescu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Clinical Neurosciences and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Mihai Haret
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Maria Panaitescu
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Leon Zagrean
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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4
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Dwortz MF, Curley JP, Tye KM, Padilla-Coreano N. Neural systems that facilitate the representation of social rank. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20200444. [PMID: 35000438 PMCID: PMC8743891 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Across species, animals organize into social dominance hierarchies that serve to decrease aggression and facilitate survival of the group. Neuroscientists have adopted several model organisms to study dominance hierarchies in the laboratory setting, including fish, reptiles, rodents and primates. We review recent literature across species that sheds light onto how the brain represents social rank to guide socially appropriate behaviour within a dominance hierarchy. First, we discuss how the brain responds to social status signals. Then, we discuss social approach and avoidance learning mechanisms that we propose could drive rank-appropriate behaviour. Lastly, we discuss how the brain represents memories of individuals (social memory) and how this may support the maintenance of unique individual relationships within a social group. This article is part of the theme issue 'The centennial of the pecking order: current state and future prospects for the study of dominance hierarchies'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine F. Dwortz
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - James P. Curley
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kay M. Tye
- Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nancy Padilla-Coreano
- Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FN 32611, USA
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5
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Besnard A, Leroy F. Top-down regulation of motivated behaviors via lateral septum sub-circuits. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3119-3128. [PMID: 35581296 PMCID: PMC7613864 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
How does cognition regulate innate behaviors? While the cognitive functions of the cortex have been extensively studied, we know much less about how cognition can regulate innate motivated behaviors to fulfill physiological, safety and social needs. Selection of appropriate motivated behaviors depends on external stimuli and past experiences that helps to scale priorities. With its abundant inputs from neocortical and allocortical regions, the lateral septum (LS) is ideally positioned to integrate perception and experience signals in order to regulate the activity of hypothalamic and midbrain nuclei that control motivated behaviors. In addition, LS receives numerous subcortical modulatory inputs, which represent the animal internal states and also participate in this regulation. In this perspective, we argue that LS sub-circuits regulate distinct motivated behaviors by integrating neural activity from neocortical, allocortical and neuromodulatory inputs. In addition, we propose that lateral inhibition between LS sub-circuits may allow the emergence of functional units that orchestrates competing motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felix Leroy
- Instituto de Neurociencias CSIC-UMH, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.
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6
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Watanabe J, Takayanagi Y, Yoshida M, Hattori T, Saito M, Kohno K, Kobayashi E, Onaka T. Conditional ablation of vasopressin-synthesizing neurons in transgenic rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13057. [PMID: 34748241 PMCID: PMC9285515 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Vasopressin-synthesizing neurons are located in several brain regions, including the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), supraoptic nucleus (SON) and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Vasopressin has been shown to have various functions in the brain, including social recognition memory, stress responses, emotional behaviors and circadian rhythms. The precise physiological functions of vasopressin-synthesizing neurons in specific brain regions remain to be clarified. Conditional ablation of local vasopressin-synthesizing neurons may be a useful tool for investigation of the functions of vasopressin neurons in the regions. In the present study, we characterized a transgenic rat line that expresses a mutated human diphtheria toxin receptor under control of the vasopressin gene promoter. Under a condition of salt loading, which activates the vasopressin gene in the hypothalamic PVN and SON, transgenic rats were i.c.v. injected with diphtheria toxin. Intracerebroventricular administration of diphtheria toxin after salt loading depleted vasopressin-immunoreactive cells in the hypothalamic PVN and SON, but not in the SCN. The number of oxytocin-immunoreactive cells in the hypothalamus was not significantly changed. The rats that received i.c.v. diphtheria toxin after salt loading showed polydipsia and polyuria, which were rescued by peripheral administration of 1-deamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin via an osmotic mini-pump. Intrahypothalamic administration of diphtheria toxin in transgenic rats under a normal hydration condition reduced the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive neurons, but not the number of oxytocin-immunoreactive neurons. The transgenic rat model can be used for selective ablation of vasopressin-synthesizing neurons and may be useful for clarifying roles of vasopressin neurons at least in the hypothalamic PVN and SON in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Watanabe
- Department of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsukeTochigiJapan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Department of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsukeTochigiJapan
| | - Masahide Yoshida
- Department of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsukeTochigiJapan
| | - Tatsuya Hattori
- Department of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsukeTochigiJapan
| | - Michiko Saito
- Institute for Research InitiativesNara Institute of Science and TechnologyIkomaNaraJapan
- Present address:
Bio‐science Research CenterKyoto Pharmaceutical UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Kenji Kohno
- Institute for Research InitiativesNara Institute of Science and TechnologyIkomaNaraJapan
| | - Eiji Kobayashi
- Department of Organ FabricationKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Present address:
Department of Kidney Regenerative MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Tatsushi Onaka
- Department of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsukeTochigiJapan
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7
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Lehr AB, Kumar A, Tetzlaff C, Hafting T, Fyhn M, Stöber TM. CA2 beyond social memory: Evidence for a fundamental role in hippocampal information processing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:398-412. [PMID: 33775693 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal region CA2 has received increased attention due to its importance in social recognition memory. While its specific function remains to be identified, there are indications that CA2 plays a major role in a variety of situations, widely extending beyond social memory. In this targeted review, we highlight lines of research which have begun to converge on a more fundamental role for CA2 in hippocampus-dependent memory processing. We discuss recent proposals that speak to the computations CA2 may perform within the hippocampal circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Lehr
- Department of Computational Neuroscience, University of Göttingen, Germany; Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Göttingen, Germany; Department of Computational Physiology, Simula Research Laboratory, Lysaker, Norway; Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Department of Computational Science and Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
| | - Christian Tetzlaff
- Department of Computational Neuroscience, University of Göttingen, Germany; Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Torkel Hafting
- Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity, University of Oslo, Norway; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Fyhn
- Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Tristan M Stöber
- Department of Computational Physiology, Simula Research Laboratory, Lysaker, Norway; Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Norway.
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8
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Distinct functions of ventral CA1 and dorsal CA2 in social memory. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 68:29-35. [PMID: 33421771 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW For animals that live in social groups, the ability to recognize conspecifics is essential. Recent studies of both human patients and animal models have vigorously sought to discern the precise mechanisms by which hippocampal neurons and neural circuits contribute to the encoding, consolidation, storage, and retrieval of social memory. In particular, optogenetic manipulation enables us to investigate the presence of memory engrams. RECENT FINDINGS We recently revealed the presence of social memory engrams in hippocampal ventral CA1 neurons, using optogenetic manipulation and calcium (Ca2+) imaging. SUMMARY In the present manuscript, we discuss the current viewpoints on two hippocampal subregions in regards to social memory representation, namely dorsal CA2 for information processing and ventral CA1 for the storage of social memory, specifically from the perspectives of behavioral neuroscience and neurophysiology.
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9
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Kelly AM, Ong JY, Witmer RA, Ophir AG. Paternal deprivation impairs social behavior putatively via epigenetic modification to lateral septum vasopressin receptor. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb9116. [PMID: 32917597 PMCID: PMC7467705 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb9116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Although it is well appreciated that the early-life social environment asserts subsequent long-term consequences on offspring brain and behavior, the specific mechanisms that account for this relationship remain poorly understood. Using a novel assay that forced biparental pairs or single mothers to prioritize caring for offspring or themselves, we investigated the impact of parental variation on adult expression of nonapeptide-modulated behaviors in prairie voles. We demonstrated that single mothers compensate for the lack of a co-parent. Moreover, mothers choose to invest in offspring over themselves when faced with a tradeoff, whereas fathers choose to invest in themselves. Furthermore, our study suggests a pathway whereby variation in parental behavior (specifically paternal care) may lead to alterations in DNA methylation within the vasopressin receptor 1a gene and gene expression in the lateral septum. These differences are concomitant with changes in social approach, a behavior closely associated with septal vasopressin receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Kelly
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jie Yuen Ong
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, 211 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ruth A Witmer
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, 211 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Alexander G Ophir
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, 211 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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10
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Stöber TM, Lehr AB, Hafting T, Kumar A, Fyhn M. Selective neuromodulation and mutual inhibition within the
CA3–CA2
system can prioritize sequences for replay. Hippocampus 2020; 30:1228-1238. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tristan M. Stöber
- Department of Computational Physiology Simula Research Laboratory Lysaker Norway
- Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Informatics University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Andrew B. Lehr
- Department of Computational Physiology Simula Research Laboratory Lysaker Norway
- Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Computational Neuroscience University of Göttingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Torkel Hafting
- Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Department of Computational Science and Technology KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm Sweden
| | - Marianne Fyhn
- Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Biosciences University of Oslo Oslo Norway
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11
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Pilarzyk K, Klett J, Pena EA, Porcher L, Smith AJ, Kelly MP. Loss of Function of Phosphodiesterase 11A4 Shows that Recent and Remote Long-Term Memories Can Be Uncoupled. Curr Biol 2019; 29:2307-2321.e5. [PMID: 31303492 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Systems consolidation is a process by which memories initially require the hippocampus for recent long-term memory (LTM) but then become increasingly independent of the hippocampus and more dependent on the cortex for remote LTM. Here, we study the role of phosphodiesterase 11A4 (PDE11A4) in systems consolidation. PDE11A4, which degrades cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), is preferentially expressed in neurons of CA1, the subiculum, and the adjacently connected amygdalohippocampal region. In male and female mice, deletion of PDE11A enhances remote LTM for social odor recognition and social transmission of food preference (STFP) despite eliminating or silencing recent LTM for those same social events. Measurement of a surrogate marker of neuronal activation (i.e., Arc mRNA) suggests the recent LTM deficits observed in Pde11 knockout mice correspond with decreased activation of ventral CA1 relative to wild-type littermates. In contrast, the enhanced remote LTM observed in Pde11a knockout mice corresponds with increased activation and altered functional connectivity of anterior cingulate cortex, frontal association cortex, parasubiculum, and the superficial layer of medial entorhinal cortex. The apparent increased neural activation observed in prefrontal cortex of Pde11a knockout mice during remote LTM retrieval may be related to an upregulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits NR1 and NR2A. Viral restoration of PDE11A4 to vCA1 alone is sufficient to rescue both the LTM phenotypes and upregulation of NR1 exhibited by Pde11a knockout mice. Together, our findings suggest remote LTM can be decoupled from recent LTM, which may have relevance for cognitive deficits associated with aging, temporal lobe epilepsy, or transient global amnesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Pilarzyk
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Jennifer Klett
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Edsel A Pena
- Department of Statistics, University of South Carolina, 1523 Green Street, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
| | - Latarsha Porcher
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Abigail J Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Michy P Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, USA.
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12
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Galaj E, Kipp BT, Floresco SB, Savage LM. Persistent Alterations of Accumbal Cholinergic Interneurons and Cognitive Dysfunction after Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Exposure. Neuroscience 2019; 404:153-164. [PMID: 30742967 PMCID: PMC6450752 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent binge drinking renders young drinkers vulnerable to alcohol use disorders in adulthood; therefore, understanding alcohol-induced brain damage and associated cognitive dysfunctions is of paramount importance. Here we investigated the effects of binge-like adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure on nonspatial working memory, behavioral flexibility and cholinergic alterations in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in male and female rats. On postnatal days P25-57 rats were intubated with water or ethanol (at a dose of 5 g/kg) on a 2-day-on/2-day-off cycle and were then tested in adulthood on social recognition and probabilistic reversal learning tasks. During the social recognition task AIE-treated rats spent similar amounts of time interacting with familiar and novel juveniles, indicating an impaired ability to sustain memory of the familiar juvenile. During probabilistic reversal learning, AIE-treated male and female rats showed behavioral inflexibility as indicated by a higher number of trials needed to complete three reversals within a session, longer response latencies for lever selection, and for males, a higher number of errors as compared to water-treated rats. AIE exposure also reduced the number of cholinergic interneurons in the NAc in males and females. These findings indicate AIE-related pathologies of accumbal cholinergic interneurons and long lasting cognitive-behavioral deficits, which may be associated with cortico-striatal hypofunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Galaj
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - B T Kipp
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - S B Floresco
- Department of Psychology and Brain Research Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - L M Savage
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA.
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13
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Cilz NI, Cymerblit-Sabba A, Young WS. Oxytocin and vasopressin in the rodent hippocampus. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 18:e12535. [PMID: 30378258 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The role of the hippocampus in social memory and behavior is under intense investigation. Oxytocin (Oxt) and vasopressin (Avp) are two neuropeptides with many central actions related to social cognition. Oxt- and Avp-expressing fibers are abundant in the hippocampus and receptors for both peptides are seen throughout the different subfields, suggesting that Oxt and Avp modulate hippocampal-dependent processes. In this review, we first focus on the anatomical sources of Oxt and Avp input to the hippocampus and consider the distribution of their corresponding receptors in different hippocampal subfields and neuronal populations. We next discuss the behavioral outcomes related to social memory seen with perturbation of hippocampal Oxt and Avp signaling. Finally, we review Oxt and Avp modulatory mechanisms in the hippocampus that may underlie the behavioral roles for both peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas I Cilz
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Adi Cymerblit-Sabba
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - W Scott Young
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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14
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Lin YT, Hsu KS. Oxytocin receptor signaling in the hippocampus: Role in regulating neuronal excitability, network oscillatory activity, synaptic plasticity and social memory. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 171:1-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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15
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Sadino JM, Donaldson ZR. Prairie Voles as a Model for Understanding the Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Attachment Behaviors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29513516 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over a lifetime, humans build relationships with family, friends, and partners that are critically important for our mental and physical health. Unlike commonly used laboratory mice and rats, Microtine rodents provide a unique model to study the neurobiology underlying pair bonding and the selective attachments that form between adults. Comparisons between monogamous prairie voles and the closely related but nonmonogamous meadow and montane voles have revealed that brain-region-specific neuropeptide receptor patterning modulates social behavior between and within species. In particular, diversity in vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR) distribution has been linked to individual and species differences in monogamy-related behaviors such as partner preference, mate guarding, and space use. Given the importance of differential receptor expression for regulating social behavior, a critical question has emerged: What are the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that underlie brain-region-specific receptor patterns? This review will summarize what is known about how the vasopressin (AVP)-V1aR axis regulates social behaviors via signaling in discrete brain regions. From this work, we propose that brain-region-specific regulatory mechanisms facilitate robust evolvability of V1aR expression to generate diverse sociobehavioral traits. Translationally, we provide a perspective on how these studies have contributed to our understanding of human social behaviors and how brain-region-specific regulatory mechanisms might be harnessed for targeted therapies to treat social deficits in psychiatric disorders such as depression, complicated grief, and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Sadino
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Zoe R. Donaldson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
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16
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Okuyama T. Social memory engram in the hippocampus. Neurosci Res 2018; 129:17-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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17
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Jones C, Barrera I, Brothers S, Ring R, Wahlestedt C. Oxytocin and social functioning. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2018. [PMID: 28867943 PMCID: PMC5573563 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2017.19.2/cjones] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Social anxiety is a form of anxiety characterized by continuous fear of one or more social or performance situations. Although multiple treatment modalities (cognitive behavioral therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines) exist for social anxiety, they are effective for only 60% to 70% of patients. Thus, researchers have looked for other candidates for social anxiety treatment. Our review focuses on the peptide oxytocin as a potential therapeutic option for individuals with social anxiety. Animal research both in nonprimates and primates supports oxytocin's role in facilitation of prosocial behaviors and its anxiolytic effects. Human studies indicate significant associations between social anxiety and oxytocin receptor gene alleles, as well as social anxiety and oxytocin plasma levels. In addition, intranasal administration of oxytocin in humans has favorable effects on social anxiety symptomology. Other disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and anorexia, have components of social anxiety in their pathophysiology. The therapeutic role of oxytocin for social dysfunction in these disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace Jones
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ingrid Barrera
- University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Shaun Brothers
- University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Robert Ring
- Drexel University Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA
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18
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Raam T, McAvoy KM, Besnard A, Veenema AH, Sahay A. Hippocampal oxytocin receptors are necessary for discrimination of social stimuli. Nat Commun 2017; 8:2001. [PMID: 29222469 PMCID: PMC5722862 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) signaling in neural circuits mediating discrimination of social stimuli and affiliation or avoidance behavior is thought to guide social recognition. Remarkably, the physiological functions of Oxtrs in the hippocampus are not known. Here we demonstrate using genetic and pharmacological approaches that Oxtrs in the anterior dentate gyrus (aDG) and anterior CA2/CA3 (aCA2/CA3) of mice are necessary for discrimination of social, but not non-social, stimuli. Further, Oxtrs in aCA2/CA3 neurons recruit a population-based coding mechanism to mediate social stimuli discrimination. Optogenetic terminal-specific attenuation revealed a critical role for aCA2/CA3 outputs to posterior CA1 for discrimination of social stimuli. In contrast, aCA2/CA3 projections to aCA1 mediate discrimination of non-social stimuli. These studies identify a role for an aDG-CA2/CA3 axis of Oxtr expressing cells in discrimination of social stimuli and delineate a pathway relaying social memory computations in the anterior hippocampus to the posterior hippocampus to guide social recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Raam
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kathleen M McAvoy
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Antoine Besnard
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Amar Sahay
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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19
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Ophir AG. Navigating Monogamy: Nonapeptide Sensitivity in a Memory Neural Circuit May Shape Social Behavior and Mating Decisions. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:397. [PMID: 28744194 PMCID: PMC5504236 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of memory in mating systems is often neglected despite the fact that most mating systems are defined in part by how animals use space. Monogamy, for example, is usually characterized by affiliative (e.g., pairbonding) and defensive (e.g., mate guarding) behaviors, but a high degree of spatial overlap in home range use is the easiest defining feature of monogamous animals in the wild. The nonapeptides vasopressin and oxytocin have been the focus of much attention for their importance in modulating social behavior, however this work has largely overshadowed their roles in learning and memory. To date, the understanding of memory systems and mechanisms governing social behavior have progressed relatively independently. Bridging these two areas will provide a deeper appreciation for understanding behavior, and in particular the mechanisms that mediate reproductive decision-making. Here, I argue that the ability to mate effectively as monogamous individuals is linked to the ability to track conspecifics in space. I discuss the connectivity across some well-known social and spatial memory nuclei, and propose that the nonapeptide receptors within these structures form a putative “socio-spatial memory neural circuit.” This purported circuit may function to integrate social and spatial information to shape mating decisions in a context-dependent fashion. The lateral septum and/or the nucleus accumbens, and neuromodulation therein, may act as an intermediary to relate socio-spatial information with social behavior. Identifying mechanisms responsible for relating information about the social world with mechanisms mediating mating tactics is crucial to fully appreciate the suite of factors driving reproductive decisions and social decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Ophir
- Department of Psychology, Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY, United States
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20
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Tabbaa M, Paedae B, Liu Y, Wang Z. Neuropeptide Regulation of Social Attachment: The Prairie Vole Model. Compr Physiol 2016; 7:81-104. [PMID: 28135000 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Social attachments are ubiquitous among humans and integral to human health. Although great efforts have been made to elucidate the neural underpinnings regulating social attachments, we still know relatively little about the neuronal and neurochemical regulation of social attachments. As a laboratory animal research model, the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) displays behaviors paralleling human social attachments and thus has provided unique insights into the neural regulation of social behaviors. Research in prairie voles has particularly highlighted the significance of neuropeptidergic regulation of social behaviors, especially of the roles of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP). This article aims to review these findings. We begin by discussing the role of the OT and AVP systems in regulating social behaviors relevant to social attachments, and thereafter restrict our discussion to studies in prairie voles. Specifically, we discuss the role of OT and AVP in adult mate attachments, biparental care, social isolation, and social buffering as informed by studies utilizing the prairie vole model. Not only do these studies offer insight into social attachments in humans, but they also point to dysregulated mechanisms in several mental disorders. We conclude by discussing these implications for human health. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:81-104, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Tabbaa
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Brennan Paedae
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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21
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Lüscher Dias T, Fernandes Golino H, Oliveira VEMD, Dutra Moraes MF, Schenatto Pereira G. c-Fos expression predicts long-term social memory retrieval in mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 313:260-271. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Garrido Zinn C, Clairis N, Silva Cavalcante LE, Furini CRG, de Carvalho Myskiw J, Izquierdo I. Major neurotransmitter systems in dorsal hippocampus and basolateral amygdala control social recognition memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E4914-9. [PMID: 27482097 PMCID: PMC4995962 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1609883113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Social recognition memory (SRM) is crucial for reproduction, forming social groups, and species survival. Despite its importance, SRM is still relatively little studied. Here we examine the participation of the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus (CA1) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and that of dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and histaminergic systems in both structures in the consolidation of SRM. Male Wistar rats received intra-CA1 or intra-BLA infusions of different drugs immediately after the sample phase of a social discrimination task and 24-h later were subjected to a 5-min retention test. Animals treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin, into either the CA1 or BLA were unable to recognize the previously exposed juvenile (familiar) during the retention test. When infused into the CA1, the β-adrenoreceptor agonist, isoproterenol, the D1/D5 dopaminergic receptor antagonist, SCH23390, and the H2 histaminergic receptor antagonist, ranitidine, also hindered the recognition of the familiar juvenile 24-h later. The latter drug effects were more intense in the CA1 than in the BLA. When infused into the BLA, the β-adrenoreceptor antagonist, timolol, the D1/D5 dopamine receptor agonist, SKF38393, and the H2 histaminergic receptor agonist, ranitidine, also hindered recognition of the familiar juvenile 24-h later. In all cases, the impairment to recognize the familiar juvenile was abolished by the coinfusion of agonist plus antagonist. Clearly, both the CA1 and BLA, probably in that order, play major roles in the consolidation of SRM, but these roles are different in each structure vis-à-vis the involvement of the β-noradrenergic, D1/D5-dopaminergic, and H2-histaminergic receptors therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Garrido Zinn
- Memory Center, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Nicolas Clairis
- Département de Biologie, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Lorena Evelyn Silva Cavalcante
- Memory Center, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Regina Guerino Furini
- Memory Center, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jociane de Carvalho Myskiw
- Memory Center, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil;
| | - Ivan Izquierdo
- Memory Center, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil;
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Smith AS, Williams Avram SK, Cymerblit-Sabba A, Song J, Young WS. Targeted activation of the hippocampal CA2 area strongly enhances social memory. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1137-44. [PMID: 26728562 PMCID: PMC4935650 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Social cognition enables individuals to understand others' intentions. Social memory is a necessary component of this process, for without it, subsequent encounters are devoid of any historical information. The CA2 area of the hippocampus, particularly the vasopressin 1b receptor (Avpr1b) expressed there, is necessary for memory formation. We used optogenetics to excite vasopressin terminals, originating from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, in the CA2 of mice. This markedly enhanced their social memory if the stimulation occurred during memory acquisition, but not retrieval. This effect was blocked by an Avpr1b antagonist. Finally, this enhanced memory is resistant to the social distraction of an introduced second mouse, important for socially navigating populations of individuals. Our results indicate the CA2 can increase the salience of social signals. Targeted pharmacotherapy with Avpr1b agonists or deep brain stimulation of the CA2 are potential avenues of treatment for those with declining social memory as in various dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S. Smith
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah K. Williams Avram
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Adi Cymerblit-Sabba
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - June Song
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - W. Scott Young
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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24
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Age and sex differences in oxytocin and vasopressin V1a receptor binding densities in the rat brain: focus on the social decision-making network. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:981-1006. [PMID: 27389643 PMCID: PMC5334374 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1260-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) regulate various social behaviors via activation of the OT receptor (OTR) and the AVP V1a receptor (V1aR) in the brain. Social behavior often differs across development and between the sexes, yet our understanding of age and sex differences in brain OTR and V1aR binding remains incomplete. Here, we provide an extensive analysis of OTR and V1aR binding density throughout the brain in juvenile and adult male and female rats, with a focus on regions within the social decision-making network. OTR and V1aR binding density were higher in juveniles than in adults in regions associated with reward and socio-spatial memory and higher in adults than in juveniles in key regions of the social decision-making network and in cortical regions. We discuss possible implications of these shifts in OTR and V1aR binding density for the age-specific regulation of social behavior. Furthermore, sex differences in OTR and V1aR binding density were less numerous than age differences. The direction of these sex differences was region-specific for OTR but consistently higher in females than in males for V1aR. Finally, almost all sex differences in OTR and V1aR binding density were already present in juveniles and occurred in regions with denser binding in adults compared to juveniles. Possible implications of these sex differences for the sex-specific regulation of behavior, as well potential underlying mechanisms, are discussed. Overall, these findings provide an important framework for testing age- and sex-specific roles of OTR and V1aR in the regulation of social behavior.
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25
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Fujiwara T, Sanada M, Kofuji T, Akagawa K. Unusual social behavior in HPC-1/syntaxin1A knockout mice is caused by disruption of the oxytocinergic neural system. J Neurochem 2016; 138:117-23. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Fujiwara
- Department of Cell Physiology; Kyorin University School of Medicine; Mitaka Tokyo Japan
| | - Masumi Sanada
- Department of Cell Physiology; Kyorin University School of Medicine; Mitaka Tokyo Japan
| | - Takefumi Kofuji
- Department of Cell Physiology; Kyorin University School of Medicine; Mitaka Tokyo Japan
- Radioisotope Laboratory; Kyorin University School of Medicine; Mitaka Tokyo Japan
| | - Kimio Akagawa
- Department of Cell Physiology; Kyorin University School of Medicine; Mitaka Tokyo Japan
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26
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Dumais KM, Alonso AG, Immormino MA, Bredewold R, Veenema AH. Involvement of the oxytocin system in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in the sex-specific regulation of social recognition. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 64:79-88. [PMID: 26630388 PMCID: PMC4698213 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in the oxytocin (OT) system in the brain may explain why OT often regulates social behaviors in sex-specific ways. However, a link between sex differences in the OT system and sex-specific regulation of social behavior has not been tested. Here, we determined whether sex differences in the OT receptor (OTR) or in OT release in the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (pBNST) mediates sex-specific regulation of social recognition in rats. We recently showed that, compared to female rats, male rats have a three-fold higher OTR binding density in the pBNST, a sexually dimorphic area implicated in the regulation of social behaviors. We now demonstrate that OTR antagonist (5 ng/0.5 μl/side) administration into the pBNST impairs social recognition in both sexes, while OT (100 pg/0.5 μl/side) administration into the pBNST prolongs the duration of social recognition in males only. These effects seem specific to social recognition, as neither treatment altered total social investigation time in either sex. Moreover, baseline OT release in the pBNST, as measured with in vivo microdialysis, did not differ between the sexes. However, males showed higher OT release in the pBNST during social recognition compared to females. These findings suggest a sex-specific role of the OT system in the pBNST in the regulation of social recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Dumais
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA,Corresponding author: Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, McGuinn 300, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA, , 617-552-6149
| | - Andrea G. Alonso
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Marisa A. Immormino
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Remco Bredewold
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Alexa H. Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
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Mooney S, Coen C, Holmes M, Beery A. Region-specific associations between sex, social status, and oxytocin receptor density in the brains of eusocial rodents. Neuroscience 2015; 303:261-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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28
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Zimmermann-Peruzatto JM, Lazzari VM, de Moura AC, Almeida S, Giovenardi M. Examining the Role of Vasopressin in the Modulation of Parental and Sexual Behaviors. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:130. [PMID: 26441691 PMCID: PMC4585274 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasopressin (VP) and VP-like neuropeptides are evolutionarily stable peptides found in all vertebrate species. In non-mammalian vertebrates, vasotocin (VT) plays a role similar to mammalian VP, whereas mesotocin and isotocin are functionally similar to mammalian oxytocin (OT). Here, we review the involvement of VP in brain circuits, synaptic plasticity, evolution, and function, highlighting the role of VP in social behavior. In all studied species, VP is encoded on chromosome 20p13, and in mammals, VP is produced in specific hypothalamic nuclei and released by the posterior pituitary. The role of VP is mediated by the stimulation of the V1a, V1b, and V2 receptors as well as the oxytocinergic and purinergic receptors. VT and VP functions are usually related to osmotic and cardiovascular homeostasis when acting peripherally. However, these neuropeptides are also critically involved in the central modulation of social behavior displays, such as pairing recognition, pair-bonding, social memory, sexual behavior, parental care, and maternal and aggressive behavior. Evidence suggests that these effects are primarily mediated by V1a receptor in specific brain circuits that provide important information for the onset and control of social behaviors in normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josi Maria Zimmermann-Peruzatto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde (ICBS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) , Porto Alegre , Brazil
| | - Virgínia Meneghini Lazzari
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) , Porto Alegre , Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina de Moura
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) , Porto Alegre , Brazil
| | - Silvana Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) , Porto Alegre , Brazil
| | - Márcia Giovenardi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde (ICBS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) , Porto Alegre , Brazil ; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) , Porto Alegre , Brazil
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29
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Kelly AM, Goodson JL. Social functions of individual vasopressin-oxytocin cell groups in vertebrates: what do we really know? Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:512-29. [PMID: 24813923 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Vasopressin-oxytocin (VP-OT) nonapeptides modulate numerous social and stress-related behaviors, yet these peptides are made in multiple nuclei and brain regions (e.g., >20 in some mammals), and VP-OT cells in these areas often exhibit overlapping axonal projections. Furthermore, the magnocellular cell groups release peptide volumetrically from dendrites and soma, which gives rise to paracrine modulation in distal brain areas. Nonapeptide receptors also tend to be promiscuous. Hence, behavioral effects that are mediated by any given receptor type (e.g., the OT receptor) in a target brain region cannot be conclusively attributed to either VP or OT, nor to a specific cell group. We here review what is actually known about the social behavior functions of nonapeptide cell groups, with a focus on aggression, affiliation, bonding, social stress, and parental behavior, and discuss recent studies that demonstrate a diversity of sex-specific contributions of VP-OT cell groups to gregariousness and pair bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Kelly
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - James L Goodson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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30
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Early deprivation reduced anxiety and enhanced memory in adult male rats. Brain Res Bull 2014; 108:44-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Lieberwirth C, Wang Z. Social bonding: regulation by neuropeptides. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:171. [PMID: 25009457 PMCID: PMC4067905 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Affiliative social relationships (e.g., among spouses, family members, and friends) play an essential role in human society. These relationships affect psychological, physiological, and behavioral functions. As positive and enduring bonds are critical for the overall well-being of humans, it is not surprising that considerable effort has been made to study the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie social bonding behaviors. The present review details the involvement of the nonapeptides, oxytocin (OT), and arginine vasopressin (AVP), in the regulation of social bonding in mammals including humans. In particular, we will discuss the role of OT and AVP in the formation of social bonds between partners of a mating pair as well as between parents and their offspring. Furthermore, the role of OT and AVP in the formation of interpersonal bonding involving trust is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State UniversityTallahassee, FL, USA
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32
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Oxytocin, motivation and the role of dopamine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 119:49-60. [PMID: 23850525 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin has drawn the attention of scientists for more than a century. The understanding of the function of oxytocin has expanded dramatically over the years from a simple peptide adept at inducing uterine contractions and milk ejection to a complex neuromodulator with a capacity to shape human social behavior. Decades of research have outlined oxytocin's ability to enhance intricate social activities ranging from pair bonding, sexual activity, affiliative preferences, and parental behaviors. The precise neural mechanisms underlying oxytocin's influence on such behaviors have just begun to be understood. Research suggests that oxytocin interacts closely with the neural pathways responsible for processing motivationally relevant stimuli. In particular, oxytocin appears to impact dopaminergic activity within the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, which is crucial not only for reward and motivated behavior but also for the expression of affiliative behaviors. Though most of the work performed in this area has been done using animal models, several neuroimaging studies suggest similar relationships may be observed in humans. In order to introduce this topic further, this paper will review the recent evidence that oxytocin may exert some of its social-behavioral effects through its impact on motivational networks.
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Oldfield RG, Harris RM, Hendrickson DA, Hofmann HA. Arginine vasotocin and androgen pathways are associated with mating system variation in North American cichlid fishes. Horm Behav 2013; 64:44-52. [PMID: 23644171 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine pathways that regulate social behavior are remarkably conserved across divergent taxa. The neuropeptides arginine vasotocin/vasopressin (AVT/AVP) and their receptor V1a mediate aggression, space use, and mating behavior in male vertebrates. The hormone prolactin (PRL) also regulates social behavior across species, most notably paternal behavior. Both hormone systems may be involved in the evolution of monogamous mating systems. We compared AVT, AVT receptor V1a2, PRL, and PRL receptor PRLR1 gene expression in the brains as well as circulating androgen concentrations of free-living reproductively active males of two closely related North American cichlid species, the monogamous Herichthys cyanoguttatus and the polygynous Herichthys minckleyi. We found that H. cyanoguttatus males bond with a single female and together they cooperatively defend a small territory in which they reproduce. In H. minckleyi, a small number of large males defend large territories in which they mate with several females. Levels of V1a2 mRNA were higher in the hypothalamus of H. minckleyi, and PRLR1 expression was higher in the hypothalamus and telencephalon of H. minckleyi. 11-ketotestosterone levels were higher in H. minckleyi, while testosterone levels were higher in H. cyanoguttatus. Our results indicate that a highly active AVT/V1a2 circuit(s) in the brain is associated with space use and social dominance and that pair bonding is mediated either by a different, less active AVT/V1a2 circuit or by another neuroendocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald G Oldfield
- Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA.
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Hypocretin/orexin neurons contribute to hippocampus-dependent social memory and synaptic plasticity in mice. J Neurosci 2013; 33:5275-84. [PMID: 23516292 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3200-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt)-producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus project throughout the brain, including to the hippocampus, where Hcrt receptors are widely expressed. Hcrt neurons activate these targets to orchestrate global arousal state, wake-sleep architecture, energy homeostasis, stress adaptation, and reward behaviors. Recently, Hcrt has been implicated in cognitive functions and social interaction. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Hcrt neurons are critical to social interaction, particularly social memory, using neurobehavioral assessment and electrophysiological approaches. The validated "two-enclosure homecage test" devices and procedure were used to test sociability, preference for social novelty (social novelty), and recognition memory. A conventional direct contact social test was conducted to corroborate the findings. We found that adult orexin/ataxin-3-transgenic (AT) mice, in which Hcrt neurons degenerate by 3 months of age, displayed normal sociability and social novelty with respect to their wild-type littermates. However, AT mice displayed deficits in long-term social memory. Nasal administration of exogenous Hcrt-1 restored social memory to an extent in AT mice. Hippocampal slices taken from AT mice exhibited decreases in degree of paired-pulse facilitation and magnitude of long-term potentiation, despite displaying normal basal synaptic neurotransmission in the CA1 area compared to wild-type hippocampal slices. AT hippocampi had lower levels of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB), an activity-dependent transcription factor important for synaptic plasticity and long-term memory storage. Our studies demonstrate that Hcrt neurons play an important role in the consolidation of social recognition memory, at least in part through enhancements of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation.
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Functional mapping of the circuits involved in the expression of contextual fear responses in socially defeated animals. Brain Struct Funct 2013; 219:931-46. [PMID: 23546547 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-013-0544-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we have aimed at outlining the neural systems underlying the expression of contextual fear to social defeat. First, we have developed an experimental procedure, where defeated animals could express, without the presence of a dominant aggressive male, robust and reliable conditioned fear responses to the context associated with social defeat. Next, by examining the pattern of Fos expression, we have been able to outline a brain circuit comprising septal and amygdalar sites, as well as downstream hypothalamic paths, putatively involved in the expression of contextual fear to social threat. Of particular relevance, we have found that exposure to a defeat-associated context results in a striking Fos up-regulation in the dorsomedial part of the dorsal premammillary nucleus (PMDdm). To further understand the role of the PMDdm in the circuit organizing conditioned fear to social threats, we have been able to observe that pharmacological blockade of the PMDdm reduced fear responses to a social defeat-associated context. Next, we observed that pharmacological blockade of the dorsomedial part of the periaqueductal gray, one of the main targets of the PMDdm, produced an even higher reduction of conditioned fear in defeated intruders, and appears as an important node for the expression of contextual defensive responses to social threats. The present results help to elucidate the basic organization of the neural circuits underlying contextual conditioned responses to social defeat, and reveal that they share at least part of the same circuit involved in innate responses to social defeat to an aggressive conspecific.
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Cole SL, Hofford RS, Evert DJ, Wellman PJ, Eitan S. Social influences on morphine conditioned place preference in adolescent mice. Addict Biol 2013; 18:274-85. [PMID: 22339796 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2011.00426.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Social/peer influences are among the strongest predictors of adolescent drug use. However, this important subject does not get much attention in pre-clinical studies. We recently observed that exposure to different social partners modulates morphine locomotor sensitization. Sensitivity to the hyper-locomotor response of drugs of abuse is a predictor of sensitivity to other drug-induced behaviors. Thus, this study examined how exposure to different social partners affected the rewarding properties of morphine. All animals were group-housed four per cage in one of two conditions referred to as 'only' and 'cage-mates'. In the mixed treatment condition, morphine- and saline-treated mice were housed together. These groups are referred to as 'morphine cage-mates' and 'saline cage-mates', respectively. In the separated treatment conditions, all mice in the cage received morphine (i.e. 'morphine only') or saline (i.e. 'saline only'), and cages were visually separated from each other. All animals were subsequently individually tested for the acquisition of morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) following one conditioning session with 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg morphine or saline. As expected, one conditioning session established morphine CPP in the morphine only animals, but not in the saline only animals. Notably, morphine CPP was not acquired by the morphine cage-mate animals. Additionally, 40 mg/kg morphine was sufficient to establish morphine CPP in the saline cage-mate animals. These results indicate that social environment has an effect on the rewarding properties of morphine. It suggests that exposure to different peers can alter the abuse potential of opioids and potentially other illicit drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Cole
- Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Zeng Q, Han J, Wang B, An S, Duan Y, Dong S, Ma J, Yang L, Cao X. Water Maze Spatial Learning Enhances Social Recognition Ability in Aged Rats. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-012-9319-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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38
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Lukas M, Neumann ID. Oxytocin and vasopressin in rodent behaviors related to social dysfunctions in autism spectrum disorders. Behav Brain Res 2012; 251:85-94. [PMID: 22981649 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and social anxiety disorder involve various forms of social deficits like impaired affiliative behavior, social cognition and social approach. Although the neurobiological underpinnings of these disorders are largely unknown, rodent and human studies suggest an involvement of the evolutionary highly conserved oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP), as these neuropeptides modulate various aspects of mammalian social behaviors. In this review we summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of brain OXT and AVP in rodent social behaviors related to social dysfunctions in ASD. Starting with an introduction into the neurobiology of the central OXT and AVP systems (neuroanatomy, central release, receptor distribution) we describe the distinct roles OXT and AVP play in basic social behaviors in rodents, i.e. affiliative behavior (pair-bonding and maternal behavior), social cognition (social memory), and social approach (social preference or social avoidance). The regulatory capacity of OXT and AVP to modulate social behaviors in various rodent species implies a high translational potential, in particular that dys-regulations in the brain neuropeptide systems may underlie social dysfunctions in ASD. It also suggests that the brain OXT and AVP systems are promising pharmacotherapeutic targets to improve social behaviors and to reverse social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lukas
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
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39
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Onaka T, Takayanagi Y, Yoshida M. Roles of oxytocin neurones in the control of stress, energy metabolism, and social behaviour. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:587-98. [PMID: 22353547 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2012.02300.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin neurones are activated by stressful stimuli, food intake and social attachment. Activation of oxytocin neurones in response to stressful stimuli or food intake is mediated, at least in part, by noradrenaline/prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) neurones in the nucleus tractus solitarius, whereas oxytocin neurones are activated after social stimuli via medial amygdala neurones. Activation of oxytocin neurones induces the release of oxytocin not only from their axon terminals, but also from their dendrites. Oxytocin acts locally where released or diffuses and acts on remote oxytocin receptors widely distributed within the brain, resulting in anxiolytic, anorexic and pro-social actions. The action sites of oxytocin appear to be multiple. Oxytocin shows anxiolytic actions, at least in part, via serotoninergic neurones in the median raphe nucleus, has anorexic actions via pro-opiomelanocortin neurones in the nucleus tractus solitarius and facilitates social recognition via the medial amygdala. Stress, obesity and social isolation are major risk factors for mortality in humans. Thus, the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system is a therapeutic target for the promotion of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Onaka
- Division of Brain and Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shinotsuke-shi, Tochigi-ken, Japan.
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40
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Albers HE. The regulation of social recognition, social communication and aggression: vasopressin in the social behavior neural network. Horm Behav 2012; 61:283-92. [PMID: 22079778 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides in the arginine vasotocin/arginine vasopressin (AVT/AVP) family play a major role in the regulation of social behavior by their actions in the brain. In mammals, AVP is found within a circuit of recriprocally connected limbic structures that form the social behavior neural network. This review examines the role played by AVP within this network in controlling social processes that are critical for the formation and maintenance of social relationships: social recognition, social communication and aggression. Studies in a number of mammalian species indicate that AVP and AVP V1a receptors are ideally suited to regulate the expression of social processes because of their plasticity in response to factors that influence social behavior. The pattern of AVP innervation and V1a receptors across the social behavior neural network may determine the potential range and intensity of social responses that individuals display in different social situations. Although fundamental information on how social behavior is wired in the brain is still lacking, it is clear that different social behaviors can be influenced by the actions of AVP in the same region of the network and that AVP can act within multiple regions of this network to regulate the expression of individual social behaviors. The existing data suggest that AVP can influence social behavior by modulating the interpretation of sensory information, by influencing decision making and by triggering complex motor outputs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Elliott Albers
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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41
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Timmer M, Cordero MI, Sevelinges Y, Sandi C. Evidence for a role of oxytocin receptors in the long-term establishment of dominance hierarchies. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:2349-56. [PMID: 21750583 PMCID: PMC3176572 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to stress can affect the establishment of dominance hierarchies. In our model, a social hierarchy established by two male rats during a first encounter is not maintained 1 week later. If one of the two rats is stressed, the stressed rat becomes subordinate and the hierarchy that is formed is maintained. In this study, we investigated the changes in the expression of oxytocin (Otr) and vasopressin (V1aR) receptor genes in the medial amygdala (MeA) and the lateral septum (LS) in the hours following hierarchy establishment under both stressed and basal conditions. We found that the potentiation of a social hierarchy induced by stress is accompanied by social status- and region-specific changes in the expression of Otr mRNA in the MeA 3 h after the social encounter. At this time point, no evidence was found for the regulation of V1aR mRNA in any of the brain regions examined. Results from pharmacological experiments involving the microinfusion of a specific OTR antagonist immediately after the acquisition of a subordinate status under basal, non-stress conditions suggested a role for this receptor in the MeA on the long-term establishment of the subordinate status. Altogether, these findings highlight a role for the oxytocinergic system in the mechanisms through which stress facilitates the long-term establishment of a social hierarchy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Timmer
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EFPL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M Isabel Cordero
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EFPL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yannick Sevelinges
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EFPL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EFPL), Lausanne, Switzerland,Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EFPL), Station 19, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland, Tel: +41 21 693 17 62, Fax: +41 21 693 96 36, E-mail:
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42
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Akirav I. The role of cannabinoids in modulating emotional and non-emotional memory processes in the hippocampus. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:34. [PMID: 21734875 PMCID: PMC3124830 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid agonists generally have a disruptive effect on memory, learning, and operant behavior that is considered to be hippocampus-dependent. Nevertheless, under certain conditions, cannabinoid receptor activation may facilitate neuronal learning processes. For example, CB1 receptors are essential for the extinction of conditioned fear associations, indicating an important role for this receptor in neuronal emotional learning and memory. This review examines the diverse effects of cannabinoids on hippocampal memory and plasticity. It shows how the effects of cannabinoid receptor activation may vary depending on the route of administration, the nature of the task (aversive or not), and whether it involves emotional memory formation (e.g., conditioned fear and extinction learning) or non-emotional memory formation (e.g., spatial learning). It also examines the memory stage under investigation (acquisition, consolidation, retrieval, extinction), and the brain areas involved. Differences between the effects of exogenous and endogenous agonists are also discussed. The apparently biphasic effects of cannabinoids on anxiety is noted as this implies that the effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists on hippocampal learning and memory may be attributable to a general modulation of anxiety or stress levels and not to memory per se. The review concludes that cannabinoids have diverse effects on hippocampal memory and plasticity that cannot be categorized simply into an impairing or an enhancing effect. A better understanding of the involvement of cannabinoids in memory processes will help determine whether the benefits of the clinical use of cannabinoids outweigh the risks of possible memory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa Haifa, Israel
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43
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Segev A, Akirav I. Differential effects of cannabinoid receptor agonist on social discrimination and contextual fear in amygdala and hippocampus. Learn Mem 2011; 18:254-9. [PMID: 21447623 DOI: 10.1101/lm.2110511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN; 5 µg/side) microinjected into the hippocampus or the amygdala would differentially affect memory processes in a neutral vs. an aversive task. In the aversive contextual fear task, WIN into the basolateral amygdala impaired fear acquisition/consolidation, but not retrieval. In the ventral subiculum (vSub), WIN impaired fear retrieval. In the neutral social discrimination task, WIN into the vSub impaired both acquisition/consolidation and retrieval, whereas in the medial amygdala WIN impaired acquisition. The results suggest that cannabinoid signaling differentially affects memory in a task-, region-, and memory stage-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Segev
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel
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44
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Ito W, Chehab M, Thakur S, Li J, Morozov A. BDNF-restricted knockout mice as an animal model for aggression. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2011; 10:365-74. [PMID: 21255268 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2010.00676.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Mice with global deletion of one brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) allele or with forebrain-restricted deletion of both alleles show elevated aggression, but this phenotype is accompanied by other behavioral changes, including increases in anxiety and deficits in cognition. Here we performed behavioral characterization of conditional BDNF knockout mice generated using a Cre recombinase driver line, KA1-Cre, which expresses Cre in few areas of brain: highly at hippocampal area CA3 and moderately in dentate gyrus, cerebellum and facial nerve nucleus. The mutant animals exhibited elevated conspecific aggression and social dominance, but did not show changes in anxiety-like behaviors assessed using the elevated plus maze and open field test. There were no changes in depression-like behaviors tested in the forced swim test, but small increase in immobility in the tail suspension test. In cognitive tasks, mutants showed normal social recognition and normal spatial and fear memory, but exhibited a deficit in object recognition. Thus, this knockout can serve as a robust model for BDNF-dependent aggression and object recognition deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Ito
- Unit on Behavioral Genetics, Laboratory of Molecular Pathophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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45
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Donaldson ZR, Spiegel L, Young LJ. Central vasopressin V1a receptor activation is independently necessary for both partner preference formation and expression in socially monogamous male prairie voles. Behav Neurosci 2010; 124:159-163. [PMID: 20141291 DOI: 10.1037/a0018094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) modulates a variety of species-specific social behaviors. In socially monogamous male prairie voles, AVP acts centrally via vasopressin V1a receptor (V1aR) to facilitate mating induced partner preferences. The display of a partner preference requires at least 2 temporally distinct processes: social bond formation as well as its recall, or expression. Studies to date have not determined in which of these processes V1aR acts to promote partner preferences. Here, male prairie voles were administered intracerebroventricularly a V1aR antagonist (AVPA) at different time points to investigate the role of V1aR in social bond formation and expression. Animals receiving AVPA prior to cohabitation with mating or immediately prior to partner preference testing failed to display a partner preference, while animals receiving AVPA immediately after cohabitation with mating and control animals receiving vehicle at all 3 time points displayed partner preferences. These results suggest that V1aR signaling is necessary for both the formation and expression of partner preferences and that these processes are dissociable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe R Donaldson
- Neuroscience Program, Yerkes National Primate Research Center
| | - Lauren Spiegel
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center
| | - Larry J Young
- Neuroscience Program, Yerkes National Primate Research Center
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46
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Abstract
O paradigma intruso-residente vem sendo intensamente empregado em estudos para avaliar a memória de reconhecimento social em roedores. Tipicamente, ratos adultos (residentes) são expostos a dois encontros de 5 minutos cada com um mesmo intruso juvenil ou com juvenis diferentes; o intervalo entre encontros é usualmente 30 minutos. A quantidade de comportamentos sociais do residente, no segundo encontro, em relação a um intruso familiar é substancialmente menor do que o observado no primeiro encontro, o que não ocorre quando o segundo encontro envolve um juvenil novo; esse resultado caracteriza memória de reconhecimento social. Neste estudo discutimos achados recentes sobre os tipos de comportamentos usualmente incluídos nas categorias social e não-social, a influência da fase temporal, a interferência de rotinas laboratoriais na memória de reconhecimento social, modalidades sensoriais usualmente empregadas por roedores no processamento de informações na memória social e alternativas adicionais para o estudo da socialidade em roedores.
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Campbell P, Ophir AG, Phelps SM. Central vasopressin and oxytocin receptor distributions in two species of singing mice. J Comp Neurol 2009; 516:321-33. [PMID: 19637308 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptides arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) are key modulators of vertebrate sociality. Although some general behavioral functions of AVP and OT are broadly conserved, the detailed consequences of peptide release seem to be regulated by species-specific patterns of receptor distribution. We used autoradiography to characterize central vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR) and OT receptor (OTR) distributions in two species of singing mice, ecologically specialized Central American rodents with a highly developed form of vocal communication. While both species exhibited high V1aR binding in the auditory thalamus (medial geniculate), binding in structures involved in vocal production (periaqueductal gray and anterior hypothalamus) was significantly higher in the more vocal species, Scotinomys teguina. In S. xerampelinus, receptor binding was significantly higher in a suite of interconnected structures implicated in social and spatial memory, including OTR in the hippocampus and medial amygdala, and V1aR in the anterior and laterodorsal thalamus. This pattern is concordant with species differences in population density and social spacing, which should favor enhanced sociospatial memory in S. xerampelinus. We propose that V1aR and OTR distributions in singing mice support an integral role for the AVP/OT system in several aspects of sociality, including vocal communication and sociospatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly Campbell
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
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48
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Melis MR, Succu S, Sanna F, Boi A, Argiolas A. Oxytocin injected into the ventral subiculum or the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala induces penile erection and increases extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens of male rats. Eur J Neurosci 2009; 30:1349-57. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.06912.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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49
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Choleris E, Clipperton-Allen AE, Phan A, Kavaliers M. Neuroendocrinology of social information processing in rats and mice. Front Neuroendocrinol 2009; 30:442-459. [PMID: 19442683 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2009.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2008] [Revised: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed oxytocin (OT), arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and gonadal hormone involvement in various modes of social information processing in mice and rats. Gonadal hormones regulate OT and AVP mediation of social recognition and social learning. Estrogens foster OT-mediated social recognition and the recognition and avoidance of parasitized conspecifics via estrogen receptor (ER) alpha (ERalpha) and ERbeta. Testosterone and its metabolites, including estrogens, regulate social recognition in males predominantly via the AVP V1a receptor. Both OT and AVP are involved in the social transmission of food preferences and ERalpha has inhibitory, while ERbeta has enhancing, roles. OT also enhances mate copying by females. ERalpha mediates the sexual, and ERbeta the recognition, aspects of the risk-taking enhancing effects of females on males. Thus, androgens and estrogens control social information processing by regulating OT and AVP. This control is finely tuned for different forms of social information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
| | | | - Anna Phan
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Martin Kavaliers
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C2
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Ross HE, Young LJ. Oxytocin and the neural mechanisms regulating social cognition and affiliative behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2009; 30:534-547. [PMID: 19481567 PMCID: PMC2748133 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2009.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 547] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Revised: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and released into the circulation through the neurohypophyseal system. Peripherally released oxytocin facilitates parturition and milk ejection during nursing. Centrally released oxytocin coordinates the onset of maternal nurturing behavior at parturition and plays a role in mother-infant bonding. More recent studies have revealed a more general role for oxytocin in modulating affiliative behavior in both sexes. Oxytocin regulates alloparental care and pair bonding in female monogamous prairie voles. Social recognition in male and female mice is also modulated by oxytocin. In humans, oxytocin increases gaze to the eye region of human faces and enhances interpersonal trust and the ability to infer the emotions of others from facial cues. While the neurohypopheseal oxytocin system has been well characterized, less is known regarding the nature of oxytocin release within the brain. Here we review the role of oxytocin in the regulation of prosocial interactions, and discuss the neuroanatomy of the central oxytocin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Ross
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta GA, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta GA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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