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Choudhary D, Sasibhushana RB, Shankaranarayana Rao BS, Srikumar BN. Mifepristone blocks the anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of allopregnanolone in male rats. Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:839-848. [PMID: 36469636 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2153047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allopregnanolone (3α, 5α-tetrahydroprogesterone) is an inhibitory neurosteroid synthesized from progesterone via 5α-reductase activity in the brain and has anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, anticonvulsant, and analgesic activity. Altered levels of allopregnanolone cause anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome, and psychiatric disorders. Although allopregnanolone exerts most of its actions by modulating GABAA receptor, NMDA receptor, BDNF expression, and PXR activity, a recent study showed its effects are blocked by mifepristone on lordosis behavior which indicates the involvement of progestin or glucocorticoid receptors in the effects of allopregnanolone since mifepristone blocks both these receptors. However, whether these receptors are involved in acute anxiolytic or antidepressant-like effects is unknown. METHODS Adult male Wistar rats were used to study whether the prior administration of mifepristone would alter the effects of allopregnanolone in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swim test (FST) was evaluated. RESULTS 10 mg/Kg dose of allopregnanolone increased percent open arm entries in the EPM, whereas 3 mg/Kg dose of allopregnanolone decreased percent immobility in the FST. Mifepristone administration resulted in a U-shaped response in the FST (with 1 mg/Kg, s.c., decreasing the immobility time) without significantly impacting the behavior in the EPM. In combination studies, mifepristone blocked the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of allopregnanolone. CONCLUSION The current study provides evidence for the first time that progestin or glucocorticoid receptors are involved in the acute anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of allopregnanolone. Understanding the mechanism of action of allopregnanolone will help us design better therapeutic strategies to treat neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Choudhary
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, India
| | - R B Sasibhushana
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - B S Shankaranarayana Rao
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - B N Srikumar
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
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Nayana J, Shankaranarayana Rao BS, Srikumar BN. Mifepristone's effects on depression- and anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Steroids 2022; 184:109058. [PMID: 35679911 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.109058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mifepristone is a non-selective progesterone (PR), glucocorticoid (GR), and androgen receptor (AR) antagonist with antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. The dose and duration of mifepristone administration vary in rodent preclinical studies to evaluate depression-like and anxiety-like behavior. This review summarizes the findings so far and attempts to reconcile some of the differences in the results. While a few studies assessed basal depression- and anxiety-like behavior, several studies have used mifepristone in conjunction with stress, corticosterone/dexamethasone (after adrenalectomy), or progesterone administration. The effect of mifepristone on depression-like behavior appears to depend not only on the dose and duration of administration but also on the intensity or type of stress. In addition, the anxiolytic effects may depend on the species and strain of the experimental animals. More reports assess antidepressant-like or anxiolytic-like effects following acute than chronic administration. These effects are dependent on the paradigms and the nature of stressors. Most mifepristone studies implicate the role of GRs, yet only two reports have confirmed its role using a genetic approach, whereas none implicate the role of PRs/ARs. There are several novel selective GR antagonists whose effects on depression- and anxiety-like behavior are yet to be studied. Future studies could aim to confirm the role of GRs and evaluate the contribution of PRs/ARs to the effects of mifepristone. Such studies will contribute to a better understanding of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders and develop novel strategies, particularly for treatment-resistant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nayana
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India
| | - B S Shankaranarayana Rao
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India
| | - B N Srikumar
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India.
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Why don't probiotics work? Behav Brain Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x18002832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The conclusions reached by Hooks et al. urge the field to investigate the complex multipathway interactions between the microbiome and the gut-brain axis to understand the potential causal relationships involved. Claims in the field of microbiota-gut-brain research remain problematic without appropriate controls and adequate statistical power. A crucial question that follows from the authors' extensive review is: “Why don't probiotics work?”
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Jacobson L. Glucocorticoid receptor deletion from locus coeruleus norepinephrine neurons promotes depression-like social withdrawal in female but not male mice. Brain Res 2018; 1710:82-91. [PMID: 30576626 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal glucocorticoid levels can cause psychiatric symptoms ranging from depression to euphoria that have been implicated in mood disorders. My overarching hypothesis is that these opposing effects are mediated by glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in different brain regions. My laboratory has shown that GR in the serotonergic dorsal raphé nucleus (DRN) promote depression-like social and behavioral withdrawal in mice. We have also shown that GR in the DRN and noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) exhibit divergent regulation by antidepressants that have differential efficacy for depression subtypes with opposing abnormalities in glucocorticoids. The current study tested the hypothesis that LC GR would have effects opposite to those in the DRN by preventing rather than promoting social withdrawal. GR was deleted from LC NE neurons in female and male floxed GR mice by bilateral injections of lentivirus transducing Cre recombinase under control of a multimerized Phox 2a/2b response sequence (PRS) from the dopamine β-hydroxylase promoter (PRS-Cre). Female but not male PRS-Cre mice exhibited lower social interaction compared to controls injected with lentivirus transducing green fluorescent protein (PRS-GFP). Differences in social interaction between PRS-GFP and PRS-Cre females were not associated with differences in exploratory behavior, plasma corticosterone, male-female differences in LC GR expression, or changes in LC mineralocorticoid receptor or tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression. These results indicate that LC NE GR have sex-dependent effects to prevent social withdrawal, supporting the concept that glucocorticoids exert opposing effects on depression symptoms via different brain targets, and potentially revealing novel drug targets to treat depression, particularly in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jacobson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
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Whirledge S, DeFranco DB. Glucocorticoid Signaling in Health and Disease: Insights From Tissue-Specific GR Knockout Mice. Endocrinology 2018; 159:46-64. [PMID: 29029225 PMCID: PMC5761604 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are adrenally produced hormones critically involved in development, general physiology, and control of inflammation. Since their discovery, glucocorticoids have been widely used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions. However, high doses or prolonged use leads to a number of side effects throughout the body, which preclude their clinical utility. The primary actions of glucocorticoids are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a transcription factor that regulates many complex signaling pathways. Although GR is nearly ubiquitous throughout the body, glucocorticoids exhibit cell- and tissue-specific effects. For example, glucocorticoids stimulate glucose production in the liver, reduce glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle, and decrease insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cells. Mouse models represent an important approach to understanding the dynamic functions of GR signaling in normal physiology, disease, and resistance. In the absence of a viable GR null model, gene-targeting techniques utilizing promoter-driven recombination have provided an opportunity to characterize the tissue-specific actions of GR. The aim of the present review is to describe the organ systems in which GR has been conditionally deleted and summarize the functions ascribed to glucocorticoid action in those tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Donald B. DeFranco
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
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Uys MM, Shahid M, Harvey BH. Therapeutic Potential of Selectively Targeting the α 2C-Adrenoceptor in Cognition, Depression, and Schizophrenia-New Developments and Future Perspective. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:144. [PMID: 28855875 PMCID: PMC5558054 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
α2A- and α2C-adrenoceptors (ARs) are the primary α2-AR subtypes involved in central nervous system (CNS) function. These receptors are implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric illness, particularly those associated with affective, psychotic, and cognitive symptoms. Indeed, non-selective α2-AR blockade is proposed to contribute toward antidepressant (e.g., mirtazapine) and atypical antipsychotic (e.g., clozapine) drug action. Both α2C- and α2A-AR share autoreceptor functions to exert negative feedback control on noradrenaline (NA) release, with α2C-AR heteroreceptors regulating non-noradrenergic transmission (e.g., serotonin, dopamine). While the α2A-AR is widely distributed throughout the CNS, α2C-AR expression is more restricted, suggesting the possibility of significant differences in how these two receptor subtypes modulate regional neurotransmission. However, the α2C-AR plays a more prominent role during states of low endogenous NA activity, while the α2A-AR is relatively more engaged during states of high noradrenergic tone. Although augmentation of conventional antidepressant and antipsychotic therapy with non-selective α2-AR antagonists may improve therapeutic outcome, animal studies report distinct yet often opposing roles for the α2A- and α2C-ARs on behavioral markers of mood and cognition, implying that non-selective α2-AR antagonism may compromise therapeutic utility both in terms of efficacy and side-effect liability. Recently, several highly selective α2C-AR antagonists have been identified that have allowed deeper investigation into the function and utility of the α2C-AR. ORM-13070 is a useful positron emission tomography ligand, ORM-10921 has demonstrated antipsychotic, antidepressant, and pro-cognitive actions in animals, while ORM-12741 is in clinical development for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. This review will emphasize the importance and relevance of the α2C-AR as a neuropsychiatric drug target in major depression, schizophrenia, and associated cognitive deficits. In addition, we will present new prospects and future directions of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Monique Uys
- Division of Pharmacology, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | - Brian Herbert Harvey
- Division of Pharmacology, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Keller EA, Rey AV, Kademian S, Volosin M. Perinatal Undernutrition Modifies the Immobility Behavior Induced by Forced Swim: Neuroendocrine Correlates. Nutr Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2000.11747326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Individual Differences in Behavioural Despair Predict Brain GSK-3beta Expression in Mice: The Power of a Modified Swim Test. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:5098591. [PMID: 27478647 PMCID: PMC4949347 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5098591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While deficient brain plasticity is a well-established pathophysiologic feature of depression, little is known about disorder-associated enhanced cognitive processing. Here, we studied a novel mouse paradigm that potentially models augmented learning of adverse memories during development of a depressive-like state. We used a modification of the classic two-day protocol of a mouse Porsolt test with an additional session occurring on Day 5 following the initial exposure. Unexpectedly, floating behaviour and brain glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3beta) mRNA levels, a factor of synaptic plasticity as well as a marker of distress and depression, were increased during the additional swimming session that was prevented by imipramine. Observed increases of GSK-3beta mRNA in prefrontal cortex during delayed testing session correlated with individual parameters of behavioural despair that was not found in the classic Porsolt test. Repeated swim exposure was accompanied by a lower pGSK-3beta/GSK-3beta ratio. A replacement of the second or the final swim sessions with exposure to the context of testing resulted in increased GSK-3beta mRNA level similar to the effects of swimming, while exclusion of the second testing prevented these changes. Together, our findings implicate the activation of brain GSK-3beta expression in enhanced contextual conditioning of adverse memories, which is associated with an individual susceptibility to a depressive syndrome.
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Workman JL, Gobinath AR, Kitay NF, Chow C, Brummelte S, Galea LA. Parity modifies the effects of fluoxetine and corticosterone on behavior, stress reactivity, and hippocampal neurogenesis. Neuropharmacology 2016; 105:443-453. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Wainwright SR, Workman JL, Tehrani A, Hamson DK, Chow C, Lieblich SE, Galea LAM. Testosterone has antidepressant-like efficacy and facilitates imipramine-induced neuroplasticity in male rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress. Horm Behav 2016; 79:58-69. [PMID: 26774465 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypogonadal men are more likely to develop depression, while testosterone supplementation shows antidepressant-like effects in hypogonadal men and facilitates antidepressant efficacy. Depression is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity and testosterone exerts suppressive effects on the HPA axis. The hippocampus also plays a role in the feedback regulation of the HPA axis, and depressed patients show reduced hippocampal neuroplasticity. We assessed the antidepressant-like effects of testosterone with, or without, imipramine on behavioral and neural endophenotypes of depression in a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model of depression. A 21-day CUS protocol was used on gonadectomized male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with vehicle, 1mg of testosterone propionate, 10mg/kg of imipramine, or testosterone and imipramine in tandem. Testosterone treatment reduced novelty-induced hypophagia following CUS exposure, but not under non-stress conditions, representing state-dependent effects. Further, testosterone increased the latency to immobility in the forced swim test (FST), reduced basal corticosterone, and reduced adrenal mass in CUS-exposed rats. Testosterone also facilitated the effects of imipramine by reducing the latency to immobility in the FST and increasing sucrose preference. Testosterone treatment had no significant effect on neurogenesis, though the combination of testosterone and imipramine increased PSA-NCAM expression in the ventral dentate gyrus. These findings demonstrate the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of testosterone within a CUS model of depression, and provide insight into the mechanism of action, which appears to be independent of enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna L Workman
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amir Tehrani
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dwayne K Hamson
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carmen Chow
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephanie E Lieblich
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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Onaka Y, Shintani N, Nakazawa T, Haba R, Ago Y, Wang H, Kanoh T, Hayata-Takano A, Hirai H, Nagata KY, Nakamura M, Hashimoto R, Matsuda T, Waschek JA, Kasai A, Nagayasu K, Baba A, Hashimoto H. CRTH2, a prostaglandin D2 receptor, mediates depression-related behavior in mice. Behav Brain Res 2015; 284:131-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Jacobson L. Forebrain glucocorticoid receptor gene deletion attenuates behavioral changes and antidepressant responsiveness during chronic stress. Brain Res 2014; 1583:109-21. [PMID: 25168761 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Stress is an important risk factor for mood disorders. Stress also stimulates the secretion of glucocorticoids, which have been found to influence mood. To determine the role of forebrain glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in behavioral responses to chronic stress, the present experiments compared behavioral effects of repeated social defeat in mice with forebrain GR deletion and in floxed GR littermate controls. Repeated defeat produced alterations in forced swim and tail suspension immobility in floxed GR mice that did not occur in mice with forebrain GR deletion. Defeat-induced changes in immobility in floxed GR mice were prevented by chronic antidepressant treatment, indicating that these behaviors were dysphoria-related. In contrast, although mice with forebrain GR deletion exhibited antidepressant-induced decreases in tail suspension immobility in the absence of stress, this response did not occur in mice with forebrain GR deletion after defeat. There were no marked differences in plasma corticosterone between genotypes, suggesting that behavioral differences depended on forebrain GR rather than on abnormal glucocorticoid secretion. Defeat-induced gene expression of the neuronal activity marker c-fos in the ventral hippocampus, paraventricular thalamus and lateral septum correlated with genotype-related differences in behavioral effects of defeat, whereas c-fos induction in the nucleus accumbens and central and basolateral amygdala correlated with genotype-related differences in behavioral responses to antidepressant treatment. The dependence of both negative (dysphoria-related) and positive (antidepressant-induced) behaviors on forebrain GR is consistent with the contradictory effects of glucocorticoids on mood, and implicates these or other forebrain regions in these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jacobson
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Mail Code 146, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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Limón-Morales O, Soria-Fregozo C, Arteaga-Silva M, Vázquez-Palacios G, Bonilla-Jaime H. Altered expression of 5-HT1A receptors in adult rats induced by neonatal treatment with clomipramine. Physiol Behav 2014; 124:37-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Sensitivity of depression-like behavior to glucocorticoids and antidepressants is independent of forebrain glucocorticoid receptors. Brain Res 2013; 1525:1-15. [PMID: 23727405 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The location of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) implicated in depression symptoms and antidepressant action remains unclear. Forebrain glucocorticoid receptor deletion on a C57B/6×129×CBA background (FBGRKO-T50) reportedly produces increased depression-like behavior and elevated glucocorticoids. We further hypothesized that forebrain GR deletion would reduce behavioral sensitivity to glucocorticoids and to antidepressants. We have tested this hypothesis in mice with calcium calmodulin kinase IIα-Cre-mediated forebrain GR deletion derived from a new founder on a pure C57BL/6 background (FBGRKO-T29-1). We measured immobility in forced swim or tail suspension tests after manipulating glucocorticoids or after dose response experiments with tricyclic or monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants. Despite forebrain GR deletion that was at least as rapid and more extensive than reported in the mixed-strain FBGRKO-T50 mice (Boyle et al. 2005), and possibly because of their different founder, our FBGRKO-T29-1 mice did not exhibit increases in depression-like behavior or adrenocortical axis hormones. Nevertheless, FBGRKO-T29-1 mice were at least as sensitive as floxed GR controls to the depressive effects of glucocorticoids and the effects of two different classes of antidepressants. FBGRKO-T29-1 mice also unexpectedly exhibited increased mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) gene expression. Our results reinforce prior evidence that antidepressant action does not require forebrain GR, and suggest a correlation between the absence of depression-like phenotype and combined MR up-regulation and central amygdala GR deficiency. Our findings demonstrate that GR outside the areas targeted in FBGRKO-T29-1 mice are involved in the depressive effects of glucocorticoids, and leave open the possibility that these GR populations also contribute to antidepressant action.
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Workman JL, Brummelte S, Galea LAM. Postpartum corticosterone administration reduces dendritic complexity and increases the density of mushroom spines of hippocampal CA3 arbours in dams. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:119-30. [PMID: 22935038 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2012.02380.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 15% of mothers after giving birth. A complete understanding of depression during the postpartum period has yet to be established, although disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress during the postpartum may be involved. To model these components in rats, we administered high corticosterone (CORT) postpartum, which increases immobility in the forced swim test (FST), and reduces maternal care, body weight and hippocampal cell proliferation in dams. The hippocampus is altered in response to chronic stress, exposure to high glucocorticoids and in major depression in humans. In the present study, we examined whether high CORT reduced dendritic complexity and spines in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Additionally, housing complexity was manipulated so that dams and litters were housed either with tubes (complex) or without tubes (impoverished) to investigate the consequences of new animal care regulations. Dams received 40 mg/kg/day of CORT or oil starting on day 2 postpartum for 23 days. Maternal behaviours were assessed on postpartum days 2-8 and dams were tested using the FST on days 21 and 22. Dams were killed on day 24 and brains were processed for Golgi impregnation. Pyramidal cells in the CA3 subfield were traced using a camera lucida and analysed for branch points and dendritic complexity, as well as spine density and type on both basal and apical arbours. As previously established, high CORT postpartum reduced maternal care and increased immobility in the FST, which is a measure of depressive-like behaviour. High CORT postpartum reduced the complexity of basal arbours and increased mushroom spines on both apical and basal dendrites. Housing complexity had no effect on spines of CA3 pyramidal cells but modest effects on cell morphology. These data show that chronic high CORT in postpartum females alters hippocampal morphology and may provide insight regarding the neurobiological consequences of high stress or CORT during the postpartum period, as well as be relevant for postpartum stress or depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Workman
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Llorens-Martín M, Trejo JL. Mifepristone prevents stress-induced apoptosis in newborn neurons and increases AMPA receptor expression in the dentate gyrus of C57/BL6 mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28376. [PMID: 22140582 PMCID: PMC3227665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress produces sustained elevation of corticosteroid levels, which is why it is considered one of the most potent negative regulators of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). Several mood disorders are accompanied by elevated glucocorticoid levels and have been linked to alterations in AHN, such as major depression (MD). Nevertheless, the mechanism by which acute stress affects the maturation of neural precursors in the dentate gyrus is poorly understood. We analyzed the survival and differentiation of 1 to 8 week-old cells in the dentate gyrus of female C57/BL6 mice following exposure to an acute stressor (the Porsolt or forced swimming test). Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist mifepristone on the cell death induced by the Porsolt test. Forced swimming induced selective apoptotic cell death in 1 week-old cells, an effect that was abolished by pretreatment with mifepristone. Independent of its antagonism of GR, mifepristone also induced an increase in the percentage of 1 week-old cells that were AMPA+. We propose that the induction of AMPA receptor expression in immature cells may mediate the neuroprotective effects of mifepristone, in line with the proposed antidepressant effects of AMPA receptor potentiators.
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Duclot F, Lapierre M, Fritsch S, White R, Parker MG, Maurice T, Cavaillès V. Cognitive impairments in adult mice with constitutive inactivation of RIP140 gene expression. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2011; 11:69-78. [PMID: 21906262 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2011.00731.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a negative transcriptional coregulator of nuclear receptors such as estrogen, retinoic acid or glucocorticoid receptors. Recruitment of RIP140 results in an inhibition of target gene expression through different repressive domains interacting with histone deacetylases or C-terminal binding proteins. In this study, we analyzed the role of RIP140 activity in memory processes using RIP140-deficient transgenic mice. Although the RIP140 protein was clearly expressed in the brain (cortical and hippocampus areas), the morphological examination of RIP140(-/-) mouse brain failed to show grossly observable alterations. Using male 2-month-old RIP140(-/-) , RIP140(+/-) or RIP140(+/+) mice, we did not observe any significant differences in the open-field test, rotarod test and in terms of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze. By contrast, RIP140(-/-) mice showed long-term memory deficits, with an absence of decrease in escape latencies when animals were tested using a fixed platform position procedure in the water maze and in the passive avoidance test. Noteworthy, RIP140(-/-) mice showed decreased swimming speed, suggesting swimming alterations that may in part account for the marked alterations measured in the water maze. Moreover, RIP140(+/-) and RIP140(-/-) mice showed a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swimming test as compared with wild-type animals. These observations showed that RIP140 gene depletion results in learning and memory deficits as well as stress response, bringing to light a major role for this transcriptional coregulator in the neurophysiological developmental mechanisms underlying cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Duclot
- INSERM U710, Montpellier, France
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18
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Putative role of endocannabinoid signaling in the etiology of depression and actions of antidepressants. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:1575-85. [PMID: 21111017 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, there have been several advances in the determination of the role of the endocannabinoid system in the etiology of depression and the functional actions of antidepressant drugs. Specifically, a deficiency in endocannabinoid signaling is sufficient to produce a "depressive-like" phenotype at the preclinical level (including changes in rewarding, emotional and cognitive behavior and biological changes such as increased HPA axis activity, impaired stress adaptation, reduced neurogenesis and altered serotonin negative feedback), and capable of inducing symptoms of depression in humans at a clinical level. In line with these findings, clinical populations diagnosed with depression are found to have reduced levels of circulating endocannabinoids and preclinical models of depression reveal a deficit in central endocannabinoid signaling. Moreover, facilitation of endocannabinoid signaling is sufficient to produce all of the behavioral and biochemical effects of conventional antidepressant treatments. Further, many forms of antidepressant treatments significantly alter endocannabinoid signaling, and in some of these cases this recruitment of endocannabinoid signaling is involved in the neuroadaptive effects of these treatments. Ultimately, these data present a compelling picture of the putative role of the endocannabinoid system in the processes subserving both the development and treatment of depression.
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Beckley EH, Scibelli AC, Finn DA. Progesterone receptor antagonist CDB-4124 increases depression-like behavior in mice without affecting locomotor ability. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:824-33. [PMID: 21163582 PMCID: PMC3081939 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2010] [Revised: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone withdrawal has been proposed as an underlying factor in premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression. Progesterone withdrawal induces forced swim test (FST) immobility in mice, a depression-like behavior, but the contribution of specific receptors to this effect is unclear. The role of progesterone's GABA(A) receptor-modulating metabolite allopregnanolone in depression- and anxiety-related behaviors has been extensively documented, but little attention has been paid to the role of progesterone receptors. We administered the classic progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone (RU-38486) and the specific progesterone receptor antagonist CDB-4124 to mice that had been primed with progesterone for five days, and found that both compounds induced FST immobility reliably, robustly, and in a dose-dependent fashion. Although CDB-4124 increased FST immobility, it did not suppress initial activity in a locomotor test. These findings suggest that decreased progesterone receptor activity contributes to depression-like behavior in mice, consistent with the hypothesis that progesterone withdrawal may contribute to the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan H. Beckley
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Angela C. Scibelli
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Deborah A. Finn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239
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Prins J, Olivier B, Korte SM. Triple reuptake inhibitors for treating subtypes of major depressive disorder: the monoamine hypothesis revisited. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2011; 20:1107-30. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2011.594039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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21
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Mostalac-Preciado CR, de Gortari P, López-Rubalcava C. Antidepressant-like effects of mineralocorticoid but not glucocorticoid antagonists in the lateral septum: interactions with the serotonergic system. Behav Brain Res 2011; 223:88-98. [PMID: 21515309 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2010] [Revised: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The lateral septum (LS) is a limbic brain region that receives serotonergic projections from raphe neurons and participates in the modulation of stress responses and affective states. The present study determined whether mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and/or glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) located in the LS interact with the serotonergic system in the regulation of depressive-like behavior of rats subjected to the forced swimming test (FST). We also studied the effect of corticosterone release induced by the FST on MR- and GR-mRNA expression in the LS. Specifically, we studied the antidepressant-like effects of spironolactone (a MR antagonist), mifepristone (a GR antagonist), and the antidepressant clomipramine (CMI) administered directly into the LS. In addition, spironolactone and CMI actions were studied in animals with serotonergic depletion induced by dl-p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA). Finally, adrenalectomized and Sham-operated rats were subjected to the FST to determine MR- and GR-mRNA expression in the LS at different post-FST intervals. The results showed that intraseptal injection of spironolactone, but not mifepristone induced antidepressant-like actions in the FST; this effect was blocked by pCPA treatment. CMI and spironolactone increased 5-HT concentrations in the LS of rats subjected to the FST. Increases in corticosterone release, induced by the FST, correlated with a decrease in MR-mRNA expression in the LS; no correlation was found with GR-mRNA expression. In conclusion, MRs in the lateral septum, but not GRs, participate in the regulation of depressive-like behavior of animals subjected to the FST. Both serotonin and corticosterone play an important role in MR actions in the LS.
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Behavioral disinhibition and reduced anxiety-like behaviors in monoamine oxidase B-deficient mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:2746-57. [PMID: 19710633 PMCID: PMC2783894 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2009.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) B catalyzes the degradation of beta-phenylethylamine (PEA), a trace amine neurotransmitter implicated in mood regulation. Although several studies have shown an association between low MAO B activity in platelets and behavioral disinhibition in humans, the nature of this relation remains undefined. To investigate the impact of MAO B deficiency on the emotional responses elicited by environmental cues, we tested MAO B knockout (KO) mice in a set of behavioral assays capturing different aspects of anxiety-related manifestations, such as the elevated plus maze, defensive withdrawal, marble burying, and hole board. Furthermore, MAO B KO mice were evaluated for their exploratory patterns in response to unfamiliar objects and risk-taking behaviors. In comparison with their wild-type (WT) littermates, MAO B KO mice exhibited significantly lower anxiety-like responses and shorter latency to engage in risk-taking behaviors and exploration of unfamiliar objects. To determine the neurobiological bases of the behavioral differences between WT and MAO B KO mice, we measured the brain-regional levels of PEA in both genotypes. Although PEA levels were significantly higher in all brain regions of MAO B KO in comparison with WT mice, the most remarkable increments were observed in the striatum and prefrontal cortex, two key regions for the regulation of behavioral disinhibition. However, no significant differences in transcript levels of PEA's selective receptor, trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1), were detected in either region. Taken together, these results suggest that MAO B deficiency may lead to behavioral disinhibition and decreased anxiety-like responses partially through regional increases of PEA levels.
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Functional correlates for 5-HT(1A) receptors in maternally deprived rats displaying anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2009; 33:262-8. [PMID: 19111592 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Revised: 11/25/2008] [Accepted: 11/27/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Maternal separation is known to induce long-term changes in neuroendocrine and emotional responsiveness to stress in a large variety of models. We examined an animal model of early deprivation in Sprague-Dawley rats consisting of separating litters from their mothers and littermates 3 h daily during postnatal days 2 to 15. In adulthood, maternally deprived rats in comparison with non-deprived controls exhibited an increase in anxiety and depression-related behaviors in the open-field and forced swim tests. Because serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT(1A) receptors seem to play an important role in the pathophysiology of major depression and in the mechanism of action of antidepressants, we investigated if 5-HT(1A) receptor function is altered in deprived rats. Although the hypothermic response to the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT was increased in adult deprived rats compared to non-deprived control group, no differences between groups were found in the effect of the systemic 8-OH-DPAT administration on serotoninergic cell firing in dorsal raphe nucleus and in the 5-HT release at the ventral hippocampus levels. These results suggest that 5-HT(1A) receptors are not substantially affected in adult Sprague-Dawley rats that were subjected to a maternal deprivation 3 h daily during the neonatal period.
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Exercise improves cognitive responses to psychological stress through enhancement of epigenetic mechanisms and gene expression in the dentate gyrus. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4330. [PMID: 19180197 PMCID: PMC2628725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have shown previously that exercise benefits stress resistance and stress coping capabilities. Furthermore, we reported recently that epigenetic changes related to gene transcription are involved in memory formation of stressful events. In view of the enhanced coping capabilities in exercised subjects we investigated epigenetic, gene expression and behavioral changes in 4-weeks voluntarily exercised rats. Methodology/Principal Findings Exercised and control rats coped differently when exposed to a novel environment. Whereas the control rats explored the new cage for the complete 30-min period, exercised animals only did so during the first 15 min after which they returned to sleeping or resting behavior. Both groups of animals showed similar behavioral responses in the initial forced swim session. When re-tested 24 h later however the exercised rats showed significantly more immobility behavior and less struggling and swimming. If rats were killed at 2 h after novelty or the initial swim test, i.e. at the peak of histone H3 phospho-acetylation and c-Fos induction, then the exercised rats showed a significantly higher number of dentate granule neurons expressing the histone modifications and immediate-early gene induction. Conclusions/Significance Thus, irrespective of the behavioral response in the novel cage or initial forced swim session, the impact of the event at the dentate gyrus level was greater in exercised rats than in control animals. Furthermore, in view of our concept that the neuronal response in the dentate gyrus after forced swimming is involved in memory formation of the stressful event, the observations in exercised rats of enhanced neuronal responses as well as higher immobility responses in the re-test are consistent with the reportedly improved cognitive performance in these animals. Thus, improved stress coping in exercised subjects seems to involve enhanced cognitive capabilities possibly resulting from distinct epigenetic mechanisms in dentate gyrus neurons.
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Kuteeva E, Wardi T, Lundström L, Sollenberg U, Langel U, Hökfelt T, Ogren SO. Differential role of galanin receptors in the regulation of depression-like behavior and monoamine/stress-related genes at the cell body level. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008; 33:2573-85. [PMID: 18172432 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study on rat examined the role of galanin receptor subtypes in regulation of depression-like behavior as well as potential molecular mechanisms involved in the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe (DR). The effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of galanin or galanin receptor GalR1- and GalR2-selective ligands was studied in the forced swim test, followed by quantitative in situ hybridization studies. Naive control, non-treated (swim control), saline- and fluoxetine-treated rats were used as controls in the behavioral and in situ hybridization studies. Subchronic treatment with fluoxetine reduced immobility and climbing time. Intracerebroventricular infusion of galanin, the GalR1 agonist M617 or the GalR2 antagonist M871 increased, while the GalR2(R3) agonist AR-M1896 decreased, immobility time compared to the aCSF-treated animals. Galanin also decreased the time of climbing. Galanin mRNA levels were upregulated by the combination of injection+swim stress in the saline- and the fluoxetine-treated groups in the LC, but not in the DR. Also tyrosine hydroxylase levels in the LC were increased following injection+swim stress in the saline- and fluoxetine-treated rats. Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and serotonin transporter mRNAs were not significantly affected by any treatment. 5-HT(1A) mRNA levels were downregulated following i.c.v. galanin, M617 or AR-M1896 infusion. These results indicate a differential role of galanin receptor subtypes in depression-like behavior in rodents: GalR1 subtype may mediate 'prodepressive' and GalR2 'antidepressant' effects of galanin. Galanin has a role in behavioral adaptation to stressful events involving changes of molecules important for noradrenaline and/or serotonin transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Kuteeva
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Retzius vag 8, Stockholm S-171 77 [corrected] Sweden.
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26
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Ago Y, Arikawa S, Yata M, Yano K, Abe M, Takuma K, Matsuda T. Antidepressant-like effects of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU-43044 are associated with changes in prefrontal dopamine in mouse models of depression. Neuropharmacology 2008; 55:1355-63. [PMID: 18796307 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Revised: 08/19/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Chronic corticosterone and isolation rearing paradigms may provide reliable mouse models of depression. Using these models, the present study examined if the specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, RU-43044, has an antidepressant-like effect, and studied the possible role of prefrontal neurotransmission on the behavioral effects. Chronic administration of corticosterone and isolation rearing increased the immobility time in the forced swim and tail suspension tests. Subchronic treatment with RU-43044 decreased the immobility time in the forced swim test in chronic corticosterone-treated and isolation-reared mice, but not the control mice. Chronic corticosterone decreased the levels of cortical glucocorticoid receptors and stress-induced increases in plasma corticosterone levels, and blocked the response of plasma corticosterone to dexamethasone, while isolation rearing did not cause any changes in the glucocorticoid receptor system. Both chronic corticosterone and isolation rearing markedly increased high K+ -induced dopamine release, but not serotonin release, in the prefrontal cortex. Subchronic RU-43044 reversed the enhanced release of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex of chronic corticosterone-treated and isolation-reared mice. These results suggest that chronic corticosterone and isolation rearing increase the depressive-like behavior in glucocorticoid receptor-dependent and independent manners, respectively, and that RU-43044 shows an antidepressant-like effect, probably via an inhibition of enhanced prefrontal dopaminergic neurotransmission in these mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Ago
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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27
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Chandramohan Y, Droste SK, Arthur JSC, Reul JMHM. The forced swimming-induced behavioural immobility response involves histone H3 phospho-acetylation and c-Fos induction in dentate gyrus granule neurons via activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen- and stress-activated kinase signalling pathway. Eur J Neurosci 2008; 27:2701-13. [PMID: 18513320 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06230.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus is involved in learning and memory. Previously, we have shown that the acquisition of the behavioural immobility response after a forced swim experience is associated with chromatin modifications and transcriptional induction in dentate gyrus granule neurons. Given that both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 signalling pathway are involved in neuroplasticity processes underlying learning and memory, we investigated in rats and mice whether these signalling pathways regulate chromatin modifications and transcriptional events participating in the acquisition of the immobility response. We found that: (i) forced swimming evoked a transient increase in the number of phospho-acetylated histone H3-positive [P(Ser10)-Ac(Lys14)-H3(+)] neurons specifically in the middle and superficial aspects of the dentate gyrus granule cell layer; (ii) antagonism of NMDA receptors and inhibition of ERK1/2 signalling blocked forced swimming-induced histone H3 phospho-acetylation and the acquisition of the behavioural immobility response; (iii) double knockout (DKO) of the histone H3 kinase mitogen- and stress-activated kinases (MSK) 1/2 in mice completely abolished the forced swimming-induced increases in histone H3 phospho-acetylation and c-Fos induction in dentate granule neurons and the behavioural immobility response; (iv) blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, known not to be involved in behavioural immobility in the forced swim test, did not affect forced swimming-evoked histone H3 phospho-acetylation in dentate neurons; and (v) the pharmacological manipulations and gene deletions did not affect behaviour in the initial forced swim test. We conclude that the forced swimming-induced behavioural immobility response requires histone H3 phospho-acetylation and c-Fos induction in distinct dentate granule neurons through recruitment of the NMDA/ERK/MSK 1/2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalini Chandramohan
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
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28
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Sousa N, Cerqueira JJ, Almeida OFX. Corticosteroid receptors and neuroplasticity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 57:561-70. [PMID: 17692926 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2007.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2007] [Revised: 05/21/2007] [Accepted: 05/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The balance in actions mediated by mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors in certain regions of the brain, predominantly in the limbic system, appears critical for neuronal activity, stress responsiveness, and behavioral programming and adaptation. Alterations in the MR/GR balance appear to make nervous tissue vulnerable to damage; such damage can have adverse effects on the regulation of the stress response and may increase the risk for psychopathology. Besides the hippocampal formation, other subpopulations of neurons in extra-hippocampal brain areas have been also shown recently to be sensitive to changes in the corticosteroid milieu. From a critical analysis of the available data, the picture that emerges is that the balance (or imbalance) between MR/GR activation influences not only cell birth and death, but also other forms of neuroplasticity. MR occupation appears to promote pro-survival actions, while exclusive GR activation favors neurodegeneration. Interestingly, the sustained co-activation of both receptors, for example in chronic stress conditions, usually results in less drastic effects, restricted to dendritic atrophy and impaired synaptic plasticity. As our knowledge of the plastic changes underpinning the wide spectrum of behavior effects triggered by corticosteroids/stress growths, researchers should be able to better define new targets for therapeutic intervention in stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
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29
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Cannizzaro C, Plescia F, Gagliano M, Cannizzaro G, Mantia G, La Barbera M, Provenzano G, Cannizzaro E. Perinatal exposure to 5-metoxytryptamine, behavioural-stress reactivity and functional response of 5-HT1A receptors in the adolescent rat. Behav Brain Res 2008; 186:98-106. [PMID: 17825441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2007] [Revised: 07/27/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin is involved in a wide range of physiological and patho-physiological mechanisms. In particular, 5-HT1A receptors are proposed to mediate stress-adaptation. The aim of this research was to investigate in adolescent rats: first, the consequences of perinatal exposure to 5-metoxytryptamine (5MT), a 5-HT1/5-HT2 serotonergic agonist, on behavioural-stress reactivity in elevated plus maze, open field and forced swim tests; secondly, whether the behavioural effects induced by perinatal exposure to 5MT on open field and forced swim tests were affected by the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist LY 228729, a compound able to elicit a characteristic set of motor behaviours on these experimental models, and by the co-administration of the selective and silent 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635. Results indicate that a single daily injection of 5MT to, pregnant dams from gestational days 12 to 21 (1mg/kg s.c.), and to the pups from postnatal days 2 to 18 (0.5mg kg s.c.), induce in the adolescent rat offspring: an increase in the percentage of entries and time spent on the open arms in the elevated plus maze; a reduction in locomotor activity and rearing frequency, and an increase in the time spent on the central areas in the open field test; a decrease in immobility and an increase in swimming in the forced swim test. Acute administration of LY 228729 (1.5mg/kg s.c.) strongly decreases rearing frequency and increases peripheral activity in the open field test, and decreases immobility and increases swimming in the forced swim test both in perinatally vehicle and 5MT-exposed offspring. Co-administration of WAY 100635 (0.25mg/kg s.c.) abolishes the effects exerted by LY 228729. These results suggest that, in the adolescent rat, perinatal exposure to 5MT enhances the stress-related adaptive behavioural responses, presumably through a predominant action on presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors and does not deteriorate the functional response of 5-HT1A receptors to selective agonist and antagonist compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cannizzaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche, Università di Palermo, V. Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
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Casarotto PC, Andreatini R. Repeated paroxetine treatment reverses anhedonia induced in rats by chronic mild stress or dexamethasone. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2007; 17:735-42. [PMID: 17462866 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2007.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Revised: 02/14/2007] [Accepted: 03/06/2007] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to assess the effect of dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid receptor agonist, in the sucrose preference test in rats. Rats treated acutely with dexamethasone (5-10 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in sucrose preference (anhedonia) in comparison to vehicle treated rats, although 1 mg/kg dexamethasone did not alter the sucrose preference. Daily paroxetine treatment (10 g/kg, i.p., 14 days) reversed the anhedonic effect of acute dexamethasone (5 mg/kg), while causing no increased sucrose preference in rats that received dexamethasone vehicle. The paroxetine vehicle treated rats showed anhedonia even 14 days after acute dexamethasone administration. Paroxetine (10 mk/kg, i.p. for 28 days) also reversed anhedonia induced by chronic mild stress (8 weeks). In conclusion, acute dexamethasone induced an enduring anhedonic state that was reversed by repeated paroxetine treatment. Thus, the present study adds new data to the evidence supporting an important role for glucocorticoid in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Casarotto
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Farmacologia do Sistema Nervoso Central, Departamento de Farmacologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Centro Politécnico C.P. 19031, 81540-990 Curitiba - PR - Brazil
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31
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McLaughlin RJ, Hill MN, Morrish AC, Gorzalka BB. Local enhancement of cannabinoid CB1 receptor signalling in the dorsal hippocampus elicits an antidepressant-like effect. Behav Pharmacol 2007; 18:431-8. [PMID: 17762511 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e3282ee7b44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic administration of direct cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists and inhibitors of the hydrolytic enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase have been shown to elicit antidepressant effects. Moreover, the endocannabinoid system in the hippocampus is sensitive to both chronic stress and antidepressant administration, suggesting a potential role of this system in emotional changes associated with these regimens. The aim of this study was to determine if cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the hippocampus modulate emotionality in rats as assessed via the forced swim test. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were bilaterally implanted with cannulae directed at the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus and subsequently received three infusions of either the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist HU-210 (1 and 2.5 microg), the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 (0.5 and 1 microg), the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (1 and 2.5 microg), or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) and were assessed in the forced swim test. Infusion of both doses of HU-210 resulted in a dramatic reduction in immobility and increase in swimming behaviour, indicative of an antidepressant response, which was partially reversed by coadministration of AM251. No effect of URB597 administration or any effect following the administration of AM251 alone was, however, observed. These data indicate that activation of CB1 receptors in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus results in an antidepressant-like response. Collectively, these data highlight the potential importance of changes in the hippocampal endocannabinoid system following stress or antidepressant treatment with respect to the manifestation and/or treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Reul JMHM, Chandramohan Y. Epigenetic mechanisms in stress-related memory formation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2007; 32 Suppl 1:S21-5. [PMID: 17644269 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2007] [Revised: 03/06/2007] [Accepted: 03/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Coping with stressful events is part of everyone's daily life. The organism's response to stress is a complex array of physiological and behavioral changes aimed at the preservation/protection of the organism during the stressful event as well as at stimulating adaptive and mnemonic processes in case the event would re-occur in the future. The hippocampus including its 'gate', the dentate gyrus, is highly involved in these processes. We have been collecting evidence suggesting that the transcriptional activation seen in dentate gyrus neurons, which are involved in the encoding of memories of a psychologically stressful event, requires chromatin remodeling in these neurons driven by the phosphorylation (at Serine10) and acetylation (at Lysine14) of histone H3. These particular epigenetic mechanisms are potentially of special interest for neuronal functioning as they are associated with the induction of hitherto silent genes. The phospho-acetylation of histone H3 is brought about by the concurrent activation of two, possibly converging, signaling pathways, being the glucocorticoid receptor and the NMDA/MAPK/ERK/MSK signaling pathways. Thus, we present a new model about how signaling to the chromatin can shape a specific gene transcriptional response in dentate granule neurons required for the encoding of memory of the stressful event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes M H M Reul
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
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33
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Einat H, Manji HK. Cellular plasticity cascades: genes-to-behavior pathways in animal models of bipolar disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2006; 59:1160-71. [PMID: 16457783 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2005] [Revised: 11/11/2005] [Accepted: 11/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite extensive research, the molecular/cellular underpinnings of bipolar disorder (BD) remain to be fully elucidated. Recent data has demonstrated that mood stabilizers exert major effects on signaling that regulate cellular plasticity; however, a direct extrapolation to mechanisms of disease demands proof that manipulation of candidate genes, proteins, or pathways result in relevant behavioral changes. METHODS We critique and evaluate the behavioral changes induced by manipulation of cellular plasticity cascades implicated in BD. RESULTS Not surprisingly, the behavioral data suggest that several important signaling molecules might play important roles in mediating facets of the complex symptomatology of BD. Notably, the protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase cascades might play important roles in the antimanic effects of mood stabilizers, whereas glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 might mediate facets of lithium's antimanic/antidepressant actions. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulation also seems to be capable to inducing affective-like changes observed in mood disorders. And Bcl-2, amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptors, and inositol homeostasis represent important pharmacological targets for mood stabilizers, but additional behavioral research is needed to more fully delineate their behavioral effects. CONCLUSIONS Behavioral data support the notion that regulation of cellular plasticity is involved in affective-like behavioral changes observed in BD. These findings are leading to the development of novel therapeutics for this devastating illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haim Einat
- College of Pharmacy, Duluth, University of Minnesota, 55812, USA.
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34
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Kenunen OG, Prakh'e IV, Kozlovskii VL. Changes in anxiety levels are followed by changes in behavioral strategy in mice subjected to stress and in the extent of stress-induced analgesia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 36:151-6. [PMID: 16380828 DOI: 10.1007/s11055-005-0173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2004] [Revised: 07/26/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The experiments reported here demonstrated that corasol increased the extent of analgesia induced by stress and decreased the duration of immobility in mice in a forced swimming test in cold water. Administration of diazepam led to the opposite changes and counteracted the actions of the anxiogen. The effects of the anxiolytic were more apparent in NMRI than mongrel mice, while in mongrel mice the effects of the anxiogen were more marked. Changes in measures following administration of agents were reciprocal in nature. These results lead to the conclusion that that these changes are determined by the level of anxiety, and that the strain differences between mongrel and NMRI mice are also linked with this factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- O G Kenunen
- V. M. Bekhterev Science Research Institute of Psychoneurology, 3 Bekhterev Street, 193019 St. Petersburg, Russia
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35
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Millan MJ. Multi-target strategies for the improved treatment of depressive states: Conceptual foundations and neuronal substrates, drug discovery and therapeutic application. Pharmacol Ther 2006; 110:135-370. [PMID: 16522330 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 11/28/2005] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Major depression is a debilitating and recurrent disorder with a substantial lifetime risk and a high social cost. Depressed patients generally display co-morbid symptoms, and depression frequently accompanies other serious disorders. Currently available drugs display limited efficacy and a pronounced delay to onset of action, and all provoke distressing side effects. Cloning of the human genome has fuelled expectations that symptomatic treatment may soon become more rapid and effective, and that depressive states may ultimately be "prevented" or "cured". In pursuing these objectives, in particular for genome-derived, non-monoaminergic targets, "specificity" of drug actions is often emphasized. That is, priority is afforded to agents that interact exclusively with a single site hypothesized as critically involved in the pathogenesis and/or control of depression. Certain highly selective drugs may prove effective, and they remain indispensable in the experimental (and clinical) evaluation of the significance of novel mechanisms. However, by analogy to other multifactorial disorders, "multi-target" agents may be better adapted to the improved treatment of depressive states. Support for this contention is garnered from a broad palette of observations, ranging from mechanisms of action of adjunctive drug combinations and electroconvulsive therapy to "network theory" analysis of the etiology and management of depressive states. The review also outlines opportunities to be exploited, and challenges to be addressed, in the discovery and characterization of drugs recognizing multiple targets. Finally, a diversity of multi-target strategies is proposed for the more efficacious and rapid control of core and co-morbid symptoms of depression, together with improved tolerance relative to currently available agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Millan
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Centre de Recherches de Croissy, Psychopharmacology Department, 125, Chemin de Ronde, 78290-Croissy/Seine, France.
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36
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Bilang-Bleuel A, Ulbricht S, Chandramohan Y, De Carli S, Droste SK, Reul JMHM. Psychological stress increases histone H3 phosphorylation in adult dentate gyrus granule neurons: involvement in a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent behavioural response. Eur J Neurosci 2006; 22:1691-700. [PMID: 16197509 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.04358.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin remodelling associated with transcriptional activation of silent genes involves phosphorylation at Serine-10 and acetylation at Lysine-14 in the N-terminal tails of the nucleosomal protein histone H3. We have identified neurons predominantly in the dentate gyrus showing a speckled nuclear immunoreactivity pattern for phosphorylated histone H3 [i.e. P(Ser10)-H3] and phospho-acetylated histone H3 [i.e. P(Ser10)-Ac(Lys14)-H3]. Forced swimming increased the number of P(Ser10)-H3-positive [P(Ser10)-H3+] neurons in the rat and mouse dentate gyrus. Exposure of mice to a predator had a similar effect, but exposing rats to ether vapour or a cold environment evoked no change in the number of P(Ser10)-H3+ dentate neurons, indicating that the effect of stress on histone H3 phosphorylation is stressor-specific. The forced swimming-induced increase in dentate P(Ser10)-H3+ neurons peaked at 8-24 h, was restricted to NeuN+ (i.e. mature) neurons, and occurred mainly in the middle and superficial aspects of the granular cell layer. Moreover, this increase showed stimulus strength dependency (i.e. swimming at 19 degrees C produced a larger increase than swimming at 25 degrees C) and could be blocked by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonists RU 38486 and ORG 34517. Under these experimental conditions, when the forced swimming-induced behavioural immobility response was determined in a re-test 24 h after the initial forced swim test, striking correlations were observed between the phosphorylation of histone H3 in dentate gyrus granule neurons and the acquired immobility response. Our data indicate that stressful events with a strong psychological component such as forced swimming evoke distinct GR-dependent histone modifications in mature dentate gyrus granule neurons that may participate in the behavioural adaptation of the organism to this event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Bilang-Bleuel
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, Munich, Germany
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37
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Hill MN, Gorzalka BB. Is there a role for the endocannabinoid system in the etiology and treatment of melancholic depression? Behav Pharmacol 2006; 16:333-52. [PMID: 16148438 DOI: 10.1097/00008877-200509000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
With advances in basic and clinical neuroscience, many gaps have appeared in the traditional monoamine theory of depression that have led to reformulation of the hypotheses concerning the neurobiology of depression. The more recent hypotheses suggest that melancholic depression is characterized by central glucocorticoid resistance that results in hypercortisolemia, which in turn leads to down-regulation of neurotrophins and subsequent neurodegeneration. Examining the neurobiology of depression from this perspective suggests that the endocannabinoid system may play a role in the etiology of melancholic depression. Specifically, pharmacological and genetic blockade of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor induces a phenotypic state that is analogous to melancholic depression, including symptoms such as reduced food intake, heightened anxiety, increased arousal and wakefulness, deficits in extinction of aversive memories and supersensitivity to stress. These similarities between melancholic depression and an endocannabinoid deficiency become more interesting in light of recent findings that endocannabinoid activity is down-regulated by chronic stress and possibly increased by some antidepressant regimens. We propose that an endocannabinoid deficiency may underlie some of the symptoms of melancholic depression, and that enhancement of this system may ultimately be a novel form of pharmacotherapy for treatment-resistant depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Hill
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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38
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Wilcoxon JS, Kuo AG, Disterhoft JF, Redei EE. Behavioral deficits associated with fetal alcohol exposure are reversed by prenatal thyroid hormone treatment: a role for maternal thyroid hormone deficiency in FAE. Mol Psychiatry 2005; 10:961-71. [PMID: 15940294 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Children prenatally exposed to alcohol typically exhibit behavioral abnormalities, including hyperactivity, learning deficits, and an increased prevalence of depression. Similar impairments are found in children of hypothyroid mothers, and we have shown that alcohol-consuming rat dams have suppressed hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) function. Therefore, we hypothesized that suppressed maternal thyroid hormonal milieu may contribute to the deleterious consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure. We aimed first to confirm and then to reverse the behavioral deficits in the fetal alcohol exposed (FAE) rat offspring by administration of thyroxine (T4) to the alcohol-consuming dams. Adult offspring prenatally exposed to ethanol (FAE; 35% ethanol-derived calories), pair-fed (PF) or control (C) diets were tested in the Morris water maze (MWM), the forced swim test (FST), and the open field test (OFT) to assess spatial learning, depressive behavior, and exploratory behavior/anxiety, respectively. Adult FAE offspring took longer to locate a hidden platform in the MWM and showed increased depressive behavior in the FST both of which were reversed by administration of T4 to the alcohol-consuming mother. We found sex and brain region-specific alterations in expression of genes involved in these behaviors in FAE adult offspring. Specifically, decreased hippocampal GAP-43 mRNA levels in adult FAE females and decreased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in the amygdala of male and female FAE offspring were observed. The decreased mRNA levels of GAP-43 and GR were normalized by T4 treatment to the alcohol-consuming mother. Our results suggest that the suppressed HPT function of the alcohol-consuming mother contributes to the behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions observed in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Wilcoxon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, The Asher Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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39
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Islam A, Thompson KSJ, Akhtar S, Handley SL. Increased 5-HT2A receptor expression and function following central glucocorticoid receptor knockdown in vivo. Eur J Pharmacol 2005; 502:213-20. [PMID: 15476747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2004] [Revised: 06/18/2004] [Accepted: 09/01/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Central glucocorticoid receptor function may be reduced in depression. In vivo modelling of glucocorticoid receptor underfunctionality would assist in understanding its role in depressive illness. The role of glucocorticoid receptors in modulating 5-HT(2A) receptor expression and function in the central nervous system (CNS) is presently unclear, but 5-HT(2A) receptor function also appears altered in depression. With the aid of RNAse H accessibility mapping, we have developed a 21-mer antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (5'-TAAAAACAGGCTTCTGATCCT-3', termed GRAS-5) that showed 56% reduction in glucocorticoid receptor mRNA and 80% down-regulation in glucocorticoid receptor protein in rat C6 glioma cells. Sustained delivery to rat cerebral ventricles in slow release biodegradable polymer microspheres produced a marked decrease in glucocorticoid receptor mRNA and protein in hypothalamus (by 39% and 80%, respectively) and frontal cortex (by 26% and 67%, respectively) 5 days after a single injection, with parallel significant up-regulation of 5-HT(2A) receptor mRNA expression (13%) and binding (21%) in frontal cortex. 5-HT(2A) receptor function, determined by DOI-head-shakes, showed a 55% increase. These findings suggest that central 5-HT(2A) receptors are, directly or indirectly, under tonic inhibitory control by glucocorticoid receptor.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cerebral Cortex/drug effects
- Cerebral Cortex/metabolism
- Cerebral Cortex/physiology
- Gene Silencing/drug effects
- Hypothalamus/drug effects
- Hypothalamus/metabolism
- Hypothalamus/physiology
- Male
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/metabolism
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- Protein Binding/physiology
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/genetics
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/physiology
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/deficiency
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics
- Up-Regulation/drug effects
- Up-Regulation/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminul Islam
- LHS, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
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40
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Glucocorticoid antagonists and depression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0921-0709(05)80068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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41
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Bachmann CG, Bilang-Bleuel A, De Carli S, Linthorst ACE, Reul JMHM. The selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist ORG 34116 decreases immobility time in the forced swim test and affects cAMP-responsive element-binding protein phosphorylation in rat brain. Neuroendocrinology 2005; 81:129-36. [PMID: 15970644 DOI: 10.1159/000086413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2004] [Accepted: 03/07/2005] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonists can block the retention of the immobility response in the forced swimming test. Recently, we showed that forced swimming evokes a distinct spatiotemporal pattern of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in the dentate gyrus (DG) and neocortex. In the present study, we found that chronic treatment of rats with the selective GR antagonist ORG 34116 decreased the immobility time in the forced swim test, increased baseline levels of phosphorylated CREB (P-CREB) in the DG and neocortex and affected the forced swimming-induced changes in P-CREB levels in a time- and site-specific manner. Overall, we observed that, in control rats, forced swimming evoked increases in P-CREB levels in the DG and neocortex, whereas in ORG 34116-treated animals a major dephosphorylation of P-CREB was observed. These observations underscore an important role of GRs in the control of the phosphorylation state of CREB which seems to be of significance for the immobility response in the forced swim test and extend the molecular mechanism of action of GRs in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius G Bachmann
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, Munich, Germany
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42
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The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis as a dynamically organized system: lessons from exercising mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0921-0709(05)80009-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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43
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Korte SM, Koolhaas JM, Wingfield JC, McEwen BS. The Darwinian concept of stress: benefits of allostasis and costs of allostatic load and the trade-offs in health and disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2004; 29:3-38. [PMID: 15652252 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 658] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2004] [Accepted: 08/09/2004] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Why do we get the stress-related diseases we do? Why do some people have flare ups of autoimmune disease, whereas others suffer from melancholic depression during a stressful period in their life? In the present review possible explanations will be given by using different levels of analysis. First, we explain in evolutionary terms why different organisms adopt different behavioral strategies to cope with stress. It has become clear that natural selection maintains a balance of different traits preserving genes for high aggression (Hawks) and low aggression (Doves) within a population. The existence of these personality types (Hawks-Doves) is widespread in the animal kingdom, not only between males and females but also within the same gender across species. Second, proximate (causal) explanations are given for the different stress responses and how they work. Hawks and Doves differ in underlying physiology and these differences are associated with their respective behavioral strategies; for example, bold Hawks preferentially adopt the fight-flight response when establishing a new territory or defending an existing territory, while cautious Doves show the freeze-hide response to adapt to threats in their environment. Thus, adaptive processes that actively maintain stability through change (allostasis) depend on the personality type and the associated stress responses. Third, we describe how the expression of the various stress responses can result in specific benefits to the organism. Fourth, we discuss how the benefits of allostasis and the costs of adaptation (allostatic load) lead to different trade-offs in health and disease, thereby reinforcing a Darwinian concept of stress. Collectively, this provides some explanation of why individuals may differ in their vulnerability to different stress-related diseases and how this relates to the range of personality types, especially aggressive Hawks and non-aggressive Doves in a population. A conceptual framework is presented showing that Hawks, due to inefficient management of mediators of allostasis, are more likely to be violent, to develop impulse control disorders, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden death, atypical depression, chronic fatigue states and inflammation. In contrast, Doves, due to the greater release of mediators of allostasis (surplus), are more susceptible to anxiety disorders, metabolic syndromes, melancholic depression, psychotic states and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mechiel Korte
- Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Box 65, Edelhertweg 15, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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44
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Morley-Fletcher S, Darnaudéry M, Mocaer E, Froger N, Lanfumey L, Laviola G, Casolini P, Zuena AR, Marzano L, Hamon M, Maccari S. Chronic treatment with imipramine reverses immobility behaviour, hippocampal corticosteroid receptors and cortical 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in prenatally stressed rats. Neuropharmacology 2004; 47:841-7. [PMID: 15527818 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2004.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2004] [Revised: 06/04/2004] [Accepted: 06/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress in the rat induces enhanced reactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, disturbances in a variety of circadian rhythms and increased anxiety-like behaviour. Such abnormalities parallel those found in human depressed patients. Prenatally stressed (PS) rats could represent, therefore, an interesting animal model for the evaluation of the efficacy of pharmacotherapeutic intervention in psychiatric disorders that has often been addressed using control animals. In the present study, PS and non-stressed rats were chronically treated with the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (10 mg/kg i.p. for 21 days) and assessed in the forced swim test. Glucocorticoid receptor binding sites in the hippocampus were measured and 5-HT(1A) receptor mRNA levels in the frontal cortex were also assessed. PS rats were characterised by increased immobility in the forced swim test, reduced hippocampal corticosteroid receptor binding and increased levels of cortical 5-HT(1A) mRNA. All these parameters were significantly reversed by chronic imipramine treatment. Conversely, no significant effects were observed for non-stressed rats. All these effects are consistent with the expected pharmacotherapy of depression-like abnormalities in PS rats. These results further indicate that PS rats are a relevant animal model of depression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic/pharmacology
- Brain Chemistry/physiology
- Cerebral Cortex/drug effects
- Cerebral Cortex/metabolism
- Female
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Imipramine/pharmacology
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Pregnancy
- Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/drug effects
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Stress, Psychological/psychology
- Swimming/psychology
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Affiliation(s)
- S Morley-Fletcher
- Laboratory of Perinatal Stress JE2365, University of Lille 1, Bt. SN4.1, 59655, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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45
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Abstract
The adult nervous system is not static, but instead can change, can be reshaped by experience. Such plasticity has been demonstrated from the most reductive to the most integrated levels, and understanding the bases of this plasticity is a major challenge. It is apparent that stress can alter plasticity in the nervous system, particularly in the limbic system. This paper reviews that subject, concentrating on: a) the ability of severe and/or prolonged stress to impair hippocampal-dependent explicit learning and the plasticity that underlies it; b) the ability of mild and transient stress to facilitate such plasticity; c) the ability of a range of stressors to enhance implicit fear conditioning, and to enhance the amygdaloid plasticity that underlies it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Sapolsky
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Gilbert Laboratory, MC 5020, Stanford, California 94305-5020, USA.
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46
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Kalynchuk LE, Meaney MJ. Amygdala kindling increases fear responses and decreases glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression in hippocampal regions. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2003; 27:1225-34. [PMID: 14659477 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2003.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Amygdala kindling dramatically increases fearful behavior in rats. Because kindling-induced fear increases in magnitude as rats receive more stimulations, kindling provides an excellent model for studying the nature and neural mechanisms of fear sensitization. In the present experiment, we studied whether the development of kindling-induced fear is related to changes in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA expression in various brain regions. Rats received 20, 60 or 100 amygdala kindling stimulations or 100 sham stimulations. One day after the final stimulation, their fearful behavior was assessed in an unfamiliar open field. Then, the rats were sacrificed and their brains were processed for in situ hybridization of GR mRNA expression. We found that compared with the sham-stimulated rats, the rats that received 60 or 100 kindling stimulations were significantly more fearful in the open field and also had significantly less GR mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus and CA1 subfield of the hippocampus. Importantly, the changes in fearful behavior were significantly correlated with the changes in GR mRNA expression. These results suggest that alterations in GR mRNA expression in hippocampal regions may play a role in the development of kindling-induced fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Kalynchuk
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, B3H 4J1, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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47
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Hill MN, Brotto LA, Lee TTY, Gorzalka BB. Corticosterone attenuates the antidepressant-like effects elicited by melatonin in the forced swim test in both male and female rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2003; 27:905-11. [PMID: 14499306 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5846(03)00149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin has been demonstrated to increase activity in the forced swim test (FST), a putative model of antidepressant efficacy, indicating that it may possess antidepressant-like qualities. It has been suggested that corticosterone can interfere with the efficacy of antidepressants, an effect that has previously been demonstrated in the FST. This experiment examined the effects of melatonin and corticosterone, independently and in combination, on the behaviours of both male and female rats in the FST. Corticosterone, melatonin, combined vehicles or a combined melatonin/corticosterone regimen were administered for 20 days, after which the animals were observed in the FST. As seen in previous research, melatonin elicited an antidepressant-like effect in the FST by reducing immobile behaviour (P<.01) and increasing active behaviour (P<.01). Corticosterone was found to reduce activity (P<.01) and increase immobility (P<.01), as well as attenuate the anti-immobility effects of melatonin (P=.03). These findings suggest that while melatonin may possess antidepressant-like qualities, high levels of corticosterone seem capable of attenuating these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Hill
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 1Z4
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48
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Manji HK, Quiroz JA, Sporn J, Payne JL, Denicoff K, A Gray N, Zarate CA, Charney DS. Enhancing neuronal plasticity and cellular resilience to develop novel, improved therapeutics for difficult-to-treat depression. Biol Psychiatry 2003; 53:707-42. [PMID: 12706957 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(03)00117-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence from neuroimaging and ostmortem studies that severe mood disorders, which have traditionally been conceptualized as neurochemical disorders, are associated with impairments of structural plasticity and cellular resilience. It is thus noteworthy that recent preclinical studies have shown that critical molecules in neurotrophic signaling cascades (most notably cyclic adenosine monophosphate [cAMP] response element binding protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, bcl-2, and mitogen activated protein [MAP] kinases) are long-term targets for antidepressant agents and antidepressant potentiating modalities. This suggests that effective treatments provide both trophic and neurochemical support, which serves to enhance and maintainnormal synaptic connectivity, thereby allowing the chemical signal to reinstate the optimal functioning of critical circuits necessary for normal affective functioning. For many refractory patients, drugs mimicking "traditional" strategies, which directly or indirectly alter monoaminergic levels, may be of limited benefit. Newer "plasticity enhancing" strategies that may have utility in the treatment of refractory depression include N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole propionate (AMPA) potentiators, cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists. Small-molecule agents that regulate the activity f growth factors, MAP kinases cascades, and the bcl-2 family of proteins are also promising future avenues. The development of novel, nonaminergic-based therapeutics holds much promise for improved treatment of severe, refractory mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husseini K Manji
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4405, USA
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Solberg LC, Ahmadiyeh N, Baum AE, Vitaterna MH, Takahashi JS, Turek FW, Redei EE. Depressive-like behavior and stress reactivity are independent traits in a Wistar Kyoto x Fisher 344 cross. Mol Psychiatry 2003; 8:423-33. [PMID: 12740600 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a heritable disorder that is often precipitated by stress. Abnormalities of the stress-reactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are also common in depressed patients. In animal models, the forced swim test (FST) is the most frequently used test of depressive-like behavior. We have used a proposed animal model of depression, the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat, to investigate the relationship as well as the mode of inheritance of FST behaviors and HPA measures. Through reciprocal breeding of WKY and F344 parent strains and brother-sister breeding of the F1 generation, we obtained 486 F2 animals. Parent, F1 and F2 animals were tested in the FST. Blood samples were collected for determination of basal and stress (10-min restraint) plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels, and adrenal weights were measured. We found that all measures were heritable to some extent and that this heritability was highly sex dependent. Both correlation and factor analyses of the F2 generation data demonstrate that FST behavior and HPA axis measures are not directly related. Thus, the underlying genetic components of depressive-like behavior and HPA axis abnormalities are likely to be disparate in the segregating F2 generation of a WKY x F344 cross.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Solberg
- 1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Korte SM, De Boer SF. A robust animal model of state anxiety: fear-potentiated behaviour in the elevated plus-maze. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 463:163-75. [PMID: 12600708 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(03)01279-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Fear (i.e., decreased percentage time spent on open-arm exploration) in the elevated plus-maze can be potentiated by prior inescapable stressor exposure, but not by escapable stress. The use of fear-potentiated plus-maze behaviour has several advantages as compared to more traditional animal models of anxiety. (a) In contrast to the traditional (spontaneous) elevated plus-maze, which measures innate fear of open spaces, fear-potentiated plus-maze behaviour reflects an enhanced anxiety state (allostatic state). This "state anxiety" can be defined as an unpleasant emotional arousal in face of threatening demands or dangers. A cognitive appraisal of threat is a prerequisite for the experience of this type of emotion. (b) Depending on the stressor used (e.g., fear of shock, predator odour, swim stress, restraint, social defeat, predator stress (cat)), this enhanced anxiety state can last from 90 min to 3 weeks. Stress effects are more severe when rats are isolated in comparison to group housing. (c) Drugs can be administered in the absence of the original stressor and after stressor exposure. As a consequence, retrieval mechanisms are not affected by drug treatment. (d) Fear-potentiated plus-maze behaviour is sensitive to proven/putative anxiolytics and anxiogenics which act via mechanisms related to the benzodiazepine-gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor, but it is also sensitive to corticotropin-releasing receptor antagonists and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists and serotonin receptor agonists/antagonists complex (high predictive validity). (e) Fear-potentiated plus-maze behaviour is very robust, and experiments can easily be replicated in other labs. (f) Fear-potentiated plus-maze behaviour can be measured both in males and females. (g) Neural mechanisms involved in contextual fear conditioning, fear potentiation and state anxiety can be studied.Thus, fear-potentiated plus-maze behaviour may be a valuable measure in the understanding of neural mechanisms involved in the development of anxiety disorders and in the search for novel anxiolytics. Finally, the involvement of corticotropin-releasing factor and corticosteroid-corticotropin-releasing factor interactions in the production of fear-potentiated plus-maze behaviour are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mechiel Korte
- ID-Lelystad, Institute for Animal Science and Health, Edelhertweg 15, P.O. Box 65, The Netherlands.
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