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Cordes CN, Fredericks CP, Liu L, Brakey DJ, Daniels D, Paul MJ. Altered vocal communication in adult vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 287:114699. [PMID: 39293591 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide, arginine vasopressin (AVP), has been implicated in social communication across a diverse array of species. Many rodents communicate basic behavioral states with negative versus positive valence through high-pitched vocalizations above the human hearing range (ultrasonic vocalizations; USVs). Previous studies have found that Brattleboro (Bratt) rats, which have a mutation in the Avp gene, exhibit deficits in their USVs from the early postnatal period through adolescence, but the magnitude of this effect appears to decrease from the juvenile to adolescent phase. The present study tested whether Bratt rats continue to exhibit USV deficits in adulthood. USVs of adult male and female Bratt and wild type (WT) rats were recorded in two contexts: a novel environment (empty arena) and a social context (arena filled with bedding soiled by same-sex conspecifics). The number, frequency, and duration of 50 kHz USVs were quantified by DeepSqueak after validation with manual scoring. Twenty-two kHz measures were quantified by manual scoring because DeepSqueak failed to accurately detect USVs in this frequency range. Adult Bratt rats did not exhibit deficits in the number of 50 kHz USVs: male Bratt rats emitted similar 50 kHz USVs as male WT rats, whereas female Bratt rats emitted more USVs than female WT rats. USV frequency and duration were altered in adult Bratt rats, but in a context-dependent manner. Twenty-two kHz USVs were less affected by the Bratt mutation. The present study demonstrates how chronic AVP deficiency impacts social communication across the lifespan. The present findings reveal a complex role for AVP in vocal communication, whereby disruption to the Avp gene leads to sex-, context-, and developmental phase-specific effects on the quantity and spectrotemporal characteristics of rat USVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe N Cordes
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Cole P Fredericks
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Linging Liu
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Destiny J Brakey
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Derek Daniels
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA; Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Matthew J Paul
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA; Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA; Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior Program, University at Buffalo SUNY, NY, USA.
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2
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Hayashi H, Shimizu K, Nakamura K, Nishimori K, Kondo Y. The bilevel chamber revealed differential involvement of vasopressin and oxytocin receptors in female mouse sexual behavior. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304703. [PMID: 38900750 PMCID: PMC11189176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) are well-known as neuropeptides that regulate various social behaviors in mammals. However, little is known about their role in mouse female sexual behavior. Thus, we investigated the role of AVP (v1a and v1b) and OT receptors on female sexual behavior. First, we devised a new apparatus, the bilevel chamber, to accurately observe female mouse sexual behavior. This apparatus allowed for a more precisely measurement of lordosis as receptivity and rejection-like behavior (newly defined in this study), a reversed expression of proceptivity. To address our research question, we evaluated female sexual behavior in mice lacking v1a (aKO), v1b (bKO), both v1a and v1b (dKO), and OT (OTRKO) receptors. aKO females showed decreased rejection-like behavior but a normal level of lordosis, whereas bKO females showed almost no lordosis and no change in rejection-like behavior. In addition, dKO females showed normal lordosis levels, suggesting that the v1b receptor promotes lordosis, but not necessarily, while the v1a receptor latently suppresses it. In contrast, although OTRKO did not influence lordosis, it significantly increased rejection-like behavior. In summary, the present results demonstrated that the v1a receptor inhibits proceptivity and receptivity, whereas the v1b and OT receptors facilitate receptivity and proceptivity, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himeka Hayashi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kie Shimizu
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nakamura
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kondo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Yamanashi, Japan
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3
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Premoli M, Carone M, Mastinu A, Maccarinelli G, Aria F, Mac Sweeney E, Memo M, Bonini SA. Cannabis Sativa Oil Promotes Social Interaction and Ultrasonic Communication by Acting on Oxytocin Pathway. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38800950 DOI: 10.1089/can.2024.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Cannabis sativa is the most used recreational drug worldwide. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis to treat a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions. In particular, cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent, has been investigated for its potential prosocial effects on behavior, although the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a C. sativa oil CBD rich (CS oil) on social interaction and ultrasonic communication in mice. Study Design: Twenty-seven adult male mice (B6; 129P F2) were treated daily with vehicle or CS oil for 2 weeks. At Day 14, mice were tested for behavior (social interaction test and ultrasonic communication). Forty minutes before the behavioral tests, mice were exposed to intranasal treatment with vehicle or the oxytocin receptor antagonist, L-371,257. After behavioral tests, VH- and CS oil-treated mice were sacrificed, RNA was extracted from the hypothalamus and used for quantitative Real Time-PCR experiments. Results: We found that a 2-week treatment with the CS oil on mice exerted a prosocial effect associated with an increase in ultrasonic vocalizations. These effects were inhibited by pretreating mice with an oxytocin receptor antagonist. In addition, at the molecular level, we found that CS oil treatment caused a significant increase in oxytocin and a decrease in oxytocin receptor expression levels in the brain hypothalamus. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CS oil promotes social behavior by acting on oxytocin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marinella Carone
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Aria
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eileen Mac Sweeney
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Sherman ER, Li J, Cahill EN. No impairment of contextual fear memory consolidation by oxytocin receptor antagonism in male rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 279:114545. [PMID: 38580203 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide released into brain regions associated with the processing of aversive memory and threat responses. Given the expression of oxytocin receptors across this vigilance surveillance system of the brain, we investigated whether pharmacological antagonism of the receptor would impact contextual aversive conditioning and memory. Adult male rats were conditioned to form an aversive contextual memory. The effects of peripheral administration of either the competitive antagonist Atosiban or noncompetitive antagonist L-368,899 were compared to saline controls. Oxytocin receptor antagonism treatment did not significantly impact the consolidation of aversive contextual memory in any of the groups. We conclude that peripheral antagonism of oxytocin signalling did not impact the formation of aversive memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Sherman
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Jialu Li
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
| | - Emma N Cahill
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK; School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
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5
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MacDowell CJ, Briones BA, Lenzi MJ, Gustison ML, Buschman TJ. Differences in the expression of cortex-wide neural dynamics are related to behavioral phenotype. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1333-1340.e6. [PMID: 38417445 PMCID: PMC10965364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Behavior differs across individuals, ranging from typical to atypical phenotypes.1 Understanding how differences in behavior relate to differences in neural activity is critical for developing treatments of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. One hypothesis is that differences in behavior reflect individual differences in the dynamics of how information flows through the brain. In support of this, the correlation of neural activity between brain areas, termed "functional connectivity," varies across individuals2 and is disrupted in autism,3 schizophrenia,4 and depression.5 However, the changes in neural activity that underlie altered behavior and functional connectivity remain unclear. Here, we show that individual differences in the expression of different patterns of cortical neural dynamics explain variability in both functional connectivity and behavior. Using mesoscale imaging, we recorded neural activity across the dorsal cortex of behaviorally "typical" and "atypical" mice. All mice shared the same recurring cortex-wide spatiotemporal motifs of neural activity, and these motifs explained the large majority of variance in cortical activity (>75%). However, individuals differed in how frequently different motifs were expressed. These differences in motif expression explained differences in functional connectivity and behavior across both typical and atypical mice. Our results suggest that differences in behavior and functional connectivity are due to changes in the processes that select which pattern of neural activity is expressed at each moment in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camden J MacDowell
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Brandy A Briones
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Michael J Lenzi
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA
| | - Morgan L Gustison
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Timothy J Buschman
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.
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Bakoev SY, Korobeinikova AV, Mishina AI, Kabieva SS, Mitrofanov SI, Ivashechkin AA, Akinshina AI, Snigir EA, Yudin SM, Yudin VS, Getmantseva LV, Anderzhanova EA. Genomic Signatures of Positive Selection in Human Populations of the OXT, OXTR, AVP, AVPR1A and AVR1B Gene Variants Related to the Regulation of Psychoemotional Response. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2053. [PMID: 38002996 PMCID: PMC10670988 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurobiological systems of maintenance and control of behavioral responses result from natural selection. We have analyzed the selection signatures for single nucleotide variants (SNV) of the genes of oxytocin (OXT, OXTR) and vasopressin (AVP, AVPR1A, AVPR1B) systems, which are associated with the regulation of social and emotional behavior in distinct populations. The analysis was performed using original WGS (whole genome sequencing) data on Eastern Slavs (SlEast), as well as publicly available data from the 1000 Genomes Project on GBR, FIN, IBR, PUR, BEB, CHB, and ACB populations (the latter were taken as reference). To identify selection signatures, we rated the integrated haplotype scores (iHS), the numbers of segregating sites by length (nSl), and the integrated haplotype homozygosity pooled (iHH12) measures; the fixation index Fst was implemented to assess genetic differentiation between populations. We revealed that the strongest genetic differentiation of populations was found with respect to the AVPR1B gene, with the greatest differentiation observed in GRB (Fst = 0.316) and CHB (Fst = 0.325) in comparison to ACB. Also, high Fst values were found for SNVs of the AVPR1B gene rs28499431, rs33940624, rs28477649, rs3883899, and rs28452187 in most of the populations. Selection signatures have also been identified in the AVP, AVPR1A, OXT, and OXTR genes. Our analysis shows that the OXT, OXTR, AVP, AVPR1A, and AVPR1B genes were subject to positive selection in a population-specific process, which was likely contributing to the diversity of adaptive emotional response types and social function realizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siroj Yu. Bakoev
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency (Centre for Strategic Planning of FMBA of Russia), Pogodinskaya Street, 10, Bld. 1, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (A.I.M.); (S.S.K.); (S.I.M.); (A.A.I.); (A.I.A.); (E.A.S.); (S.M.Y.); (V.S.Y.); (L.V.G.); (E.A.A.)
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7
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Gal A, Raykin E, Giladi S, Lederman D, Kofman O, Golan HM. Temporal dynamics of isolation calls emitted by pups in environmental and genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1274039. [PMID: 37942134 PMCID: PMC10629105 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1274039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Environmental and genetic factors contribute to the increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, including deficits in the development of social communication. In the mouse, ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by the pup stimulate maternal retrieval and potentiate maternal care. Therefore, isolation induced ultrasonic vocalization emitted by pups provides a means to evaluate deficits in communication during early development, before other ways of communication are apparent. Previous studies in our labs showed that gestational exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and the Methylenetetrahydrofolate (Mthfr)-knock-out mice are associated with impaired social preference, restricted or repetitive behavior and altered spectral properties of pups' ultrasonic vocalization. In this study, we explore the temporal dynamics of pups' vocalization in these Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) models. Methods We utilized the maternal potentiation protocol and analyzed the time course of pup vocalizations following isolation from the nest. Two models of ASD were studied: gestational exposure to the pesticide CPF and the Mthfr-knock-out mice. Results Vocalization emitted by pups of both ASD models were dynamically modified in quantity and spectral structure within each session and between the two isolation sessions. The first isolation session was characterized by a buildup of call quantity and significant effects of USV spectral structure variables, and the second isolation session was characterized by enhanced calls and vocalization time, but minute effect on USV properties. Moreover, in both models we described an increased usage of harmonic calls with time during the isolation sessions. Discussion Communication between two or more individuals requires an interplay between the two sides and depends on the response and the time since the stimulus. As such, the presence of dynamic changes in vocalization structure in the control pups, and the alteration observed in the pups of the ASD models, suggest impaired regulation of vocalization associated with the environmental and genetic factors. Last, we propose that temporal dynamics of ultrasonic vocalization communication should be considered in future analysis in rodent models of ASD to maximize the sensitivity of the study of vocalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Gal
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Eynav Raykin
- Psychology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Shaked Giladi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Dror Lederman
- Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology Holon, Holon, Israel
| | - Ora Kofman
- Psychology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Hava M. Golan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- National Center for Autism Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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László K, Vörös D, Correia P, Fazekas CL, Török B, Plangár I, Zelena D. Vasopressin as Possible Treatment Option in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2603. [PMID: 37892977 PMCID: PMC10603886 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rather common, presenting with prevalent early problems in social communication and accompanied by repetitive behavior. As vasopressin was implicated not only in salt-water homeostasis and stress-axis regulation, but also in social behavior, its role in the development of ASD might be suggested. In this review, we summarized a wide range of problems associated with ASD to which vasopressin might contribute, from social skills to communication, motor function problems, autonomous nervous system alterations as well as sleep disturbances, and altered sensory information processing. Beside functional connections between vasopressin and ASD, we draw attention to the anatomical background, highlighting several brain areas, including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, medial preoptic area, lateral septum, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, amygdala, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and even the cerebellum, either producing vasopressin or containing vasopressinergic receptors (presumably V1a). Sex differences in the vasopressinergic system might underline the male prevalence of ASD. Moreover, vasopressin might contribute to the effectiveness of available off-label therapies as well as serve as a possible target for intervention. In this sense, vasopressin, but paradoxically also V1a receptor antagonist, were found to be effective in some clinical trials. We concluded that although vasopressin might be an effective candidate for ASD treatment, we might assume that only a subgroup (e.g., with stress-axis disturbances), a certain sex (most probably males) and a certain brain area (targeting by means of virus vectors) would benefit from this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Vörös
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Imola Plangár
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
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Liu Y, Shan L, Liu T, Li J, Chen Y, Sun C, Yang C, Bian X, Niu Y, Zhang C, Xi J, Rao Y. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the first social relationship: A conserved role of 5-HT from mice to monkeys, upstream of oxytocin. Neuron 2023; 111:1468-1485.e7. [PMID: 36868221 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Maternal affiliation by infants is the first social behavior of mammalian animals. We report here that elimination of the Tph2 gene essential for serotonin synthesis in the brain reduced affiliation in mice, rats, and monkeys. Calcium imaging and c-fos immunostaining showed maternal odors activation of serotonergic neurons in the raphe nuclei (RNs) and oxytocinergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Genetic elimination of oxytocin (OXT) or its receptor reduced maternal preference. OXT rescued maternal preference in mouse and monkey infants lacking serotonin. Tph2 elimination from RN serotonergic neurons innervating PVN reduced maternal preference. Reduced maternal preference after inhibiting serotonergic neurons was rescued by oxytocinergic neuronal activation. Our genetic studies reveal a role for serotonin in affiliation conserved from mice and rats to monkeys, while electrophysiological, pharmacological, chemogenetic, and optogenetic studies uncover OXT downstream of serotonin. We suggest serotonin as the master regulator upstream of neuropeptides in mammalian social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR) and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10069, China.
| | - Liang Shan
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Zhongguangcun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Tiane Liu
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Zhongguangcun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Changhong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chaojuan Yang
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR) and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Xiling Bian
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Zhongguangcun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyu Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR) and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Jianzhong Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yi Rao
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR) and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10069, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Zhongguangcun Life Science Park, Beijing, China; Research Unit of Medical Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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10
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Santana‐Coelho D, Womble PD, Blandin KJ, Pilcher JB, O'Neill GM, Douglas LA, Chilukuri SV, Tran DLK, Wiley TA, Lugo JN. Assessment of the effects of sex, age, and rearing condition on ultrasonic vocalizations elicited by pups during the maternal potentiation paradigm in C57BL/6J mice. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22341. [PMID: 36426792 PMCID: PMC9828101 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are important to elicit parental retrieval. This behavior is critical for the animal's survival and can be altered in models of developmental disorders. The potentiation of vocalizations in response to reunion with the dam, also called maternal potentiation, has been extensively studied in rats. However, the assessment of this paradigm in mice is scarce. In rats, the potentiation of vocalizations is dependent on rearing conditions. Since mice are the main species used for genetic models of diseases, we aimed to investigate how different factors such as age, sex, and rearing conditions can affect the potentiation of vocalizations in the maternal potentiation paradigm in mice. We carried out experiments using biparental (dam and sire) or uniparental rearing (dam). Pups were tested on postnatal days (PD) 9 or 12. Pups showed increased potentiation in both sexes at PD9 with uniparental rearing. Both rearing conditions and ages changed the repertoire from the first to the second isolation. Spectral parameters were affected by sex, rearing condition and reunion at PD9. At PD12, only duration was altered by reunion. We conclude that the performance of the pups in the maternal potentiation paradigm is dependent on age, sex, and rearing condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paige D. Womble
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | | | - Jacob B. Pilcher
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Grace M. O'Neill
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | | | | | - Doan L. K. Tran
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Taylor A. Wiley
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Joaquin N. Lugo
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
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11
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Dougnon G, Matsui H. Modelling Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Using Mice and Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147550. [PMID: 35886894 PMCID: PMC9319972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two debilitating neurodevelopmental disorders. The former is associated with social impairments whereas the latter is associated with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There is recent evidence that both disorders are somehow related and that genes may play a large role in these disorders. Despite mounting human and animal research, the neurological pathways underlying ASD and ADHD are still not well understood. Scientists investigate neurodevelopmental disorders by using animal models that have high similarities in genetics and behaviours with humans. Mice have been utilized in neuroscience research as an excellent animal model for a long time; however, the zebrafish has attracted much attention recently, with an increasingly large number of studies using this model. In this review, we first discuss ASD and ADHD aetiology from a general point of view to their characteristics and treatments. We also compare mice and zebrafish for their similarities and discuss their advantages and limitations in neuroscience. Finally, we summarize the most recent and existing research on zebrafish and mouse models of ASD and ADHD. We believe that this review will serve as a unique document providing interesting information to date about these models, thus facilitating research on ASD and ADHD.
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12
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Håkansson J, Jiang W, Xue Q, Zheng X, Ding M, Agarwal AA, Elemans CPH. Aerodynamics and motor control of ultrasonic vocalizations for social communication in mice and rats. BMC Biol 2022; 20:3. [PMID: 34996429 PMCID: PMC8742360 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are crucial to their social communication and a widely used translational tool for linking gene mutations to behavior. To maximize the causal interpretation of experimental treatments, we need to understand how neural control affects USV production. However, both the aerodynamics of USV production and its neural control remain poorly understood. RESULTS Here, we test three intralaryngeal whistle mechanisms-the wall and alar edge impingement, and shallow cavity tone-by combining in vitro larynx physiology and individual-based 3D airway reconstructions with fluid dynamics simulations. Our results show that in the mouse and rat larynx, USVs are produced by a glottal jet impinging on the thyroid inner wall. Furthermore, we implemented an empirically based motor control model that predicts motor gesture trajectories of USV call types. CONCLUSIONS Our results identify wall impingement as the aerodynamic mechanism of USV production in rats and mice. Furthermore, our empirically based motor control model shows that both neural and anatomical components contribute to USV production, which suggests that changes in strain specific USVs or USV changes in disease models can result from both altered motor programs and laryngeal geometry. Our work provides a quantitative neuromechanical framework to evaluate the contributions of brain and body in shaping USVs and a first step in linking descending motor control to USV production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Håkansson
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Weili Jiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA
| | - Qian Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA
| | - Xudong Zheng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA
| | - Ming Ding
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Anurag A Agarwal
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Coen P H Elemans
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.
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13
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Shekel I, Giladi S, Raykin E, Weiner M, Chalifa-Caspi V, Lederman D, Kofman O, Golan HM. Isolation-Induced Ultrasonic Vocalization in Environmental and Genetic Mice Models of Autism. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:769670. [PMID: 34880723 PMCID: PMC8645772 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.769670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in rodent models suggest that calls emitted by isolated pups serve as an early behavioral manifestation of communication deficits and autistic like behavior. Previous studies in our labs showed that gestational exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and the Mthfr-knock-out mice are associated with impaired social preference and restricted or repetitive behavior. To extend these studies, we examine how pup communication via ultrasonic vocalizations is altered in these ASD models. We implemented an unsupervised hierarchical clustering method based on the spectral properties of the syllables in order to exploit syllable classification to homogeneous categories while avoiding over-categorization. Comparative exploration of the spectral and temporal aspects of syllables emitted by pups in two ASD models point to the following: (1) Most clusters showed a significant effect of the ASD factor on the start and end frequencies and bandwidth and (2) The highest percent change due to the ASD factor was on the bandwidth and duration. In addition, we found sex differences in the spectral and temporal properties of the calls in both control groups as well as an interaction between sex and the gene/environment factor. Considering the basal differences in the characteristics of syllables emitted by pups of the C57Bl/6 and Balb/c strains used as a background in the two models, we suggest that the above spectral-temporal parameters start frequency, bandwidth, and duration are the most sensitive USV features that may represent developmental changes in ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itay Shekel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Shaked Giladi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Eynav Raykin
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - May Weiner
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Vered Chalifa-Caspi
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Dror Lederman
- Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel
| | - Ora Kofman
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Hava M Golan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,National Center for Autism Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
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14
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Smith AJ, Farmer R, Pilarzyk K, Porcher L, Kelly MP. A genetic basis for friendship? Homophily for membrane-associated PDE11A-cAMP-CREB signaling in CA1 of hippocampus dictates mutual social preference in male and female mice. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7107-7117. [PMID: 34321593 PMCID: PMC9583245 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although the physical and mental benefits of friendships are clear, the neurobiological mechanisms driving mutual social preferences are not well understood. Studies in humans suggest friends are more genetically similar, particularly for targets within the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) cascade. Unfortunately, human studies can not provide conclusive evidence for such a biological driver of friendship given that other genetically related factors tend to co-segregate with friendship (e.g., geographical proximity). As such, here we use mice under controlled conditions to test the hypothesis that homophily in the cAMP-degrading enzyme phosphodiesterase 11A4 (PDE11A4) can dictate mutual social preference. Using C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice in two different behavioral assays, we showed that mice with two intact alleles of Pde11a prefer to interact with Pde11 wild-type (WT) mice of the same genetic background over knockout (KO) mice or novel objects; whereas, Pde11 KO mice prefer to interact with Pde11 KO mice over WT mice or novel objects. This mutual social preference was seen in both adult and adolescent mice, and social preference could be eliminated or artificially elicited by strengthening or weakening PDE11A homodimerization, respectively. Stereotactic delivery of an isolated PDE11A GAF-B domain to the mouse hippocampus revealed the membrane-associated pool of PDE11A-cAMP-CREB signaling specifically within the CA1 subfield of hippocampus is most critical for regulating social preference. Our study here not only identifies PDE11A homophily as a key driver of mutual social preference across the lifespan, it offers a paradigm in which other mechanisms can be identified in a controlled fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail J Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Reagan Farmer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katy Pilarzyk
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Latarsha Porcher
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michy P Kelly
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Center for Research on Aging, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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15
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Török B, Fodor A, Zsebők S, Sipos E, Zelena D. The Effect of Vasopressin Antagonists on Maternal-Separation-Induced Ultrasonic Vocalization and Stress-Hormone Level Increase during the Early Postnatal Period. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040444. [PMID: 33808441 PMCID: PMC8065579 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In adults, vasopressin exerts an anxiogenic effect, but less is known about the perinatal period. As a sign of distress, rat pups emit ultrasonic vocalizations when they are separated from their mothers, known as maternal separation-induced ultrasonic vocalization (MS-USV). Previously, reduced MS-USV was reported in 7–8-day-old genetically vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats. Here, we aimed to examine the contributing vasopressin receptor (VR) subtypes using Wistar pups. MS-USV was recorded for 10 min, 30 min after vasopressin (V) 1aR, V1bR or V2R antagonist treatment (SR49059, SSR149415, SR121463B; 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Sedation was studied by the righting reflex and negative geotaxis, and finally, the stress hormone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The vasopressin-deficient pups showed decreased MS-USV and adrenocorticotropin levels even after a saline injection, with unchanged corticosterone levels. Thirty mg/kg of V1aR-antagonist increased the corticosterone levels. All V1bR antagonist doses decreased the MS-USV and adrenocorticotropin, while 10 + 10 mg/kg of V1aR and V1bR antagonists decreased MS-USV without influencing the stress hormones. Three mg/kg of V2R antagonist enhanced MS-USV, while 30 mg/kg increased the stress hormone levels. We confirmed that vasopressin deficiency already caused anxiolytic effects in pups. V1bRs are the most important player in connection with their adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-regulatory role, but a combination of V1aR and V1bR antagonists might be also beneficial through other mechanisms, reducing the possibility of side effects. In contrast, antagonizing the V2Rs may be stressful due to an induction of imbalance in saltwater homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiána Török
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (A.F.); (E.S.)
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Fodor
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (A.F.); (E.S.)
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Zsebők
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary;
| | - Eszter Sipos
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (A.F.); (E.S.)
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (A.F.); (E.S.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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16
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Cheong RY, Tonetto S, von Hörsten S, Petersén Å. Imbalance of the oxytocin-vasopressin system contributes to the neuropsychiatric phenotype in the BACHD mouse model of Huntington disease. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 119:104773. [PMID: 32590293 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disturbances with altered social cognition, depression and anxiety are among the most debilitating early features in the fatal neurodegenerative disorder Huntington disease (HD) which is caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene. The underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not known. Neuropathological analyses of postmortem human HD hypothalamic tissue have demonstrated loss of the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin. The dynamic interplay between these neuropeptides is crucial for modulating emotional and social behavior but its role in HD is unclear. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of expressing the mutant huntingtin gene on the development of behavioral changes using the transgenic BACHD mouse model at different ages. We show for the first time that BACHD mice exhibit deficits in social behavior with parallel aberrations in the balance of the oxytocin-vasopressin system. Importantly, our data also show that restoration of the interplay within the system with an acute dose of intranasal oxytocin immediately prior to behavioral testing can rescue the depressive-like phenotype but not anxiety-like behavior in this transgenic model. These findings demonstrate that imbalances in the oxytocin-vasopressin interplay contribute to the neuropsychiatric component of HD and suggest that interventions aimed at restoring the blunted levels of oxytocin may confer therapeutic benefits for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Y Cheong
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Simone Tonetto
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Department of Experimental Therapy and Preclinical Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Åsa Petersén
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
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17
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Caruso A, Ricceri L, Scattoni ML. Ultrasonic vocalizations as a fundamental tool for early and adult behavioral phenotyping of Autism Spectrum Disorder rodent models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:31-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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Aguiar AS, Speck AE, Canas PM, Cunha RA. Neuronal adenosine A 2A receptors signal ergogenic effects of caffeine. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13414. [PMID: 32770138 PMCID: PMC7415152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69660-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine is one of the most used ergogenic aid for physical exercise and sports. However, its mechanism of action is still controversial. The adenosinergic hypothesis is promising due to the pharmacology of caffeine, a nonselective antagonist of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors. We now investigated A2AR as a possible ergogenic mechanism through pharmacological and genetic inactivation. Forty-two adult females (20.0 ± 0.2 g) and 40 male mice (23.9 ± 0.4 g) from a global and forebrain A2AR knockout (KO) colony ran an incremental exercise test with indirect calorimetry (V̇O2 and RER). We administered caffeine (15 mg/kg, i.p., nonselective) and SCH 58261 (1 mg/kg, i.p., selective A2AR antagonist) 15 min before the open field and exercise tests. We also evaluated the estrous cycle and infrared temperature immediately at the end of the exercise test. Caffeine and SCH 58621 were psychostimulant. Moreover, Caffeine and SCH 58621 were ergogenic, that is, they increased V̇O2max, running power, and critical power, showing that A2AR antagonism is ergogenic. Furthermore, the ergogenic effects of caffeine were abrogated in global and forebrain A2AR KO mice, showing that the antagonism of A2AR in forebrain neurons is responsible for the ergogenic action of caffeine. Furthermore, caffeine modified the exercising metabolism in an A2AR-dependent manner, and A2AR was paramount for exercise thermoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderbal S Aguiar
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Biology of Exercise Lab, Department of Health Sciences, UFSC-Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, SC, 88905-120, Brazil.
| | - Ana Elisa Speck
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Biology of Exercise Lab, Department of Health Sciences, UFSC-Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, SC, 88905-120, Brazil
| | - Paula M Canas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
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19
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Potasiewicz A, Holuj M, Litwa E, Gzielo K, Socha L, Popik P, Nikiforuk A. Social dysfunction in the neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia in male and female rats: Behavioural and biochemical studies. Neuropharmacology 2020; 170:108040. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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20
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Smith BJ, Bruner KEP, Kendall LV. Female- and Intruder-induced Ultrasonic Vocalizations in C57BL/6J Mice as Proxy Indicators for Animal Wellbeing. Comp Med 2019; 69:374-383. [PMID: 31578163 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-18-000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Female urine-induced male mice ultrasonic vocalizations (FiUSV) are ultrasonic vocalizations produced by adult male mice after presentation of adult female urine, whereas intruder-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (IiUSV) are produced by resident adult female mice when interacting with an intruder female mouse. These affiliative behaviors may be reduced when mice have decreased wellbeing or are in pain and distress. To determine whether FiUSV and IiUSV can be used as proxy indicators of animal wellbeing, we assessed FiUSV produced by male C57BL/6J mice in response to female urine and IiUSV produced by female C57BL/6J mice in response to a female intruder at baseline and 1 and 3 h after administration of a sublethal dose of LPS (6 or 12.5 mg/kg IP) or an equal volume of saline. Behavior was assessed by evaluating orbital tightness, posture, and piloerection immediately after USV collection. We hypothesized that LPS-injected mice would have a decreased inclination to mate or to interact with same-sex conspecifics and therefore would produce fewer USV. At baseline, 32 of 33 male mice produced FiUSV (149 ± 127 USV in 2 min), whereas all 36 female mice produced IiUSV (370 ± 156 USV in 2 min). Saline-injected mice showed no change from baseline at the 1- and 3-h time points, whereas LPS-injected mice demonstrated significantly fewer USV than baseline, producing no USV at both 1 and 3 h. According to orbital tightness, posture, and piloerection, LPS-injected mice showed signs of poor wellbeing at 3 h but not 1 h. These findings indicate that FiUSV and IiUSV can be used as proxy indicators of animal wellbeing associated with acute inflammation in mice and can be detected before the onset of clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Smith
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado;,
| | - Kate E P Bruner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Lon V Kendall
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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21
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Charlton PE, Schatz KC, Burke K, Paul MJ, Dent ML. Sex differences in auditory brainstem response audiograms from vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro and wild-type Long-Evans rats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222096. [PMID: 31469871 PMCID: PMC6716658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rats are highly social creatures that produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during social interactions. Brattleboro rats, a Long-Evans derived rat that lacks vasopressin (AVP) due to a mutation in the Avp gene, exhibit atypical social behavior, including fewer USVs with altered spectrotemporal characteristics during social interactions. It is unclear why Brattleboro rats produce atypical USVs, but one factor could be differences in auditory acuity between them and wild-type Long Evans rats with functional vasopressin. Previous studies have suggested a link between increased levels of AVP and auditory processing. Additionally, few studies have investigated sex differences in auditory perception by Long-Evans rats. Sex differences in auditory acuity have been found throughout the animal kingdom, but have not yet been demonstrated in rat audiograms. This study aimed to measure auditory brainstem response (ABR) derived audiograms for frequencies ranging from 1 to 64 kHz in male and female homozygous Brattleboro (Hom), heterozygous Brattleboro (Het), and wild-type (WT) Long-Evans rats to better understand the role of AVP and sex differences in auditory processing by these rats. We failed to detect significant differences between the ABR audiograms of Hom, Het, and WT Long-Evans rats, suggesting that varying levels of AVP do not affect auditory processing. Interestingly, males and females of all genotypes did differ in their ABR thresholds, with males exhibiting higher thresholds than females. The sex differences in auditory acuity were significant at the lowest and highest frequencies, possibly affecting the perception of USVs. These are the first known sex differences in rat audiograms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payton E. Charlton
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Kelcie C. Schatz
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Kali Burke
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Paul
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Micheal L. Dent
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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22
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Peleh T, Eltokhi A, Pitzer C. Longitudinal analysis of ultrasonic vocalizations in mice from infancy to adolescence: Insights into the vocal repertoire of three wild-type strains in two different social contexts. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220238. [PMID: 31365551 PMCID: PMC6668806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) are emitted by mice under certain developmental, social and behavioral conditions. The analysis of USV can be used as a reliable measure of the general affective state, for testing the efficacy of pharmacological compounds and for investigating communication in mutant mice with predicted social or communication deficits. Social and communication studies in mice have focused mainly on the investigation of USV emitted by neonatal pups after separation from the dam and during social interaction between adult males and females. Longitudinal USV analysis among the different developmental states remained uninvestigated. In our study, we first recorded USV from three inbred mouse strains C57BL/6N, DBA/2 and FVB/N during the neonatal stages after separation from the littermates and then during a reunion with one littermate. Our results revealed significant strain-specific differences in the numbers and categories of USV calls. In addition, the USV profiles seemed to be sensitive to small developmental progress during infancy. By following these mice to the adolescent stage and measuring USV in the three-chamber social test, we found that USV profiles still showed significant differences between these strains in the different trials of the test. To study the effects of social context on USV characteristics, we measured USV emitted by another cohort of adolescent mice during the direct social interaction test. To this end, this study provides a strategy for evaluating novel mouse mutants in behavioral questions relevant to disorders with deficits in communication and sociability and emphasizes the important contribution of genetics and experimental contexts on the behavioral outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Peleh
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Eltokhi
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Research Group of the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research at the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Claudia Pitzer
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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23
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Johnstone M, Hillary RF, St Clair D. Stem Cells to Inform the Neurobiology of Mental Illness. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 40:13-43. [PMID: 30030769 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2018_57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The inception of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSCs) technology has provided an exciting platform upon which the modelling and treatment of human neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders may be expedited. Although the genetic architecture of these disorders is far more complex than previously imagined, many key loci have at last been identified. This has allowed in vivo and in vitro technologies to be refined to model specific high-penetrant genetic loci involved in both disorders. Animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders, show limitations in recapitulating the full complexity and heterogeneity of human neurodevelopmental disease states. Indeed, patient-derived hiPSCs offer distinct advantages over classical animal models in the study of human neuropathologies. Here we have discussed the current, relative translational merit of hiPSCs in investigating human neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders with a specific emphasis on the utility of such systems to aid in the identification of biomarkers. We have highlighted the promises and pitfalls of reprogramming cell fate for the study of these disorders and provide recommendations for future directions in this field in order to overcome current limitations. Ultimately, this will aid in the development of effective clinical strategies for diverse patient populations affected by these disorders with the aim of also leading to biomarker identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Johnstone
- Division of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Division of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - David St Clair
- Division of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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24
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Horie K, Inoue K, Suzuki S, Adachi S, Yada S, Hirayama T, Hidema S, Young LJ, Nishimori K. Oxytocin receptor knockout prairie voles generated by CRISPR/Cas9 editing show reduced preference for social novelty and exaggerated repetitive behaviors. Horm Behav 2019; 111:60-69. [PMID: 30713102 PMCID: PMC6506400 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral neuroendocrinology has benefited tremendously from the use of a wide range of model organisms that are ideally suited for particular questions. However, in recent years the ability to manipulate the genomes of laboratory strains of mice has led to rapid advances in our understanding of the role of specific genes, circuits and neural populations in regulating behavior. While genome manipulation in mice has been a boon for behavioral neuroscience, the intensive focus on the mouse restricts the diversity in behavioral questions that can be investigated using state-of-the-art techniques. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has great potential for efficiently generating mutants in non-traditional animal models and consequently to reinvigorate comparative behavioral neuroendocrinology. Here we describe the efficient generation of oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) mutant prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and describe initial behavioral phenotyping focusing on behaviors relevant to autism. Oxtr mutant male voles show no disruption in pup ultrasonic vocalization, anxiety as measured by the open field test, alloparental behavior, or sociability in the three chamber test. Mutants did however show a modest elevation in repetitive behavior in the marble burying test, and an impairment in preference for social novelty. The ability to efficiently generate targeted mutations in the prairie vole genome will greatly expand the utility of this model organism for discovering the genetic and circuit mechanisms underlying complex social behaviors, and serves as a proof of principle for expanding this approach to other non-traditional model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Horie
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Inoue
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Shingo Suzuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Saki Adachi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Saori Yada
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takashi Hirayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, USA; Center for Social Neural Networks, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA.
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan.
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25
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Freeman AR, Hare JF, Caldwell HK. Central distribution of oxytocin and vasopressin 1a receptors in juvenile Richardson's ground squirrels. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:772-789. [PMID: 30802986 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin are well-conserved peptides important to the regulation of numerous aspects of social behavior, including sociality. Research exploring the distribution of the receptors for oxytocin (Oxtr) and for vasopressin (Avpr1a) in mammals has revealed associations between receptor distribution, sociality, and species' mating systems. Given that sociality and gregariousness can be tightly linked to reproduction, these nonapeptides unsurprisingly support affiliative behaviors that are important for mating and offspring care. We localized these receptors in juvenile Richardson's ground squirrel brains to determine whether distribution patterns of Oxtr and Avpr1a that are associated with promiscuous mating systems differ in rodents that also exhibit non-reproductive affiliation. These squirrels are social, colonial, and engage in nepotistic alarm calling behavior and affiliation outside of a reproductive context. Juveniles are the most affiliative age-class and are non-reproductive; making them ideal for examining these associations. We found that juveniles had dense Oxtr binding in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, amygdala, lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and medial geniculate nucleus. Juveniles had low to modest levels of Avpr1a binding in the medial preoptic area, olfactory bulbs, nucleus accumbens, superior colliculus, and inferior colliculus. We noted Oxtr and Avpr1a binding in the social behavior neural network (SBNN), further supporting a role of these nonapeptides in modulating social behavior across taxa. Oxtr and Avpr1a binding was also present in brain regions important to auditory processing that have known projections to the SBNN. We speculate that these neural substrates may be where these nonapeptides regulate communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Freeman
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - James F Hare
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Heather K Caldwell
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
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26
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Behavioral and neuroanatomical approaches in models of neurodevelopmental disorders: opportunities for translation. Curr Opin Neurol 2019; 31:126-133. [PMID: 29493556 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the invaluable contribution of in-vivo rodent models in dissecting the underlying neurobiology for numerous neurodevelopmental disorders. Currently, models are routinely generated with precision genomics and characterized for research on neurodevelopmental disorders. In order to impact translation, outcome measures that are translationally relevant are essential. This review emphasizes the importance of accurate neurobehavioral and anatomical analyses. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous well validated assays for testing alterations across behavioral domains with sensitivity and throughput have become important tools for studying the effects of genetic mutations on neurodevelopment. Recent work has highlighted relationships and links between behavioral outcomes and various anatomical metrics from neuroimaging via magnetic resonance. These readouts are biological markers and outcome measures for translational research and will be have important roles for genetic or pharmacologic intervention strategies. SUMMARY Combinatorial approaches that leverage translationally relevant behavior and neuroanatomy can be used to develop a platform for assessment of cutting edge preclinical models. Reliable, robust behavioral phenotypes in preclinical model systems, with clustering of brain disease will lead to well informed, precise biochemical mechanistic hypotheses. Ultimately, these steadfast workhorse techniques will accelerate the progress of developing and testing targeted treatments for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders.
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27
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Ashbrook DG, Roy S, Clifford BG, Riede T, Scattoni ML, Heck DH, Lu L, Williams RW. Born to Cry: A Genetic Dissection of Infant Vocalization. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:250. [PMID: 30420800 PMCID: PMC6216097 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infant vocalizations are one of the most fundamental and innate forms of behavior throughout avian and mammalian orders. They have a critical role in motivating parental care and contribute significantly to fitness and reproductive success. Dysregulation of these vocalizations has been reported to predict risk of central nervous system pathologies such as hypoxia, meningitis, or autism spectrum disorder. Here, we have used the expanded BXD family of mice, and a diallel cross between DBA/2J and C57BL/6J parental strains, to begin the process of genetically dissecting the numerous facets of infant vocalizations. We calculate heritability, estimate the role of parent-of-origin effects, and identify novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that control ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) on postnatal days 7, 8, and 9; a stage that closely matches human infants at birth. Heritability estimates for the number and frequency of calls are low, suggesting that these traits are under high selective pressure. In contrast, duration and amplitude of calls have higher heritabilities, indicating lower selection, or their importance for kin recognition. We find suggestive evidence that amplitude of infant calls is dependent on the maternal genotype, independent of shared genetic variants. Finally, we identify two loci on Chrs 2 and 14 influencing call frequency, and a third locus on Chr 8 influencing the amplitude of vocalizations. All three loci contain strong candidate genes that merit further analysis. Understanding the genetic control of infant vocalizations is not just important for understanding the evolution of parent–offspring interactions, but also in understanding the earliest innate behaviors, the development of parent–offspring relations, and the early identification of behavioral abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David George Ashbrook
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Snigdha Roy
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Brittany G Clifford
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Tobias Riede
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Detlef H Heck
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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28
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29
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Ondrasek NR, Freeman SM, Bales KL, Calisi RM. Nonapeptide Receptor Distributions in Promising Avian Models for the Neuroecology of Flocking. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:713. [PMID: 30386202 PMCID: PMC6198083 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Collective behaviors, including flocking and group vocalizing, are readily observable across a diversity of free-living avian populations, yet we know little about how neural and ecological factors interactively regulate these behaviors. Because of their involvement in mediating a variety of social behaviors, including avian flocking, nonapeptides are likely mediators of collective behaviors. To advance the neuroecological study of collective behaviors in birds, we sought to map the neuroanatomical distributions of nonapeptide receptors in three promising avian models that are found across a diversity of environments and widely ranging ecological conditions: European starlings, house sparrows, and rock doves. We performed receptor autoradiography using the commercially available nonapeptide receptor radioligands, 125I-ornithine vasotocin analog and 125I-linear vasopressin antagonist, on brain tissue sections from wild-caught individuals from each species. Because there is known pharmacological cross-reactivity between nonapeptide receptor subtypes, we also performed a novel, competitive-binding experiment to examine the composition of receptor populations. We detected binding in numerous regions throughout the brains of each species, with several similarities and differences worth noting. Specifically, we report that all three species exhibit binding in the lateral septum, a key brain area known to regulate avian flocking. In addition, sparrows and starlings show dense binding in the dorsal arcopallium, an area that has received scant attention in the study of social grouping. Furthermore, our competitive binding results suggest that receptor populations in sparrows and starlings differ in the lateral septum versus the dorsal arcopallium. By providing the first comprehensive maps of nonapeptide receptors in European starlings, house sparrows, and rock doves, our work supports the future use of these species as avian models for neuroecological studies of collective behaviors in wild birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi R Ondrasek
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sara M Freeman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Rebecca M Calisi
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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30
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Sadino JM, Donaldson ZR. Prairie Voles as a Model for Understanding the Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Attachment Behaviors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29513516 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over a lifetime, humans build relationships with family, friends, and partners that are critically important for our mental and physical health. Unlike commonly used laboratory mice and rats, Microtine rodents provide a unique model to study the neurobiology underlying pair bonding and the selective attachments that form between adults. Comparisons between monogamous prairie voles and the closely related but nonmonogamous meadow and montane voles have revealed that brain-region-specific neuropeptide receptor patterning modulates social behavior between and within species. In particular, diversity in vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR) distribution has been linked to individual and species differences in monogamy-related behaviors such as partner preference, mate guarding, and space use. Given the importance of differential receptor expression for regulating social behavior, a critical question has emerged: What are the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that underlie brain-region-specific receptor patterns? This review will summarize what is known about how the vasopressin (AVP)-V1aR axis regulates social behaviors via signaling in discrete brain regions. From this work, we propose that brain-region-specific regulatory mechanisms facilitate robust evolvability of V1aR expression to generate diverse sociobehavioral traits. Translationally, we provide a perspective on how these studies have contributed to our understanding of human social behaviors and how brain-region-specific regulatory mechanisms might be harnessed for targeted therapies to treat social deficits in psychiatric disorders such as depression, complicated grief, and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Sadino
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Zoe R. Donaldson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
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31
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Sarkar A, Chabout J, Macopson JJ, Jarvis ED, Dunson DB. Bayesian Semiparametric Mixed Effects Markov Models With Application to Vocalization Syntax. J Am Stat Assoc 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/01621459.2018.1423986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhra Sarkar
- Department of Statistics and Data Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | | | | | - Erich D. Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD
- The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - David B. Dunson
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC
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32
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Autistic traits in epilepsy models: Why, when and how? Epilepsy Res 2018; 144:62-70. [PMID: 29783181 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common comorbidity of epilepsy and seizures and/or epileptiform activity are observed in a significant proportion of ASD patients. Current research also implies that autistic traits can be observed to a various degree in mice and rats with seizures. This suggests that there are shared mechanisms in both ASD and epilepsy syndromes. Here, we first review the standard, validated methods used to assess autistic traits in animal models as well as their limitations with regards to epilepsy models. We then discuss two of the potential pathological processes that could be shared between ASD and epilepsy. We first focus on functional implications of neuroinflammation including changes to excitable networks mediated by inflammatory regulators. Finally we examine mechanisms at the cellular and network level involved in neuronal excitability, timing and network coordination that may directly lead to behavioral disturbances present in both epilepsy and ASD. This mini-review summarizes the work first presented at an Investigators Workshop at the 2016 American Epilepsy Society meeting.
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33
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Baran NM, Peck SC, Kim TH, Goldstein MH, Adkins-Regan E. Early life manipulations of vasopressin-family peptides alter vocal learning. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.1114. [PMID: 28724738 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vocal learning from social partners is crucial for the successful development of communication in a wide range of species. Social interactions organize attention and enhance motivation to learn species-typical behaviour. However, the neurobiological mechanisms connecting social motivation and vocal learning are unknown. Using zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), a ubiquitous model for vocal learning, we show that manipulations of nonapeptide hormones in the vasopressin family (arginine vasotocin, AVT) early in development can promote or disrupt both song and social motivation. Young male zebra finches, like human infants, are socially gregarious and require interactive feedback from adult tutors to learn mature vocal forms. To investigate the role of social motivational mechanisms in song learning, in two studies, we injected hatchling males with AVT or Manning compound (MC, a nonapeptide receptor antagonist) on days 2-8 post-hatching and recorded song at maturity. In both studies, MC males produced a worse match to tutor song than controls. In study 2, which experimentally controlled for tutor and genetic factors, AVT males also learned song significantly better compared with controls. Furthermore, song similarity correlated with several measures of social motivation throughout development. These findings provide the first evidence that nonapeptides are critical to the development of vocal learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Baran
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA .,School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Samantha C Peck
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Tabitha H Kim
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Adkins-Regan
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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34
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Scattoni ML, Michetti C, Ricceri L. Rodent Vocalization Studies in Animal Models of the Autism Spectrum Disorder. HANDBOOK OF ULTRASONIC VOCALIZATION - A WINDOW INTO THE EMOTIONAL BRAIN 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-809600-0.00042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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35
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Barnes TD, Rieger MA, Dougherty JD, Holy TE. Group and Individual Variability in Mouse Pup Isolation Calls Recorded on the Same Day Show Stability. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:243. [PMID: 29326565 PMCID: PMC5736564 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in a variety of social situations, and USVs have been leveraged to study many neurological diseases including verbal dyspraxia, depression, autism and stuttering. Pups produce isolation calls, a common USV, spontaneously when they are isolated from their mother during the first 2 weeks of life. Several genetic manipulations affect (and often reduce) pup isolation calls in mice. To facilitate the use of this assay as a means of testing whether significant functional differences in genotypes exist instead of contextual differences, we test the variability inherent in many commons measures of mouse vocalizations. Here we use biological consistency as a way of determining which are reproducible in mouse pup vocalizations. We present a comprehensive analysis of the normal variability of these vocalizations in groups of mice, individual mice and different strains of mice. To control for maturation effects, we recorded pup isolation calls in the same group of C57BL/6J 5 days old mice twice, with 1 h of rest in between recordings. In almost all cases, the group averages between the first and second recordings were the same. We also found that there were high correlations in some parameters in individual mice across recording while others were not well correlated. These findings could be replicated for the majority of features in a separate group of C57BL/6J mice and a group of 129/SvEvBrd-C57BL/6J mice. The averages of these mouse USV features are highly consistent and represent a robust assay to test the effects of genetic and other interventions in the experimental setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terra D Barnes
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Michael A Rieger
- Department of Genetics and Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Genetics and Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Timothy E Holy
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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36
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Copping NA, Christian SGB, Ritter DJ, Islam MS, Buscher N, Zolkowska D, Pride MC, Berg EL, LaSalle JM, Ellegood J, Lerch JP, Reiter LT, Silverman JL, Dindot SV. Neuronal overexpression of Ube3a isoform 2 causes behavioral impairments and neuroanatomical pathology relevant to 15q11.2-q13.3 duplication syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:3995-4010. [PMID: 29016856 PMCID: PMC5886211 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternally derived copy number gains of human chromosome 15q11.2-q13.3 (Dup15q syndrome or Dup15q) cause intellectual disability, epilepsy, developmental delay, hypotonia, speech impairments, and minor dysmorphic features. Dup15q syndrome is one of the most common and penetrant chromosomal abnormalities observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although ∼40 genes are located in the 15q11.2-q13.3 region, overexpression of the ubiquitin-protein E3A ligase (UBE3A) gene is thought to be the predominant molecular cause of the phenotypes observed in Dup15q syndrome. The UBE3A gene demonstrates maternal-specific expression in neurons and loss of maternal UBE3A causes Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder with some overlapping neurological features to Dup15q. To directly test the hypothesis that overexpression of UBE3A is an important underlying molecular cause of neurodevelopmental dysfunction, we developed and characterized a mouse overexpressing Ube3a isoform 2 in excitatory neurons. Ube3a isoform 2 is conserved between mouse and human and known to play key roles in neuronal function. Transgenic mice overexpressing Ube3a isoform 2 in excitatory forebrain neurons exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviors, learning impairments, and reduced seizure thresholds. However, these transgenic mice displayed normal social approach, social interactions, and repetitive motor stereotypies that are relevant to ASD. Reduced forebrain, hippocampus, striatum, amygdala, and cortical volume were also observed. Altogether, these findings show neuronal overexpression of Ube3a isoform 2 causes phenotypes translatable to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nycole A Copping
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Dylan J Ritter
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Texas A&M, College Station, TX, USA
| | - M Saharul Islam
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Nathalie Buscher
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Zolkowska
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Pride
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Berg
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lawrence T Reiter
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Barrett CE, Hennessey TM, Gordon KM, Ryan SJ, McNair ML, Ressler KJ, Rainnie DG. Developmental disruption of amygdala transcriptome and socioemotional behavior in rats exposed to valproic acid prenatally. Mol Autism 2017; 8:42. [PMID: 28775827 PMCID: PMC5539636 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The amygdala controls socioemotional behavior and has consistently been implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Precocious amygdala development is commonly reported in ASD youth with the degree of overgrowth positively correlated to the severity of ASD symptoms. Prenatal exposure to VPA leads to an ASD phenotype in both humans and rats and has become a commonly used tool to model the complexity of ASD symptoms in the laboratory. Here, we examined abnormalities in gene expression in the amygdala and socioemotional behavior across development in the valproic acid (VPA) rat model of ASD. Methods Rat dams received oral gavage of VPA (500 mg/kg) or saline daily between E11 and 13. Socioemotional behavior was tracked across development in both sexes. RNA sequencing and proteomics were performed on amygdala samples from male rats across development. Results Effects of VPA on time spent in social proximity and anxiety-like behavior were sex dependent, with social abnormalities presenting in males and heightened anxiety in females. Across time VPA stunted developmental and immune, but enhanced cellular death and disorder, pathways in the amygdala relative to saline controls. At postnatal day 10, gene pathways involved in nervous system and cellular development displayed predicted activations in prenatally exposed VPA amygdala samples. By juvenile age, however, transcriptomic and proteomic pathways displayed reductions in cellular growth and neural development. Alterations in immune pathways, calcium signaling, Rho GTPases, and protein kinase A signaling were also observed. Conclusions As behavioral, developmental, and genomic alterations are similar to those reported in ASD, these results lend support to prenatal exposure to VPA as a useful tool for understanding how developmental insults to molecular pathways in the amygdala give rise to ASD-related syndromes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-017-0160-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Barrett
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Thomas M Hennessey
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Katelyn M Gordon
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Steve J Ryan
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Morgan L McNair
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478 USA
| | - Donald G Rainnie
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
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The Role of the Oxytocin/Arginine Vasopressin System in Animal Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY EMBRYOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY 2017; 224:135-158. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52498-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Francis SM, Kim SJ, Kistner-Griffin E, Guter S, Cook EH, Jacob S. ASD and Genetic Associations with Receptors for Oxytocin and Vasopressin- AVPR1A, AVPR1B, and OXTR. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:516. [PMID: 27920663 PMCID: PMC5118619 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There are limited treatments available for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies have reported significant associations between the receptor genes of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) and ASD diagnosis, as well as ASD-related phenotypes. Researchers have also found the manipulation of these systems affects social and repetitive behaviors, core characteristics of ASD. Consequently, research involving the oxytocin/vasopressin pathways as intervention targets has increased. Therefore, further examination into the relationship between these neuropeptides and ASD was undertaken. In this study, we examined associations between variants in the receptor genes of vasopressin (AVPR1A, AVPR1B), oxytocin (OXTR), and ASD diagnosis along with related subphenotypes. Methods: Probands were assessed using Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, and clinical DSM-IV-TR criteria. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AVPR1B and OXTR, and microsatellites in AVPR1A were genotyped in ~200 families with a proband with ASD. Family-based association testing (FBAT) was utilized to determine associations between variants and ASD. Haplotypes composed of OXTR SNPs (i.e., rs53576-rs2254298-rs2268493) were also analyzed due to previously published associations. Results: Using the additive inheritance model in FBAT we found associations between AVPR1B SNPs (rs28632197, p = 0.005, rs35369693, p = 0.025) and diagnosis. As in other studies, OXTR rs2268493 (p = 0.050) was associated with diagnosis. rs2268493 was also associated with ASD subphenotypes of social withdrawal (p = 0.013) and Insistence on Sameness (p = 0.039). Further analyses demonstrated that the haplotype, rs2254298–rs2268493 was found to be significantly associated with diagnosis (A-T; p = 0.026). FBAT was also used to analyze AVPR1A microsatellites (RS1 and RS3). Both length variants were found to be associated with restrictive, repetitive behaviors, but not overall diagnosis. Correction for multiple comparisons was performed for SNPs tested in each gene region, only AVPR1B SNPs remained significantly associated with ASD diagnosis. Conclusions: Autism is a heterogeneous disorder with many genes and pathways that contribute to its development. SNPs and microsatellites in the receptor genes of OT and AVP are associated with ASD diagnosis and measures of social behavior as well as restricted repetitive behaviors. We reported a novel association with ASD and AVPR1B SNPs. Understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships may be helpful in the development of pharmacological interventions for the OT/AVP system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunday M Francis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Soo-Jeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington WA, USA
| | - Emily Kistner-Griffin
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephen Guter
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edwin H Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Suma Jacob
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
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40
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Rieger MA, Dougherty JD. Analysis of within Subjects Variability in Mouse Ultrasonic Vocalization: Pups Exhibit Inconsistent, State-Like Patterns of Call Production. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:182. [PMID: 27733819 PMCID: PMC5039195 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in multiple communicative contexts, including adult social interaction (e.g., male to female courtship), as well as pup calls when separated from the dam. Assessment of pup USV has been widely applied in models of social and communicative disorders, dozens of which have shown alterations to this conserved behavior. However, features such as call production rate can vary substantially even within experimental groups and it is unclear to what extent aspects of USV represent stable trait-like influences or are vulnerable to an animal's state. To address this question, we have employed a mixed modeling approach to describe consistency in USV features across time, leveraging multiple large cohorts recorded from two strains, and across ages/times. We find that most features of pup USV show consistent patterns within a recording session, but inconsistent patterns across postnatal development. This supports the conclusion that pup USV is most strongly influenced by "state"-like variables. In contrast, adult USV call rate and call duration show higher consistency across sessions and may reflect a stable "trait." However, spectral features of adult song such as the presence of pitch jumps do not show this level of consistency, suggesting that pitch modulation is more susceptible to factors affecting the animal's state at the time of recording. Overall, the utility of this work is three-fold. First, as variability necessarily affects the sensitivity of the assay to detect experimental perturbation, we hope the information provided here will be used to help researchers plan sufficiently powered experiments, as well as prioritize specific ages to study USV behavior and to decide which features to consider most strongly in analysis. Second, via the mouseTube platform, we have provided these hundreds of recordings and associated data to serve as a shared resource for other researchers interested in either benchmark data for these strains or in developing algorithms for studying features of mouse song. Finally, we hope that this work informs both interpretation of USV studies in models of developmental disorder, and helps to further research into understanding the neural processes that contribute to the production and predictability of USV behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Rieger
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of MedicineSt. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of MedicineSt. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joseph D. Dougherty
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of MedicineSt. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of MedicineSt. Louis, MO, USA
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Forsingdal A, Fejgin K, Nielsen V, Werge T, Nielsen J. 15q13.3 homozygous knockout mouse model display epilepsy-, autism- and schizophrenia-related phenotypes. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e860. [PMID: 27459725 PMCID: PMC5545711 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome is caused by a 1.5-MB hemizygous microdeletion located on 15q13.3 affecting seven genes: FAN1; MTMR10; TRPM1; miR-211; KLF13; OTUD7A; and CHRNA7. The 15q13.3 microdeletion increases the risk of intellectual disability, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, though the clinical profile varies considerably. Two mouse models of this syndrome, with hemizygous deletion of the orthologous region in the murine genome, have recently been shown to recapitulate a number of the behavioral and physiological deficits that characterize the human condition. Still, little is known of the underlying biological mechanisms. Eleven human cases with homozygous deletion of the 15q13.3 region have been reported, all with severe functional and physiological impairments. We therefore hypothesized that a 15q13.3 homozygous knockout would confer more pronounced behavioral and physiological deficits in mice than the 15q13.3 hemizygous deletion. Here we report the characterization of a 15q13.3 knockout mouse. We observed marked deficits including altered seizure susceptibility, autistic behavior-related phenotypes, and auditory sensory processing. Several of these deficits, albeit less pronounced, were also found in the 15q13.3 hemizygous littermates indicating a gene-dosage dependency. Our findings strongly indicate that studies of the hemi- and homozygous 15q13.3 mouse strains will facilitate understanding of the biological mechanisms of severe mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Forsingdal
- Synaptic Transmission, In Vitro, Neuroscience Research DK, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark,Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Center, Sct. Hans, Mental Health Services, Roskilde, Denmark,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K Fejgin
- Synaptic Transmission, In Vitro, Neuroscience Research DK, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | - V Nielsen
- Synaptic Transmission, In Vitro, Neuroscience Research DK, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | - T Werge
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Center, Sct. Hans, Mental Health Services, Roskilde, Denmark,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark,iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation’s Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Denmark
| | - J Nielsen
- Synaptic Transmission, In Vitro, Neuroscience Research DK, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark,Synaptic Transmission, Neuroscience Research DK, H.Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, Valby 2500, Denmark. E-mail:
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42
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Fraley ER, Burkett ZD, Day NF, Schwartz BA, Phelps PE, White SA. Mice with Dab1 or Vldlr insufficiency exhibit abnormal neonatal vocalization patterns. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25807. [PMID: 27184477 PMCID: PMC4868998 DOI: 10.1038/srep25807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic changes in components of the Reelin-signaling pathway (RELN, DAB1) are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Social communication deficits are a key component of the ASD diagnostic criteria, but the underlying neurogenetic mechanisms remain unknown. Reln insufficient mice exhibit ASD-like behavioral phenotypes including altered neonatal vocalization patterns. Reelin affects multiple pathways including through the receptors, Very low-density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr), Apolipoprotein receptor 2 (Apoer2), and intracellular signaling molecule Disabled-1 (Dab1). As Vldlr was previously implicated in avian vocalization, here we investigate vocalizations of neonatal mice with a reduction or absence of these components of the Reelin-signaling pathway. Mice with low or no Dab1 expression exhibited reduced calling rates, altered call-type usage, and differential vocal development trajectories. Mice lacking Vldlr expression also had altered call repertoires, and this effect was exacerbated by deficiency in Apoer2. Together with previous findings, these observations 1) solidify a role for Reelin in vocal communication of multiple species, 2) point to the canonical Reelin-signaling pathway as critical for development of normal neonatal calling patterns in mice, and 3) suggest that mutants in this pathway could be used as murine models for Reelin-associated vocal deficits in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Fraley
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Program, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Z D Burkett
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Program, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - N F Day
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - B A Schwartz
- Undergraduate Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - P E Phelps
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Program, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - S A White
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Program, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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Kim KC, Gonzales EL, Lázaro MT, Choi CS, Bahn GH, Yoo HJ, Shin CY. Clinical and Neurobiological Relevance of Current Animal Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2016; 24:207-43. [PMID: 27133257 PMCID: PMC4859786 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2016.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication impairments, as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviors. The phenotypic heterogeneity of ASD has made it overwhelmingly difficult to determine the exact etiology and pathophysiology underlying the core symptoms, which are often accompanied by comorbidities such as hyperactivity, seizures, and sensorimotor abnormalities. To our benefit, the advent of animal models has allowed us to assess and test diverse risk factors of ASD, both genetic and environmental, and measure their contribution to the manifestation of autistic symptoms. At a broader scale, rodent models have helped consolidate molecular pathways and unify the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying each one of the various etiologies. This approach will potentially enable the stratification of ASD into clinical, molecular, and neurophenotypic subgroups, further proving their translational utility. It is henceforth paramount to establish a common ground of mechanistic theories from complementing results in preclinical research. In this review, we cluster the ASD animal models into lesion and genetic models and further classify them based on the corresponding environmental, epigenetic and genetic factors. Finally, we summarize the symptoms and neuropathological highlights for each model and make critical comparisons that elucidate their clinical and neurobiological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Chan Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.,School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - María T Lázaro
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chang Soon Choi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.,School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon Ho Bahn
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bungdang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.,School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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Robison WT, Myers MM, Hofer MA, Shair HN, Welch MG. Prairie vole pups show potentiated isolation-induced vocalizations following isolation from their mother, but not their father. Dev Psychobiol 2016; 58:687-99. [PMID: 26990108 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Vocalizations can be markers of emotional social communication. Maternal potentiation was originally described as an increased rate of vocalization by isolated rat pups following an interaction with their mothers, but not with other social companions. Here we asked if potentiation in prairie voles, a species with pair-bonding and bi-parental rearing, is parent-specific. We found that isolated, 8-11-day-old voles exhibited potentiation following reunions with the dam, but not the sire. These responses were present whether parents were anesthetized or active during the reunion. There were no significant correlations between parental behaviors during reunions and pup vocalization rates during re-isolation. The absence of potentiation to the sire contrasts to findings in bi-parentally reared rat pups, which do potentiate vocalizations to the sire. We interpret these results to be consistent with the idea that potentiation reflects disruption of mother-infant coregulation and is dependent upon the unique biology of mothering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58:687-699, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Theodore Robison
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Michael M Myers
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Unit 40, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Myron A Hofer
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Unit 40, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032
| | - Harry N Shair
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Unit 40, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032
| | - Martha G Welch
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032
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Miranda RA, Searcy BT, Propper CR. Arginine vasotocin induces calling behavior with a female social stimulus and interacts with gonadotropins to affect sexual behaviors in male Xenopus tropicalis. Physiol Behav 2015; 151:72-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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46
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Zhang HF, Li HX, Dai YC, Xu XJ, Han SP, Zhang R, Han JS. Electro-acupuncture improves the social interaction behavior of rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 151:485-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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47
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Varga J, Fodor A, Klausz B, Zelena D. Anxiogenic role of vasopressin during the early postnatal period: maternal separation-induced ultrasound vocalization in vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats. Amino Acids 2015; 47:2409-18. [PMID: 26133736 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2034-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Both animal and human studies suggest that in adulthood, plasma vasopressin level correlates well with anxiety. Little is known about the mood regulation during the perinatal period. Here, we aim to investigate the influence of vasopressin on anxiety during the early postnatal age. As a sign of distress, rat pups emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) when they are separated from their mother. This USV was detected in 7- to 8-day-old vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro pups, and they were compared to their heterozygote littermates and wild-type pups. The results were confirmed by V1b antagonist treatment (SSR149415 10 mg/kg ip 30 min before test) in wild-types. Chlordiazepoxide (3 mg/kg ip 30 min before test)-an anxiolytic-was used to test the interaction with the GABAergic system. At the end of the test, stress-hormone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Vasopressin-deficient pups vocalized substantially less than non-deficient counterparts. Treatment with V1b antagonist resulted in similar effect. Chlordiazepoxide reduced the frequency and duration of the vocalization only in wild-types. Reduced vocalization was accompanied by smaller adrenocorticotropin levels but the level of corticosterone was variable. Our results indicate that the anxiolytic effect of vasopressin deficiency (both genetic and pharmacological) exists already during the early postnatal age. Vasopressin interacts with the GABAergic system. As mood regulation does not go parallel with glucocorticoid levels, we suggest that vasopressin might have a direct effect on special brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Varga
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Fodor
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Klausz
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
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48
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Lukas M, Wöhr M. Endogenous vasopressin, innate anxiety, and the emission of pro-social 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations during social play behavior in juvenile rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 56:35-44. [PMID: 25800147 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although the involvement of the neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) in rodent social interaction is already extensively characterized, little is known about its role in social communication. Rats communicate in the ultrasonic range by means of ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Depending on developmental stage and affective state, rats emit various distinct types of USV, with appetitive 50-kHz USV being induced by positive social interactions, like juvenile social play, probably serving an affiliative communicative function, namely to (re)establish or induce social proximity. In rats and mice selectively bred for low (LAB) and high (HAB) anxiety-related behavior, the emission of isolation-induced distress USV during maternal deprivation as pups correlates with innate high levels of hypothalamic AVP availability. Moreover, male LAB and HAB rats express deficits in social approach towards conspecifics, together with high and/or abnormal forms of aggression when confronted with harmless opponents, possibly due to a lack of social communication skills. The aim of this study was therefore (1) to investigate and characterize social play behavior and concomitant pro-social 50-kHz USV emission in male and female, juvenile LAB and HAB rats and to compare them to non-selected Wistar (NAB) rats; and (2) to link these findings pharmacologically to the central AVP system via applying an AVP 1a receptor (V1aR) antagonist (0.75 μg; Manning compound) or synthetic AVP (1 ng) into the lateral ventricle of male juvenile NAB rats. Our results show that reduced social play behavior in highly anxious male and female, juvenile HAB rats is accompanied by low amounts of pro-social 50-kHz USV, as compared to respective LAB and NAB rats, possibly reflecting a lack of positive affective states in expectation of or following social interactions in these individuals. Secondly, although synthetic AVP did not alter social play behavior and pro-social 50-kHz USV, we demonstrated for the first time that a blockade of the central AVP system not only reduces juvenile social play behavior, but at the same time pro-social 50-kHz USV emission rates, indicating an involvement of the social neuropeptide in regulating affiliative communication in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lukas
- Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
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49
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Neunuebel JP, Taylor AL, Arthur BJ, Egnor SER. Female mice ultrasonically interact with males during courtship displays. eLife 2015; 4:e06203. [PMID: 26020291 PMCID: PMC4447045 DOI: 10.7554/elife.06203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
During courtship males attract females with elaborate behaviors. In mice, these displays include ultrasonic vocalizations. Ultrasonic courtship vocalizations were previously attributed to the courting male, despite evidence that both sexes produce virtually indistinguishable vocalizations. Because of this similarity, and the difficulty of assigning vocalizations to individuals, the vocal contribution of each individual during courtship is unknown. To address this question, we developed a microphone array system to localize vocalizations from socially interacting, individual adult mice. With this system, we show that female mice vocally interact with males during courtship. Males and females jointly increased their vocalization rates during chases. Furthermore, a female's participation in these vocal interactions may function as a signal that indicates a state of increased receptivity. Our results reveal a novel form of vocal communication during mouse courtship, and lay the groundwork for a mechanistic dissection of communication during social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Neunuebel
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, United States
| | - Adam L Taylor
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Ben J Arthur
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - SE Roian Egnor
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
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50
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Bester-Meredith JK, Fancher AP, Mammarella GE. Vasopressin Proves Es-sense-tial: Vasopressin and the Modulation of Sensory Processing in Mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:5. [PMID: 25705203 PMCID: PMC4319160 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As mammals develop, they encounter increasing social complexity in the surrounding world. In order to survive, mammals must show appropriate behaviors toward their mates, offspring, and same-sex conspecifics. Although the behavioral effects of the neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) have been studied in a variety of social contexts, the effects of this neuropeptide on multimodal sensory processing have received less attention. AVP is widely distributed through sensory regions of the brain and has been demonstrated to modulate olfactory, auditory, gustatory, and visual processing. Here, we review the evidence linking AVP to the processing of social stimuli in sensory regions of the brain and explore how sensory processing can shape behavioral responses to these stimuli. In addition, we address the interplay between hormonal and neural AVP in regulating sensory processing of social cues. Because AVP pathways show plasticity during development, early life experiences may shape life-long processing of sensory information. Furthermore, disorders of social behavior such as autism and schizophrenia that have been linked with AVP also have been linked with dysfunctions in sensory processing. Together, these studies suggest that AVP's diversity of effects on social behavior across a variety of mammalian species may result from the effects of this neuropeptide on sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K. Bester-Meredith
- Department of Biology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA
- *Correspondence: Janet K. Bester-Meredith, Department of Biology, Seattle Pacific University, 3307 3rd Avenue W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA e-mail:
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