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Raymond JS, Rehn S, James MH, Everett NA, Bowen MT. Sex differences in the social motivation of rats: Insights from social operant conditioning, behavioural economics, and video tracking. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:57. [PMID: 39030614 PMCID: PMC11264584 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00612-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social behaviour plays a key role in mental health and wellbeing, and developing greater understanding of mechanisms underlying social interaction-particularly social motivation-holds substantial transdiagnostic impact. Common rodent behavioural assays used to assess social behaviour are limited in their assessment of social motivation, whereas the social operant conditioning model can provide unique and valuable insights into social motivation. Further characterisation of common experimental parameters that may influence social motivation within the social operant model, as well as complementary methodological and analytical approaches, are warranted. METHODS This study investigated the effects of biological sex, housing condition, and time-of-day, on social motivation using the social operant model. This involved training rats to lever press (FR1) for 60-s access to a social reward (same-sex conspecific stimulus). Subjects were male and female Wistar rats, housed under individual or paired conditions, and sessions were conducted either in the mid-late light phase (ZT6-10) or early-mid dark phase (ZT13-17). A behavioural economics approach was implemented to measure social demand and the influence of stimulus partner sex (same- vs. opposite-sex stimulus) on social operant responding. Additionally, video tracking analyses were conducted to assess the degree of convergence between social appetitive and consummatory behaviours. RESULTS Biological sex, housing conditions, the interaction between sex and housing, and stimulus partner sex potently influenced social motivation, whereas time-of-day did not. Behavioural economics demonstrated that sex, housing, and their interaction influence both the hedonic set-point and elasticity of social demand. Video analysis of social interaction during social operant sessions revealed that social appetitive and consummatory behaviours are not necessarily convergent, and indicate potential social satiety. Lastly, oestrus phase of female experimental and stimulus rats did not impact social motivation within the model. CONCLUSIONS Social isolation-dependent sex differences exist in social motivation for rats, as assessed by social operant conditioning. The social operant model represents an optimal preclinical assay that comprehensively evaluates social motivation and offers a platform for future investigations of neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex differences in social motivation. These findings highlight the importance of continued consideration and inclusion of sex as a biological variable in future social operant conditioning studies. Humans are social creatures-our everyday interactions with others and the support this provides play a key role in our wellbeing. For those experiencing mental health conditions, people's motivation to engage with others can wane, which can lead them to withdraw from those who support them. Therefore, to develop better treatment strategies for these conditions, we need to gain a deeper understanding of social motivation. Studying social behaviour in animals can facilitate this investigation of social motivation as it allows for a causal understanding of underlying neurobiology that is not possible in human experiments. An optimal way to study social motivation in animals is using the social operant conditioning model, where rats learn to press a lever that opens a door and allows them to interact with another rat for a short time. This study characterised the social operant model by testing whether sex, housing conditions, time-of-day, and the sex of the stimulus partner influence rats' motivation to seek interaction with another rat. We found that female rats were more socially motivated than males, and that rats living alone were more motivated than those living with another rat; interestingly, this effect of housing affected females more than males. Regardless of sex, rats were more motivated to interact with a rat of the opposite sex. These findings provide insights into sex differences in social motivation in rats and new insights into the social operant model which will help guide future research into social motivation and other mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel S Raymond
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, 2050, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone Rehn
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Morgan H James
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicholas A Everett
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, 2050, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, 2050, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Gryksa K, Schmidtner AK, Masís-Calvo M, Rodríguez-Villagra OA, Havasi A, Wirobski G, Maloumby R, Jägle H, Bosch OJ, Slattery DA, Neumann ID. Selective breeding of rats for high (HAB) and low (LAB) anxiety-related behaviour: A unique model for comorbid depression and social dysfunctions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105292. [PMID: 37353047 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Animal models of selective breeding for extremes in emotionality are a strong experimental approach to model psychopathologies. They became indispensable in order to increase our understanding of neurobiological, genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and environmental mechanisms contributing to anxiety disorders and their association with depressive symptoms or social deficits. In the present review, we extensively discuss Wistar rats selectively bred for high (HAB) and low (LAB) anxiety-related behaviour on the elevated plus-maze. After 30 years of breeding, we can confirm the prominent differences between HAB and LAB rats in trait anxiety, which are accompanied by consistent differences in depressive-like, social and cognitive behaviours. We can further confirm a single nucleotide polymorphism in the vasopressin promotor of HAB rats causative for neuropeptide overexpression, and show that low (or high) anxiety and fear levels are unlikely due to visual dysfunctions. Thus, HAB and LAB rats continue to exist as a reliable tool to study the multiple facets underlying the pathology of high trait anxiety and its comorbidity with depression-like behaviour and social dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gryksa
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Anna K Schmidtner
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Marianella Masís-Calvo
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Odir A Rodríguez-Villagra
- Centro de Investigación en Neurosciencias, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Andrea Havasi
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Gwendolyn Wirobski
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Rodrigue Maloumby
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Herbert Jägle
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - David A Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Straße 10, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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3
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Woodson J, Bergan JF. Uncovering the brain-wide pattern of synaptic input to vasopressin-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:1017-1031. [PMID: 37121600 PMCID: PMC10566340 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25476] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neuropeptide critical for the mammalian stress response and social behavior. AVP produced in the hypothalamus regulates water osmolality and vasoconstriction in the body, and in the brain, it regulates social behavior, aggression, and anxiety. However, the circuit mechanisms that link AVP to social behavior, homeostatic function, and disease are not well understood. This study investigates the circuit configurations of AVP-expressing neurons in the rodent hypothalamus and characterizes synaptic input from the entire brain. We targeted the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) using retrograde viral tracing techniques to identify direct afferent synaptic connections made onto AVP-expressing neurons. AVP neurons in the PVN display region-specific anatomical configurations that reflect their unique contributions to homeostatic function, motor behaviors, feeding, and affiliative behavior. The afferent connections identified were similar in both sexes and subsequent molecular investigation of these inputs shows that those local hypothalamic inputs are overwhelmingly nonpeptidergic cells indicating a potential interneuron nexus between hormone cell activation and broader cortical connection. This proposed work reveals new insights into the organization of social behavior circuits in the brain, and how neuropeptides act centrally to modulate social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Woodson
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph F Bergan
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Artık A, Çengel Kültür SE, Portakal O, Karaboncuk AY. The association between autistic traits and serum testosterone, oxytocin, and androstenedione levels in prepubertal male drug naive children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:98-107. [PMID: 36398591 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10241] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might have similar problems as in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and show impairment in social behaviour. Also, there is a relationship between social relationship skills and ToM (theory of mind) skills of children with ADHD. Besides, ASD is associated with prenatal exposure to high levels of androgens, and oxytocin plays a role in the modulation of emotions, coping with stress, and social behaviour like ASD. In this study, the relationship between autistic traits and serum oxytocin, testosterone, and androstenedione levels in prepubertal male drug naive children with ADHD has been investigated. METHOD Eighty-three prepubertal children, who were diagnosed with ADHD between the ages of 6-10 years old, are included in the study. For the study, intelligence levels were evaluated by using WISC-4, and autistic traits were measured by using both social responsiveness scale and theory of mind tests. In addition, serum oxytocin, testosterone, and androstenedione levels were measured by using ELISA. RESULTS It has been found that serum testosterone levels of patients with lower autistic traits are significantly lower than those with moderate and severe autistic traits, while the serum oxytocin levels are significantly higher. Also, patients with severe autistic traits have had significantly higher serum androstenedione levels than those with lower and moderate autistic traits. CONCLUSION This study suggests that patients who have higher autistic traits have elevated testosterone and androstenedione levels and lower serum oxytocin levels. Further studies are needed to clarify this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulbaki Artık
- Faculty of Medicine, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, Uşak University, Uşak, Turkey
| | - Sadriye Ebru Çengel Kültür
- Faculty of Medicine, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Oytun Portakal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Zayan U, Caccialupi Da Prato L, Muscatelli F, Matarazzo V. Modulation of the thermosensory system by oxytocin. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1075305. [PMID: 36698777 PMCID: PMC9868264 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1075305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohormone involved early in neurodevelopment and is implicated in multiple functions, including sensory modulation. Evidence of such modulation has been observed for different sensory modalities in both healthy and pathological conditions. This review summarizes the pleiotropic modulation that OT can exercise on an often overlooked sensory system: thermosensation. This system allows us to sense temperature variations and compensate for the variation to maintain a stable core body temperature. Oxytocin modulates autonomic and behavioral mechanisms underlying thermoregulation at both central and peripheral levels. Hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity for different sensory modalities, including thermosensitivity, is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), recapitulated in several ASD mouse models. These sensory dysregulations occur early in post-natal development and are correlated with dysregulation of the oxytocinergic system. In this study, we discussed the potential link between thermosensory atypia and the dysregulation of the oxytocinergic system in ASD.
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Purushotham SS, Reddy NMN, D'Souza MN, Choudhury NR, Ganguly A, Gopalakrishna N, Muddashetty R, Clement JP. A perspective on molecular signalling dysfunction, its clinical relevance and therapeutics in autism spectrum disorder. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2525-2567. [PMID: 36063192 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06448-x] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that have become a primary clinical and social concern, with a prevalence of 2-3% in the population. Neuronal function and behaviour undergo significant malleability during the critical period of development that is found to be impaired in ID/ASD. Human genome sequencing studies have revealed many genetic variations associated with ASD/ID that are further verified by many approaches, including many mouse and other models. These models have facilitated the identification of fundamental mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASD/ID, and several studies have proposed converging molecular pathways in ASD/ID. However, linking the mechanisms of the pathogenic genes and their molecular characteristics that lead to ID/ASD has progressed slowly, hampering the development of potential therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the possibility of recognising the common molecular causes for most ASD/ID based on studies from the available models that may enable a better therapeutic strategy to treat ID/ASD. We also reviewed the potential biomarkers to detect ASD/ID at early stages that may aid in diagnosis and initiating medical treatment, the concerns with drug failure in clinical trials, and developing therapeutic strategies that can be applied beyond a particular mutation associated with ASD/ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha S Purushotham
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Neeharika M N Reddy
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Michelle Ninochka D'Souza
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Nilpawan Roy Choudhury
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Anusa Ganguly
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Niharika Gopalakrishna
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Ravi Muddashetty
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India.
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7
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Burtscher J, Niedermeier M, Hüfner K, van den Burg E, Kopp M, Stoop R, Burtscher M, Gatterer H, Millet GP. The interplay of hypoxic and mental stress: Implications for anxiety and depressive disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104718. [PMID: 35661753 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adequate oxygen supply is essential for the human brain to meet its high energy demands. Therefore, elaborate molecular and systemic mechanism are in place to enable adaptation to low oxygen availability. Anxiety and depressive disorders are characterized by alterations in brain oxygen metabolism and of its components, such as mitochondria or hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-pathways. Conversely, sensitivity and tolerance to hypoxia may depend on parameters of mental stress and the severity of anxiety and depressive disorders. Here we discuss relevant mechanisms of adaptations to hypoxia, as well as their involvement in mental stress and the etiopathogenesis of anxiety and depressive disorders. We suggest that mechanisms of adaptations to hypoxia (including metabolic responses, inflammation, and the activation of chemosensitive brain regions) modulate and are modulated by stress-related pathways and associated psychiatric diseases. While severe chronic hypoxia or dysfunctional hypoxia adaptations can contribute to the pathogenesis of anxiety and depressive disorders, harnessing controlled responses to hypoxia to increase cellular and psychological resilience emerges as a novel treatment strategy for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Burtscher
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Martin Niedermeier
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katharina Hüfner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Clinic for Psychiatry II, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Erwin van den Burg
- Department of Psychiatry, Center of Psychiatric Neuroscience (CNP), University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martin Kopp
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ron Stoop
- Department of Psychiatry, Center of Psychiatric Neuroscience (CNP), University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hannes Gatterer
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Grégoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Uzun N, Akça ÖF, Kılınç İ, Balcı T. Oxytocin and Vasopressin Levels and Related Factors in Adolescents with Social Phobia and Other Anxiety Disorders. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 20:330-342. [PMID: 35466104 PMCID: PMC9048017 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2022.20.2.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine whether a difference exists in plasma oxytocin and vasopressin levels among social anxiety disorder, other anxiety disorders, and healthy control groups in adolescents. The relationship between several psychiatric variables (i.e., state and trait anxiety, social anxiety, childhood trauma, and behavioral inhibition) and oxytocin or vasopressin levels were also investigated in adolescents with anxiety disorders. Methods The study included three groups of adolescents: social anxiety disorder (n = 29), those with other anxiety disorders (n = 27), and the control group (n = 28). The participants filled out self-report scales to determine various psychological variables. Oxytocin and vasopressin levels were determined from the blood samples of the participants. Results The oxytocin levels did not show a significant difference between the social anxiety disorder group and the other anxiety disorders group. However, the oxytocin levels were significantly higher in the social anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders groups than in the control group. The vasopressin levels did not show a significant difference among the groups. According to the hierarchical regression analysis, the state and trait anxiety levels predicted oxytocin in opposite directions. Oxytocin showed positive and negative relationship with trait and state anxiety respectively. No predictive factors were found for the vasopressin levels. Conclusion We found that the oxytocin levels of adolescents with social anxiety disorder were not different from those of adolescents with other anxiety disorders. Further studies can improve our knowledge of the relationship among anxiety disorders and oxytocin or vasopressin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Necati Uzun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ömer Faruk Akça
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Kılınç
- Department of Biochemistry, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Tevfik Balcı
- Department of Biochemistry, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Training and Research Hospital, Niğde, Turkey
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Leithead AB, Tasker JG, Harony‐Nicolas H. The interplay between glutamatergic circuits and oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus and its relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13061. [PMID: 34786775 PMCID: PMC8951898 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13061] [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: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) neurons of the hypothalamus are at the center of several physiological functions, including milk ejection, uterus contraction, and maternal and social behavior. In lactating females, OXT neurons show a pattern of burst firing and inter-neuron synchronization during suckling that leads to pulsatile release of surges of OXT into the bloodstream to stimulate milk ejection. This pattern of firing and population synchronization may be facilitated in part by hypothalamic glutamatergic circuits, as has been observed in vitro using brain slices obtained from male rats and neonates. However, it remains unknown how hypothalamic glutamatergic circuits influence OXT cell activity outside the context of lactation. In this review, we summarize the in vivo and in vitro studies that describe the synchronized burst firing pattern of OXT neurons and the implication of hypothalamic glutamate in this pattern of firing. We also make note of the few studies that have traced glutamatergic afferents to the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Finally, we discuss the genetic findings implicating several glutamatergic genes in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, thus underscoring the need for future studies to investigate the impact of these mutations on hypothalamic glutamatergic circuits and the OXT system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Leithead
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Jeffrey G. Tasker
- Neurobiology DivisionDepartment of Cell and Molecular BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLAUSA
| | - Hala Harony‐Nicolas
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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Suyama H, Egger V, Lukas M. Top-down acetylcholine signaling via olfactory bulb vasopressin cells contributes to social discrimination in rats. Commun Biol 2021; 4:603. [PMID: 34021245 PMCID: PMC8140101 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Social discrimination in rats requires activation of the intrinsic bulbar vasopressin system, but it is unclear how this system comes into operation, as olfactory nerve stimulation primarily inhibits bulbar vasopressin cells (VPCs). Here we show that stimulation with a conspecific can activate bulbar VPCs, indicating that VPC activation depends on more than olfactory cues during social interaction. A series of in vitro electrophysiology, pharmacology and immunohistochemistry experiments implies that acetylcholine, probably originating from centrifugal projections, can enable olfactory nerve-evoked action potentials in VPCs. Finally, cholinergic activation of the vasopressin system contributes to vasopressin-dependent social discrimination, since recognition of a known rat was blocked by bulbar infusion of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist atropine and rescued by additional bulbar application of vasopressin. Thus, our results implicate that top-down cholinergic modulation of bulbar VPC activity is involved in social discrimination in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Suyama
- Institute of Zoology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Veronica Egger
- Institute of Zoology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lukas
- Institute of Zoology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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11
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Ceschim VC, Sumarán P, Borges AA, Girardi CEN, Suchecki D. Maternal deprivation during early infancy in rats increases oxytocin immunoreactivity in females and corticosterone reactivity to a social test in both sexes without changing emotional behaviour. Horm Behav 2021; 129:104928. [PMID: 33453261 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.104928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Impairment of social behaviour is a hallmark of emotional disorders, with increased avoidance of social contact. In rats, the 24 h maternal deprivation (DEP) paradigm is used to understand the impact of extreme neglect on neurodevelopment. Due to the distinct immediate effects of DEP on postnatal days (PND) 3 (DEP3) or 11 (DEP11), in the present study we investigated the long-term effects of DEP at these ages on anxiety-like behaviour, by recording the visits and time spent in the centre part of the open-field, social investigation of a confined, same-sex, unfamiliar animal, basal and post-social test corticosterone plasma levels and the immunoreactivity to oxytocin in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus (SON). Whole litters were distributed into control (CTL), DEP3 or DEP11 groups and behavioural tests and biological samples were collected between PNDs 40 and 45 in males and females. There were no differences in the exploration of the central part of the open field or on the time investigating the unfamiliar rat. However, the percent increase in post-test corticosterone secretion from baseline was greater for both DEP3 male and female subgroups than their CTL and DEP11 counterparts. DEP3 females showed more oxytocin staining than DEP11 counterparts in magnocellular neurons of the SON and PVN. These results suggest that DEP at the ages chosen does not alter social investigation, although it results in distinct neurobiological outcomes, depending on the developmental phase when it is imposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane C Ceschim
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo -, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Sumarán
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo -, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea A Borges
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo -, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Deborah Suchecki
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo -, São Paulo, Brazil.
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12
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Horiai M, Otsuka A, Hidema S, Hiraoka Y, Hayashi R, Miyazaki S, Furuse T, Mizukami H, Teruyama R, Tamura M, Bito H, Maejima Y, Shimomura K, Nishimori K. Targeting oxytocin receptor (Oxtr)-expressing neurons in the lateral septum to restore social novelty in autism spectrum disorder mouse models. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22173. [PMID: 33335150 PMCID: PMC7746761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79109-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a continuum of neurodevelopmental disorders and needs new therapeutic approaches. Recently, oxytocin (OXT) showed potential as the first anti-ASD drug. Many reports have described the efficacy of intranasal OXT therapy to improve the core symptoms of patients with ASD; however, the underlying neurobiological mechanism remains unknown. The OXT/oxytocin receptor (OXTR) system, through the lateral septum (LS), contributes to social behavior, which is disrupted in ASD. Therefore, we selectively express hM3Dq in OXTR-expressing (OXTR+) neurons in the LS to investigate this effect in ASD mouse models developed by environmental and genetic cues. In mice that received valproic acid (environmental cue), we demonstrated successful recovery of impaired social memory with three-chamber test after OXTR+ neuron activation in the LS. Application of a similar strategy to Nl3R451C knock-in mice (genetic cue) also caused successful recovery of impaired social memory in single field test. OXTR+ neurons in the LS, which are activated by social stimuli, are projected to the CA1 region of the hippocampus. This study identified a candidate mechanism for improving core symptoms of ASD by artificial activation of DREADDs, as a simulation of OXT administration to activate OXTR+ neurons in the LS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Machi Horiai
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan
| | - Ayano Otsuka
- Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan.,Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.,Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiraoka
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Hayashi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan.,Innovation Center, Nippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Midorigaoka, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0041, Japan
| | - Shinji Miyazaki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan
| | - Tamio Furuse
- Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis, Japan Mouse Clinic, RIKEN BioResouce Reserch Center (BRC), 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mizukami
- Division of Genetic Therapeutics, Center for Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Teruyama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Masaru Tamura
- Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis, Japan Mouse Clinic, RIKEN BioResouce Reserch Center (BRC), 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuko Maejima
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan. .,Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan. .,Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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13
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Sanathara N, Alhassen L, Marmouzi I, Khoudari M, Phan J, Alhassen W, Civelli O, Alachkar A. Oxytocin-MCH circuit regulates monosynaptic inputs to MCH neurons and modulates social recognition memory. Neuropharmacology 2020; 184:108423. [PMID: 33290754 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin regulates social behaviors and has been linked to the etiology of autism and schizophrenia. Oxytocin and another hypothalamic neuropeptide, melanin concentrating hormone (MCH), share several physiological actions such as emotion, social behavior and recognition, maternal care, sexual behavior and stress, which suggests that these two systems may interact, however, how they would do it is not known. Here, we study the interactions between the oxytocin and MCH systems in behaviors related to autism and schizophrenia. Specifically, we examined the synaptic inputs of the oxytocin-to the MCH neurons. We selectively deleted oxytocin receptors (OXTR) from MCH neurons (OXTR-cKO mice) using a Cre/loxP recombinase-technology, and used rabies-mediated circuit mapping technique to reveal the changes in the direct monosynaptic inputs to MCH neurons. We examined the behavioral responses of OXTR-cKO mice. Deletion of OXTR from MCH neurons induced a significant decrease in the primary inputs received by MCH neurons from the paraventricular nucleus and the lateral hypothalamus, and from the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area. While OXTR-cKO mice exhibited similar social interactions as control mice, they displayed significantly impaired social recognition memory and increased stereotypic behavior. Our study identifies a selective role for the oxytocin-MCH pathway in social recognition memory and stereotyped behavior that are relevant to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism, and warrant further investigation of this circuit to uncover potential benefit of targeting the oxytocin-MCH circuit as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of social recognition deficits in these two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayna Sanathara
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Lamees Alhassen
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ilias Marmouzi
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Mohammad Khoudari
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Joseph Phan
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Wedad Alhassen
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Olivier Civelli
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Amal Alachkar
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California-Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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14
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Becoming Stressed: Does the Age Matter? Reviewing the Neurobiological and Socio-Affective Effects of Stress throughout the Lifespan. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165819. [PMID: 32823723 PMCID: PMC7460954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Social and affective relations occur at every stage of our lives. Impairments in the quality of this “social world” can be exceptionally detrimental and lead to psychopathology or pathological behavior, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, affective disorders, social phobia or violence, among other things. Exposure to highly stressful or traumatic events, depending on the stage of life in which stress exposure occurs, could severely affect limbic structures, including the amygdala, and lead to alterations in social and affective behaviors. This review summarizes recent findings from stress research and provides an overview of its age-dependent effects on the structure and function of the amygdala, which includes molecular and cellular changes, and how they can trigger deviant social and affective behaviors. It is important to highlight that discoveries in this field may represent a breakthrough both for medical science and for society, as they may help in the development of new therapeutic approaches and prevention strategies in neuropsychiatric disorders and pathological behaviors.
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15
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Martínez-Rodríguez E, Martín-Sánchez A, Kul E, Bose A, Martínez-Martínez FJ, Stork O, Martínez-García F, Lanuza E, Santos M, Agustín-Pavón C. Male-specific features are reduced in Mecp2-null mice: analyses of vasopressinergic innervation, pheromone production and social behaviour. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2219-2238. [PMID: 32749543 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT), two neuropeptides closely implicated in the modulation of social behaviours, have been reported in some early developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene are associated to Rett syndrome and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Thus, we first analysed AVP and OT expression in the brain of Mecp2-mutant mice by immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed no significant differences in these systems in young adult Mecp2-heterozygous females, as compared to WT littermates. By contrast, we found a significant reduction in the sexually dimorphic, testosterone-dependent, vasopressinergic innervation in several nuclei of the social brain network and oxytocinergic innervation in the lateral habenula of Mecp2-null males, as compared to WT littermates. Analysis of urinary production of pheromones shows that Mecp2-null males lack the testosterone-dependent pheromone darcin, strongly suggesting low levels of androgens in these males. In addition, resident-intruder tests revealed lack of aggressive behaviour in Mecp2-null males and decreased chemoinvestigation of the intruder. By contrast, Mecp2-null males exhibited enhanced social approach, as compared to WT animals, in a 3-chamber social interaction test. In summary, Mecp2-null males, which display internal testicles, display a significant reduction of some male-specific features, such as vasopressinergic innervation within the social brain network, male pheromone production and aggressive behaviour. Thus, atypical social behaviours in Mecp2-null males may be caused, at least in part, by the effect of lack of MeCP2 over sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martínez-Rodríguez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ana Martín-Sánchez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, Castelló, Spain.,Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emre Kul
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aparajita Bose
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Neurologie, Ammerland-Klinik GmbH, Westerstede, Germany
| | - Francisco José Martínez-Martínez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Fernando Martínez-García
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, Castelló, Spain
| | - Enrique Lanuza
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Mónica Santos
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany. .,CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, pólo I, 2º andar, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Carmen Agustín-Pavón
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain.
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16
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Rigney N, Beaumont R, Petrulis A. Sex differences in vasopressin 1a receptor regulation of social communication within the lateral habenula and dorsal raphe of mice. Horm Behav 2020; 121:104715. [PMID: 32067962 PMCID: PMC7249673 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) has long been implicated in the regulation of social behavior and communication in diverse taxa, often through its actions on the V1a receptor (V1aR) and in a sex-different and steroid-dependent way. One source of sex-different brain AVP is the steroid-sensitive and sexually-dimorphic AVP neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a cell population that regulates social behavior in a sex-dependent manner. Potential targets of these BNST-AVP cells include the lateral habenula (LHb) and dorsal raphe (DR), areas known to be important for social behavior, yet few studies have investigated AVP action within these regions. Consequently, to test if V1aR action in the LHb or DR controls social behavior in a sexually dimorphic manner, we administered a highly-specific V1aR antagonist (or saline vehicle) in the LHb or DR of C57BL/6 male and female mice and tested its effects on social investigation, social communication (urine marking, ultrasonic vocalizations), and territorial aggression. V1aR antagonism of the LHb or DR decreased male urine marking toward unfamiliar males, but not toward unfamiliar females. Additionally, V1aR blockade of the LHb decreased ultrasonic vocalizations generated in the presence of females. Social investigation, locomotion and aggressive behavior were not altered by V1aR antagonism in either area. Blocking V1aR in the LHb or DR of females had no effect, indicating V1aR action in the DR and LHb drives sex differences in social communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
| | - Rachael Beaumont
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
| | - Aras Petrulis
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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17
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Acute and Repeated Intranasal Oxytocin Differentially Modulate Brain-wide Functional Connectivity. Neuroscience 2020; 445:83-94. [PMID: 31917352 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Central release of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) modulates neural substrates involved in socio-affective behavior. This property has prompted research into the use of intranasal OXT administration as an adjunctive therapy for brain conditions characterized by social impairment, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the neural circuitry and brain-wide functional networks recruited by intranasal OXT administration remain elusive. Moreover, little is known of the neuroadaptive cascade triggered by long-term administration of this peptide at the network level. To address these questions, we applied fMRI-based circuit mapping in adult mice upon acute and repeated (seven-day) intranasal dosing of OXT. We report that acute and chronic OXT administration elicit comparable fMRI activity as assessed with cerebral blood volume mapping, but entail largely different patterns of brain-wide functional connectivity. Specifically, acute OXT administration focally boosted connectivity within key limbic components of the rodent social brain, whereas repeated dosing led to a prominent and widespread increase in functional connectivity, involving a strong coupling between the amygdala and extended cortical territories. Importantly, this connectional reconfiguration was accompanied by a paradoxical reduction in social interaction and communication in wild-type mice. Our results identify the network substrates engaged by exogenous OXT administration, and show that repeated OXT dosing leads to a substantial reconfiguration of brain-wide connectivity, entailing an aberrant functional coupling between cortico-limbic structures involved in socio-communicative and affective functions. Such divergent patterns of network connectivity might contribute to discrepant clinical findings involving acute or long-term OXT dosing in clinical populations.
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18
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Bhandari R, Paliwal JK, Kuhad A. Neuropsychopathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Complex Interplay of Genetic, Epigenetic, and Environmental Factors. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:97-141. [PMID: 32006358 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogeneous consortium of pervasive development disorders (PDD) which ranges from atypical autism, autism, and Asperger syndrome affecting brain in the developmental stage. This debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder results in both core as well as associated symptoms. Core symptoms observed in autistic patients are lack of social interaction, pervasive, stereotyped, and restricted behavior while the associated symptoms include irritability, anxiety, aggression, and several comorbid disorders.ASD is a polygenic disorder and is multifactorial in origin. Copy number variations (CNVs) of several genes that regulate the synaptogenesis and signaling pathways are one of the major factors responsible for the pathogenesis of autism. The complex integration of various CNVs cause mutations in the genes which code for molecules involved in cell adhesion, voltage-gated ion-channels, scaffolding proteins as well as signaling pathways (PTEN and mTOR pathways). These mutated genes are responsible for affecting synaptic transmission by causing plasticity dysfunction responsible, in turn, for the expression of ASD.Epigenetic modifications affecting DNA transcription and various pre-natal and post-natal exposure to a variety of environmental factors are also precipitating factors for the occurrence of ASD. All of these together cause dysregulation of glutamatergic signaling as well as imbalance in excitatory: inhibitory pathways resulting in glial cell activation and release of inflammatory mediators responsible for the aberrant social behavior which is observed in autistic patients.In this chapter we review and provide insight into the intricate integration of various genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors which play a major role in the pathogenesis of this disorder and the mechanistic approach behind this integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjana Bhandari
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jyoti K Paliwal
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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19
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Burns P, Bowditch J, McFadyen J, Loiacono R, Albiston AL, Pham V, Chai SY. Social behaviour is altered in the insulin-regulated aminopeptidase knockout mouse. Behav Brain Res 2019; 376:112150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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20
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Modi ME, Sahin M. A unified circuit for social behavior. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 165:106920. [PMID: 30149055 PMCID: PMC6387844 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in circuit manipulation technologies have enabled the association of distinct neural circuits with complex social behaviors. The brain areas identified through historical anatomical characterizations as mediators of sexual and parental behaviors can now be functionally linked to adult social behaviors within a unified circuit. In vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics and chemogenetics have been used to follow the processing of social sensory stimuli from perception by the olfactory system to valence detection by the amygdala and mesolimbic dopamine system to integration by the cerebral and cerebellar cortices under modulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides. Further, these techniques have been able to identify the distinct functional changes induced by social as opposed to non-social stimuli. Together this evidence suggests that there is a distinct, functionally coupled circuit that is selectively activated by social stimuli. A unified social circuit provides a new framework against which synaptopathic autism related mutations can be considered and novel pharmacotherapeutic strategies can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera E Modi
- Translational Neuroscience Center, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Translational Neuroscience Center, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States.
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21
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Hong MP, Erickson CA. Investigational drugs in early-stage clinical trials for autism spectrum disorder. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:709-718. [PMID: 31352835 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1649656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Pharmacologic interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have historically focused on symptom-based approaches. However, a treatment for the core social deficits has remained unidentified. While a definitive theory for the cause of ASD is not yet known, recent advances in our understanding of ASD pathophysiology have opened the door for research on new pharmaceutical methods to target core symptomology. Areas covered: Herein, we review the novel pharmacologic therapies undergoing early-stage clinical trials for the treatment of the social symptoms associated with ASD. Specifically, these strategies center on altering neurologic excitatory and inhibitory imbalance, neuropeptide abnormalities, immunologic dysfunction, and biochemical deficiencies in ASD. Expert opinion: Utilizing the growing field of knowledge regarding the pathological mechanisms and altered neurobiology of individuals with ASD has led to the development of many innovative pharmaceutical interventions. Clinical trials for neurobiologic and immunologic targets show promise in impacting the social behavior and processing deficits in ASD but need evaluation in larger clinical trials and continued biomarker development to more effectively and consistently assess pharmacologic effects. Additionally, evaluating patient-specific drug responsivity and integrating behavioral intervention in conjunction with pharmacologic treatment is crucial to developing a successful approach to ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Hong
- a Division of Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA.,b College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati , Cincinnati , Oh , USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- a Division of Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA.,b College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati , Cincinnati , Oh , USA
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22
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Lukas M, Suyama H, Egger V. Vasopressin Cells in the Rodent Olfactory Bulb Resemble Non-Bursting Superficial Tufted Cells and Are Primarily Inhibited upon Olfactory Nerve Stimulation. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0431-18.2019. [PMID: 31217196 PMCID: PMC6620393 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0431-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic vasopressin system of the olfactory bulb is involved in social odor processing and consists of glutamatergic vasopressin cells (VPCs) located at the medial border of the glomerular layer. To characterize VPCs in detail, we combined various electrophysiological, neuroanatomical, and two-photon Ca2+ imaging techniques in acute bulb slices from juvenile transgenic rats with eGFP-labeled VPCs. VPCs showed regular non-bursting firing patterns, and displayed slower membrane time constants and higher input resistances versus other glutamatergic tufted cell types. VPC axons spread deeply into the external plexiform and superficial granule cell layer (GCL). Axonal projections fell into two subclasses, with either denser local columnar collaterals or longer-ranging single projections running laterally within the internal plexiform layer and deeper within the granule cell layer. VPCs always featured lateral dendrites and a tortuous apical dendrite that innervated a single glomerulus with a homogenously branching tuft. These tufts lacked Ca2+ transients in response to single somatically-evoked action potentials and showed a moderate Ca2+ increase upon prolonged action potential trains.Notably, electrical olfactory nerve stimulation did not result in synaptic excitation of VPCs, but triggered substantial GABAA receptor-mediated IPSPs that masked excitatory barrages with yet longer latency. Exogenous vasopressin application reduced those IPSPs, as well as olfactory nerve-evoked EPSPs recorded from external tufted cells. In summary, VPCs can be classified as non-bursting, vertical superficial tufted cells. Moreover, our findings imply that sensory input alone cannot trigger excitation of VPCs, arguing for specific additional pathways for excitation or disinhibition in social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lukas
- Institute of Zoology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hajime Suyama
- Institute of Zoology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Veronica Egger
- Institute of Zoology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
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23
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Clinical potential of oxytocin in autism spectrum disorder: current issues and future perspectives. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 29:1-12. [PMID: 28857771 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The effects of oxytocin on social cognition and behavior have recently attracted considerable attention. In particular, oxytocin has been proposed as a novel therapeutic for psychiatric disorders with social deficits such as autism spectrum disorders. This review provides a brief overview of behavioral and neural responses to oxytocin manipulations in humans and animal models. Although the differences in findings between human and animal studies should be interpreted carefully, shared behavioral phenotypes have been recognized, such as social bonding, social responses, and recognition and usage of social cues. Previous literature suggests that the neural effects of oxytocin in humans and animals overlap in the prefrontal, limbic, and paralimbic cortices. Oxytocin-induced alterations in these regions may indicate a fundamental basis for how oxytocin modulates social behaviors and facilitate the discovery of new pharmaceutical targets for treating social deficits.
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Lee NS, Beery AK. Neural Circuits Underlying Rodent Sociality: A Comparative Approach. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 43:211-238. [PMID: 30710222 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2018_77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
All mammals begin life in social groups, but for some species, social relationships persist and develop throughout the course of an individual's life. Research in multiple rodent species provides evidence of relatively conserved circuitry underlying social behaviors and processes such as social recognition and memory, social reward, and social approach/avoidance. Species exhibiting different complex social behaviors and social systems (such as social monogamy or familiarity preferences) can be characterized in part by when and how they display specific social behaviors. Prairie and meadow voles are closely related species that exhibit similarly selective peer preferences but different mating systems, aiding direct comparison of the mechanisms underlying affiliative behavior. This chapter draws on research in voles as well as other rodents to explore the mechanisms involved in individual social behavior processes, as well as specific complex social patterns. Contrasts between vole species exemplify how the laboratory study of diverse species improves our understanding of the mechanisms underlying social behavior. We identify several additional rodent species whose interesting social structures and available ecological and behavioral field data make them good candidates for study. New techniques and integration across laboratory and field settings will provide exciting opportunities for future mechanistic work in non-model species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S Lee
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Annaliese K Beery
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA. .,Department of Psychology, Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA. .,Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA.
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Edwards KA, Madden AM, Zup SL. Serotonin receptor regulation as a potential mechanism for sexually dimorphic oxytocin dysregulation in a model of Autism. Brain Res 2018; 1701:85-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Drozd HP, Karathanasis SF, Molosh AI, Lukkes JL, Clapp DW, Shekhar A. From bedside to bench and back: Translating ASD models. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 241:113-158. [PMID: 30447753 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders defined by deficits in social interaction/communication and restricted interests, behaviors, or activities. Models of ASD, developed based on clinical data and observations, are used in basic science, the "bench," to better understand the pathophysiology of ASD and provide therapeutic options for patients in the clinic, the "bedside." Translational medicine creates a bridge between the bench and bedside that allows for clinical and basic science discoveries to challenge one another to improve the opportunities to bring novel therapies to patients. From the clinical side, biomarker work is expanding our understanding of possible mechanisms of ASD through measures of behavior, genetics, imaging modalities, and serum markers. These biomarkers could help to subclassify patients with ASD in order to better target treatments to a more homogeneous groups of patients most likely to respond to a candidate therapy. In turn, basic science has been responding to developments in clinical evaluation by improving bench models to mechanistically and phenotypically recapitulate the ASD phenotypes observed in clinic. While genetic models are identifying novel therapeutics targets at the bench, the clinical efforts are making progress by defining better outcome measures that are most representative of meaningful patient responses. In this review, we discuss some of these challenges in translational research in ASD and strategies for the bench and bedside to bridge the gap to achieve better benefits to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley P Drozd
- Program in Medical Neurobiology, Stark Neurosciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sotirios F Karathanasis
- Program in Medical Neurobiology, Stark Neurosciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Andrei I Molosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jodi L Lukkes
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - D Wade Clapp
- Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Program in Medical Neurobiology, Stark Neurosciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Indiana Clinical and Translation Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
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Masis-Calvo M, Schmidtner AK, de Moura Oliveira VE, Grossmann CP, de Jong TR, Neumann ID. Animal models of social stress: the dark side of social interactions. Stress 2018; 21:417-432. [PMID: 29745275 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2018.1462327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Social stress occurs in all social species, including humans, and shape both mental health and future interactions with conspecifics. Animal models of social stress are used to unravel the precise role of the main stress system - the HPA axis - on the one hand, and the social behavior network on the other, as these are intricately interwoven. The present review aims to summarize the insights gained from three highly useful and clinically relevant animal models of psychosocial stress: the resident-intruder (RI) test, the chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC), and the social fear conditioning (SFC). Each model brings its own focus: the role of the HPA axis in shaping acute social confrontations (RI test), the physiological and behavioral impairments resulting from chronic exposure to negative social experiences (CSC), and the neurobiology underlying social fear and its effects on future social interactions (SFC). Moreover, these models are discussed with special attention to the HPA axis and the neuropeptides vasopressin and oxytocin, which are important messengers in the stress system, in emotion regulation, as well as in the social behavior network. It appears that both nonapeptides balance the relative strength of the stress response, and simultaneously predispose the animal to positive or negative social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Masis-Calvo
- a Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Anna K Schmidtner
- a Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | | | - Cindy P Grossmann
- a Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Trynke R de Jong
- a Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
- b Medische Biobank Noord-Nederland B.V , Groningen , Netherlands
| | - Inga D Neumann
- a Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
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Gur TL, Palkar AV, Rajasekera T, Allen J, Niraula A, Godbout J, Bailey MT. Prenatal stress disrupts social behavior, cortical neurobiology and commensal microbes in adult male offspring. Behav Brain Res 2018; 359:886-894. [PMID: 29949734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In utero and early neonatal exposure to maternal stress is linked with psychiatric disorders, and the underlying mechanisms are currently being elucidated. We used a prenatal stressor in pregnant mice to examine novel relationships between prenatal stress exposure, changes in the gut microbiome, and social behavior. Here, we show that males exposed to prenatal stress had a significant reduction in social behavior in adulthood, with increased corticosterone release following social interaction. Male offspring exposed to prenatal stress also had neuroinflammation, decreased oxytocin receptor, and decreased serotonin metabolism in their cortex in adulthood, which are linked to decreased social behavior. Finally, we found a significant difference in commensal microbes, including decreases in Bacteroides and Parabacteroides, in adult male offspring exposed to prenatal stress when compared to non-stressed controls. Our findings indicate that gestation is a critical window where maternal stress contributes to the development of aberrant social behaviors and alterations in cortical neurobiology, and that prenatal stress is sufficient to disrupt the male gut-brain axis into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar L Gur
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States.
| | - Aditi Vadodkar Palkar
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Therese Rajasekera
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Jacob Allen
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, United States; Biosciences Division, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Anzela Niraula
- Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Jonathan Godbout
- Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
| | - Michael T Bailey
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States; Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, United States; Biosciences Division, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, United States
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A Role for Phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A) in the Formation of Social Memories and the Stabilization of Mood. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 17:201-230. [PMID: 28956334 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-58811-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The most recently discovered 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase family is the Phosphodiesterase 11 (PDE11) family, which is encoded by a single gene PDE11A. PDE11A is a dual-specific PDE, breaking down both cAMP and cGMP. There are four PDE11A splice variants (PDE11A1-4) with distinct tissue expression profiles and unique N-terminal regulatory regions, suggesting that each isoform could be individually targeted with a small molecule or biologic. PDE11A4 is the PDE11A isoform expressed in brain and is found in the hippocampal formation of humans and rodents. Studies in rodents show that PDE11A4 mRNA expression in brain is, in fact, restricted to the hippocampal formation (CA1, possibly CA2, subiculum, and the adjacently connected amygdalohippocampal area). Within the hippocampal formation of rodents, PDE11A4 protein is expressed in neurons but not astrocytes, with a distribution across nuclear, cytoplasmic, and membrane compartments. This subcellular localization of PDE11A4 is altered in response to social experience in mouse, and in vitro studies show the compartmentalization of PDE11A4 is controlled, at least in part, by homodimerization and N-terminal phosphorylation. PDE11A4 expression dramatically increases in the hippocampus with age in the rodent hippocampus, from early postnatal life to late aging, suggesting PDE11A4 function may evolve across the lifespan. Interestingly, PDE11A4 protein shows a three to tenfold enrichment in the rodent ventral hippocampal formation (VHIPP; a.k.a. anterior in primates) versus dorsal hippocampal formation (DHIPP). Consistent with this enrichment in VHIPP, studies in knockout mice show that PDE11A regulates the formation of social memories and the stabilization of mood and is a critical mechanism by which social experience feeds back to modify the brain and subsequent social behaviors. PDE11A4 likely controls behavior by regulating hippocampal glutamatergic, oxytocin, and cytokine signaling, as well as protein translation. Given its unique tissue distribution and relatively selective effects on behavior, PDE11A may represent a novel therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, or age-related disorders. Therapeutically targeting PDE11A4 may be a way to selectively restore aberrant cyclic nucleotide signaling in the hippocampal formation while leaving the rest of the brain and periphery untouched, thus, relieving deficits while avoiding unwanted side effects.
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Jones C, Barrera I, Brothers S, Ring R, Wahlestedt C. Oxytocin and social functioning. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2018. [PMID: 28867943 PMCID: PMC5573563 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2017.19.2/cjones] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Social anxiety is a form of anxiety characterized by continuous fear of one or more social or performance situations. Although multiple treatment modalities (cognitive behavioral therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines) exist for social anxiety, they are effective for only 60% to 70% of patients. Thus, researchers have looked for other candidates for social anxiety treatment. Our review focuses on the peptide oxytocin as a potential therapeutic option for individuals with social anxiety. Animal research both in nonprimates and primates supports oxytocin's role in facilitation of prosocial behaviors and its anxiolytic effects. Human studies indicate significant associations between social anxiety and oxytocin receptor gene alleles, as well as social anxiety and oxytocin plasma levels. In addition, intranasal administration of oxytocin in humans has favorable effects on social anxiety symptomology. Other disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and anorexia, have components of social anxiety in their pathophysiology. The therapeutic role of oxytocin for social dysfunction in these disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace Jones
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ingrid Barrera
- University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Shaun Brothers
- University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Robert Ring
- Drexel University Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA
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Beneficial effects of chronic oxytocin administration and social co-housing in a rodent model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 27:704-717. [PMID: 27740964 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is in part due to a deficit in memory consolidation and extinction. Oxytocin (OXT) has anxiolytic effects and promotes prosocial behaviors in both rodents and humans, and evidence suggests that it plays a role in memory consolidation. We studied the effects of administered OXT and social co-housing in a rodent model of PTSD. Acute OXT yielded a short-term increase in the recall of the traumatic memory if administered immediately after trauma. Low doses of OXT delivered chronically had a cumulating anxiolytic effect that became apparent after 4 days and persisted. Repeated injections of OXT after short re-exposures to the trauma apparatus yielded a long-term reduction in anxiety. Co-housing with naive nonshocked animals decreased the memory of the traumatic context compared with single-housed animals. In the long term, these animals showed less thigmotaxis and increased interest in novel objects, and a low OXT plasma level. Co-housed PTSD animals showed an increase in risk-taking behavior. These results suggest beneficial effects of OXT if administered chronically through increases in memory consolidation after re-exposure to a safe trauma context. We also show differences between the benefits of social co-housing with naive rats and co-housing with other shocked animals on trauma-induced long-term anxiety.
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Abstract
Severe impairment of social interaction is a core symptom of numerous psychiatric disorders. Oxytocin (OT) has been shown to be involved in various aspects of social behavior related to reproduction, but little is known about its effects on nonreproductive social interaction between adults or the neuroanatomical location where OT exerts its action. Here, we examined the nucleus accumbens, a region of the brain containing high levels of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and comprising an important node in the neural circuitry possibly related to social interaction. Behavioral effects of a local microinfusion of OT (0.1, 1, and 10 ng/side) and an oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTR-A) (1, 10, and 100 ng/side) were evaluated in naturally high social and low social female and male monogamous mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus) using the social preference paradigm and open-field tests. The results showed that administration of 1 ng/side OT increased social preference; however, this effect was not apparent at lower or higher doses. OT did not alter anxiety-like behavior or total locomotion. Microinfusions of a selective OTR-A at 10 and 100 ng doses reduced social approach behavior; a dose of 1 ng had no effect. In conclusion, our results suggest that accumbal OT and OTR-A regulate social preferences in voles in a dose-dependent manner.
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Sanathara NM, Garau C, Alachkar A, Wang L, Wang Z, Nishimori K, Xu X, Civelli O. Melanin concentrating hormone modulates oxytocin-mediated marble burying. Neuropharmacology 2018; 128:22-32. [PMID: 28888943 PMCID: PMC5830107 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive and perseverative behaviors are common features of a number of neuropsychiatric diseases such as Angelman's syndrome, Tourette's syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. The oxytocin system has been linked to the regulation of repetitive behavior in both animal models and humans, but many of its downstream targets have still to be found. We report that the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) system is a target of the oxytocin system in regulating one repetitive behavior, marble burying. First we report that nearly 60% of MCH neurons express oxytocin receptors, and demonstrate using rabies mediated tract tracing that MCH neurons receive direct presynaptic input from oxytocin neurons. Then we show that MCH receptor knockout (MCHR1KO) mice and MCH ablated animals display increased marble burying response while central MCH infusion decreases it. Finally, we demonstrate the downstream role of the MCH system on oxytocin mediated marble burying by showing that central infusions of MCH and oxytocin alone or together reduce it while antagonizing the MCH system blocks oxytocin-mediated reduction of this behavior. Our findings reveal a novel role for the MCH system as a mediator of the role of oxytocin in regulating marble-burying behavior in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayna M Sanathara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Celia Garau
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Amal Alachkar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Lien Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Olivier Civelli
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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Dong N, Du P, Hao X, He Z, Hou W, Wang L, Yuan W, Yang J, Jia R, Tai F. Involvement of GABA A receptors in the regulation of social preference and emotional behaviors by oxytocin in the central amygdala of female mandarin voles. Neuropeptides 2017; 66:8-17. [PMID: 28764883 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is the main output of the amygdala and plays an important role in behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to stress. Receptors for the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) and GABAA are found in high concentration in the CeA. The mechanisms underlying regulation of CeA OT in emotional and social behavior remain unclear. In this study we evaluated the effects of intra-CeA OT administration of different doses (0.1, 1 and 10ng/side), OT receptor antagonist (OTR-A) (1, 10 and 100ng/side) and OT plus OTR-A on social and emotional behavior using a social preference paradigm, open field test and elevated plus maze test in female monogamous mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus). We then examined whether different doses of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (5, 10 and 100ng/side) affected the behavioral changes induced by intra-CeA microinjection of OT (1ng/side). We found that administration of OT to the CeA increased social preference, central area investigation times in the open field test, and visits, transitions and time spent in the open arms in the elevated plus maze test; all responses were dose-dependent. Administration of OT plus OTR-A to the CeA produced no effects. Administration of bicuculline in combination with OT to the CeA decreased social preference, central area investigation times in the open field test, and visits, transitions and time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze test. These data suggest that OT in the CeA facilitates sociality and reduces levels of anxiety by interacting with local GABAA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Dong
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Peirong Du
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Xin Hao
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Zhixiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Wenjuan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Limin Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China.
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China.
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Nowacka-Chmielewska MM, Kasprowska-Liśkiewicz D, Barski JJ, Obuchowicz E, Małecki A. The behavioral and molecular evaluation of effects of social instability stress as a model of stress-related disorders in adult female rats. Stress 2017; 20:549-561. [PMID: 28911267 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1376185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to test the hypotheses that chronic social instability stress (CSIS) alters behavioral and physiological parameters and expression of selected genes important for stress response and social behaviors. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to the 4-week CSIS procedure, which involves unpredictable rotation between phases of isolation and overcrowding. Behavioral analyses (Experiment 1) were performed on the same rats before and after CSIS (n = 16) and physiological and biochemical measurements (Experiment 2) were made on further control (CON; n = 7) and stressed groups (CSIS; n = 8). Behaviors in the open field test (locomotor and exploratory activities) and elevated-plus maze (anxiety-related behaviors) indicated anxiety after CSIS. CSIS did not alter the physiological parameters measured, i.e. body weight gain, regularity of estrous cycles, and circulating concentrations of stress hormones and sex steroids. QRT-PCR analysis of mRNA expression levels was performed on amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hypothalamus. The main finding is that CSIS alters the mRNA levels for the studied genes in a region-specific manner. Hence, expression of POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin), AVPR1a (arginine vasopressin receptor), and OXTR (oxytocin receptor) significantly increased in the amygdala following CSIS, while in PFC and/or hypothalamus, POMC, AVPR1a, AVPR1b, OXTR, and ERβ (estrogen receptor beta) expression decreased. CSIS significantly reduced expression of CRH-R1 (corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor type 1) in the hippocampus. The directions of change in gene expression and the genes and regions affected indicate a molecular basis for the behavior changes. In conclusion, CSIS may be valuable for further analyzing the neurobiology of stress-related disorders in females.
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MESH Headings
- Amygdala/metabolism
- Animals
- Anxiety/genetics
- Anxiety/metabolism
- Behavior, Animal
- Brain/metabolism
- Chronic Disease
- Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor beta/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism
- Hypothalamus/metabolism
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- Pro-Opiomelanocortin/genetics
- Pro-Opiomelanocortin/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Receptors, Oxytocin/genetics
- Receptors, Oxytocin/metabolism
- Receptors, Vasopressin/genetics
- Receptors, Vasopressin/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/genetics
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maria Nowacka-Chmielewska
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy , The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education , Katowice , Poland
- b Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Daniela Kasprowska-Liśkiewicz
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy , The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education , Katowice , Poland
- b Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Jarosław Jerzy Barski
- b Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
- c Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Ewa Obuchowicz
- d Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice , Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Andrzej Małecki
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy , The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education , Katowice , Poland
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Galbusera A, De Felice A, Girardi S, Bassetto G, Maschietto M, Nishimori K, Chini B, Papaleo F, Vassanelli S, Gozzi A. Intranasal Oxytocin and Vasopressin Modulate Divergent Brainwide Functional Substrates. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1420-1434. [PMID: 27995932 PMCID: PMC5436116 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) have been identified as modulators of emotional social behaviors and associated with neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social dysfunction. Experimental and therapeutic use of OXT and AVP via the intranasal route is the subject of extensive clinical research. However, the large-scale functional substrates directly engaged by these peptides and their functional dynamics remain elusive. By using cerebral blood volume (CBV) weighted fMRI in the mouse, we show that intranasal administration of OXT rapidly elicits the transient activation of cortical regions and a sustained activation of hippocampal and forebrain areas characterized by high oxytocin receptor density. By contrast, intranasal administration of AVP produced a robust and sustained deactivation in cortico-parietal, thalamic and mesolimbic regions. Importantly, intravenous administration of OXT and AVP did not recapitulate the patterns of modulation produced by intranasal dosing, supporting a central origin of the observed functional changes. In keeping with this notion, hippocampal local field potential recordings revealed multi-band power increases upon intranasal OXT administration. We also show that the selective OXT-derivative TGOT reproduced the pattern of activation elicited by OXT and that the deletion of OXT receptors does not affect AVP-mediated deactivation. Collectively, our data document divergent modulation of brainwide neural systems by intranasal administration of OXT and AVP, an effect that involves key substrates of social and emotional behavior. The observed divergence calls for a deeper investigation of the systems-level mechanisms by which exogenous OXT and AVP modulate brain function and exert their putative therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - Alessia De Felice
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - Stefano Girardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giacomo Bassetto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Maschietto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Bice Chini
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy,Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto (TN), Italy,Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto (TN) 38068, Italy, Tel: +39 04648028701, E-mail:
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37
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Chen J. Empathy for Distress in Humans and Rodents. Neurosci Bull 2017; 34:216-236. [PMID: 28493169 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-017-0135-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Empathy is traditionally thought to be a unique ability of humans to feel, understand, and share the emotional state of others. However, the notion has been greatly challenged by the emerging discoveries of empathy for pain or distress in rodents. Because empathy is believed to be fundamental to the formation of prosocial, altruistic, and even moral behaviors in social animals and humans, studies associated with decoding the neural circuits and unraveling the underlying molecular and neural mechanisms of empathy for pain or distress in rodents would be very important and encouraging. In this review, the author set out to outline and update the concept of empathy from the evolutionary point of view, and introduce up-to-date advances in the study of empathy and its neural correlates in both humans and rodents. Finally, the author highlights the perspectives and challenges for the further use of rodent models in the study of empathy for pain or distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China. .,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, 710038, China. .,Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China.
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38
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Yang S, Dong X, Guo X, Han Y, Song H, Gao L, Dai W, Su Y, Zhang X. Serum Oxytocin Levels and an Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism (rs2254298) Indicate Social Deficits in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:221. [PMID: 28484366 PMCID: PMC5399030 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) and its receptor (OXTR) have been predicted to be involved in the regulation of social functioning in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Objective of the study was to investigate serum OT levels and the OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism in Chinese Han children and adolescents with ASD as well as to identify their social deficits relevant to the oxytocinergic system. We tested serum OT levels using ELISA in 55 ASD subjects and 110 typically developing (TD) controls as well as genotyped the OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism using PCR-RFLP in 100 ASD subjects and 232 TD controls. Autistic symptoms were assessed by the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). There were no significant associations between OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism and ASD, serum OT levels and age, as well as serum OT levels and intelligent quotient (IQ) in both ASD and TD groups. However, ASD subjects exhibited elevated serum OT levels compared to TD controls and positive correlations between serum OT levels and “adaptation to change score” in the CARS and CARS total scores. Moreover, in the ASD group, significant relationships were revealed between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2254298 and serum OT levels, the category “stereotypes and object use” in the ABC and the category “adaptation to change” in the CARS. These findings indicated that individuals with ASD may exhibit a dysregulation in OT on the basis of changes in OXTR gene expression as well as environmentally induced alterations of the oxytocinergic system to determine their social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Yang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Xiaopeng Dong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Xuan Guo
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Hanbing Song
- Department of Applied Science, The College of William and MaryWilliamsburg, VA, USA
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Su
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
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Genes Related to Oxytocin and Arginine-Vasopressin Pathways: Associations with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2017; 33:238-246. [PMID: 28283809 PMCID: PMC5360847 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-017-0120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behavior. Although the mechanisms underlying its etiology and manifestations are poorly understood, several lines of evidence from rodent and human studies suggest involvement of the evolutionarily highly-conserved oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP), as these neuropeptides modulate various aspects of mammalian social behavior. As far as we know, there is no comprehensive review of the roles of the OXT and AVP systems in the development of ASD from the genetic aspect. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding associations between ASD and single-nucleotide variants of the human OXT-AVP pathway genes OXT, AVP, AVP receptor 1a (AVPR1a), OXT receptor (OXTR), the oxytocinase/vasopressinase (LNPEP), and ADP-ribosyl cyclase (CD38).
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40
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Friedlander E, Feldstein O, Mankuta D, Yaari M, Harel-Gadassi A, Ebstein RP, Yirmiya N. Social impairments among children perinatally exposed to oxytocin or oxytocin receptor antagonist. Early Hum Dev 2017; 106-107:13-18. [PMID: 28183001 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edwa Friedlander
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Ohad Feldstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem University Hospital, Jerusalem 12000, Israel
| | - David Mankuta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem University Hospital, Jerusalem 12000, Israel.
| | - Maya Yaari
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Ayelet Harel-Gadassi
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Nurit Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
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41
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Cherepanov SM, Yokoyama S, Mizuno A, Ichinose W, Lopatina O, Shabalova AA, Salmina AB, Yamamoto Y, Okamoto H, Shuto S, Higashida H. Structure-specific effects of lipidated oxytocin analogs on intracellular calcium levels, parental behavior, and oxytocin concentrations in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in mice. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2017; 5:e00290. [PMID: 28596839 PMCID: PMC5461640 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuroendocrine nonapeptide that plays an important role in social memory and behavior. Nasal administration of OT has been shown to improve trust in healthy humans and social interaction in autistic subjects in some clinical trials. As a central nervous system (CNS) drug, however, OT has two unfavorable characteristics: OT is short‐acting and shows poor permeability across the blood–brain barrier, because it exists in charged form in the plasma and has short half‐life. To overcome these drawbacks, an analog with long‐lasting effects is required. We previously synthesized the analog, lipo‐oxytocin‐1 (LOT‐1), in which two palmitoyl groups are conjugated to the cysteine and tyrosine residues. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated the analogs lipo‐oxytocin‐2 (LOT‐2) and lipo‐oxytocin‐3 (LOT‐3), which feature the conjugation of one palmitoyl group at the cysteine and tyrosine residues, respectively. In human embryonic kidney‐293 cells overexpressing human OT receptors, these three LOTs demonstrated comparably weak effects on the elevation of intracellular free calcium concentrations after OT receptor activation, compared to the effects of OT. The three LOTs and OT exhibited different time‐dependent effects on recovery from impaired pup retrieval behavior in sires of CD38‐knockout mice. Sires treated with LOT‐1 showed the strongest effect, whereas others had no or little effects at 24 h after injection. These results indicated that LOTs have structure‐specific agonistic effects, and suggest that lipidation of OT might have therapeutic benefits for social impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav M Cherepanov
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-8640 Japan
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-8640 Japan
| | - Akira Mizuno
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hokkaido University Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-0812 Japan
| | - Wataru Ichinose
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hokkaido University Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-0812 Japan
| | - Olga Lopatina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine & Pathobiochemistry Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk 660022 Russia
| | - Anna A Shabalova
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-8640 Japan
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-8640 Japan.,Research Institute of Molecular Medicine & Pathobiochemistry Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk 660022 Russia
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular BiologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-8640 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular BiologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-8640 Japan.,Department of Advanced Biological Sciences for Regeneration (Kotobiken Medical Laboratories) Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai 980-8575 Japan
| | - Satoshi Shuto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hokkaido University Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-0812 Japan.,Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery Hokkaido University Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku Sapporo060-0812 Japan
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-8640 Japan
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42
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Abdulamir HA, Abdul-Rasheed OF, Abdulghani EA. Low oxytocin and melatonin levels and their possible role in the diagnosis and prognosis in Iraqi autistic children. Saudi Med J 2017; 37:29-36. [PMID: 26739971 PMCID: PMC4724675 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.1.13183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To test the possible association between oxytocin and melatonin levels with the severity of social and cognitive dysfunctions, and to study the correlation between these parameters in children with autism. Methods: A case-control study was carried out in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. The study was performed on 60 male autistic patients recruited from the Pediatric Department of Al-Sader General Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq between November 2014 and April 2015. The levels of oxytocin and melatonin were measured in the serum of these autistic male patients, and categorized as mild, moderate, and severe (20 patients each), and was compared with 26 age- and gender-matched control subjects. Results: The data indicated that the levels of oxytocin (44.72 ± 36.1 µIU/mL) and melatonin in patients (23.08 ± 10.41 pg/mL) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of age-matched (102.1 ± 34.31 µIU/mL) and gender-matched controls (53.05 ± 38.38 pg/mL). These parameters were remarkably associated with the severity of the disease that was indicated by the significant decrease in the levels of oxytocin (47 ± 25.47 µIU/mL) and melatonin in moderate (20 ± 6.14 pg/mL), and patients with severe oxytocin (27.92 ± 10.23 µIU/mL) and patients with severe melatonin (21.69 ± 7.02 pg/mL) when compared with mild autistic patients with oxytocin (59.22 ± 27.32 µIU/mL) and melatonin (27.55 ± 14.71 pg/mL). These 2 parameters showed a significant positive correlation with each other in moderate (r=0.513; p=0.021), and severe patients (r=0.598; p=0.005). Conclusion: Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that oxytocin can be considered as a good diagnostic marker in severe autistic patients while melatonin can be considered as a good diagnostic marker in all autistic subgroups. This study proves the possibility of using oxytocin and melatonin in the diagnosis, and as markers of autism severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidar A. Abdulamir
- From the Department of Pharmacy (Abdulamir), Al Yarmouk University College, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Abdul-Rasheed), College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, the Ministry of Health (Abdulghani), Baghdad, Iraq
- Address correspondence and reprint request to: Dr. Omar F. Abdul-Rasheed, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. E-mail:
| | - Omar F. Abdul-Rasheed
- From the Department of Pharmacy (Abdulamir), Al Yarmouk University College, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Abdul-Rasheed), College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, the Ministry of Health (Abdulghani), Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Emad A. Abdulghani
- From the Department of Pharmacy (Abdulamir), Al Yarmouk University College, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Abdul-Rasheed), College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, the Ministry of Health (Abdulghani), Baghdad, Iraq
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Abstract
Social signals are identified through processing in sensory systems to trigger appropriate behavioral responses. Social signals are received primarily in most mammals through the olfactory system. Individuals are recognized based on their unique blend of odorants. Such individual recognition is critical to distinguish familiar conspecifics from intruders and to recognize offspring. Social signals can also trigger stereotyped responses like mating behaviors. Specific sensory pathways for individual recognition and eliciting stereotyped responses have been identified both in the early olfactory system and its connected cortices. Oxytocin is emerging as a major state modulator of sensory processing with distinct functions in early and higher olfactory brain regions. The brain state induced through Oxytocin influences social perception. Oxytocin acting on different brain regions can promote either exploration and recognition towards same- or other-sex conspecifics, or association learning. Region-specific deletion of Oxytocin receptors suffices to disrupt these behaviors. Together, these recent insights highlight that Oxytocin's function in social behaviors cannot be understood without considering its actions on sensory processing.
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44
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Abstract
Social relationships throughout life are vital for well-being and physical and mental health. A significant amount of research in animal models as well as in humans suggests that oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in the development of the capacity to form social bonds, the mediation of the positive aspects of early-life nurturing on adult bonding capacity, and the maintenance of social bonding. Here, we focus on the extensive research on a socially monogamous rodent model organism, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). OT facilitates mating-induced pair bonds in adults through interaction with the mesolimbic dopamine system. Variation in striatal OT receptor density predicts resilience and susceptibility to neonatal social neglect in female prairie voles. Finally, in adults, loss of a partner results in multiple disruptions in OT signaling, including decreased OT release in the striatum, which is caused by an activation of the brain corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system. The dramatic behavioral consequence of partner loss is increased depressive-like behavior reminiscent of bereavement. Importantly, infusions of OT into the striatum of adults prevents the onset of depressive-like behavior following partner loss, and evoking endogenous OT release using melanocortin agonists during neonatal social isolation rescues impairments in social bonding in adulthood. This work has important translational implications relevant to the disruptions of social bonds in childhood and in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, 93053, Germany.
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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45
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Bowen MT, Neumann ID. The Multidimensional Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the Brain Oxytocin System for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 35:269-287. [PMID: 28942596 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin is released both into the blood and within the brain in response to reproductive stimuli, such as birth, suckling and sex, but also in response to social interaction and stressors. Substance use disorders, or addictions, are chronic, relapsing brain disorders and are one of the major causes of global burden of disease. Unfortunately, current treatment options for substance use disorders are extremely limited and a treatment breakthrough is sorely needed. There is mounting preclinical evidence that targeting the brain oxytocin system may provide that breakthrough. Substance use disorders are characterised by a viscous cycle of bingeing and intoxication, followed by withdrawal and negative affect, and finally preoccupation and anticipation that triggers relapse and further consumption. Administration of oxytocin has been shown to have a potential therapeutic benefit at each stage of this addiction cycle for numerous drugs of abuse. This multidimensional therapeutic utility is likely due to oxytocin's interactions with key biological systems that underlie the development and maintenance of addiction. Only a few human trials of oxytocin in addicted populations have been completed with the results thus far being mixed. There are numerous other trials underway, and the results are eagerly awaited. However, the ability to fully harness the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting the brain oxytocin system may depend on the development of molecules that selectively stimulate the oxytocin system, but that have superior pharmacokinetic properties to oxytocin itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Bowen
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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46
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social communication and by repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviors, with no pharmacological treatments available to treat these core symptoms. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that powerfully regulates mammalian social behavior and has been shown to exert pro-social effects when administered intranasally to healthy human subjects. In the last decade, there has been a significant interest in using oxytocin to treat social behavior deficits in ASD. However, little attention has been paid to whether the oxytocin system is perturbed in subgroups of individuals with ASD and whether these individuals are likely to benefit more from an oxytocin treatment. This oversight may in part be due to the enormous heterogeneity of ASD and the lack of methods to carefully probe the OXT system in human subjects. Animal models for ASD are valuable tools to clarify the implication of the oxytocin system in ASD and can help determine whether perturbation in this system should be considered in future clinical studies as stratifying biomarkers to inform targeted treatments in subgroups of individuals with ASD. In this chapter, we review the literature on genetic- and environmental-based animal models for ASD, in which perturbations in the oxytocin system and/or the effect of oxytocin administration on the ASD-associated phenotype have been investigated.
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47
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Zhang JB, Chen L, Lv ZM, Niu XY, Shao CC, Zhang C, Pruski M, Huang Y, Qi CC, Song NN, Lang B, Ding YQ. Oxytocin is implicated in social memory deficits induced by early sensory deprivation in mice. Mol Brain 2016; 9:98. [PMID: 27964753 PMCID: PMC5155398 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-016-0278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life sensory input plays a crucial role in brain development. Although deprivation of orofacial sensory input at perinatal stages disrupts the establishment of the barrel cortex and relevant callosal connections, its long-term effect on adult behavior remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the behavioral phenotypes in adult mice with unilateral transection of the infraorbital nerve (ION) at postnatal day 3 (P3). Although ION-transected mice had normal locomotor activity, motor coordination, olfaction, anxiety-like behaviors, novel object memory, preference for social novelty and sociability, they presented deficits in social memory and spatial memory compared with control mice. In addition, the social memory deficit was associated with reduced oxytocin (OXT) levels in the hypothalamus and could be partially restored by intranasal administration of OXT. Thus, early sensory deprivation does result in behavioral alterations in mice, some of which may be associated with the disruption of oxytocin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Bao Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhu-Man Lv
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Yuan Niu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Can-Can Shao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Chan Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Michal Pruski
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.,School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Ying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong-Cong Qi
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning-Ning Song
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Lang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.,School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Yu-Qiang Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.
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48
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Intranasal oxytocin administration improves depression-like behaviors in adult rats that experienced neonatal maternal deprivation. Behav Pharmacol 2016; 27:689-696. [PMID: 27644094 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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The relationship between aggression, empathy skills and serum oxytocin levels in male children and adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Behav Pharmacol 2016; 27:681-688. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Li J, Li HX, Shou XJ, Xu XJ, Song TJ, Han SP, Zhang R, Han JS. Effects of chronic restraint stress on social behaviors and the number of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons in male rats. Neuropeptides 2016; 60:21-28. [PMID: 27743608 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) are considered to be related to mammalian social behavior and the regulation of stress responses. The present study investigated the effects of chronic homotypic restraint stress (CHRS) on social behaviors and anxiety, as well as its repercussions on OXT- and AVP-positive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) nuclei in rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats receiving CHRS were exposed to repeated restraint stress of 30min per day for 10days. Changes in social approach behaviors were evaluated with the three-chambered social approach task. Changes in anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated in the light-dark box test. The number of neurons expressing oxytocin and/or vasopressin in PVN and SON were examined by immunohistochemistry techniques. The results demonstrated that social approach was increased and anxiety was decreased following 10-day exposure to CHRS. Furthermore, the number of OXT-immunoreactive cells in PVN was increased significantly, whereas no change in SON was seen. The number of AVP immunoreactive cells either in PVN or SON was unaffected. The results of this study suggest that certain types of stress could be effective in the treatment of social dysfunction in persons with mental disorders such as autism, social anxiety disorder. The therapeutic effects may be mediated by changes in the function of OXT neurons in PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Neurobiology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Key Lab for Neuroscience, The Ministry of Education/The Ministry of Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Han-Xia Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Neurobiology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Key Lab for Neuroscience, The Ministry of Education/The Ministry of Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Shou
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Neurobiology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Key Lab for Neuroscience, The Ministry of Education/The Ministry of Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xin-Jie Xu
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Neurobiology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Key Lab for Neuroscience, The Ministry of Education/The Ministry of Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tian-Jia Song
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Neurobiology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Key Lab for Neuroscience, The Ministry of Education/The Ministry of Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Song-Ping Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Neurobiology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Key Lab for Neuroscience, The Ministry of Education/The Ministry of Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Neurobiology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Key Lab for Neuroscience, The Ministry of Education/The Ministry of Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Ji-Sheng Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Neurobiology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China; Key Lab for Neuroscience, The Ministry of Education/The Ministry of Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China.
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