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Belo-Silva AE, de Gusmão Taveiros Silva NK, Marianno P, de Araújo Costa G, da Rovare VP, Bailey A, Munhoz CD, Novaes LS, Camarini R. Effects of the combination of chronic unpredictable stress and environmental enrichment on anxiety-like behavior assessed using the elevated plus maze in Swiss male mice: Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis-mediated mechanisms. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105538. [PMID: 38574447 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is a paradigm that offers the animal a plethora of stimuli, including physical, cognitive, sensory, and social enrichment. Exposure to EE can modulate both anxiety responses and plasma corticosterone. In this study, our objective was to explore how chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) impacts anxiety-related behaviors in male Swiss mice raised in EE conditions. Additionally, we investigated corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels to assess the involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in mediating these responses. Mice were housed under either EE or standard housing conditions for 21 days. Afterward, they were exposed to 11 days of CUS while still reared in their distinct housing conditions, with half of the mice receiving daily pretreatment with the vehicle and the other half receiving daily metyrapone (MET) injections, an inhibitor of steroid synthesis, 30 mins before CUS exposure. Blood samples were obtained to assess plasma corticosterone and ACTH levels. The 11-day CUS protocol induced anxiety-like phenotype and elevated ACTH levels in EE mice. Chronic MET pretreatment prevented anxiety-like behavior in the EE-CUS groups, by mechanisms involving increased plasma corticosterone levels and decreased ACTH. These results suggest a role of the HPA axis in the mechanism underlying the anxiogenic phenotype induced by CUS in EE mice and shed light on the complex interplay between environmental factors, stress, and the HPA axis in anxiety regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne Elisa Belo-Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nivea Karla de Gusmão Taveiros Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Priscila Marianno
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel de Araújo Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Veridiana Petenati da Rovare
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexis Bailey
- Pharmacology Section, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Carolina Demarchi Munhoz
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Santana Novaes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Dandi Ε, Spandou E, Dalla C, Tata DA. Τhe neuroprotective role of environmental enrichment against behavioral, morphological, neuroendocrine and molecular changes following chronic unpredictable mild stress: A systematic review. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3003-3025. [PMID: 37461295 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16089] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors interact with biological and genetic factors influencing the development and well-being of an organism. The interest in better understanding the role of environment on behavior and physiology led to the development of animal models of environmental manipulations. Environmental enrichment (EE), an environmental condition that allows cognitive and sensory stimulation as well as social interaction, improves cognitive function, reduces anxiety and depressive-like behavior and promotes neuroplasticity. In addition, it exerts protection against neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive aging and deficits aggravated by stressful experiences. Given the beneficial effects of EE on the brain and behavior, preclinical studies have focused on its protective role as an alternative, non-invasive manipulation, to help an organism to cope better with stress. A valid, reliable and effective animal model of chronic stress that enhances anxiety and depression-like behavior is the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The variety of stressors and the unpredictability in the time and sequence of exposure to prevent habituation, render CUMS an ethologically relevant model. CUMS has been associated with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, elevation in the basal levels of stress hormones, reduction in brain volume, dendritic atrophy and alterations in markers of synaptic plasticity. Although numerous studies have underlined the compensatory role of EE against the negative effects of various chronic stress regimens (e.g. restraint and social isolation), research concerning the interaction between EE and CUMS is sparse. The purpose of the current systematic review is to present up-to-date research findings regarding the protective role of EE against the negative effects of CUMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Εvgenia Dandi
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Spandou
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina A Tata
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Pansarim V, Leite-Panissi CRA, Schmidt A. Chronic Restraint Stress Alters Rat Behavior Depending on Sex and Duration of Stress. Behav Processes 2023; 207:104856. [PMID: 36921909 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic restraint stress (CRS) can have different behavioral effects depending on variables associated with the stressor and the organism. This study aimed to verify the effect of the interaction between sex and duration of the CRS protocol in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided by sex, intervention (CRS; control), and CRS duration (11 days; 22 days). Rats exposed to CRS showed better spatial learning than controls in the Morris water maze test, regardless of sex and stress duration. Males exposed to CRS for 11 days showed a higher rate of behaviors associated with anxiety than males exposed to 22 days of CRS at the elevated plus maze test, but the same was not observed in females. The weight gain of animals exposed to stress decreased in the first 11 days, showing a recovery from day 11 to day 22 of intervention. No effects of CRS were observed on behaviors associated with depression in the sucrose preference test. The results suggest habituation to the protocol, with a progressive decrease in the harmful effects of stress on and maintenance of the beneficial effects. It is possible that females are more resistant to the harmful effects of CRS on anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Pansarim
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto,; University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Christie R A Leite-Panissi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto,; University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Andréia Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto,; University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Dandi E, Spandou E, Tata DA. Investigating the role of environmental enrichment initiated in adolescence against the detrimental effects of chronic unpredictable stress in adulthood: Sex-specific differences in behavioral and neuroendocrinological findings. Behav Processes 2022; 200:104707. [PMID: 35842198 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Environmental Enrichment (EE) improves cognitive function and enhances brain plasticity, while chronic stress increases emotionality, impairs learning and memory, and has adverse effects on brain anatomy and biochemistry. We explored the beneficial role of environmental enrichment initiated in adolescence against the negative outcomes of Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS) during adulthood on emotional behavior, cognitive function, as well as somatic and neuroendocrine markers in both sexes. Adolescent Wistar rats housed either in enriched or standard housing conditions for 10 weeks. On postnatal day 66, a subgroup from each housing condition was daily exposed to a 4-week stress protocol. Following stress, adult rats underwent behavioral testing to evaluate anxiety, exploration/locomotor activity, depressive-like behavior and spatial learning/memory. Upon completion of behavioral testing, animals were exposed to a 10-m stressful event to test the neuroendocrine response to acute stress. CUS decreased body weight gain and increased adrenal weight. Some stress-induced behavioral adverse effects were sex-specific since learning impairments were limited to males while depressive-like behavior to females. EE housing protected against CUS-related behavioral deficits and body weight loss. Exposure to CUS affected the neuroendocrine response of males to acute stress as revealed by the increased corticosterone levels. Our findings highlight the significant role of EE in adolescence as a protective factor against the negative effects of stress and underline the importance of inclusion of both sexes in animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Dandi
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Spandou
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despina A Tata
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Stress-induced cardiometabolic perturbations, increased oxidative stress and ACE/ACE2 imbalance are improved by endurance training in rats. Life Sci 2022; 305:120758. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Correa BHM, Becari L, Peliky Fontes MA, Simões-e-Silva AC, Kangussu LM. Involvement of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Stress: State of the Art and Research Perspectives. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1212-1228. [PMID: 34554902 PMCID: PMC9886820 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210719142300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Along with other canonical systems, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has shown important roles in stress. This system is a complex regulatory proteolytic cascade composed of various enzymes, peptides, and receptors. Besides the classical (ACE/Ang II/AT1 receptor) and the counter-regulatory (ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor) RAS axes, evidence indicates that nonclassical components, including Ang III, Ang IV, AT2 and AT4, can also be involved in stress. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS This comprehensive review summarizes the current knowledge on the participation of RAS components in different adverse environmental stimuli stressors, including air jet stress, cage switch stress, restraint stress, chronic unpredictable stress, neonatal isolation stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION In general, activation of the classical RAS axis potentiates stress-related cardiovascular, endocrine, and behavioral responses, while the stimulation of the counter-regulatory axis attenuates these effects. Pharmacological modulation in both axes is optimistic, offering promising perspectives for stress-related disorders treatment. In this regard, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are potential candidates already available since they block the classical axis, activate the counter-regulatory axis, and are safe and efficient drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo H. M. Correa
- Department of Morphology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil;
| | - Luca Becari
- Department of Morphology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil;
| | - Marco Antônio Peliky Fontes
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics - Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil;
| | - Ana Cristina Simões-e-Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lucas M. Kangussu
- Department of Morphology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil; ,Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Morphology, Biological Sciences Institute – Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Tel: (+55-31) 3409-2772; E-mail:
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Vargas Vargas RA, Varela Millán JM, Fajardo Bonilla E. Renin-angiotensin system: Basic and clinical aspects-A general perspective. ENDOCRINOLOGIA, DIABETES Y NUTRICION 2022; 69:52-62. [PMID: 35232560 PMCID: PMC8882059 DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is one of the most complex hormonal regulatory systems, involving several organs that interact to regulate multiple body functions. The study of this system initially focused on investigating its role in the regulation of both cardiovascular function and related pathologies. From this approach, pharmacological strategies were developed for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, new findings in recent decades have suggested that the RAS is much more complex and comprises two subsystems, the classic RAS and an alternative RAS, with antagonistic effects that are usually in equilibrium. The classic system is involved in pathologies where inflammatory, hypertrophic and fibrotic phenomena are common and is related to the development of chronic diseases that affect various body systems. This understanding has been reinforced by the evidence that local renin–angiotensin systems exist in many tissue types and by the role of the RAS in the spread and severity of COVID-19 infection, where it was discovered that viral entry into cells of the respiratory system is accomplished through binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which is present in the alveolar epithelium and is overexpressed in patients with chronic cardiometabolic diseases. In this narrative review, preclinical and clinical aspects of the RAS are presented and topics for future research are discussed some aspects are raised that should be clarified in the future and that call for further investigation of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Antonio Vargas Vargas
- Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de medicina, Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad Santo Tomás, Maestría en actividad física para la salud, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Jesús María Varela Millán
- Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de medicina, Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad Santo Tomás, Maestría en actividad física para la salud, Bogotá, Colombia
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Vargas Vargas RA, Varela Millán JM, Fajardo Bonilla E. Renin-angiotensin system: Basic and clinical aspects-A general perspective. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 69:52-62. [PMID: 34723133 PMCID: PMC8547789 DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is one of the most complex hormonal regulatory systems, involving several organs that interact to regulate multiple body functions. The study of this system initially focused on investigating its role in the regulation of both cardiovascular function and related pathologies. From this approach, pharmacological strategies were developed for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, new findings in recent decades have suggested that the RAS is much more complex and comprises two subsystems, the classic RAS and an alternative RAS, with antagonistic effects that are usually in equilibrium. The classic system is involved in pathologies where inflammatory, hypertrophic and fibrotic phenomena are common and is related to the development of chronic diseases that affect various body systems. This understanding has been reinforced by the evidence that local renin–angiotensin systems exist in many tissue types and by the role of the RAS in the spread and severity of COVID-19 infection, where it was discovered that viral entry into cells of the respiratory system is accomplished through binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which is present in the alveolar epithelium and is overexpressed in patients with chronic cardiometabolic diseases. In this narrative review, preclinical and clinical aspects of the RAS are presented and topics for future research are discussed some aspects are raised that should be clarified in the future and that call for further investigation of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Antonio Vargas Vargas
- Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de medicina, Bogotá, Colombia.,Universidad Santo Tomás, Maestría en actividad física para la salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús María Varela Millán
- Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de medicina, Bogotá, Colombia.,Universidad Santo Tomás, Maestría en actividad física para la salud, Bogotá, Colombia
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Normann MC, Cox M, Akinbo OI, Watanasriyakul WT, Kovalev D, Ciosek S, Miller T, Grippo AJ. Differential paraventricular nucleus activation and behavioral responses to social isolation in prairie voles following environmental enrichment with and without physical exercise. Soc Neurosci 2021; 16:375-390. [PMID: 33947321 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2021.1926320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Social stressors produce neurobiological and emotional consequences in social species. Environmental interventions, such as environmental enrichment and exercise, may modulate physiological and behavioral stress responses. The present study investigated the benefits of environmental enrichment and exercise against social stress in the socially monogamous prairie vole. Female prairie voles remained paired with a sibling (control) or were isolated from a sibling for 4 weeks. The isolated groups were assigned to isolated sedentary, isolated with environmental enrichment, or isolated with both enrichment and exercise conditions. Behaviors related to depression, anxiety, and sociality were investigated using the forced swim test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM), and a social crowding stressor (SCS), respectively. cFos expression was evaluated in stress-related circuitry following the SCS. Both enrichment and enrichment with exercise protected against depression-relevant behaviors in the FST and social behavioral disruptions in the SCS, but only enrichment with exercise protected against anxiety-related behaviors in the EPM and altered cFos expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in isolated prairie voles. Enrichment may improve emotion-related and social behaviors, however physical exercise may be an important component of environmental strategies for protecting against anxiety-related behaviors and reducing neural activation as a function of social stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marigny C Normann
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Miranda Cox
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Oreoluwa I Akinbo
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | | | - Dmitry Kovalev
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Sarah Ciosek
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Thomas Miller
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Angela J Grippo
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
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