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Zhao S, Gu ZL, Yue YN, Zhang X, Dong Y. Cannabinoids and monoaminergic system: implications for learning and memory. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1425532. [PMID: 39206116 PMCID: PMC11349573 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1425532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) have been intensively studied for their neuroregulatory roles in the central nervous system (CNS), especially in regulating learning and memory. However, many experimental and clinical studies obtained conflicting results indicating a complex network of interaction underlying the regulation of learning and memory by different cannabinoids and the ECS. The ECS influences neuronal synaptic communications, and therefore may exert different regulation via their different impact on other neurotransmitters. The monoaminergic system includes a variety of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which play important roles in regulating mood, cognition, and reward. The interaction among cannabinoids, ECS and the monoaminergic system has drawn particular attention, especially their contributions to learning and memory. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of how cannabinoids, ECS and the monoaminergic system contribute to the process of learning and memory, and discussed the influences of monoaminergic neurotransmission by cannabinoids and ECS during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Zhao
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhao-Liang Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Nan Yue
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuan Dong
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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2
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Colwell MJ, Tagomori H, Shang F, Cheng HI, Wigg CE, Browning M, Cowen PJ, Murphy SE, Harmer CJ. Direct serotonin release in humans shapes aversive learning and inhibition. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6617. [PMID: 39122687 PMCID: PMC11315928 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50394-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of serotonin in human behaviour is informed by approaches which allow in vivo modification of synaptic serotonin. However, characterising the effects of increased serotonin signalling in human models of behaviour is challenging given the limitations of available experimental probes, notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Here we use a now-accessible approach to directly increase synaptic serotonin in humans (a selective serotonin releasing agent) and examine its influence on domains of behaviour historically considered core functions of serotonin. Computational techniques, including reinforcement learning and drift diffusion modelling, explain participant behaviour at baseline and after week-long intervention. Reinforcement learning models reveal that increasing synaptic serotonin reduces sensitivity for outcomes in aversive contexts. Furthermore, increasing synaptic serotonin enhances behavioural inhibition, and shifts bias towards impulse control during exposure to aversive emotional probes. These effects are seen in the context of overall improvements in memory for neutral verbal information. Our findings highlight the direct effects of increasing synaptic serotonin on human behaviour, underlining its role in guiding decision-making within aversive and more neutral contexts, and offering implications for longstanding theories of central serotonin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Colwell
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Hosana Tagomori
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Fei Shang
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Hoi Iao Cheng
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Chloe E Wigg
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Browning
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip J Cowen
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Susannah E Murphy
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine J Harmer
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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3
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Maddaloni G, Chang YJ, Senft RA, Dymecki SM. Adaptation to photoperiod via dynamic neurotransmitter segregation. Nature 2024; 632:147-156. [PMID: 39020173 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07692-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Changes in the amount of daylight (photoperiod) alter physiology and behaviour1,2. Adaptive responses to seasonal photoperiods are vital to all organisms-dysregulation associates with disease, including affective disorders3 and metabolic syndromes4. The circadian rhythm circuitry is implicated in such responses5,6, yet little is known about the precise cellular substrates that underlie phase synchronization to photoperiod change. Here we identify a brain circuit and system of axon branch-specific and reversible neurotransmitter deployment that are critical for behavioural and sleep adaptation to photoperiod. A type of neuron called mrEn1-Pet17 in the mouse brainstem median raphe nucleus segregates serotonin from VGLUT3 (also known as SLC17A8, a proxy for glutamate) to different axonal branches that innervate specific brain regions involved in circadian rhythm and sleep-wake timing8,9. This branch-specific neurotransmitter deployment did not distinguish between daylight and dark phase; however, it reorganized with change in photoperiod. Axonal boutons, but not cell soma, changed neurochemical phenotype upon a shift away from equinox light/dark conditions, and these changes were reversed upon return to equinox conditions. When we genetically disabled Vglut3 in mrEn1-Pet1 neurons, sleep-wake periods, voluntary activity and clock gene expression did not synchronize to the new photoperiod or were delayed. Combining intersectional rabies virus tracing and projection-specific neuronal silencing, we delineated a preoptic area-to-mrEn1Pet1 connection that was responsible for decoding the photoperiodic inputs, driving the neurotransmitter reorganization and promoting behavioural synchronization. Our results reveal a brain circuit and periodic, branch-specific neurotransmitter deployment that regulates organismal adaptation to photoperiod change.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Maddaloni
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Y J Chang
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R A Senft
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S M Dymecki
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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4
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Hussein MN. Labeling of the serotonergic neuronal circuits emerging from the raphe nuclei via some retrograde tracers. Microsc Res Tech 2024. [PMID: 39041701 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a very important neurotransmitter emerging from the raphe nuclei to several brain regions. Serotonergic neuronal connectivity has multiple functions in the brain. In this study, several techniques were used to trace serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe (DR) and median raphe (MnR) that project toward the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (Arc), dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DM), lateral hypothalamic area (LH), paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH), ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), fasciola cinereum (FC), and medial habenular nucleus (MHb). Cholera toxin subunit B (CTB), retro-adeno-associated virus (rAAV-CMV-mCherry), glycoprotein-deleted rabies virus (RV-ΔG), and simultaneous microinjection of rAAV2-retro-Cre-tagBFP with AAV-dio-mCherry in C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. In addition, rAAV2-retro-Cre-tagBFP was microinjected into Ai9 mice. Serotonin immunohistochemistry was used for the detection of retrogradely traced serotonergic neurons in the raphe nuclei. The results indicated that rAAV2-retro-Cre-tagBFP microinjection in Ai9 mice was the best method for tracing serotonergic neuron circuits. All of the previously listed nuclei exhibited serotonergic neuronal projections from the DR and MnR, with the exception of the FC, which had very few projections from the DR. The serotonergic neuronal projections were directed toward the Arc by the subpeduncular tegmental (SPTg) nuclei. Moreover, the RV-ΔG tracer revealed monosynaptic non-serotonergic neuronal projections from the DR that were directed toward the Arc. Furthermore, rAAV tracers revealed monosynaptic serotonergic neuronal connections from the raphe nuclei toward Arc. These findings validate the variations in neurotropism among several retrograde tracers. The continued discovery of several novel serotonergic neural circuits is crucial for the future discovery of the functions of these circuits. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Various kinds of retrograde tracers were microinjected into C57BL/6 and Ai9 mice. The optimum method for characterizing serotonergic neuronal circuits is rAAV2-retro-Cre-tagBFP microinjection in Ai9 mice. The DR, MnR, and SPTg nuclei send monosynaptic serotonergic neuronal projections toward the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Whole-brain quantification analysis of retrograde-labeled neurons in different brain nuclei following rAAV2-retro-Cre-tagBFP microinjection in the Arc, DM, LH, and VMH is shown. Differential quantitative analysis of median and dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons emerging toward the PVH, DM, LH, Arc, VMH, MHb, and FC is shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona N Hussein
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Histology and Cytology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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5
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Henderson F, Dumas S, Gangarossa G, Bernard V, Pujol M, Poirel O, Pietrancosta N, El Mestikawy S, Daumas S, Fabre V. Regulation of stress-induced sleep perturbations by dorsal raphe VGLUT3 neurons in male mice. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114411. [PMID: 38944834 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114411] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stressors has profound effects on sleep that have been linked to serotonin (5-HT) neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR). However, the DR also comprises glutamatergic neurons expressing vesicular glutamate transporter type 3 (DRVGLUT3), leading us to examine their role. Cell-type-specific tracing revealed that DRVGLUT3 neurons project to brain areas regulating arousal and stress. We found that chemogenetic activation of DRVGLUT3 neurons mimics stress-induced sleep perturbations. Furthermore, deleting VGLUT3 in the DR attenuated stress-induced sleep perturbations, especially after social defeat stress. In the DR, VGLUT3 is found in subsets of 5-HT and non-5-HT neurons. We observed that both populations are activated by acute stress, including those projecting to the ventral tegmental area. However, deleting VGLUT3 in 5-HT neurons minimally affected sleep regulation. These findings suggest that VGLUT3 expression in the DR drives stress-induced sleep perturbations, possibly involving non-5-HT DRVGLUT3 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Henderson
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130 - Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Giuseppe Gangarossa
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, 75013 Paris, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Véronique Bernard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130 - Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Marine Pujol
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130 - Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Odile Poirel
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130 - Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Pietrancosta
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130 - Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), 75005 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 7203, Laboratoire des BioMolécules, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Salah El Mestikawy
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130 - Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), 75005 Paris, France; Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Daumas
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130 - Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Véronique Fabre
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130 - Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), 75005 Paris, France.
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6
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Casanova AF, Ort A, Smallridge JW, Preller KH, Seifritz E, Vollenweider FX. The influence of psilocybin on subconscious and conscious emotional learning. iScience 2024; 27:110034. [PMID: 38883812 PMCID: PMC11177198 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics hold promise as a treatment modality for various psychiatric disorders and are currently applied in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. We investigated the learning effects of the serotonin receptor agonist psilocybin in a probabilistic cue-reward task with emotional cues in the form of neutral or fearful faces, presented either consciously or subconsciously. This study represents the first investigation into reinforcement learning with psilocybin. Across different dosages, psilocybin preserved learning effects and was statistically noninferior compared to placebo, while suggesting a higher exploratory behavior. Notably, the 20 mg group exhibited significantly better learning rates against the placebo group. Psilocybin induced inferior results with subconscious cues compared to placebo, and better results with conscious neutral cues in some conditions. These findings suggest that modulating serotonin signaling in the brain with psilocybin sufficiently preservers reinforcement learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea F Casanova
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andres Ort
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John W Smallridge
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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7
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Kondo T, Okada Y, Shizuya S, Yamaguchi N, Hatakeyama S, Maruyama K. Neuroimmune modulation by tryptophan derivatives in neurological and inflammatory disorders. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151418. [PMID: 38729083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The nervous and immune systems are highly developed, and each performs specialized physiological functions. However, they work together, and their dysfunction is associated with various diseases. Specialized molecules, such as neurotransmitters, cytokines, and more general metabolites, are essential for the appropriate regulation of both systems. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is converted into functional molecules such as serotonin and kynurenine, both of which play important roles in the nervous and immune systems. The role of kynurenine metabolites in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases has recently received particular attention. Recently, we found that hyperactivity of the kynurenine pathway is a critical risk factor for septic shock. In this review, we first outline neuroimmune interactions and tryptophan derivatives and then summarized the changes in tryptophan metabolism in neurological disorders. Finally, we discuss the potential of tryptophan derivatives as therapeutic targets for neuroimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kondo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8636, Japan
| | - Yuka Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Saika Shizuya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Naoko Yamaguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Shigetsugu Hatakeyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8636, Japan
| | - Kenta Maruyama
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan.
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8
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Castle ME, Flanigan ME. The role of brain serotonin signaling in excessive alcohol consumption and withdrawal: A call for more research in females. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100618. [PMID: 38433994 PMCID: PMC10907856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, but current treatments are insufficient in fully addressing the symptoms that often lead to relapses in alcohol consumption. The brain's serotonin system has been implicated in AUD for decades and is a major regulator of stress-related behaviors associated with increased alcohol consumption. This review will discuss the current literature on the association between neurobiological adaptations in serotonin systems and AUD in humans as well as the effectiveness of serotonin receptor manipulations on alcohol-related behaviors like consumption and withdrawal. We will further discuss how these findings in humans relate to findings in animal models, including a comparison of systemic pharmacological manipulations modulating alcohol consumption. We next provide a detailed overview of brain region-specific roles for serotonin and serotonin receptor signaling in alcohol-related behaviors in preclinical animal models, highlighting the complexity of forming a cohesive model of serotonin function in AUD and providing possible avenues for more effective therapeutic intervention. Throughout the review, we discuss what is known about sex differences in the sequelae of AUD and the role of serotonin in these sequelae. We stress a critical need for additional studies in women and female animals so that we may build a clearer path to elucidating sex-specific serotonergic mechanisms and develop better treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Castle
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Meghan E. Flanigan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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9
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Mitsui K, Takahashi A. Aggression modulator: Understanding the multifaceted role of the dorsal raphe nucleus. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300213. [PMID: 38314963 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is instinctively driven behavior that helps animals to survive and reproduce and is closely related to multiple behavioral and physiological processes. The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is an evolutionarily conserved midbrain structure that regulates aggressive behavior by integrating diverse brain inputs. The DRN consists predominantly of serotonergic (5-HT:5-hydroxytryptamine) neurons and decreased 5-HT activity was classically thought to increase aggression. However, recent studies challenge this 5-HT deficiency model, revealing a more complex role for the DRN 5-HT system in aggression. Furthermore, emerging evidence has shown that non-5-HT populations in the DRN and specific neural circuits contribute to the escalation of aggressive behavior. This review argues that the DRN serves as a multifaceted modulator of aggression, acting not only via 5-HT but also via other neurotransmitters and neural pathways, as well as different subsets of 5-HT neurons. In addition, we discuss the contribution of DRN neurons in the behavioral and physiological aspects implicated in aggressive behavior, such as arousal, reward, and impulsivity, to further our understanding of DRN-mediated aggression modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koshiro Mitsui
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Aki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Institute of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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10
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Gullino LS, Fuller C, Dunn P, Collins HM, El Mestikawy S, Sharp T. Evidence for a Role of 5-HT-glutamate Co-releasing Neurons in Acute Stress Mechanisms. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1185-1196. [PMID: 38377469 PMCID: PMC10958520 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
A major subpopulation of midbrain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons expresses the vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3) and co-releases 5-HT and glutamate, but the function of this co-release is unclear. Given the strong links between 5-HT and uncontrollable stress, we used a combination of c-Fos immunohistochemistry and conditional gene knockout mice to test the hypothesis that glutamate co-releasing 5-HT neurons are activated by stress and involved in stress coping. Acute, uncontrollable swim stress increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in neurons co-expressing VGLUT3 and the 5-HT marker tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). This effect was localized in the ventral DRN subregion and prevented by the antidepressant fluoxetine. In contrast, a more controllable stressor, acute social defeat, had no effect on c-Fos immunoreactivity in VGLUT3-TPH2 co-expressing neurons in the DRN. To test whether activation of glutamate co-releasing 5-HT neurons was causally linked to stress coping, mice with a specific deletion of VGLUT3 in 5-HT neurons were exposed to acute swim stress. Compared to wildtype controls, the mutant mice showed increased climbing behavior, a measure of active coping. Wildtype mice also showed increased climbing when administered fluoxetine, revealing an interesting parallel between the behavioral effects of genetic loss of VGLUT3 in 5-HT neurons and 5-HT reuptake inhibition. We conclude that 5-HT-glutamate co-releasing neurons are recruited by exposure to uncontrollable stress. Furthermore, natural variation in the balance of 5-HT and glutamate co-released at the 5-HT synapse may impact stress susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Sophie Gullino
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Cara Fuller
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Poppy Dunn
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Helen M. Collins
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Salah El Mestikawy
- Douglas
Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H
1R3, Canada
- Sorbonne
Université, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine –
Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS – IBPS), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Trevor Sharp
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
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11
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Liu D, Hu SW, Wang D, Zhang Q, Zhang X, Ding HL, Cao JL. An Ascending Excitatory Circuit from the Dorsal Raphe for Sensory Modulation of Pain. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0869232023. [PMID: 38124016 PMCID: PMC10860493 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0869-23.2023] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is an important nucleus in pain regulation. However, the underlying neural pathway and the function of specific cell types remain unclear. Here, we report a previously unrecognized ascending facilitation pathway, the DRN to the mesoaccumbal dopamine (DA) circuit, for regulating pain. Chronic pain increased the activity of DRN glutamatergic, but not serotonergic, neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) (DRNGlu-VTA) in male mice. The optogenetic activation of DRNGlu-VTA circuit induced a pain-like response in naive male mice, and its inhibition produced an analgesic effect in male mice with neuropathic pain. Furthermore, we discovered that DRN ascending pathway regulated pain through strengthened excitatory transmission onto the VTA DA neurons projecting to the ventral part of nucleus accumbens medial shell (vNAcMed), thereby activated the mesoaccumbal DA neurons. Correspondingly, optogenetic manipulation of this three-node pathway bilaterally regulated pain behaviors. These findings identified a DRN ascending excitatory pathway that is crucial for pain sensory processing, which can potentially be exploited toward targeting pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Su-Wan Hu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Di Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Hai-Lei Ding
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
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12
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Tong Y, Cho S, Coenen VA, Döbrössy MD. Input-output relation of midbrain connectomics in a rodent model of depression. J Affect Disord 2024; 345:443-454. [PMID: 37890539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The symptoms associated with depression are believed to arise from disruptions in information processing across brain networks. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) influences reward-based behavior, motivation, addiction, and psychiatric disorders, including depression. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), is an emerging therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Understanding the depression associated anatomical networks crucial for comprehending its antidepressant effects. METHODS Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL), a rodent model of depression and Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10 each) were used in this study. We used monosynaptic tracing to map inputs of VTA efferent neurons: VTA-to-NAc nucleus accumbens (NAc) (both core and shell) and VTA-to-prefrontal cortex (PFC). Quantitative analysis explored afferent diversity and strengths. RESULTS VTA efferent neurons receive a variety of afferents with varying input weights and predominant neuromodulatory representation. Notably, NAc-core projecting VTA neurons showed stronger afferents from dorsal raphe, while NAc shell-projecting VTA neurons displayed lower input strengths from cortex, thalamus, zona incerta and pretectal area in FSL rats. NAc shell-projecting VTA neurons showed the most difference in connectivity across the experimental groups. LIMITATIONS Lack of functional properties of the anatomical connections is the major limitation of this study. Incomplete labeling and the cytotoxicity of the rabies virus should be made aware of. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide the first characterization of inputs to different VTA ascending projection neurons, shedding light on critical differences in the connectome of the midbrain-forebrain system. Moreover, these differences support potential network effects of these circuits in the context of MFB DBS neuromodulation for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Tong
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neurosciences, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - S Cho
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neurosciences, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - V A Coenen
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neurosciences, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; IMBIT (Institute for Machine-Brain Interfacing Technology), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - M D Döbrössy
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neurosciences, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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13
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Salinas-Hernández XI, Zafiri D, Sigurdsson T, Duvarci S. Functional architecture of dopamine neurons driving fear extinction learning. Neuron 2023; 111:3854-3870.e5. [PMID: 37741275 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The ability to extinguish fear responses to stimuli that no longer predict danger is critical for adaptive behavior and increases the likelihood of survival. During fear extinction, dopamine (DA) neurons signal the absence of the expected aversive outcome, and this extinction prediction error (EPE) signal is crucial for initiating and driving extinction learning. However, the neural circuits underlying the EPE signal have remained elusive. Here, we investigate the input-output circuitry of EPE-encoding DA neurons in male mice. By employing projection-specific fiber photometry and optogenetics, we demonstrate that these neurons project to a restricted subregion of the nucleus accumbens. Comprehensive anatomical analyses, as well as projection-specific chemogenetic manipulations combined with recordings of DA biosensors, further uncover the dorsal raphe as one key input structure critical for generating the EPE signal. Together, our results reveal for the first time the functional architecture of EPE-encoding DA neurons crucial for driving fear extinction learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena I Salinas-Hernández
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daphne Zafiri
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Torfi Sigurdsson
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sevil Duvarci
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
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14
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Welsch L, Colantonio E, Frison M, Johnson DA, McClain SP, Mathis V, Banghart MR, Ben Hamida S, Darcq E, Kieffer BL. Mu Opioid Receptor-Expressing Neurons in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Are Involved in Reward Processing and Affective Behaviors. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:842-851. [PMID: 37285896 PMCID: PMC10850692 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.05.019] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mu opioid receptors (MORs) are key for reward processing, mostly studied in dopaminergic pathways. MORs are also expressed in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), which is central for the modulation of reward and mood, but MOR function in the DRN remains underexplored. Here, we investigated whether MOR-expressing neurons of the DRN (DRN-MOR neurons) participate in reward and emotional responses. METHODS We characterized DRN-MOR neurons anatomically using immunohistochemistry and functionally using fiber photometry in responses to morphine and rewarding/aversive stimuli. We tested the effect of opioid uncaging on the DRN on place conditioning. We examined the effect of DRN-MOR neuron optostimulation on positive reinforcement and mood-related behaviors. We mapped their projections and selected DRN-MOR neurons projecting to the lateral hypothalamus for a similar optogenetic experimentation. RESULTS DRN-MOR neurons form a heterogeneous neuronal population essentially composed of GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) and glutamatergic neurons. Calcium activity of DRN-MOR neurons was inhibited by rewarding stimuli and morphine. Local photo-uncaging of oxymorphone in the DRN produced conditioned place preference. DRN-MOR neuron optostimulation triggered real-time place preference and was self-administered, promoted social preference, and reduced anxiety and passive coping. Finally, specific optostimulation of DRN-MOR neurons projecting to the lateral hypothalamus recapitulated the reinforcing effects of total DRN-MOR neuron stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that DRN-MOR neurons respond to rewarding stimuli and that their optoactivation has reinforcing effects and promotes positive emotional responses, an activity which is partially mediated by their projections to the lateral hypothalamus. Our study also suggests a complex regulation of DRN activity by MOR opioids, involving mixed inhibition/activation mechanisms that fine-tune DRN function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Welsch
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Esther Colantonio
- INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathilde Frison
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Desiree A Johnson
- Neurobiology Department, School of the Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Shannan P McClain
- Neurobiology Department, School of the Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Victor Mathis
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, UPR 3212, Strasbourg, France
| | - Matthew R Banghart
- Neurobiology Department, School of the Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sami Ben Hamida
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM UMR 1247, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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15
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Hernández-Ortiz E, Luis-Islas J, Tecuapetla F, Gutierrez R, Bermúdez-Rattoni F. Top-down circuitry from the anterior insular cortex to VTA dopamine neurons modulates reward-related memory. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113365. [PMID: 37924513 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113365] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The insular cortex (IC) has been linked to the processing of interoceptive and exteroceptive signals associated with addictive behavior. However, whether the IC modulates the acquisition of drug-related affective states by direct top-down connectivity with ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons is unknown. We found that photostimulation of VTA terminals of the anterior insular cortex (aIC) induces rewarding contextual memory, modulates VTA activity, and triggers dopamine release within the VTA. Employing neuronal recordings and neurochemical and transsynaptic tagging techniques, we disclose the functional top-down organization tagging the aIC pre-synaptic neuronal bodies and identifying VTA recipient neurons. Furthermore, systemic administration of amphetamine altered the VTA excitability of neurons modulated by the aIC projection, where photoactivation enhances, whereas photoinhibition impairs, a contextual rewarding behavior. Our study reveals a key circuit involved in developing and retaining drug reward-related contextual memory, providing insight into the neurobiological basis of addictive behavior and helping develop therapeutic addiction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Hernández-Ortiz
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, División de Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City 04510, México
| | - Jorge Luis-Islas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Appetitive, Department of Pharmacology, Center of Aging Research (CIE), Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fatuel Tecuapetla
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, División de Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City 04510, México
| | - Ranier Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Appetitive, Department of Pharmacology, Center of Aging Research (CIE), Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Federico Bermúdez-Rattoni
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, División de Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City 04510, México.
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16
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Wallace ML, Sabatini BL. Synaptic and circuit functions of multitransmitter neurons in the mammalian brain. Neuron 2023; 111:2969-2983. [PMID: 37463580 PMCID: PMC10592565 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Neurons in the mammalian brain are not limited to releasing a single neurotransmitter but often release multiple neurotransmitters onto postsynaptic cells. Here, we review recent findings of multitransmitter neurons found throughout the mammalian central nervous system. We highlight recent technological innovations that have made the identification of new multitransmitter neurons and the study of their synaptic properties possible. We also focus on mechanisms and molecular constituents required for neurotransmitter corelease at the axon terminal and synaptic vesicle, as well as some possible functions of multitransmitter neurons in diverse brain circuits. We expect that these approaches will lead to new insights into the mechanism and function of multitransmitter neurons, their role in circuits, and their contribution to normal and pathological brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Wallace
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Bernardo L Sabatini
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Wang J, Li W, Li Z, Xue Z, Zhang Y, Yuan Y, Shi Y, Shan S, Han W, Li F, Qiu Z. Taok1 haploinsufficiency leads to autistic-like behaviors in mice via the dorsal raphe nucleus. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113078. [PMID: 37656623 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113078] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Strong evidence from human genetic studies associates the thousand and one amino acid kinase 1 (TAOK1) gene with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this work, we discovered a de novo frameshifting mutation in TAOK1 within a Chinese ASD cohort. We found that Taok1 haploinsufficiency induces autistic-like behaviors in mice. Importantly, we observed a significant enrichment of Taok1 in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). The haploinsufficiency of Taok1 considerably restrained the activation of DRN neurons during social interactions, leading to the aberrant phosphorylation of numerous proteins. Intriguingly, the genetic deletion of Taok1 in VGlut3-positive neurons of DRN resulted in mice exhibiting autistic-like behaviors. Ultimately, reintroducing wild-type Taok1, but not its kinase-dead variant, into the DRN of adult mice effectively mitigated the autistic-like behaviors associated with Taok1 haploinsufficiency. This work suggests that Taok1, through its influence in the DRN, regulates social interaction behaviors, providing critical insights into the etiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Wang
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Institute of Autism & MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Weike Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zimeng Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuefang Zhang
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Institute of Autism & MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Yuan
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Institute of Autism & MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhan Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shifang Shan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjian Han
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Institute of Autism & MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zilong Qiu
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Institute of Autism & MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Clinic Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Maddaloni G, Chang YJ, Senft RA, Dymecki SM. A brain circuit and neuronal mechanism for decoding and adapting to change in daylength. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.11.557218. [PMID: 37745319 PMCID: PMC10515809 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.11.557218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Changes in daylight amount (photoperiod) drive pronounced alterations in physiology and behaviour1,2. Adaptive responses to seasonal photoperiods are vital to all organisms - dysregulation is associated with disease, from affective disorders3 to metabolic syndromes4. Circadian rhythm circuitry has been implicated5,6 yet little is known about the precise neural and cellular substrates that underlie phase synchronization to photoperiod change. Here we present a previously unknown brain circuit and novel system of axon branch-specific and reversible neurotransmitter deployment that together prove critical for behavioural and sleep adaptation to photoperiod change. We found that the recently defined neuron type called mrEn1-Pet17 located in the mouse brainstem Median Raphe Nucleus (MRN) segregates serotonin versus VGLUT3 (here proxy for the neurotransmitter glutamate) to different axonal branches innervating specific brain regions involved in circadian rhythm and sleep/wake timing8,9. We found that whether measured during the light or dark phase of the day this branch-specific neurotransmitter deployment in mrEn1-Pet1 neurons was indistinguishable; however, it strikingly reorganizes on photoperiod change. Specifically, axonal boutons but not cell soma show a shift in neurochemical phenotype upon change away from equinox light/dark conditions that reverses upon return to equinox. When we genetically disabled the deployment of VGLUT3 in mrEn1-Pet1 neurons, we found that sleep/wake periods and voluntary activity failed to synchronize to the new photoperiod or was significantly delayed. Combining intersectional rabies virus tracing and projection-specific neuronal silencing in vivo, we delineated a Preoptic Area-to-mrEn1Pet1 connection responsible for decoding the photoperiodic inputs, driving the neurochemical shift and promoting behavioural synchronization. Our results reveal a previously unrecognized brain circuit along with a novel form of periodic, branch-specific neurotransmitter deployment that together regulate organismal adaptation to photoperiod changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Maddaloni
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115 MA, USA
| | - Y J Chang
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115 MA, USA
| | - R A Senft
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115 MA, USA
| | - S M Dymecki
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115 MA, USA
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19
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Priest MF, Freda SN, Rieth IJ, Badong D, Dumrongprechachan V, Kozorovitskiy Y. Peptidergic and functional delineation of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112992. [PMID: 37594894 PMCID: PMC10512657 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Many neuronal populations that release fast-acting excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain also contain slower-acting neuropeptides. These facultative peptidergic cell types are common, but it remains uncertain whether neurons that solely release peptides exist. Our fluorescence in situ hybridization, genetically targeted electron microscopy, and electrophysiological characterization suggest that most neurons of the non-cholinergic, centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus in mice are obligately peptidergic. We further show, using anterograde projection mapping, monosynaptic retrograde tracing, angled-tip fiber photometry, and chemogenetic modulation and genetically targeted ablation in conjunction with canonical assays for anxiety, that this peptidergic population activates in response to loss of motor control and promotes anxiety responses. Together, these findings elucidate an integrative, ethologically relevant role for the Edinger-Westphal nucleus and functionally align the nucleus with the periaqueductal gray, where it resides. This work advances our understanding of peptidergic modulation of anxiety and provides a framework for future investigations of peptidergic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Priest
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sara N Freda
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Isabelle J Rieth
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Deanna Badong
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Vasin Dumrongprechachan
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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20
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Wang XY, Jia WB, Xu X, Chen R, Wang LB, Su XJ, Xu PF, Liu XQ, Wen J, Song XY, Liu YY, Zhang Z, Liu XF, Zhang Y. A glutamatergic DRN-VTA pathway modulates neuropathic pain and comorbid anhedonia-like behavior in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5124. [PMID: 37612268 PMCID: PMC10447530 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40860-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain causes both physical suffering and comorbid mental symptoms such as anhedonia. However, the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying these maladaptive behaviors remain elusive. Here using a mouse model, we report a pathway from vesicular glutamate transporter 3 neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus to dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VGluT3DRN→DAVTA) wherein population-level activity in response to innocuous mechanical stimuli and sucrose consumption is inhibited by chronic neuropathic pain. Mechanistically, neuropathic pain dampens VGluT3DRN → DAVTA glutamatergic transmission and DAVTA neural excitability. VGluT3DRN → DAVTA activation alleviates neuropathic pain and comorbid anhedonia-like behavior (CAB) by releasing glutamate, which subsequently promotes DA release in the nucleus accumbens medial shell (NAcMed) and produces analgesic and anti-anhedonia effects via D2 and D1 receptors, respectively. In addition, VGluT3DRN → DAVTA inhibition produces pain-like reflexive hypersensitivity and anhedonia-like behavior in intact mice. These findings reveal a crucial role for VGluT3DRN → DAVTA → D2/D1NAcMed pathway in establishing and modulating chronic pain and CAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yue Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-Bin Jia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China
| | - Liang-Biao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Su
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, China
| | - Jie Wen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Song
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Liu
- Somatosensation and Pain Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, China.
| | - Xin-Feng Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei, China.
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21
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Ielpo D, Guzzo SM, Porcheddu GF, Viscomi MT, Catale C, Reverte I, Cabib S, Cifani C, Antonucci G, Ventura R, Lo Iacono L, Marchetti C, Andolina D. GABAergic miR-34a regulates Dorsal Raphè inhibitory transmission in response to aversive, but not rewarding, stimuli. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301730120. [PMID: 37523544 PMCID: PMC10410731 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301730120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain employs distinct circuitries to encode positive and negative valence stimuli, and dysfunctions of these neuronal circuits have a key role in the etiopathogenesis of many psychiatric disorders. The Dorsal Raphè Nucleus (DRN) is involved in various behaviors and drives the emotional response to rewarding and aversive experiences. Whether specific subpopulations of neurons within the DRN encode these behaviors with different valence is still unknown. Notably, microRNA expression in the mammalian brain is characterized by tissue and neuronal specificity, suggesting that it might play a role in cell and circuit functionality. However, this specificity has not been fully exploited. Here, we demonstrate that microRNA-34a (miR-34a) is selectively expressed in a subpopulation of GABAergic neurons of the ventrolateral DRN. Moreover, we report that acute exposure to both aversive (restraint stress) and rewarding (chocolate) stimuli reduces GABA release in the DRN, an effect prevented by the inactivation of DRN miR-34a or its genetic deletion in GABAergic neurons in aversive but not rewarding conditions. Finally, miR-34a inhibition selectively reduced passive coping with severe stressors. These data support a role of miR-34a in regulating GABAergic neurotransmitter activity and behavior in a context-dependent manner and suggest that microRNAs could represent a functional signature of specific neuronal subpopulations with valence-specific activity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Ielpo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome00184, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Roma00143, Italy
| | - Serafina M. Guzzo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino62032, Italy
| | - Giovanni F. Porcheddu
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Roma00143, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute-Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome00161, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Viscomi
- Department of Life Science and Public Health Section of Histology and Embryology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome00168, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome00168, Italy
| | - Clarissa Catale
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Roma00143, Italy
| | - Ingrid Reverte
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Roma00143, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome00185, Italy
| | - Simona Cabib
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome00184, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Roma00143, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino62032, Italy
| | - Gabriella Antonucci
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome00184, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Roma00143, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome00184, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Roma00143, Italy
- San Raffaele Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome00166, Italy
| | - Luisa Lo Iacono
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Roma00143, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchetti
- European Brain Research Institute-Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome00161, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome00185, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome00184, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Roma00143, Italy
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22
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Fujita T, Aoki N, Mori C, Homma KJ, Yamaguchi S. Molecular biology of serotonergic systems in avian brains. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1226645. [PMID: 37538316 PMCID: PMC10394247 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1226645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a phylogenetically conserved neurotransmitter and modulator. Neurons utilizing serotonin have been identified in the central nervous systems of all vertebrates. In the central serotonergic system of vertebrate species examined so far, serotonergic neurons have been confirmed to exist in clusters in the brainstem. Although many serotonin-regulated cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functions have been elucidated in mammals, equivalents remain poorly understood in non-mammalian vertebrates. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the anatomical organization and molecular features of the avian central serotonergic system. In addition, selected key functions of serotonin are briefly reviewed. Gene association studies between serotonergic system related genes and behaviors in birds have elucidated that the serotonergic system is involved in the regulation of behavior in birds similar to that observed in mammals. The widespread distribution of serotonergic modulation in the central nervous system and the evolutionary conservation of the serotonergic system provide a strong foundation for understanding and comparing the evolutionary continuity of neural circuits controlling corresponding brain functions within vertebrates. The main focus of this review is the chicken brain, with this type of poultry used as a model bird. The chicken is widely used not only as a model for answering questions in developmental biology and as a model for agriculturally useful breeding, but also in research relating to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional processes. In addition to a wealth of prior research on the projection relationships of avian brain regions, detailed subdivision similarities between avian and mammalian brains have recently been identified. Therefore, identifying the neural circuits modulated by the serotonergic system in avian brains may provide an interesting opportunity for detailed comparative studies of the function of serotonergic systems in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Fujita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Aoki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Mori
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi J. Homma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Yamaguchi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
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23
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Alvarez-Bagnarol Y, García R, Vendruscolo LF, Morales M. Inhibition of dorsal raphe GABAergic neurons blocks hyperalgesia during heroin withdrawal. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023:10.1038/s41386-023-01620-5. [PMID: 37270620 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01620-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Opioid withdrawal signs, such as hyperalgesia, are manifestations of opioid use disorder that may contribute to opioid seeking and taking. We have previously identified an association between dorsal raphe (DR) neurons and the expression of hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal. Here, we found that chemogenetic inhibition of DR neurons decreased hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal in male and female C57/B6 mice. By neuroanatomy, we identified three major subtypes of DR neurons expressing μ-opioid receptors (MOR) that were activated in hyperalgesia during spontaneous withdrawal, those expressing vesicular GABA transporter (VGaT), glutamate transporter 3 (VGluT3), or co-expressing VGluT3 and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). In contrast, we identified a small population of DR-MOR neurons expressing solely TPH, which were not activated in hyperalgesia during spontaneous withdrawal. Collectively, these findings indicate a role of the DR in hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal mediated, in part, by the activation of local MOR-GABAergic, MOR-glutamatergic and MOR-co-releasing glutamatergic-serotonergic neurons. We found that specific chemogenetic inhibition of DR-VGaT neurons blocked hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal in male and female mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that DR-GABAergic neurons play a role in the expression of hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yocasta Alvarez-Bagnarol
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Stress and Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Intramural Research Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raul García
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Stress and Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Intramural Research Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marisela Morales
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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24
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Fortin-Houde J, Henderson F, Dumas S, Ducharme G, Amilhon B. Parallel streams of raphe VGLUT3-positive inputs target the dorsal and ventral hippocampus in each hemisphere. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:702-719. [PMID: 36855269 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampus (HP) receives neurochemically diverse inputs from the raphe nuclei, including glutamatergic axons characterized by the expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter type 3 (VGLUT3). These raphe-HP VGLUT3 projections have been suggested to play a critical role in HP functions, yet a complete anatomical overview of raphe VGLUT3 projections to the forebrain, and in particular to the HP, is lacking. Using anterograde viral tracing, we describe largely nonoverlapping VGLUT3-positive projections from the dorsal raphe (DR) and median raphe (MnR) to the forebrain, with the HP receiving inputs from the MnR. A limited subset of forebrain regions such as the amygdaloid complex, claustrum, and hypothalamus receives projections from both the DR and MnR that remain largely segregated. This highly complementary anatomical pattern suggests contrasting roles for DR and MnR VGLUT3 neurons. To further analyze the topography of VGLUT3 raphe projections to the HP, we used retrograde tracing and found that HP-projecting VGLUT3-positive neurons (VGLUT3HP ) distribute over several raphe subregions (including the MnR, paramedian raphe, and B9 cell group) and lack co-expression of serotonergic markers. Strikingly, double retrograde tracing experiments unraveled two parallel streams of VGLUT3-positive projections targeting the dorsal and ventral poles of the HP. These results demonstrate highly organized and segregated VGLUT3-positive projections to the HP, suggesting independent modulation of HP functions such as spatial memory and emotion-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Fortin-Houde
- Département de Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fiona Henderson
- Département de Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Bénédicte Amilhon
- Département de Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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25
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Dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons preferentially reactivate dorsal dentate gyrus cell ensembles associated with positive experience. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112149. [PMID: 36821440 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most common mental illnesses. Serotonergic (5-HT) neurons are central to the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD. Repeatedly recalling positive episodes is effective for MDD. Stimulating 5-HT neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) or neuronal ensembles in the dorsal dentate gyrus (dDG) associated with positive memories reverses the stress-induced behavioral abnormalities. Despite this phenotypic similarity, their causal relationship is unclear. This study revealed that the DRN 5-HT neurons activate dDG neurons; surprisingly, this activation was specifically observed in positive memory ensembles rather than neutral or negative ensembles. Furthermore, we revealed that dopaminergic signaling induced by activation of DRN 5-HT neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area mediates an increase in active coping behavior and positive dDG ensemble reactivation. Our study identifies a role of DRN 5-HT neurons as specific reactivators of positive memories and provides insights into how serotonin elicits antidepressive effects.
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26
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Alonso L, Peeva P, Stasko S, Bader M, Alenina N, Winter Y, Rivalan M. Constitutive depletion of brain serotonin differentially affects rats' social and cognitive abilities. iScience 2023; 26:105998. [PMID: 36798444 PMCID: PMC9926123 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Central serotonin appears a promising transdiagnostic marker of psychiatric disorders and a modulator of some of their key behavioral symptoms. In adult male Tph2 -/- rats, constitutively lacking central serotonin, we tested individual's cognitive, social and non-social abilities and characterized group's social organization under classical and ethological testing conditions. Using unsupervised machine learning, we identified the functions most dependent on serotonin. Although serotonin depletion did not affect cognitive performances in classical testing, in the home-cage it induced compulsive aggression and sexual behavior, hyperactive and hypervigilant stereotyped behavior, reduced self-care and exacerbated corticosterone levels. This profile recalled symptoms of impulse control and anxiety disorders. Serotonin appeared essential for behavioral adaptation to dynamic social environments. Our animal model challenges the essential role of serotonin in decision-making, flexibility, impulsivity, and risk-taking. These findings highlight the importance of studying everyday life functions within the dynamic social living environment to model complexity in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucille Alonso
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Polina Peeva
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Michael Bader
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalia Alenina
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - York Winter
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marion Rivalan
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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27
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Behera CK, Joshi A, Wang DH, Sharp T, Wong-Lin K. Degeneracy and stability in neural circuits of dopamine and serotonin neuromodulators: A theoretical consideration. Front Comput Neurosci 2023; 16:950489. [PMID: 36761394 PMCID: PMC9905743 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.950489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerate neural circuits perform the same function despite being structurally different. However, it is unclear whether neural circuits with interacting neuromodulator sources can themselves degenerate while maintaining the same neuromodulatory function. Here, we address this by computationally modeling the neural circuits of neuromodulators serotonin and dopamine, local glutamatergic and GABAergic interneurons, and their possible interactions, under reward/punishment-based conditioning tasks. The neural modeling is constrained by relevant experimental studies of the VTA or DRN system using, e.g., electrophysiology, optogenetics, and voltammetry. We first show that a single parsimonious, sparsely connected neural circuit model can recapitulate several separate experimental findings that indicated diverse, heterogeneous, distributed, and mixed DRNVTA neuronal signaling in reward and punishment tasks. The inability of this model to recapitulate all observed neuronal signaling suggests potentially multiple circuits acting in parallel. Then using computational simulations and dynamical systems analysis, we demonstrate that several different stable circuit architectures can produce the same observed network activity profile, hence demonstrating degeneracy. Due to the extensive D2-mediated connections in the investigated circuits, we simulate the D2 receptor agonist by increasing the connection strengths emanating from the VTA DA neurons. We found that the simulated D2 agonist can distinguish among sub-groups of the degenerate neural circuits based on substantial deviations in specific neural populations' activities in reward and punishment conditions. This forms a testable model prediction using pharmacological means. Overall, this theoretical work suggests the plausibility of degeneracy within neuromodulator circuitry and has important implications for the stable and robust maintenance of neuromodulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan K. Behera
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry∼Londonderry, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Chandan K. Behera,
| | - Alok Joshi
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry∼Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Da-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China,School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Trevor Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - KongFatt Wong-Lin
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry∼Londonderry, United Kingdom,KongFatt Wong-Lin,
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28
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Median raphe serotonergic neurons projecting to the interpeduncular nucleus control preference and aversion. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7708. [PMID: 36550097 PMCID: PMC9780347 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Appropriate processing of reward and aversive information is essential for survival. Although a critical role of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) in reward processing has been shown, the lack of rewarding effects with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) implies the presence of a discrete serotonergic system playing an opposite role to the DRN in the processing of reward and aversive stimuli. Here, we demonstrated that serotonergic neurons in the median raphe nucleus (MRN) of mice process reward and aversive information in opposite directions to DRN serotonergic neurons. We further identified MRN serotonergic neurons, including those projecting to the interpeduncular nucleus (5-HTMRN→IPN), as a key mediator of reward and aversive stimuli. Moreover, 5-HT receptors, including 5-HT2A receptors in the interpeduncular nucleus, are involved in the aversive properties of MRN serotonergic neural activity. Our findings revealed an essential function of MRN serotonergic neurons, including 5-HTMRN→IPN, in the processing of reward and aversive stimuli.
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29
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Fujita T, Aoki N, Mori C, Serizawa S, Kihara-Negishi F, Homma KJ, Yamaguchi S. Dopaminergic nuclei in the chick midbrain express serotonin receptor subfamily genes. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1030621. [PMID: 36425295 PMCID: PMC9679639 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a phylogenetically conserved modulator of numerous aspects of neural functions. Serotonergic neurons in the dorsal and median raphe nucleus provide ascending innervation to the entire forebrain and midbrain. Another important neural modulatory system exists in the midbrain, the dopaminergic system, which is associated to reward processing and motivation control. Dopaminergic neurons are distributed and clustered in the brain, classically designated as groups A8-A16. Among them, groups A8-A10 associated with reward processing and motivation control are located in the midbrain and projected to the forebrain. Recently, midbrain dopaminergic neurons were shown to be innervated by serotonergic neurons and modulated by 5-HT, with the crosstalk between serotonergic and dopaminergic systems attracting increased attention. In birds, previous studies revealed that midbrain dopaminergic neurons are located in the A8-A10 homologous clusters. However, the detailed distribution of dopaminergic neurons and the crosstalk between serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in the bird are poorly understood. To improve the understanding of the regulation of the dopaminergic by the serotonergic system, we performed in situ hybridization in the chick brainstem. We prepared RNA probes for chick orthologues of dopaminergic neuron-related genes; tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopa decarboxylase (DDC), noradrenaline related genes; noradrenaline transporter (NAT) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and serotonin receptor genes; 5-HTR1A, 5-HTR1B, 5-HTR1D, 5-HTR1E, 5-HTR1F, 5-HTR2A, 5-HTR2B, 5-HTR2C, 5-HTR3A, 5-HTR4, 5-HTR5A, and 5-HTR7. We confirmed that the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and NAT was well matched in all chick dopaminergic nuclei examined. This supported that the compensation of the function of dopamine transporter (DAT) by NAT is a general property of avian dopaminergic neurons. Furthermore, we showed that 5-HTR1A and 5-HTR1B were expressed in midbrain dopaminergic nuclei, suggesting the serotonergic regulation of the dopaminergic system via these receptors in chicks. Our findings will help us understand the interactions between the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in birds at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Fujita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Aoki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Mori
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shouta Serizawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiko Kihara-Negishi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi J. Homma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Yamaguchi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Wu GR, Baeken C. Brainstem glucose metabolism predicts reward dependence scores in treatment-resistant major depression. Psychol Med 2022; 52:3260-3266. [PMID: 33504370 PMCID: PMC9693681 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720005425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that individual differences in temperament could be involved in the (non-)response to antidepressant (AD) treatment. However, how neurobiological processes such as brain glucose metabolism may relate to personality features in the treatment-resistant depressed (TRD) state remains largely unclear. METHODS To examine how brainstem metabolism in the TRD state may predict Cloninger's temperament dimensions Harm Avoidance (HA), Novelty Seeking (NS), and Reward Dependence (RD), we collected 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG PET) scans in 40 AD-free TRD patients. All participants were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). We applied a multiple kernel learning (MKL) regression to predict the HA, NS, and RD from brainstem metabolic activity, the origin of respectively serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic neurotransmitter (NT) systems. RESULTS The MKL model was able to significantly predict RD but not HA and NS from the brainstem metabolic activity. The MKL pattern regression model identified increased metabolic activity in the pontine nuclei and locus coeruleus, the medial reticular formation, the dorsal/median raphe, and the ventral tegmental area that contributed to the predictions of RD. CONCLUSIONS The MKL algorithm identified a likely metabolic marker in the brainstem for RD in major depression. Although 18FDG PET does not investigate specific NT systems, the predictive value of brainstem glucose metabolism on RD scores however indicates that this temperament dimension in the TRD state could be mediated by different monoaminergic systems, all involved in higher order reward-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Rong Wu
- Faculty of Psychology, Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chris Baeken
- Department of Psychiatry University Hospital (UZBrussel), Brussels, Belgium
- Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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31
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Bartlett EA, Zanderigo F, Shieh D, Miller J, Hurley P, Rubin-Falcone H, Oquendo MA, Sublette ME, Ogden RT, Mann JJ. Serotonin transporter binding in major depressive disorder: impact of serotonin system anatomy. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3417-3424. [PMID: 35487966 PMCID: PMC9616969 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01578-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) binding deficits are reported in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, most studies have not considered serotonin system anatomy when parcellating brain regions of interest (ROIs). We now investigate 5-HTT binding in MDD in two novel ways: (1) use of a 5-HTT tract-based analysis examining binding along serotonergic axons; and (2) using the Copenhagen University Hospital Neurobiology Research Unit (NRU) 5-HT Atlas, based on brain-wide binding patterns of multiple serotonin receptor types. [11C]DASB 5-HTT PET scans were obtained in 60 unmedicated participants with MDD in a current depressive episode and 31 healthy volunteers (HVs). Binding potential (BPP) was quantified with empirical Bayesian estimation in graphical analysis (EBEGA). Within the [11C]DASB tract, the MDD group showed significantly lower BPP compared with HVs (p = 0.02). This BPP diagnosis difference also significantly varied by tract location (p = 0.02), with the strongest MDD binding deficit most proximal to brainstem raphe nuclei. NRU 5-HT Atlas ROIs showed a BPP diagnosis difference that varied by region (p < 0.001). BPP was lower in MDD in 3/10 regions (p-values < 0.05). Neither [11C]DASB tract or NRU 5-HT Atlas BPP correlated with depression severity, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt history, or antidepressant medication exposure. Future studies are needed to determine the causes of this deficit in 5-HTT binding being more pronounced in proximal axon segments and in only a subset of ROIs for the pathogenesis of MDD. Such regional specificity may have implications for targeting antidepressant treatment, and may extend to other serotonin-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Bartlett
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Francesca Zanderigo
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Denise Shieh
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Miller
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick Hurley
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harry Rubin-Falcone
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria A Oquendo
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Sublette
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Todd Ogden
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - J John Mann
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Shine JM, O’Callaghan C, Walpola IC, Wainstein G, Taylor N, Aru J, Huebner B, John YJ. Understanding the effects of serotonin in the brain through its role in the gastrointestinal tract. Brain 2022; 145:2967-2981. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The neuromodulatory arousal system imbues the nervous system with the flexibility and robustness required to facilitate adaptive behaviour. While there are well-understood mechanisms linking dopamine, noradrenaline and acetylcholine to distinct behavioural states, similar conclusions have not been as readily available for serotonin. Fascinatingly, despite clear links between serotonergic function and cognitive capacities as diverse as reward processing, exploration, and the psychedelic experience, over 95% of the serotonin in the body is released in the gastrointestinal tract, where it controls digestive muscle contractions (peristalsis). Here, we argue that framing neural serotonin as a rostral extension of the gastrointestinal serotonergic system dissolves much of the mystery associated with the central serotonergic system. Specifically, we outline that central serotonin activity mimics the effects of a digestion/satiety circuit mediated by hypothalamic control over descending serotonergic nuclei in the brainstem. We review commonalities and differences between these two circuits, with a focus on the heterogeneous expression of different classes of serotonin receptors in the brain. Much in the way that serotonin-induced peristalsis facilitates the work of digestion, serotonergic influences over cognition can be reframed as performing the work of cognition. Extending this analogy, we argue that the central serotonergic system allows the brain to arbitrate between different cognitive modes as a function of serotonergic tone: low activity facilitates cognitive automaticity, whereas higher activity helps to identify flexible solutions to problems, particularly if and when the initial responses fail. This perspective sheds light on otherwise disparate capacities mediated by serotonin, and also helps to understand why there are such pervasive links between serotonergic pathology and the symptoms of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ishan C Walpola
- Prince of Wales Hospital , Randwick, New South Wales , Australia
| | | | | | - Jaan Aru
- University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
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Beier K. Modified viral-genetic mapping reveals local and global connectivity relationships of ventral tegmental area dopamine cells. eLife 2022; 11:e76886. [PMID: 35604019 PMCID: PMC9173742 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTADA) are critical for a variety of motivated behaviors. These cells receive synaptic inputs from over 100 anatomically defined brain regions, which enables control from a distributed set of inputs across the brain. Extensive efforts have been made to map inputs to VTA cells based on neurochemical phenotype and output site. However, all of these studies have the same fundamental limitation that inputs local to the VTA cannot be properly assessed due to non-Cre-dependent uptake of EnvA-pseudotyped virus. Therefore, the quantitative contribution of local inputs to the VTA, including GABAergic, DAergic, and serotonergic, is not known. Here, I used a modified viral-genetic strategy that enables examination of both local and long-range inputs to VTADA cells in mice. I found that nearly half of the total inputs to VTADA cells are located locally, revealing a substantial portion of inputs that have been missed by previous analyses. The majority of inhibition to VTADA cells arises from the substantia nigra pars reticulata, with large contributions from the VTA and the substantia nigra pars compacta. In addition to receiving inputs from VTAGABA neurons, DA neurons are connected with other DA neurons within the VTA as well as the nearby retrorubal field. Lastly, I show that VTADA neurons receive inputs from distributed serotonergic neurons throughout the midbrain and hindbrain, with the majority arising from the dorsal raphe. My study highlights the importance of using the appropriate combination of viral-genetic reagents to unmask the complexity of connectivity relationships to defined cells in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Beier
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Neurobiology and Behavior, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, IrvineIrvineUnited States
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VGLUT3 Ablation Differentially Modulates Glutamate Receptor Densities in Mouse Brain. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0041-22.2022. [PMID: 35443989 PMCID: PMC9087739 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0041-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 3 vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT3) represents a unique modulator of glutamate release from both nonglutamatergic and glutamatergic varicosities within the brain. Despite its limited abundance, VGLUT3 is vital for the regulation of glutamate signaling and, therefore, modulates the activity of various brain microcircuits. However, little is known about how glutamate receptors are regulated by VGLUT3 across different brain regions. Here, we used VGLUT3 constitutive knock-out (VGLUT3-/-) mice and explored how VGLUT3 deletion influences total and cell surface expression of different ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. VGLUT3 deletion upregulated the overall expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR5 and mGluR2/3 in the cerebral cortex. In contrast, no change in the total expression of ionotropic NMDAR glutamate receptors were observed in the cerebral cortex of VGLUT3-/- mice. We noted significant reduction in cell surface levels of mGluR5, NMDAR2A, NMDAR2B, as well as reductions in dopaminergic D1 receptors and muscarinic M1 acetylcholine receptors in the hippocampus of VGLUT3-/- mice. Furthermore, mGluR2/3 total expression and mGluR5 cell surface levels were elevated in the striatum of VGLUT3-/- mice. Last, AMPAR subunit GluA1 was significantly upregulated throughout cortical, hippocampal, and striatal brain regions of VGLUT3-/- mice. Together, these findings complement and further support the evidence that VGLUT3 dynamically regulates glutamate receptor densities in several brain regions. These results suggest that VGLUT3 may play an intricate role in shaping glutamatergic signaling and plasticity in several brain areas.
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Dagher M, Perrotta KA, Erwin SA, Hachisuka A, Iyer R, Masmanidis SC, Yang H, Andrews AM. Optogenetic Stimulation of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons Produces Striatal Serotonin Release. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:946-958. [PMID: 35312275 PMCID: PMC9040469 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting neurons with light-driven opsins is widely used to investigate cell-specific responses. We transfected midbrain dopamine neurons with the excitatory opsin Chrimson. Extracellular basal and stimulated neurotransmitter levels in the dorsal striatum were measured by microdialysis in awake mice. Optical activation of dopamine cell bodies evoked terminal dopamine release in the striatum. Multiplexed analysis of dialysate samples revealed that the evoked dopamine was accompanied by temporally coupled increases in striatal 3-methoxytyramine, an extracellular dopamine metabolite, and in serotonin. We investigated a mechanism for dopamine-serotonin interactions involving striatal dopamine receptors. However, the evoked serotonin associated with optical stimulation of dopamine neurons was not abolished by striatal D1- or D2-like receptor inhibition. Although the mechanisms underlying the coupling of striatal dopamine and serotonin remain unclear, these findings illustrate advantages of multiplexed measurements for uncovering functional interactions between neurotransmitter systems. Furthermore, they suggest that the output of optogenetic manipulations may extend beyond opsin-expressing neuronal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Dagher
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Katie A. Perrotta
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Sara A. Erwin
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Ayaka Hachisuka
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Rahul Iyer
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 94720
| | - Sotiris C. Masmanidis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Hongyan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, and Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Anne M. Andrews
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, and Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
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Stress decreases serotonin tone in the nucleus accumbens in male mice to promote aversion and potentiate cocaine preference via decreased stimulation of 5-HT 1B receptors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:891-901. [PMID: 34564712 PMCID: PMC8882182 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Stress-induced release of dynorphins (Dyn) activates kappa opioid receptors (KOR) in serotonergic neurons to produce dysphoria and potentiate drug reward; however, the circuit mechanisms responsible for this effect are not known. In male mice, we found that conditional deletion of KOR from Slc6a4 (SERT)-expressing neurons blocked stress-induced potentiation of cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). Within the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), two overlapping populations of KOR-expressing neurons: Slc17a8 (VGluT3) and SERT, were distinguished functionally and anatomically. Optogenetic inhibition of these SERT+ neurons potentiated subsequent cocaine CPP, whereas optical inhibition of the VGluT3+ neurons blocked subsequent cocaine CPP. SERT+/VGluT3- expressing neurons were concentrated in the lateral aspect of the DRN. SERT projections from the DRN were observed in the medial nucleus accumbens (mNAc), but VGluT3 projections were not. Optical inhibition of SERT+ neurons produced place aversion, whereas optical stimulation of SERT+ terminals in the mNAc attenuated stress-induced increases in forced swim immobility and subsequent cocaine CPP. KOR neurons projecting to mNAc were confined to the lateral aspect of the DRN, and the principal source of dynorphinergic (Pdyn) afferents in the mNAc was from local neurons. Excision of Pdyn from the mNAc blocked stress-potentiation of cocaine CPP. Prior studies suggested that stress-induced dynorphin release within the mNAc activates KOR to potentiate cocaine preference by a reduction in 5-HT tone. Consistent with this hypothesis, a transient pharmacological blockade of mNAc 5-HT1B receptors potentiated subsequent cocaine CPP. 5-HT1B is known to be expressed on 5-HT terminals in NAc, and 5-HT1B transcript was also detected in Pdyn+, Adora2a+ and ChAT+ (markers for direct pathway, indirect pathway, and cholinergic interneurons, respectively). Following stress exposure, 5-HT1B transcript was selectively elevated in Pdyn+ cells of the mNAc. These findings suggest that Dyn/KOR regulates serotonin activation of 5HT1B receptors within the mNAc and dynamically controls stress response, affect, and drug reward.
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Desrochers SS, Spring MG, Nautiyal KM. A Role for Serotonin in Modulating Opposing Drive and Brake Circuits of Impulsivity. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:791749. [PMID: 35250501 PMCID: PMC8892181 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.791749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Impulsivity generally refers to a deficit in inhibition, with a focus on understanding the neural circuits which constitute the "brake" on actions and gratification. It is likely that increased impulsivity can arise not only from reduced inhibition, but also from a heightened or exaggerated excitatory "drive." For example, an action which has more vigor, or is fueled by either increased incentive salience or a stronger action-outcome association, may be harder to inhibit. From this perspective, this review focuses on impulse control as a competition over behavioral output between an initially learned response-reward outcome association, and a subsequently acquired opposing inhibitory association. Our goal is to present a synthesis of research from humans and animal models that supports this dual-systems approach to understanding the behavioral and neural substrates that contribute to impulsivity, with a focus on the neuromodulatory role of serotonin. We review evidence for the role of serotonin signaling in mediating the balance of the "drive" and "brake" circuits. Additionally, we consider parallels of these competing instrumental systems in impulsivity within classical conditioning processes (e.g., extinction) in order to point us to potential behavioral and neural mechanisms that may modulate the competing instrumental associations. Finally, we consider how the balance of these competing associations might contribute to, or be extracted from, our experimental assessments of impulsivity. A careful understanding of the underlying behavioral and circuit level contributions to impulsivity is important for understanding the pathogenesis of increased impulsivity present in a number of psychiatric disorders. Pathological levels of impulsivity in such disorders are likely subserved by deficits in the balance of motivational and inhibitory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katherine M. Nautiyal
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
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Eacret D, Noreck J, Blendy J. Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) in serotonin neurons mediates select behaviors during protracted withdrawal from morphine in mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 419:113688. [PMID: 34843742 PMCID: PMC8688336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin neurotransmission has been implicated in behavior deficits that occur during protracted withdrawal from opioids. In addition, studies have highlighted multiple pathways whereby serotonin (5-HT) modulates energy homeostasis, however the underlying metabolic effects of opioid withdrawal have not been investigated. A key metabolic regulator that senses the energy status of the cell and regulates fuel availability is Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK). To investigate the interaction between cellular metabolism and serotonin in modulating protracted abstinence from morphine, we depleted AMPK in serotonin neurons. Morphine exposure via drinking water generates dependence in these mice, and both wildtype and serotonergic AMPK knockout mice consume similar amounts of morphine with no changes in body weight. Serotonergic AMPK contributes to baseline differences in open field and social interaction behaviors and blocks abstinence induced reductions in immobility following morphine withdrawal in the tail suspension test. Lastly, morphine locomotor sensitization is blunted in mice lacking AMPK in serotonin neurons. Taken together, our results suggest serotonergic AMPK mediates both baseline and protracted morphine withdrawal-induced behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Eacret
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J. Noreck
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J.A. Blendy
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Corresponding author , Phone: (215) 898-0730, Fax: (215) 573-2236
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Fazekas CL, Szabó A, Török B, Bánrévi K, Correia P, Chaves T, Daumas S, Zelena D. A New Player in the Hippocampus: A Review on VGLUT3+ Neurons and Their Role in the Regulation of Hippocampal Activity and Behaviour. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:790. [PMID: 35054976 PMCID: PMC8775679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory amino acid in the central nervous system. Neurons using glutamate as a neurotransmitter can be characterised by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Among the three subtypes, VGLUT3 is unique, co-localising with other "classical" neurotransmitters, such as the inhibitory GABA. Glutamate, manipulated by VGLUT3, can modulate the packaging as well as the release of other neurotransmitters and serve as a retrograde signal through its release from the somata and dendrites. Its contribution to sensory processes (including seeing, hearing, and mechanosensation) is well characterised. However, its involvement in learning and memory can only be assumed based on its prominent hippocampal presence. Although VGLUT3-expressing neurons are detectable in the hippocampus, most of the hippocampal VGLUT3 positivity can be found on nerve terminals, presumably coming from the median raphe. This hippocampal glutamatergic network plays a pivotal role in several important processes (e.g., learning and memory, emotions, epilepsy, cardiovascular regulation). Indirect information from anatomical studies and KO mice strains suggests the contribution of local VGLUT3-positive hippocampal neurons as well as afferentations in these events. However, further studies making use of more specific tools (e.g., Cre-mice, opto- and chemogenetics) are needed to confirm these assumptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS-IBPS) INSERM, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Adrienn Szabó
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bánrévi
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
| | - Pedro Correia
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tiago Chaves
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stéphanie Daumas
- Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS-IBPS) INSERM, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Birnie MT, Levis SC, Mahler SV, Baram TZ. Developmental Trajectories of Anhedonia in Preclinical Models. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 58:23-41. [PMID: 35156184 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This chapter discusses how the complex concept of anhedonia can be operationalized and studied in preclinical models. It provides information about the development of anhedonia in the context of early-life adversity, and the power of preclinical models to tease out the diverse molecular, epigenetic, and network mechanisms that are responsible for anhedonia-like behaviors.Specifically, we first discuss the term anhedonia, reviewing the conceptual components underlying reward-related behaviors and distinguish anhedonia pertaining to deficits in motivational versus consummatory behaviors. We then describe the repertoire of experimental approaches employed to study anhedonia-like behaviors in preclinical models, and the progressive refinement over the past decade of both experimental instruments (e.g., chemogenetics, optogenetics) and conceptual constructs (salience, valence, conflict). We follow with an overview of the state of current knowledge of brain circuits, nodes, and projections that execute distinct aspects of hedonic-like behaviors, as well as neurotransmitters, modulators, and receptors involved in the generation of anhedonia-like behaviors. Finally, we discuss the special case of anhedonia that arises following early-life adversity as an eloquent example enabling the study of causality, mechanisms, and sex dependence of anhedonia.Together, this chapter highlights the power, potential, and limitations of using preclinical models to advance our understanding of the origin and mechanisms of anhedonia and to discover potential targets for its prevention and mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Birnie
- Departments of Anatomy/Neurobiology and Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sophia C Levis
- Departments of Anatomy/Neurobiology and Neurobiology/Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Departments of Anatomy/Neurobiology and Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Movassaghi CS, Perrotta KA, Yang H, Iyer R, Cheng X, Dagher M, Fillol MA, Andrews AM. Simultaneous serotonin and dopamine monitoring across timescales by rapid pulse voltammetry with partial least squares regression. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:6747-6767. [PMID: 34686897 PMCID: PMC8551120 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03665-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Many voltammetry methods have been developed to monitor brain extracellular dopamine levels. Fewer approaches have been successful in detecting serotonin in vivo. No voltammetric techniques are currently available to monitor both neurotransmitters simultaneously across timescales, even though they play integrated roles in modulating behavior. We provide proof-of-concept for rapid pulse voltammetry coupled with partial least squares regression (RPV-PLSR), an approach adapted from multi-electrode systems (i.e., electronic tongues) used to identify multiple components in complex environments. We exploited small differences in analyte redox profiles to select pulse steps for RPV waveforms. Using an intentionally designed pulse strategy combined with custom instrumentation and analysis software, we monitored basal and stimulated levels of dopamine and serotonin. In addition to faradaic currents, capacitive currents were important factors in analyte identification arguing against background subtraction. Compared to fast-scan cyclic voltammetry-principal components regression (FSCV-PCR), RPV-PLSR better differentiated and quantified basal and stimulated dopamine and serotonin associated with striatal recording electrode position, optical stimulation frequency, and serotonin reuptake inhibition. The RPV-PLSR approach can be generalized to other electrochemically active neurotransmitters and provides a feedback pipeline for future optimization of multi-analyte, fit-for-purpose waveforms and machine learning approaches to data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron S Movassaghi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Katie A Perrotta
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Hongyan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Rahul Iyer
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Xinyi Cheng
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Merel Dagher
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Miguel Alcañiz Fillol
- Interuniversity Research Institute for Molecular Recognition and Technological Development, Universitat Politècnica de València - Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Anne M Andrews
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Wendel KM, Short AK, Noarbe BP, Haddad E, Palma AM, Yassa MA, Baram TZ, Obenaus A. Early life adversity in male mice sculpts reward circuits. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100409. [PMID: 34746338 PMCID: PMC8554344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) comprises a wide variety of negative experiences during early life and has been linked to cognitive impairments, reduced experiences of pleasure (anhedonia), and other long-term consequences implying that ELA impacts the reward circuitry. In this study, we focused on the projections from the dorsal raphe (DR) to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and on to the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), an important pathway within the reward circuit. We hypothesized that ELA alters connectivity within the DR-VTA-NAcc pathway, associated with deficient reward seeking behaviors in adulthood. We used the limited bedding and nesting model to induce ELA in mice and measured reward-related behaviors in adulthood using the three-chamber social interaction and sucrose preference tests. High resolution ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was acquired and processed for regional DTI metrics, including tractography to assess circuit organization. We found brain-wide changes in radial diffusivity (RD) and altered connectivity of the reward circuit in the ELA group. DR-VTA-NAcc circuit tractography and axial diffusivity (AD) along this tract exhibited dispersed organization where AD was increased in the VTA segment. Behaviorally, ELA elicited a social anhedonia-like phenotype in adulthood with decreased direct social approach and time spent with peers in the three-chamber task, and no overt differences in sucrose preference. Our findings suggest that reward circuits, assessed using DTI, are altered following ELA and that these changes may reflect enduring reward deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara M. Wendel
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Annabel K. Short
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Brenda P. Noarbe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Anton M. Palma
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Michael A. Yassa
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine School of Biological Sciences, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Andre Obenaus
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
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43
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Bhave VM, Nectow AR. The dorsal raphe nucleus in the control of energy balance. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:946-960. [PMID: 34663507 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Energy balance is orchestrated by an extended network of highly interconnected nuclei across the central nervous system. While much is known about the hypothalamic circuits regulating energy homeostasis, the 'extra-hypothalamic' circuits involved are relatively poorly understood. In this review, we focus on the brainstem's dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), integrating decades of research linking this structure to the physiologic and behavioral responses that maintain proper energy stores. DRN neurons sense and respond to interoceptive and exteroceptive cues related to energy imbalance and in turn induce appropriate alterations in energy intake and expenditure. The DRN is also molecularly differentiable, with different populations playing distinct and often opposing roles in controlling energy balance. These populations are integrated into the extended circuit known to regulate energy balance. Overall, this review summarizes the key evidence demonstrating an important role for the DRN in regulating energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun M Bhave
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexander R Nectow
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Pomrenze MB, Walker LC, Giardino WJ. Gray areas: Neuropeptide circuits linking the Edinger-Westphal and Dorsal Raphe nuclei in addiction. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108769. [PMID: 34481834 PMCID: PMC8484048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The circuitry of addiction comprises several neural networks including the midbrain - an expansive region critically involved in the control of motivated behaviors. Midbrain nuclei like the Edinger-Westphal (EW) and dorsal raphe (DR) contain unique populations of neurons that synthesize many understudied neuroactive molecules and are encircled by the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Despite the proximity of these special neuron classes to the ventral midbrain complex and surrounding PAG, functions of the EW and DR remain substantially underinvestigated by comparison. Spanning approximately -3.0 to -5.2 mm posterior from bregma in the mouse, these various cell groups form a continuum of neurons that we refer to collectively as the subaqueductal paramedian zone. Defining how these pathways modulate affective behavioral states presents a difficult, yet conquerable challenge for today's technological advances in neuroscience. In this review, we cover the known contributions of different neuronal subtypes of the subaqueductal paramedian zone. We catalogue these cell types based on their spatial, molecular, connectivity, and functional properties and integrate this information with the existing data on the EW and DR in addiction. We next discuss evidence that links the EW and DR anatomically and functionally, highlighting the potential contributions of an EW-DR circuit to addiction-related behaviors. Overall, we aim to derive an integrated framework that emphasizes the contributions of EW and DR nuclei to addictive states and describes how these cell groups function in individuals suffering from substance use disorders. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Pomrenze
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - William J Giardino
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA.
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45
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Morud J, Hardege I, Liu H, Wu T, Choi MK, Basu S, Zhang Y, Schafer WR. Deorphanization of novel biogenic amine-gated ion channels identifies a new serotonin receptor for learning. Curr Biol 2021; 31:4282-4292.e6. [PMID: 34388373 PMCID: PMC8536830 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.07.036] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) play conserved, critical roles in both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission and can be activated by diverse neurochemical ligands. We have performed a characterization of orphan channels from the nematode C. elegans, identifying five new monoamine-gated LGICs with diverse functional properties and expression postsynaptic to aminergic neurons. These include polymodal anion channels activated by both dopamine and tyramine, which may mediate inhibitory transmission by both molecules in vivo. Intriguingly, we also find that a novel serotonin-gated cation channel, LGC-50, is essential for aversive olfactory learning of pathogenic bacteria, a process known to depend on serotonergic neurotransmission. Remarkably, the redistribution of LGC-50 to neuronal processes is modulated by olfactory conditioning, and lgc-50 point mutations that cause misregulation of receptor membrane expression interfere with olfactory learning. Thus, the intracellular trafficking and localization of these receptors at synapses may represent a molecular cornerstone of the learning mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Morud
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Iris Hardege
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - He Liu
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Centre for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Taihong Wu
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Centre for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Myung-Kyu Choi
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Centre for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Swaraj Basu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Medicinaregatan 9A, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Centre for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - William R Schafer
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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46
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Ghasemzadeh Z, Seddighfar M, Alijanpour S, Rezayof A. Ventral tegmental area serotonin 5-HT 1A receptors and corticolimbic cFos/BDNF/GFAP signaling pathways mediate dextromethorphan/morphine anti-allodynia. Physiol Behav 2021; 239:113522. [PMID: 34242672 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The present study examined the role of ventral tegmental area (VTA) serotonergic 5HT1A receptors in dextromethorphan/morphine-induced anti-allodynia and the possible changes of corticolimbic cFos, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) following the treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS The VTA cannulation and the chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve were performed in male Wistar rats. Flexion withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimulation in the hind-limb were determined using von Frey hairs. The expressions of cFos, BDNF, and GFAP were evaluated using the Western blotting technique. KEY FINDINGS BDNF (in the hippocampus), and GFAP (in the targeted sites) levels were increased following neuropathic pain. Morphine administration induced an anti-allodynic effect with a decrease in the amygdala BDNF level. Dextromethorphan/morphine-induced anti-allodynia was accompanied by the decrease of hippocampus/amygdala/PFC GFAP and amygdala cFos expressions. The PFC BDNF expression level was increased in dextromethorphan/morphine-treated rats. Intra-VTA microinjection of (S)-WAY100135 (1 µg/rat), a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, inhibited the anti-allodynic effect of dextromethorphan/morphine. This treatment increased the cFos level in the hippocampus and the amygdala while decreased the PFC level of cFos. The hippocampal BDNF expression was significantly increased, while the amygdala and the PFC expressions of BDNF were decreased under treatment. (S)-WAY100135 plus dextromethorphan/morphine increased the hippocampal/amygdala and PFC levels of GFAP. SIGNIFICANCE These findings indicate that dextromethorphan could potentiate the analgesic effect of morphine via the implication of the VTA serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. It seems that the changes in the corticolimbic cFos/BDNF/GFAP signaling pathway may be involved in the observed anti-allodynic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghasemzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Seddighfar
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Alijanpour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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47
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Courtiol E, Menezes EC, Teixeira CM. Serotonergic regulation of the dopaminergic system: Implications for reward-related functions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:282-293. [PMID: 34139249 PMCID: PMC8335358 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin is a critical neuromodulator involved in development and behavior. Its role in reward is however still debated. Here, we first review classical studies involving electrical stimulation protocols and pharmacological approaches. Contradictory results on the serotonergic' involvement in reward emerge from these studies. These differences might be ascribable to either the diversity of cellular types within the raphe nuclei or/and the specific projection pathways of serotonergic neurons. We continue to review more recent work, using optogenetic approaches to activate serotonergic cells in the Raphe to VTA pathway. From these studies, it appears that activation of this pathway can lead to reinforcement learning mediated through the excitation of dopaminergic neurons by serotonergic neurons co-transmitting glutamate. Finally, given the importance of serotonin during development on adult emotion, the effect of abnormal early-life levels of serotonin on the dopaminergic system will also be discussed. Understanding the interaction between the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems during development and adulthood is critical to gain insight into the specific facets of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Courtiol
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, UMR 5292- INSERM U1028- Université Lyon 1, 69675 Bron Cedex, France
| | - Edenia C Menezes
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States
| | - Catia M Teixeira
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
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48
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Cunha C, Smiley JF, Chuhma N, Shah R, Bleiwas C, Menezes EC, Seal RP, Edwards RH, Rayport S, Ansorge MS, Castellanos FX, Teixeira CM. Perinatal interference with the serotonergic system affects VTA function in the adult via glutamate co-transmission. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:4795-4812. [PMID: 32398719 PMCID: PMC7657958 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin and dopamine are associated with multiple psychiatric disorders. How they interact during development to affect subsequent behavior remains unknown. Knockout of the serotonin transporter or postnatal blockade with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) leads to novelty-induced exploration deficits in adulthood, potentially involving the dopamine system. Here, we show in the mouse that raphe nucleus serotonin neurons activate ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons via glutamate co-transmission and that this co-transmission is reduced in animals exposed postnatally to SSRIs. Blocking serotonin neuron glutamate co-transmission mimics this SSRI-induced hypolocomotion, while optogenetic activation of dopamine neurons reverses this hypolocomotor phenotype. Our data demonstrate that serotonin neurons modulate dopamine neuron activity via glutamate co-transmission and that this pathway is developmentally malleable, with high serotonin levels during early life reducing co-transmission, revealing the basis for the reduced novelty-induced exploration in adulthood due to postnatal SSRI exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Cunha
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - John F Smiley
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Nao Chuhma
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Relish Shah
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Cynthia Bleiwas
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Edenia C Menezes
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Rebecca P Seal
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Robert H Edwards
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Stephen Rayport
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Mark S Ansorge
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Francisco X Castellanos
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Catia M Teixeira
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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Ionescu TM, Amend M, Hafiz R, Biswal BB, Maurer A, Pichler BJ, Wehrl HF, Herfert K. Striatal and prefrontal D2R and SERT distributions contrastingly correlate with default-mode connectivity. Neuroimage 2021; 243:118501. [PMID: 34428573 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although brain research has taken important strides in recent decades, the interaction and coupling of its different physiological levels is still not elucidated. Specifically, the molecular substrates of resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was elucidating interactions between dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) and serotonin transporter (SERT) availabilities in the striatum (CPu) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), two of the main dopaminergic and serotonergic projection areas, and the default-mode network. Additionally, we delineated its interaction with two other prominent resting-state networks (RSNs), the salience network (SN) and the sensorimotor network (SMN). To this extent, we performed simultaneous PET/fMRI scans in a total of 59 healthy rats using [11C]raclopride and [11C]DASB, two tracers used to image quantify D2R and SERT respectively. Edge, node and network-level rs-FC metrics were calculated for each subject and potential correlations with binding potentials (BPND) in the CPu and mPFC were evaluated. We found widespread negative associations between CPu D2R availability and all the RSNs investigated, consistent with the postulated role of the indirect basal ganglia pathway. Correlations between D2Rs in the mPFC were weaker and largely restricted to DMN connectivity. Strikingly, medial prefrontal SERT correlated both positively with anterior DMN rs-FC and negatively with rs-FC between and within the SN, SMN and the posterior DMN, underlining the complex role of serotonergic neurotransmission in this region. Here we show direct relationships between rs-FC and molecular properties of the brain as assessed by simultaneous PET/fMRI in healthy rodents. The findings in the present study contribute to the basic understanding of rs-FC by revealing associations between inter-subject variances of rs-FC and receptor and transporter availabilities. Additionally, since current therapeutic strategies typically target neurotransmitter systems with the aim of normalizing brain function, delineating associations between molecular and network-level brain properties is essential and may enhance the understanding of neuropathologies and support future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor M Ionescu
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Mario Amend
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rakibul Hafiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Bharat B Biswal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bernd J Pichler
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hans F Wehrl
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Kristina Herfert
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
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50
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Caligiore D, Montedori F, Buscaglione S, Capirchio A. Increasing Serotonin to Reduce Parkinsonian Tremor. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:682990. [PMID: 34354572 PMCID: PMC8331097 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.682990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While current dopamine-based drugs seem to be effective for most Parkinson's disease (PD) motor dysfunctions, they produce variable responsiveness for resting tremor. This lack of consistency could be explained by considering recent evidence suggesting that PD resting tremor can be divided into different partially overlapping phenotypes based on the dopamine response. These phenotypes may be associated with different pathophysiological mechanisms produced by a cortical-subcortical network involving even non-dopaminergic areas traditionally not directly related to PD. In this study, we propose a bio-constrained computational model to study the neural mechanisms underlying a possible type of PD tremor: the one mainly involving the serotoninergic system. The simulations run with the model demonstrate that a physiological serotonin increase can partially recover dopamine levels at the early stages of the disease before the manifestation of overt tremor. This result suggests that monitoring serotonin concentration changes could be critical for early diagnosis. The simulations also show the effectiveness of a new pharmacological treatment for tremor that acts on serotonin to recover dopamine levels. This latter result has been validated by reproducing existing data collected with human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Caligiore
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Montedori
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Buscaglione
- Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction Research Unit (NeXT), Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Capirchio
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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