1
|
Lim H, Zhang Y, Peters C, Straub T, Mayer JL, Klein R. Genetically- and spatially-defined basolateral amygdala neurons control food consumption and social interaction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6868. [PMID: 39127719 PMCID: PMC11316773 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50889-7] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) contains discrete neuronal circuits that integrate positive or negative emotional information and drive the appropriate innate and learned behaviors. Whether these circuits consist of genetically-identifiable and anatomically segregated neuron types, is poorly understood. Also, our understanding of the response patterns and behavioral spectra of genetically-identifiable BLA neurons is limited. Here, we classified 11 glutamatergic cell clusters in mouse BLA and found that several of them were anatomically segregated in lateral versus basal amygdala, and anterior versus posterior regions of the BLA. Two of these BLA subpopulations innately responded to valence-specific, whereas one responded to mixed - aversive and social - cues. Positive-valence BLA neurons promoted normal feeding, while mixed selectivity neurons promoted fear learning and social interactions. These findings enhance our understanding of cell type diversity and spatial organization of the BLA and the role of distinct BLA populations in representing valence-specific and mixed stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hansol Lim
- Department Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department Synapses - Circuits - Plasticity, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christian Peters
- Department Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Tobias Straub
- Biomedical Center Core Facility Bioinformatics, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Luise Mayer
- Department Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Klein
- Department Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Duggins P, Eliasmith C. A scalable spiking amygdala model that explains fear conditioning, extinction, renewal and generalization. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:3093-3116. [PMID: 38616566 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16338] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The amygdala (AMY) is widely implicated in fear learning and fear behaviour, but it remains unclear how the many biological components present within AMY interact to achieve these abilities. Building on previous work, we hypothesize that individual AMY nuclei represent different quantities and that fear conditioning arises from error-driven learning on the synapses between AMY nuclei. We present a computational model of AMY that (a) recreates the divisions and connections between AMY nuclei and their constituent pyramidal and inhibitory neurons; (b) accommodates scalable high-dimensional representations of external stimuli; (c) learns to associate complex stimuli with the presence (or absence) of an aversive stimulus; (d) preserves feature information when mapping inputs to salience estimates, such that these estimates generalize to similar stimuli; and (e) induces a diverse profile of neural responses within each nucleus. Our model predicts (1) defensive responses and neural activities in several experimental conditions, (2) the consequence of artificially ablating particular nuclei and (3) the tendency to generalize defensive responses to novel stimuli. We test these predictions by comparing model outputs to neural and behavioural data from animals and humans. Despite the relative simplicity of our model, we find significant overlap between simulated and empirical data, which supports our claim that the model captures many of the neural mechanisms that support fear conditioning. We conclude by comparing our model to other computational models and by characterizing the theoretical relationship between pattern separation and fear generalization in healthy versus anxious individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Duggins
- Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris Eliasmith
- Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Philosophy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang H, Qian T, Zhao Y, Zhuo Y, Wu C, Osakada T, Chen P, Chen Z, Ren H, Yan Y, Geng L, Fu S, Mei L, Li G, Wu L, Jiang Y, Qian W, Zhang L, Peng W, Xu M, Hu J, Jiang M, Chen L, Tang C, Zhu Y, Lin D, Zhou JN, Li Y. A tool kit of highly selective and sensitive genetically encoded neuropeptide sensors. Science 2023; 382:eabq8173. [PMID: 37972184 PMCID: PMC11205257 DOI: 10.1126/science.abq8173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are key signaling molecules in the endocrine and nervous systems that regulate many critical physiological processes. Understanding the functions of neuropeptides in vivo requires the ability to monitor their dynamics with high specificity, sensitivity, and spatiotemporal resolution. However, this has been hindered by the lack of direct, sensitive, and noninvasive tools. We developed a series of GRAB (G protein-coupled receptor activation‒based) sensors for detecting somatostatin (SST), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), cholecystokinin (CCK), neuropeptide Y (NPY), neurotensin (NTS), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). These fluorescent sensors, which enable detection of specific neuropeptide binding at nanomolar concentrations, establish a robust tool kit for studying the release, function, and regulation of neuropeptides under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tongrui Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yulin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yizhou Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chunling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Takuya Osakada
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Peng Chen
- Institute of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zijun Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huixia Ren
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuqi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lan Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shengwei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Long Mei
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Guochuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yiwen Jiang
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Weiran Qian
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wanling Peng
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Min Xu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ji Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Man Jiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Liangyi Chen
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chao Tang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dayu Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Institute of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu Y, Xie SZ, Peng AB, Yu XD, Li CY, Fu JY, Shen CJ, Cao SX, Zhang Y, Chen J, Li XM. Distinct Circuits From the Central Lateral Amygdala to the Ventral Part of the Bed Nucleus of Stria Terminalis Regulate Different Fear Memory. Biol Psychiatry 2023:S0006-3223(23)01553-6. [PMID: 37678543 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to differentiate stimuli that predict fear is critical for survival; however, the underlying molecular and circuit mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHODS We combined transgenic mice, in vivo transsynaptic circuit-dissecting anatomical approaches, optogenetics, pharmacological methods, and electrophysiological recording to investigate the involvement of specific extended amygdala circuits in different fear memory. RESULTS We identified the projections from central lateral amygdala (CeL) protein kinase C δ (PKCδ)-positive neurons and somatostatin (SST)-positive neurons to GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) and glutamatergic neurons in the ventral part of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (vBNST). Prolonged optogenetic activation or inhibition of the PKCδCeL-vBNST pathway specifically reduced context fear memory, whereas the SSTCeL-vBNST pathway mainly reduced tone fear memory. Intriguingly, optogenetic manipulation of vBNST neurons that received the projection from PKCδCeL neurons exerted bidirectional regulation of context fear, whereas manipulation of vBNST neurons that received the projection from SSTCeL neurons could bidirectionally regulate both context and tone fear memory. We subsequently demonstrated the presence of δ and κ opioid receptor protein expression within the CeL-vBNST circuits, potentially accounting for the discrepancy between prolonged activation of GABAergic circuits and inhibition of downstream vBNST neurons. Finally, administration of an opioid receptor antagonist cocktail on the PKCδCeL-vBNST or SSTCeL-vBNST pathway successfully restored context or tone fear memory reduction induced by prolonged activation of the circuits. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings establish a functional role for distinct CeL-vBNST circuits in the differential regulation and appropriate maintenance of fear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Ze Xie
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ai-Bing Peng
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Yu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Yue Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Yu Fu
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen-Jie Shen
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Xia Cao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiadong Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Research Units for Emotion and Emotion Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Maddern XJ, Walker LC, Campbell EJ, Arunogiri S, Haber PS, Morley K, Manning V, Millan EZ, McNally GP, Lubman DI, Lawrence AJ. Can we enhance the clinical efficacy of cognitive and psychological approaches to treat substance use disorders through understanding their neurobiological mechanisms? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104899. [PMID: 36183863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104899] [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: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of research in the field of addiction, relapse rates for substance use disorders remain high. Consequently, there has been growing focus on providing evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders, resulting in the increased development and use of cognitive and psychological interventions. Such treatment approaches, including contingency management, community-reinforcement approach, and cognitive bias modification, have shown promising clinical efficacy in reducing substance use and promoting abstinence during treatment. However, these interventions are still somewhat limited in achieving sustained periods of abstinence post-treatment. The neurobiological mechanisms underpinning these treatment approaches remain largely unknown and under-studied, in part, due to a lack of translational animal models. The adoption of a reverse translational approach may assist in development of more representative models that can facilitate elucidation of the mechanisms behind these clinically relevant interventions. This review examines our current understanding of addiction neurobiology from clinical, preclinical research and existing animal models, and considers how the efficacy of such behavioral-oriented interventions alone, or in combination with pharmacotherapy, may be enhanced to improve treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier J Maddern
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Erin J Campbell
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Shalini Arunogiri
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul S Haber
- Edith Collins Centre, Drug Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsten Morley
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Victoria Manning
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Dan I Lubman
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
GluN3A excitatory glycine receptors control adult cortical and amygdalar circuits. Neuron 2022; 110:2438-2454.e8. [PMID: 35700736 PMCID: PMC9365314 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
GluN3A is an atypical glycine-binding subunit of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) whose actions in the brain are mostly unknown. Here, we show that the expression of GluN3A subunits controls the excitability of mouse adult cortical and amygdalar circuits via an unusual signaling mechanism involving the formation of excitatory glycine GluN1/GluN3A receptors (eGlyRs) and their tonic activation by extracellular glycine. eGlyRs are mostly extrasynaptic and reside in specific neuronal populations, including the principal cells of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and SST-positive interneurons (SST-INs) of the neocortex. In the BLA, tonic eGlyR currents are sensitive to fear-conditioning protocols, are subject to neuromodulation by the dopaminergic system, and control the stability of fear memories. In the neocortex, eGlyRs control the in vivo spiking of SST-INs and the behavior-dependent modulation of cortical activity. GluN3A-containing eGlyRs thus represent a novel and widespread signaling modality in the adult brain, with attributes that strikingly depart from those of conventional NMDARs. In mice, GluN3A is expressed by SST-INs in the cortex and pyramidal neurons in the BLA GluN3A assembles as excitatory glycine GluN1/GluN3A receptors (eGlyRs) eGlyRs detect extracellular glycine levels and generate tonic excitatory currents eGlyRs tune the function of SST-INs in cortex and alter the formation of fear memories in BLA
Collapse
|
7
|
Mazuski C, O'Keefe J. Representation of ethological events by basolateral amygdala neurons. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110921. [PMID: 35675779 PMCID: PMC9638002 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110921] [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: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate interpretation of ethologically relevant stimuli is crucial for survival. While basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuronal responses during fear conditioning are well studied, little is known about how BLA neurons respond during naturalistic events. We recorded from the rat BLA during interaction with ethological stimuli: male or female rats, a moving toy, and rice. Forty-two percent of the cells reliably respond to at least one stimulus, with over half of these exclusively identifying one of the four stimulus classes. In addition to activation during interaction with their preferred stimulus, these cells signal micro-behavioral interactions like social contact. After stimulus removal, firing activity persists in 30% of responsive cells for several minutes. At the micro-circuit level, information flows from highly tuned event-specific neurons to less specific neurons, and connection strength increases after the event. We propose that individual BLA neurons identify specific ethological events, with event-specific neurons driving circuit-wide activity during and after salient events. Basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons respond selectively to salient stimuli After activation, BLA neurons can be modulated by the behavioral microstructure Firing persists in some BLA neurons long after the removal of the eliciting stimulus In the BLA micro-circuit, information flowed from more tuned to less tuned neurons
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mazuski
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University College London, London W1T4JG, UK.
| | - John O'Keefe
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University College London, London W1T4JG, UK; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
OUP accepted manuscript. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:4619-4639. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
9
|
Genetically identified amygdala-striatal circuits for valence-specific behaviors. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1586-1600. [PMID: 34663958 PMCID: PMC8556347 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00927-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays essential roles in behaviors motivated by stimuli with either positive or negative valence, but how it processes motivationally opposing information and participates in establishing valence-specific behaviors remains unclear. Here, by targeting Fezf2-expressing neurons in the BLA, we identify and characterize two functionally distinct classes in behaving mice, the negative-valence neurons and positive-valence neurons, which innately represent aversive and rewarding stimuli, respectively, and through learning acquire predictive responses that are essential for punishment avoidance or reward seeking. Notably, these two classes of neurons receive inputs from separate sets of sensory and limbic areas, and convey punishment and reward information through projections to the nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle, respectively, to drive negative and positive reinforcement. Thus, valence-specific BLA neurons are wired with distinctive input-output structures, forming a circuit framework that supports the roles of the BLA in encoding, learning and executing valence-specific motivated behaviors.
Collapse
|
10
|
Domi E, Xu L, Toivainen S, Nordeman A, Gobbo F, Venniro M, Shaham Y, Messing RO, Visser E, van den Oever MC, Holm L, Barbier E, Augier E, Heilig M. A neural substrate of compulsive alcohol use. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/34/eabg9045. [PMID: 34407947 PMCID: PMC8373126 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg9045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol intake remains controlled in a majority of users but becomes "compulsive," i.e., continues despite adverse consequences, in a minority who develop alcohol addiction. Here, using a footshock-punished alcohol self-administration procedure, we screened a large population of outbred rats to identify those showing compulsivity operationalized as punishment-resistant self-administration. Using unsupervised clustering, we found that this behavior emerged as a stable trait in a subpopulation of rats and was associated with activity of a brain network that included central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Activity of PKCδ+ inhibitory neurons in the lateral subdivision of CeA (CeL) accounted for ~75% of variance in punishment-resistant alcohol taking. Activity-dependent tagging, followed by chemogenetic inhibition of neurons activated during punishment-resistant self-administration, suppressed alcohol taking, as did a virally mediated shRNA knockdown of PKCδ in CeA. These findings identify a previously unknown mechanism for a core element of alcohol addiction and point to a novel candidate therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esi Domi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 581 85, Sweden.
| | - Li Xu
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 581 85, Sweden
- Psychosomatic Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Sanne Toivainen
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 581 85, Sweden
| | - Anton Nordeman
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 581 85, Sweden
| | - Francesco Gobbo
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Marco Venniro
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Yavin Shaham
- Behavioral Neuroscience Branch Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Robert O Messing
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research and Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Esther Visser
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michel C van den Oever
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lovisa Holm
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 581 85, Sweden
| | - Estelle Barbier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 581 85, Sweden
| | - Eric Augier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 581 85, Sweden
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 581 85, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lee J, An B, Choi S. Longitudinal recordings of single units in the basal amygdala during fear conditioning and extinction. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11177. [PMID: 34045527 PMCID: PMC8159982 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90530-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The balance between activities of fear neurons and extinction neurons in the basolateral nucleus of the basal amygdala (BAL) has been hypothesized to encode fear states after extinction. However, it remains unclear whether these neurons are solely responsible for encoding fear states. In this study, we stably recorded single-unit activities in the BAL during fear conditioning and extinction for 3 days, providing a comprehensive view on how different BAL neurons respond during fear learning. We found BAL neurons that showed excitatory responses to the conditioned stimulus (CS) after fear conditioning ('conditioning-potentiated neurons') and another population that showed excitatory responses to the CS after extinction ('extinction-potentiated neurons'). Interestingly, we also found BAL neurons that developed inhibitory responses to the CS after fear conditioning ('conditioning-inhibited neurons') or after extinction ('extinction-inhibited neurons'). BAL neurons that showed excitatory responses to the CS displayed various functional connectivity with each other, whereas less connectivity was observed among neurons with inhibitory responses to the CS. Intriguingly, we found correlative neuronal activities between conditioning-potentiated neurons and neurons with inhibitory responses to the CS. Our findings suggest that distinct BAL neurons, which are responsive to the CS with excitation or inhibition, encode various facets of fear conditioning and extinction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junghwa Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bobae An
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Sukwoo Choi
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Samineni VK, Grajales-Reyes JG, Grajales-Reyes GE, Tycksen E, Copits BA, Pedersen C, Ankudey ES, Sackey JN, Sewell SB, Bruchas MR, Gereau RW. Cellular, circuit and transcriptional framework for modulation of itch in the central amygdala. eLife 2021; 10:e68130. [PMID: 34032210 PMCID: PMC8172243 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation that elicits robust scratching and aversive experience. However, the identity of the cells and neural circuits that organize this information remains elusive. Here, we show the necessity and sufficiency of chloroquine-activated neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) for both itch sensation and associated aversion. Further, we show that chloroquine-activated CeA neurons play important roles in itch-related comorbidities, including anxiety-like behaviors, but not in some aversive and appetitive behaviors previously ascribed to CeA neurons. RNA-sequencing of chloroquine-activated CeA neurons identified several differentially expressed genes as well as potential key signaling pathways in regulating pruritis. Finally, viral tracing experiments demonstrate that these neurons send projections to the ventral periaqueductal gray that are critical in modulation of itch. These findings reveal a cellular and circuit signature of CeA neurons orchestrating behavioral and affective responses to pruritus in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Samineni
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Jose G Grajales-Reyes
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Neuroscience Program, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Gary E Grajales-Reyes
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Genome Technology Access Center, Washington University School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
| | - Bryan A Copits
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Christian Pedersen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Edem S Ankudey
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Julian N Sackey
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Sienna B Sewell
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Departmentsof Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of MedicineSt.LouisUnited States
| | - Robert W Gereau
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Departmentsof Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of MedicineSt.LouisUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Distributed coding in auditory thalamus and basolateral amygdala upon associative fear learning. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 67:183-189. [PMID: 33373858 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Associative fear learning is a fundamental learning mechanism that is crucial for an animal's survival. The amygdala's role in fear memory formation has been studied extensively and molecular, cell type and circuit-specific learning mechanisms as well as population level encoding of threatful stimuli within the amygdala are at the core of fear learning. Nevertheless, increasing evidence suggests that fear memories are acquired, stored and modulated by a distributed neuronal network across many brain areas. Here we review recent studies that particularly re-assessed the role of auditory/lateral thalamus, which is one synapse upstream of the lateral amygdala, required for fear learning and exhibits a striking functional resemblance and plasticity pattern to downstream amygdala neurons on the single cell level, yet distinct population level coding.
Collapse
|
14
|
Improving translation of animal models of addiction and relapse by reverse translation. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:625-643. [PMID: 33024318 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-0378-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Critical features of human addiction are increasingly being incorporated into complementary animal models, including escalation of drug intake, punished drug seeking and taking, intermittent drug access, choice between drug and non-drug rewards, and assessment of individual differences based on criteria in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Combined with new technologies, these models advanced our understanding of brain mechanisms of drug self-administration and relapse, but these mechanistic gains have not led to improvements in addiction treatment. This problem is not unique to addiction neuroscience, but it is an increasing source of disappointment and calls to regroup. Here we first summarize behavioural and neurobiological results from the animal models mentioned above. We then propose a reverse translational approach, whose goal is to develop models that mimic successful treatments: opioid agonist maintenance, contingency management and the community-reinforcement approach. These reverse-translated 'treatments' may provide an ecologically relevant platform from which to discover new circuits, test new medications and improve translation.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ahmed MS, Priestley JB, Castro A, Stefanini F, Solis Canales AS, Balough EM, Lavoie E, Mazzucato L, Fusi S, Losonczy A. Hippocampal Network Reorganization Underlies the Formation of a Temporal Association Memory. Neuron 2020; 107:283-291.e6. [PMID: 32392472 PMCID: PMC7643350 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Episodic memory requires linking events in time, a function dependent on the hippocampus. In "trace" fear conditioning, animals learn to associate a neutral cue with an aversive stimulus despite their separation in time by a delay period on the order of tens of seconds. But how this temporal association forms remains unclear. Here we use two-photon calcium imaging of neural population dynamics throughout the course of learning and show that, in contrast to previous theories, hippocampal CA1 does not generate persistent activity to bridge the delay. Instead, learning is concomitant with broad changes in the active neural population. Although neural responses were stochastic in time, cue identity could be read out from population activity over longer timescales after learning. These results question the ubiquity of seconds-long neural sequences during temporal association learning and suggest that trace fear conditioning relies on mechanisms that differ from persistent activity accounts of working memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin S Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - James B Priestley
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Angel Castro
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Fabio Stefanini
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Ana Sofia Solis Canales
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Balough
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Erin Lavoie
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Luca Mazzucato
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Departments of Mathematics and Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Stefano Fusi
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Attila Losonczy
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Geramita MA, Yttri EA, Ahmari SE. The two‐step task, avoidance, and OCD. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:1007-1019. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Geramita
- Department of Psychiatry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh PA USA
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Eric A. Yttri
- Department of Biological Sciences Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh PA USA
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Susanne E. Ahmari
- Department of Psychiatry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstinence-dependent dissociable central amygdala microcircuits control drug craving. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:8126-8134. [PMID: 32205443 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001615117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that social choice-induced voluntary abstinence prevents incubation of methamphetamine craving in rats. This inhibitory effect was associated with activation of protein kinase-Cδ (PKCδ)-expressing neurons in central amygdala lateral division (CeL). In contrast, incubation of craving after forced abstinence was associated with activation of CeL-expressing somatostatin (SOM) neurons. Here we determined the causal role of CeL PKCδ and SOM in incubation using short-hairpin RNAs against PKCδ or SOM that we developed and validated. We injected two groups with shPKCδ or shCtrlPKCδ into CeL and trained them to lever press for social interaction (6 d) and then for methamphetamine infusions (12 d). We injected two other groups with shSOM or shCtrlSOM into CeL and trained them to lever press for methamphetamine infusions (12 d). We then assessed relapse to methamphetamine seeking after 1 and 15 abstinence days. Between tests, the rats underwent either social choice-induced abstinence (shPKCδ groups) or homecage forced abstinence (shSOM groups). After test day 15, we assessed PKCδ and SOM, Fos, and double-labeled expression in CeL and central amygdala medial division (CeM). shPKCδ CeL injections decreased Fos in CeL PKCδ-expressing neurons, increased Fos in CeM output neurons, and reversed the inhibitory effect of social choice-induced abstinence on incubated drug seeking on day 15. In contrast, shSOM CeL injections decreased Fos in CeL SOM-expressing neurons, decreased Fos in CeM output neurons, and decreased incubated drug seeking after 15 forced abstinence days. Our results identify dissociable central amygdala mechanisms of abstinence-dependent expression or inhibition of incubation of craving.
Collapse
|
18
|
Hammoud MZ, Foa EB, Milad MR. Oestradiol, threat conditioning and extinction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and prolonged exposure therapy: A common link. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12800. [PMID: 31595559 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The accumulating evidence regarding the impact of estradiol on learning and memory synergized studies to examine its influence on enhancing animal's ability to quell fear and anxiety. In this review, we first provide a foundational platform regarding the impact of oestradiol on cellular mechanisms of learning and memory and we review recent advances from rodent and human data showing that oestrogen enhances extinction learning across species. We then propose clinical application to these data. We discuss the potential role of oestradiol variance on the aetiology, maintenance and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Specifically, we argue that the use of oestradiol as an adjunct to prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for PTSD may provide a new treatment approach for enhancing the efficacy of PE in women with PTSD. This could advance our understanding of the mechanisms of PTSD and help tailor sex-specific treatments for this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mira Z Hammoud
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edna B Foa
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mohammed R Milad
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Affective memory rehearsal with temporal sequences in amygdala neurons. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:2050-2059. [DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0542-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
20
|
Gründemann J, Bitterman Y, Lu T, Krabbe S, Grewe BF, Schnitzer MJ, Lüthi A. Amygdala ensembles encode behavioral states. Science 2019; 364:364/6437/eaav8736. [PMID: 31000636 DOI: 10.1126/science.aav8736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Internal states, including affective or homeostatic states, are important behavioral motivators. The amygdala regulates motivated behaviors, yet how distinct states are represented in amygdala circuits is unknown. By longitudinally imaging neural calcium dynamics in freely moving mice across different environments, we identified opponent changes in activity levels of two major, nonoverlapping populations of basal amygdala principal neurons. This population signature does not report global anxiety but predicts switches between exploratory and nonexploratory, defensive states. Moreover, the amygdala separately processes external stimuli and internal states and broadcasts state information via several output pathways to larger brain networks. Our findings extend the concept of thalamocortical "brain-state" coding to include affective and exploratory states and provide an entry point into the state dependency of brain function and behavior in defined circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gründemann
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yael Bitterman
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tingjia Lu
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Krabbe
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin F Grewe
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University and ETH Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mark J Schnitzer
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, CNC Program, James H. Clark Center for Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andreas Lüthi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, 4000 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The acquisition of associated signals is commonly seen in life. The integrative storage of these exogenous and endogenous signals is essential for cognition, emotion and behaviors. In terms of basic units of memory traces or engrams, associative memory cells are recruited in the brain during learning, cognition and emotional reactions. The recruitment and refinement of associative memory cells facilitate the retrieval of memory-relevant events and the learning of reorganized unitary signals that have been acquired. The recruitment of associative memory cells is fulfilled by generating mutual synapse innervations among them in coactivated brain regions. Their axons innervate downstream neurons convergently and divergently to recruit secondary associative memory cells. Mutual synapse innervations among associative memory cells confer the integrative storage and reciprocal retrieval of associated signals. Their convergent synapse innervations to secondary associative memory cells endorse integrative cognition. Their divergent innervations to secondary associative memory cells grant multiple applications of associated signals. Associative memory cells in memory traces are defined to be nerve cells that are able to encode multiple learned signals and receive synapse innervations carrying these signals. An impairment in the recruitment and refinement of associative memory cells will lead to the memory deficit associated with neurological diseases and psychological disorders. This review presents a comprehensive diagram for the recruitment and refinement of associative memory cells for memory-relevant events in a lifetime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang JY, Liu TH, He Y, Pan HQ, Zhang WH, Yin XP, Tian XL, Li BM, Wang XD, Holmes A, Yuan TF, Pan BX. Chronic Stress Remodels Synapses in an Amygdala Circuit-Specific Manner. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:189-201. [PMID: 30060908 PMCID: PMC6747699 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic stress exposure increases the risk of developing various neuropsychiatric illnesses. The behavioral sequelae of stress correlate with dendritic hypertrophy and glutamate-related synaptic remodeling at basolateral amygdala projection neurons (BLA PNs). Yet, though BLA PNs are functionally heterogeneous with diverse corticolimbic targets, it remains unclear whether stress differentially impacts specific output circuits. METHODS Confocal imaging was used to reconstruct the morphology of mouse BLA PNs with the aid of retrograde tracing and biocytin staining. The synaptic activity in these neurons was measured with in vitro electrophysiology, and anxiety-like behavior of the mice was assessed with the elevated plus maze and open field test. RESULTS Chronic restraint stress (CRS) produced dendritic hypertrophy across mouse BLA PNs, regardless of whether they did (BLA→dorsomedial prefrontal cortex [dmPFC]) or did not (BLA↛dmPFC) target dmPFC. However, CRS increased the size of dendritic spine heads and the number of mature, mushroom-shaped spines only in BLA↛dmPFC PNs, sparing neighboring BLA→dmPFC PNs. Moreover, the excitatory glutamatergic transmission was also selectively increased in BLA↛dmPFC PNs, and this effect correlated with CRS-induced increases in anxiety-like behavior. Segregating BLA↛dmPFC PNs based on their targeting of ventral hippocampus (BLA→ventral hippocampus) or nucleus accumbens (BLA→nucleus accumbens) revealed that CRS increased spine density and glutamatergic signaling in BLA→ventral hippocampus PNs in a manner that correlated with anxiety-like behavior. CONCLUSIONS Chronic stress caused BLA PN neuronal remodeling with a previously unrecognized degree of circuit specificity, offering new insight into the pathophysiological basis of depression, anxiety disorders, and other stress-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bing-Xing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; Department of Neurology, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; Human Aging Research Institute, School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang X, Li B. Population coding of valence in the basolateral amygdala. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5195. [PMID: 30518754 PMCID: PMC6281657 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07679-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays important roles in associative learning, by representing conditioned stimuli (CSs) and unconditioned stimuli (USs), and by forming associations between CSs and USs. However, how such associations are formed and updated remains unclear. Here we show that associative learning driven by reward and punishment profoundly alters BLA population responses, reducing noise correlations and transforming the representations of CSs to resemble the valence-specific representations of USs. This transformation is accompanied by the emergence of prevalent inhibitory CS and US responses, and by the plasticity of CS responses in individual BLA neurons. During reversal learning wherein the expected valences are reversed, BLA population CS representations are remapped onto ensembles representing the opposite valences and predict the switching in valence-specific behaviors. Our results reveal how signals predictive of opposing valences in the BLA evolve during learning, and how these signals are updated during reversal learning thereby guiding flexible behaviors. It is unclear how the basolateral amygdala (BLA) contributes to behaviors driven by aversive or appetitive stimuli. Here, authors simultaneously record the activities of ensembles of BLA neurons in behaving mice to show that distinct but spatially intermingled BLA populations respond to either reward or punishment and that associative learning transforms BLA population activities to represent specific valences
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Bo Li
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY, 11724, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Volitional social interaction prevents drug addiction in rat models. Nat Neurosci 2018; 21:1520-1529. [PMID: 30323276 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Addiction treatment has not been appreciably improved by neuroscientific research. One problem is that mechanistic studies using rodent models do not incorporate volitional social factors, which play a critical role in human addiction. Here, using rats, we introduce an operant model of choice between drugs and social interaction. Independent of sex, drug class, drug dose, training conditions, abstinence duration, social housing, or addiction score in Diagnostic & Statistical Manual IV-based and intermittent access models, operant social reward prevented drug self-administration. This protection was lessened by delay or punishment of the social reward but neither measure was correlated with the addiction score. Social-choice-induced abstinence also prevented incubation of methamphetamine craving. This protective effect was associated with activation of central amygdala PKCδ-expressing inhibitory neurons and inhibition of anterior insular cortex activity. These findings highlight the need for incorporating social factors into neuroscience-based addiction research and support the wider implantation of socially based addiction treatments.
Collapse
|
25
|
Towards an animal model of callousness. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:121-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
26
|
Hofmann SG, Hay AC. Rethinking avoidance: Toward a balanced approach to avoidance in treating anxiety disorders. J Anxiety Disord 2018; 55:14-21. [PMID: 29550689 PMCID: PMC5879019 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Avoidance is typically considered a maladaptive behavioral response to excessive fear and anxiety, leading to the maintenance of anxiety disorders. Exposure is a core element of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. One important aspect of this treatment is repeated and prolonged exposure to a threat while discouraging patients from using avoidance strategies, such as escape or safety behaviors. We will first revisit the role of avoidance learning in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders, including important insights from the neuroscience literature. Next, we will consider both the negative and positive aspects of avoidance for therapeutic interventions. Finally, we will explore the application of adaptive avoidance in exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. We will argue that there are occasions when avoidance behaviors can serve as effective coping strategies to enhance the person's perception of control over the environment and the potential threat. We conclude that avoidance behaviors can be a valuable therapeutic element, depending on the function of these behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan G Hofmann
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 648 Beacon St., 6(th) Floor, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Aleena C Hay
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 648 Beacon St., 6(th) Floor, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
LeDoux J, Daw ND. Surviving threats: neural circuit and computational implications of a new taxonomy of defensive behaviour. Nat Rev Neurosci 2018; 19:269-282. [PMID: 29593300 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2018.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Research on defensive behaviour in mammals has in recent years focused on elicited reactions; however, organisms also make active choices when responding to danger. We propose a hierarchical taxonomy of defensive behaviour on the basis of known psychological processes. Included are three categories of reactions (reflexes, fixed reactions and habits) and three categories of goal-directed actions (direct action-outcome behaviours and actions based on implicit or explicit forecasting of outcomes). We then use this taxonomy to guide a summary of findings regarding the underlying neural circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph LeDoux
- Center for Neural Science and Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical School, New York, NY, USA.,Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatry Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Daw
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Molero-Chamizo A, Rivera-Urbina GN. Effects of lesions in different nuclei of the amygdala on conditioned taste aversion. Exp Brain Res 2017; 235:3517-3526. [PMID: 28861596 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-017-5078-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is an adaptive learning that depends on brain mechanisms not completely identified. The amygdala is one of the structures that make up these mechanisms, but the involvement of its nuclei in the acquisition of CTA is unclear. Lesion studies suggest that the basolateral complex of the amygdala, including the basolateral and lateral amygdala, could be involved in CTA. The central amygdala has also been considered as an important nucleus for the acquisition of CTA in some studies. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of lesions of the basolateral complex of the amygdala on the acquisition of CTA has not been directly compared with the effect of lesions of the central and medial nuclei of the amygdala. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of lesions of different nuclei of the amygdala (the central and medial amygdala and the basolateral complex) on the acquisition of taste aversion in male Wistar rats. The results indicate that lesions of the basolateral complex of the amygdala reduce the magnitude of the CTA when compared with lesions of the other nuclei and with animals without lesions. These findings suggest that the involvement of the amygdala in the acquisition of CTA seems to depend particularly on the integrity of the basolateral complex of the amygdala.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Molero-Chamizo
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Granada, Campus Cartuja 18071, Granada, Spain. .,Department of Psychology. Psychobiology Area, University of Huelva, Campus El Carmen, 21071, Huelva, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kim WB, Cho JH. Encoding of Discriminative Fear Memory by Input-Specific LTP in the Amygdala. Neuron 2017; 95:1129-1146.e5. [PMID: 28823727 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In auditory fear conditioning, experimental subjects learn to associate an auditory conditioned stimulus (CS) with an aversive unconditioned stimulus. With sufficient training, animals fear conditioned to an auditory CS show fear response to the CS, but not to irrelevant auditory stimuli. Although long-term potentiation (LTP) in the lateral amygdala (LA) plays an essential role in auditory fear conditioning, it is unknown whether LTP is induced selectively in the neural pathways conveying specific CS information to the LA in discriminative fear learning. Here, we show that postsynaptically expressed LTP is induced selectively in the CS-specific auditory pathways to the LA in a mouse model of auditory discriminative fear conditioning. Moreover, optogenetically induced depotentiation of the CS-specific auditory pathways to the LA suppressed conditioned fear responses to the CS. Our results suggest that input-specific LTP in the LA contributes to fear memory specificity, enabling adaptive fear responses only to the relevant sensory cue. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woong Bin Kim
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jun-Hyeong Cho
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Makino H, Hwang EJ, Hedrick NG, Komiyama T. Circuit Mechanisms of Sensorimotor Learning. Neuron 2017; 92:705-721. [PMID: 27883902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between the brain and the environment is flexible, forming the foundation for our ability to learn. Here we review the current state of our understanding of the modifications in the sensorimotor pathway related to sensorimotor learning. We divide the process into three hierarchical levels with distinct goals: (1) sensory perceptual learning, (2) sensorimotor associative learning, and (3) motor skill learning. Perceptual learning optimizes the representations of important sensory stimuli. Associative learning and the initial phase of motor skill learning are ensured by feedback-based mechanisms that permit trial-and-error learning. The later phase of motor skill learning may primarily involve feedback-independent mechanisms operating under the classic Hebbian rule. With these changes under distinct constraints and mechanisms, sensorimotor learning establishes dedicated circuitry for the reproduction of stereotyped neural activity patterns and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Makino
- Neurobiology Section, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Eun Jung Hwang
- Neurobiology Section, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nathan G Hedrick
- Neurobiology Section, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Takaki Komiyama
- Neurobiology Section, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Role of the lateral habenula in memory through online processing of information. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 162:69-78. [PMID: 28709783 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Our memory abilities, whether they involve short-term working memory or long-term episodic or procedural memories, are essential for our well-being, our capacity to adapt to constraints of our environment and survival. Therefore, several key brain regions and neurotransmitter systems are engaged in the processing of sensory information to either maintain such information in working memory so that it will quickly be used, and/or participate in the elaboration and storage of enduring traces useful for longer periods of time. Animal research has recently attracted attention on the lateral habenula which, as shown in rodents and non-human primates, seems to process information stemming in the main regions involved in memory processing, e.g., the medial prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, the amygdala, the septal region, the basal ganglia, and participates in the control of key memory-related neurotransmitters systems, i.e., dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine. Recently, the lateral habenula has been involved in working and spatial reference memories, in rodents, likely by participating in online processing of contextual information. In addition, several behavioral studies strongly suggest that it is also involved in the processing of the emotional valance of incoming information in order to adapt to particularly stressful situations. Therefore, the lateral habenula appears like a key region at the interface between cognition and emotion to participate in the selection of appropriate behaviors.
Collapse
|
32
|
Central Amygdala Somatostatin Neurons Gate Passive and Active Defensive Behaviors. J Neurosci 2017; 36:6488-96. [PMID: 27307236 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4419-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The central amygdala (CeA) has a key role in learning and expression of defensive responses. Recent studies indicate that somatostatin-expressing (SOM(+)) neurons in the lateral division of the CeA (CeL) are essential for the acquisition and recall of conditioned freezing behavior, which has been used as an index of defensive response in laboratory animals during Pavlovian fear conditioning. However, how exactly these neurons participate in fear conditioning and whether they contribute to the generation of defensive responses other than freezing remain unknown. Here, using fiber-optic photometry combined with optogenetic and molecular techniques in behaving mice, we show that SOM(+) CeL neurons are activated by threat-predicting sensory cues after fear conditioning and that activation of these neurons suppresses ongoing actions and converts an active defensive behavior to a passive response. Furthermore, inhibition of these neurons using optogenetic or molecular methods promotes active defensive behaviors. Our results provide the first in vivo evidence that SOM(+) neurons represent a CeL population that acquires learning-dependent sensory responsiveness during fear conditioning and furthermore reveal an important role of these neurons in gating passive versus active defensive behaviors in animals confronted with threat. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The ability to develop adaptive behavioral responses to threat is fundamental for survival. Recent studies indicate that the central lateral amygdala (CeL), in particular its somatostatin-expressing neurons, is crucial for both learning and the expression of defensive response. However, how exactly these neurons participate in such processes remains unclear. Here we show for the first time in behaving mice that the somatostatin-expressing neurons in the CeL acquire learning-dependent responsiveness to sensory cues predicting a threat. Furthermore, our results indicate that these neurons gate the behavioral output of an animal: whereas high activity in these neurons biases toward passive defensive responses, low activity in these neurons allows the expression of active defensive responses.
Collapse
|
33
|
Sharifi KA, Rezayof A, Torkaman-Boutorabi A, Zarrindast MR. The major neurotransmitter systems in the basolateral amygdala and the ventral tegmental area mediate morphine-induced memory consolidation impairment. Neuroscience 2017; 353:7-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
34
|
Rovira-Esteban L, Péterfi Z, Vikór A, Máté Z, Szabó G, Hájos N. Morphological and physiological properties of CCK/CB1R-expressing interneurons in the basal amygdala. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:3543-3565. [PMID: 28391401 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1417-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Principal neurons in cortical regions including the basal nucleus of the amygdala (BA) are innervated by several types of inhibitory cells, one of which expresses the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK) and the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R). CCK/CB1R-expressing interneurons may have a profound impact on amygdalar function by controlling its output. However, very little is known about their properties, and therefore their role in circuit operation cannot be predicted. To characterize the CCK/CB1R-expressing interneurons in the BA, we combined in vitro electrophysiological recordings and neuroanatomical techniques in a transgenic mouse that expresses DsRed fluorescent protein under the control of the CCK promoter. We found that the majority of CCK/CB1R-positive interneurons expressed either the type 3 vesicular glutamate transporter (VGluT3) or the Ca2+ binding protein calbindin (Calb). VGluT3+ CCK/CB1R-expressing interneurons targeted the soma of principal neurons more often than Calb+ CCK/CB1R-expressing interneurons, but the dendritic morphology and membrane properties of these two neurochemically distinct interneuron types were not significantly different. The results of paired recordings showed that the unitary IPSC properties of VGluT3+ or Calb+ CCK/CB1R-expressing interneurons recorded in principal neurons were indistinguishable. We verified that endocannabinoids at the output synapses of CCK/CB1R-expressing interneurons could potently reduce the unitary IPSC magnitude. In summary, independent of the neurochemical content, CCK/CB1R-expressing interneurons have similar physiological and morphological properties, providing an endocannabinoid-sensitive synaptic inhibition onto the amygdalar principal neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rovira-Esteban
- Lendület Laboratory of Network Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Péterfi
- Lendület Laboratory of Network Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Vikór
- Lendület Laboratory of Network Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Máté
- Division of Medical Gene Technology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szabó
- Division of Medical Gene Technology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Hájos
- Lendület Laboratory of Network Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
LeDoux JE, Moscarello J, Sears R, Campese V. The birth, death and resurrection of avoidance: a reconceptualization of a troubled paradigm. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:24-36. [PMID: 27752080 PMCID: PMC5173426 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Research on avoidance conditioning began in the late 1930s as a way to use laboratory experiments to better understand uncontrollable fear and anxiety. Avoidance was initially conceived of as a two-factor learning process in which fear is first acquired through Pavlovian aversive conditioning (so-called fear conditioning), and then behaviors that reduce the fear aroused by the Pavlovian conditioned stimulus are reinforced through instrumental conditioning. Over the years, criticisms of both the avoidance paradigm and the two-factor fear theory arose. By the mid-1980s, avoidance had fallen out of favor as an experimental model relevant to fear and anxiety. However, recent progress in understanding the neural basis of Pavlovian conditioning has stimulated a new wave of research on avoidance. This new work has fostered new insights into contributions of not only Pavlovian and instrumental learning but also habit learning, to avoidance, and has suggested that the reinforcing event underlying the instrumental phase should be conceived in terms of cellular and molecular events in specific circuits rather than in terms of vague notions of fear reduction. In our approach, defensive reactions (freezing), actions (avoidance) and habits (habitual avoidance) are viewed as being controlled by unique circuits that operate nonconsciously in the control of behavior, and that are distinct from the circuits that give rise to conscious feelings of fear and anxiety. These refinements, we suggest, overcome older criticisms, justifying the value of the new wave of research on avoidance, and offering a fresh perspective on the clinical implications of this work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E LeDoux
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - J Moscarello
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Sears
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - V Campese
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wang GY, Zhu ZM, Cui S, Wang JH. Glucocorticoid Induces Incoordination between Glutamatergic and GABAergic Neurons in the Amygdala. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166535. [PMID: 27861545 PMCID: PMC5115758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stressful life leads to mood disorders. Chronic mild stress is presumably major etiology for depression, and acute severe stress leads to anxiety. These stressful situations may impair hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and in turn induce synapse dysfunction. However, it remains elusive how the stress hormones mess up subcellular compartments and interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neurons, which we have investigated in mouse amygdala, a structure related to emotional states. METHODS AND RESULTS Dexamethasone was chronically given by intraperitoneal injection once a day for one week or was acutely washed into the brain slices. The neuronal spikes and synaptic transmission were recorded by whole-cell patching in amygdala neurons of brain slices. The chronic or acute administration of dexamethasone downregulates glutamate release as well as upregulates GABA release and GABAergic neuron spiking. The chronic administration of dexamethasone also enhances the responsiveness of GABA receptors. CONCLUSION The upregulation of GABAergic neurons and the downregulation of glutamatergic neurons by glucocorticoid impair their balance in the amygdala, which leads to emotional disorders during stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Yan Wang
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, 38 Dengzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Zhao-Ming Zhu
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, 38 Dengzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Shan Cui
- State Key Lab of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, 38 Dengzhou, Shandong, China
- State Key Lab of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Do Monte FH, Quirk GJ, Li B, Penzo MA. Retrieving fear memories, as time goes by…. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1027-36. [PMID: 27217148 PMCID: PMC4956525 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Research in fear conditioning has provided a comprehensive picture of the neuronal circuit underlying the formation of fear memories. In contrast, our understanding of the retrieval of fear memories is much more limited. This disparity may stem from the fact that fear memories are not rigid, but reorganize over time. To bring some clarity and raise awareness about the time-dependent dynamics of retrieval circuits, we review current evidence on the neuronal circuitry participating in fear memory retrieval at both early and late time points following auditory fear conditioning. We focus on the temporal recruitment of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) for the retrieval and maintenance of fear memories. Finally, we speculate as to why retrieval circuits change with time, and consider the functional strategy of recruiting structures not previously considered as part of the retrieval circuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabricio H. Do Monte
- Departments of Psychiatry and Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, PO Box 365067, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
| | - Gregory J. Quirk
- Departments of Psychiatry and Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, PO Box 365067, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
| | - Bo Li
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Mario A. Penzo
- National Institute of Mental Health, 35 Convent Drive, Bldg. 35A Room 2E621, Bethesda, MD 20850
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Evaluation of ambiguous associations in the amygdala by learning the structure of the environment. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:965-72. [PMID: 27214568 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recognizing predictive relationships is critical for survival, but an understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms remains elusive. In particular, it is unclear how the brain distinguishes predictive relationships from spurious ones when evidence about a relationship is ambiguous, or how it computes predictions given such uncertainty. To better understand this process, we introduced ambiguity into an associative learning task by presenting aversive outcomes both in the presence and in the absence of a predictive cue. Electrophysiological and optogenetic approaches revealed that amygdala neurons directly regulated and tracked the effects of ambiguity on learning. Contrary to established accounts of associative learning, however, interference from competing associations was not required to assess an ambiguous cue-outcome contingency. Instead, animals' behavior was explained by a normative account that evaluates different models of the environment's statistical structure. These findings suggest an alternative view of amygdala circuits in resolving ambiguity during aversive learning.
Collapse
|