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Mueller LE, Wexler RS, Lovejoy DA, Stein RB, Slee AM. Teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP)-1 attenuates the development and expression of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in male Swiss Webster mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1565-1575. [PMID: 38630316 PMCID: PMC11269454 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), the apical stress-inducing hormone, exacerbates stress and addictive behaviors. TCAP-1 is a peptide that directly inhibits both CRF-mediated stress and addiction-related behaviors; however, the direct action of TCAP-1 on morphine withdrawal-associated behaviors has not previously been examined. OBJECTIVE To determine whether TCAP-1 administration attenuates behavioral and physiological consequences of morphine withdrawal in mice. METHODS Mice were administered via subcutaneous route TCAP-1 either before or after initial morphine exposure, after which jumping behavior was quantified to assess the effects of TCAP-1 on naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal. As a comparison, mice were treated with nonpeptide CRF1 receptor antagonist CP-154,526. In one experiment, plasma corticosterone (CORT) was also measured as a physiological stress indicator. RESULTS Pretreatment with TCAP-1 (10-250 nmol/kg) before morphine treatment significantly inhibited the development of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. TCAP-1 (250-500 nmol/kg) treatment administered after morphine treatment attenuated the behavioral expression of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. TCAP-1 (250 nmol/kg) treatment during morphine treatment was more effective than the optimal dosing of CP-154,526 (20 mg/kg) at suppressing the behavioral expression of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal, despite similar reduction of withdrawal-induced plasma CORT level increases. CONCLUSIONS These findings establish TCAP-1 as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of morphine withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David A Lovejoy
- Protagenic Therapeutics, Inc., New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, CA, Canada
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Zvozilova A, Bukatova S, Koprdova R, Mach M. Evaluation of New Approaches to Depression Treatment Using an Animal Model of Pharmacoresistant Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5265. [PMID: 38791304 PMCID: PMC11121040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105265] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is emerging as the predominant psychiatric disorder globally. Despite the wide availability of antidepressants, up to 30% of patients exhibit poor response to treatment, falling into the category of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This underscores the need for the exploration of novel therapeutic options. Our work aims to study the effect of chronic administration of the pyridoindole derivative SMe1EC2M3, a triple reuptake inhibitor, and the combination of zoletil and venlafaxine under conditions of stress induced by a 4-week chronic mild stress (CMS) procedure in Wistar-Kyoto male rats as an animal model of TRD. Therefore, we investigated the possible effect of the selected compounds in four experimental groups, i.e., stress + vehicle, stress + venlafaxine, stress + zoletil + venlafaxine and stress + SMe1EC2M3. The following variables were assessed: anhedonia in sucrose preference test (SPT), spontaneous locomotion and exploration in open field test (OF), anxiety-like behavior in elevated plus maze test (EPM), motivation and depressive-like behavior in forced swim test (FST) and nociception in tail flick test. We also evaluated cognition, particularly recognition memory, in the novel object recognition test (NOR). Sucrose preference was significantly increased in the SMe1EC2M3 group (p < 0.05) in comparison with the venlafaxine animals. In the OF, we observed a significantly higher number of entries into both the central and peripheral zones in the venlafaxine (p < 0.05 central zone; p ≤ 0.05 periphery zone) and SMe1EC2M3 (p < 0.05 central zone; p < 0.05 periphery zone) groups compared to the venlafaxine + zoletil group. SMe1EC2M3 was able to significantly increase the time of climbing in FST (p < 0.05) in comparison with the venlafaxine and control groups. The NOR test revealed a significantly higher discrimination ratio in the SMe1EC2M3 group (p < 0.05) compared to the control and venlafaxine groups. Analyses of the tail flick test showed a significant increase in reaction time to painful stimuli in the SMe1EC2M3 group (p < 0.05) in comparison to both the control and venlafaxine groups. Our findings suggest that SMe1EC2M3 has the potential to ameliorate some behavioral changes associated with TRD, and the venlafaxine + zoletil combination treatment was not a promising treatment alternative in the animal model of TRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Zvozilova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.Z.); (S.B.); (R.K.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Stanislava Bukatova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.Z.); (S.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Romana Koprdova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.Z.); (S.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Mojmir Mach
- Centre of Experimental Medicine of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.Z.); (S.B.); (R.K.)
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3
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Gao F, Ma J, Yu YQ, Gao XF, Bai Y, Sun Y, Liu J, Liu X, Barry DM, Wilhelm S, Piccinni-Ash T, Wang N, Liu D, Ross RA, Hao Y, Huang X, Jia JJ, Yang Q, Zheng H, van Nispen J, Chen J, Li H, Zhang J, Li YQ, Chen ZF. A non-canonical retina-ipRGCs-SCN-PVT visual pathway for mediating contagious itch behavior. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111444. [PMID: 36198265 PMCID: PMC9595067 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Contagious itch behavior informs conspecifics of adverse environment and is crucial for the survival of social animals. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor (GRPR) in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus mediates contagious itch behavior in mice. Here, we show that intrinsically photosensitive retina ganglion cells (ipRGCs) convey visual itch information, independently of melanopsin, from the retina to GRP neurons via PACAP-PAC1R signaling. Moreover, GRPR neurons relay itch information to the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT). Surprisingly, neither the visual cortex nor superior colliculus is involved in contagious itch. In vivo calcium imaging and extracellular recordings reveal contagious itch-specific neural dynamics of GRPR neurons. Thus, we propose that the retina-ipRGC-SCN-PVT pathway constitutes a previously unknown visual pathway that probably evolved for motion vision that encodes salient environmental cues and enables animals to imitate behaviors of conspecifics as an anticipatory mechanism to cope with adverse conditions. It has been shown that GRP-GRPR neuropeptide signaling in the SCN is important for contagious itch behavior in mice. Gao et al. find that SCN-projecting ipRGCs are sufficient to relay itch information from the retina to the SCN by releasing neuropeptide PACAP to activate the GRP-GRPR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Gao
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jun Ma
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yao-Qing Yu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710038, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Fei Gao
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Present address: Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, P. R. China
| | - Yang Bai
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, P. R. China,Present address: Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Yi Sun
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, P. R. China,Present address: Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, P. R. China
| | - Juan Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Xianyu Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Devin M. Barry
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Steven Wilhelm
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tyler Piccinni-Ash
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Na Wang
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Present address: Shandong Provincial Hospital for Skin Diseases & Shandong Provincial Institute of Dermatology and Venereology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China
| | - Dongyang Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Department of Pain Management, the State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, P.R. China
| | - Rachel A. Ross
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Rose F. Kennedy Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yan Hao
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Present address: Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xu Huang
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and Institute for Medical and Engineering Innovation, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Jing Jia
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Present address: College of Life Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, P. R. China
| | - Qianyi Yang
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hao Zheng
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and Institute for Medical and Engineering Innovation, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Johan van Nispen
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Present address: Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710038, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, P. R. China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and Institute for Medical and Engineering Innovation, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, P. R. China
| | - Zhou-Feng Chen
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Lead contact,Correspondence:
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Brain structure and synaptic protein expression alterations after antidepressant treatment in a Wistar-Kyoto rat model of depression. J Affect Disord 2022; 314:293-302. [PMID: 35878834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural MRI has demonstrated brain alterations in depression pathology and antidepressants treatment. While synaptic plasticity has been previously proposed as the potential underlying mechanism of MRI findings at a cellular and molecular scale, there is still insufficient evidence to link the MRI findings and synaptic plasticity mechanisms in depression pathology. METHODS In this study, a Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) depression rat model was treated with antidepressants (citalopram or Jie-Yu Pills) and tested in a series of behavioral tests and a 7.0 MRI scanner. We then measured dendritic spine density within altered brain regions. We also examined expression of synaptic marker proteins (PSD-95 and SYP). RESULTS WKY rats exhibited depression-like behaviors in the sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swim test (FST), and anxiety-like behaviors in the open field test (OFT). Both antidepressants reversed behavioral changes in SPT and OFT but not in FST. We found a correlation between SPT performance and brain volumes as detected by MRI. All structural changes were consistent with alterations of the corpus callosum (white matter), dendritic spine density, as well as PSD95 and SYP expression at different levels. Two antidepressants similarly reversed these macro- and micro-changes. LIMITATIONS The single dose of antidepressants was the major limitation of this study. Further studies should focus on the white matter microstructure changes and myelin-related protein alterations, in addition to comparing the effects of ketamine. CONCLUSION Translational evidence links structural MRI changes and synaptic plasticity alterations, which promote our understanding of SPT mechanisms and antidepressant response in WKY rats.
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5
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Li Q, Zhao W, Liu S, Zhao Y, Pan W, Wang X, Liu Z, Xu Y. Partial resistance to citalopram in a Wistar-Kyoto rat model of depression: An evaluation using resting-state functional MRI and graph analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:242-251. [PMID: 35500452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats as an endogenous depression model partially lack a response to classic selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Thus, this strain has the potential to be established as a model of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, the SSRI resistance in WKY rats is still not fully understood. In this study, WKY and control rats were subjected to a series of tests, namely, a forced swim test (FST), a sucrose preference test (SPT), and an open field test (OFT), and were scanned in a 7.0-T MRI scanner before and after three-week citalopram or saline administration. Behavioral results demonstrated that WKY rats had increased immobility in the FST and decreased sucrose preference in the SPT and central time spent in the OFT. However, citalopram did not improve immobility in the FST. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis showed regional changes in the striatum and hippocampus of WKY rats. However, citalopram partially reversed the ALFF value in the dorsal part of the two regions. Functional connectivity (FC) analysis showed that FC strengths were decreased in WKY rats compared with controls. Nevertheless, citalopram partially increased FC strengths in WKY rats. Based on FC, global graph analysis demonstrated decreased network efficiency in WKY + saline group compared with control + saline group, but citalopram showed weak network efficiency improvement. In conclusion, resting-state fMRI results implied widely affected brain function at both regional and global levels in WKY rats. Citalopram had only partial effects on these functional changes, indicating a potential treatment resistance mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuropsychiatric Diseases, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Wentao Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuropsychiatric Diseases, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuropsychiatric Diseases, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuropsychiatric Diseases, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; National Key Disciplines, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurobiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Weixing Pan
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuropsychiatric Diseases, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhifen Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuropsychiatric Diseases, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuropsychiatric Diseases, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Department of Mental Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; National Key Disciplines, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurobiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
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Happ DF, Wegener G, Tasker RA. Behavioral and histopathological consequences of transient ischemic stroke in the Flinders Sensitive Line rat, a genetic animal model of depression. Brain Res 2021; 1771:147648. [PMID: 34492264 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients with depression have an increased risk for stroke, higher mortality rates following stroke and worse functional outcomes among survivors. Preclinical studies may help to better understand the underlying mechanisms linking these two diseases, but only a few animal studies have investigated the effects of prestroke depression. The present study investigates whether Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats, a genetic depression model, respond differently to focal ischemic stroke compared to control strains (Flinders Resistant Line [FRL] and Sprague-Dawley [SD]). Male adult FSL, FRL and SD rats received a unilateral injection of either vehicle or Endothelin-1 (ET-1) adjacent to the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Motor function was assessed at 48 h followed by euthanasia and infarct volume measurement using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and image analysis. In a separate cohort behavior was assessed using standard tests for motor function, locomotor activity, cognition, anxiety- and depression-like behavior beginning at 10 days post-injection followed by infarct quantification. We found that ET-1-induced MCA occlusion produced significant infarcts in all three strains. Stroke animals had slightly impaired motor function, but there was no clear interaction effects between strain and stroke surgery on behavioral outcomes. We conclude that FSL rats show no increased susceptibility to brain damage or behavioral deficits following ET-1-induced focal ischemic stroke compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise F Happ
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Pharmaceutical Research Center of Excellence, School of Pharmacy (Pharmacology), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - R Andrew Tasker
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada.
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Knudsen JK, Michaelsen TY, Bundgaard-Nielsen C, Nielsen RE, Hjerrild S, Leutscher P, Wegener G, Sørensen S. Faecal microbiota transplantation from patients with depression or healthy individuals into rats modulates mood-related behaviour. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21869. [PMID: 34750433 PMCID: PMC8575883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01248-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Differences in gut microbiota composition have been observed in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy individuals. Here, we investigated if faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from patients with MDD into rats could induce a depressive-like phenotype. We performed FMT from patients with MDD (FMT-MDD) and healthy individuals (FMT-Healthy) into male Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) rats and assessed depressive-like behaviour. No behavioural differences were observed in the FSL rats. In FRL rats, the FMT-Healthy group displayed significantly less depressive-like behaviour than the FMT-MDD group. However, there was no difference in behaviour between FMT-MDD FRL rats and negative controls, indicating that FMT-Healthy FRL rats received beneficial bacteria. We additionally found different taxa between the FMT-MDD and the FMT-Healthy FRL rats, which could be traced to the donors. Four taxa, three belonging to the family Ruminococcaceae and the genus Lachnospira, were significantly elevated in relative abundance in FMT-MDD rats, while the genus Coprococcus was depleted. In this study, the FMT-MDD group was different from the FMT-Healthy group based on behaviour and intestinal taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Kristine Knudsen
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Bispensgade 37, 9800, Hjørring, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Caspar Bundgaard-Nielsen
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Bispensgade 37, 9800, Hjørring, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - René Ernst Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Simon Hjerrild
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Peter Leutscher
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Bispensgade 37, 9800, Hjørring, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Suzette Sørensen
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Bispensgade 37, 9800, Hjørring, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
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The monoamine stabilizer OSU6162 has anxiolytic-like properties and reduces voluntary alcohol intake in a genetic rat model of depression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11856. [PMID: 34088937 PMCID: PMC8178366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91215-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders (AUD) often co-occur with anxiety and depressive disorders, and anxiety often drives relapse during alcohol abstinence. Optimal AUD pharmacotherapies may thus need to target both excessive alcohol intake and elevated anxiety. (−)-OSU6162 (OSU) is a monoamine stabilizer that attenuates alcohol-mediated behaviors in both preclinical and clinical settings. However, OSU’s effect on anxiety-like behavior following long-term drinking remains unknown. To this end, we utilized a genetic rat model that exhibits increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors (Flinders Sensitive Line; FSL) and their controls (Flinders Resistant Line; FRL). Using the novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) test, we evaluated anxiety-like behaviors (1) at baseline, (2) following long-term voluntary drinking and after 24 h of alcohol deprivation, and (3) following OSU administration in the same animals. At baseline, FSL animals displayed significantly elevated anxiety-like characteristics compared to FRL. Compared to alcohol-naïve animals, long-term drinking significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors in FSL, without any significant effects in FRL animals. Compared to vehicle, OSU administration significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors in alcohol-naïve FSL and long-term drinking FRL animals. While there was no significant difference in alcohol intake between FSL and FRL, OSU attenuated alcohol intake in both strains. Conclusively, in addition to the compound’s previously identified ability to suppress alcohol-mediated behaviors, OSU may also possess anxiolytic properties, warranting further clinical evaluation in both AUD and anxiety disorder settings.
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Corticotropin-releasing hormone 1 receptor antagonism attenuates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive-like behaviors in rats. Neuroreport 2021; 31:1-8. [PMID: 31688420 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and impairment of the central corticotropin-releasing factor system are factors in the pathogenesis of depression. Though several antagonists of the corticotropin-releasing factor 1 receptor were effective in the recognized behavioral tests for antidepressant activity, there is still little information on the potential interactions between corticotropin-releasing factor 1 receptor inhibitors and conventional antidepressant therapy. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of CP154526, a corticotropin-releasing factor 1 receptor blocker, which presented some signs of depression. Our results revealed that CP154526 (5 and 10 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) treatment notably improved the sucrose consumption, produced anti-depressive-like behavior in open-field test, as well as immobility time in forced swimming test. The levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and corticotropin-releasing hormone concentration in the serum were inhibited effectively by CP154526 or fluoxetine administration. Real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis showed the upregulated levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) in the hypothalamus of the rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), while different degrees of downregulation in their expression were detected after CP154526 (5 and 10 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) treatment, respectively. Thus, our data demonstrated that CP154526 exhibited antidepressant effect in CUMS rats, which might be mediated by decreasing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and GAP43 expression in the hypothalamus.
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10
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Simpson S, Shankar K, Kimbrough A, George O. Role of corticotropin-releasing factor in alcohol and nicotine addiction. Brain Res 2020; 1740:146850. [PMID: 32330519 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The two most prevalent substance use disorders involve alcohol and nicotine, which are often co-abused. Robust preclinical and translational evidence indicates that individuals initiate drug use for the acute rewarding effects of the substance. The development of negative emotional states is key for the transition from recreational use to substance use disorders as subjects seek the substance to obtain relief from the negative emotional states of acute withdrawal and protracted abstinence. The neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a major regulator of the brain stress system and key in the development of negative affective states. The present review examines the role of CRF in preclinical models of alcohol and nicotine abuse and explores links between CRF and anxiety-like, dysphoria-like, and other negative affective states. Finally, the present review discusses preclinical models of nicotine and alcohol use with regard to the CRF system, advances in molecular and genetic manipulations of CRF, and the importance of examining both males and females in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra Simpson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Kokila Shankar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Adam Kimbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States.
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11
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Daniels S, Horman T, Lapointe T, Melanson B, Storace A, Kennedy SH, Frey BN, Rizvi SJ, Hassel S, Mueller DJ, Parikh SV, Lam RW, Blier P, Farzan F, Giacobbe P, Milev R, Placenza F, Soares CN, Turecki G, Uher R, Leri F. Reverse translation of major depressive disorder symptoms: A framework for the behavioural phenotyping of putative biomarkers. J Affect Disord 2020; 263:353-366. [PMID: 31969265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reverse translating putative biomarkers of depression from patients to animals is complex because Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly heterogenous condition. This review proposes an approach to reverse translation based on relating relevant bio-behavioural functions in laboratory rodents to MDD symptoms. METHODS This systematic review outlines symptom clusters assessed by psychometric tests of MDD and antidepressant treatment response including the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Symptoms were related to relevant behavioural assays in laboratory rodents. RESULTS The resulting battery of tests includes passive coping, anxiety-like behaviours, sleep, caloric intake, cognition, psychomotor functions, hedonic reactivity and aversive learning. These assays are discussed alongside relevant clinical symptoms of MDD, providing a framework through which reverse translation of a biomarker can be interpreted. LIMITATIONS Certain aspects of MDD may not be quantified by tests in laboratory rodents, and their biological significance may not always be of clinical relevance. CONCLUSIONS Using this reverse translation approach, it is possible to clarify the functional significance of a putative biomarker in rodents and hence translate its contribution to specific clinical symptoms, or clusters of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Daniels
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Horman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Lapointe
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brett Melanson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra Storace
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sidney H Kennedy
- University of Toronto Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sakina J Rizvi
- University of Toronto Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Daniel J Mueller
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Raymond W Lam
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pierre Blier
- The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Faranak Farzan
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter Giacobbe
- University of Toronto Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Franca Placenza
- University of Toronto Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Rudolf Uher
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Francesco Leri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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O'Flaherty B, Neigh GN, Rainnie D. High-fructose diet initiated during adolescence does not affect basolateral amygdala excitability or affective-like behavior in Sprague Dawley rats. Behav Brain Res 2019; 365:17-25. [PMID: 30807811 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Patients with type-2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome have a significantly increased risk of developing depression. Dysregulated metabolism may contribute to the etiology of depression by affecting neuronal activity in key limbic areas. The basolateral amygdala (BLA) acts as a critical emotional valence detector in the brain's limbic circuit, and shows hyperactivity and abnormal glucose metabolism in depressed patients. Furthermore, administering a periadolescent high-fructose diet (HFrD; a model of metabolic syndrome) to male Wistar rats increases anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Repeated shock stress in Sprague Dawley rats similarly increases anxiety-like behavior and increases BLA excitability. We therefore investigated whether a metabolic stressor (HFrD) would have similar effects as shock stress on BLA excitability in Sprague Dawley rats. We found that a HFrD did not affect the intrinsic excitability of BLA neurons. Fructose-fed Sprague Dawley rats had elevated body fat mass, but did not show increases in metabolic efficiency and fasting blood glucose relative to control. Finally unlike Wistar rats, fructose-fed Sprague Dawley rats did not show increased anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. These results suggest that genetic differences between rat strains may affect susceptibility to a metabolic insult. Collectively, these data show that a periadolescent HFrD disrupts metabolism, but does not change affective behavior or BLA excitability in Sprague Dawley rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan O'Flaherty
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, United States
| | - Gretchen N Neigh
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, United States; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States
| | - Donald Rainnie
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, United States.
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13
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Smith BL, Morano RL, Ulrich-Lai YM, Myers B, Solomon MB, Herman JP. Adolescent environmental enrichment prevents behavioral and physiological sequelae of adolescent chronic stress in female (but not male) rats. Stress 2018; 21:464-473. [PMID: 29166811 PMCID: PMC5963965 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1402883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The late adolescent period is characterized by marked neurodevelopmental and endocrine fluctuations in the transition to early adulthood. Adolescents are highly responsive to the external environment, which enhances their ability to adapt and recover from challenges when given nurturing influences, but also makes them vulnerable to aberrant development when exposed to prolonged adverse situations. Female rats are particularly sensitive to the effects of chronic stress in adolescence, which manifests as passive coping strategies and blunted hypothalamo-pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) stress responses in adulthood. We sought to intervene by exposing adolescent rats to environmental enrichment (EE) immediately prior to and during chronic stress, hypothesizing that EE would minimize or prevent the long-term effects of stress that emerge in adult females. To test this, we exposed male and female rats to EE on postnatal days (PND) 33-60 and implemented chronic variable stress (CVS) on PND 40-60. CVS consisted of twice-daily unpredictable stressors. Experimental groups included: CVS/unenriched, unstressed/EE, CVS/EE and unstressed/unenriched (n = 10 of each sex/group). In adulthood, we measured behavior in the open field test and forced swim test (FST) and collected blood samples following the FST. We found that environmental enrichment given during the adolescent period prevented the chronic stress-induced transition to passive coping in the FST and reversed decreases in peak adrenocortical responsiveness observed in adult females. Adolescent enrichment had little to no effect on males or unstressed females tested in adulthood, indicating that beneficial effects are specific to females that were exposed to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rachel L Morano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yvonne M. Ulrich-Lai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Brent Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Matia B. Solomon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - James P. Herman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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14
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Chen L, Li S, Cai J, Wei TJ, Liu LY, Zhao HY, Liu BH, Jing HB, Jin ZR, Liu M, Wan Y, Xing GG. Activation of CRF/CRFR1 signaling in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala contributes to chronic forced swim-induced depressive-like behaviors in rats. Behav Brain Res 2017; 338:134-142. [PMID: 29080675 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) plays a key role in processing stressful events and affective disorders. Previously we have documented that exposure of chronic forced swim (FS) to rats produces a depressive-like behavior and that sensitization of BLA neurons is involved in this process. In the present study, we demonstrated that chronic FS stress (CFSS) could activate corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)/CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) signaling in the BLA, and blockade of CRF/CRFR1 signaling by intra-BLA injection of NBI27914 (NBI), a selective CRFR1 antagonist, could prevent the CFSS-induced depressive-like behaviors in rats, indicating that activation of CRF/CRFR1 signaling in the BLA is required for CFSS-induced depression. Furthermore, we discovered that exposure of chronic FS to rats could reinforce long-term potentiation (LTP) at the external capsule (EC)-BLA synapse and increase BLA neuronal excitability, and that all these alterations were inhibited by CRFR1 antagonist NBI. Moreover, we found that application of exogenous CRF also may facilitate LTP at the EC-BLA synapse and sensitize BLA neuronal excitability in normal rats via the activation of CRFR1. We conclude that activation of CRF/CRFR1 signaling in the BLA contributes to chronic FS-induced depressive-like behaviors in rats through potentiating synaptic efficiency at the EC-BLA pathway and sensitizing BLA neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Song Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jie Cai
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Tian-Jiao Wei
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Ling-Yu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Hong-Yan Zhao
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Bo-Heng Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Hong-Bo Jing
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Zi-Run Jin
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - You Wan
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Guo-Gang Xing
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China; Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, 100191, China.
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15
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Cook A, Pfeiffer LM, Thiele S, Coenen VA, Döbrössy MD. Olfactory discrimination and memory deficits in the Flinders Sensitive Line rodent model of depression. Behav Processes 2017; 143:25-29. [PMID: 28842277 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder with broad symptomatic manifestations. The current study examined, for the first time, olfactory memory and discrimination in the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rodent model of depression. Male FSL rats and controls were trained on an Olfactory Discrimination (OD) and a Social Interaction (SI) test. On the OD test, the FSL and controls performed similarly at the shortest inter-trial interval (5min), however, with extended delay of 30min, the FSLs had a recall and odour discrimination deficit. At the longest delay (60min) both groups performed poorly. The FSL rats i.) had a deficit in olfactory discrimination suggesting impairment in olfactory memory and recall; ii.) were less likely to socialize with unfamiliar rats. The data suggests that FSL animals have an impaired olfactory information processing capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cook
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neurosciences, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany; German Resilience Center, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - L-M Pfeiffer
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neurosciences, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany; University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Schaenzlestrasse 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - S Thiele
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neurosciences, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany; University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Schaenzlestrasse 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - V A Coenen
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neurosciences, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M D Döbrössy
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neurosciences, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.
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16
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Wróbel A, Serefko A, Szopa A, Rojek K, Poleszak E, Skalicka-Woźniak K, Dudka J. Inhibition of the CRF 1 receptor influences the activity of antidepressant drugs in the forced swim test in rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2017; 390:769-774. [PMID: 28429110 PMCID: PMC5509780 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-017-1377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and impairment of the central corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system are factors in the pathogenesis of depression. Though several antagonists of the CRF1 receptor were effective in the recognized behavioral tests for antidepressant activity, there is still little information on the potential interactions between CRF1 receptor inhibitors and conventional antidepressant therapy. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of SN003, a CRF1 receptor blocker, on the activity of imipramine and fluoxetine in the forced swim test (FST) in rats which presented some signs of depression. The experiments were carried out on female Wistar rats subjected to 14-day subcutaneous corticosterone (CORT) administration (20 mg/kg/day). The antidepressant-like effect was determined by the FST and the CRF levels in the hypothalamus, amygdala, and peripheral blood were measured by a high-sensitivity immunoenzymatic test. SN003 (0.5 mg/kg) potentiated the antidepressant-like effect of imipramine (15 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (7.5 mg/kg). Moreover, the co-administration of the tested agents abolished CORT-induced increase in CRF levels in the examined biological material more profoundly than monotherapy. Our present findings give further evidence that the blockage of CRF action may be useful in the treatment of mood disorders. The concurrent use of well-known antidepressants with CRF1 receptor antagonists could be beneficial in terms of safety, since it requires lower doses of the applied agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Wróbel
- Second Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Chair and Department of Applied Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Chair and Department of Applied Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Karol Rojek
- Chair and Department of Applied Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Chair and Department of Applied Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krystyna Skalicka-Woźniak
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Dudka
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8B, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
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17
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Smith BL, Lyons CE, Correa FG, Benoit SC, Myers B, Solomon MB, Herman JP. Behavioral and physiological consequences of enrichment loss in rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 77:37-46. [PMID: 28012292 PMCID: PMC5619656 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Significant loss produces the highest degree of stress and compromised well-being in humans. Current rodent models of stress involve the application of physically or psychologically aversive stimuli, but do not address the concept of loss. We developed a rodent model for significant loss, involving removal of long-term access to a rewarding enriched environment. Our results indicate that removal from environmental enrichment produces a profound behavioral and physiological phenotype with depression-like qualities, including helplessness behavior, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis dysregulation and overeating. Importantly, this enrichment removal phenotype was prevented by antidepressant treatment. Furthermore, the effects of enrichment removal do not occur following relief from chronic stress and are not duplicated by loss of exercise or social contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L. Smith
- University of Cincinnati, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience
| | - Carey E Lyons
- University of Cincinnati, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
| | | | - Stephen C. Benoit
- University of Cincinnati, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience
| | - Brent Myers
- University of Cincinnati, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience
| | - Matia B. Solomon
- University of Cincinnati, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience
| | - James P. Herman
- University of Cincinnati, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience
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18
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Hennessy MB, Schreibeis AD, Schiml PA, Deak T. Maternal separation increases later immobility during forced swim in guinea pig pups: evidence for sensitization of a depressive-like state. Dev Psychobiol 2017; 59:128-132. [PMID: 27374759 PMCID: PMC5266588 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stress is thought to increase later vulnerability for developing depressive illness by sensitizing underlying stress-responsive systems. Guinea pig pups separated from their mother and isolated in a novel cage for 3 hr exhibit a sensitized depressive-like behavioral response when separated again the following day as well as weeks later. The behavioral response and its sensitization appear to be mediated by inflammatory factors. To determine if this sensitization is specific to the separation response or if it reflects a broader underlying depressive-like state, guinea pig pups that had either been separated for 3 hr or remained with their mothers were observed in the forced swim test the following 3 days. Earlier separation was found to increase the duration of immobility, a measure sensitive to antidepressant treatment. These results support the use of the guinea pig as a model for examining mechanisms of inflammatory-mediated sensitization of depression following stress in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Terrence Deak
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York
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19
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Salehpour F, Rasta SH, Mohaddes G, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Salarirad S. Therapeutic effects of 10-HzPulsed wave lasers in rat depression model: A comparison between near-infrared and red wavelengths. Lasers Surg Med 2016; 48:695-705. [DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Salehpour
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC); Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz 51666 Iran
- Department of Medical Physics; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz 51666 Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Rasta
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC); Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz 51666 Iran
- Department of Medical Bioengineering; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz 51666 Iran
- Department of Medical Physics; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz 51666 Iran
- School of Medical Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen AB24 5DT United Kingdom
| | - Gisou Mohaddes
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC); Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz 51666 Iran
| | - Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC); Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz 51666 Iran
| | - Sima Salarirad
- School of Medical Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen AB24 5DT United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz 51666 Iran
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20
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α2-adrenoceptor binding in Flinders-sensitive line compared with Flinders-resistant line and Sprague-Dawley rats. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2015; 27:345-52. [PMID: 25903810 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2015.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disturbances in the noradrenergic system, including alterations in the densities of α2-adrenoceptors, are posited to be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. In this study, we investigate the binding of α2-adrenoceptors in regions relevant to depression in an animal model of depression. METHODS Using in vitro autoradiography techniques and the selective α2-ligand, [3H]RX 821002, we investigated the density of α2-adrenoceptors in female Flinders-sensitive line (FSL) rats, a validated model of depression, and in two traditional control groups - female Flinders-resistant line (FRL) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. RESULTS The α2-adrenoceptor density was increased in most regions of the FSL rat brain when compared with SD rats (10% across regions). Moreover, the α2-adrenoceptor density was further increased in the FRL rats compared with both FSL (10% across regions) and SD rats (24% across regions). CONCLUSIONS The increase in α2-adrenoceptor binding in cortical regions in the FSL strain compared with the SD control strain is in accord with α2-adrenoceptor post-mortem binding data in suicide victims with untreated major depression. However, the differences in binding observed in the two control groups were unexpected and suggest the need for further studies in a larger cohort of animals of both sexes.
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Mokoena ML, Harvey BH, Viljoen F, Ellis SM, Brink CB. Ozone exposure of Flinders Sensitive Line rats is a rodent translational model of neurobiological oxidative stress with relevance for depression and antidepressant response. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:2921-38. [PMID: 25877744 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3928-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Major depression has been associated with higher levels of air pollution that in turn leads to neurodegeneration via increased oxidative stress. There is a need for suitable translational animal models to study the role of oxidative stress in depression and antidepressant action. OBJECTIVE Considering the gene X environment hypothesis of depression, the present study investigated the effect of chronic ozone inhalation on depression and anxiety-related behavior, cognition, and brain markers of oxidative stress in the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat. In addition, response to the antioxidant melatonin, and the antidepressants desipramine or escitalopram, was assessed. METHODS Rats were exposed to ozone (0.0 or 0.3 parts per million (ppm)) per inhalation for 4 h daily for a period of 15 days, while simultaneously receiving saline or the above-mentioned drugs. RESULTS The data indicate that chronic ozone inhalation induced memory impairment, anxiety and depression-like effects, reduced cortical and hippocampal superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and compromised central monoamine levels similar to that noted in depression. Moreover, the behavioral and neurochemical effects of melatonin, desipramine, and escitalopram were mostly attenuated in the presence of ozone. CONCLUSION Thus, genetically susceptible individuals exposed to high levels of oxidative stress are at higher risk of developing mood and/or an anxiety disorders, showing greater redox imbalance and altered behavior. These animals are also more resistant to contemporary antidepressant treatment. The presented model provides robust face, construct, and predictive validity, suitable for studying neuronal oxidative stress in depression, antidepressant action and mechanisms to prevent neuronal oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mmalebuso L Mokoena
- Division of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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Ménard C, Hodes GE, Russo SJ. Pathogenesis of depression: Insights from human and rodent studies. Neuroscience 2015; 321:138-162. [PMID: 26037806 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) will affect one out of every five people in their lifetime and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Nevertheless, mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of MDD have yet to be completely understood and current treatments remain ineffective in a large subset of patients. In this review, we summarize the most recent discoveries and insights for which parallel findings have been obtained in human depressed subjects and rodent models of mood disorders in order to examine the potential etiology of depression. These mechanisms range from synaptic plasticity mechanisms to epigenetics and the immune system where there is strong evidence to support a functional role in the development of specific depression symptomology. Ultimately we conclude by discussing how novel therapeutic strategies targeting central and peripheral processes might ultimately aid in the development of effective new treatments for MDD and related stress disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ménard
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - G E Hodes
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - S J Russo
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Femenía T, Magara S, DuPont CM, Lindskog M. Hippocampal-Dependent Antidepressant Action of the H3 Receptor Antagonist Clobenpropit in a Rat Model of Depression. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyv032. [PMID: 25762718 PMCID: PMC4576519 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histamine is a modulatory neurotransmitter regulating neuronal activity. Antidepressant drugs target modulatory neurotransmitters, thus ultimately regulating glutamatergic transmission and plasticity. Histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists have both pro-cognitive and antidepressant effects; however, the mechanism by which they modulate glutamate transmission is not clear. We measured the effects of the H3R antagonist clobenpropit in the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL), a rat model of depression with impaired memory and altered glutamatergic transmission. METHODS Behavioral tests included the forced swim test, memory tasks (passive avoidance, novel object recognition tests), and anxiety-related paradigms (novelty suppressed feeding, social interaction, light/dark box tests). Hippocampal protein levels were detected by Western blot. Hippocampal plasticity was studied by in slice field recording of CA3-CA1 long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP), and glutamatergic transmission by whole-cell patch clamp recording of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in CA1 pyramidal neurons. RESULTS Clobenpropit, administered systemically or directly into the hippocampus, decreased immobility during the forced swim test; systemic injections reversed memory deficits and increased hippocampal GluN2A protein levels. FSL rats displayed anxiety-related behaviors not affected by clobenpropit treatment. Clobenpropit enhanced hippocampal plasticity, but did not affect EPSCs. H1R and H2R antagonists prevented the clobenpropit-induced increase in LTP and, injected locally into the hippocampus, blocked clobenpropit's effect in the forced swim test. CONCLUSIONS Clobenpropit's antidepressant effects and the enhanced synaptic plasticity require hippocampal H1R and H2R activation, suggesting that clobenpropit acts through disinhibition of histamine release. Clobenpropit reverses memory deficits and increases hippocampal GluN2A expression without modifying anxiety-related phenotypes or EPSCs in CA1 pyramidal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Lindskog
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Femenía, Magara, and Lindskog, and Ms DuPont).
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Magara S, Holst S, Lundberg S, Roman E, Lindskog M. Altered explorative strategies and reactive coping style in the FSL rat model of depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:89. [PMID: 25954168 PMCID: PMC4404828 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Modeling depression in animals is based on the observation of behaviors interpreted as analog to human symptoms. Typical tests used in experimental depression research are designed to evoke an either-or outcome. It is known that explorative and coping strategies are relevant for depression, however these aspects are generally not considered in animal behavioral testing. Here we investigate the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL), a rat model of depression, compared to the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat in three independent tests where the animals are allowed to express a more extensive behavioral repertoire. The multivariate concentric square field™ (MCSF) and the novel cage tests evoke exploratory behaviors in a novel environment and the home cage change test evokes social behaviors in the re-establishment of a social hierarchy. In the MCSF test, FSL rats exhibited less exploratory drive and more risk-assessment behavior compared to SD rats. When re-exposed to the arena, FSL, but not SD rats, increased their exploratory behavior compared to the first trial and displayed risk-assessment behavior to the same extent as SD rats. Thus, the behavior of FSL rats was more similar to that of SDs when the rats were familiar with the arena. In the novel cage test FSL rats exhibited a reactive coping style, consistent with the reduced exploration observed in the MCSF. Reactive coping is associated with less aggressive behavior. Accordingly, FSL rats displayed less aggressive behavior in the home cage change test. Taken together, our data show that FSL rats express altered exploratory behavior and reactive coping style. Reduced interest is a core symptom of depression, and individuals with a reactive coping style are more vulnerable to the disease. Our results support the use of FSL rats as an animal model of depression and increase our understanding of the FSL rat beyond the behavioral dimensions targeted by the traditional depression-related tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Magara
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarah Holst
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stina Lundberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Roman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Lindskog
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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Landau AM, Phan JA, Iversen P, Lillethorup TP, Simonsen M, Wegener G, Jakobsen S, Doudet DJ. Decreased in vivo α2 adrenoceptor binding in the Flinders Sensitive Line rat model of depression. Neuropharmacology 2015; 91:97-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Yankelevitch-Yahav R, Franko M, Huly A, Doron R. The forced swim test as a model of depressive-like behavior. J Vis Exp 2015:52587. [PMID: 25867960 PMCID: PMC4401172 DOI: 10.3791/52587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of the present protocol is to describe the forced swim test (FST), which is one of the most commonly used assays for the study of depressive-like behavior in rodents. The FST is based on the assumption that when placing an animal in a container filled with water, it will first make efforts to escape but eventually will exhibit immobility that may be considered to reflect a measure of behavioral despair. This test has been extensively used because it involves the exposure of the animals to stress, which was shown to have a role in the tendency for major depression. Additionally, the FST has been shown to share some of the factors that are influenced or altered by depression in humans, including changes in food consumption, sleep abnormalities and drug-withdrawal-induced anhedonia. The main advantages of this procedure are that it is relatively easy to perform and that its results are easily and quickly analyzed. Moreover, its sensitivity to a broad range of antidepressant drugs that makes it a suitable screening test is one of the most important features leading to its high predictive validity. Despite its appeal, this model has a number of disadvantages. First, the issue of chronic augmentation is problematic in this test because in real life patients need to be treated for at least several weeks before they experience any relief from their symptoms. Last, due to the aversiveness of the FST, it is important to take into account possible influences it might have on brain structure/function if brain analyses are to be carried out following this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Yankelevitch-Yahav
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University; School of Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo
| | - Motty Franko
- School of Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo
| | - Avrham Huly
- School of Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo
| | - Ravid Doron
- School of Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo; Department of Education and Psychology, The Open University of Israel; School of Health and Life Sciences, Hadassah Academic College;
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Howerton AR, Roland AV, Fluharty JM, Marshall A, Chen A, Daniels D, Beck SG, Bale TL. Sex differences in corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-1 action within the dorsal raphe nucleus in stress responsivity. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 75:873-83. [PMID: 24289884 PMCID: PMC3997756 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from stress-related affective disorders. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is an important link between stress and mood, in part through its signaling in the serotonergic dorsal raphe (DR). Development of CRF receptor-1 (CRFr1) antagonists has been a focus of numerous clinical trials but has not yet been proven efficacious. We hypothesized that sex differences in CRFr1 modulation of DR circuits might be key determinants in predicting therapeutic responses and affective disorder vulnerability. METHODS Male and female mice received DR infusions of the CRFr1 antagonist, NBI 35965, or CRF and were evaluated for stress responsivity. Sex differences in indices of neural activation (cFos) and colocalization of CRFr1 throughout the DR were examined. Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology assessed sex differences in serotonin neuron membrane characteristics and responsivity to CRF. RESULTS Males showed robust behavioral and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to DR infusion of NBI 35965 and CRF, whereas females were minimally responsive. Sex differences were also found for both CRF-induced DR cFos and CRFr1 co-localization throughout the DR. Electrophysiologically, female serotonergic neurons showed blunted membrane excitability and divergent inhibitory postsynaptic current responses to CRF application. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrate convincing sex differences in CRFr1 activity in the DR, where blunted female responses to NBI 35965 and CRF suggest unique stress modulation of the DR. These sex differences might underlie affective disorder vulnerability and differential sensitivity to pharmacologic treatments developed to target the CRF system, thereby contributing to a current lack of CRFr1 antagonist efficacy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis R Howerton
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alison V Roland
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica M Fluharty
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anikò Marshall
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Derek Daniels
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Sheryl G Beck
- Department of Anesthesia, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Knapp DJ, Daws LC, Overstreet DH. Behavioral Characteristics of Pharmacologically Selected Lines of Rats: Relevance to Depression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/wjns.2014.43026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Flandreau EI, Bourke CH, Ressler KJ, Vale WW, Nemeroff CB, Owens MJ. Escitalopram alters gene expression and HPA axis reactivity in rats following chronic overexpression of corticotropin-releasing factor from the central amygdala. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:1349-61. [PMID: 23267723 PMCID: PMC3749072 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that viral-mediated overexpression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) within the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) reproduces many of the behavioral and endocrine consequences of chronic stress. The present experiment sought to determine whether administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram reverses the adverse effects of CeA CRF overexpression. In a 2×2 design, adult male rats received bilateral infusions of a control lentivirus or a lentivirus in which a portion of the CRF promoter is used to drive increased expression of CRF peptide. Four weeks later, rats were then implanted with an Alzet minipump to deliver vehicle or 10mg/kg/day escitalopram for a 4-week period of time. The defensive withdrawal (DW) test of anxiety and the sucrose-preference test (SPT) of anhedonia were performed both before and after pump implantation. Additional post-implant behavioral tests included the elevated plus maze (EPM) and social interaction (SI) test. Following completion of behavioral testing, the dexamethasone/CRF test was performed to assess HPA axis reactivity. Brains were collected and expression of HPA axis-relevant transcripts were measured using in situ hybridization. Amygdalar CRF overexpression increased anxiety-like behavior in the DW test at week eight, which was only partially prevented by escitalopram. In both CRF-overexpressing and control groups, escitalopram decreased hippocampal CRF expression while increasing hypothalamic and hippocampal expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). These gene expression changes were associated with a significant decrease in HPA axis reactivity in rats treated with escitalopram. Interestingly, escitalopram increased the rate of weight gain only in rats overexpressing CRF. Overall these data support our hypothesis that amygdalar CRF is critical in anxiety-like behavior; because the antidepressant was unable to reverse behavioral manifestations of CeA CRF-OE. This may be a potential animal model to study treatment-resistant psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth I. Flandreau
- Psychiatry Department, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States,Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 404 3949147; fax: +1 619 543 2493
| | - Chase H. Bourke
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Woodruff Memorial Research Building, Suite 4000, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Kerry J. Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Wylie W. Vale
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Charles B. Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Clinical Research Building, 1120 NW 14th Street, Room 1455 (D-21), Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Michael J. Owens
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Woodruff Memorial Research Building, Suite 4000, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
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Zorrilla EP, Heilig M, de Wit H, Shaham Y. Behavioral, biological, and chemical perspectives on targeting CRF(1) receptor antagonists to treat alcoholism. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 128:175-86. [PMID: 23294766 PMCID: PMC3596012 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorders are chronic disabling conditions for which existing pharmacotherapies have only modest efficacy. In the present review, derived from the 2012 Behavior, Biology and Chemistry "Translational Research in Addiction" symposium, we summarize the anti-relapse potential of corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 (CRF(1)) receptor antagonists to reduce negative emotional symptoms of acute and protracted alcohol withdrawal and stress-induced relapse to alcohol seeking. METHODS We review the biology of CRF(1) systems, the activity of CRF(1) receptor antagonists in animal models of anxiolytic and antidepressant activity, and experimental findings in alcohol addiction models. We also update the clinical trial status of CRF(1) receptor antagonists, including pexacerfont (BMS-562086), emicerfont (GW876008), verucerfont (GSK561679), CP316311, SSR125543A, R121919/NBI30775, R317573/19567470/CRA5626, and ONO-2333Ms. Finally, we discuss the potential heterogeneity and pharmacogenomics of CRF(1) receptor pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence. RESULTS The evidence suggests that brain penetrant-CRF(1) receptor antagonists have therapeutic potential for alcohol dependence. Lead compounds with clinically desirable pharmacokinetic properties now exist, and longer receptor residence rates (i.e., slow dissociation) may predict greater CRF(1) receptor antagonist efficacy. Functional variants in genes that encode CRF system molecules, including polymorphisms in Crhr1 (rs110402, rs1876831, rs242938) and Crhbp genes (rs10055255, rs3811939) may promote alcohol seeking and consumption by altering basal or stress-induced CRF system activation. CONCLUSIONS Ongoing clinical trials with pexacerfont and verucerfont in moderately to highly severe dependent anxious alcoholics may yield insight as to the role of CRF(1) receptor antagonists in a personalized medicine approach to treat drug or alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P. Zorrilla
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, CA 92037 USA,Correspondence: Eric P. Zorrilla, Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, SP30-2400, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA, tel: 858-784-7416, fax: 858-784-7405,
| | - Markus Heilig
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637 USA
| | - Yavin Shaham
- Behavioral Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Effects of fluoxetine on CRF and CRF1 expression in rats exposed to the learned helplessness paradigm. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 225:647-59. [PMID: 22960774 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2859-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stress is a common antecedent reported by people suffering major depression. In these patients, extrahypothalamic brain areas, like the hippocampus and basolateral amygdala (BLA), have been found to be affected. The BLA synthesizes CRF, a mediator of the stress response, and projects to hippocampus. The main hippocampal target for this peptide is the CRF subtype 1 receptor (CRF1). Evidence points to a relationship between dysregulation of CRF/CRF1 extrahypothalamic signaling and depression. OBJECTIVE Because selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line pharmacological treatment for depression, we investigated the effect of chronic treatment with the SSRI fluoxetine on long-term changes in CRF/CRF1 signaling in animals showing a depressive-like behavior. METHODS Male Wistar rats were exposed to the learned helplessness paradigm (LH). After evaluation of behavioral impairment, the animals were treated with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p.) or saline for 21 days. We measured BLA CRF expression with RT-PCR and CRF1 expression in CA3 and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus with in situ hybridization. We also studied the activation of one of CRF1's major intracellular signaling targets, the extracellular signal-related kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in CA3. RESULTS In saline-treated LH animals, CRF expression in the BLA increased, while hippocampal CRF1 expression and ERK1/2 activation decreased. Treatment with fluoxetine reversed the changes in CRF and CRF1 expressions, but not in ERK1/2 activation. CONCLUSION In animals exposed to the learned helplessness paradigm, there are long-term changes in CRF and CRF1 expression that are restored with a behaviorally effective antidepressant treatment.
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Overstreet DH, Wegener G. The Flinders Sensitive Line Rat Model of Depression—25 Years and Still Producing. Pharmacol Rev 2013; 65:143-55. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.111.005397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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Dysfunctional hippocampal activity affects emotion and cognition in mood disorders. Brain Res 2012; 1476:58-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Antidepressant treatment is associated with epigenetic alterations in the promoter of P11 in a genetic model of depression. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 15:669-79. [PMID: 21682946 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145711000940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
P11 (S100A10) has been associated with the pathophysiology of depression both in human and rodent models. Different types of antidepressants have been shown to increase P11 levels in distinct brain regions and P11 gene therapy was recently proven effective in reversing depressive-like behaviours in mice. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern P11 gene expression in response to antidepressants still remain elusive. In this study we report decreased levels of P11, associated with higher DNA methylation in the promoter region, in the prefrontal cortex of the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) genetic rodent model of depression. This hypermethylated pattern was reversed to normal, as indicated by the control line, after chronic administration of escitalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; SSRI). The escitalopram-induced hypomethylation was associated with both an increase in P11 gene expression and a reduction in mRNA levels of two DNA methyltransferases that have been shown to maintain DNA methylation in adult forebrain neurons (Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a). In conclusion, our data further support a role for P11 in depression-like states and suggest that this gene is controlled by epigenetic mechanisms that can be affected by antidepressant treatment.
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Skelin I, Kovačević T, Sato H, Diksic M. The opposite effect of a 5-HT1B receptor agonist on 5-HT synthesis, as well as its resistant counterpart, in an animal model of depression. Brain Res Bull 2012; 88:477-86. [PMID: 22542420 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat is as an animal model of depression with altered parameters of the serotonergic (5-HT) system function (5-HT synthesis rates, tissue concentrations, release, receptor density and affinity), as well as an altered sensitivity of these parameters to different 5-HT based antidepressants. The effects of acute and chronic treatments with the 5-HT(1B) agonist, CP-94253 on 5-HT synthesis, in the FSL rats and the Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) controls were measured using α-[(14)C]methyl-L-tryptophan (α-MTrp) autoradiography. CP-94253 (5mg/kg), or an adequate volume of saline, was injected i.p. as a single dose in the acute experiment or delivered via the subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipump (5 mg/kg/day for 14 days) in the chronic experiment. The acute treatment with CP-94253 significantly decreased the 5-HT synthesis in both the FRL and FSL rats, with a more widespread effect in the FRL rats. Chronic treatment with CP-94253 significantly decreased 5-HT synthesis in the FRL rats, while 5-HT synthesis in the FSL rats was significantly increased throughout the brain. In both the acute and chronic experiment, the FRL rats had higher brain 5-HT synthesis rates, relative to the FSL rats. The shift in the direction of the treatment effect from acute to chronic, using the 5-HT(1B) agonist, CP-94253, on 5-HT synthesis in the FSL model of depression, with an opposite effect on the control FRL rats, suggests the differential adaptation of the 5-HT system in the FSL and FRL rats to chronic stimulation of 5-HT(1B) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Skelin
- Cone Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, and Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Que., Canada H3A 2B4
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Wegener G, Mathe AA, Neumann ID. Selectively bred rodents as models of depression and anxiety. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2012; 12:139-187. [PMID: 22351423 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2011_192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Stress related diseases such as depression and anxiety have a high degree of co morbidity, and represent one of the greatest therapeutic challenges for the twenty-first century. The present chapter will summarize existing rodent models for research in psychiatry, mimicking depression- and anxiety-related diseases. In particular we will highlight the use of selective breeding of rodents for extremes in stress-related behavior. We will summarize major behavioral, neuroendocrine and neuronal parameters, and pharmacological interventions, assessed in great detail in two rat model systems: The Flinders Sensitive and Flinders Resistant Line rats (FSL/FRL model), and rats selectively bred for high (HAB) or low (LAB) anxiety related behavior (HAB/LAB model). Selectively bred rodents also provide an excellent tool in order to study gene and environment interactions. Although it is generally accepted that genes and environmental factors determine the etiology of mental disorders, precise information is limited: How rigid is the genetic disposition? How do genetic, prenatal and postnatal influences interact to shape adult disease? Does the genetic predisposition determine the vulnerability to prenatal and postnatal or adult stressors? In combination with modern neurobiological methods, these models are important to elucidate the etiology and pathophysiology of anxiety and affective disorders, and to assist in the development of new treatment paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregers Wegener
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University Hospital, 8240, Risskov, Denmark,
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Resting glutamate levels and rapid glutamate transients in the prefrontal cortex of the Flinders Sensitive Line rat: a genetic rodent model of depression. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:1769-77. [PMID: 21525860 PMCID: PMC3138656 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the numerous drugs targeting biogenic amines for major depressive disorder (depression), the search for novel therapeutics continues because of their poor response rates (~30%) and slow onset of action (2-4 weeks). To better understand role of glutamate in depression, we used an enzyme-based microelectrode array (MEA) that was selective for glutamate measures with fast temporal (2 Hz) and high spatial (15 × 333 μm) resolution. These MEAs were chronically implanted into the prefrontal cortex of 3- to 6-month-old and 12- to 15-month-old Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and control Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) rats, a validated genetic rodent model of depression. Although no changes in glutamate dynamics were observed between 3 and 6 months FRL and FSL rats, a significant increase in resting glutamate levels was observed in the 12- to 15-month-old FSL rats compared with the 3- to 6-month-old FSL and age-matched FRL rats on days 3-5 post-implantation. Our MEA also recorded, for the first time, a unique phenomenon in all the four rat groups of fluctuations in resting glutamate, which we have termed glutamate transients. Although these events lasted only for seconds, they did occur throughout the testing paradigm. The average concentration of these glutamate-burst events was significantly increased in the 12- to 15-month-old FSL rats compared with 3- to 6-month-old FSL and age-matched FRL rats. These studies lay the foundation for future studies of both tonic and phasic glutamate signaling in rat models of depression to better understand the potential role of glutamate signaling in depression.
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Neural pathways in allergic inflammation. J Allergy (Cairo) 2011; 2010:491928. [PMID: 21331366 PMCID: PMC3038426 DOI: 10.1155/2010/491928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2010] [Revised: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergy is on the rise worldwide. Asthma, food allergy, dermatitis, and systemic anaphylaxis are amongst the most common allergic diseases. The association between allergy and altered behavior patterns has long been recognized. The molecular and cellular pathways in the bidirectional interactions of nervous and immune systems are now starting to be elucidated. In this paper, we outline the consequences of allergic diseases, especially food allergy and asthma, on behavior and neural activity and on the neural modulation of allergic responses.
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Kehne JH, Cain CK. Therapeutic utility of non-peptidic CRF1 receptor antagonists in anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders: evidence from animal models. Pharmacol Ther 2010; 128:460-87. [PMID: 20826181 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2010.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive responding to threatening stressors is of fundamental importance for survival. Dysfunctional hyperactivation of corticotropin releasing factor type-1 (CRF(1)) receptors in stress response system pathways is linked to stress-related psychopathology and CRF(1) receptor antagonists (CRAs) have been proposed as novel therapeutic agents. CRA effects in diverse animal models of stress that detect anxiolytics and/or antidepressants are reviewed, with the goal of evaluating their potential therapeutic utility in depression, anxiety, and other stress-related disorders. CRAs have a distinct phenotype in animals that has similarities to, and differences from, those of classic antidepressants and anxiolytics. CRAs are generally behaviorally silent, indicating that CRF(1) receptors are normally in a state of low basal activation. CRAs reduce stressor-induced HPA axis activation by blocking pituitary and possibly brain CRF(1) receptors which may ameliorate chronic stress-induced pathology. In animal models sensitive to anxiolytics and/or antidepressants, CRAs are generally more active in those with high stress levels, conditions which may maximize CRF(1) receptor hyperactivation. Clinically, CRAs have demonstrated good tolerability and safety, but have thus far lacked compelling efficacy in major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or irritable bowel syndrome. CRAs may be best suited for disorders in which stressors clearly contribute to the underlying pathology (e.g. posttraumatic stress disorder, early life trauma, withdrawal/abstinence from addictive substances), though much work is needed to explore these possibilities. An evolving literature exploring the genetic, developmental and environmental factors linking CRF(1) receptor dysfunction to stress-related psychopathology is discussed in the context of improving the translational value of current animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Kehne
- Translational Neuropharmacology Consulting, LLC, 9710 Traville Gateway Drive #307, Rockville, MD 20850-7408, USA.
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Hepatic drug metabolizing profile of Flinders Sensitive Line rat model of depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2010; 34:1075-84. [PMID: 20595028 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat model of depression exhibits some behavioral, neurochemical, and pharmacological features that have been reported in depressed patients and has been very effective in screening antidepressants. Major factor that determines the effectiveness and toxicity of a drug is the drug metabolizing capacity of the liver. Therefore, in order to discriminate possible differentiation in the hepatic drug metabolism between FSL rats and Sprague-Dawley (SD) controls, their hepatic metabolic profile was investigated in this study. The data showed decreased glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and lower expression of certain major CYP enzymes, including the CYP2B1, CYP2C11 and CYP2D1 in FSL rats compared to SD controls. In contrast, p-nitrophenol hydroxylase (PNP), 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD) and 16alpha-testosterone hydroxylase activities were higher in FSL rats. Interestingly, the wide spread environmental pollutant benzo(alpha)pyrene (B(alpha)P) induced CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2B1/2 and ALDH3c at a lesser extend in FSL than in SD rats, whereas the antidepressant mirtazapine (MIRT) up-regulated CYP1A1/2, CYP2C11, CYP2D1, CYP2E1 and CYP3A1/2, mainly, in FSL rats. The drug also further increased ALDH3c whereas suppressed GSH content in B(alpha)P-exposed FSL rats. In conclusion, several key enzymes of the hepatic biotransformation machinery are differentially expressed in FSL than in SD rats, a condition that may influence the outcome of drug therapy. The MIRT-induced up-regulation of several drug-metabolizing enzymes indicates the critical role of antidepressant treatment that should be always taken into account in the designing of treatment and interpretation of insufficient pharmacotherapy or drug toxicity.
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Saredutant, an NK2 receptor antagonist, has both antidepressant-like effects and synergizes with desipramine in an animal model of depression. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 96:206-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Chen ACH, Manz N, Tang Y, Rangaswamy M, Almasy L, Kuperman S, Nurnberger J, O'Connor SJ, Edenberg HJ, Schuckit MA, Tischfield J, Foroud T, Bierut LJ, Rohrbaugh J, Rice JP, Goate A, Hesselbrock V, Porjesz B. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 gene (CRHR1) are associated with quantitative trait of event-related potential and alcohol dependence. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 34:988-96. [PMID: 20374216 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01173.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endophenotypes reflect more proximal effects of genes than diagnostic categories, hence providing a more powerful strategy in searching for genes involved in complex psychiatric disorders. There is strong evidence suggesting the P3 amplitude of the event-related potential (ERP) as an endophenotype for the risk of alcoholism and other disinhibitory disorders. Recent studies demonstrated a crucial role of corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) in the environmental stress response and ethanol self-administration in animal models. The aim of the present study was to test the potential associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRHR1 gene and the quantitative trait, P3 amplitude during the processing of visual target signals in an oddball paradigm, as well as alcohol dependence diagnosis. METHODS We analyzed a sample from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) comprising 1049 Caucasian subjects from 209 families (including 472 alcohol-dependent individuals). Quantitative transmission disequilibrium test (QTDT) and family-based association test (FBAT) were used to test the association, and false discovery rate (FDR) was applied to correct for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between the P3 amplitude and alcohol dependence with multiple SNPs in the CRHR1 gene. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that CRHR1 may be involved in modulating the P3 component of the ERP during information processing and in vulnerability to alcoholism. These findings underscore the utility of electrophysiology and the endophenotype approach in the genetic study of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C H Chen
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
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Rotzinger S, Lovejoy DA, Tan LA. Behavioral effects of neuropeptides in rodent models of depression and anxiety. Peptides 2010; 31:736-56. [PMID: 20026211 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Revised: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, studies have advocated neuropeptide systems as modulators for the behavioral states found in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. Neuropeptides have been tested in traditional animal models and screening procedures that have been validated by known antidepressants and anxiolytics. However, it has become clear that although these tests are very useful, neuropeptides have distinct behavioral effects and dose-dependent characteristics, and therefore, use of these tests with neuropeptides must be done with an understanding of their unique characteristics. This review will focus on the behavioral actions of neuropeptides and their synthetic analogs, particularly in studies utilizing various preclinical tests of depression and anxiety. Specifically, the following neuropeptide systems will be reviewed: corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), urocortin (Ucn), teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), arginine vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin, the Tyr-MIF-1 family, cholecystokinin (CCK), galanin, and substance P. These neuropeptide systems each have a unique role in the regulation of stress-like behavior, and therefore provide intriguing therapeutic targets for mood disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Rotzinger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Hellemans KGC, Verma P, Yoon E, Yu WK, Young AH, Weinberg J. Prenatal alcohol exposure and chronic mild stress differentially alter depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors in male and female offspring. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 34:633-45. [PMID: 20102562 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.01132.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is associated with numerous neurobehavioral alterations, as well as disabilities in a number of domains, including a high incidence of depression and anxiety disorders. Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) also alters hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function, resulting in increased responsiveness to stressors and HPA dysregulation in adulthood. Interestingly, data suggest that pre-existing HPA abnormalities may be a major contributory factor to some forms of depression, particularly when an individual is exposed to stressors later in life. We tested the hypothesis that exposure to stressors in adulthood may unmask an increased vulnerability to depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors in PAE animals. METHODS Male and female offspring from prenatal alcohol (PAE), pair-fed (PF), and ad libitum-fed control (C) treatment groups were tested in adulthood. Animals were exposed to 10 consecutive days of chronic mild stress (CMS), and assessed in a battery of well-validated tasks sensitive to differences in depressive- and/or anxiety-like behaviors. RESULTS We report here that the combination of PAE and CMS in adulthood increases depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors in a sexually dimorphic manner. PAE males showed impaired hedonic responsivity (sucrose contrast test), locomotor hyperactivity (open field), and alterations in affiliative and nonaffiliative social behaviors (social interaction test) compared to control males. By contrast, PAE and, to a lesser extent, PF, females showed greater levels of "behavioral despair" in the forced swim test, and PAE females showed altered behavior in the final 5 minutes of the social interaction test compared to control females. CONCLUSIONS These data support the possibility that stress may be a mediating or contributing factor in the psychopathologies reported in FASD populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim G C Hellemans
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Chronic creatine supplementation alters depression-like behavior in rodents in a sex-dependent manner. Neuropsychopharmacology 2010; 35:534-46. [PMID: 19829292 PMCID: PMC2794979 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2009.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Impairments in bioenergetic function, cellular resiliency, and structural plasticity are associated with the pathogenesis of mood disorders. Preliminary evidence suggests that creatine, an ergogenic compound known to promote cell survival and influence the production and usage of energy in the brain, can improve mood in treatment-resistant patients. This study examined the effects of chronic creatine supplementation using the forced swim test (FST), an animal model selectively sensitive to antidepressants with clinical efficacy in human beings. Thirty male (experiment 1) and 36 female (experiment 2) Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on either chow alone or chow blended with either 2% w/w creatine monohydrate or 4% w/w creatine monohydrate for 5 weeks before the FST. Open field exploration and wire suspension tests were used to rule out general psychostimulant effects. Male rats maintained on 4% creatine displayed increased immobility in the FST as compared with controls with no differences by diet in the open field test, whereas female rats maintained on 4% creatine displayed decreased immobility in the FST and less anxiety in the open field test compared with controls. Open field and wire suspension tests confirmed that creatine supplementation did not produce differences in physical ability or motor function. The present findings suggest that creatine supplementation alters depression-like behavior in the FST in a sex-dependent manner in rodents, with female rats displaying an antidepressant-like response. Although the mechanisms of action are unclear, sex differences in creatine metabolism and the hormonal milieu are likely involved.
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Overstreet DH, Fredericks K, Knapp D, Breese G, McMichael J. Nerve growth factor (NGF) has novel antidepressant-like properties in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2009; 94:553-60. [PMID: 19945476 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2009.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2009] [Revised: 11/09/2009] [Accepted: 11/22/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor, a neurotrophin, may have other functions, including a role in depressive disorders. The present study sought to determine whether NGF would (1) have antidepressant-like effects and (2) behave similarly to or differently from other well-recognized antidepressants. Over a broad dose-range, NGF reduced the exaggerated swim test immobility exhibited by the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats, but at a standard dose of 40 ng/ml, it was not as effective as desipramine (DMI, 5 mg/kg). The low social interaction behavior and locomotor activity of the FSL rats were less affected by NGF than was the immobility. Acute treatment with NGF did not induce c-fos expression in brain regions known to be activated by other acute antidepressants. The fact that chronic treatment with DMI blunted the corticosterone response to fluoxetine was replicated in this study. However, chronic treatment with NGF did not alter this response. Similarly, chronic treatment with fluoxetine blunted 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated responses, whereas chronic treatment with NGF was without effect. Thus, NGF has antidepressant-like effects but does not appear to have biochemical actions typical of other antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Overstreet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, USA.
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Kokras N, Antoniou K, Dalla C, Bekris S, Xagoraris M, Ovestreet DH, Papadopoulou-Daifoti Z. Sex-related differential response to clomipramine treatment in a rat model of depression. J Psychopharmacol 2009; 23:945-56. [PMID: 18755816 DOI: 10.1177/0269881108095914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Research in affective disorders is often performed without considering sex differences, although women are predominantly affected. Consequently, the potential sex-dependent action of antidepressants remains elusive. We investigated whether Flinders sensitive line (FSL) of rats, a model of depression, would present sex-differentiated responses to antidepressant treatment. FSL and Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with clomipramine 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Subsequently, they were subjected to either a single session of the forced swim test or an estimation of serotonergic function in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus. Male FSL displayed increased immobility duration, decreased active behaviours, increased serotonin tissue levels and a reduced serotonin turnover rate in most brain areas studied. Female FSL showed a distinct profile, consisting of decreased immobility latency, increased climbing duration, limited serotonergic deviations and no difference in the serotonin turnover rate in comparison with controls. Interestingly, despite baseline differences, clomipramine treatment reversed all relevant behavioural responses and increased the serotonin turnover rate in both sexes. However, the latter effect was remarkably more pronounced in females. It is concluded that, in this animal model of depression, chronic clomipramine treatment attenuated baseline sex differences in the phenotype while maintaining or intensifying the sex differentiation in the serotonergic endophenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kokras
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Kanemaru K, Nishi K, Hasegawa S, Diksic M. Chronic citalopram treatment elevates serotonin synthesis in flinders sensitive and flinders resistant lines of rats, with no significant effect on Sprague-Dawley rats. Neurochem Int 2009; 54:363-71. [PMID: 19418630 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2009.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The influence of citalopram on regional 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) synthesis, one of the most important presynaptic parameters of serotonergic neurotransmission, was studied. Sprague-Dawley (SPD) rats were used as the controls, and Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) rats were used as auxiliary controls, to hopefully obtain a better understanding of the effects of citalopramon Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL; "depressed") rats. Regional 5-HT synthesis was evaluated using a radiographic method with a labelled tryptophan analog tracer. In each strain of rats, the animals were treated with citalopram (10 mg/(kg day)) or saline for 14 days. The groups consisted of between fourteen and twenty rats. There were six groups of rats with citalopram (CIT) and saline (SAL) groups in each of the strains (SPD-AL, SPD-IT, FRL-AL, FRL-IT, FSL-AL and FSL-IT). A two-factor analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effect of the treatment c., SPD-SAL relative to SPD-CIT) followed by planned comparisons to evaluate the effect in each brain region. In addition, the planned comparison with appropriate contrast was used to evaluate a relative effects in SPD relative to FSL and FRL, and FSL relative to FRL groups. A statistical analysis was first performed in the a priori selected regions, because we had learned, from previous work, that it was possible to select the brain regions in which neurochemical variables had been altered by the disorder and subsequent antidepressant treatments. The results clearly show that citalopram treatment does not have an overall effect on synthesis in the control SPD rats; there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between the SPD-SAL and SPD-CIT rats. In "depressed" FSL rats, citalopram produced a significant (p < 0.05) elevation of synthesis in seventeen out of thirty-four regions, with a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the dorsal and median raphe. In the FRL rats, there was a significant (p < 0.05) elevation in the synthesis in twenty-two out of thirty-four brain regions, with a reduction in the dorsal raphe. In addition to these regions magnus raphe was different in the SPD and FSL groups, but it was on the statistical grounds identified as an outlier. There were significant changes produced in the FSL and FRL rats in thirteen out of seventeen a priori selected brain regions, while in the SPD rats, citalopram produced significant changes in only four out of seventeen a priori selected regions. The statistical evaluation also revealed that changes produced by citalopram in the FSL and FRL rats were significantly greater than those in the SPD rats and that there was no significant difference between the effect produced in the FSL and FRL rats. The presented results suggest that in "depressed" FSL rats, the antidepressant citalopram elevates 5-HT synthesis, which probably in part relates to the reported improved in behaviour with citalopram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kanemaru
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
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Two different putative genetic animal models of childhood depression—A review. Prog Neurobiol 2009; 88:153-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2008] [Revised: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Bosch OJ, Nair HP, Ahern TH, Neumann ID, Young LJ. The CRF system mediates increased passive stress-coping behavior following the loss of a bonded partner in a monogamous rodent. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:1406-15. [PMID: 18923404 PMCID: PMC2669698 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2008.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Social relationships significantly influence physiology and behavior, including the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, anxiety, and mental health. Disruption of social bonds through separation or death often results in profound grieving, depression, and physical illness. As the monogamous prairie vole forms enduring, selective pair bonds with the mating partner, they provide an animal model to study the physiological consequences of pair bonding and, thus, the loss of the bonded partner. Male prairie voles were paired with a novel female or male sibling. After 5 days, half of the males of each group were separated from the partner. Elevated plus-maze, forced swim, and tail suspension tests were used to assess anxiety-like and passive stress-coping behaviors indicative of depressive-like behavior. Following 4 days of separation from the female but not the male partner, experimental males displayed increased passive stress-coping. This effect was abolished by long-term intracerebroventricular infusion of a nonselective corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor antagonist without disrupting the bond itself. Both CRF type 1 and 2 receptors were involved in the emergence of passive stress-coping behavior. Furthermore, pairing with a female was associated with elevated CRF mRNA in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and partner loss elicited a pronounced increase in circulating corticosteroid and adrenal weight. We speculate that the CRF system may mediate an aversive affect following separation from the female partner, which may facilitate proximity seeking between the pair-bonded individuals. Hence, the prairie vole model may provide insights into brain mechanisms involved in the psychopathological consequences of partner loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, Regensburg 93040, Germany.
| | - Hemanth P Nair
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Todd H Ahern
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Larry J Young
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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