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Xi K, Xiao H, Huang X, Yuan Z, Liu M, Mao H, Liu H, Ma G, Cheng Z, Xie Y, Liu Y, Feng D, Wang W, Guo B, Wu S. Reversal of hyperactive higher-order thalamus attenuates defensiveness in a mouse model of PTSD. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade5987. [PMID: 36735778 PMCID: PMC9897664 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade5987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating psychiatric disease often accompanied by severe defensive behaviors, preventing individuals from integrating into society. However, the neural mechanisms of defensiveness in PTSD remain largely unknown. Here, we identified that the higher-order thalamus, the posteromedial complex of the thalamus (PoM), was overactivated in a mouse model of PTSD, and suppressing PoM activity alleviated excessive defensive behaviors. Moreover, we found that diminished thalamic inhibition derived from the thalamic reticular nucleus was the major cause of thalamic hyperactivity in PTSD mice. Overloaded thalamic innervation to the downstream cortical area, frontal association cortex, drove abnormal defensiveness. Overall, our study revealed that the malfunction of the higher-order thalamus mediates defensive behaviors and highlighted the thalamocortical circuit as a potential target for treating PTSD-related overreactivity symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Xi
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Haoxiang Xiao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Ziduo Yuan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Medical School, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Mingyue Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Medical School, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Honghui Mao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Haiying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Guaiguai Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Medical School, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Zishuo Cheng
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yuqiao Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Dayun Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Baolin Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
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Gao L, Gao T, Zeng T, Huang P, Wong NK, Dong Z, Li Y, Deng G, Wu Z, Lv Z. Blockade of Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 ameliorates hippocampal neurogenesis and BOLD-fMRI signals in chronic stress precipitated depression. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:5875-5891. [PMID: 33591947 PMCID: PMC7950278 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression, though its molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. We investigated the molecular mechanism of IDO1 in depression by using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model in Ido1-/- mice and WT mice. The brain blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signals in mice were collected by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology. IDO1 inhibitor INCB024360 was intervened in dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) through stereotactic injection. We found an elevation of serum IDO1 activity and decreased 5-HT in CUMS mice, and the serum IDO1 activity was negatively correlated with 5-HT level. Consistently, IDO1 was increased in hippocampus and DRN regions, accompanied by a reduction of hippocampal BDNF levels in mice with CUMS. Specifically, pharmacological inhibition of IDO1 activity in the DRN alleviated depressive-like behaviour with improving hippocampal BDNF expression and neurogenesis in CUMS mice. Furthermore, ablation of Ido1 exerted stress resistance and decreased the sensitivity of depression in CUMS mice with the stable BOLD signals, BDNF expression and neurogenesis in hippocampus. Thus, IDO1 hyperactivity played crucial roles in modulating 5-HT metabolism and BDNF function thereby impacting outcomes of hippocampal neurogenesis and BOLD signals in depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Foshan Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Nai-Kei Wong
- State Key Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhaoyang Dong
- School of Nursing, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunjia Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanghui Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiyong Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiping Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Yabuki Y, Fukunaga K. Clinical Therapeutic Strategy and Neuronal Mechanism Underlying Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153614. [PMID: 31344835 PMCID: PMC6695947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by an exaggerated response to contextual memory and impaired fear extinction, with or without mild cognitive impairment, learning deficits, and nightmares. PTSD is often developed by traumatic events, such as war, terrorist attack, natural calamities, etc. Clinical and animal studies suggest that aberrant susceptibility of emotion- and fear-related neurocircuits, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hippocampus may contribute to the development and retention of PTSD symptoms. Psychological and pharmacological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and treatment with anti-depressive agents and/or antipsychotics significantly attenuate PTSD symptoms. However, more effective therapeutics are required for improvement of quality of life in PTSD patients. Previous studies have reported that ω3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplements can suppress the development of PTSD symptoms. Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are essential for LCPUFA intracellular trafficking. In this review, we have introduced Fabp3 null mice as an animal model of PTSD with impaired fear extinction. Moreover, we have addressed the neuronal circuits and novel therapeutic strategies for PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Yabuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan.
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Fukunaga K, Yabuki Y, Takahata I, Matsuo K. [Neurological mechanism and therapeutic strategy for posttraumatic stress disorders]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2019; 152:194-201. [PMID: 30298841 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.152.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most often induced by traumatic events and serious public health problems. PTSD is characterized by excessive response to contextual memory and impaired fear extinction and also associated with mild cognitive impairment, attention and learning deficits. Clinical and animal studies suggest that increased susceptibility of emotion- and fear-related neuronal circuits, including those in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, contributes to development and retention of PTSD symptoms. However, mechanisms underlying this susceptibility to fear are not known and the useful therapeutic approaches are limited. Recently, there have been reports that ω3 LCPUFA supplementation can prevent development of PTSD and significantly ameliorate symptoms in patients with PTSD after accidental injury such as motor vehicle accidents and natural calamities. Importantly, Fabp7 null mice exhibit enhancement of fear memory consolidation and anxiety-related behaviors that resemble PTSD-like behaviors in humans. In this review, we focused behavioral phenotype of PTSD in Fabp3 null mice. The Fabp3 null mice exhibit cognitive deficits, hyperlocomotion and impaired fear extinction, and thus show PTSD-like behaviors. Chronic administration of ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist, improved all PTSD-like behaviors tested in Fabp3-/- mice. Relevant to mechanisms underlying impaired fear extinction, we observed that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) autophosphorylation increases in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) but remained unchanges in the hippocampus of Fabp3-/- mice. Likewise, the number of c-Fos positive neurons in BLA significantly increased after exposure to contextual fear conditions. Finally, chronic ramelteon administration restored abnormal c-Fos expression and CaMKII autophosphorylation in the BLA of Fabp3-/- mice. Taken together, Fabp3-/- mice show PTSD-like behaviors, and ramelteon is an attractive candidate for PTSD therapeutics in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Yasushi Yabuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Ibuki Takahata
- Department of Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Kazuya Matsuo
- Department of Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
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Peplonska B, Safranow K, Adamczyk J, Boguszewski D, Szymański K, Soltyszewski I, Barczak A, Siewierski M, Ploski R, Sozanski H, Zekanowski C. Association of serotoninergic pathway gene variants with elite athletic status in the Polish population. J Sports Sci 2019; 37:1655-1662. [PMID: 30836829 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1583156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors are known to influence sport performance. The aim of the present study was to assess genetic variants in genes coding for proteins potentially modulating activity of brain emotion centres in a group of 621 elite athletes (212 endurance, 183 power and 226 combat athletes) and 672 sedentary controls. Ten statistically significant variants were identified in genes encoding elements of serotoninergic, catecholaminergic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal systems in different sport groups. Of those the rs860573 variant in the FEV gene coding for transcription factor exclusively expressed in neurons of the central serotonin system is the only one whose frequency significantly differentiates all the groups of athletes studied, regardless of discipline, from the controls (p = 0.000026). Our results support the hypothesis that genetic variants potentially affecting mental processes and emotions, particularly in the serotonergic pathway, also influence the predispositions to athletic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Peplonska
- a Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders , Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- b Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry , Pomeranian Medical University , Szczecin , Poland
| | - Jakub Adamczyk
- c Department of Sport's Theory , Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Dariusz Boguszewski
- d Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Division , Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Konrad Szymański
- e Department of Medical Genetics , Centre for Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Ireneusz Soltyszewski
- f Department of Criminology and Forensic Medicine , Warmia and Mazury University , Olsztyn , Poland
| | - Anna Barczak
- a Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders , Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Marcin Siewierski
- c Department of Sport's Theory , Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Rafal Ploski
- e Department of Medical Genetics , Centre for Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Henryk Sozanski
- c Department of Sport's Theory , Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Cezary Zekanowski
- c Department of Sport's Theory , Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
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Avinun R, Nevo A, Knodt AR, Elliott ML, Hariri AR. Replication in Imaging Genetics: The Case of Threat-Related Amygdala Reactivity. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:148-159. [PMID: 29279201 PMCID: PMC5955809 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low replication rates are a concern in most, if not all, scientific disciplines. In psychiatric genetics specifically, targeting intermediate brain phenotypes, which are more closely associated with putative genetic effects, was touted as a strategy leading to increased power and replicability. In the current study, we attempted to replicate previously published associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and threat-related amygdala reactivity, which represents a robust brain phenotype not only implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple disorders, but also used as a biomarker of future risk. METHODS We conducted a literature search for published associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and threat-related amygdala reactivity and found 37 unique findings. Our replication sample consisted of 1117 young adult volunteers (629 women, mean age 19.72 ± 1.25 years) for whom both genetic and functional magnetic resonance imaging data were available. RESULTS Of the 37 unique associations identified, only three replicated as previously reported. When exploratory analyses were conducted with different model parameters compared to the original findings, significant associations were identified for 28 additional studies: eight of these were for a different contrast/laterality; five for a different gender and/or race/ethnicity; and 15 in the opposite direction and for a different contrast, laterality, gender, and/or race/ethnicity. No significant associations, regardless of model parameters, were detected for six studies. Notably, none of the significant associations survived correction for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS We discuss these patterns of poor replication with regard to the general strategy of targeting intermediate brain phenotypes in genetic association studies and the growing importance of advancing the replicability of imaging genetics findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reut Avinun
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
| | - Adam Nevo
- Cardiothoracic Division, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Annchen R. Knodt
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maxwell L. Elliott
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ahmad R. Hariri
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Adult Brain Serotonin Deficiency Causes Hyperactivity, Circadian Disruption, and Elimination of Siestas. J Neurosci 2017; 36:9828-42. [PMID: 27656022 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1469-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Serotonin (5-HT) is a crucial neuromodulator linked to many psychiatric disorders. However, after more than 60 years of study, its role in behavior remains poorly understood, in part because of a lack of methods to target 5-HT synthesis specifically in the adult brain. Here, we have developed a genetic approach that reproducibly achieves near-complete elimination of 5-HT synthesis from the adult ascending 5-HT system by stereotaxic injection of an adeno-associated virus expressing Cre recombinase (AAV-Cre) into the midbrain/pons of mice carrying a loxP-conditional tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) allele. We investigated the behavioral effects of deficient brain 5-HT synthesis and discovered a unique composite phenotype. Surprisingly, adult 5-HT deficiency did not affect anxiety-like behavior, but resulted in a robust hyperactivity phenotype in novel and home cage environments. Moreover, loss of 5-HT led to an altered pattern of circadian behavior characterized by an advance in the onset and a delay in the offset of daily activity, thus revealing a requirement for adult 5-HT in the control of daily activity patterns. Notably, after normalizing for hyperactivity, we found that the normal prolonged break in nocturnal activity (siesta), a period of rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep, was absent in all animals in which 5-HT deficiency was verified. Our findings identify adult 5-HT as a requirement for siestas, implicate adult 5-HT in sleep-wake homeostasis, and highlight the importance of our adult-specific 5-HT-synthesis-targeting approach in understanding 5-HT's role in controlling behavior. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Serotonin (5-HT) is a crucial neuromodulator, yet its role in behavior remains poorly understood, in part because of a lack of methods to target specifically adult brain 5-HT synthesis. We developed an approach that reproducibly achieves near-complete elimination of 5-HT synthesis from the adult ascending 5-HT system. Using this technique, we discovered that adult 5-HT deficiency led to a novel compound phenotype consisting of hyperactivity, disrupted circadian behavior patterns, and elimination of siestas, a period of increased sleep during the active phase. These findings highlight the importance of our approach in understanding 5-HT's role in behavior, especially in controlling activity levels, circadian behavior, and sleep-wake homeostasis, behaviors that are disrupted in many psychiatric disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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Bogdan R, Salmeron BJ, Carey CE, Agrawal A, Calhoun VD, Garavan H, Hariri AR, Heinz A, Hill MN, Holmes A, Kalin NH, Goldman D. Imaging Genetics and Genomics in Psychiatry: A Critical Review of Progress and Potential. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:165-175. [PMID: 28283186 PMCID: PMC5505787 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Imaging genetics and genomics research has begun to provide insight into the molecular and genetic architecture of neural phenotypes and the neural mechanisms through which genetic risk for psychopathology may emerge. As it approaches its third decade, imaging genetics is confronted by many challenges, including the proliferation of studies using small sample sizes and diverse designs, limited replication, problems with harmonization of neural phenotypes for meta-analysis, unclear mechanisms, and evidence that effect sizes may be more modest than originally posited, with increasing evidence of polygenicity. These concerns have encouraged the field to grow in many new directions, including the development of consortia and large-scale data collection projects and the use of novel methods (e.g., polygenic approaches, machine learning) that enhance the quality of imaging genetic studies but also introduce new challenges. We critically review progress in imaging genetics and offer suggestions and highlight potential pitfalls of novel approaches. Ultimately, the strength of imaging genetics and genomics lies in their translational and integrative potential with other research approaches (e.g., nonhuman animal models, psychiatric genetics, pharmacologic challenge) to elucidate brain-based pathways that give rise to the vast individual differences in behavior as well as risk for psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Bogdan
- BRAIN Lab, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Betty Jo Salmeron
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Caitlin E Carey
- BRAIN Lab, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Arpana Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Vince D Calhoun
- Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Ahmad R Hariri
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ned H Kalin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; Neuroscience Training Program (NHK, RK, PHR, DPMT, MEE), University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (NHK, MEE), Madison, Wisconsin
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
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Di Iorio CR, Carey CE, Michalski LJ, Corral-Frias NS, Conley ED, Hariri AR, Bogdan R. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis genetic variation and early stress moderates amygdala function. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 80:170-178. [PMID: 28364727 PMCID: PMC5685810 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress may precipitate psychopathology, at least in part, by influencing amygdala function. Converging evidence across species suggests that links between childhood stress and amygdala function may be dependent upon hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Using data from college-attending non-Hispanic European-Americans (n=308) who completed the Duke Neurogenetics Study, we examined whether early life stress (ELS) and HPA axis genetic variation interact to predict threat-related amygdala function as well as psychopathology symptoms. A biologically-informed multilocus profile score (BIMPS) captured HPA axis genetic variation (FKBP5 rs1360780, CRHR1 rs110402; NR3C2 rs5522/rs4635799) previously associated with its function (higher BIMPS are reflective of higher HPA axis activity). BOLD fMRI data were acquired while participants completed an emotional face matching task. ELS and depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the childhood trauma questionnaire and the mood and anxiety symptom questionnaire, respectively. The interaction between HPA axis BIMPS and ELS was associated with right amygdala reactivity to threat-related stimuli, after accounting for multiple testing (empirical-p=0.016). Among individuals with higher BIMPS (i.e., the upper 21.4%), ELS was positively coupled with threat-related amygdala reactivity, which was absent among those with average or low BIMPS. Further, higher BIMPS were associated with greater self-reported anxious arousal, though there was no evidence that amygdala function mediated this relationship. Polygenic variation linked to HPA axis function may moderate the effects of early life stress on threat-related amygdala function and confer risk for anxiety symptomatology. However, what, if any, neural mechanisms may mediate the relationship between HPA axis BIMPS and anxiety symptomatology remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina R Di Iorio
- BRAIN Lab, Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Caitlin E Carey
- BRAIN Lab, Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lindsay J Michalski
- BRAIN Lab, Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nadia S Corral-Frias
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Ahmad R Hariri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ryan Bogdan
- BRAIN Lab, Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Neurosciences Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Molecular Genetics and Genomics Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Human and Statistical Genetics Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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10
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Savage JE, Sawyers C, Roberson-Nay R, Hettema JM. The genetics of anxiety-related negative valence system traits. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2017; 174:156-177. [PMID: 27196537 PMCID: PMC5349709 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
NIMH's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) domain of negative valence systems (NVS) captures constructs of negative affect such as fear and distress traditionally subsumed under the various internalizing disorders. Through its aims to capture dimensional measures that cut across diagnostic categories and are linked to underlying neurobiological systems, a large number of phenotypic constructs have been proposed as potential research targets. Since "genes" represent a central "unit of analysis" in the RDoC matrix, it is important for studies going forward to apply what is known about the genetics of these phenotypes as well as fill in the gaps of existing knowledge. This article reviews the extant genetic epidemiological data (twin studies, heritability) and molecular genetic association findings for a broad range of putative NVS phenotypic measures. We find that scant genetic epidemiological data is available for experimentally derived measures such as attentional bias, peripheral physiology, or brain-based measures of threat response. The molecular genetic basis of NVS phenotypes is in its infancy, since most studies have focused on a small number of candidate genes selected for putative association to anxiety disorders (ADs). Thus, more research is required to provide a firm understanding of the genetic aspects of anxiety-related NVS constructs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne E. Savage
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Chelsea Sawyers
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Roxann Roberson-Nay
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - John M. Hettema
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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11
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Wellman CL. Visualizing Changes in Neuronal Dendritic Morphology in Response to Stress and Pharmacological Challenge. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN NEUROSCIENCE 2017; 78:8.38.1-8.38.18. [PMID: 28046203 DOI: 10.1002/cpns.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This unit outlines a protocol for Golgi staining, which has been used extensively to reliably and quantitatively assess alterations in dendritic arborization and spine density as a result of a variety of factors, including chronic administration of glucocorticoids, chronic stress, and pharmacological manipulations. The method stains neurons in their entirety, allowing for sophisticated analyses of branch lengths and numbers as well as patterns of dendritic branching. Advantages of the technique include its usefulness in multisite collaborations and its utility in visualizing neurons in multiple regions within the same brain. Given that it typically labels approximately one in one hundred neurons, many neurons per region of interest can be sampled per animal, greatly increasing the ability to obtain a representative sample of neurons. Limitations include its time-consuming nature, the hazardous chemicals employed, and the inability to use the stain to identify discrete subpopulations of neurons based on their projections, activation, or protein expression. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Wellman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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12
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Challis C, Berton O. Top-Down Control of Serotonin Systems by the Prefrontal Cortex: A Path toward Restored Socioemotional Function in Depression. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1040-54. [PMID: 25706226 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Social withdrawal, increased threat perception, and exaggerated reassurance seeking behaviors are prominent interpersonal symptoms in major depressive disorder (MDD). Altered serotonin (5-HT) systems and corticolimbic dysconnectivity have long been suspected to contribute to these symptomatic facets; however, the underlying circuits and intrinsic cellular mechanisms that control 5-HT output during socioemotional interactions remain poorly understood. We review literature that implicates a direct pathway between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) in the adaptive and pathological control of social approach-avoidance behaviors. Imaging and neuromodulation during approach-avoidance tasks in humans point to the cortical control of brainstem circuits as an essential regulator of socioemotional decisions and actions. Parallel rodent studies using viral-based connectomics and optogenetics are beginning to provide a cellular blueprint of the underlying circuitry. In these studies, manipulations of vmPFC synaptic inputs to the DRN have revealed bidirectional influences on socioaffective behaviors via direct monosynaptic excitation and indirect disynaptic inhibition of 5-HT neurons. Additionally, adverse social experiences that result in permanent avoidance biases, such as social defeat, drive long-lasting plasticity in this microcircuit, potentiating the indirect inhibition of 5-HT output. Conversely, neuromodulation of the vmPFC via deep brain stimulation (DBS) attenuates avoidance biases by restoring the direct excitatory drive of 5-HT neurons and strengthening a key subset of forebrain 5-HT projections. Better understanding the cellular organization of the vmPFC-DRN pathway and identifying molecular determinants of its neuroplasticity can open fundamentally novel avenues for the treatment of affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin Challis
- Department of Psychiatry, ‡Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Olivier Berton
- Department of Psychiatry, ‡Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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13
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Liu Y, Kelly MA, Sexton TJ, Neumaier JF. 5-HT1B autoreceptors differentially modulate the expression of conditioned fear in a circuit-specific manner. Neuroscience 2015; 298:436-47. [PMID: 25907441 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Located in the nerve terminals of serotonergic neurons, 5-HT1B autoreceptors are poised to modulate synaptic 5-HT levels with precise temporal and spatial control, and play an important role in various emotional behaviors. This study characterized two novel, complementary viral vector strategies to investigate the contribution of 5-HT1B autoreceptors to fear expression, displayed as freezing, during contextual fear conditioning. Increased expression of 5-HT1B autoreceptors throughout the brain significantly decreased fear expression in both wild-type (WT) and 5-HT1B knockout (1BKO) mice when receptor levels were increased with a cell-type-specific herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector injected into the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Additional studies used an intersectional viral vector strategy, in which an adeno-associated virus containing a double-floxed inverted sequence for the 5-HT1B receptor (AAV-DIO-1B) was combined with the retrogradely transported canine adenovirus-2 expressing Cre (CAV-Cre) in order to increase 5-HT1B autoreceptor expression only in neurons projecting from the DRN to the amygdala. Surprisingly, selective expression of 5-HT1B autoreceptors in just this circuit led to an increase in fear expression in WT, but not 1BKO, mice. These results suggest that activation of 5-HT1B autoreceptors throughout the brain may have an overall effect of attenuating fear expression, but activation of subsets of 5-HT1B autoreceptors in particular brain regions, reflecting distinct projections of serotonergic neurons from the DRN, may have disparate contributions to the ultimate response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - M A Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - T J Sexton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - J F Neumaier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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14
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Angoa-Pérez M, Kane MJ, Briggs DI, Herrera-Mundo N, Sykes CE, Francescutti DM, Kuhn DM. Mice genetically depleted of brain serotonin do not display a depression-like behavioral phenotype. ACS Chem Neurosci 2014; 5:908-19. [PMID: 25089765 DOI: 10.1021/cn500096g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reductions in function within the serotonin (5HT) neuronal system have long been proposed as etiological factors in depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common treatment for depression, and their therapeutic effect is generally attributed to their ability to increase the synaptic levels of 5HT. Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of 5HT in the CNS, and losses in its catalytic activity lead to reductions in 5HT production and release. The time differential between the onset of 5HT reuptake inhibition by SSRIs (minutes) and onset of their antidepressant efficacy (weeks to months), when considered with their overall poor therapeutic effectiveness, has cast some doubt on the role of 5HT in depression. Mice lacking the gene for TPH2 are genetically depleted of brain 5HT and were tested for a depression-like behavioral phenotype using a battery of valid tests for affective-like disorders in animals. The behavior of TPH2(-/-) mice on the sucrose preference test, tail suspension test, and forced swim test and their responses in the unpredictable chronic mild stress and learned helplessness paradigms was the same as wild-type controls. While TPH2(-/-) mice as a group were not responsive to SSRIs, a subset responded to treatment with SSRIs in the same manner as wild-type controls with significant reductions in immobility time on the tail suspension test, indicative of antidepressant drug effects. The behavioral phenotype of the TPH2(-/-) mouse questions the role of 5HT in depression. Furthermore, the TPH2(-/-) mouse may serve as a useful model in the search for new medications that have therapeutic targets for depression that are outside of the 5HT neuronal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Michael J. Kane
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Denise I. Briggs
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Nieves Herrera-Mundo
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Catherine E. Sykes
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Dina M. Francescutti
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Donald M. Kuhn
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
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15
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Bukalo O, Pinard CR, Holmes A. Mechanisms to medicines: elucidating neural and molecular substrates of fear extinction to identify novel treatments for anxiety disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:4690-718. [PMID: 24835117 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of anxiety disorders is growing, but the efficacy of available anxiolytic treatments remains inadequate. Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive patterns of thinking and behaving, and has a testable analogue in rodents in the form of fear extinction. A large preclinical literature has amassed in recent years describing the neural and molecular basis of fear extinction in rodents. In this review, we discuss how this work is being harnessed to foster translational research on anxiety disorders and facilitate the search for new anxiolytic treatments. We begin by summarizing the anatomical and functional connectivity of a medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-amygdala circuit that subserves fear extinction, including new insights from optogenetics. We then cover some of the approaches that have been taken to model impaired fear extinction and associated impairments with mPFC-amygdala dysfunction. The principal goal of the review is to evaluate evidence that various neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems mediate fear extinction by modulating the mPFC-amygdala circuitry. To that end, we describe studies that have tested how fear extinction is impaired or facilitated by pharmacological manipulations of dopamine, noradrenaline, 5-HT, GABA, glutamate, neuropeptides, endocannabinoids and various other systems, which either directly target the mPFC-amygdala circuit, or produce behavioural effects that are coincident with functional changes in the circuit. We conclude that there are good grounds to be optimistic that the progress in defining the molecular substrates of mPFC-amygdala circuit function can be effectively leveraged to identify plausible candidates for extinction-promoting therapies for anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Bukalo
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
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16
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Kim JY, Kim A, Zhao ZQ, Liu XY, Chen ZF. Postnatal maintenance of the 5-Ht1a-Pet1 autoregulatory loop by serotonin in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem. Mol Brain 2014; 7:48. [PMID: 24972638 PMCID: PMC4086287 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the importance of 5-HT1A as a major target for the action of several anxiolytics/antidepressant drugs, little is known about its regulation in central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) neurons. Results We report that expression of 5-HT1A and the transcription factor Pet1 was impaired in the rostral raphe nuclei of mice lacking tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) after birth. The downregulation of Pet1 was recapitulated in 5-Ht1a-/- mice. Using an explant culture system, we show that reduction of Pet1 and 5-HT1A was rescued in Tph2-/- brainstem by exogenous 5-HT. In contrast, 5-HT failed to rescue reduced expression of Pet1 in 5-Ht1a-/- brainstem explant culture. Conclusions These results suggest a causal relationship between 5-HT1A and Pet1, and reveal a potential mechanism by which 5-HT1A-Pet1 autoregulatory loop is maintained by 5-HT in a spatiotemporal-specific manner during postnatal development. Our results are relevant to understanding the pathophysiology of certain psychiatric and developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhou-Feng Chen
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St, Louis 63110, USA.
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17
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Gorka AX, Knodt AR, Hariri AR. Basal forebrain moderates the magnitude of task-dependent amygdala functional connectivity. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2014; 10:501-7. [PMID: 24847112 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsu080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies reveal that the amygdala promotes attention and emotional memory, in part, by driving activity in downstream target regions including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. Prior work has demonstrated that the amygdala influences these regions directly through monosynaptic glutamatergic signaling, and indirectly by driving activity of the cholinergic basal forebrain and subsequent downstream acetylcholine release. Yet to date, no work has addressed the functional relevance of the cholinergic basal forebrain in facilitating signaling from the amygdala in humans. We set out to determine how blood oxygen level-dependent signal within the amygdala and cholinergic basal forebrain interact to predict neural responses within downstream targets. Here, we use functional connectivity analyses to demonstrate that the cholinergic basal forebrain moderates increased amygdala connectivity with both the PFC and the hippocampus during the processing of biologically salient stimuli in humans. We further demonstrate that functional variation within the choline transporter gene predicts the magnitude of this modulatory effect. Collectively, our results provide novel evidence for the importance of cholinergic signaling in modulating neural pathways supporting arousal, attention and memory in humans. Further, our results may shed light on prior association studies linking functional variation within the choline transporter gene and diagnoses of major depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam X Gorka
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, Duke University, Durham, 27708 NC, USA
| | - Annchen R Knodt
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, Duke University, Durham, 27708 NC, USA
| | - Ahmad R Hariri
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, Duke University, Durham, 27708 NC, USA
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