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Tokunaga R, Shibata H, Kurosawa M. Alteration of serotonin release response in the central nucleus of the amygdala to noxious and non-noxious mechanical stimulation in a neuropathic pain model rat. J Physiol Sci 2024; 74:17. [PMID: 38475695 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-024-00910-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Previously, we found that serotonin (5-HT) release in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) of anesthetized rats decreases in response to innocuous stroking of the skin, irrespective of stimulus laterality, but increases in response to noxious pinching applied to a hindlimb contralateral to the 5-HT measurement site. The aim of the present study was to determine whether intra-CeA 5-HT release responses to cutaneous stimulation were altered in an animal model of neuropathic pain induced by ligation of the left L5 spinal nerve. In anesthetized neuropathic pain model rats, stroking of the left hindlimb increased 5-HT release in the CeA, whereas stroking of the right hindlimb decreased it. Meanwhile, pinching of the left hindlimb increased intra-CeA 5-HT release irrespective of stimulus laterality. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that intra-CeA 5-HT release responses to cutaneous stimulation are altered in an animal model of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Tokunaga
- Center for Medical Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Hideshi Shibata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
| | - Mieko Kurosawa
- Center for Medical Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan.
- Bio-Laboratory, Foundation for Advancement of International Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0821, Japan.
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2
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Alexander C, Vasefi M. Cannabidiol and the corticoraphe circuit in post-traumatic stress disorder. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 11:88-102. [PMID: 34485973 PMCID: PMC8408530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, negative affect, and impaired memory processing, may develop after traumatic events. PTSD is complicated by impaired plasticity and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity, hyperactivity of the amygdala, and impaired fear extinction. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a promising candidate for treatment due to its multimodal action that enhances plasticity and calms hyperexcitability. CBD’s mechanism in the mPFC of PTSD patients has been explored extensively, but literature on the mechanism in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is lacking. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we examined current literature regarding CBD in PTSD and overlapping symptomologies to propose a mechanism by which CBD treats PTSD via corticoraphe circuit. Acute CBD inhibits excess 5-HT release from DRN to amygdala and releases anandamide (AEA) onto amygdala inputs. By first reducing amygdala and DRN hyperactivity, CBD begins to ameliorate activity disparity between mPFC and amygdala. Chronic CBD recruits the mPFC, creating harmonious corticoraphe signaling. DRN releases enough 5-HT to ameliorate mPFC hypoactivity, while the mPFC continuously excites DRN 5-HT neurons via glutamate. Meanwhile, AEA regulates corticoraphe activity to stabilize signaling. AEA prevents DRN GABAergic interneurons from inhibiting 5-HT release so the DRN can assist the mPFC in overcoming its hypoactivity. DRN-mediated restoration of mPFC activity underlies CBD’s mechanism on fear extinction and learning of stress coping. CBD reduces PTSD symptoms via the DRN and corticoraphe circuit. Acute effects of CBD reduce DRN-amygdala excitatory signaling to lessen the activity disparity between amygdala and mPFC. Chronic CBD officially resolves mPFC hypoactivity by facilitating 5-HT release from DRN to mPFC. CBD-facilitated endocannabinoid signaling stabilizes DRN activity and restores mPFC inhibitory control. Chronically administered CBD acts via the corticoraphe circuit to favor fear extinction over fear memory reconsolidation.
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Key Words
- 2-AG, 2-arachidonoylglycerol
- 5-HT, Serotonin
- 5-HT1AR, 5-HT Receptor Type 1A
- 5-HT2AR, 5-HT Receptor Type 2 A
- AEA, Anandamide
- CB1R, Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1
- CB2R, Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2
- CBD, Cannabidiol
- COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2
- Cannabidiol
- DRN, Dorsal Raphe Nucleus
- ERK1/2, Extracellular Signal-Related Kinases Type 1 or Type 2
- FAAH, Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase
- GABA, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
- GPCRs, G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- NMDAR, N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptors
- PET, Positron Emission Tomography
- PFC, DRN and Raphe
- PFC, Prefrontal Cortex
- PTSD
- PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- SSNRI, Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
- SSRI, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
- Serotonin
- TRPV1, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Channels
- Traumatic Stress
- fMRI, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- mPFC, Medial Prefrontal Cortex
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Alexander
- Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA
| | - Maryam Vasefi
- Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA
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Khom S, Wolfe SA, Patel RR, Kirson D, Hedges DM, Varodayan FP, Bajo M, Roberto M. Alcohol Dependence and Withdrawal Impair Serotonergic Regulation of GABA Transmission in the Rat Central Nucleus of the Amygdala. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6842-6853. [PMID: 32769108 PMCID: PMC7470924 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0733-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive serotonin (5-HT) signaling plays a critical role in the etiology of alcohol use disorder. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a key player in alcohol-dependence associated behaviors. The CeA receives dense innervation from the dorsal raphe nucleus, the major source of 5-HT, and expresses 5-HT receptor subtypes (e.g., 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A) critically linked to alcohol use disorder. Notably, the role of 5-HT regulating rat CeA activity in alcohol dependence is poorly investigated. Here, we examined neuroadaptations of CeA 5-HT signaling in adult, male Sprague Dawley rats using an established model of alcohol dependence (chronic intermittent alcohol vapor exposure), ex vivo slice electrophysiology and ISH. 5-HT increased frequency of sIPSCs without affecting postsynaptic measures, suggesting increased CeA GABA release in naive rats. In dependent rats, this 5-HT-induced increase of GABA release was attenuated, suggesting blunted CeA 5-HT sensitivity, which partially recovered in protracted withdrawal (2 weeks). 5-HT increased vesicular GABA release in naive and dependent rats but had split effects (increase and decrease) after protracted withdrawal indicative of neuroadaptations of presynaptic 5-HT receptors. Accordingly, 5-HT abolished spontaneous neuronal firing in naive and dependent rats but had bidirectional effects in withdrawn. Alcohol dependence and protracted withdrawal did not alter either 5-HT1A-mediated decrease of CeA GABA release or Htr1a expression but disrupted 5-HT2C-signaling without affecting Htr2c expression. Collectively, our study provides detailed insights into modulation of CeA activity by the 5-HT system and unravels the vulnerability of the CeA 5-HT system to chronic alcohol and protracted withdrawal.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Elevated GABA signaling in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) underlies key behaviors associated with alcohol dependence. The CeA is reciprocally connected with the dorsal raphe nucleus, the main source of serotonin (5-HT) in the mammalian brain, and excessive 5-HT signaling is critically implicated in the etiology of alcohol use disorder. Our study, using a well-established rat model of alcohol dependence, ex vivo electrophysiology and ISH, provides mechanistic insights into how both chronic alcohol exposure and protracted withdrawal dysregulate 5-HT signaling in the CeA. Thus, our study further expands our understanding of CeA cellular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Khom
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92307
| | - Sarah A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92307
| | - Reesha R Patel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92307
| | - Dean Kirson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92307
| | - David M Hedges
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92307
| | - Florence P Varodayan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92307
| | - Michal Bajo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92307
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92307
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Domínguez-Borràs J, Guex R, Méndez-Bértolo C, Legendre G, Spinelli L, Moratti S, Frühholz S, Mégevand P, Arnal L, Strange B, Seeck M, Vuilleumier P. Human amygdala response to unisensory and multisensory emotion input: No evidence for superadditivity from intracranial recordings. Neuropsychologia 2019; 131:9-24. [PMID: 31158367 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The amygdala is crucially implicated in processing emotional information from various sensory modalities. However, there is dearth of knowledge concerning the integration and relative time-course of its responses across different channels, i.e., for auditory, visual, and audiovisual input. Functional neuroimaging data in humans point to a possible role of this region in the multimodal integration of emotional signals, but direct evidence for anatomical and temporal overlap of unisensory and multisensory-evoked responses in amygdala is still lacking. We recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) and oscillatory activity from 9 amygdalae using intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) in patients prior to epilepsy surgery, and compared electrophysiological responses to fearful, happy, or neutral stimuli presented either in voices alone, faces alone, or voices and faces simultaneously delivered. Results showed differential amygdala responses to fearful stimuli, in comparison to neutral, reaching significance 100-200 ms post-onset for auditory, visual and audiovisual stimuli. At later latencies, ∼400 ms post-onset, amygdala response to audiovisual information was also amplified in comparison to auditory or visual stimuli alone. Importantly, however, we found no evidence for either super- or subadditivity effects in any of the bimodal responses. These results suggest, first, that emotion processing in amygdala occurs at globally similar early stages of perceptual processing for auditory, visual, and audiovisual inputs; second, that overall larger responses to multisensory information occur at later stages only; and third, that the underlying mechanisms of this multisensory gain may reflect a purely additive response to concomitant visual and auditory inputs. Our findings provide novel insights on emotion processing across the sensory pathways, and their convergence within the limbic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Domínguez-Borràs
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Raphaël Guex
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Guillaume Legendre
- Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Laurent Spinelli
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Stephan Moratti
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sascha Frühholz
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre Mégevand
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Luc Arnal
- Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Bryan Strange
- Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain; Department of Neuroimaging, Alzheimer's Disease Research Centre, Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Margitta Seeck
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Patrik Vuilleumier
- Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
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Theisen CC, Reyes BA, Sabban E, Van Bockstaele EJ. Ultrastructural Characterization of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and Neuropeptide Y in the Rat Locus Coeruleus: Anatomical Evidence for Putative Interactions. Neuroscience 2018; 384:21-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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6
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Romero A, García-Carmona JA, Laorden ML, Puig MM. Role of CRF1 receptor in post-incisional plasma extravasation and nociceptive responses in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 332:121-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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7
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de Boer SF, Buwalda B, Koolhaas JM. Untangling the neurobiology of coping styles in rodents: Towards neural mechanisms underlying individual differences in disease susceptibility. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:401-422. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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8
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Amygdalar Gating of Early Sensory Processing through Interactions with Locus Coeruleus. J Neurosci 2017; 37:3085-3101. [PMID: 28188216 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2797-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear- and stress-induced activity in the amygdala has been hypothesized to influence sensory brain regions through the influence of the amygdala on neuromodulatory centers. To directly examine this relationship, we used optical imaging to observe odor-evoked activity in populations of olfactory bulb inhibitory interneurons and of synaptic terminals of olfactory sensory neurons (the primary sensory neurons of the olfactory system, which provide the initial olfactory input to the brain) during pharmacological inactivation of amygdala and locus coeruleus (LC) in mice. Although the amygdala does not directly project to the olfactory bulb, joint pharmacological inactivation of the central, basolateral, and lateral nuclei of the amygdala nonetheless strongly suppressed odor-evoked activity in GABAergic inhibitory interneuron populations in the OB. This suppression was prevented by inactivation of LC or pretreatment of the olfactory bulb with a broad-spectrum noradrenergic receptor antagonist. Visualization of synaptic output from olfactory sensory neuron terminals into the olfactory bulb of the brain revealed that amygdalar inactivation preferentially strengthened the odor-evoked synaptic output of weakly activated populations of sensory afferents from the nose, thus demonstrating a change in sensory gating potentially mediated by local inhibition of olfactory sensory neuron terminals. We conclude that amygdalar activity influences olfactory processing as early as the primary sensory input to the brain by modulating norepinephrine release from the locus coeruleus into the olfactory bulb. These findings show that the amygdala and LC state actively determines which sensory signals are selected for processing in sensory brain regions. Similar local circuitry operates in the olfactory, visual, and auditory systems, suggesting a potentially shared mechanism across modalities.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The affective state is increasingly understood to influence early neural processing of sensory stimuli, not just the behavioral response to those stimuli. The present study elucidates one circuit by which the amygdala, a critical structure for emotional learning, valence coding, and stress, can shape sensory input to the brain and early sensory processing through its connections to the locus coeruleus. One function of this interaction appears to be sensory gating, because inactivating the central, basolateral, and lateral nuclei of the amygdala selectively strengthened the weakest olfactory inputs to the brain. This linkage of amygdalar and LC output to primary sensory signaling may have implications for affective disorders that include sensory dysfunctions like hypervigilance, attentional bias, and impaired sensory gating.
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9
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Rodríguez-Ortega E, Cañadas F, Carvajal F, Cardona D. In vivo stimulation of locus coeruleus: effects on amygdala subnuclei. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2017. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2017-060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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10
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Tokunaga R, Shimoju R, Takagi N, Shibata H, Kurosawa M. Serotonin release in the central nucleus of the amygdala in response to noxious and innocuous cutaneous stimulation in anesthetized rats. J Physiol Sci 2016; 66:307-14. [PMID: 26668011 PMCID: PMC10717205 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-015-0426-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of noxious (pinching) and innocuous (stroking) stimulation of skin on serotonin (5-HT) release in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in anesthetized rats. 5-HT in the CeA was collected by microdialysis methods. Dialysate output from consecutive 10-min periods was injected into a high-performance liquid chromatograph and 5-HT was measured with an electrochemical detector. Bilateral pinching of the back for 10 min increased 5-HT release significantly; 5-HT release was also increased with stimulation of the forelimb or hindlimb. In contrast, stroking of these areas decreased 5-HT release significantly. Furthermore, simultaneous stroking and pinching produced no change in the 5-HT release. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that 5-HT release in the CeA is regulated by somatic afferent stimulation in a modality-dependent manner, and that innocuous stimulation can dampen the change in 5-HT release that occurs in response to noxious stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Tokunaga
- Division of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Rie Shimoju
- Division of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Noriaki Takagi
- Division of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Hideshi Shibata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
| | - Mieko Kurosawa
- Division of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan.
- Center for Medical Science, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Otawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan.
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11
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Early life adversity and serotonin transporter gene variation interact to affect DNA methylation of the corticotropin-releasing factor gene promoter region in the adult rat brain. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 27:123-35. [PMID: 25640835 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579414001345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between childhood maltreatment and the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene linked polymorphic region has been associated with increased risk to develop major depression. This Gene × Environment interaction has furthermore been linked with increased levels of anxiety and glucocorticoid release upon exposure to stress. Both endophenotypes are regulated by the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or hormone, which is expressed by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the central amygdala (CeA). Therefore, we hypothesized that altered regulation of the expression of CRF in these areas represents a major neurobiological mechanism underlying the interaction of early life stress and 5-HTT gene variation. The programming of gene transcription by Gene × Environment interactions has been proposed to involve epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. In this study, we report that early life stress and 5-HTT genotype interact to affect DNA methylation of the Crf gene promoter in the CeA of adult male rats. Furthermore, we found that DNA methylation of a specific site in the Crf promoter significantly correlated with CRF mRNA levels in the CeA. Moreover, CeA CRF mRNA levels correlated with stress coping behavior in a learned helplessness paradigm. Together, our findings warrant further investigation of the link of Crf promoter methylation and CRF expression in the CeA with behavioral changes that are relevant for psychopathology.
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12
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Smith HR, Beveridge TJR, Nader MA, Porrino LJ. Effects of abstinence from chronic cocaine self-administration on nonhuman primate dorsal and ventral noradrenergic bundle terminal field structures. Brain Struct Funct 2015; 221:2703-15. [PMID: 26013302 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to cocaine is known to dysregulate the norepinephrine system, and norepinephrine has also been implicated as having a role in abstinence and withdrawal. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of exposure to cocaine self-administration and subsequent abstinence on regulatory elements of the norepinephrine system in the nonhuman primate brain. Rhesus monkeys self-administered cocaine (0.3 mg/kg/injection, 30 reinforcers/session) under a fixed-interval 3-min schedule of reinforcement for 100 sessions. Animals in the abstinence group then underwent a 30-day period during which no operant responding was conducted, followed by a final session of operant responding. Control animals underwent identical schedules of food reinforcement and abstinence. This duration of cocaine self-administration has been shown previously to increase levels of norepinephrine transporters (NET) in the ventral noradrenergic bundle terminal fields. In contrast, in the current study, abstinence from chronic cocaine self-administration resulted in elevated levels of [(3)H]nisoxetine binding to the NET primarily in dorsal noradrenergic bundle terminal field structures. As compared to food reinforcement, chronic cocaine self-administration resulted in decreased binding of [(3)H]RX821002 to α2-adrenoceptors primarily in limbic-related structures innervated by both dorsal and ventral bundles, as well as elevated binding in the striatum. However, following abstinence from responding for cocaine binding to α2-adrenoceptors was not different than in control animals. These data demonstrate the dynamic nature of the regulation of norepinephrine during cocaine use and abstinence, and provide further evidence that the norepinephrine system should not be overlooked in the search for effective pharmacotherapies for cocaine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary R Smith
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, One Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1083, USA
| | - Thomas J R Beveridge
- Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Sciences, Medical Affairs, 100 Interpace Parkway, Parsippany, NJ, 07054, USA
| | - Michael A Nader
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, One Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1083, USA
| | - Linda J Porrino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, One Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1083, USA.
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13
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Activation of 5-HT₁A receptors in the medial subdivision of the central nucleus of the amygdala produces anxiolytic effects in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2015; 95:181-91. [PMID: 25797491 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although the medial subdivision of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeM) and serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) receptors are involved in the regulation of anxiety, their roles in Parkinson's disease (PD)-associated anxiety are still unknown. Here we assessed the importance of CeM 5-HT1A receptors for anxiety in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). The lesion induced anxiety-like behaviors, increased the firing rate and burst-firing pattern of CeM γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons, as well as decreased dopamine (DA) levels in the striatum, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala and ventral part of hippocampus (vHip). Intra-CeM injection of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT produced anxiolytic effects in the lesioned rats, and decreased the firing rate of CeM GABAergic neurons in two groups of rats. Compared to sham-operated rats, the duration of the inhibitory effect on the firing rate of GABAergic neurons was shortened in the lesioned rats. The injection increased DA levels in the mPFC and amygdala in two groups of rats and the vHip in the lesioned rats, and increased 5-HT level in the lesioned rats, whereas it decreased NA levels in the mPFC in two groups of rats and the vHip in the lesioned rats. Moreover, the mean density of 5-HT1A receptor and GABA double-labeled neurons in the CeM was reduced after the lesioning. These results suggest that activation of CeM 5-HT1A receptor produces anxiolytic effects in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, which involves decreased firing rate of the GABAergic neurons, and changed monoamine levels in the limbic and limbic-related brain regions.
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14
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Johnson AC, Tran L, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Knockdown of corticotropin-releasing factor in the central amygdala reverses persistent viscerosomatic hyperalgesia. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e517. [PMID: 25734510 PMCID: PMC4354346 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nociception is exacerbated by chronic stress through an unknown mechanism. The amygdala is a key nucleus involved in the autonomic and neuroendocrine responses to stress. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that prolonged exposure of the central amygdala (CeA) to stress or the stress hormone cortisol (or corticosterone in rats) induces nociceptive behaviors mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) within the CeA. We selectively knocked down CRF in the CeA via antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASO) in animals with targeted, stereotaxically placed corticosterone (CORT) micropellets or following repeated water avoidance stress (WAS). CRF expression in the CeA was analyzed concurrently with the assessment of visceral hypersensitivity to colonic distension and mechanical somatic withdrawal threshold. The responses were characterized at 7 or 28 days post implantation of the CORT micropellet or following 7 days of WAS. Exposure of the CeA to elevated CORT or WAS increased CRF expression and heightened visceral and somatic sensitivity. Infusion of CRF ASO into the CeA decreased CRF expression and attenuated visceral and somatic hypersensitivity in both models. Our study provides important evidence for a CRF-mediated mechanism specifically within the CeA that regulates stress-induced visceral and somatic nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Johnson
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - L Tran
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - B Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,VA Medical Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,VA Medical Center, Research Administration Room 151G, 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA. E-mail:
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15
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Retson TA, Reyes B, Van Bockstaele EJ. Chronic alcohol exposure differentially affects activation of female locus coeruleus neurons and the subcellular distribution of corticotropin releasing factor receptors. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 56:66-74. [PMID: 25149913 PMCID: PMC4258542 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the neurobiological bases for sex differences in alcohol dependence is needed to help guide the development of individualized therapies for alcohol abuse disorders. In the present study, alcohol-induced adaptations in (1) anxiety-like behavior, (2) patterns of c-Fos activation and (3) subcellular distribution of corticotropin releasing factor receptor in locus coeruleus (LC) neurons was investigated in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats that were chronically exposed to ethanol using a liquid diet. Results confirm and extend reports by others showing that chronic ethanol exposure produces an anxiogenic-like response in both male and female subjects. Ethanol-induced sex differences were observed with increased c-Fos expression in LC neurons of female ethanol-treated subjects compared to controls or male subjects. Results also reveal sex differences in the subcellular distribution of the CRFr in LC-noradrenergic neurons with female subjects exposed to ethanol exhibiting a higher frequency of plasmalemmal CRFrs. These adaptations have implications for LC neuronal activity and its neural targets across the sexes. Considering the important role of the LC in ethanol-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the present results indicate important sex differences in feed-forward regulation of the HPA axis that may render alcohol dependent females more vulnerable to subsequent stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. A. Retson
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - B.A. Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102
| | - E. J. Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102
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16
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Su J, Tanaka Y, Muratsubaki T, Kano M, Kanazawa M, Fukudo S. Injection of corticotropin-releasing hormone into the amygdala aggravates visceral nociception and induces noradrenaline release in rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:30-9. [PMID: 25359531 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and its receptor 1 (CRH-R1) play an important role in the colonic response to stress. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a major extrahypothalamic site that contains a large number of neurons expressing both CRH and CRH-R1. Here, we verified the hypothesis that CRH in the CeA sensitizes visceral nociception via CRH-R1 with release of noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin (5-HT) in the CeA. METHODS In male Wistar rats, visceral sensitivity was quantified by recording the visceromotor response to colorectal distension (CRD) with administration of vehicle, CRH, or the CRH-R1 antagonist CP-154526+ CRH or CRH-R1 antagonist CP-154526 alone into the CeA. Simultaneously, extracellular levels of noradrenaline, dopamine, and 5-HT were measured in the CeA using microdialysis. All data were obtained under restraint conditions. KEY RESULTS Administration of CRH into the CeA significantly increased the number of abdominal muscle contractions in response to CRD. CP-154526 significantly blocked the number of abdominal muscle contractions in response to CRD with the administration of CRH into the CeA. Noradrenaline in the CeA was increased by CRD, further increased by CRH, and inhibited by CRH-R1 antagonist. Dopamine in the CeA was also exaggerated by CRH but was not inhibited by CRH-R1 antagonist. 5-HT in the CeA was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES These results suggest that CRH in the CeA sensitizes visceral nociception via CRH-R1 with release of noradrenaline.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Su
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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17
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Pollak Dorocic I, Fürth D, Xuan Y, Johansson Y, Pozzi L, Silberberg G, Carlén M, Meletis K. A whole-brain atlas of inputs to serotonergic neurons of the dorsal and median raphe nuclei. Neuron 2014; 83:663-78. [PMID: 25102561 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin system is proposed to regulate physiology and behavior and to underlie mood disorders; nevertheless, the circuitry controlling serotonergic neurons remains uncharacterized. We therefore generated a comprehensive whole-brain atlas defining the monosynaptic inputs onto forebrain-projecting serotonergic neurons of dorsal versus median raphe based on a genetically restricted transsynaptic retrograde tracing strategy. We identified discrete inputs onto serotonergic neurons from forebrain and brainstem neurons, with specific inputs from hypothalamus, cortex, basal ganglia, and midbrain, displaying a greater than anticipated complexity and diversity in cell-type-specific connectivity. We identified and functionally confirmed monosynaptic glutamatergic inputs from prefrontal cortex and lateral habenula onto serotonergic neurons as well as a direct GABAergic input from striatal projection neurons. In summary, our findings emphasize the role of hyperdirect inputs to serotonergic neurons. Cell-type-specific classification of connectivity patterns will allow for further functional analysis of the diverse but specific inputs that control serotonergic neurons during behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Fürth
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yang Xuan
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yvonne Johansson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Pozzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gilad Silberberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Carlén
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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19
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Retson TA, Hoek JB, Sterling RC, Van Bockstaele EJ. Amygdalar neuronal plasticity and the interactions of alcohol, sex, and stress. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 220:3211-32. [PMID: 25081549 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are major medical problems affecting both men and women. Previous animal studies reported a difference in c-Fos neuronal activation after chronic alcohol exposure; however, females remain an understudied population. To model chronic alcohol exposure match-pair fed adult male and female rats were administered 14 days of a liquid ethanol containing diet. Analysis focused on the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), a region integral to stress sensitivity and substance abuse. Immunocytochemical approaches identified cells containing ΔFosB, a marker of sustained neuronal activation, and activity patterns within the CeA were mapped by subdivision and rostral-caudal extent. Significant interactions were present between all groups, with gender differences noted among control groups, and ethanol exposed animals having the greatest number of ΔFosB immunoreactive cells indicating baseline dysregulation. Compared with c-Fos, a marker of recent neuronal activation, male ethanol treated animals had similar activity to controls, indicating a neuronal habituation not seen in females. Next, a cohort of animals were exposed to the forced swim test (FST), and c-Fos was examined in addition to FST behavior. Neuronal activity was increased in ethanol exposed animals compared to controls, and control females compared to males, indicating a potentiated stress response. Further, a population of activated neurons were shown to contain either corticotropin releasing factor or enkephalin. The present data suggest that dysregulation in the CeA neuronal activity may underlie some of the negative sequelae of alcohol abuse, and may, in part, underlie the distinctive response seen between genders to alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Retson
- Department of Neuroscience, Farber Institute for Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, Suite 417, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - J B Hoek
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - R C Sterling
- Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - E J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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20
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Ramirez JM. The integrative role of the sigh in psychology, physiology, pathology, and neurobiology. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014; 209:91-129. [PMID: 24746045 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63274-6.00006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
"Sighs, tears, grief, distress" expresses Johann Sebastian Bach in a musical example for the relationship between sighs and deep emotions. This review explores the neurobiological basis of the sigh and its relationship with psychology, physiology, and pathology. Sighs monitor changes in brain states, induce arousal, and reset breathing variability. These behavioral roles homeostatically regulate breathing stability under physiological and pathological conditions. Sighs evoked in hypoxia evoke arousal and thereby become critical for survival. Hypoarousal and failure to sigh have been associated with sudden infant death syndrome. Increased breathing irregularity may provoke excessive sighing and hyperarousal, a behavioral sequence that may play a role in panic disorders. Essential for generating sighs and breathing is the pre-Bötzinger complex. Modulatory and synaptic interactions within this local network and between networks located in the brainstem, cerebellum, cortex, hypothalamus, amygdala, and the periaqueductal gray may govern the relationships between physiology, psychology, and pathology. Unraveling these circuits will lead to a better understanding of how we balance emotions and how emotions become pathological.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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21
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Kravets JL, Reyes BAS, Unterwald EM, Van Bockstaele EJ. Direct targeting of peptidergic amygdalar neurons by noradrenergic afferents: linking stress-integrative circuitry. Brain Struct Funct 2013; 220:541-58. [PMID: 24271021 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-013-0674-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amygdalar norepinephrine (NE) plays a key role in regulating neural responses to emotionally arousing stimuli and is involved in memory consolidation of emotionally charged events. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and dynorphin (DYN), two neuropeptides that mediate the physiological and behavioral responses to stress, are abundant in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and directly innervate brainstem noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons. Whether the CRF- and DYN-containing amygdalar neurons receive direct noradrenergic innervation has not yet been elucidated. The present study sought to define cellular substrates underlying noradrenergic modulation of CRF- and DYN-containing neurons in the CeA using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that NE-labeled axon terminals form synapses with CRF- and DYN-containing neurons in the CeA. Semi-quantitative analysis showed that approximately 31 % of NET-labeled axon terminals targeted CeA neurons that co-expressed DYN and CRF. As a major source of CRF innervation to the LC, it is also not known whether CRF-containing CeA neurons are directly targeted by noradrenergic afferents. To test this, retrograde tract tracing using FluoroGold from the LC was combined with immunocytochemical detection of CRF and NET in the CeA. Our results revealed a population of LC-projecting CRF-containing CeA neurons that are directly innervated by NE afferents. Analysis showed that approximately 34 % of NET-labeled axon terminals targeted LC-projecting CeA neurons that contain CRF. Taken together, these results indicate significant interactions between NE, CRF and DYN in this critical limbic region and reveal direct synaptic interactions of NE with amygdalar CRF that influence the LC-NE arousal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Kravets
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
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