1
|
Daviu N, Molina P, Nadal R, Belda X, Serrano S, Armario A. Influence of footshock number and intensity on the behavioral and endocrine response to fear conditioning and cognitive fear generalization in male rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 135:111112. [PMID: 39094926 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Foot-shock paradigms have provided valuable insights into the neurobiology of stress and fear conditioning. An extensive body of literature indicates that shock exposure can elicit both conditioned and unconditioned effects, although delineating between the two is a challenging task. This distinction holds crucial implications not only for the theoretical interpretation of fear conditioning, but also for properly evaluating putative preclinical models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involving shock exposure. The characteristics of shocks (intensity and number) affect the strength of learning, but how these characteristics interact to influence conditioned and unconditioned consequences of shocks are poorly known. In this study, we aimed to investigate in adult male rats the impact of varying shock number and intensity on the endocrine and behavioral response to contextual fear conditioning and fear generalization to a novel environment markedly distinct from the shock context (i.e., fear generalization). Classical biological markers of stress (i.e., ACTH, corticosterone, and prolactin) were sensitive to manipulations of shock parameters, whereas these parameters had a limited effect on contextual fear conditioning (evaluated by freezing and distance traveled). In contrast, behavior in different novel contexts (fear generalization) was specifically sensitive to shock intensity. Notably, altered behavior in novel contexts markedly improved, but not completely normalized after fear extinction, hypoactivity apparently being the result of both conditioned and unconditioned effects of foot-shock exposure. The present results will contribute to a better understanding of shock exposure as a putative animal model of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Daviu
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Molina
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Animal Physiology Unit, Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Nadal
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Deparment of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Xavier Belda
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Animal Physiology Unit, Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Serrano
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Animal Physiology Unit, Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Armario
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Animal Physiology Unit, Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Sousa EB, Heymbeeck JAA, Feitosa LM, Xavier AGO, Dos Santos Campos K, do Socorro Dos Santos Rodrigues L, de Freitas LM, do Carmo Silva RX, Ikeda SR, de Nazaré Dos Santos Silva S, Rocha SP, do Nascimento WL, da Silva Moraes ER, Herculano AM, Maximino C, Pereira A, Lima-Maximino M. Activation of NOS-cGMP pathways promotes stress-induced sensitization of behavioral responses in zebrafish. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 243:173816. [PMID: 38971472 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule involved in plasticity across levels and systems. The role of NOergic pathways in stress-induced sensitization (SIS) of behavioral responses, in which a particular stressor triggers a state of hyper-responsiveness to other stressors after an incubation period, was assessed in adult zebrafish. In this model, adult zebrafish acutely exposed to a fear-inducing conspecific alarm substance (CAS) and left undisturbed for an incubation period show increased anxiety-like behavior 24 h after exposure. CAS increased forebrain glutamate immediately after stress and 30 min after stress, an effect that was accompanied by increased nitrite levels immediately after stress, 30 min after stress, 90 min after stress, and 24 h after stress. CAS also increased nitrite levels in the head kidney, where cortisol is produced in zebrafish. CAS-elicited nitrite responses in the forebrain 90 min (but not 30 min) after stress were prevented by a NOS-2 blocker. Blocking NOS-1 30 min after stress prevents SIS; blocking NOS-2 90 min after stress also prevents stress-induced sensitization, as does blocking calcium-activated potassium channels in this latter time window. Stress-induced sensitization is also prevented by blocking guanylate cyclase activation in both time windows, and cGMP-dependent channel activation in the second time window. These results suggest that different NO-related pathways converge at different time windows of the incubation period to induce stress-induced sensitization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Bezerra de Sousa
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia e Neuropatologia, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - João Alphonse Apóstolo Heymbeeck
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia e Biofísica, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Comportamento, Núcleo de Teoria e Pesquisa do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Miranda Feitosa
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia e Biofísica, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Comportamento, Núcleo de Teoria e Pesquisa do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Kimberly Dos Santos Campos
- Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Mota de Freitas
- Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | - Rhayra Xavier do Carmo Silva
- Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | - Saulo Rivera Ikeda
- Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Sueslene Prado Rocha
- Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | - Wilker Leite do Nascimento
- Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Anderson Manoel Herculano
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Caio Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará (Unifesspa), Marabá, PA, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Pereira
- Laboratório de Processamento de Sinais, Instituto de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Monica Lima-Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia e Biofísica, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil; Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Campus VIII, Marabá, PA, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Finn DA, Clark CD, Ryabinin AE. Traumatic stress-enhanced alcohol drinking: Sex differences and animal model perspectives. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2024; 11:327-341. [PMID: 38915732 PMCID: PMC11196023 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00540-0] [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] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of review Stress is associated with alcohol drinking, and epidemiological studies document the comorbidity of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with higher comorbid prevalence in females than in males. The aim of this paper is to highlight information related to sex differences in stress-enhanced alcohol drinking from clinical studies and from preclinical studies utilizing an animal model of traumatic stress. Recent findings Stress is associated with alcohol drinking and relapse in males and females, but there are sex differences in the alcohol-related adaptation of stress pathways and in the association of different prefrontal regions with stress-induced anxiety. The predator stress model of traumatic stress produced enhanced alcohol drinking in a subgroup of stress-sensitive male and female animals, which could be associated with sex and subgroup differences in stress axis responsivity, behavioral responses to predator odors, and epigenetic mechanisms engaged by traumatic experiences. Summary While additional studies in females are necessary, existing clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that biological mechanisms underlying stress-enhanced drinking likely differ between males and females. Thus, effective treatment strategies may differ between the sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A. Finn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Crystal D. Clark
- Department of Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Andrey E. Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Grafe L, Miller KE, Ross RJ, Bhatnagar S. The importance of REM sleep fragmentation in the effects of stress on sleep: Perspectives from preclinical studies. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 28:100588. [PMID: 38075023 PMCID: PMC10709081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress poses a risk for sleep disturbances. Importantly, trauma-exposed individuals who develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently report insomnia and recurrent nightmares. Clinical studies have provided insight into the mechanisms of these sleep disturbances. We review polysomnographic findings in PTSD and identify analogous measures that have been made in animal models of PTSD. There is a rich empirical and theoretical literature on rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) substrates of insomnia and nightmares, with an emphasis on REMS fragmentation. For future investigations of stress-induced sleep changes, we recommend a focus on tonic, phasic and other microarchitectural REMS measures. Power spectral density analysis of the sleep EEG should also be utilized. Animal models with high construct validity can provide insight into gender and time following stressor exposure as moderating variables. Ultimately, preclinical studies with translational potential will lead to improved treatment for stress-related sleep disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grafe
- Department of Psychology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, USA
| | | | - Richard J. Ross
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu XM, Wang J, Salvi R, Liu LJ, Chen YC, Teng GJ. Altered resting-state functional connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex in rats post noise exposure. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1547-1556. [PMID: 35726754 PMCID: PMC9437238 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims We aimed to find where and how noise‐induced cochlear hearing loss affects the central nervous system during the early state and identify the neural substrate for aberrant patterns that mediating noise‐related anxiety−/depression‐ like behaviors. Methods Broad band noise with 122 dB for 2 hours was conducted to induce hearing loss. We defined 0 day (N0D) and 10 days (N10D) post noise as the acute and sub‐acute period. Behavioral tests (Open field test and light/dark test) and resting‐state fMRI were computed to evaluate emotional conditions and aberrant neural activity. Functional connectivity analysis using the anterior cingulate cortex as a seed was computed to reveal the spatial distribution beyond auditory network during both periods. Results Anxiety−/depression‐like behaviors were found in rats with noise exposure. Between‐group analysis revealed that N0D rats displayed widespread reductions in functional connectivity, spanning primary somatosensory cortex, medial geniculate body, inferior colliculus, cingulate cortex, cerebellar lobule comparing with N10D rats and a similar pattern was also occurred in comparison with the control group. Conclusion Taken together, an “acoustic‐causing” network accounting for distress and gating of noise exposure related anxiety/depression was proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Min Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Human Communication Disorders, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Richard Salvi
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Li-Jie Liu
- Department of Physiology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gao-Jun Teng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
ZHOU P, XIAO H, LI Y, DONG X. Sustained hyperarousal induced by acute stress in tryptophan-hydroxylase-2 genetic deficient male mice. ACTA PSYCHOLOGICA SINICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1041.2022.00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
7
|
Rutherford LG, Milton AL. Deconstructing and reconstructing behaviour relevant to mental health disorders: The benefits of a psychological approach, with a focus on addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 133:104514. [PMID: 34958822 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.104514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RUTHERFORD, L.G. and Milton, A.L. Deconstructing and reconstructing behaviour relevant to mental health disorders: what can psychology offer? NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV XX(X)XXX-XXX, 2021. - Current treatments for mental health disorders are successful only for some patients, and there is an unmet clinical need for new treatment development. One challenge for treatment development has been how best to model complex human conditions in animals, where mechanism can be more readily studied with a range of neuroscientific techniques. We suggest that an approach to modelling based on associative animal learning theory provides a good framework for deconstructing complex mental health disorders such that they can be studied in animals. These individual simple models can subsequently be used in combination to 'reconstruct' a more complex model of the mental health disorder of interest. Using examples primarily from the field of drug addiction, we explore the 'psychological approach' and suggest that in addition to facilitating translation and backtranslation of tasks between animal models and patients, it is also highly concordant with the concept of triangulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy L Milton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cortes MA, Corder KM, Dobrunz LE. Differences between adult and adolescent male mice in approach/avoidance and expression of hippocampal NPY in response to acute footshock. Stress 2021; 24:965-977. [PMID: 34546150 PMCID: PMC8908778 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1976139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common neuropsychiatric disorders diagnosed in adolescence and adulthood. Stress can lead to an increase in anxiety-related behaviors, although the consequences of stress in rodents are typically investigated only in adults. The levels of Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a mediator of stress resilience, are reduced in adult patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. For rodents, footshock is a physical stressor that increases anxiety-like behavior and reduces NPY in adults, however, the effects in adolescents are unknown. Here we used a 30-min unpredictable footshock protocol to investigate the differences in behavior and stress-relevant molecules between adolescent (6 weeks) and adult (3 months) male C57Bl6/J mice. The protocol resulted in fear expression in both ages as observed by enhanced freezing during footshock and elevation in plasma corticosterone and NPY shortly after exposure. However, effects on approach/avoidance behavior were different between the two ages. One week after footshock exposure, adult mice showed reduced open arm time and entries on elevated plus maze (EPM), whereas adolescent mice showed no effect. Footshock mice in both age groups displayed reduced activity levels in EPM and open field. The hypolocomotion did not relate to motor deficits, as there were no differences between footshock and control groups using rotarod. Surprisingly, we found that the adolescent mice had elevated NPY peptide expression in hippocampus, whereas adults had reduced expression one week after footshock exposure. Together, these results demonstrate that stress differentially affects both behavior and the important stress resilience factor NPY in adolescents compared to adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana A Cortes
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Katelynn M Corder
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lynn E Dobrunz
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mahishi D, Triphan T, Hesse R, Huetteroth W. The Panopticon-Assessing the Effect of Starvation on Prolonged Fly Activity and Place Preference. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:640146. [PMID: 33841109 PMCID: PMC8026880 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.640146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal behaviours are demonstrably governed by sensory stimulation, previous experience and internal states like hunger. With increasing hunger, priorities shift towards foraging and feeding. During foraging, flies are known to employ efficient path integration strategies. However, general long-term activity patterns for both hungry and satiated flies in conditions of foraging remain to be better understood. Similarly, little is known about how permanent contact chemosensory stimulation affects locomotion. To address these questions, we have developed a novel, simplistic fly activity tracking setup—the Panopticon. Using a 3D-printed Petri dish inset, our assay allows recording of walking behaviour, of several flies in parallel, with all arena surfaces covered by a uniform substrate layer. We tested two constellations of providing food: (i) in single patches and (ii) omnipresent within the substrate layer. Fly tracking is done with FIJI, further assessment, analysis and presentation is done with a custom-built MATLAB analysis framework. We find that starvation history leads to a long-lasting reduction in locomotion, as well as a delayed place preference for food patches which seems to be not driven by immediate hunger motivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi Mahishi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tilman Triphan
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ricarda Hesse
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wolf Huetteroth
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zoladz PR. Animal models for the discovery of novel drugs for post-traumatic stress disorder. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:135-146. [PMID: 32921163 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1820982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Existing pharmacological treatments for PTSD are limited and have been used primarily because of their effectiveness in other psychiatric conditions. To generate novel, PTSD specific pharmacotherapy, researchers must utilize animal models to assess the efficacy of experimental drugs. AREAS COVERED This review includes a discussion of factors that should be considered when developing an animal model of PTSD, as well as descriptions of the most commonly used models. Researchers have utilized physical stressors, psychological stressors, or a combination of the two to induce PTSD-like physiological and behavioral sequelae in animals. Such models have provided researchers with a valuable tool to examine the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the condition. EXPERT OPINION PTSD is a heterogeneous disorder that manifests as different symptom clusters in different individuals. Thus, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach to modeling the disorder in animals. Preclinical investigators must adopt a concentrated effort aimed at modeling specific PTSD subtypes and the distinct symptom profiles that result from specific types of human trauma. Moreover, researchers have focused so much on modeling a single PTSD syndrome in animals that studies examining only specific facets of the disorder are largely ignored. Future research employing animal models of PTSD requires greater focus on the nuances of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip R Zoladz
- Psychology Program, the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Ohio Northern University , Ada, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Frankenberg E, Sumantri C, Thomas D. Effects of a natural disaster on mortality risks over the longer term. NATURE SUSTAINABILITY 2020; 3:614-619. [PMID: 33681474 PMCID: PMC7935047 DOI: 10.1038/s41893-020-0536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to disasters and other extreme events is rising across the globe but the impact on long-term mortality risks of affected populations is not established. We examine how mortality and individual-specific traumatic exposures at the time of the disaster affect mortality risks of survivors over the next ten years, using data from Aceh, Indonesia collected before and after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Across communities, the higher the percentage of individuals killed in the tsunami, the lower the mortality rate for adults over the next decade. However, among older adults post-disaster mortality is elevated for males with poor post-tsunami psychosocial health and for females whose spouse died in the tsunami. Individual-specific tsunami exposures do not affect mortality of younger adults within the 10 year time frame. Whereas positive mortality selection is evident for all adults, scarring is evident only for older adults and is large enough to substantively counteract the reductions in risk from positive mortality selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Frankenberg
- Department of Sociology and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Han M, Luo H, Bai Y, Zheng S, Li F, Fu J, Jiang S, Liu Z, Zheng X. The effect of traumatic-like stress exposure on alterations in the temporal social behavior of a rodent population. Stress 2020; 23:393-404. [PMID: 31814486 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1702642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Though the relationship between traumatic stress and social behavior, which has been explored for years, is dynamic and largely estimated between dyads, little is known about the causal effects of traumatic stress exposure on the time-dependent dynamic alterations in the social behaviors on a large-group level. We thus investigated the effect of a single prolonged stress (SPS) exposure, a classical animal model that recapitulates posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms in rodents, on the spatiotemporal, social behavior changes within a large group of cohabiting rats. One-half of thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the experimental group and subjected to SPS treatment administered two weeks after baseline social behavior recording; the other half served as the controls. Each group of rats (n = 16) was housed in one of two large custom-made cylinders. We used an automatic tracking system to record the behavioral indices of social behavior of the rats before SPS exposure, on the SPS exposure day, during a 7-day-long quiescent period after SPS treatment, as well as during subsequent behavioral test days. In addition to SPS-induced PTSD-like behaviors, SPS induced a time-dependent, oscillating change in active/passive social behaviors that lasted for 3 weeks. SPS treatment decreased active social behaviors (especially affiliative behaviors) but increased passive social behaviors (e.g. huddling) immediately following stress exposure. Increased active social interactions were observed during the early phase after SPS treatment; while increased passive social behaviors were observed during the late phase after SPS treatment. These dynamic changes were repeatedly observed when the rats underwent subsequent stressful behavioral tests and challenges. SPS induced a long-term, time-dependent oscillating change in indices of the social behavior. These changes may serve as an adaptive mechanism, and their manifestations critically depended on the time course following the traumatic stress exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengfei Han
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haoshuang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunjing Bai
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shichun Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fenghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Fu
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Binzhou University, Shandong, China
| | - Shaofei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengkui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xigeng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chronic stress induces cell type-selective transcriptomic and electrophysiological changes in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Neuropharmacology 2019; 150:80-90. [PMID: 30878403 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Distinct regions and cell types in the anterolateral group of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTALG) act to modulate anxiety in opposing ways. A history of chronic stress increases anxiety-like behavior with lasting electrophysiological effects on the BNSTALG. However, the opposing circuits within the BNSTALG suggest that stress may have differential effects on the individual cell types that comprise these circuits to shift the balance to favor anxiogenesis. Yet, the effects of stress are generally examined by treating all neurons within a particular region of the BNST as a homogenoeus population. We used patch-clamp electrophysiology and single-cell quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (scRT-PCR) to determine how chronic shock stress (CSS) affects electrophysiological and neurochemical properties of Type I, Type II, and Type III neurons in the BNSTALG. We report that CSS resulted in changes in the input resistance, time constant, action potential waveform, and firing rate of Type III but not Type I or II neurons. Additionally, only the Type III neurons exhibited an increase in Crf mRNA and a decrease in striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (Ptpn5) mRNA after CSS. In contrast, only non-Type III cells showed a reduction in calcium-permeable AMPA receptor (CP-AMPAR) current and changes in mRNA expression of genes encoding AMPA receptor subunits after CSS. Importantly, none of the effects of CSS observed were seen in all cell types. Our results suggest that Type III neurons play a unique role in the BNSTALG circuit and represent a population of CRF neurons particularly sensitive to chronic stress.
Collapse
|
14
|
trans-Resveratrol ameliorates anxiety-like behaviors and fear memory deficits in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Neuropharmacology 2018; 133:181-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
15
|
Brenhouse HC, Danese A, Grassi-Oliveira R. Neuroimmune Impacts of Early-Life Stress on Development and Psychopathology. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2018; 43:423-447. [PMID: 30003509 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2018_53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Maltreatment and trauma in childhood, termed early-life stress (ELS), has long-term effects on the immune system. ELS impacts immune signaling at the time of exposure but also disrupts the developmental trajectory of certain immunological processes, both in the periphery and in the brain. One consequence of these early alterations is a heightened immune response to stressors later in life. However, chronic and sustained inflammatory response can also lead to excitotoxicity and prevent typical brain development. In this chapter, we discuss current progress toward understanding the contribution of neuroimmune signaling to ELS-attributable dysfunction or maladaptation with a focus on postnatal experiences. To do so we first present an operational definition of ELS. Then, we offer a brief overview of the immune system and neuroimmune development, followed by a section discussing the interaction between immunity, childhood trauma, and mental disorders in humans. We present evidence from animal models about immune alterations after ELS and discuss the ways in which ELS-induced immune changes ultimately affect brain and behavior, as well as the importance of individual differences and future directions in this field. Taken together, we submit that when encountered with ELS, some core brain circuits could develop differently via various mechanisms involving dysfunctional immune reprograming. However, given the remarkable plasticity of both the brain and the immune system, many of the deleterious effects of ELS may be mitigated with interventions that account for sex and target neuroimmune interactions over the lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Danese
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Graduate Program in Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Qi S, Mu YF, Cui LB, Zhang J, Guo F, Tan QR, Shi M, Liu K, Xi YB, Zhang NY, Zhang XL, He Y, Yang J, Yin H. Anomalous gray matter structural networks in recent onset post-traumatic stress disorder. Brain Imaging Behav 2017; 12:390-401. [PMID: 28293804 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-017-9693-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the topological organization of abnormal regions or network-level structural aberrations are still poorly understood for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Herein, we investigated brain structural networks in recent-onset PTSD patients, all affected by the coalmine-flood disaster. Cortical networks were studied in recent onset PTSD patients (n = 15) and matched healthy controls (n = 25). Cortical networks were constructed by thresholding correlation matrices of 150 regions and quantified using graph theoretical approaches. Contributions of high-degree nodes, and regional and global network measures, including degree and betweenness, were studied. Compared with healthy controls, PTSD patients showed altered quantitative values in global network properties, characterized by shorter path length and higher clustering. Moreover, PTSD patients exhibited decreased connectivity in the right lingual gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, left supramarginal gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, bilateral superior and inferior frontal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and posterior cingulate gyrus. Nodal centrality decreased predominantly in the occipital regions (lingual gyrus) and default-mode regions, while increased correlations and centralities were observed in the medial temporal lobe and posterior cingulate cortex. PTSD-related networks exhibited a less efficient organization and regional connectivity. According to these findings, we conclude that regional connections involving fear-processing and re-experiential-processing cortex may play a role in maintaining or adapting to PTSD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Qi
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China.,Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yun-Feng Mu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Long-Biao Cui
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Fan Guo
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Qing-Rong Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Mei Shi
- Department of Radiotherapy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Yi-Bin Xi
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Nan-Yin Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Xiao-Liang Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Program in Bioengineering, UC San Francisco, Byers Hall, Room 102D, 1700 4th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2330, USA
| | - Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
| | - Hong Yin
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Barnabas K, Zhang L, Wang H, Kirouac G, Vrontakis M. Changes in Galanin Systems in a Rat Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167569. [PMID: 27907151 PMCID: PMC5131984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic syndrome triggered by exposure to trauma and a failure to recover from a normal negative emotional reaction to traumatic stress. The neurobiology of PTSD and the participation of neuropeptides in the neural systems and circuits that control fear and anxiety are not fully understood. The long-term dysregulation of neuropeptide systems contributes to the development of anxiety disorders, including PTSD. The neuropeptide galanin (Gal) and its receptors participate in anxiety-like and depression-related behaviors via the modulation of neuroendocrine and monoaminergic systems. The objective of this research was to investigate how Gal expression changes in the brain of rats 2 weeks after exposure to footshock. Rats exposed to footshocks were subdivided into high responders (HR; immobility>60%) and low responders (LR; immobility<40%) based on immobility elicited by a novel tone one day after exposure. On day 14, rats were anesthetized, and the amygdala, hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands were removed for analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Gal mRNA levels were increased in the amygdala and hypothalamus of HR compared with the control and LR. In contrast, Gal mRNA levels were decreased in the adrenal and pituitary glands of HR compared with the control and LR. Thus, the differential regulation (dysregulation) of the neuropeptide Gal in these tissues may contribute to anxiety and PTSD development.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adrenal Glands/metabolism
- Adrenal Glands/physiopathology
- Amygdala/metabolism
- Amygdala/physiopathology
- Animals
- Anxiety/genetics
- Anxiety/metabolism
- Anxiety/physiopathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Electroshock
- Fear/psychology
- Galanin/genetics
- Galanin/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Hypothalamus/metabolism
- Hypothalamus/physiopathology
- Immobility Response, Tonic
- Male
- Organ Specificity
- Pituitary Gland/metabolism
- Pituitary Gland/physiopathology
- Protein Precursors/genetics
- Protein Precursors/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Signal Transduction
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/genetics
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/metabolism
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/physiopathology
- Stress, Psychological/genetics
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Barnabas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lin Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Huiying Wang
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gilbert Kirouac
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Maria Vrontakis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Schmeltzer SN, Herman JP, Sah R. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A translational update. Exp Neurol 2016; 284:196-210. [PMID: 27377319 PMCID: PMC8375392 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma-evoked syndrome, with variable prevalence within the human population due to individual differences in coping and resiliency. In this review, we discuss evidence supporting the relevance of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a stress regulatory transmitter in PTSD. We consolidate findings from preclinical, clinical, and translational studies of NPY that are of relevance to PTSD with an attempt to provide a current update of this area of research. NPY is abundantly expressed in forebrain limbic and brainstem areas that regulate stress and emotional behaviors. Studies in rodents demonstrate a role for NPY in stress responses, anxiety, fear, and autonomic regulation, all relevant to PTSD symptomology. Genetic studies support an association of NPY polymorphisms with stress coping and affect. Importantly, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measurements in combat veterans provide direct evidence of NPY association with PTSD diagnosis and symptomology. In addition, NPY involvement in pain, depression, addiction, and metabolism may be relevant to comorbidities associated with PTSD. Collectively, the literature supports the relevance of NPY to PTSD pathophysiology, although knowledge gaps remain. The NPY system is an attractive target in terms of understanding the physiological basis of PTSD as well as treatment of the disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Schmeltzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45237, United States
| | - James P Herman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45237, United States
| | - Renu Sah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45237, United States; VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ronzoni G, Del Arco A, Mora F, Segovia G. Enhanced noradrenergic activity in the amygdala contributes to hyperarousal in an animal model of PTSD. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 70:1-9. [PMID: 27131036 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Increased activity of the noradrenergic system in the amygdala has been suggested to contribute to the hyperarousal symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, only two studies have examined the content of noradrenaline or its metabolites in the amygdala of rats previously exposed to traumatic stress showing inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an inescapable foot shock (IFS) procedure (1) on reactivity to novelty in an open-field (as an index of hyperarousal), and (2) on noradrenaline release in the amygdala during an acute stress. To test the role of noradrenaline in amygdala, we also investigated the effects of microinjections of propranolol, a β-adrenoreceptor antagonist, and clenbuterol, a β-adrenoreceptor agonist, into the amygdala of IFS and control animals. Finally, we evaluated the expression of mRNA levels of β-adrenoreceptors (β1 and β2) in the amygdala, the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Male Wistar rats (3 months) were stereotaxically implanted with bilateral guide cannulae. After recovering from surgery, animals were exposed to IFS (10 shocks, 0.86mA, and 6s per shock) and seven days later either microdialysis or microinjections were performed in amygdala. Animals exposed to IFS showed a reduced locomotion compared to non-shocked animals during the first 5min in the open-field. In the amygdala, IFS animals showed an enhanced increase of noradrenaline induced by stress compared to control animals. Bilateral microinjections of propranolol (0.5μg) into the amygdala one hour before testing in the open-field normalized the decreased locomotion observed in IFS animals. On the other hand, bilateral microinjections of clenbuterol (30ng) into the amygdala of control animals did not change the exploratory activity induced by novelty in the open field. IFS modified the mRNA expression of β1 and β2 adrenoreceptors in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. These results suggest that an increased noradrenergic activity in the amygdala contributes to the expression of hyperarousal in an animal model of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Ronzoni
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Del Arco
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Mora
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregorio Segovia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Time-dependent sensitization of stress responses in zebrafish: A putative model for post-traumatic stress disorder. Behav Processes 2016; 128:70-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
21
|
Zoladz PR, Diamond DM. Predator-based psychosocial stress animal model of PTSD: Preclinical assessment of traumatic stress at cognitive, hormonal, pharmacological, cardiovascular and epigenetic levels of analysis. Exp Neurol 2016; 284:211-219. [PMID: 27283115 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is faced with the challenge of understanding how a traumatic experience produces long-lasting detrimental effects on behavior and brain functioning, and more globally, how stress exacerbates somatic disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the design of translational research needs to link animal models of PTSD to clinically relevant risk factors which address why only a subset of traumatized individuals develop persistent psychopathology. In this review, we have summarized our psychosocial stress rodent model of PTSD which is based on well-described PTSD-inducing risk factors, including a life-threatening experience, a sense of horror and uncontrollability, and insufficient social support. Specifically, our animal model of PTSD integrates acute episodes of inescapable exposure of immobilized rats to a predator with chronic daily social instability. This stress regimen produces PTSD-like effects in rats at behavioral, cognitive, physiological, pharmacological and epigenetic levels of analysis. We have discussed a recent extension of our animal model of PTSD in which stress exacerbated coronary pathology following an ischemic event, assessed in vitro. In addition, we have reviewed our research investigating pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies which may have value in clinical approaches toward the treatment of traumatized people. Overall, our translational approach bridges the gap between human and animal PTSD research to create a framework with which to enhance our understanding of the biological basis of trauma-induced pathology and to assess therapeutic approaches in the treatment of psychopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip R Zoladz
- Department of Psychology, Sociology, & Criminal Justice, Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810, USA
| | - David M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Preclinical & Clinical Research on PTSD, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Contestabile A, Peña-Altamira E, Virgili M, Monti B. Zinc supplementation in rats impairs hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation and dampens post-traumatic recollection of stressful event. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:1070-82. [PMID: 26774280 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Zinc is a trace element important for synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Zinc deficiency, both during pregnancy and after birth, impairs cognitive performance and, in addition to memory deficits, also results in alterations of attention, activity, neuropsychological behavior and motor development. The effects of zinc supplementation on cognition, particularly in the adult, are less clear. We demonstrate here in adult rats, that 4 week-long zinc supplementation given by drinking water, and approximately doubling normal daily intake, strongly impairs consolidation of hippocampal-dependent memory, tested through contextual fear conditioning and inhibitory avoidance. Furthermore, the same treatment started after memory consolidation of training for the same behavioral tests, substantially dampens the recall of the stressful event occurred 4 weeks before. A molecular correlate of the amnesic effect of zinc supplementation is represented by a dysregulated function of GSK-3ß in the hippocampus, a kinase that participates in memory processes. The possible relevance of these data for humans, in particular regarding post-traumatic stress disorders, is discussed in view of future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marco Virgili
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lima MG, Silva SDNDS, Silva RXDC, Oliveira KRHM, Batista EDJO, Maximino C, Herculano AM. Putative involvement of the nitrergic system on the consolidation, but not initiation, of behavioral sensitization after conspecific alarm substance in zebrafish. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 139 Pt B:127-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
24
|
Burhans LB, Smith-Bell CA, Schreurs BG. Effects of extinction treatments on the reduction of conditioned responding and conditioned hyperarousal in a rabbit model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Behav Neurosci 2015; 129:611-20. [PMID: 26348715 PMCID: PMC4667790 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We have previously characterized a model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), based on classical conditioning of the rabbit nictitating membrane response (NMR), that focuses on 2 key PTSD-like features: conditioned responses to trauma-associated cues and hyperarousal. In addition to the development of conditioned NMRs (CRs) to a tone conditioned stimulus (CS) associated with a periorbital shock unconditioned stimulus (US), we have observed that rabbits also exhibit a conditioning-specific reflex modification (CRM) of the NMR that manifests as an exaggerated and more complex reflexive NMR to presentations of the US by itself, particularly to intensities that elicited little response prior to conditioning. Previous work has demonstrated that unpaired presentations of the CS and US are successful at extinguishing CRs and CRM simultaneously, even when a significantly weakened version of the US is utilized. In the current study, additional extinction treatments were tested, including continued pairings of the CS with a weakened US and exposure to the training context alone, and these treatments were contrasted with the effects of unpaired extinction with a weakened US and remaining in home cages with no further treatment. Results showed that continued pairings only slightly decreased CRs and CRM, while context exposure had no effect on CRs and marginal effects on reducing CRM. Unpaired extinction was still the most effective treatment for reducing both. Findings are discussed in terms of applications to cognitive-behavioral therapies for treatment of PTSD, such as incorporating mild, innately stressful stimuli into virtual reality therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren B Burhans
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University
| | | | - Bernard G Schreurs
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wilson MA, Grillo CA, Fadel JR, Reagan LP. Stress as a one-armed bandit: Differential effects of stress paradigms on the morphology, neurochemistry and behavior in the rodent amygdala. Neurobiol Stress 2015; 1:195-208. [PMID: 26844236 PMCID: PMC4721288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity may be defined as the ability of the central nervous system (CNS) to respond to changes in the internal and external environment and it is well established that some stimuli have the ability to facilitate or impair neuroplasticity depending on the pre-existing milieu. A classic example of a stimulus that can both facilitate and impair neuroplasticity is stress. Indeed, the ability of CNS to respond to acute stress is often dependent upon the prior stress history of the individual. While responses to acute stress are often viewed as adaptive in nature, stress reactivity in subjects with prior chronic stress experiences are often linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. In rodent studies, chronic stress exposure produces structural and functional alterations in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex that are consistent across different types of stress paradigms. Conversely, the amygdala appears to exhibit differential structural and functional responses to stress that are dependent on a variety of factors, including the type of stressor performed and the duration of the stress paradigm. This is most evident in output measures including morphological analysis of amygdala neurons, measurement of glutamatergic tone in amygdalar subdivisions and the analysis of amygdala-centric behaviors. Accordingly, this review will provide an overview of the effects of stress on the structural and functional plasticity of the rodent amygdala, especially in relation to the differential effects of repeated or chronic stress paradigms on dendritic architecture, neurochemistry of the glutamatergic system and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlene A. Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Claudia A. Grillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jim R. Fadel
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Lawrence P. Reagan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, D40, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) now sits within the newly created "Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders" section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition; DSM-5). Through the refinement and expansion of diagnostic criteria, the DSM-5 version better clarifies the broad and pervasive effects of trauma on functioning, as well as the impact of development on trauma reactions. Aggressive and dissociative symptoms are more thoroughly characterized, reflecting increasing evidence that reactions to trauma often reach beyond the domains of fear and anxiety (these latter domains were emphasized in DSM-IV). These revised criteria are supported by decades of preclinical and clinical research quantifying traumatic stress-induced changes in neurobiological and behavioral function. Several features of the DSM-5 PTSD criteria are similarly and consistently represented in preclinical animal models and humans following exposure to extreme stress. In rodent models, for example, increases in anxiety-like, helplessness, or aggressive behavior, along with disruptions in circadian/neurovegetative function, are typically induced by severe, inescapable, and uncontrollable stress. These abnormalities are prominent features of PTSD and can help us in understanding the pathophysiology of this and other stress-associated psychiatric disorders. In this article we examine some of the changes to the diagnostic criteria of PTSD in the context of trauma-related neurobiological dysfunction, and discuss implications for how preclinical data can be useful in current and future clinical conceptualizations of trauma and trauma-related psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
27
|
Schreurs BG, Burhans LB. Eyeblink classical conditioning and post-traumatic stress disorder - a model systems approach. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:50. [PMID: 25904874 PMCID: PMC4389289 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Not everyone exposed to trauma suffers flashbacks, bad dreams, numbing, fear, anxiety, sleeplessness, hyper-vigilance, hyperarousal, or an inability to cope, but those who do may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a major physical and mental health problem for military personnel and civilians exposed to trauma. There is still debate about the incidence and prevalence of PTSD especially among the military, but for those who are diagnosed, behavioral therapy and drug treatment strategies have proven to be less than effective. A number of these treatment strategies are based on rodent fear conditioning research and are capable of treating only some of the symptoms because the extinction of fear does not deal with the various forms of hyper-vigilance and hyperarousal experienced by people with PTSD. To help address this problem, we have developed a preclinical eyeblink classical conditioning model of PTSD in which conditioning and hyperarousal can both be extinguished. We review this model and discuss findings showing that unpaired stimulus presentations can be effective in reducing levels of conditioning and hyperarousal even when unconditioned stimulus intensity is reduced to the point where it is barely capable of eliciting a response. These procedures have direct implications for the treatment of PTSD and could be implemented in a virtual reality environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard G Schreurs
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University , Morgantown, WV , USA ; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University , Morgantown, WV , USA
| | - Lauren B Burhans
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University , Morgantown, WV , USA ; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University , Morgantown, WV , USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Moloney RD, O'Mahony SM, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Stress-induced visceral pain: toward animal models of irritable-bowel syndrome and associated comorbidities. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:15. [PMID: 25762939 PMCID: PMC4329736 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral pain is a global term used to describe pain originating from the internal organs, which is distinct from somatic pain. It is a hallmark of functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable-bowel syndrome (IBS). Currently, the treatment strategies targeting visceral pain are unsatisfactory, with development of novel therapeutics hindered by a lack of detailed knowledge of the underlying mechanisms. Stress has long been implicated in the pathophysiology of visceral pain in both preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we discuss the complex etiology of visceral pain reviewing our current understanding in the context of the role of stress, gender, gut microbiota alterations, and immune functioning. Furthermore, we review the role of glutamate, GABA, and epigenetic mechanisms as possible therapeutic strategies for the treatment of visceral pain for which there is an unmet medical need. Moreover, we discuss the most widely described rodent models used to model visceral pain in the preclinical setting. The theory behind, and application of, animal models is key for both the understanding of underlying mechanisms and design of future therapeutic interventions. Taken together, it is apparent that stress-induced visceral pain and its psychiatric comorbidities, as typified by IBS, has a multifaceted etiology. Moreover, treatment strategies still lag far behind when compared to other pain modalities. The development of novel, effective, and specific therapeutics for the treatment of visceral pain has never been more pertinent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Moloney
- Laboratory of Neurogastroenterology, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork , Cork , Ireland
| | - Siobhain M O'Mahony
- Laboratory of Neurogastroenterology, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork , Cork , Ireland ; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork , Cork , Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- Laboratory of Neurogastroenterology, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork , Cork , Ireland ; Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork , Cork , Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Laboratory of Neurogastroenterology, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork , Cork , Ireland ; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork , Cork , Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Methylphenidate and desipramine combined treatment improves PTSD symptomatology in a rat model. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e447. [PMID: 25247592 PMCID: PMC4203011 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antidepressant medication constitutes the first line pharmacological treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), however, because many patients display no beneficial drug effects it has been suggested that combinations of antidepressants with additional drugs may be necessary. The defining symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal. In addition, PTSD patients were shown to become easily distracted and often suffer from poor concentration together with indications of comorbidity with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most common and effective drug treatment for ADHD, thus we aimed to investigate the effects of MPH treatment, by itself or in combination with the antidepressants fluoxetine (FLU) or desipramine (DES). We modified an animal model of PTSD by exposing rats to chronic stress and evaluating the subsequent development of behavioral PTSD-like symptoms, as well as the effects on proinflammatory cytokines, which were implicated in PTSD. We report that while FLU or DES had a beneficial effect on avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms, MPH improved all three symptoms. Moreover, the combination of MPH with DES produced the most dramatic beneficial effects. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 were elevated in the PTSD-like group compared with the control group, and were decreased by MPH, FLU, DES or the combination drug treatments, with the combination of DES+MPH producing the most complete rescue of the inflammatory response. Considering the versatile symptoms of PTSD, our results suggest a new combined treatment for PTSD comprising the antidepressant DES and the psychostimulant MPH.
Collapse
|
30
|
Hendriksen H, Olivier B, Oosting RS. From non-pharmacological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder to novel therapeutic targets. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 732:139-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
31
|
Logrip ML, Vendruscolo LF, Schlosburg JE, Koob GF, Zorrilla EP. Phosphodiesterase 10A regulates alcohol and saccharin self-administration in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:1722-31. [PMID: 24549104 PMCID: PMC4023146 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A history of stress produces increases in rodent relapse-like alcohol self-administration behavior and regional brain gene expression of phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), a dual-specificity cyclic adenosine monophosphate/cyclic guanosine monophosphate-inhibiting enzyme. Here, we tested the hypothesis that administration of TP-10, a specific PDE10A inhibitor, would reduce alcohol self-administration in conditions predisposing to elevated self-administration. TP-10 administration dose-dependently (0.562, 1.0 mg/kg; subcutaneously) reduced relapse-like alcohol self-administration regardless of stress history enhancement of relapse-like behavior. TP-10 also reduced alcohol self-administration in genetically alcohol-preferring rats, as well as in alcohol-non-dependent and -dependent rats. Effective systemic TP-10 doses did not alter alcohol pharmacokinetics, significantly reduce motor activity or intrabout operant response speed, or promote a conditioned place aversion. TP-10 also reduced saccharin self-administration, suggesting a general role for PDE10A in the self-administration of reinforcing substances. PDE10A inhibition in the dorsolateral striatum, but not the nucleus accumbens, reduced alcohol self-administration. Taken together, the results implicate dorsolateral striatum PDE10A in facilitating alcohol intake and support further investigation of PDE10A systems in the pathophysiology and potential treatment of substance use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian L Logrip
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA,Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, SP30-2400, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA, Tel: +1 858 784 8026 (MLL) or +1 858 784 7416 (EPZ), Fax: +1 858 784 7405, E-mail: or
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joel E Schlosburg
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - George F Koob
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric P Zorrilla
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA,Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, SP30-2400, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA, Tel: +1 858 784 8026 (MLL) or +1 858 784 7416 (EPZ), Fax: +1 858 784 7405, E-mail: or
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Thompson RS, Strong PV, Clark PJ, Maslanik TM, Wright KP, Greenwood BN, Fleshner M. Repeated fear-induced diurnal rhythm disruptions predict PTSD-like sensitized physiological acute stress responses in F344 rats. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2014; 211:447-65. [PMID: 24447583 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify objective factors that can predict future sensitized stress responses, thus allowing for effective intervention prior to developing sensitization and subsequent stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS Adult male F344 rats implanted with biotelemetry devices were exposed to repeated conditioned fear or control conditions for 22 days followed by exposure to either no, mild or severe acute stress on day 23. Diurnal rhythms of locomotor activity (LA), heart rate (HR) and core body temperature (CBT) were biotelemetrically monitored throughout the study. In a subset of rat not implanted, corticosterone and indices of chronic stress were measured immediately following stress. RESULTS Rats exposed to repeated fear had fear-evoked increases in behavioural freezing and HR/CBT during exposure to the fear environment and displayed indices of chronic stress. Repeated fear produced flattening of diurnal rhythms in LA, HR and CBT. Repeated fear did not sensitize the corticosterone response to acute stress, but produced sensitized HR/CBT responses following acute stress, relative to the effect of acute stress in the absence of a history of repeated fear. Greater diurnal rhythm disruptions during repeated fear predicted sensitized acute stress-induced physiological responses. Rats exposed to repeated fear also displayed flattened diurnal LA and basal increases in HR. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to repeated fear produces outcomes consistent with those observed in PTSD. The results suggest that diurnal rhythm disruptions during chronic stressors may help predict sensitized physiological stress responses following traumatic events. Monitoring diurnal disruptions during repeated stress may thus help predict susceptibility to PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. S. Thompson
- Department of Integrative Physiology; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
- Center for Neuroscience; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
| | - P. V. Strong
- Department of Integrative Physiology; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
- Center for Neuroscience; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
| | - P. J. Clark
- Department of Integrative Physiology; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
| | - T. M. Maslanik
- Department of Integrative Physiology; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
| | - K. P. Wright
- Department of Integrative Physiology; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
- Center for Neuroscience; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
| | - B. N. Greenwood
- Department of Integrative Physiology; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
- Center for Neuroscience; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
| | - M. Fleshner
- Department of Integrative Physiology; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
- Center for Neuroscience; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder CO USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kinn Rød AM, Murison R, Mrdalj J, Milde AM, Jellestad FK, Øvernes LA, Grønli J. Effects of social defeat on sleep and behaviour: importance of the confrontational behaviour. Physiol Behav 2014; 127:54-63. [PMID: 24472325 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We studied the short- and long-term effects of a double social defeat (SD) on sleep parameters, EEG power, behaviour in the open field emergence test, corticosterone responsiveness, and acoustic startle responses. Pre-stress levels of corticosterone were assessed before all rats were surgically implanted with telemetric transmitters for sleep recording, and allowed 3weeks of recovery. Rats in the SD group (n=10) were exposed to 1hour SD on two consecutive days, while control rats (n=10) were left undisturbed. Telemetric sleep recordings were performed before SD (day -1), day 1 post SD, and once weekly for 3weeks thereafter. The open field emergence test was performed on day 9 and weekly for 2weeks thereafter. Blood samples for measures of corticosterone responsiveness were drawn after the last emergence test (day 23). Acoustic startle responses were tested on day 24 post SD. Overall, SD rats as a group were not affected by the social conflict. Effects of SD seemed, however, to vary according to the behaviours that the intruder displayed during the social confrontation with the resident. Compared to those SD rats showing quick submission (SDS, n=5), SD rats fighting the resident during one or both SD confrontations before defeat (SDF, n=5) showed more fragmented slow wave sleep, both in SWS1 and SWS2. They also showed longer latency to leave the start box and spent less time in the open field arena compared to SDS rats. In the startle test, SDF rats failed to show response decrement at the lowest sound level. Our results indicate that how animals behave during a social confrontation is more important than exposure to the SD procedure itself, and that rapid submission during a social confrontation might be more adaptive than fighting back.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie Kinn Rød
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Robert Murison
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jelena Mrdalj
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anne Marita Milde
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Finn Konow Jellestad
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Leif Arvid Øvernes
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Janne Grønli
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; Norwegian Competence Centre for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Liesvei 65, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Neigh GN, Ritschel LA, Kilpela LS, Harrell CS, Bourke CH. Translational reciprocity: bridging the gap between preclinical studies and clinical treatment of stress effects on the adolescent brain. Neuroscience 2013; 249:139-53. [PMID: 23069751 PMCID: PMC6528486 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.09.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The genetic, biological, and environmental backgrounds of an organism fundamentally influence the balance between risk and resilience to stress. Sex, age, and environment transact with responses to trauma in ways that can mitigate or exacerbate the likelihood that post-traumatic stress disorder will develop. Translational approaches to modeling affective disorders in animals will ultimately provide novel treatments and a better understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings behind these debilitating disorders. The extant literature on trauma/stress has focused predominately on limbic and cortical structures that innervate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and influence glucocorticoid-mediated negative feedback. It is through these neuroendocrine pathways that a self-perpetuating fear memory can propagate the long-term effects of early life trauma. Recent work incorporating translational approaches has provided novel pathways that can be influenced by early life stress, such as the glucocorticoid receptor chaperones, including FKBP51. Animal models of stress have differing effects on behavior and endocrine pathways; however, complete models replicating clinical characteristics of risk and resilience have not been rigorously studied. This review discusses a four-factor model that considers the importance of studying both risk and resilience in understanding the developmental response to trauma/stress. Consideration of the multifactorial nature of clinical populations in the design of preclinical models and the application of preclinical findings to clinical treatment approaches comprise the core of translational reciprocity, which is discussed in the context of the four-factor model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G N Neigh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 4000, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Davis M, Walker DL. Role of bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala AMPA receptors in the development and expression of context conditioning and sensitization of startle by prior shock. Brain Struct Funct 2013; 219:1969-82. [PMID: 23934654 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-013-0616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A core symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder is hyper-arousal-manifest in part by increases in the amplitude of the acoustic startle reflex. Gewirtz et al. (Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 22:625-648, 1998) found that, in rats, persistent shock-induced startle increases were prevented by pre-test electrolytic lesions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). We used reversible inactivation to determine if similar effects reflect actions on (a) BNST neurons themselves versus fibers-of-passage, (b) the development versus expression of such increases, and (c) associative fear versus non-associative sensitization. Twenty-four hours after the last of three shock sessions, startle was markedly enhanced when rats were tested in a non-shock context. These increases decayed over the course of several days. Decay was unaffected by context exposure, and elevated startle was restored when rats were tested for the first time in the original shock context. Thus, both associative and non-associative components could be measured under different conditions. Pre-test intra-BNST infusions of the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX (3 μg/side) blocked the non-associative (as did infusions into the basolateral amygdala) but not the associative component, whereas pre-shock infusions disrupted both. NBQX did not affect baseline startle or shock reactivity. These results indicate that AMPA receptors in or very near to the BNST are critical for the expression and development of non-associative shock-induced startle sensitization, and also for context fear conditioning, but not context fear expression. More generally, they suggest that treatments targeting the BNST may be clinically useful for treating trauma-related hyper-arousal and perhaps for retarding its development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 954 Gatewood Rd NE (Yerkes Neuroscience Bldg), Rm. 5214, Atlanta, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Biomarkers in posttraumatic stress disorder: overview and implications for future research. DISEASE MARKERS 2013; 35:43-54. [PMID: 24167348 PMCID: PMC3774961 DOI: 10.1155/2013/835876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PTSD can develop in the aftermath of traumatic incidents like combat, sexual abuse, or life threatening accidents. Unfortunately, there are still no biomarkers for this debilitating anxiety disorder in clinical use. Anyhow, there are numerous studies describing potential PTSD biomarkers, some of which might progress to the point of practical use in the future. Here, we outline and comment on some of the most prominent findings on potential imaging, psychological, endocrine, and molecular PTSD biomarkers and classify them into risk, disease, and therapy markers. Since for most of these potential PTSD markers a causal role in PTSD has been demonstrated or at least postulated, this review also gives an overview on the current state of research on PTSD pathobiology.
Collapse
|
37
|
Baldwin DV. Primitive mechanisms of trauma response: an evolutionary perspective on trauma-related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1549-66. [PMID: 23792048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The symptoms we identify and the behaviors we recognize as defenses define which symptoms we see as trauma-related. Early conceptions of trauma-related disorders focused on physical signs of distress while current ones emphasize mental symptoms, but traumatizing experiences evoke psychobiological reactions. An evolutionary perspective presumes that psychophysical reactions to traumatizing events evolved to ensure survival. This theoretical review examines several primitive mechanisms (e.g., sensitization and dissolution) associated with responses to diverse stressors, from danger to life-threat. Some rapidly acquired symptoms form without conscious awareness because severe stresses can dysregulate mental and physical components within systems ensuring survival. Varied defensive options engage specialized and enduring psychophysical reactions; this allows for more adaptive responses to diverse threats. Thus, parasympathetically mediated defense states such as freeze or collapse increase trauma-related symptom variability. Comorbidity and symptom variability confuse those expecting mental rather than psychophysical responses to trauma, and active (sympathetically mediated flight and fight) rather than immobility defenses. Healthcare implications for stress research, clinical practice and diagnostic nosology stem from the broader evolutionary view.
Collapse
|
38
|
Smith-Bell CA, Burhans LB, Schreurs BG. Predictors of susceptibility and resilience in an animal model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Behav Neurosci 2013. [PMID: 23181382 DOI: 10.1037/a0030713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are based on fear conditioning where innocuous cues elicit reactions that originally occur to traumatic events--a core feature of PTSD. Another core feature is hyperarousal--exaggerated reactions to stressful events. One limitation of animal models of PTSD is that group effects do not model the sporadic incidence of PTSD. We developed an animal model of PTSD in which rabbit nictitating membrane responses become exaggerated as a function of classical conditioning to a tone conditioned stimulus (CS) paired with a shock unconditioned stimulus (US). Exaggerated responses to the US are a form of hyperarousal termed conditioning-specific reflex modification (CRM) and occur in the absence of the CS. Inspecting data across several experiments, we determined 25% of our rabbits exhibit strong CRM despite all subjects having high levels of conditioning. To determine how prone rabbits were to CRM (susceptibility) or how resistant (resilience), we examined data from 135 rabbits analyzing for factors during CS-US pairings and during US prescreening that would predict CRM. We found the magnitude of CRM was correlated with the onset latency and area of conditioned responding during CS-US pairings and with the peak latency of a response during US pretesting. In an animal model of PTSD that more accurately reflects clinical prevalence, we can begin to predict susceptibility not only during responding to a stressful conditioning situation but also during a screening process before the stressful situation takes place. The results suggest relatively innocuous testing may help detect PTSD after trauma and screen for it before trauma occurs.
Collapse
|
39
|
Social stress models in depression research: what do they tell us? Cell Tissue Res 2013; 354:179-90. [PMID: 23532563 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1606-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Interest has recently surged in the use of social stress models, especially social defeat. Such interest lies both in the recognition that stressors of social origin play a major role in human psychopathologies and in the acknowledgement that natural and hence ethologically-based stress models have important translational value. The use of the most recent technology has allowed the recognition of the mechanisms through which social defeat might have enduring psychoneuroendocrine effects, especially social avoidance and anhedonia, two behaviours relevant to human depression. In view of the sensitivity of these behavioural outcomes to repeated antidepressant treatments, the social defeat model has been proposed as a possible animal model of depression. The present survey is aimed at examining the limits of such an interpretation and focuses on methodological aspects and on the relevance of social defeat to the study of anxiety-related pathologies.
Collapse
|
40
|
Mirshekar M, Abrari K, Goudarzi I, Rashidy-Pour A. Systemic administrations of β-estradiol alleviate both conditioned and sensitized fear responses in an ovariectomized rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 102:12-9. [PMID: 23474020 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although no single widely accepted animal model of PTSD has been established to date, the single prolonged stress (SPS) animal model has been partially validated as a model for PTSD. SPS rats mimic the pathophysiological abnormalities and behavioral characteristics of PTSD, such as enhanced fear response to the traumatic cue (conditioned fear response) and hyper arousal (the sensitized fear response). In the present study we are looking at PTSD-like symptoms in rats. We examined whether Systemic administrations of β-estradiol could alleviate PTSD-like symptoms that are induced by SPS model. In this study, electric foot shocks (two 4s, 1mA with an interval of 30s) were given to Adult ovariectomized rats 1day after SPS procedures. Additionally, β-estradiol (45, 90, and 180μg/kg) or sesame oil (vehicle) were injected immediately after foot shock and before Tests 2 and 3. After different incubation times, one (Test 1), two (Test 2), and three (Test 3) weeks later, the conditioned or sensitized fear responses were measured (Percent of freezing during test) by re-exposing the stressed rats to the shock chamber or a neutral tone in a novel environment. Three other groups were shock, control and sham groups. Ovariectomized rats of Shock group received shocks conducted through the procedure described below on. Animals in control (Ovariectomized rats) and Sham groups (Only submitted to surgery without removal of the ovaries), neither were exposed to the SPS procedure nor received an electrical shock. Also, these three groups were tested for fear responses three times. Findings indicated that rats who received electric shock the day after SPS exhibited both enhanced conditioned and sensitized fear responses in comparison to the control group. β-estradiol in 45μg/kg dose could reduce both types of fear responses. β-estradiol exert an inhibitory influence on contextual fear conditioning (hippocampal-dependent) and on sensitized fear conditioning (amygdala-dependent). Single injection of this dose is enough for CFR alleviation but at least twice injections are necessary to reduce sensitized fear response. Overall our data demonstrate that multiple injections of β-estradiol, dose dependently, could alleviate both SPS induced conditioned and sensitized fear responses, as signs of PTSD.
Collapse
|
41
|
Ding AY, Li Q, Zhou IY, Ma SJ, Tong G, McAlonan GM, Wu EX. MR diffusion tensor imaging detects rapid microstructural changes in amygdala and hippocampus following fear conditioning in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e51704. [PMID: 23382811 PMCID: PMC3559642 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following fear conditioning (FC), ex vivo evidence suggests that early dynamics of cellular and molecular plasticity in amygdala and hippocampal circuits mediate responses to fear. Such altered dynamics in fear circuits are thought to be etiologically related to anxiety disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Consistent with this, neuroimaging studies of individuals with established PTSD in the months after trauma have revealed changes in brain regions responsible for processing fear. However, whether early changes in fear circuits can be captured in vivo is not known. METHODS We hypothesized that in vivo magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) would be sensitive to rapid microstructural changes elicited by FC in an experimental mouse PTSD model. We employed a repeated measures paired design to compare in vivo DTI measurements before, one hour after, and one day after FC-exposed mice (n=18). RESULTS Using voxel-wise repeated measures analysis, fractional anisotropy (FA) significantly increased then decreased in amygdala, decreased then increased in hippocampus, and was increasing in cingulum and adjacent gray matter one hour and one day post-FC respectively. These findings demonstrate that DTI is sensitive to early changes in brain microstructure following FC, and that FC elicits distinct, rapid in vivo responses in amygdala and hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that DTI can detect rapid microstructural changes in brain regions known to mediate fear conditioning in vivo. DTI indices could be explored as a translational tool to capture potential early biological changes in individuals at risk for developing PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abby Y. Ding
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Reproduction Growth and Development, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Iris Y. Zhou
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Samantha J. Ma
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gehua Tong
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Grainne M. McAlonan
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Reproduction Growth and Development, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London
| | - Ed X. Wu
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder of considerable prevalence in individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. Studies of the neural substrate of this disorder have focused on the role of areas such as the hippocampus, the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex. We show that the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which directly modulates these areas, is part of this circuitry. Using a rat model of PTSD, we show that a brief but intense foot shock followed by three brief reminders can cause long-term behavioral changes as shown by anxiety-like, nociception, and touch-sensitivity tests. We show that an intraperitoneal injection of a dopamine (DA) antagonist or a bilateral inactivation of the VTA administered immediately before the traumatic event decrease the occurrence or intensity of these behavioral changes. Furthermore, we show that there is a significant decrease of baseline VTA dopaminergic but not GABAergic cell firing rates 2 weeks after trauma. Our data suggest that VTA DA neurons undergo long-term physiological changes after trauma and that this brain area is a crucial part of the circuits involved in PTSD symptomatology.
Collapse
|
43
|
Rogala B, Li Y, Li S, Chen X, Kirouac GJ. Effects of a post-shock injection of the kappa opioid receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine (norBNI) on fear and anxiety in rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49669. [PMID: 23166745 PMCID: PMC3498224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure of rats to footshocks leads to an enduring behavioral state involving generalized fear responses and avoidance. Recent evidence suggests that the expression of negative emotional behaviors produced by a stressor is in part mediated by dynorphin and its main receptor, the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). The purpose of this study was to determine if a subcutaneous injection of the long-acting KOR antagonist norbinaltorphimine (norBNI; 15.0 and 30.0 mg/kg) given 2 days after an acute exposure of rats to footshooks (5×2 s episodes of 1.5 mA delivered over 5 min) attenuates the expression of lasting fear and anxiety. We report that exposure of rats to acute footshock produced long-lasting (>4 weeks) fear (freezing) and anxiety (avoidance of an open area in the defensive withdrawal test). The 30 mg dose of norBNI attenuated the fear expressed when shock rats were placed in the shock context at Day 9 but not Day 27 post-shock. The same dose of norBNI had no effect on the expression of generalized fear produced when shock rats were placed in a novel chamber at Days 8 and 24. In contrast, the 30 mg dose of norBNI produced consistent anxiolytic effects in shock and nonshock rats. First, the 30 mg dose was found to decrease the latency to enter the open field in the defensive withdrawal test done 30 days after the shock exposure. Second, the same high dose also had anxiolytic effects in both nonshock and shock rats as evidence by a decrease in the mean time spent in the withdrawal box. The present study shows that systemic injection of the KOR antagonist norBNI had mixed effect on fear. In contrast, norBNI had an anxiolytic effect which included the attenuation of the enhanced avoidance of a novel area produced by a prior shock experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rogala
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yonghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sa Li
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gilbert J. Kirouac
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hendriksen H, Bink DI, Daniels EG, Pandit R, Piriou C, Slieker R, Westphal KG, Olivier B, Oosting RS. Re-exposure and environmental enrichment reveal NPY-Y1 as a possible target for post-traumatic stress disorder. Neuropharmacology 2012; 63:733-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
45
|
Personality traits in rats predict vulnerability and resilience to developing stress-induced depression-like behaviors, HPA axis hyper-reactivity and brain changes in pERK1/2 activity. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:1209-23. [PMID: 22240307 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that certain behavioral traits, such as anxiety, are associated with the development of depression-like behaviors after exposure to chronic stress. However, single traits do not explain the wide variability in vulnerability to stress observed in outbred populations. We hypothesized that a combination of behavioral traits might provide a better characterization of an individual's vulnerability to prolonged stress. Here, we sought to determine whether the characterization of relevant behavioral traits in rats could aid in identifying individuals with different vulnerabilities to developing stress-induced depression-like behavioral alterations. We also investigated whether behavioral traits would be related to the development of alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and in brain activity - as measured through phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)--in response to an acute stressor following either sub-chronic (2 weeks) or chronic (4 weeks) unpredictable stress (CUS). Sprague-Dawley rats were characterized using a battery of behavioral tasks, and three principal traits were identified: anxiety, exploration and activity. When combined, the first two traits were found to explain the variability in the stress responses. Our findings confirm the increased risk of animals with high anxiety developing certain depression-like behaviors (e.g., increased floating time in the forced swim test) when progressively exposed to stress. In contrast, the behavioral profile based on combined low anxiety and low exploration was resistant to alterations related to social behaviors, while the high anxiety and low exploration profile displayed a particularly vulnerable pattern of physiological and neurobiological responses after sub-chronic stress exposure. Our findings indicate important differences in animals' vulnerability and/or resilience to the effects of repeated stress, particularly during initial or intermediate levels of stress exposure, and they highlight that the behavioral inhibition profile of an animal provides a particular susceptibility to responding in a deleterious manner to stress.
Collapse
|
46
|
Generalization of contextual fear depends on associative rather than non-associative memory components. Behav Brain Res 2012; 233:483-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 05/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
47
|
Reis FMCV, Albrechet-Souza L, Franci CR, Brandão ML. Risk assessment behaviors associated with corticosterone trigger the defense reaction to social isolation in rats: role of the anterior cingulate cortex. Stress 2012; 15:318-28. [PMID: 21992055 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2011.623740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The extent to which the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated by short-term and long-term consequences of stress is still open to investigation. This study aimed to determine (i) the correlation between plasma corticosterone and exploratory behavior exhibited by rats subjected to the elevated plus maze (EPM) following different periods of social isolation, (ii) the effects of the corticosterone synthesis blocker, metyrapone, on the behavioral consequences of isolation, and (iii) whether corticosterone produces its effects through an action on the anterior cingulate cortex, area 1 (Cg1). Rats were subjected to 30-min, 2-h, 24-h, or 7-day isolation periods before EPM exposure and plasma corticosterone assessments. Isolation for longer periods of time produced greater anxiogenic-like effects on the EPM. However, stretched attend posture (SAP) and plasma corticosterone concentrations were increased significantly after 30 min of isolation. Among all of the behavioral categories measured in the EPM, only SAP positively correlated with plasma corticosterone. Metyrapone injected prior to the 24 h isolation period reversed the anxiogenic effects of isolation. Moreover, corticosterone injected into the Cg1 produced a selective increase in SAP. These findings indicate that risk assessment behavior induced by the action of corticosterone on Cg1 neurons initiates a cascade of defensive responses during exposure to stressors.
Collapse
|
48
|
Tulogdi A, Sörös P, Tóth M, Nagy R, Biró L, Aliczki M, Klausz B, Mikics E, Haller J. Temporal changes in c-Fos activation patterns induced by conditioned fear. Brain Res Bull 2012; 88:359-70. [PMID: 22516520 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying shock-induced conditioned fear - a paradigm frequently used to model posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD - are usually studied shortly after shocks. Some of the brain regions relevant to conditioned fear were activated in all the c-Fos studies published so far, but the overlap between the activated regions was small across studies. We hypothesized that discrepant findings were due to dynamic neural changes that followed shocks, and a more consistent picture would emerge if consequences were studied after a longer interval. Therefore, we exposed rats to a single session of footshocks and studied their behavioral and neural responses one and 28 days later. The neuronal activation marker c-Fos was studied in 24 brain regions relevant for conditioned fear, e.g. in subdivisions of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamic defensive system, brainstem monoaminergic nuclei and periaqueductal gray. The intensity of conditioned fear (as shown by the duration of contextual freezing) was similar at the two time-points, but the associated neuronal changes were qualitatively different. Surprisingly, however, Multiple Regression Analyses suggested that conditioned fear-induced changes in neuronal activation patterns predicted the duration of freezing with high accuracy at both time points. We suggest that exposure to electric shocks is followed by a period of plasticity where the mechanisms that sustain conditioned fear undergo qualitative changes. Neuronal changes observed 28 days but not 1 day after shocks were consistent with those observed in human studies performed in PTSD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aron Tulogdi
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Reger ML, Poulos AM, Buen F, Giza CC, Hovda DA, Fanselow MS. Concussive brain injury enhances fear learning and excitatory processes in the amygdala. Biol Psychiatry 2012; 71:335-43. [PMID: 22169439 PMCID: PMC3264758 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild traumatic brain injury (cerebral concussion) results in cognitive and emotional dysfunction. These injuries are a significant risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder. However, because physically traumatic events typically occur in a highly emotional context, it is unknown whether traumatic brain injury itself is a cause of augmented fear and anxiety. METHODS Rats were trained with one of five fear-conditioning procedures (n = 105) 2 days after concussive brain trauma. Fear learning was assessed over subsequent days and chronic changes in fear learning and memory circuitry were assessed by measuring N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits and glutamic acid decarboxylase, 67 kDa isoform protein levels in the hippocampus and basolateral amygdala complex (BLA). RESULTS Injured rats exhibited an overall increase in fear conditioning, regardless of whether fear was retrieved via discrete or contextual-spatial stimuli. Moreover, injured rats appeared to overgeneralize learned fear to both conditioned and novel stimuli. Although no gross histopathology was evident, injury resulted in a significant upregulation of excitatory N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the BLA. There was a trend toward decreased γ-aminobutyric acid-related inhibition (glutamic acid decarboxylase, 67 kDa isoform) in the BLA and hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that mild traumatic brain injury predisposes the brain toward heightened fear learning during stressful postinjury events and provides a potential molecular mechanism by which this occurs. Furthermore, these data represent a novel rodent model that can help advance the neurobiological and therapeutic understanding of the comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxine L. Reger
- UCLA Neurotrauma Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, The University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, U.S.A,Department of Psychology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, U.S.A
| | - Andrew M. Poulos
- Department of Psychology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, U.S.A
| | - Floyd Buen
- School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, U.S.A
| | - Christopher C. Giza
- UCLA Neurotrauma Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, The University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, U.S.A,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, U.S.A
| | - David A. Hovda
- UCLA Neurotrauma Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, The University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, U.S.A,Department of Medical and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, U.S.A
| | - Michael S. Fanselow
- Department of Psychology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, U.S.A,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Larauche M, Mulak A, Taché Y. Stress and visceral pain: from animal models to clinical therapies. Exp Neurol 2012; 233:49-67. [PMID: 21575632 PMCID: PMC3224675 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Revised: 04/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have implicated stress (psychosocial and physical) as a trigger of first onset or exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms of which visceral pain is an integrant landmark. A number of experimental acute or chronic exteroceptive or interoceptive stressors induce visceral hyperalgesia in rodents although recent evidence also points to stress-related visceral analgesia as established in the somatic pain field. Underlying mechanisms of stress-related visceral hypersensitivity may involve a combination of sensitization of primary afferents, central sensitization in response to input from the viscera and dysregulation of descending pathways that modulate spinal nociceptive transmission or analgesic response. Biochemical coding of stress involves the recruitment of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) signaling pathways. Experimental studies established that activation of brain and peripheral CRF receptor subtype 1 plays a primary role in the development of stress-related delayed visceral hyperalgesia while subtype 2 activation induces analgesic response. In line with stress pathways playing a role in IBS, non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment modalities aimed at reducing stress perception using a broad range of evidence-based mind-body interventions and centrally-targeted medications to reduce anxiety impact on brain patterns activated by visceral stimuli and dampen visceral pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Larauche
- CURE/Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|