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Cruz APM, Castro-Gomes V, Landeira-Fernandez J. An animal model of trait anxiety: Carioca high freezing rats as a model of generalized anxiety disorder. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 7:e6. [PMID: 38384665 PMCID: PMC10877273 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2023.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Despite being one of the main components of anxiety and playing a pivotal role in how an individual perceives and copes with anxiogenic situations or responds to a given treatment, trait anxiety is paradoxically omitted in most animal models of anxiety. This is problematic and particularly more concerning in models that are used to screen drugs and other treatments for specific anxiety disorders and to investigate their neurobiological mechanisms. Our group has been engaged in the search for specific anxiety-related traits in animal models of anxiety. We developed two new lines of rats with strong phenotypic divergence for high (Carioca High-conditioned Freezing [CHF]) and low (Carioca Low-conditioned Freezing [CLF]) trait anxiety as expressed in the contextual fear conditioning paradigm. Here, we summarize key behavioral, pharmacological, physiological, and neurobiological differences in one these lines, the CHF rat line, relative to randomized-cross controls and discuss how far they represent a valid and reliable animal model of generalized anxiety disorder and so high trait anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pedro Mello Cruz
- Laboratory of Psychobiology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Vitor Castro-Gomes
- Institute of Psychology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - J. Landeira-Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Hosgorler F, Akkaya EC, Ilgin R, Koc B, Kizildag S, Gumus H, Uysal N. The ameliorative effect of midazolam on empathy-like behavior in old rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3183-3193. [PMID: 37209151 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Although studies suggest that cognitive functions in the elderly are impaired, elderly people tend to be more successful and wiser in solving emotional problems. In empathy-like behavior models, the observer rat rescues the distressed cage mate by displaying emotional and cognitive ability. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in empathy-like behavior in older rats in comparison to adult rats. In addition, we wanted to determine the effects of alterations in neurochemicals (such as corticosterone, oxytocin, vasopressin, and their receptor levels) and emotional situations on this behavior. In our study, we initially completed empathy-like behavior tests and emotional tests (open field, elevated plus maze) and performed neurochemical examinations in the serum and brain tissues. In the second step of research, we applied a midazolam (benzodiazepine) treatment to examine the effect of anxiety on empathy-like behavior. In the old rats, we observed that empathy-like behavior deteriorated, and anxiety signs were more pronounced. We detected a positive correlation between the latency in empathy-like behavior and corticosterone levels and v1b receptor levels. The midazolam effect on empathy-like behavior was attenuated by flumazenil (a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist). The recordings of ultrasonic vocalization showed frequencies around 50 kHz emitted by the observer and this was associated with the expectation of social contact. Our results state that compared to adult rats, old rats were more concerned and failed during empathy-like behavior. Midazolam may improve this behavior by anxiolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Hosgorler
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Erhan Caner Akkaya
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Rabia Ilgin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Basar Koc
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Servet Kizildag
- College of Vocational School of Health Services, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hikmet Gumus
- School of Sport Sciences and Technology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nazan Uysal
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
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Nunes F, Lotufo Denucci B, Velho Martins Lages Y, Maisonnette S, Eichenberg Krahe T, Pedro Mello Cruz A, Landeira-Fernandez J. Increased hippocampal CREB phosphorylation after retrieval of remote contextual fear memories in Carioca high-conditioned freezing rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 205:107828. [PMID: 37730100 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The participation of the hippocampal formation in consolidation and reconsolidation of contextual fear memories has been widely recognized and known to be dependent on the activation of the cAMP response element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) pathway. Recent findings have challenged the prevailing view that over time contextual fear memories migrate to neocortical circuits and no longer require the hippocampus for retrieval of remote fearful memories. It has also recently been found that this brain structure is important for the maintenance and recall of remote fear memories associated with aversive events, a common trait in stress-related disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In view of these findings, here we examined the putative role of CREB in the hippocampus of an animal model of GAD during the retrieval of remote contextual fear memories. Specifically, we evaluated CREB phosphorylation in the hippocampus of male Carioca High- and Low-conditioned Freezing rats (CHF and CLF, respectively) upon re-exposure of animals to contextual cues associated to footshocks weeks after fear conditioning. Age-matched male rats from a randomized crossbreeding population served as controls (CTL). Adrenal catecholamine levels were also measured as a biological marker of stress response. Seven weeks after contextual fear conditioning, half of the sample of CHF (n = 9), CLF (n = 10) and CTL (n = 10) rats were randomly assigned to return to the same context chamber where footshocks were previously administrated (Context condition), while the remaining animals were individually placed in standard housing cages (Control condition). Western blot results indicated that pCREB levels were significantly increased in the hippocampus of CHF rats for both Context and Control conditions when compared to the other experimental groups. CHF rats in the Context condition also exhibited significant more freezing than that observed for both CLF and CTL rats. Lastly, CHF animals in the Context condition displayed significantly higher adrenal catecholamine levels than those in the Control condition, whereas no differences in catecholamine levels were observed between Context and Control conditions for CLF and CTL rats. These findings are discussed from a perspective in which the hippocampus plays a role in the maintenance and recall of remote contextual fear memories via the CREB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Nunes
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bruna Lotufo Denucci
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Sílvia Maisonnette
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Pedro Mello Cruz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - J Landeira-Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Lages YV, Balthazar L, Krahe TE, Landeira-Fernandez J. Pharmacological and Physiological Correlates of the Bidirectional Fear Phenotype of the Carioca Rats and Other Bidirectionally Selected Lines. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1864-1883. [PMID: 36237160 PMCID: PMC10514533 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666221012121534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Carioca rat lines originated from the selective bidirectional breeding of mates displaying extreme defense responses to contextual conditioned fear. After three generations, two distinct populations could be distinguished: the Carioca High- and Low-conditioned Freezing rats, CHF, and CLF, respectively. Later studies identified strong anxiety-like behaviors in the CHF line, while indications of impulsivity and hyperactivity were prominent in the CLF animals. The present review details the physiological and pharmacological-related findings obtained from these lines. The results discussed here point towards a dysfunctional fear circuitry in CHF rats, including alterations in key brain structures and the serotoninergic system. Moreover, data from these animals highlight important alterations in the stress-processing machinery and its associated systems, such as energy metabolism and antioxidative defense. Finally, evidence of an alteration in the dopaminergic pathway in CLF rats is also debated. Thus, accumulating data gathered over the years, place the Carioca lines as significant animal models for the study of psychiatric disorders, especially fear-related ones like anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury V. Lages
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Laura Balthazar
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thomas. E. Krahe
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J. Landeira-Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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High-sugar/high-fat diet modulates the effects of chronic stress in Cariocas High- and Low-Conditioned Freezing rats. Physiol Behav 2022; 248:113742. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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The non-human perspective on the neurobiology of temperament, personality, and psychopathology: what’s next? Curr Opin Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Lages YV, Maisonnette SS, Rosseti FP, Galvão BO, Landeira-Fernandez J. Haloperidol and methylphenidate alter motor behavior and responses to conditioned fear of Carioca Low-conditioned Freezing rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 211:173296. [PMID: 34752797 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are important tools for studying neuropsychological disorders. Considering their limitations, a more extensive translational research must encompass data that are generated from several models. Therefore, a comprehensive characterization of these models is needed in terms of behavior and neurophysiology. The present study evaluated the behavioral responses of Carioca Low-conditioned Freezing (CLF) rats to haloperidol and methylphenidate. The CLF breeding line is characterized by low freezing defensive responses to contextual cues that are associated with aversive stimuli. CLF rats exhibited a delayed response to haloperidol at lower doses, needing higher doses to reach similar levels of catatonia as control randomly bred animals. Methylphenidate increased freezing responses to conditioned fear and induced motor effects in the open field. Thus, CLF rats differ from controls in their responses to both haloperidol and methylphenidate. Because of the dopamine-related molecular targets of these drugs, we hypothesize that dopaminergic alterations related to those of animal models of hyperactivity and attention disorders might underlie the observed phenotypes of the CLF line of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury V Lages
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvia S Maisonnette
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flávia P Rosseti
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno O Galvão
- Department of Psychology, Santa Úrsula University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J Landeira-Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Lages YV, Maisonnette SS, Marinho B, Rosseti FP, Krahe TE, Landeira-Fernandez J. Behavioral effects of chronic stress in Carioca high- and low-conditioned freezing rats. Stress 2021; 24:602-611. [PMID: 34030584 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1934445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is a widely used model to study stress-coping strategies in rodents. Different factors have been shown to influence whether animals adopt passive or active coping responses to CUMS. Individual adaptation and susceptibility to the environment seem to play a critical role in this process. To further investigate this relationship, we examined the effects of CUMS on Carioca high- and low-conditioned freezing rats (CHF and CLF, respectively), bidirectional lines of animals selected for high and low freezing in response to contextual cues that were previously associated with footshocks. For this purpose, the behavior of CHF and CLF animals was evaluated in the contextual fear conditioning, open field, elevated T maze, and forced swimming tests before and after 21 days of CUMS. For all tests, CHF rats were more susceptible to the effects of CUMS compared to CLF. CHF animals exposed to CUMS displayed a reduction in freezing behavior, decreased number of entries and time spent in the center of the open field, greater latencies to become immobile, and increased avoidance and escaping behaviors in the elevated T maze. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that a heightened susceptibility to the environment exerts a strong influence on coping responses to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury V Lages
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvia S Maisonnette
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Marinho
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flávia P Rosseti
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thomas E Krahe
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J Landeira-Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Acquisition and extinction of contextual fear conditioning in Carioca high- and low-conditioned freezing rats. LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lmot.2021.101744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Bezerra-Karounis MA, Krahe TE, Maisonnette S, Landeira-Fernandez J. Alcohol intake in Carioca High- and Low-conditioned Freezing rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 197:173019. [PMID: 32827503 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies point towards an association between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and alcohol abuse. In the present study we investigated whether a similar relationship could be observed in an animal model of GAD. Specifically, we evaluated the alcohol intake of Carioca High- and Low-conditioned Freezing rats (CHF and CLF, respectively). Sex differences in alcohol drinking behavior were also studied. Male and female rats from randomized crossbreeding populations served as controls (CTL). Free- and forced-choice protocols were used to measure alcohol consumption, and quinine and saccharin were used as taste control solutions. Our results indicate that CHF rats consumed more alcohol than CLF and CTL ones in both the free-choice (6 and 10% concentrations) and the forced-choice (10% concentration) conditions. CHF female rats exhibited the highest amount of alcohol intake in the forced-choice condition. CHF females also consumed more quinine than CHF male rats. Finally, CHF rats exhibited lower saccharin consumption compared to CLF and CTL animals. Altogether, these results support the hypothesis that there is a positive relationship between anxiety and alcohol intake, and provide further evidence for the use of CHF rats as a model of GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas E Krahe
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvia Maisonnette
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J Landeira-Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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León LA, Brandão ML, Cardenas FP, Parra D, Krahe TE, Cruz APM, Landeira-Fernandez J. Distinct patterns of brain Fos expression in Carioca High- and Low-conditioned Freezing Rats. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236039. [PMID: 32702030 PMCID: PMC7377485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bidirectional selection of high and low anxiety-like behavior is a valuable tool for understanding the neurocircuits that are responsible for anxiety disorders. Our group developed two breeding lines of rats, known as Carioca High- and Low-conditioned Freezing (CHF and CLF), based on defensive freezing in the contextual fear conditioning paradigm. A random selected line was employed as a control (CTL) comparison group for both CHF and CLF lines of animals. The present study performed Fos immunochemistry to investigate changes in neural activity in different brain structures among CHF and CLF rats when they were exposed to contextual cues that were previously associated with footshock. RESULTS The study indicated that CHF rats expressed high Fos expression in the locus coeruleus, periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), and lateral portion of the septal area and low Fos expression in the medial portion of the septal area, dentate gyrus, and prelimbic cortex (PL) compared to CTL animals. CLF rats exhibited a decrease in Fos expression in the PVN, PL, and basolateral nucleus of the amygdala and increase in the cingulate and perirhinal cortices compared to CTL animals. CONCLUSIONS Both CHF and CLF rats displayed Fos expression changes key regions of the anxiety brain circuitry. The two bidirectional lines exhibit different pattern of neural activation and inhibition with opposing influences on the PVN, the main structure involved in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal neuroendocrine responses observed in anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. León
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, FFCLRP, Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (INeC), São Paulo University, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Psicología, Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marcus L. Brandão
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, FFCLRP, Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (INeC), São Paulo University, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando P. Cardenas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia y Comportamiento, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana Parra
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia y Comportamiento, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Thomas E. Krahe
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - J. Landeira-Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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