1
|
Wang Y, Becker B, Wang J, Wang Y, Zhang L, Mei Y, Li H, Lei Y. Exaggerated sensitivity to threat and reduced medial prefrontal engagement during threat generalization in reactive aggressive adolescents. Neuroimage 2024; 294:120645. [PMID: 38734156 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120645] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggressive adolescents tend to exhibit abnormal fear acquisition and extinction, and reactive aggressive adolescents are often more anxious. However, the relationship between fear generalization and reactive aggression (RA) remains unknown. According to Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) scores, 61 adolescents were divided into two groups, namely, a high RA group (N = 30) and a low aggression (LA) group (N = 31). All participants underwent three consecutive phases of the Pavlovian conditioning paradigm (i.e., habituation, acquisition, and generalization), and neural activation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was assessed by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The stimuli were ten circles with varying sizes, including two conditioned stimuli (CSs) and eight generalization stimuli (GSs). A scream at 85 dB served as the auditory unconditioned stimulus (US). The US expectancy ratings of both CSs and GSs were higher in the RA group than in the LA group. The fNIRS results showed that CSs and GSs evoked lower mPFC activation in the RA group compared to the LA group during fear generalization. These findings suggest that abnormalities in fear acquisition and generalization are prototypical dysregulations in adolescents with RA. They provide neurocognitive evidence for dysregulated fear learning in the mechanisms underlying adolescents with RA, highlighting the need to develop emotional regulation interventions for these individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Wang
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinxia Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangyou Zhang
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ying Mei
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Hong Li
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Lei
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tonnaer F, van Zutphen L, Raine A, Cima M. Amygdala connectivity and aggression. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 197:87-106. [PMID: 37633721 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821375-9.00002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Neurobiological models propose that reactive aggression is predicated on impairments in amygdala-prefrontal connectivity that subserves moral decision-making and emotion regulation. The amygdala is a key component within this neural network that modulates reactive aggression. We provide a review of amygdala dysfunctional brain networks leading to reactive aggressive behavior. We elaborate on key concepts, focusing on moral decision-making and emotion regulation in a developmental context, and brain network connectivity factors relating to amygdala (dys)function-factors which we suggest predispose to reactive aggression. We additionally discuss insights into the latest treatment interventions, providing the utilization of the scientific findings for practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franca Tonnaer
- Department of Research, Ventio Crime Prevention Science Institute, Rijckholt, The Netherlands
| | - Linda van Zutphen
- Department of Conditions for LifeLong Learning, Educational Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian Raine
- Department of Criminology, Richard Perry University, Berkeley, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Maaike Cima
- Department of Research, Ventio Crime Prevention Science Institute, Rijckholt, The Netherlands; Department of Developmental Psychopathology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Research, VIGO Groep, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nikolic M, Pezzoli P, Jaworska N, Seto MC. Brain responses in aggression-prone individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of anger- and aggression-eliciting tasks. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 119:110596. [PMID: 35803398 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Reactive aggression in response to perceived threat or provocation is part of humans' adaptive behavioral repertoire. However, high levels of aggression can lead to the violation of social and legal norms. Understanding brain function in individuals with high levels of aggression as they process anger- and aggression-eliciting stimuli is critical for refining explanatory models of aggression and thereby improving interventions. Three neurobiological models of reactive aggression - the limbic hyperactivity, prefrontal hypoactivity, and dysregulated limbic-prefrontal connectivity models - have been proposed. However, these models are based on neuroimaging studies involving mainly non-aggressive individuals, leaving it unclear which model best describes brain function in those with a history of aggression. We conducted a systematic literature search (PubMed and Psycinfo) and Multilevel Kernel Density meta-analysis (MKDA) of nine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies (eight included in the between-group analysis [i.e., aggression vs. control groups], five in the within-group analysis). Studies examined brain responses to tasks putatively eliciting anger and aggression in individuals with a history of aggression alone and relative to controls. Individuals with a history of aggression exhibited greater activity in the superior temporal gyrus and in regions comprising the cognitive control and default mode networks (right posterior cingulate cortex, precentral gyrus, precuneus, right inferior frontal gyrus) during reactive aggression relative to baseline conditions. Compared to controls, individuals with a history of aggression exhibited increased activity in limbic regions (left hippocampus, left amygdala, left parahippocampal gyrus) and temporal regions (superior, middle, inferior temporal gyrus), and reduced activity in occipital regions (left occipital cortex, left calcarine cortex). These findings lend support to the limbic hyperactivity model in individuals with a history of aggression, and further indicate altered temporal and occipital activity in anger- and aggression-eliciting conditions involving face and speech processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja Nikolic
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Patrizia Pezzoli
- University College London, London, United Kingdom; University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Natalia Jaworska
- University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Michael C Seto
- University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yu XD, Zhu Y, Sun QX, Deng F, Wan J, Zheng D, Gong W, Xie SZ, Shen CJ, Fu JY, Huang H, Lai HY, Jin J, Li Y, Li XM. Distinct serotonergic pathways to the amygdala underlie separate behavioral features of anxiety. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:1651-1663. [PMID: 36446933 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety-like behaviors in mice include social avoidance and avoidance of bright spaces. Whether these features are distinctly regulated is unclear. We demonstrate that in mice, social and anxiogenic stimuli, respectively, increase and decrease serotonin (5-HT) levels in basal amygdala (BA). In dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), 5-HT∩vGluT3 neurons projecting to BA parvalbumin (DRN5-HT∩vGluT3-BAPV) and pyramidal (DRN5-HT∩vGluT3-BAPyr) neurons have distinct intrinsic properties and gene expression and respond to anxiogenic and social stimuli, respectively. Activation of DRN5-HT∩vGluT3→BAPV inhibits 5-HT release via GABAB receptors on serotonergic terminals in BA, inducing social avoidance and avoidance of bright spaces. Activation of DRN5-HT∩vGluT3→BA neurons inhibits two subsets of BAPyr neurons via 5-HT1A receptors (HTR1A) and 5-HT1B receptors (HTR1B). Pharmacological inhibition of HTR1A and HTR1B in BA induces avoidance of bright spaces and social avoidance, respectively. These findings highlight the functional significance of heterogenic inputs from DRN to BA subpopulations in the regulation of separate anxiety-related behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dan Yu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Xin Sun
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxia Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zheng
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wankun Gong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Ze Xie
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen-Jie Shen
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Yu Fu
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiqian Huang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hsin-Yi Lai
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Jin
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. .,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Research Units for Emotion and Emotion Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hwang S, Chung U, Chang Y, Kim E, Suk JW, Meffert H, Kratochvil C, Leibenluft E, Blair J. Neural Responses to Fluoxetine in Youths with Disruptive Behavior and Trauma Exposure: A Pilot Study. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2021; 31:562-571. [PMID: 34076503 PMCID: PMC8575058 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2020.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: A preliminary investigation of the impact of a serotonergic agent (fluoxetine) on symptom profile and neural response in youths with disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) and a history of trauma exposure. Methods: There were three participant groups: (i) Youths with DBDs and trauma exposure who received fluoxetine treatment for 8 weeks (n = 11); (ii) A matched group of youths with DBDs and trauma exposure who received routine regular follow-up in an outpatient clinic (n = 10); and (iii) Typically developing youths (n = 18). All participants conducted an expression processing functional magnetic resonance imaging task twice, 8 weeks apart: (pretreatment and post-treatment for youths with DBDs). Results: Youths with DBDs and trauma exposure who received fluoxetine treatment compared to the other two groups showed: (i) significant improvement in externalizing, oppositional defiant disorder, irritability, anxiety-depression, and trauma-related symptoms; (ii) as a function of fearful expression intensity, significantly decreased amygdala response and increased recruitment of regions implicated in top-down attention control (insula cortex, inferior parietal lobule, and postcentral gyrus) and emotional regulation (ventromedial prefrontal cortex [vmPFC]); and (iii) correlation between DBD/irritability symptom improvement and increased activation of top-down attention control areas (inferior parietal lobule, insula cortex, and postcentral gyrus) and an emotion regulation area (vmPFC). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that a serotonergic agent (fluoxetine) can reduce disruptive behavior and mood symptoms in youths with DBDs and trauma exposure and that this may be mediated by enhanced activation of top-down attention control and emotion regulation areas (inferior parietal lobule, insula cortex, and vmPFC).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soonjo Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,Address correspondence to: Soonjo Hwang, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985578 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5578, USA
| | - Unsun Chung
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Radiology, Kyoungbook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongmin Chang
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Radiology, Kyoungbook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Radiology, Kyoungbook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Woo Suk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | | | - Ellen Leibenluft
- Emotion and Development Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James Blair
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Modulatory Role of Serotonin on Human Impulsive Aggression. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:447-457. [PMID: 34266672 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The hypothesis of chronically low brain serotonin levels as pathophysiologically linked to impulsive aggression has been around for several decades. Whereas the theory was initially based on indirect methods to probe serotonin function, our understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in impulsive aggression has progressed with recent advances in neuroimaging. The review integrates evidence based on data from several neuroimaging domains in humans. In vivo molecular neuroimaging findings demonstrate associations between impulsive aggression and high serotonin 1B and serotonin 4 receptor binding, high serotonin transporter levels, and low monoamine oxidase A levels, suggesting that low interstitial serotonin levels are a neurobiological risk factor for impulsive aggressive behavior. Imaging genetics suggests that serotonergic-related genetic polymorphisms associate with antisocial behavior, and some evidence indicates that the low-expressing monoamine oxidase A genotype specifically predisposes to impulsive aggression, which may be mediated by effects on corticolimbic function. Interventions that (presumably) alter serotonin levels have effects on brain activity within brain regions involved in impulsive aggression, notably the amygdala, dorsal striatum, anterior cingulate, insula, and prefrontal cortex. Based on these findings, we propose a model for the modulatory role of serotonin in impulsive aggression. Future studies should ensure that clinical features unique for impulsive aggression are appropriately assessed, and we propose investigations of knowledge gaps that can help confirm, refute, or modify our proposed model of impulsive aggression.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sander CY, Hansen HD, Wey HY. Advances in simultaneous PET/MR for imaging neuroreceptor function. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2020; 40:1148-1166. [PMID: 32169011 PMCID: PMC7238372 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20910038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid imaging using PET/MRI has emerged as a platform for elucidating novel neurobiology, molecular and functional changes in disease, and responses to physiological or pharmacological interventions. For the central nervous system, PET/MRI has provided insights into biochemical processes, linking selective molecular targets and distributed brain function. This review highlights several examples that leverage the strengths of simultaneous PET/MRI, which includes measuring the perturbation of multi-modal imaging signals on dynamic timescales during pharmacological challenges, physiological interventions or behavioral tasks. We discuss important considerations for the experimental design of dynamic PET/MRI studies and data analysis approaches for comparing and quantifying simultaneous PET/MRI data. The primary focus of this review is on functional PET/MRI studies of neurotransmitter and receptor systems, with an emphasis on the dopamine, opioid, serotonin and glutamate systems as molecular neuromodulators. In this context, we provide an overview of studies that employ interventions to alter the activity of neuroreceptors or the release of neurotransmitters. Overall, we emphasize how the synergistic use of simultaneous PET/MRI with appropriate study design and interventions has the potential to expand our knowledge about the molecular and functional dynamics of the living human brain. Finally, we give an outlook on the future opportunities for simultaneous PET/MRI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christin Y Sander
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Hanne D Hansen
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, USA.,Neurobiology Research Unit and NeuroPharm, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hsiao-Ying Wey
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ozenne B, Fisher PM, Budtz‐J⊘rgensen E. Small sample corrections for Wald tests in latent variable models. J R Stat Soc Ser C Appl Stat 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rssc.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brice Ozenne
- Copenhagen University Hospital and University of Copenhagen Denmark
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Siep N, Tonnaer F, van de Ven V, Arntz A, Raine A, Cima M. Anger provocation increases limbic and decreases medial prefrontal cortex connectivity with the left amygdala in reactive aggressive violent offenders. Brain Imaging Behav 2020; 13:1311-1323. [PMID: 30145716 PMCID: PMC6732149 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-018-9945-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neurobiological models propose reactive aggression as a failure in emotion regulation, caused by an imbalance between prefrontal cortical control and excessive bottom-up signals of negative affect by limbic regions, including the amygdala. Therefore, we hypothesize a negative correlation between PFC and amygdala activity (pre/post resting-state scans) in violent offenders. In this study resting-state fMRI was administered before and after an emotion (anger and happiness) provocation or engagement task within 18 male violent offenders scoring high on reactive aggression, and 18 male non-offender controls. Research in emotional pre/post resting-state showed altered connectivity by task performance. Therefore, bilateral amygdala region of interest (ROI) whole brain functional connectivity analysis tested dynamic change differences between pre and post resting-state connectivity between groups. Self-reported anger showed a positive significant relationship with medial prefrontal cortex activity in the pre-task scan and significantly increased during the emotion task in both the violent and control group. Imaging results showed a significant decrease in amygdala – medial prefrontal functional connectivity in the violent offenders and an increase in the non-offender controls after the emotion task. The opposite pattern was found for amygdala connectivity with the (para) limbic regions: violent offenders showed increased connectivity and non-offender controls showed decreased connectivity. The present results indicate that reactive aggression might stem from a focus on emotion processing, as indicated by an increase in limbic functional connectivity. The combination of a focus on emotion, along with a lack of medial prefrontal cortex regulation, has the potential to grow out of control e.g. in reactive aggression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette Siep
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Franca Tonnaer
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Research, Forensic Psychiatric Centre de Rooyse Wissel, Venray, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent van de Ven
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Arnoud Arntz
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA USA
| | - Maaike Cima
- Department of Developmental Psychopathology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Conrisq Group, Juvenile Youth Institutions (YouthCarePLUS), BJ Brabant, OGH Zetten & Pactum, Zetten, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Weidler C, Wagels L, Regenbogen C, Hofhansel L, Blendy JA, Clemens B, Montag C, Habel U. The influence of the OPRM1 (A118G) polymorphism on behavioral and neural correlates of aggression in healthy males. Neuropharmacology 2018; 156:107467. [PMID: 30552906 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Current models of aggression suggest that in addition to personality traits and environmental factors, biological vulnerability associated with genetics substantially impacts aggressive behavior. In a functional imaging study, we investigated the influence of the single nucleotide polymorphism of the mu 1 subtype opioid receptor gene (OPRM1), implicated in sociability, on correlates of trait and state aggression to delineate the function of these influences in aggression. A key aim was further to differentiate different aspects of aggressive reactions - namely, the reaction to provocation and the decision to punish an opponent. 59 healthy males performed a modified Taylor Aggression Paradigm during functional magnetic resonance imaging. The implementation of the paradigm allowed for individual assessments of the decision to behave aggressively, the experience of provocation and the ramification of punishment for the participant or the opponent. The influence of variation in the OPRM1 gene was measured by the functional A118G polymorphism. G allele carriers showed lower levels of general aggression and self-reported physical aggression. Additionally, these participants exhibited increased activation in dorsolateral prefrontal, orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate and insular cortices when choosing higher punishments for the opponent. The OPRM1 polymorphism did not influence aggression in reaction to social provocation. Thus, we suggest that this genetic variant affects one's trait aggressiveness rather than actual behavioral reactivity to provocation. Investigating brain regions that are specifically linked to provocation yielded activation in cortico-limbic circuits which might mediate the evaluation of provocation and the experience of anger and thus shed light on neural processes underlying the risk for aggressive behavior. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Current status of the neurobiology of aggression and impulsivity'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Weidler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lisa Wagels
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany; JARA Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM 10), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Christina Regenbogen
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Hofhansel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany; JARA Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM 10), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Julie A Blendy
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin Clemens
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Montag
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany; The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of Chinöa, Chengdu, China
| | - Ute Habel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany; JARA Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM 10), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hood S, Amir S. Biological Clocks and Rhythms of Anger and Aggression. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:4. [PMID: 29410618 PMCID: PMC5787107 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The body’s internal timekeeping system is an under-recognized but highly influential force in behaviors and emotions including anger and reactive aggression. Predictable cycles or rhythms in behavior are expressed on several different time scales such as circadian (circa diem, or approximately 24-h rhythms) and infradian (exceeding 24 h, such as monthly or seasonal cycles). The circadian timekeeping system underlying rhythmic behaviors in mammals is constituted by a network of clocks distributed throughout the brain and body, the activity of which synchronizes to a central pacemaker, or master clock. Our daily experiences with the external environment including social activity strongly influence the exact timing of this network. In the present review, we examine evidence from a number of species and propose that anger and reactive aggression interact in multiple ways with circadian clocks. Specifically, we argue that: (i) there are predictable rhythms in the expression of aggression and anger; (ii) disruptions of the normal functioning of the circadian system increase the likelihood of aggressive behaviors; and (iii) conversely, chronic expression of anger can disrupt normal rhythmic cycles of physiological activities and create conditions for pathologies such as cardiovascular disease to develop. Taken together, these observations suggest that a comprehensive perspective on anger and reactive aggression must incorporate an understanding of the role of the circadian timing system in these intense affective states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Hood
- Department of Psychology, Bishop's University, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Shimon Amir
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
da Cunha-Bang S, Fisher PM, Hjordt LV, Holst K, Knudsen GM. Amygdala reactivity to fearful faces correlates positively with impulsive aggression. Soc Neurosci 2018; 14:162-172. [DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2017.1421262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofi da Cunha-Bang
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick M. Fisher
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Liv V. Hjordt
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Holst
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte M. Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|