1
|
Jacobs DS, Bogachuk AP, Moghaddam B. Orbitofrontal and Prelimbic Cortices Serve Complementary Roles in Adapting Reward Seeking to Learned Anxiety. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 96:727-738. [PMID: 38460582 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.02.1015] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety is a common symptom of several mental health disorders and adversely affects motivated behaviors. Anxiety can emerge from associating risk of future harm while engaged in goal-guided actions. Using a recently developed behavioral paradigm to model this aspect of anxiety, we investigated the role of 2 cortical subregions, the prelimbic medial frontal cortex (PL) and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC), which have been implicated in anxiety and outcome expectation, in flexible representation of actions associated with harm risk. METHODS A seek-take reward-guided instrumental task design was used to train animals (N = 8) to associate the seek action with a variable risk of punishment. After learning, animals underwent extinction training for this association. Fiber photometry was used to measure and compare neuronal activity in the PL and lOFC during learning and extinction. RESULTS Animals increased action suppression in response to punishment contingencies. This increase dissipated after extinction training. These behavioral changes were associated with region-specific changes in neuronal activity. PL neuronal activity preferentially adapted to the threat of punishment, whereas lOFC activity adapted to safe aspects of the task. Moreover, correlated activity between these regions was suppressed during actions associated with harm risk, suggesting that these regions may guide behavior independently under anxiety. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the PL and lOFC serve distinct but complementary roles in the representation of learned anxiety. This dissociation may provide a mechanism to explain how overlapping cortical systems are implicated in reward-guided action execution during anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Jacobs
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Alina P Bogachuk
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Bita Moghaddam
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Feng J, Wang X, Pan M, Li CX, Zhang Z, Sun M, Liao T, Wang Z, Luo J, Shi L, Chen YJ, Li HF, Xu J. The Medial Prefrontal Cortex-Basolateral Amygdala Circuit Mediates Anxiety in Shank3 InsG3680 Knock-in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01280-5. [PMID: 39207622 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorder is a major symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a comorbidity rate of ~40%. However, the neural mechanisms of the emergence of anxiety in ASD remain unclear. In our study, we found that hyperactivity of basolateral amygdala (BLA) pyramidal neurons (PNs) in Shank3 InsG3680 knock-in (InsG3680+/+) mice is involved in the development of anxiety. Electrophysiological results also showed increased excitatory input and decreased inhibitory input in BLA PNs. Chemogenetic inhibition of the excitability of PNs in the BLA rescued the anxiety phenotype of InsG3680+/+ mice. Further study found that the diminished control of the BLA by medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and optogenetic activation of the mPFC-BLA pathway also had a rescue effect, which increased the feedforward inhibition of the BLA. Taken together, our results suggest that hyperactivity of the BLA and alteration of the mPFC-BLA circuitry are involved in anxiety in InsG3680+/+ mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Feng
- Department of Rehabilitation of Children's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation of Children's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meidie Pan
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chen-Xi Li
- Department of Rehabilitation of Children's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation of Children's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation of Children's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tailin Liao
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Innovative Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of Zhejiang University (Yuhang), Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jianhong Luo
- Department of Rehabilitation of Children's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yu-Jing Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Hai-Feng Li
- Department of Rehabilitation of Children's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Junyu Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation of Children's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Pillar of STEM Education, College of Education Sciences, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511453, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Casanova JP, Pouget C, Treiber N, Agarwal I, Brimble MA, Vetere G. Threat-dependent scaling of prelimbic dynamics to enhance fear representation. Neuron 2024; 112:2304-2314.e6. [PMID: 38772375 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.029] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Promptly identifying threatening stimuli is crucial for survival. Freezing is a natural behavior displayed by rodents toward potential or actual threats. Although it is known that the prelimbic cortex (PL) is involved in both risk evaluation and in fear and anxiety-like behavior expression, here we explored whether PL neuronal activity can dynamically represent different internal states of the same behavioral output (i.e., freezing). We found that freezing can always be decoded from PL activity at a population level. However, the sudden presentation of a fearful stimulus quickly reshaped the PL to a new neuronal activity state, an effect not observed in other cortical or subcortical regions examined. This shift changed PL freezing representation and is necessary for fear memory expression. Our data reveal the unique role of the PL in detecting threats and internally adjusting to distinguish between different freezing-related states in both unconditioned and conditioned fear representations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Patricio Casanova
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Clément Pouget
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Nadja Treiber
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ishaant Agarwal
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Mark Allen Brimble
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Gisella Vetere
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang SR, Wu DY, Luo R, Wu JL, Chen H, Li ZM, Zhuang JP, Hu NY, Li XW, Yang JM, Gao TM, Chen YH. A Prelimbic Cortex-Thalamus Circuit Bidirectionally Regulates Innate and Stress-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2103232024. [PMID: 38886059 PMCID: PMC11255430 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2103-23.2024] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety-related disorders respond to cognitive behavioral therapies, which involved the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Previous studies have suggested that subregions of the mPFC have different and even opposite roles in regulating innate anxiety. However, the specific causal targets of their descending projections in modulating innate anxiety and stress-induced anxiety have yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we found that among the various downstream pathways of the prelimbic cortex (PL), a subregion of the mPFC, PL-mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) projection, and PL-ventral tegmental area (VTA) projection exhibited antagonistic effects on anxiety-like behavior, while the PL-MD projection but not PL-VTA projection was necessary for the animal to guide anxiety-related behavior. In addition, MD-projecting PL neurons bidirectionally regulated remote but not recent fear memory retrieval. Notably, restraint stress induced high-anxiety state accompanied by strengthening the excitatory inputs onto MD-projecting PL neurons, and inhibiting PL-MD pathway rescued the stress-induced anxiety. Our findings reveal that the activity of PL-MD pathway may be an essential factor to maintain certain level of anxiety, and stress increased the excitability of this pathway, leading to inappropriate emotional expression, and suggests that targeting specific PL circuits may aid the development of therapies for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ding-Yu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Rong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jian-Lin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zi-Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jia-Pai Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Neng-Yuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jian-Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kawaminami A, Yamada D, Yoshioka T, Hatakeyama A, Nishida M, Kajino K, Saitoh T, Nagase H, Saitoh A. The delta opioid receptor agonist KNT-127 relieves innate anxiety-like behavior in mice by suppressing transmission from the prelimbic cortex to basolateral amygdala. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2024; 44:256-261. [PMID: 38156409 PMCID: PMC10932786 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Excitatory projections from the prelimbic cortex (PL) to the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) are implicated in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors, and we previously demonstrated that anxiolytic-like effects of the selective delta-opioid receptor (DOP) agonist KNT-127 is involved in suppressing glutamate neurotransmission in the PL. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anxiolytic-like effect of KNT-127 in mice by combining optogenetic stimulation of the PL-BLA pathway with behavioral analyses. METHODS Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice received bilateral administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV)2-CaMKIIa-hChR2(H134R)-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) into the PL to induce expression of the light-activated excitatory ionic channel ChR2. Subsequently, an optic fiber cannula connected to a wireless photo-stimulator was implanted into the BLA for optogenetic PL-BLA pathway stimulation. We evaluated innate anxiety using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF) tests as well as learned anxiety using the contextual fear conditioning (CFC) test. RESULTS Optogenetic activation of the PL-BLA pathway enhanced anxiety-like behaviors in the EPM and OF, while prior subcutaneous administration of KNT-127 (10 mg/kg) reduced this anxiogenic effect. In contrast, optogenetic activation of the PL-BLA pathway had no significant effect on conditioned fear. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the PL-BLA circuit contributes to innate anxiety and that the anxiolytic-like effects of KNT-127 are mediated at least in part by suppression of PL-BLA transmission. The PL delta-opioid receptor may thus be an effective therapeutic target for anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Kawaminami
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesTokyo University of ScienceNodaJapan
| | - Daisuke Yamada
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesTokyo University of ScienceNodaJapan
| | - Toshinori Yoshioka
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesTokyo University of ScienceNodaJapan
| | - Azumi Hatakeyama
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesTokyo University of ScienceNodaJapan
| | - Moeno Nishida
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesTokyo University of ScienceNodaJapan
| | - Keita Kajino
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI‐IIIS)TsukubaJapan
| | - Tsuyoshi Saitoh
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI‐IIIS)TsukubaJapan
| | | | - Akiyoshi Saitoh
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesTokyo University of ScienceNodaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gongwer MW, Klune CB, Couto J, Jin B, Enos AS, Chen R, Friedmann D, DeNardo LA. Brain-Wide Projections and Differential Encoding of Prefrontal Neuronal Classes Underlying Learned and Innate Threat Avoidance. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5810-5830. [PMID: 37491314 PMCID: PMC10423051 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0697-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand how the brain produces behavior, we must elucidate the relationships between neuronal connectivity and function. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is critical for complex functions including decision-making and mood. mPFC projection neurons collateralize extensively, but the relationships between mPFC neuronal activity and brain-wide connectivity are poorly understood. We performed whole-brain connectivity mapping and fiber photometry to better understand the mPFC circuits that control threat avoidance in male and female mice. Using tissue clearing and light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), we mapped the brain-wide axon collaterals of populations of mPFC neurons that project to nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), or contralateral mPFC (cmPFC). We present DeepTraCE (deep learning-based tracing with combined enhancement), for quantifying bulk-labeled axonal projections in images of cleared tissue, and DeepCOUNT (deep-learning based counting of objects via 3D U-net pixel tagging), for quantifying cell bodies. Anatomical maps produced with DeepTraCE aligned with known axonal projection patterns and revealed class-specific topographic projections within regions. Using TRAP2 mice and DeepCOUNT, we analyzed whole-brain functional connectivity underlying threat avoidance. PL was the most highly connected node with functional connections to subsets of PL-cPL, PL-NAc, and PL-VTA target sites. Using fiber photometry, we found that during threat avoidance, cmPFC and NAc-projectors encoded conditioned stimuli, but only when action was required to avoid threats. mPFC-VTA neurons encoded learned but not innate avoidance behaviors. Together our results present new and optimized approaches for quantitative whole-brain analysis and indicate that anatomically defined classes of mPFC neurons have specialized roles in threat avoidance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding how the brain produces complex behaviors requires detailed knowledge of the relationships between neuronal connectivity and function. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a key role in learning, mood, and decision-making, including evaluating and responding to threats. mPFC dysfunction is strongly linked to fear, anxiety and mood disorders. Although mPFC circuits are clear therapeutic targets, gaps in our understanding of how they produce cognitive and emotional behaviors prevent us from designing effective interventions. To address this, we developed a high-throughput analysis pipeline for quantifying bulk-labeled fluorescent axons [DeepTraCE (deep learning-based tracing with combined enhancement)] or cell bodies [DeepCOUNT (deep-learning based counting of objects via 3D U-net pixel tagging)] in intact cleared brains. Using DeepTraCE, DeepCOUNT, and fiber photometry, we performed detailed anatomic and functional mapping of mPFC neuronal classes, identifying specialized roles in threat avoidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Gongwer
- Department of Physiology
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program
| | | | | | - Benita Jin
- Department of Physiology
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Giffin KA, Lovelock DF, Besheer J. Toll-like receptor 3 neuroimmune signaling and behavior change: A strain comparison between Lewis and Wistar rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114200. [PMID: 36334783 PMCID: PMC10123804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
There are many unanswered questions about the interaction between the immune system and behavior change, including the contributions of individual differences. The present study modeled individual differences in the immune system by comparing inbred Lewis rats, which have dysregulated stress and immune systems, to their genetically diverse parent strain, Wistar rats. The objective was to examine the consequences of an immune challenge on behavior and neuroimmune signaling in both strains. Peripheral administration of the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist and viral memetic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) induced behavior changes in both strains, reducing locomotor activity and increasing avoidance behavior (time on the dark side of the light-dark box). Furthermore, poly(I:C) induced hyperarousal and increased avoidance behavior more in female Lewis than female Wistar rats. Baseline strain differences were also observed: Lewis rats had higher avoidance behavior and lower startle response than Wistars. Lewis rats also had lower levels of peripheral inflammation, as measured by spleen weight. Finally, poly(I:C) increased expression of genes in the TLR3 pathway, cytokine genes, and CD11b, a gene associated with proinflammatory actions of microglia, in the prelimbic cortex and central amygdala, with greater expression of cytokine genes in male rats. Lewis rats had lower baseline expression of some neuroimmune genes, particularly CD11b. Overall, we found constitutive strain differences in immune profiles and baseline differences in behavior, yet poly(I:C) generally induced similar behavior changes in males while hyperarousal and avoidance behavior were heightened in female Lewis rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, USA; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Moschak TM, Sloand TJ, Carelli RM. Prelimbic Cortex Activity during a Distress Tolerance Task Predicts Cocaine-Seeking Behavior in Male, But Not Female Rats. J Neurosci 2023; 43:647-655. [PMID: 36639895 PMCID: PMC9888504 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1718-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Distress tolerance (DT) is defined as the ability to persist in challenging goal-directed behavior in the face of stress, and individuals with low DT exhibit heightened drug-seeking behavior. However, no preclinical studies have examined the neurobiology underlying this phenomenon. To assess this, in vivo electrophysiology was used in Long Evans male and female rats during a DT task to record neural activity in the prelimbic cortex (PrL), a brain region implicated in drug-seeking. Rats were first assessed for DT, defined as the amount of time elapsed before rats quit seeking reward in an increasingly difficult operant task. Subsequently, rats underwent 2 weeks of self-administration for either water/saline or cocaine for 6 h/day. Animals then began a 1 month period of experimenter-imposed abstinence to induce heightened drug-seeking behavior. On day 28 of abstinence, DT and neural activity were reassessed; and on day 30, cocaine-seeking behavior was examined under extinction. Males had significantly higher DT than females and exhibited significantly more phasic PrL activity during the DT task. Furthermore, in male rats with a history of cocaine, PrL activity shifted to track DT; and this change in activity significantly correlated with the change in DT. Additionally, male (but not female) rats with low DT after 28 d of abstinence had significantly heightened drug-seeking behavior. Finally, PrL activity during the DT task predicted cocaine-seeking behavior. Collectively, these data demonstrate an important role for the PrL in DT in males, and link this neural activity and behavior to drug-seeking, particularly in males.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Distress tolerance (DT) is defined as the ability to persist in challenging goal-directed behavior in the face of stress, and individuals with low DT exhibit heightened drug-seeking. Here, we investigated the role of the prelimbic cortex (PrL) in DT and its relationship to cocaine-seeking in male and female rats. We found that males had significantly higher DT than females and exhibited significantly more PrL activity during the DT task. Furthermore, male (but not female) rats with low DT after 28 d of abstinence had significantly heightened drug-seeking behavior. Finally, PrL activity during the DT task predicted cocaine-seeking. These data demonstrate an important role for the PrL in DT and link this neural activity and behavior to drug-seeking in males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis M Moschak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79902
| | - T Joseph Sloand
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Regina M Carelli
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zarrindast MR, Fazli-Tabaei S, Khakpai F. Synergistic effect between quinpirole and L-NAME as well as sulpiride and L-arginine on the modulation of anxiety and memory processes in the 6-OHDA mouse model of Parkinson's disease: An isobologram analysis. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 186:107538. [PMID: 34737042 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated interactions between dopamine D2 receptor and nitric oxide (NO) actions on the regulation of anxiety and memory in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). A unilateral guide cannula was stereotaxically implanted over the right striatum. Elevated plus-maze test (EPM) test-retest protocol was employed to evaluate anxiety and memory in mice. The results revealed that injection of L-NAME (9 mg/kg) induced anxiolytic and amnesic effects, while L-arginine (9 mg/kg) produced anxiogenic and memory-improvement effects in the 6-OHDA mouse model of PD. Administration of sulpiride (20 mg/kg) induced anxiogenic and memory-improvement effects, whereas quinpirole (20 mg/kg) caused anxiolytic and amnesic effects in PD mice. Co-injection of sulpiride (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) plus L-NAME (3 mg/kg) induced anxiolytic and amnesic effects. Co-injection of sulpiride (20 mg/kg) plus L-arginine (3 mg/kg) induced anxiogenic and memory-improvement effects. Co-administrations of quinpirole (20 mg/kg) and L-NAME (3 mg/kg) induced anxiolytic effect, but co-administration of quinpirole (20 mg/kg) plus L-arginine (3 mg/kg) caused anxiogenic and memory-improvement effects. The isobologram analysis revealed that there is a synergistic effect between sulpiride and L-arginine as well as quinpirole and L-NAME upon induction of anxiogenic and anxiolytic effects, respectively in PD mice. Our results suggested: (1) NO and dopamine D2 receptor mechanisms affect anxiety and memory in PD mice; (2) L-NAME reversed anxiogenic and memory-improvement effect induced by sulpiride; (3) Anxiolytic and amnesic effects induced by quinpirole reversed by L-arginine; (4) There is a synergistic effect between dopamine D2 receptor and NO systems on the modulation of anxiety and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroendocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Fazli-Tabaei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khakpai
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Anderson EM, Loke S, Wrucke B, Engelhardt A, Demis S, O'Reilly K, Hess E, Wickman K, Hearing MC. Suppression of pyramidal neuron G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ channel signaling impairs prelimbic cortical function and underlies stress-induced deficits in cognitive flexibility in male, but not female, mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:2158-2169. [PMID: 34158613 PMCID: PMC8505646 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01063-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Imbalance in prefrontal cortical (PFC) pyramidal neuron excitation:inhibition is thought to underlie symptomologies shared across stress-related disorders and neuropsychiatric disease, including dysregulation of emotion and cognitive function. G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channels mediate excitability of medial PFC pyramidal neurons, however, the functional role of these channels in mPFC-dependent regulation of affect, cognition, and cortical dynamics is unknown. We used a viral-cre approach in male and female mice harboring a "floxed" version of the kcnj3 (Girk1) gene, to disrupt GIRK1-containing channel expression in pyramidal neurons within the prelimbic cortex (PrL). In males, loss of pyramidal GIRK1-dependent signaling differentially impacted measures of affect and impaired working memory and cognitive flexibility. Unexpectedly, ablation of PrL GIRK1-dependent signaling did not impact affect or cognition in female mice. Additional studies used a model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) to determine the impact on PrL GIRK-dependent signaling and cognitive function. CUS exposure in male mice produced deficits in cognition that paralleled a reduction in PrL pyramidal GIRK-dependent signaling akin to viral approaches whereas CUS exposure in female mice did not alter cognitive flexibility performance. Stress-induced behavioral deficits in male mice were rescued by systemic injection of a novel, GIRK1-selective agonist, ML297. In conclusion, GIRK1-dependent signaling in male mice, but not females, is critical for maintaining optimal PrL function and behavioral control. Disruption of this inhibition may underlie stress-related dysfunction of the PrL and represent a therapeutic target for treating stress-induced deficits in affect regulation and impaired cognition that reduce quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eden M Anderson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Steven Loke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin Wrucke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Annabel Engelhardt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Skyler Demis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kevin O'Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Evan Hess
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthew C Hearing
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li LF, Zhang LZ, He ZX, Yuan W, Ma H, Xun YF, Zhang J, Hou WJ, Zhang XN, Cai WQ, Guo QQ, Jia R, Tai FD. CRF-CRFR1 system within the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex are involved in consolation deficits under acute restraint stress in mandarin voles. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105353. [PMID: 34271522 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Consolation is a complex empathic behavior that has recently been observed in some socially living rodents. Despite the growing body of literature suggesting that stress affects some simple form of empathy, the relationship between stress and consolation remains largely understudied. Using monogamous mandarin voles, we found that an acute restraint stress exposure significantly reduced consolation-like behaviors and induced anxiety-like behaviors. Along with these behavioral changes, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) neurons were activated within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prelimbic cortex (PrL) but not within the infralimbic cortex (IL). Chemogenetic activation of CRF neurons in the ACC and PrL, recaptured acute stress-induced behavioral dysfunctions. We further observed that intracellular PKA and PKC signaling pathways mediate CRF-induced behavioral dysfunctions, but they work in a regional-specific, sex-biased manner. Together, these results suggest that the local CRF-CRFR1 system within the ACC and PrL is involved in the consolation deficits and anxiety induced by acute stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lai-Fu Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China; College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Li-Zi Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China; Provincial Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medications, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Yu-Feng Xun
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Wen-Juan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Xue-Ni Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Wen-Qi Cai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Qian-Qian Guo
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Fa-Dao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Santos-Costa N, Baptista-de-Souza D, Canto-de-Souza L, Fresca da Costa V, Nunes-de-Souza RL. Glutamatergic Neurotransmission Controls the Functional Lateralization of the mPFC in the Modulation of Anxiety Induced by Social Defeat Stress in Male Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:695735. [PMID: 34497496 PMCID: PMC8419264 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.695735] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is anatomically divided into cingulate (Cg1), prelimbic (PrL), and infralimbic (IL) subareas. The left and right mPFC (L and RmPFC) process emotional responses induced by stress-related stimuli, and LmPFC and RmPFC inhibition elicit anxiogenesis and anxiolysis, respectively. Here we sought to investigate (i) the mPFC functional laterality on social avoidance/anxiogenic-like behaviors in male mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress (SDS), (ii) the effects of left prelimbic (PrL) inhibition (with local injection of CoCl2) on the RmPFC glutamatergic neuronal activation pattern (immunofluorescence assay), and (iii) the effects of the dorsal right mPFC (Cg1 + PrL) NMDA receptor blockade (with local injection of AP7) on the anxiety induced by left dorsal mPFC inhibition in mice exposed to the elevated plus maze (EPM). Results showed that chronic SDS induced anxiogenic-like behaviors followed by the rise of ΔFosB labeling and by ΔFosB + CaMKII double-labeling bilaterally in the Cg1 and IL subareas of the mPFC. Chronic SDS also increased ΔFosB and by ΔFosB + CaMKII labeling only on the right PrL. Also, the left PrL inhibition increased cFos + CaMKII labeling in the contralateral PrL and IL. Moreover, anxiogenesis induced by the left PrL inhibition was blocked by NMDA receptor antagonist AP7 injected into the right PrL. These findings suggest the lateralized control of the glutamatergic neurotransmission in the modulation of emotional-like responses in mice subjected to chronic SDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathália Santos-Costa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF) UFSCar- Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Daniela Baptista-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Lucas Canto-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Fresca da Costa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF) UFSCar- Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Luiz Nunes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF) UFSCar- Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Carlos, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Salviato BZ, Raymundi AM, Rodrigues da Silva T, Salemme BW, Batista Sohn JM, Araújo FS, Guimarães FS, Bertoglio LJ, Stern CA. Female but not male rats show biphasic effects of low doses of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on anxiety: can cannabidiol interfere with these effects? Neuropharmacology 2021; 196:108684. [PMID: 34181978 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main phytocannabinoid present in the Cannabis sativa. It can produce dose-dependent anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects in males. THC effects on anxiety have scarcely been studied in females, despite their higher prevalence of anxiety disorders. Cannabidiol, another phytocannabinoid, has been reported to attenuate anxiety and some THC-induced effects. The present study aimed to investigate the behavioral and neurochemical effects of THC administered alone or combined with CBD in naturally cycling female rats tested in the elevated plus-maze. Systemically administered THC produced biphasic effects in females, anxiolytic at low doses (0.075 or 0.1 mg/kg) and anxiogenic at a higher dose (1.0 mg/kg). No anxiety changes were observed in males treated with the same THC dose range. The anxiogenic effect of THC was prevented by co-administration of CBD (1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg). CBD (3.0 mg/kg) caused an anxiolytic effect. At a lower dose (1.0 mg/kg), it facilitated the anxiolytic effect of the low THC dose. The anxiogenic effect of THC was accompanied by increased dopamine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). In contrast, its anxiolytic effect was associated with increased mPFC serotonin concentrations. The anxiolytic effect of CBD was accompanied by increased mPFC serotonin turnover. Together, these results indicate that female rats are susceptible to the biphasic effects of low THC doses on anxiety. These effects could depend on mPFC and NAc dopaminergic and serotoninergic neurotransmissions. CBD could minimize potential THC high-dose side effects whereas enhancing the anxiolytic action of its low doses in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Maria Raymundi
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Leandro José Bertoglio
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jacobs DS, Moghaddam B. Medial prefrontal cortex encoding of stress and anxiety. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 158:29-55. [PMID: 33785149 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is involved in adaptive control of behavior and optimizing action selection. When an organism is experiencing an aversive event, such as a sustained state of anxiety or an overt experience of fear or stress, the mechanisms that govern PFC regulation of action selection may be critical for survival. A large body of literature has shown that acute aversive states influence the activity of PFC neurons and the release of neurotransmitters in this region. These states also result in long-term neurobiological changes in the PFC and expression of PFC-dependent motivated behaviors. The mechanism for how these changes lead to modifying action selection is only recently beginning to emerge. Here, we review animal and human studies into the neural mechanisms which may mediate the adaptive changes in the PFC that emerge during negative affective states. We then highlight recent advances in approaches for understanding how anxiety influences action selection and related cortical processes. We conclude by proposing that PFC neurons selectively influence action encoding during conditions where actions toward obtaining a reward or avoiding harm are executed under a fog of fear and anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Jacobs
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Bita Moghaddam
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Green TA, Baracz SJ, Everett NA, Robinson KJ, Cornish JL. Differential effects of GABA A receptor activation in the prelimbic and orbitofrontal cortices on anxiety. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3237-3247. [PMID: 32666257 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05606-9] [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: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The development of effective anxiety treatments has been hindered by limited understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms involved in anxiety regulation. Whilst gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is one mechanism consistently implicated in anxiety regulation, PFC subregions may contribute uniquely. OBJECTIVES The present study examined the effects of inactivating the PFC subregions of the prelimbic cortex (PrL) or orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) through GABAA receptor (GABAAR) activation, on anxiety behaviours in male Wistar rats. METHODS Sixty-six male Wistar rats were surgically implanted with bilateral cannulae into the PrL (n = 33) or the OFC (n = 33). Rats then received a microinjection of either the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol or vehicle prior to each experiment, conducted 1 week apart. Measures of anxiety were examined using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the emergence test (ET). The effect on locomotor activity (baseline or methamphetamine-induced) was also tested. RESULTS Differential effects of brain region inactivation on anxiety-like behaviour were shown by measures in the EPM and ET; muscimol infused into the PrL-reduced anxiety-like behaviour, yet had no significant effect when infused into the OFC, compared with control treated rats. No effects on locomotor activity at baseline or following methamphetamine treatment were found. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that activation of GABAARs specifically within the PrL, but not OFC, reduces anxiety behaviours in male rats. This suggests that activity of the PrL plays a more important role than the OFC in the neurobiological mechanisms of unconditioned anxiety and should be targeted for future therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trudy A Green
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sarah J Baracz
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.,Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Nick A Everett
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Katherine J Robinson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Cornish
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia. .,Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Infralimbic cortex controls fear memory generalization and susceptibility to extinction during consolidation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15827. [PMID: 32985565 PMCID: PMC7522076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72856-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Lesioning or inactivating the infralimbic (IL) subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex before acquisition produces more generalized and extinction-resistant fear memories. However, whether and how it modulates memory specificity and extinction susceptibility while consolidation takes place is still unknown. The present study aims to investigate these questions using muscimol-induced temporary inactivation and anisomycin-induced protein synthesis inhibition in the rat IL following contextual fear conditioning. Results indicate that the IL activity immediately after acquisition, but not six hours later, controls memory generalization over a week, regardless of its strength. Such IL function depends on the context-shock pairing since muscimol induced no changes in animals exposed to immediate shocks or the conditioning context only. Animals in which the IL was inactivated during consolidation extinguished similarly to controls within the session but were unable to recall the extinction memory the following day. Noteworthy, these post-acquisition IL inactivation-induced effects were not associated with changes in anxiety, as assessed in the elevated plus-maze test. Anisomycin results indicate that the IL protein synthesis during consolidation contributes more to producing extinction-sensitive fear memories than memory specificity. Collectively, present results provide evidence for the IL's role in controlling generalization and susceptibility to extinction during fear memory consolidation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Chaves YC, Genaro K, Stern CA, de Oliveira Guaita G, de Souza Crippa JA, da Cunha JM, Zanoveli JM. Two-weeks treatment with cannabidiol improves biophysical and behavioral deficits associated with experimental type-1 diabetes. Neurosci Lett 2020; 729:135020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
18
|
Sohn JMB, de Souza STF, Raymundi AM, Bonato J, de Oliveira RMW, Prickaerts J, Stern CA. Persistence of the extinction of fear memory requires late-phase cAMP/PKA signaling in the infralimbic cortex. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 172:107244. [PMID: 32376452 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fear extinction is a form of new learning that inhibits expression of the original fear memory without erasing the conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus association. Much is known about the mechanisms that underlie the acquisition of extinction, but the way in which fear extinction is maintained has been scarcely explored. Evidence suggests that protein kinase A (PKA) in the frontal cortex might be related to the persistence of extinction. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) specifically hydrolyzes cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The present study evaluated the effect of the selective PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast (ROF; 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg given i.p.) on acquisition and consolidation of the extinction of fear memory in male Wistar rats in a contextual fear conditioning paradigm. When administered before acquisition, 0.1 mg/kg ROF disrupted short-term (1 day) extinction recall. In contrast, 0.03 mg/kg ROF administration in the late consolidation phase (3 h after extinction learning) but not in the early phase immediately after learning improved long-term extinction recall at 11 days, suggesting potentiation of the persistence of extinction. This effect of ROF requires the first (day 1) exposure to the context. A similar effect was observed when 9 ng ROF or 30 µM 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cAMP (PKA activator) was directly infused in the infralimbic cortex (IL), a brain region necessary for memory extinction. The PKA activity-dependent ROF-induced effect in the IL was correlated with an increase in its brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression, while blockade of PKA with 10 µM H89 in the IL abolished the ROF-induced increase in BDNF expression and prevented the effect of ROF on extinction recall. These effects were not associated with changes in anxiety-like behavior or general exploratory behavior. Altogether, these findings suggest that cAMP-PKA activity in the IL during the late consolidation phase after extinction learning underlies the persistence of extinction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Maria Raymundi
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Bonato
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, University of Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Victoriano G, Santos-Costa N, Mascarenhas DC, Nunes-de-Souza RL. Inhibition of the left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) prolongs the social defeat-induced anxiogenesis in mice: Attenuation by NMDA receptor blockade in the right mPFC. Behav Brain Res 2020; 378:112312. [PMID: 31629003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chemical inhibition and nitrergic stimulation of the left and right medial prefrontal cortex (L and RmPFC), respectively, provoke anxiety in mice. Moreover, LmPFC inhibition immediately followed by a single social defeat stress (SDS) led to anxiogenesis in mice exposed to the elevated plus maze (EPM) 24 h later. Given that glutamate NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors are densely present in the mPFC, we investigated (i) the time course of LmPFC inhibition + SDS-induced anxiogenesis and (ii) the effects of intra-RmPFC injection of AP-7 (a NMDA receptor antagonist) on this long-lasting anxiety. Male Swiss mice received intra-LmPFC injection of CoCl2 (1 mM) and 10 min later were subjected to a single SDS episode and then (i) exposed to the EPM 2, 5, or 10 days later or (ii) 2 days later, received intra-RmPFC injection of AP-7 (0.05 nmol) and were exposed to the EPM to observe the percentage of open arm entries and time (%OE; %OT) and frequency of closed arm entries (CE). Dorsal but not ventral LmPFC inhibition + SDS reduced open arm exploration 2, 5, and 10 days later relative to that of saline-treated or non-defeated mice. Moreover, this effect is not due to locomotor impairment as assessed using the general activity. Intra-RmPFC AP-7 injection 2 days after LmPFC inhibition + SDS prevented this type of anxiogenesis. These results suggest that the integrity of the LmPFC is important for mice to properly cope with SDS, and that NMDA receptor blockade in the RmPFC facilitates resilience to SDS-induced anxiogenesis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Victoriano
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar/UNESP - São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, 14800-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Nathália Santos-Costa
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar/UNESP - São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, 14800-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Diego Cardozo Mascarenhas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, 14800-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Luiz Nunes-de-Souza
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar/UNESP - São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, 14800-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Regions of the prefrontal and cingulate cortices play important roles in the regulation of behaviors elicited by threat. Dissecting out their differential involvement will greatly increase our understanding of the varied etiology of symptoms of anxiety. I review evidence for altered activity within the major divisions of the prefrontal cortex, including orbitofrontal, ventrolateral, dorsolateral, and ventromedial sectors, along with the anterior cingulate cortex in patients with clinical anxiety. This review is integrated with a discussion of current knowledge about the causal role of these different prefrontal and cingulate regions in threat-elicited behaviors from experimental studies in rodents and monkeys. I highlight commonalities and inconsistencies between species and discuss the current state of our translational success in relating findings across species. Finally, I identify key issues that, if addressed, may improve that success in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela C. Roberts
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang C, Zhang Y, Shao S, Cui S, Wan Y, Yi M. Ventral Hippocampus Modulates Anxiety-Like Behavior in Male But Not Female C57BL/6 J Mice. Neuroscience 2019; 418:50-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
22
|
Troyner F, Bicca MA, Bertoglio LJ. Nucleus reuniens of the thalamus controls fear memory intensity, specificity and long-term maintenance during consolidation. Hippocampus 2019; 28:602-616. [PMID: 29747244 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The thalamic nucleus reuniens (NR) has been shown to support bidirectional medial prefrontal cortex-hippocampus communication and synchronization relevant for cognitive processing. Using non-selective or prolonged inactivation of the NR, previous studies reported its activity positively modulates aversive memory consolidation. Here we examined the NR's role in consolidating contextual fear memories with varied strength, at both recent and more remote time points, using muscimol-induced temporary inactivation in rats. Results indicate the NR negatively modulates fear memory intensity, specificity, and long-term maintenance. The more intense, generalized, and enduring fear memory induced by NR inactivation during consolidation was less prone to behavioral suppression by extinction or reconsolidation disruption induced by clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Lastly, we used immunohistochemistry for Arc protein, which is involved in synaptic modifications underlying memory consolidation, to investigate whether treatment condition and/or conditioning status could change its levels not only in the NR, but also in the hippocampus (dorsal and ventral CA1 subregions) and the medial prefrontal cortex (anterior cingulate, prelimbic and infralimbic subregions). Results indicate a significant imbalance in the number of Arc-expressing neurons in the brain areas investigated in muscimol fear conditioned animals when compared with controls. Collectively, present results provide convergent evidence for the NR's role as a hub regulating quantitative and qualitative aspects of a contextual fear memory during its consolidation that seem to influence the subsequent susceptibility to experimental interventions aiming at attenuating its expression. They also indicate the selectivity and duration of a given inactivation approach may influence its outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Troyner
- Departmento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Maíra A Bicca
- Departmento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Leandro J Bertoglio
- Departmento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Todorović N, Mićić B, Schwirtlich M, Stevanović M, Filipović D. Subregion-specific Protective Effects of Fluoxetine and Clozapine on Parvalbumin Expression in Medial Prefrontal Cortex of Chronically Isolated Rats. Neuroscience 2018; 396:24-35. [PMID: 30448452 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of GABAergic system is becoming increasingly associated with depression, psychiatric disorder that imposes severe clinical, social and economic burden. Special attention is paid to the fast-spiking parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons, GABAergic neurons which are highly susceptible to redox dysregulation and oxidative stress and implicated in a variety of psychiatric diseases. Here we analyzed the number of PV+ and cleaved caspase-3-positive (CC3+) cells in the rat medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) subregions following chronic social isolation (CSIS), an animal model of depression and schizophrenia. Also, we examined potential protective effects of antidepressant fluoxetine (FLX) and atypical antipsychotic clozapine (CLZ) on the number of these cells in mPFC subregions, when applied parallel with CSIS in doses that correspond to therapeutically effective ones in patients. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed decreased number of PV+ cells in cingulate cortex area 1, prelimbic area (PrL), infralimbic area (IL) and dorsal peduncular cortex of the mPFC in isolated rats, which coincided with depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. In addition, CSIS-induced increase in the number of CC3+ cells was detected in aforementioned subregions of mPFC. Treatments with either FLX or CLZ prevented behavioral changes, decrease in PV+ and increase in CC3+ cell numbers in PrL and IL subregions in isolated rats. These results indicate the importance of intact GABAergic signaling in these areas for resistance against CSIS-induced behavioral changes, as well as subregion-specific protective effects of FLX and CLZ in mPFC of CSIS rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Todorović
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojana Mićić
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Schwirtlich
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Stevanović
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Belgrade, Serbia; Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Filipović
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", University of Belgrade, Serbia. http://www.vinca.rs
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lawther AJ, Flavell A, Ma S, Kent S, Lowry CA, Gundlach AL, Hale MW. Involvement of Serotonergic and Relaxin-3 Neuropeptide Systems in the Expression of Anxiety-like Behavior. Neuroscience 2018; 390:88-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
25
|
Dopamine D 1 receptor in the medial prefrontal cortex mediates anxiety-like behaviors induced by blocking glutamatergic activity of the ventral hippocampus in rats. Brain Res 2018; 1704:59-67. [PMID: 30244112 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) receives direct and indirect projections from the ventral hippocampus (VH) and plays an important role in the regulation of anxiety. However, the effect of the mPFC dopamine D1 receptor on anxiety-like behaviors induced by inhibition of glutamatergic activity in the VH has not been described. Here, we examined the effects of SKF38393, a selective dopamine D1 receptor agonist, on anxiety-like behaviors induced by NMDA receptor inhibition in the VH and neuron firing activity of mPFC. Injection of MK-801 (6 μg/0.5 μl) into the VH produced anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze and open field tests, increased the firing activity of pyramidal neurons in the mPFC, and decreased the level of dopamine in the mPFC. Injection of SKF38393 (0.5 μg/0.5 μl) into the mPFC produced anxiolytic effects, and normalized the hyperactive firing activity of mPFC pyramidal neurons induced by MK-801, whereas in both normal and anxiety-like rats caused by MK-801, injection of SKF38393 into the mPFC decreased the firing activity of mPFC interneurons but did not affect the dopamine content in the mPFC. The present data demonstrate that decreased D1 receptor activation in the mPFC may mediate anxiety-like behaviors induced by inhibition of glutamatergic activity in the VH. The balance of D1 receptor activity between pyramidal neurons and interneurons is a crucial factor in maintaining normal conditions, and inhibitory glutamatergic activity in the VH induces hyperactivity of mPFC pyramidal neurons through decreases in dopamine release and in the amount of D1 receptor activation on mPFC pyramidal neurons, which may be a critical factor for anxiety disorders.
Collapse
|
26
|
Goes TC, Almeida Souza TH, Marchioro M, Teixeira-Silva F. Excitotoxic lesion of the medial prefrontal cortex in Wistar rats: Effects on trait and state anxiety. Brain Res Bull 2018; 142:313-319. [PMID: 30120930 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The neural substrate of anxiety response (state anxiety) to a threatening situation is well defined. However, a lot less is known about brain structures implicated in the individual's predisposition to anxiety (trait anxiety). Scientific evidences lead us to suppose that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is involved in both trait and state anxiety. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of mPFC in trait anxiety and to further evaluate its participation in state anxiety. Sixty six adult, Wistar, male rats were first tested in the free-exploratory paradigm (FEP) and were categorized according to their levels of trait anxiety (high, medium and low). Three to six days after this exposure, all animals were submitted to stereotaxic brain surgery. Half the animals from each anxiety category was allocated to the mPFC-lesioned group and the other half to the Sham-lesioned group. After seven to nine days, all animals were again tested in FEP. Eight to 10 days later, the animals were tested in the Hole Board test, a model of state anxiety. The mPFC lesion decreased levels of trait anxiety of highly anxious rats, whereas it reduced the state anxiety of all animals, regardless the level of trait anxiety. These data extend evidence of the participation of the mPFC in state anxiety and it demonstrate the involvement of this brain structure in trait anxiety, a personality trait supposed to be a predisposing factor for anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Costa Goes
- Departamento de Educação em Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Campus Prof. Antônio Garcia Filho, 49400-000, Lagarto, SE, Brazil.
| | - Thiago Henrique Almeida Souza
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Cidade Universitária "Prof. José Aloísio de Campos", 49100-000, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.
| | - Murilo Marchioro
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Cidade Universitária "Prof. José Aloísio de Campos", 49100-000, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.
| | - Flavia Teixeira-Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Cidade Universitária "Prof. José Aloísio de Campos", 49100-000, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ebrahimi-Ghiri M, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. The modulatory role of accumbens and hippocampus D2 receptors in anxiety and memory. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2018; 391:1107-1118. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-018-1534-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
28
|
Shimizu T, Minami C, Mitani A. Effect of electrical stimulation of the infralimbic and prelimbic cortices on anxiolytic-like behavior of rats during the elevated plus-maze test, with particular reference to multiunit recording of the behavior-associated neural activity. Behav Brain Res 2018; 353:168-175. [PMID: 30057351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fear and anxiety affect the activities of daily living and require concerted management, such as coping strategies, to preserve quality of life. The infralimbic (IL) and prelimbic (PL) medial prefrontal cortices have been implicated in the regulation of fear- and anxiety-like behavior, but their roles in overcoming fear- and anxiety-like behavior remain unknown. We investigated the anxiolytic-like effects of electrical stimulation of the IL and PL cortices in rats during the elevated plus-maze test. IL stimulation led to a significantly higher percentage of time spent and entries in the open arms, whereas PL stimulation did not have any significant behavioral effects. Subsequently, we recorded multiunit activity from the IL and PL cortices in rats using a wireless telemetry device, to determine whether activation of the IL occurs when rats enter the open arms in the elevated plus-maze test. The firing rate of IL neurons increased 1-3 s prior to entry from the closed arm to the open arm, whereas there were no corresponding changes in the firing rate of PL neurons. Taken together, the present findings suggest that the IL plays a key role in exerting active action to overcome anxiety-like behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Shimizu
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chihiro Minami
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Mitani
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sociability trait and regional cerebral oxidative metabolism in rats: Predominantly nonlinear relations. Behav Brain Res 2018; 337:186-192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
30
|
Zarrabian S, Nasehi M, Farrahizadeh M, Zarrindast MR. The role of CA3 GABA B receptors on anxiolytic-like behaviors and avoidance memory deficit induced by D-AP5 with respect to Ca 2+ ions. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 79:515-524. [PMID: 28800869 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Glutamatergic and GABAergic systems play key roles in the hippocampus and affect the pathogenesis of anxiety- and memory-related processes. Some investigations have assessed the role of balancing the function of these two systems in different areas of the central nervous system (CNS) as an approach to manage the related disorders. We investigated the anxiety and avoidance memory states using the test-retest protocol in the elevated plus maze to understand the role of GABAB receptors (GABABRs) in relation to the NMDA receptor blockade by D-AP5 (an NMDA receptor antagonist). Also, we examined the function of Ca2+ ions by blocking its entrance to the cell using SKF96365 (a Ca2+ channel blocker). The drugs were injected into the CA3 region before the test. Our data showed that D-AP5 induced anxiolytic-like behaviors and impaired the avoidance memory. Injection of baclofen (a GABABR agonist), but not phaclofen (a GABABR antagonist) induced anxiolytic-like behaviors. Neither baclofen nor phaclofen altered avoidance memory-related behaviors. When baclofen was injected before D-AP5, it potentiated the anxiolytic-like behaviors induced by D-AP5, but counteracted its effect on avoidance memory. Phaclofen pretreatment attenuated D-AP5-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors, but potentiated its effect on avoidance memory. The effect of baclofen application before D-AP5 on anxiety and phaclofen application before D-AP5 on avoidance memory at the heist doses were accompanied by a decrease in locomotion. The application of SKF96365 did not alter anxiety-like behaviors but induced avoidance memory impairment. SKF96365 application before the combination of baclofen and D-AP5 counteracted the effects produced by the combination of baclofen and D-AP5 on anxiety and memory states. Our findings showed that the CA3 GABABRs had a critical role in anxiolytic-like behaviors and avoidance memory deficit induced by D-AP5 and confirmed the role of Ca2+ ions in the observed results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Zarrabian
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Farrahizadeh
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran; Medical Genomics Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lin S, Li X, Chen YH, Gao F, Chen H, Hu NY, Huang L, Luo ZY, Liu JH, You QL, Yin YN, Li ZL, Li XW, Du ZJ, Yang JM, Gao TM. Social Isolation During Adolescence Induces Anxiety Behaviors and Enhances Firing Activity in BLA Pyramidal Neurons via mGluR5 Upregulation. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:5310-5320. [PMID: 28914419 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0766-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Social isolation during the vulnerable period of adolescence contributes to the occurrence of psychiatric disorders and profoundly affects brain development and adult behavior. Although the impact of social isolation during adolescence on anxiety behaviors has been well studied, much less is known about the onset and underlying mechanisms of these behaviors. We observed that following 2 weeks, but not 1 week, of social isolation, adolescent mice exhibited anxiety behaviors. Strikingly, the mGluR5 protein levels in the amygdala increased concomitantly with anxiety behaviors, and both intraperitoneal administration and intra-basolateral amygdala (BLA) infusion of MPEP, a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist, normalized anxiety behaviors. Furthermore, electrophysiological studies showed that 2 weeks of social isolation during adolescence facilitated pyramidal neuronal excitability in the BLA, which could be normalized by MPEP. Together, these results reveal a critical period in adolescence during which social isolation can induce anxiety behaviors and facilitate BLA pyramidal neuronal excitability, both of which are mediated by mGluR5, thus providing mechanistic insights into the onset of anxiety behaviors after social isolation during adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Feng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Neng-Yuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zheng-Yi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ji-Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qiang-Long You
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ya-Nan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ze-Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhuo-Jun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jian-Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023S Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sabihi S, Dong SM, Maurer SD, Post C, Leuner B. Oxytocin in the medial prefrontal cortex attenuates anxiety: Anatomical and receptor specificity and mechanism of action. Neuropharmacology 2017; 125:1-12. [PMID: 28655609 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies in animals and humans have established that oxytocin (OT) reduces anxiety. In rats, the prelimbic (PL) subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is among the brain areas implicated in the anxiolytic actions of OT. However, questions remain about the anatomical and receptor specificity of OT and its mechanism of action. Here we assessed whether the regulation of anxiety by mPFC OT is restricted to the PL subregion and evaluated whether oxytocin receptor (OTR) activation is required for OT to have an anxiolytic effect. We also examined whether OT interacts with GABA in the mPFC to reduce anxiety and investigated the extent to which OT in the mPFC affects activation of mPFC GABA neurons as well as neuronal activation in the amygdala, a primary target of the mPFC which is part of the neural network regulating anxiety. We found that OT reduced anxiety-like behavior when delivered to the PL, but not infralimbic or anterior cingulate subregions of the mPFC. The anxiolytic effect of OT in the PL mPFC was blocked by pretreatment with an OTR, but not a vasopressin receptor, antagonist as well as with a GABAA receptor antagonist. Lastly, administration of OT to the PL mPFC was accompanied by increased activation of GABA neurons in the PL mPFC and altered neuronal activation of the amygdala following anxiety testing. These results demonstrate that OT in the PL mPFC attenuates anxiety-related behavior and may do so by engaging GABAergic neurons which ultimately modulate downstream brain regions implicated in anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sabihi
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Shirley M Dong
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Skyler D Maurer
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Caitlin Post
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Benedetta Leuner
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; The Ohio State University, Department of Neuroscience, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; The Ohio State University, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Group, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Almeida-Santos AF, Moreira FA, Guimaraes FS, Aguiar DC. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol endocannabinoid signaling coupled to metabotropic glutamate receptor type-5 modulates anxiety-like behavior in the rat ventromedial prefrontal cortex. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:740-749. [PMID: 28440729 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117704986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
2-Arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide are the main endocannabinoids, which act through cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 receptors. Among its many functions, anandamide modulates anxiety-like behaviors in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. The role of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in this region, however, has remained unclear. Here, we verified whether intra- ventromedial prefrontal cortex injection of 2-arachidonoylglycerol or URB602, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor (responsible for 2-arachidonoylglycerol hydrolysis), induce anxiolytic-like effects in Wistar rats. Since activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 promotes diacylglycerol lipase-α-mediated 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis, we also verified if the blockade of this receptor impairs the anxiolytic-like effect induced by URB 602. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol reduced anxiety-like response in rats exposed to the Elevated Plus Maze test, an effect mimicked by URB602. Cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 receptor antagonists prevented these effects. The pre-treatment with an ineffective dose of MPEP, a metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 antagonist, also attenuated the anxiolytic-like effect of URB602. Moreover, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed co-expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 and diacylglycerol lipase-α in several neurons in slices from the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Altogether, our results implicate 2-arachidonoylglycerol and both cannabinoid receptors on anxiety-related behaviors mediated by ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Further, these data support a role for the coupling between metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 activation and 2-arachidonoylglycerol signalling as a mechanism modulating aversive responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana F Almeida-Santos
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabricio A Moreira
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimaraes
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,3 Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniele C Aguiar
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gatica RI, Pérez-Valenzuela E, Sierra-Mercado D, Fuentealba JA. The expression of amphetamine sensitization is dissociable from anxiety and aversive memory: Effect of an acute injection of amphetamine. Neurosci Lett 2016; 638:21-26. [PMID: 27939979 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The repeated administration of amphetamine can lead to locomotor sensitization. Although the repeated administration of amphetamine has been associated with anxiety and impaired working memory, it is uncertain if expression of amphetamine sensitization is associated with modifications of emotional memories. To address this issue, rats were injected once daily with amphetamine for five consecutive days (1.5mg/kg). After four days of withdrawal, rats were delivered an acute amphetamine injection to assess the expression of sensitization. A single exposure to an elevated plus maze (EPM), 24h after the last injection of amphetamine, showed that amphetamine sensitization is not accompanied by anxiety. Next, aversive memory was assessed using an 11day inter-trial interval between the EPM Trial 1 and EPM Trial 2. Rats administered with saline showed a percentage of open arms time (% OAT) in Trial 2 that was comparable to Trial 1, demonstrating a reduction in the retrieval of aversive memory. However, rats sensitized after the EPM Trial 1 showed a significant decrease in the % OAT in Trial 2. Importantly, a decrease in the % OAT in Trial 2 compared to Trial 1 was also observed after a single injection of amphetamine 24h before Trial 2. These results show a facilitation in the retrieval of aversive memory, and suggest that a previous amphetamine injection is enough to produce a protracted activation of neural circuits necessary for the retrieval of aversive memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Ignacio Gatica
- Departamento de Farmacia and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enzo Pérez-Valenzuela
- Departamento de Farmacia and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Demetrio Sierra-Mercado
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00936
| | - José Antonio Fuentealba
- Departamento de Farmacia and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Western High-Fat Diet Consumption during Adolescence Increases Susceptibility to Traumatic Stress while Selectively Disrupting Hippocampal and Ventricular Volumes. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-NWR-0125-16. [PMID: 27844058 PMCID: PMC5099604 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0125-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological trauma and obesity co-occur frequently and have been identified as major risk factors for psychiatric disorders. Surprisingly, preclinical studies examining how obesity disrupts the ability of the brain to cope with psychological trauma are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine whether an obesogenic Western-like high-fat diet (WD) predisposes rats to post-traumatic stress responsivity. Adolescent Lewis rats (postnatal day 28) were fed ad libitum for 8 weeks with either the experimental WD diet (41.4% kcal from fat) or the control diet (16.5% kcal from fat). We modeled psychological trauma by exposing young adult rats to a cat odor threat. The elevated plus maze and the open field test revealed increased psychological trauma-induced anxiety-like behaviors in the rats that consumed the WD when compared with control animals 1 week after undergoing traumatic stress (p < 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging showed significant hippocampal atrophy (20% reduction) and lateral ventricular enlargement (50% increase) in the animals fed the WD when compared with controls. These volumetric abnormalities were associated with behavioral indices of anxiety, increased leptin and FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) levels, and reduced hippocampal blood vessel density. We found asymmetric structural vulnerabilities to the WD, particularly the ventral and left hippocampus and lateral ventricle. This study highlights how WD consumption during adolescence impacts key substrates implicated in post-traumatic stress disorder. Understanding how consumption of a WD affects the developmental trajectories of the stress neurocircuitry is critical, as stress susceptibility imposes a marked vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
36
|
Zarrabian S, Farahizadeh M, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. The role of CA3 GABAA receptors on anxiolytic-like behaviors and avoidance memory deficit induced by NMDA receptor antagonists. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:215-23. [PMID: 26755545 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115622239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive functions are influenced by memory and anxiety states. However, a non-linear relation has been shown between these two domains. The important role of the hippocampus in memory and emotional responses may link the pathogenesis of anxiety to memory-related GABAergic and glutamatergic processes in the hippocampus. To investigate the role of GABAA receptors in relation to blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the CA3 region, and balancing the glutamatergic and GABAergic system activities as an approach for the management of related disorders, the elevated plus-maze test-retest paradigm was used to investigate the anxiolytic-like state on the test day and avoidance memory state on the retest day. The data showed that injection of D-AP5, the NMDA receptor antagonist, induced anxiolytic-like behavior and impaired avoidance memory. Injection of GABAA agonist (muscimol), but not the antagonist (bicuculline), induced avoidance memory impairment. Neither muscimol nor bicuculline altered anxiety-like behaviors. Muscimol pretreatment did not change D-AP5-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors but potentiated avoidance memory impairment. Bicuculline pretreatment blocked D-AP5-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors and contradicted its effect on avoidance memory. Our findings indicate that alteration of the CA3 GABAA receptor activity can effectively affect the anxiolytic-like behaviors and avoidance memory deficit induced by D-AP5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies; Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yetnikoff L, Cheng AY, Lavezzi HN, Parsley KP, Zahm DS. Sources of input to the rostromedial tegmental nucleus, ventral tegmental area, and lateral habenula compared: A study in rat. J Comp Neurol 2015; 523:2426-56. [PMID: 25940654 PMCID: PMC4575621 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Profound inhibitory control exerted on midbrain dopaminergic neurons by the lateral habenula (LHb), which has mainly excitatory outputs, is mediated by the GABAergic rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), which strongly innervates dopaminergic neurons in the ventral midbrain. Early reports indicated that the afferent connections of the RMTg, excepting its very strong LHb inputs, do not differ appreciably from those of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Presumably, however, the RMTg contributes more to behavioral synthesis than to simply invert the valence of the excitatory signal coming from the LHb. Therefore, the present study was done to directly compare the inputs to the RMTg and VTA and, in deference to its substantial involvement with this circuitry, the LHb was also included in the comparison. Data indicated that, while the afferents of the RMTg, VTA, and LHb do originate within the same large pool of central nervous system (CNS) structures, each is also related to structures that project more strongly to it than to the others. The VTA gets robust input from ventral striatopallidum and extended amygdala, whereas RMTg biased inputs arise in structures with a more direct impact on motor function, such as deep layers of the contralateral superior colliculus, deep cerebellar and several brainstem nuclei, and, via a relay in the LHb, the entopeduncular nucleus. Input from the ventral pallidal-lateral preoptic-lateral hypothalamus continuum is strong in the RMTg and VTA and dominant in the LHb. Axon collateralization was also investigated, providing additional insights into the organization of the circuitry of this important triad of structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leora Yetnikoff
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Anita Y Cheng
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Heather N Lavezzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kenneth P Parsley
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Daniel S Zahm
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Stern CAJ, Gazarini L, Vanvossen AC, Zuardi AW, Galve-Roperh I, Guimaraes FS, Takahashi RN, Bertoglio LJ. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol alone and combined with cannabidiol mitigate fear memory through reconsolidation disruption. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:958-65. [PMID: 25799920 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the major constituents of the Cannabis sativa plant, which is frequently consumed by subjects exposed to life-threatening situations to relief their symptomatology. It is still unknown, however, whether THC could also affect the maintenance of an aversive memory formed at that time when taken separately and/or in conjunction with CBD. The present study sought to investigate this matter at a preclinical level. We report that THC (0.3-10mg/kg, i.p.) was able to disrupt the reconsolidation of a contextual fear memory, resulting in reduced conditioned freezing expression for over 22 days. This effect was dependent on activation of cannabinoid type-1 receptors located in prelimbic subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex and on memory retrieval/reactivation. Since CBD may counteract the negative psychotropic effects induced by THC and has been shown to be a reconsolidation blocker, we then investigated and demonstrated that associating sub-effective doses of these two compounds was equally effective in attenuating fear memory maintenance in an additive fashion and in a dose ratio of 10 to 1, which contrasts with that commonly found in C. sativa recreational samples. Of note, neither THC alone nor CBD plus THC interfered with anxiety-related behaviors and locomotor activity, as assessed in the elevated plus-maze test, at a time point coinciding with that used to evaluate their effects on memory reconsolidation. Altogether, present findings suggest a potential therapeutic value of using THC and/or CBD to mitigate a dysfunctional aversive memory through reconsolidation disruption in post-traumatic stress disorder patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A J Stern
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gazarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana C Vanvossen
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Antonio W Zuardi
- Department of Neurology, Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomedica en red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Reinaldo N Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Leandro J Bertoglio
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bi LL, Chen M, Pei L, Shu S, Jin HJ, Yan HL, Wei N, Wang S, Yang X, Yan HH, Xu MM, Yao CY, Li N, Tang N, Wu JH, Zhu HZ, Li H, Cai Y, Guo Y, Shi Y, Tian Q, Zhu LQ, Lu YM. Infralimbic Endothelin1 Is Critical for the Modulation of Anxiety-Like Behaviors. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:2054-2064. [PMID: 25899174 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Endothelin1 (ET1) is a potent vasoconstrictor that is also known to be a neuropeptide that is involved in neural circuits. We examined the role of ET1 that has been implicated in the anxiogenic process. We found that infusing ET1 into the IL cortex increased anxiety-like behaviors. The ET(A) receptor (ET(A)R) antagonist (BQ123) but not the ET(B) receptor (ET(B)R) antagonist (BQ788) alleviated ET1-induced anxiety. ET1 had no effect on GABAergic neurotransmission or NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated neurotransmission, but increased AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission. The changes in AMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents were due to presynaptic mechanisms. Finally, we found that the AMPAR antagonists (CNQX) and BQ123 reversed ET1's anxiogenic effect, with parallel and corresponding electrophysiological changes. Moreover, infusing CNQX + BQ123 into the IL had no additional anxiolytic effect compared to CNQX treatment alone. Altogether, our findings establish a previously unknown anxiogenic action of ET1 in the IL cortex. AMPAR-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission may underlie the mechanism of ET1-ET(A)R signaling pathway in the regulation of anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Bi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. .,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Pei
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu Shu
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui-Juan Jin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Lin Yan
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan-Huan Yan
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng-Meng Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng-Ye Yao
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Hua Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hou-Ze Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - You Cai
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - You-Ming Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology and Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. .,Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Beck KD, Jiao X, Smith IM, Myers CE, Pang KCH, Servatius RJ. ITI-Signals and Prelimbic Cortex Facilitate Avoidance Acquisition and Reduce Avoidance Latencies, Respectively, in Male WKY Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:403. [PMID: 25484860 PMCID: PMC4240176 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a model of anxiety disorder vulnerability, male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats acquire lever-press avoidance behavior more readily than outbred Sprague-Dawley rats, and their acquisition is enhanced by the presence of a discrete signal presented during the inter-trial intervals (ITIs), suggesting that it is perceived as a safety signal. A series of experiments were conducted to determine if this is the case. Additional experiments investigated if the avoidance facilitation relies upon processing through medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The results suggest that the ITI-signal facilitates acquisition during the early stages of the avoidance acquisition process, when the rats are initially acquiring escape behavior and then transitioning to avoidance behavior. Post-avoidance introduction of the visual ITI-signal into other associative learning tasks failed to confirm that the visual stimulus had acquired the properties of a conditioned inhibitor. Shortening the signal from the entirety of the 3 min ITI to only the first 5 s of the 3 min ITI slowed acquisition during the first four sessions, suggesting the flashing light (FL) is not functioning as a feedback signal. The prelimbic (PL) cortex showed greater activation during the period of training when the transition from escape responding to avoidance responding occurs. Only combined PL + infralimbic cortex lesions modestly slowed avoidance acquisition, but PL-cortex lesions slowed avoidance response latencies. Thus, the FL ITI-signal is not likely perceived as a safety signal nor is it serving as a feedback signal. The functional role of the PL-cortex appears to be to increase the drive toward responding to the threat of the warning signal. Hence, avoidance susceptibility displayed by male WKY rats may be driven, in part, both by external stimuli (ITI signal) as well as by enhanced threat recognition to the warning signal via the PL cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Beck
- Neurobehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey , Newark, NJ , USA
| | - Xilu Jiao
- Neurobehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Veterans Biomedical Research Institute , East Orange, NJ , USA
| | - Ian M Smith
- Neurobehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Veterans Biomedical Research Institute , East Orange, NJ , USA
| | - Catherine E Myers
- Neurobehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey , Newark, NJ , USA
| | - Kevin C H Pang
- Neurobehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey , Newark, NJ , USA
| | - Richard J Servatius
- Neurobehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey , East Orange, NJ , USA ; Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey , Newark, NJ , USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sabihi S, Dong SM, Durosko NE, Leuner B. Oxytocin in the medial prefrontal cortex regulates maternal care, maternal aggression and anxiety during the postpartum period. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:258. [PMID: 25147513 PMCID: PMC4123787 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) acts on a widespread network of brain regions to regulate numerous behavioral adaptations during the postpartum period including maternal care, maternal aggression, and anxiety. In the present study, we examined whether this network also includes the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We found that bilateral infusion of a highly specific oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTR-A) into the prelimbic (PL) region of the mPFC increased anxiety-like behavior in postpartum, but not virgin, females. In addition, OTR blockade in the postpartum mPFC impaired maternal care behaviors and enhanced maternal aggression. Overall, these results suggest that OT in the mPFC modulates maternal care and aggression, as well as anxiety-like behavior, during the postpartum period. Although the relationship among these behaviors is complicated and further investigation is required to refine our understanding of OT actions in the maternal mPFC, these data nonetheless provide new insights into neural circuitry of OT-mediated postpartum behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sabihi
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shirley M Dong
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nicole E Durosko
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Benedetta Leuner
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA ; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Oxytocin in the prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex reduces anxiety-like behavior in female and male rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 45:31-42. [PMID: 24845174 PMCID: PMC4067951 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is anxiolytic in rodents and humans. However, the specific brain regions where OT acts to regulate anxiety requires further investigation. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been shown to play a role in the modulation of anxiety-related behavior. In addition, the mPFC contains OT-sensitive neurons, expresses OT receptors, and receives long range axonal projections from OT-producing neurons in the hypothalamus, suggesting that the mPFC may be a target where OT acts to diminish anxiety. To investigate this possibility, female rats were administered OT bilaterally into the prelimbic (PL) region of the mPFC and anxiety-like behavior assessed. In addition, to determine if the effects of OT on anxiety-like behavior are sex dependent and to evaluate the specificity of OT, male and female anxiety-like behavior was tested following delivery of either OT or the closely related neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) into the PL mPFC. Finally, the importance of endogenous OT in the regulation of anxiety-like behavior was examined in male and female rats that received PL infusions of an OT receptor antagonist (OTR-A). Overall, even though males and females showed some differences in their baseline levels of anxiety-like behavior, OT in the PL region of the mPFC decreased anxiety regardless of sex. In contrast, neither AVP nor an OTR-A affected anxiety-like behavior in males or females. Together, these findings suggest that although endogenous OT in the PL region of the mPFC does not influence anxiety, the PL mPFC is a site where exogenous OT may act to attenuate anxiety-related behavior independent of sex.
Collapse
|
43
|
Saitoh A, Ohashi M, Suzuki S, Tsukagoshi M, Sugiyama A, Yamada M, Oka JI, Inagaki M, Yamada M. Activation of the prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex induces anxiety-like behaviors via N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission in mice. J Neurosci Res 2014; 92:1044-53. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Saitoh
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology; National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry; Tokyo Japan
| | - Masanori Ohashi
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology; National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry; Tokyo Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Tokyo University of Science; Chiba Japan
| | - Satoshi Suzuki
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology; National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry; Tokyo Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Tokyo University of Science; Chiba Japan
| | - Mai Tsukagoshi
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology; National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry; Tokyo Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Tokyo University of Science; Chiba Japan
| | - Azusa Sugiyama
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology; National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry; Tokyo Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Tokyo University of Science; Chiba Japan
| | - Misa Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology; National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry; Tokyo Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Oka
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Tokyo University of Science; Chiba Japan
| | - Masatoshi Inagaki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry; Okayama University Hospital; Okayama Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology; National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry; Tokyo Japan
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chegini HR, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. Differential role of the basolateral amygdala 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 serotonin receptors upon ACPA-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors and emotional memory deficit in mice. Behav Brain Res 2014; 261:114-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
45
|
Kar AN, Sun CY, Reichard K, Gervasi NM, Pickel J, Nakazawa K, Gioio AE, Kaplan BB. Dysregulation of the axonal trafficking of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial mRNA alters neuronal mitochondrial activity and mouse behavior. Dev Neurobiol 2013; 74:333-50. [PMID: 24151253 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Local translation of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs is essential for mitochondrial activity, yet there is little insight into the role that axonal trafficking of these transcripts play in neuronal function and behavior. Previously, we identified a 38 nucleotide stem-loop structure (zipcode) in the 3' untranslated region of the Cytochrome C oxidase IV (COXIV) mRNA that directs the transport of a reporter mRNA to the axon of superior cervical ganglion neurons (SCG). Overexpression of a chimeric reporter mRNA with the COXIV zipcode competed with the axonal trafficking of endogenous COXIV mRNA, and led to attenuated axon growth in SCG neurons. Here, we show that exogenous expression of the COXIV zipcode in cultured SCG neurons also results in the reduction of local ATP levels and increases levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the axon. We took advantage of this "competition" phenotype to investigate the in vivo significance of axonal transport of COXIV mRNA. Toward this end, we generated transgenic mice expressing a fluorescent reporter fused to COXIV zipcode under a forebrain-specific promoter. Immunohistological analyses and RT-PCR analyses of RNA from the transgenic mouse brain showed expression of the reporter in the deep layer neurons in the pre-frontal and frontal cortex. Consistent with the in vitro studies, we observed increased ROS levels in neurons of these transgenic animals. A battery of behavioral tests on transgenic mice expressing the COXIV zipcode revealed an "anxiety-like" behavioral phenotype, suggesting an important role for axonal trafficking of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs in neuronal physiology and animal behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amar N Kar
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ahmadi H, Nasehi M, Rostami P, Zarrindast MR. Involvement of the nucleus accumbens shell dopaminergic system in prelimbic NMDA-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors. Neuropharmacology 2013; 71:112-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
47
|
Bi LL, Wang J, Luo ZY, Chen SP, Geng F, Chen YH, Li SJ, Yuan CH, Lin S, Gao TM. Enhanced excitability in the infralimbic cortex produces anxiety-like behaviors. Neuropharmacology 2013; 72:148-56. [PMID: 23643746 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been implicated in modulating anxiety. However, it is unknown whether excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmission in the infralimbic (IL) subregion of the mPFC underlies the pathology of anxiety-related behavior. To address this issue, we infused the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) antagonist bicuculline to temporarily activate the IL cortex. IL cortex activation decreased the time spent in the center area in the open field test, decreased exploration of the open-arms in the elevated plus maze test, and increased the latency to bite food in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. These findings substantiate the GABAergic system's role in anxiety-related behaviors. IL cortex inactivation with the AMPA receptor (AMPAR) antagonist CNQX produced opposite, anxiolytic effects. However, infusion of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonist AP5 into the IL cortex had no significant effect. Additionally, we did not observe motor activity deficits or appetite deficits following inhibition of GABAergic or glutamatergic neurotransmission. Interestingly, we found parallel and corresponding electrophysiological changes in anxious mice; compared to mice with relatively low anxiety, the relatively high anxiety mice exhibited smaller evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) and larger AMPA-mediated evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) in pyramidal neurons in the IL cortex. The changes of eIPSCs and eEPSCs were due to presynaptic mechanisms. Our results suggest that imbalances of neurotransmission in the IL cortex may cause a net increase in excitatory inputs onto pyramidal neurons, which may underlie the pathogenic mechanism of anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Bi
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
El Hage C, Rappeneau V, Etievant A, Morel AL, Scarna H, Zimmer L, Bérod A. Enhanced anxiety observed in cocaine withdrawn rats is associated with altered reactivity of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43535. [PMID: 22916276 PMCID: PMC3420872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Discontinuation of drug intake in cocaine abusers commonly produces a variety of adverse withdrawal symptoms among which anxiety and depression-related behavior are prevailing during the initial period of abstinence. The aim of this study was to provide further insight into the neurobiological dysregulations that might contribute to these pathological states. Rats were treated with cocaine or saline for 14 days (20 mg/kg; i.p) and anxiety-related behavior was assessed in different paradigms (elevated plus-maze (EPM), confinement to an open arm of the EPM and shock-probe burying tests) for up to 4 weeks after withdrawal. Depression-like behavior was assessed by the forced swim test and sucrose preference test. Altogether our results demonstrated that cocaine withdrawal induced persistent heightened levels of anxiety that last for at least 28 days but did not affect depression-like behavior. We then used Fos immunohistochemistry to map neuronal activation patterns in withdrawn rats confined to one open arm of an EPM, and a double labeling procedure using Fos immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization of glutamic acid decarboxylase or vesicular glutamate transporter mRNAs to identify the phenotype of the activated neurons. Our data showed that the exacerbated anxiety observed in cocaine withdrawn rats exposed to an elevated open arm was accompanied by an altered reactivity of the dorsal part of the medial prefrontal cortex (anterior cingulate and dorsal prelimbic cortices), the paraventricular thalamic nucleus and the lateral and anterior areas of the hypothalamus. In the medial prefrontal cortex, we evidenced a negative correlation between Fos expression in its dorsal part and open arm-induced freezing in NaCl-treated rats but not in cocaine withdrawn rats. We also found that more than 65% of activated neurons were glutamatergic projection neurons. The present study provides new insights into the neuroanatomical regions and neuronal cell types that may underlie pathological anxiety during cocaine withdrawal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia El Hage
- INSERM, U1028, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Physiopathology of the neuronal network responsible for the sleep-waking cycle Team, Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Physiopathology of the neuronal network responsible for the sleep-waking cycle Team, Lyon, France
- University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Virginie Rappeneau
- INSERM, U1028, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Physiopathology of the neuronal network responsible for the sleep-waking cycle Team, Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Physiopathology of the neuronal network responsible for the sleep-waking cycle Team, Lyon, France
- University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | | | - Anne-Laure Morel
- INSERM, U1028, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Physiopathology of the neuronal network responsible for the sleep-waking cycle Team, Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Physiopathology of the neuronal network responsible for the sleep-waking cycle Team, Lyon, France
- University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | | | - Luc Zimmer
- INSERM, U1028, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, BioRan-Pharmaceutical and neurochemical biomarkers Team, Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, BioRan-Pharmaceutical and neurochemical biomarkers Team, Lyon, France
- University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Anne Bérod
- INSERM, U1028, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Physiopathology of the neuronal network responsible for the sleep-waking cycle Team, Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Physiopathology of the neuronal network responsible for the sleep-waking cycle Team, Lyon, France
- University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Adhikari A, Topiwala MA, Gordon JA. Single units in the medial prefrontal cortex with anxiety-related firing patterns are preferentially influenced by ventral hippocampal activity. Neuron 2011; 71:898-910. [PMID: 21903082 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and ventral hippocampus (vHPC) functionally interact during innate anxiety tasks. To explore the consequences of this interaction, we examined task-related firing of single units from the mPFC of mice exploring standard and modified versions of the elevated plus maze (EPM), an innate anxiety paradigm. Hippocampal local field potentials (LFPs) were simultaneously monitored. The population of mPFC units distinguished between safe and aversive locations within the maze, regardless of the nature of the anxiogenic stimulus. Strikingly, mPFC units with stronger task-related activity were more strongly coupled to theta-frequency activity in the vHPC LFP. Lastly, task-related activity was inversely correlated with behavioral measures of anxiety. These results clarify the role of the vHPC-mPFC circuit in innate anxiety and underscore how specific inputs may be involved in the generation of behaviorally relevant neural activity within the mPFC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avishek Adhikari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
de Visser L, Baars AM, van 't Klooster J, van den Bos R. Transient inactivation of the medial prefrontal cortex affects both anxiety and decision-making in male wistar rats. Front Neurosci 2011; 5:102. [PMID: 21927595 PMCID: PMC3169782 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2011.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In both humans and rats high levels of anxiety impair decision-making in the Iowa gambling task (IGT) in male subjects. Expression of the immediate early gene c-fos as marker of neural activity in rat studies indicated a role of the medial prefrontal cortex (prelimbic and infralimbic region; mPFC) in mediating the relationship between anxiety and decision-making. To delineate this relationship further and assess the underlying neurobiology in more detail, we inactivated in the present study the mPFC in male rats using a mixture of the GABA-receptor agonists muscimol and baclofen. Rats were exposed to the elevated plus maze (EPM) to measure effects on anxiety and to the rodent version of the IGT (r-IGT). Inactivation led to increased levels of anxiety on the EPM, while not affecting general activity. The effect in the r-IGT (trials 61–120) was dependent on levels of performance prior to inactivation (trial 41–60): inactivation of the mPFC hampered task performance in rats, which already showed a preference for the advantageous option, but not in rats which were still choosing in a random manner. These data suggest that the mPFC becomes more strongly involved as rats have learned task-contingencies, i.e., choose for the best long-term option. Furthermore they suggest, along with the data of our earlier study, that both anxiety and decision-making in rats are mediated through a neural circuitry including at least the mPFC. The data are discussed in relation to recent data of rodent studies on the neural circuitry underlying decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie de Visser
- Department of Animals in Science and Society, Division of Behavioural Neuroscience, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|