1
|
Wang Y, Li D, Widjaja J, Guo R, Cai L, Yan R, Ozsoy S, Allocca G, Fang J, Dong Y, Tseng GC, Huang C, Huang YH. An Electroencephalogram Signature of Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Neuron Activities Predicts Cocaine Seeking. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 96:739-751. [PMID: 38677639 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying biomarkers that predict substance use disorder propensity may better strategize antiaddiction treatment. Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in the lateral hypothalamus critically mediate interactions between sleep and substance use; however, their activities are largely obscured in surface electroencephalogram (EEG) measures, hindering the development of biomarkers. METHODS Surface EEG signals and real-time calcium (Ca2+) activities of lateral hypothalamus MCH neurons (Ca2+MCH) were simultaneously recorded in male and female adult rats. Mathematical modeling and machine learning were then applied to predict Ca2+MCH using EEG derivatives. The robustness of the predictions was tested across sex and treatment conditions. Finally, features extracted from the EEG-predicted Ca2+MCH either before or after cocaine experience were used to predict future drug-seeking behaviors. RESULTS An EEG waveform derivative-a modified theta-delta-theta peak ratio (EEGTDT ratio)-accurately tracked real-time Ca2+MCH in rats. The prediction was robust during rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), persisted through vigilance states, sleep manipulations, and circadian phases, and was consistent across sex. Moreover, cocaine self-administration and long-term withdrawal altered EEGTDT ratio, suggesting shortening and circadian redistribution of synchronous MCH neuron activities. In addition, features of EEGTDT ratio indicative of prolonged synchronous MCH neuron activities predicted lower subsequent cocaine seeking. EEGTDT ratio also exhibited advantages over conventional REMS measures for the predictions. CONCLUSIONS The identified EEGTDT ratio may serve as a noninvasive measure for assessing MCH neuron activities in vivo and evaluating REMS; it may also serve as a potential biomarker for predicting drug use propensity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Danyang Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Rong Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rongzhen Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sahin Ozsoy
- Somnivore Pty. Ltd., Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia
| | - Giancarlo Allocca
- Somnivore Pty. Ltd., Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jidong Fang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - George C Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Chengcheng Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yanhua H Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marinescu AM, Labouesse MA. The nucleus accumbens shell: a neural hub at the interface of homeostatic and hedonic feeding. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1437210. [PMID: 39139500 PMCID: PMC11319282 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1437210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Feeding behavior is a complex physiological process regulated by the interplay between homeostatic and hedonic feeding circuits. Among the neural structures involved, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) has emerged as a pivotal region at the interface of these two circuits. The NAc comprises distinct subregions and in this review, we focus mainly on the NAc shell (NAcSh). Homeostatic feeding circuits, primarily found in the hypothalamus, ensure the organism's balance in energy and nutrient requirements. These circuits monitor peripheral signals, such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin, and modulate satiety and hunger states. The NAcSh receives input from these homeostatic circuits, integrating information regarding the organism's metabolic needs. Conversely, so-called hedonic feeding circuits involve all other non-hunger and -satiety processes, i.e., the sensory information, associative learning, reward, motivation and pleasure associated with food consumption. The NAcSh is interconnected with hedonics-related structures like the ventral tegmental area and prefrontal cortex and plays a key role in encoding hedonic information related to palatable food seeking or consumption. In sum, the NAcSh acts as a crucial hub in feeding behavior, integrating signals from both homeostatic and hedonic circuits, to facilitate behavioral output via its downstream projections. Moreover, the NAcSh's involvement extends beyond simple integration, as it directly impacts actions related to food consumption. In this review, we first focus on delineating the inputs targeting the NAcSh; we then present NAcSh output projections to downstream structures. Finally we discuss how the NAcSh regulates feeding behavior and can be seen as a neural hub integrating homeostatic and hedonic feeding signals, via a functionally diverse set of projection neuron subpopulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina-Măriuca Marinescu
- Brain, Wire and Behavior Group, Translational Nutritional Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marie A. Labouesse
- Brain, Wire and Behavior Group, Translational Nutritional Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Concetti C, Viskaitis P, Grujic N, Duss SN, Privitera M, Bohacek J, Peleg-Raibstein D, Burdakov D. Exploratory Rearing Is Governed by Hypothalamic Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Neurons According to Locus Ceruleus. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0015242024. [PMID: 38575343 PMCID: PMC11112542 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0015-24.2024] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Information seeking, such as standing on tiptoes to look around in humans, is observed across animals and helps survival. Its rodent analog-unsupported rearing on hind legs-was a classic model in deciphering neural signals of cognition and is of intense renewed interest in preclinical modeling of neuropsychiatric states. Neural signals and circuits controlling this dedicated decision to seek information remain largely unknown. While studying subsecond timing of spontaneous behavioral acts and activity of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons (MNs) in behaving male and female mice, we observed large MN activity spikes that aligned to unsupported rears. Complementary causal, loss and gain of function, analyses revealed specific control of rear frequency and duration by MNs and MCHR1 receptors. Activity in a key stress center of the brain-the locus ceruleus noradrenaline cells-rapidly inhibited MNs and required functional MCH receptors for its endogenous modulation of rearing. By defining a neural module that both tracks and controls rearing, these findings may facilitate further insights into biology of information seeking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Concetti
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neuroscience Center Zürich (ZNZ), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Paulius Viskaitis
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neuroscience Center Zürich (ZNZ), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Grujic
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neuroscience Center Zürich (ZNZ), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Sian N Duss
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neuroscience Center Zürich (ZNZ), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Privitera
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neuroscience Center Zürich (ZNZ), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Bohacek
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neuroscience Center Zürich (ZNZ), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Daria Peleg-Raibstein
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neuroscience Center Zürich (ZNZ), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Denis Burdakov
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neuroscience Center Zürich (ZNZ), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, Li D, Widjaja J, Guo R, Cai L, Yan R, Ozsoy S, Allocca G, Fang J, Dong Y, Tseng GC, Huang C, Huang YH. An EEG Signature of MCH Neuron Activities Predicts Cocaine Seeking. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.27.586887. [PMID: 38586019 PMCID: PMC10996698 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.27.586887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Identifying biomarkers that predict substance use disorder (SUD) propensity may better strategize anti-addiction treatment. The melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) critically mediates interactions between sleep and substance use; however, their activities are largely obscured in surface electroencephalogram (EEG) measures, hindering the development of biomarkers. Methods Surface EEG signals and real-time Ca2+ activities of LH MCH neurons (Ca2+MCH) were simultaneously recorded in male and female adult rats. Mathematical modeling and machine learning were then applied to predict Ca2+MCH using EEG derivatives. The robustness of the predictions was tested across sex and treatment conditions. Finally, features extracted from the EEG-predicted Ca2+MCH either before or after cocaine experience were used to predict future drug-seeking behaviors. Results An EEG waveform derivative - a modified theta-to-delta ratio (EEG Ratio) - accurately tracks real-time Ca2+MCH in rats. The prediction was robust during rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), persisted through REMS manipulations, wakefulness, circadian phases, and was consistent across sex. Moreover, cocaine self-administration and long-term withdrawal altered EEG Ratio suggesting shortening and circadian redistribution of synchronous MCH neuron activities. In addition, features of EEG Ratio indicative of prolonged synchronous MCH neuron activities predicted lower subsequent cocaine seeking. EEG Ratio also exhibited advantages over conventional REMS measures for the predictions. Conclusions The identified EEG Ratio may serve as a non-invasive measure for assessing MCH neuron activities in vivo and evaluating REMS; it may also serve as a potential biomarker predicting drug use propensity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
| | - Danyang Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
| | | | - Rong Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
| | - Rongzhen Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
| | - Sahin Ozsoy
- Somnivore Pty. Ltd., Bacchus Marsh, VIC, Australia 3340
| | - Giancarlo Allocca
- Somnivore Pty. Ltd., Bacchus Marsh, VIC, Australia 3340
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia 3010
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jidong Fang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
| | - George C. Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
| | - Chengcheng Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
| | - Yanhua H. Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 15260; 15213
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guo R, Wang Y, Yan R, Chen B, Ding W, Gorczyca MT, Ozsoy S, Cai L, Hines RL, Tseng GC, Allocca G, Dong Y, Fang J, Huang YH. Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Engages Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Neurons to Reduce Cocaine Seeking. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:880-894. [PMID: 35953320 PMCID: PMC9872495 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent sleep disruptions following withdrawal from abused drugs may hold keys to battle drug relapse. It is posited that there may be sleep signatures that predict relapse propensity, identifying which may open new avenues for treating substance use disorders. METHODS We trained male rats (approximately postnatal day 56) to self-administer cocaine. After long-term drug withdrawal (approximately postnatal day 100), we examined the correlations between the intensity of cocaine seeking and key sleep features. To test for causal relationships, we then used behavioral, chemogenetic, or optogenetic methods to selectively increase rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) and measured behavioral and electrophysiological outcomes to probe for cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying REMS-mediated regulation of cocaine seeking. RESULTS A selective set of REMS features was preferentially associated with the intensity of cue-induced cocaine seeking after drug withdrawal. Moreover, selectively increasing REMS time and continuity by environmental warming attenuated a withdrawal time-dependent intensification of cocaine seeking, or incubation of cocaine craving, suggesting that REMS may benefit withdrawal. Warming increased the activity of lateral hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons selectively during prolonged REMS episodes and counteracted cocaine-induced synaptic accumulation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors in the nucleus accumbens-a critical substrate for incubation. Finally, the warming effects were partly mimicked by chemogenetic or optogenetic stimulations of MCH neurons during sleep, or intra-accumbens infusions of MCH peptide during the rat's inactive phase. CONCLUSIONS REMS may encode individual vulnerability to relapse, and MCH neuron activities can be selectively targeted during REMS to reduce drug relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rongzhen Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Wanqiao Ding
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael T Gorczyca
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sahin Ozsoy
- Somnivore Pty. Ltd., Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rachel L Hines
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - George C Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Giancarlo Allocca
- Somnivore Pty. Ltd., Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jidong Fang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Yanhua H Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dunigan AI, Roseberry AG. Actions of feeding-related peptides on the mesolimbic dopamine system in regulation of natural and drug rewards. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2:100011. [PMID: 37220637 PMCID: PMC10201992 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The mesolimbic dopamine system is the primary neural circuit mediating motivation, reinforcement, and reward-related behavior. The activity of this system and multiple behaviors controlled by it are affected by changes in feeding and body weight, such as fasting, food restriction, or the development of obesity. Multiple different peptides and hormones that have been implicated in the control of feeding and body weight interact with the mesolimbic dopamine system to regulate many different dopamine-dependent, reward-related behaviors. In this review, we summarize the effects of a selected set of feeding-related peptides and hormones acting within the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens to alter feeding, as well as food, drug, and social reward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna I. Dunigan
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Aaron G. Roseberry
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The role of the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum in feeding and obesity. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110394. [PMID: 34242717 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a growing global epidemic that stems from the increasing availability of highly-palatable foods and the consequent enhanced calorie consumption. Extensive research has shown that brain regions that are central to reward seeking modulate feeding and evidence linking obesity to pathology in such regions have recently started to accumulate. In this review we focus on the contribution of two major interconnected structures central to reward processing, the nucleus accumbens and the ventral pallidum, to obesity. We first review the known literature linking these structures to feeding behavior, then discuss recent advances connecting pathology in the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum to obesity, and finally examine the similarities and differences between drug addiction and obesity in the context of these two structures. The understanding of how pathology in brain regions involved in reward seeking and consumption may drive obesity and how mechanistically similar obesity and addiction are, is only now starting to be revealed. We hope that future research will advance knowledge in the field and open new avenues to studying and treating obesity.
Collapse
|
8
|
Cocaine-induced neural adaptations in the lateral hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone neurons and the role in regulating rapid eye movement sleep after withdrawal. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3152-3168. [PMID: 33093653 PMCID: PMC8060355 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00921-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sleep abnormalities are often a prominent contributor to withdrawal symptoms following chronic drug use. Notably, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep regulates emotional memory, and persistent REM sleep impairment after cocaine withdrawal negatively impacts relapse-like behaviors in rats. However, it is not understood how cocaine experience may alter REM sleep regulatory machinery, and what may serve to improve REM sleep after withdrawal. Here, we focus on the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), which regulate REM sleep initiation and maintenance. Using adult male Sprague-Dawley rats trained to self-administer intravenous cocaine, we did transcriptome profiling of LH MCH neurons after long-term withdrawal using RNA-sequencing, and performed functional assessment using slice electrophysiology. We found that 3 weeks after withdrawal from cocaine, LH MCH neurons exhibit a wide range of gene expression changes tapping into cell membrane signaling, intracellular signaling, and transcriptional regulations. Functionally, they show reduced membrane excitability and decreased glutamatergic receptor activity, consistent with increased expression of voltage-gated potassium channel gene Kcna1 and decreased expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor gene Grm5. Finally, chemogenetic or optogenetic stimulations of LH MCH neural activity increase REM sleep after long-term withdrawal with important differences. Whereas chemogenetic stimulation promotes both wakefulness and REM sleep, optogenetic stimulation of these neurons in sleep selectively promotes REM sleep. In summary, cocaine exposure persistently alters gene expression profiles and electrophysiological properties of LH MCH neurons. Counteracting cocaine-induced hypoactivity of these neurons selectively in sleep enhances REM sleep quality and quantity after long-term withdrawal.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lord MN, Subramanian K, Kanoski SE, Noble EE. Melanin-concentrating hormone and food intake control: Sites of action, peptide interactions, and appetition. Peptides 2021; 137:170476. [PMID: 33370567 PMCID: PMC8025943 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Given the increased prevalence of obesity and its associated comorbidities, understanding the mechanisms through which the brain regulates energy balance is of critical importance. The neuropeptide melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is produced in the lateral hypothalamic area and the adjacent incerto-hypothalamic area and promotes both food intake and energy conservation, overall contributing to body weight gain. Decades of research into this system has provided insight into the neural pathways and mechanisms (behavioral and neurobiological) through which MCH stimulates food intake. Recent technological advancements that allow for selective manipulation of MCH neuron activity have elucidated novel mechanisms of action for the hyperphagic effects of MCH, implicating neural "volume" transmission in the cerebrospinal fluid and sex-specific effects of MCH on food intake control as understudied areas for future investigation. Highlighted here are historical and recent findings that illuminate the neurobiological mechanisms through which MCH promotes food intake, including the identification of various specific neural signaling pathways and interactions with other peptide systems. We conclude with a framework that the hyperphagic effects of MCH signaling are predominantly mediated through enhancement of an "appetition" process in which early postoral prandial signals promote further caloric consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magen N Lord
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30606, USA
| | - Keshav Subramanian
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Emily E Noble
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30606, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu X, Gao S, Zhang N, Jin T, Sun X, Luan X, Xu L, Guo F. The orexinergic neural pathway from the lateral hypothalamus to the nucleus accumbens and its regulation of palatable food intake. Neuropeptides 2020; 80:102028. [PMID: 32067750 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the orexinergic pathway from the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and its regulation on the palatable food intake. METHODS Fluorescent gold retrograde tracing combined with fluoro-immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the projection of orexinergic neurons from LHA to NAc. The orexin-A expression in LHA and c-Fos in NAc were studied after electrical stimulation of LHA. The firing rates of neurons were monitored by single-unit extracellular electric discharge recording and the palatable food intake were measured after orexin microinjection in NAc or electrical stimulation of LHA. RESULTS (1) Fluorescent gold retrograde tracing combined with fluoro-immunohistochemical staining showed some orexinergic neural projection from the LHA to the NAc shell. (2) Electrical stimulation of LHA significantly enhanced the expression of orexin-A in LHA and the expression of c-Fos in NAc (P < .05). (3) The results of single-unit extracellular discharge recording showed that the microinjection of orexin in NAc or electrical stimulation of LHA significantly increased the discharge activity of gastric distension responsive neurons in NAc, and the effect could be partly blocked by pretreatment of orexin-A receptor inhibitor SB334867 in NAc (P < .05). (4) Microinjection orexin-A in NAc or electrical stimulation of LHA significantly increased the palatable food intake in rats, and the effect also was partly inhibited by pretreatment of SB334867 in NAc (P < .05). CONCLUSION There is an orexinergic pathway from LHA to NAc, which may have potential regulatory effects on food reward and obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Liu
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shengli Gao
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Nana Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Tingting Jin
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangrong Sun
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Luan
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Luo Xu
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Feifei Guo
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Diniz GB, Battagello DS, Cherubini PM, Reyes-Mendoza JD, Luna-Illades C, Klein MO, Motta-Teixeira LC, Sita LV, Miranda-Anaya M, Morales T, Bittencourt JC. Melanin-concentrating hormone peptidergic system: Comparative morphology between muroid species. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:2973-3001. [PMID: 31152440 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a conserved neuropeptide, predominantly located in the diencephalon of vertebrates, and associated with a wide range of functions. While functional studies have focused on the use of the traditional mouse laboratory model, critical gaps exist in our understanding of the morphology of the MCH system in this species. Even less is known about the nontraditional animal model Neotomodon alstoni (Mexican volcano mouse). A comparative morphological study among these rodents may, therefore, contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of the MCH peptidergic system. To this end, we employed diverse immunohistochemical protocols to identify key aspects of the MCH system, including its spatial relationship to another neurochemical population of the tuberal hypothalamus, the orexins. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were also employed to convey a better sense of spatial distribution to these neurons. Our results show that the distribution of MCH neurons in all rodents studied follows a basic plan, but individual characteristics are found for each species, such as the preeminence of a periventricular group only in the rat, the lack of posterior groups in the mouse, and the extensive presence of MCH neurons in the anterior hypothalamic area of Neotomodon. Taken together, these data suggest a strong anatomical substrate for previously described functions of the MCH system, and that particular neurochemical and morphological features may have been determinant to species-specific phenotypes in rodent evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanne B Diniz
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniella S Battagello
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Pedro M Cherubini
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julio D Reyes-Mendoza
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Cesar Luna-Illades
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Marianne O Klein
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lívia C Motta-Teixeira
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciane V Sita
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manuel Miranda-Anaya
- Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Teresa Morales
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Jackson C Bittencourt
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hsu TM, McCutcheon JE, Roitman MF. Parallels and Overlap: The Integration of Homeostatic Signals by Mesolimbic Dopamine Neurons. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:410. [PMID: 30233430 PMCID: PMC6129766 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Motivated behaviors are often initiated in response to perturbations of homeostasis. Indeed, animals and humans have fundamental drives to procure (appetitive behaviors) and eventually ingest (consummatory behaviors) substances based on deficits in body fluid (e.g., thirst) and energy balance (e.g., hunger). Consumption, in turn, reinforces motivated behavior and is therefore considered rewarding. Over the years, the constructs of homeostatic (within the purview of the hypothalamus) and reward (within the purview of mesolimbic circuitry) have been used to describe need-based vs. need-free consumption. However, many experiments have demonstrated that mesolimbic circuits and "higher-order" brain regions are also profoundly influenced by changes to physiological state, which in turn generate behaviors that are poised to maintain homeostasis. Mesolimbic pathways, particularly dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and their projections to nucleus accumbens (NAc), can be robustly modulated by a variety of energy balance signals, including post-ingestive feedback relaying nutrient content and hormonal signals reflecting hunger and satiety. Moreover, physiological states can also impact VTA-NAc responses to non-nutritive rewards, such as drugs of abuse. Coupled with recent evidence showing hypothalamic structures are modulated in anticipation of replenished need, classic boundaries between circuits that convey perturbations in homeostasis and those that drive motivated behavior are being questioned. In the current review, we examine data that have revealed the importance of mesolimbic dopamine neurons and their downstream pathways as a dynamic neurobiological mechanism that provides an interface between physiological state, perturbations to homeostasis, and reward-seeking behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ted M Hsu
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - James E McCutcheon
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behavior, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Mitchell F Roitman
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Diniz GB, Bittencourt JC. The Melanin-Concentrating Hormone as an Integrative Peptide Driving Motivated Behaviors. Front Syst Neurosci 2017; 11:32. [PMID: 28611599 PMCID: PMC5447028 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2017.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is an important peptide implicated in the control of motivated behaviors. History, however, made this peptide first known for its participation in the control of skin pigmentation, from which its name derives. In addition to this peripheral role, MCH is strongly implicated in motivated behaviors, such as feeding, drinking, mating and, more recently, maternal behavior. It is suggested that MCH acts as an integrative peptide, converging sensory information and contributing to a general arousal of the organism. In this review, we will discuss the various aspects of energy homeostasis to which MCH has been associated to, focusing on the different inputs that feed the MCH peptidergic system with information regarding the homeostatic status of the organism and the exogenous sensory information that drives this system, as well as the outputs that allow MCH to act over a wide range of homeostatic and behavioral controls, highlighting the available morphological and hodological aspects that underlie these integrative actions. Besides the well-described role of MCH in feeding behavior, a prime example of hypothalamic-mediated integration, we will also examine those functions in which the participation of MCH has not yet been extensively characterized, including sexual, maternal, and defensive behaviors. We also evaluated the available data on the distribution of MCH and its function in the context of animals in their natural environment. Finally, we briefly comment on the evidence for MCH acting as a coordinator between different modalities of motivated behaviors, highlighting the most pressing open questions that are open for investigations and that could provide us with important insights about hypothalamic-dependent homeostatic integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanne B. Diniz
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jackson C. Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Arendt A, Baz ES, Stengl M. Functions of corazonin and histamine in light entrainment of the circadian pacemaker in the Madeira cockroach,Rhyparobia maderae. J Comp Neurol 2016; 525:1250-1272. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Arendt
- Animal Physiology, Department of Biology; University of Kassel; 34132 Kassel Germany
| | - El-Sayed Baz
- Animal Physiology, Department of Biology; University of Kassel; 34132 Kassel Germany
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science; Suez Canal University; 41522 Ismailia Governorate Egypt
| | - Monika Stengl
- Animal Physiology, Department of Biology; University of Kassel; 34132 Kassel Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lee EY, Lee HS. Dual projections of single orexin- or CART-immunoreactive, lateral hypothalamic neurons to the paraventricular thalamic nucleus and nucleus accumbens shell in the rat: Light microscopic study. Brain Res 2016; 1634:104-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
16
|
Sita LV, Diniz GB, Canteras NS, Xavier GF, Bittencourt JC. Effect of intrahippocampal administration of anti-melanin-concentrating hormone on spatial food-seeking behavior in rats. Peptides 2016; 76:130-8. [PMID: 26804300 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a hypothalamic peptide that plays a critical role in the regulation of food intake and energy metabolism. In this study, we investigated the potential role of dense hippocampal MCH innervation in the spatially oriented food-seeking component of feeding behavior. Rats were trained for eight sessions to seek food buried in an arena using the working memory version of the food-seeking behavior (FSB) task. The testing day involved a bilateral anti-MCH injection into the hippocampal formation followed by two trials. The anti-MCH injection did not interfere with the performance during the first trial on the testing day, which was similar to the training trials. However, during the second testing trial, when no food was presented in the arena, the control subjects exhibited a dramatic increase in the latency to initiate digging. Treatment with an anti-MCH antibody did not interfere with either the food-seeking behavior or the spatial orientation of the subjects, but the increase in the latency to start digging observed in the control subjects was prevented. These results are discussed in terms of a potential MCH-mediated hippocampal role in the integration of the sensory information necessary for decision-making in the pre-ingestive component of feeding behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciane Valéria Sita
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo-USP, 05508-000 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanne Baroni Diniz
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo-USP, 05508-000 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Newton Sabino Canteras
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo-USP, 05508-000 Sao Paulo, Brazil; Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of Sao Paulo, 05508-030 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Fernando Xavier
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo-USP, 05508-090 Sao Paulo, Brazil; Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of Sao Paulo, 05508-030 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jackson Cioni Bittencourt
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo-USP, 05508-000 Sao Paulo, Brazil; Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of Sao Paulo, 05508-030 Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Haemmerle CADS, Nogueira MI, Watanabe IS. The neural elements in the lining of the ventricular-subventricular zone: making an old story new by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:134. [PMID: 26578896 PMCID: PMC4623158 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical description of the neural elements that compose the lining of brain ventricles introduces us to the single layer of ependymal cells. However, new findings, especially in the lateral ventricle (LV)—the major niche for the generation of new neurons in the adult brain—have provided information about additional cell elements that influence the organization of this part of the ventricular system and produce important contributions to neurogenesis. To complement the cell neurochemistry findings, we present a three-dimensional in situ description that demonstrates the anatomical details of the different types of ciliated cells and the innervation of these elements. After processing adult rat brains for ultrastructural analysis by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and transmission electron microscopy, we observed a heterogeneous pattern of cilia distribution at the different poles of the LV surface. Furthermore, we describe the particular three-dimensional aspects of the ciliated cells of the LV, in addition the fiber bundles and varicose axons surrounding these cells. Therefore, we provide a unique ultrastructural description of the three-dimensional in situ organization of the LV surface, highlighting its innervation, to corroborate the available neurochemical and functional findings regarding the factors that regulate this neurogenic niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alexandre Dos Santos Haemmerle
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure of Cells and Tissues, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Nogueira
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil ; Institute of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ii-Sei Watanabe
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure of Cells and Tissues, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|