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Joëls M, Karst H, Tasker JG. The emerging role of rapid corticosteroid actions on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic signaling in the brain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 74:101146. [PMID: 39004314 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101146] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, there has been increasing evidence for the importance of rapid-onset actions of corticosteroid hormones in the brain. Here, we highlight the distinct rapid corticosteroid actions that regulate excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, basolateral amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. The receptors that mediate rapid corticosteroid actions are located at or close to the plasma membrane, though many of the receptor characteristics remain unresolved. Rapid-onset corticosteroid effects play a role in fast neuroendocrine feedback as well as in higher brain functions, including increased aggression and anxiety, and impaired memory retrieval. The rapid non-genomic corticosteroid actions precede and complement slow-onset, long-lasting transcriptional actions of the steroids. Both rapid and slow corticosteroid actions appear to be indispensable to adapt to a continuously changing environment, and their imbalance can increase an individual's susceptibility to psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Joëls
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Henk Karst
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; SILS-CNS. University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeffrey G Tasker
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, and Southeast Louisiana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, New Orleans, USA.
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2
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Brosens N, Lesuis SL, Bassie I, Reyes L, Gajadien P, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Elevated corticosterone after fear learning impairs remote auditory memory retrieval and alters brain network connectivity. Learn Mem 2023; 30:125-132. [PMID: 37487708 PMCID: PMC10519398 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053836.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are potent memory modulators that can modify behavior in an adaptive or maladaptive manner. Elevated glucocorticoid levels after learning promote memory consolidation at recent time points, but their effects on remote time points are not well established. Here we set out to assess whether corticosterone (CORT) given after learning modifies remote fear memory. To that end, mice were exposed to a mild auditory fear conditioning paradigm followed by a single 2 mg/kg CORT injection, and after 28 d, auditory memory was assessed. Neuronal activation was investigated using immunohistochemistry for the immediate early gene c-Fos, and coactivation of brain regions was determined using a correlation matrix analysis. CORT-treated mice displayed significantly less remote auditory memory retrieval. While the net activity of studied brain regions was similar compared with the control condition, CORT-induced remote memory impairment was associated with altered correlated activity between brain regions. Specifically, connectivity of the lateral amygdala with the basal amygdala and the dorsal dentate gyrus was significantly reduced in CORT-treated mice, suggesting disrupted network connectivity that may underlie diminished remote memory retrieval. Elucidating the pathways underlying these effects could help provide mechanistic insight into the effects of stress on memory and possibly provide therapeutic targets for psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niek Brosens
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvie L Lesuis
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Ilse Bassie
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Lara Reyes
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Priya Gajadien
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
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3
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Yang H, Narayan S, Schmidt MV. From Ligands to Behavioral Outcomes: Understanding the Role of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Brain Function. Stress 2023; 26:2204366. [PMID: 37067948 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2023.2204366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a normal response to situational pressures or demands. Exposure to stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and leads to the release of corticosteroids, which act in the brain via two distinct receptors: mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR). Persistent HPA axis overactivation or dysregulation can disrupt an individual's homeostasis, thereby contributing to an increased risk for mental illness. On the other hand, successful coping with stressful events involves adaptive and cognitive processes in the brain that render individuals more resilient to similar stressors in the future. Here we review the role of the MR in these processes, starting with an overview of the physiological structure, ligand binding, and expression of MR, and further summarizing its role in the brain, its relevance to psychiatric disorders, and related rodent studies. Given the central role of MR in cognitive and emotional functioning, and its importance as a target for promoting resilience, future research should investigate how MR modulation can be used to alleviate disturbances in emotion and behavior, as well as cognitive impairment, in patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanqing Yang
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Sowmya Narayan
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Department Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias V Schmidt
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
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Buurstede JC, Umeoka EHL, da Silva MS, Krugers HJ, Joëls M, Meijer OC. Application of a pharmacological transcriptome filter identifies a shortlist of mouse glucocorticoid receptor target genes associated with memory consolidation. Neuropharmacology 2022; 216:109186. [PMID: 35835211 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109186] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids regulate memory consolidation, facilitating long-term storage of relevant information to adequately respond to future stressors in similar conditions. This effect of glucocorticoids is well-established and is observed in multiple types of behaviour that depend on various brain regions. By and large, higher glucocorticoid levels strengthen event-related memory, while inhibition of glucocorticoid signalling impairs consolidation. The mechanism underlying this glucocorticoid effect remains unclear, but it likely involves the transcriptional effects of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We here used a powerful paradigm to investigate the transcriptional effects of GR in the dorsal hippocampus of mice after training in an auditory fear conditioning task, aiming to identify a shortlist of GR target genes associated to memory consolidation. Therefore, we utilized in an explorative study the properties of selective GR modulators (CORT108297 and CORT118335), alongside the endogenous agonist corticosterone and the classical GR antagonist RU486, to pinpoint GR-dependent transcriptional changes. First, we confirmed that glucocorticoids can modulate memory strength via GR activation. Subsequently, by assessing the specific effects of the available GR-ligands on memory strength, we established a pharmacological filter which we imposed on the hippocampal transcriptome data. This identified a manageable shortlist of eight genes by which glucocorticoids may modulate memory consolidation, warranting in-depth follow-up. Overall, we showcase the strength of the concept of pharmacological transcriptome filtering, which can be readily applied to other research topics with an established role of glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobus C Buurstede
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Eduardo H L Umeoka
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Neuroscience and Behavioural Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcia Santos da Silva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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5
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Ventral hippocampal NMDA receptors mediate the effects of nicotine on stress-induced anxiety/exploratory behaviors in rats. Neurosci Lett 2022; 780:136649. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Somatostatin receptor 4 agonism normalizes stress-related excessive amygdala glutamate release and Pavlovian aversion learning and memory in rodents. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 2:470-479. [PMID: 36324659 PMCID: PMC9616361 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Excessive processing of aversive life events is a major pathology in stress-related anxiety and depressive disorders. Current pharmacological treatments have rather nonspecific mechanisms of action. Somatostatin is synthesized and released as an inhibitory co-neurotransmitter by specific GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) interneurons, and one of its receptors, SSTR4 (somatostatin receptor 4), is localized in brain regions involved in adaptive aversion processing and implicated in negative valence neuropathology, including the amygdala. Methods Rat and mouse experiments were conducted to investigate effects of specific SSTR4 agonism on neurobehavioral aversion processing, including any normalization of stress-related hyperresponsiveness. A mouse experiment to investigate stress and SSTR4 agonism effects on reward processing was also conducted. Results In male rats (n = 5–10/group) fitted with glutamate biosensors in basolateral amygdala, SSTR4 agonism attenuated glutamate release to restraint stress in control rats and particularly in rats previously exposed to chronic corticosterone. In male mice (n = 10–18/group), SSTR4 agonism dose-dependently attenuated Pavlovian tone/footshock learning and memory measured as freezing behavior, in both control mice and mice exposed to chronic social stress, which induces excessive Pavlovian aversion learning and memory. Specificity of SSTR4 agonism effects to aversion learning/memory was demonstrated by absence of effects on discriminative reward (sucrose) learning/memory in both control mice and mice exposed to chronic social stress; SSTR4 agonism did increase reward-to-effort valuation in a dose-dependent manner and in both control mice and mice exposed to chronic social stress, which attenuates reward motivation. Conclusions These neuropsychopharmacological findings add substantially to the preclinical proof-of-concept evidence for SSTR4 agonism as a treatment in anxiety and depressive disorders.
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Lesuis SL, Brosens N, Immerzeel N, van der Loo RJ, Mitrić M, Bielefeld P, Fitzsimons CP, Lucassen PJ, Kushner SA, van den Oever MC, Krugers HJ. Glucocorticoids Promote Fear Generalization by Increasing the Size of a Dentate Gyrus Engram Cell Population. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:494-504. [PMID: 34503674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic experiences, such as conditioned threat, are coded as enduring memories that are frequently subject to generalization, which is characterized by (re-) expression of fear in safe environments. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying threat generalization after a traumatic experience and the role of stress hormones in this process remain poorly understood. METHODS We examined the influence of glucocorticoid hormones on the strength and specificity of conditioned fear memory at the level of sparsely distributed dentate gyrus (DG) engram cells in male mice. RESULTS We found that elevating glucocorticoid hormones after fear conditioning induces a generalized contextual fear response. This was accompanied by a selective and persistent increase in the excitability and number of activated DG granule cells. Selective chemogenetic suppression of these sparse cells in the DG prevented glucocorticoid-induced fear generalization and restored contextual memory specificity, while leaving expression of auditory fear memory unaffected. CONCLUSIONS These results implicate the sparse ensemble of DG engram cells as a critical cellular substrate underlying fear generalization induced by glucocorticoid stress hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Niek Brosens
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Immerzeel
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rolinka J van der Loo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Miodrag Mitrić
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Bielefeld
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michel C van den Oever
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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8
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Mehdipour M, Emamghoreishi M, Farrokhi MR, Amirinezhadfard E, Keshavarz M. The Effect of Spironolactone on β-amyloid-Induced Memory Impairment in Male Rats: The Role of Microglial Inhibition. Adv Pharm Bull 2021; 12:623-631. [PMID: 35935039 PMCID: PMC9348523 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2022.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Neuroinflammation was indicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous reports have also signified that spironolactone has anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the modulatory effects of spironolactone on neuroinflammation and memory loss in a rat model of AD.
Methods: The β-amyloid protein fragment 25-35 (Aβ) was injected in the dorsal hippocampus (5 μg/2.5 μL each side) of male Sprague-Dawley rats for four consecutive days to induce memory impairment. Animals have intraperitoneally received spironolactone (10, 25, or 50 mg/kg, N = 6/ group) or vehicle for 14 days. The passive inhibitory avoidance and the novel recognition tests were used for memory evaluation. Neuroinflammation was assessed by measuring the level of Iba1 protein, a marker of microglial activation, using western immunoblotting.
Results: Different doses of spironolactone showed no significant changes in latency times and discriminations ratios in passive inhibitory avoidance and novel recognition tests, respectively, as compared to vehicle. However, spironolactone-treated groups showed significantly lower Iba1 protein levels in comparison to the vehicle-treated group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Spironolactone had a modulatory effect on neuroinflammation through a repressive effect on microglial activation with no valuable effect on memory improvement in a rat model of AD. The findings of this study suggest that Aβ-induced memory loss may not be directly linked to microglial activation. Spironolactone may be a potential candidate to be examined in other neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdipour
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Emamghoreishi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Majid Reza Farrokhi
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elahe Amirinezhadfard
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Keshavarz
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Sanguino‐Gómez J, Buurstede JC, Abiega O, Fitzsimons CP, Lucassen PJ, Eggen BJL, Lesuis SL, Meijer OC, Krugers HJ. An emerging role for microglia in stress‐effects on memory. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2491-2518. [PMID: 33724565 PMCID: PMC9373920 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stressful experiences evoke, among others, a rapid increase in brain (nor)epinephrine (NE) levels and a slower increase in glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) in the brain. Microglia are key regulators of neuronal function and contain receptors for NE and GCs. These brain cells may therefore potentially be involved in modulating stress effects on neuronal function and learning and memory. In this review, we discuss that stress induces (1) an increase in microglial numbers as well as (2) a shift toward a pro‐inflammatory profile. These microglia have (3) impaired crosstalk with neurons and (4) disrupted glutamate signaling. Moreover, microglial immune responses after stress (5) alter the kynurenine pathway through metabolites that impair glutamatergic transmission. All these effects could be involved in the impairments in memory and in synaptic plasticity caused by (prolonged) stress, implicating microglia as a potential novel target in stress‐related memory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacobus C. Buurstede
- Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Oihane Abiega
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Carlos P. Fitzsimons
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Bart J. L. Eggen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems Section Molecular Neurobiology University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Sylvie L. Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health Hospital for Sick Children Toronto ON Canada
| | - Onno C. Meijer
- Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
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10
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McCann KE, Lustberg DJ, Shaughnessy EK, Carstens KE, Farris S, Alexander GM, Radzicki D, Zhao M, Dudek SM. Novel role for mineralocorticoid receptors in control of a neuronal phenotype. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:350-364. [PMID: 31745235 PMCID: PMC7234915 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) in the brain play a role in learning and memory, neuronal differentiation, and regulation of the stress response. Within the hippocampus, the highest expression of MRs is in area CA2. CA2 pyramidal neurons have a distinct molecular makeup resulting in a plasticity-resistant phenotype, distinguishing them from neurons in CA1 and CA3. Thus, we asked whether MRs regulate CA2 neuron properties and CA2-related behaviors. Using three conditional knockout methods at different stages of development, we found a striking decrease in multiple molecular markers for CA2, an effect mimicked by chronic antagonism of MRs. Furthermore, embryonic deletion of MRs disrupted afferent inputs to CA2 and enabled synaptic potentiation of the normally LTP-resistant synaptic currents in CA2. We also found that CA2-targeted MR knockout was sufficient to disrupt social behavior and alter behavioral responses to novelty. Altogether, these results demonstrate an unappreciated role for MRs in controlling CA2 pyramidal cell identity and in facilitating CA2-dependent behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine E McCann
- Synaptic and Developmental Plasticity Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Daniel J Lustberg
- Synaptic and Developmental Plasticity Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emma K Shaughnessy
- Synaptic and Developmental Plasticity Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kelly E Carstens
- Synaptic and Developmental Plasticity Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Shannon Farris
- Synaptic and Developmental Plasticity Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Georgia M Alexander
- Synaptic and Developmental Plasticity Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Daniel Radzicki
- Synaptic and Developmental Plasticity Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Meilan Zhao
- Synaptic and Developmental Plasticity Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Serena M Dudek
- Synaptic and Developmental Plasticity Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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11
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Makhijani VH, Irukulapati P, Van Voorhies K, Fortino B, Besheer J. Central amygdala mineralocorticoid receptors modulate alcohol self-administration. Neuropharmacology 2020; 181:108337. [PMID: 33007359 PMCID: PMC7657087 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is an emerging target in the field of alcohol research. The MR is a steroid receptor in the same family as the glucocorticoid receptor, with which it shares the ligand corticosterone in addition to the MR selective ligand aldosterone. Recent studies have shown correlations between central amygdala (CeA) MR expression and alcohol drinking in rats and macaques, as well as correlations between aldosterone and alcohol craving in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Additionally, our previous work demonstrated that systemic treatment with the MR antagonist spironolactone reduced alcohol self-administration and response persistence in both male and female rats. This study examined if reductions in self-administration following MR antagonist treatment were related to dysregulation of MR-mediated corticosterone negative feedback. Female rats treated with spironolactone (50 mg/kg; IP) showed increased plasma corticosterone following self-administration, which correlated with reduced alcohol self-administration. Next, local microinjection of the MR-selective antagonist eplerenone was used to identify the brain-regional locus of MR action on alcohol self-administration. Eplerenone infusion produced dose-dependent reductions in alcohol self-administration in the CeA, but had no effect in the dorsal hippocampus. Finally, to assay the functional role of CeA MR expression in alcohol self-administration, CeA MR was knocked down by antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) infusion prior to alcohol self-administration. Rats showed a transient reduction in alcohol self-administration 1 day after ASO infusion. Together these studies demonstrate a functional role of CeA MR in modulating alcohol self-administration and make a case for studying MR antagonists as a novel treatment for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viren H Makhijani
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, USA; Neuroscience Curriculum, USA
| | | | | | | | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, USA; Neuroscience Curriculum, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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12
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Chen L, Shi R, She X, Gu C, Chong L, Zhang L, Li R. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist‐mediated cognitive improvement in a mouse model of Alzheimer's type: possible involvement of BDNF‐H
2
S‐Nrf2 signaling. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2020; 34:697-707. [PMID: 32484999 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Neurology Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital 256 Friendship West Road, Beilin District Xi’an Shaanxi 710068 China
| | - Rui Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital No. 256 Youyi West Road, Beilin District Xi'an City Shaanxi Province 710068 China
| | - Xia She
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Room Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital 256 Friendship West Road, Beilin District Xi’an Shaanxi 710068 China
| | - Chaochao Gu
- Department of Neurology Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital 256 Friendship West Road, Beilin District Xi’an Shaanxi 710068 China
| | - Li Chong
- Department of Neurology Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital 256 Friendship West Road, Beilin District Xi’an Shaanxi 710068 China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Neurology Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital 256 Friendship West Road, Beilin District Xi’an Shaanxi 710068 China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital 256 Friendship West Road, Beilin District Xi’an Shaanxi 710068 China
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Ding J, da Silva MS, Lingeman J, Chen X, Shi Y, Han F, Meijer OC. Late glucocorticoid receptor antagonism changes the outcome of adult life stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 107:169-178. [PMID: 31132569 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stressors activate a wide spectrum of interacting hormonal and neuronal systems resulting in behavioral and physiological responses, with consequences for the development of psychopathology. Several recent studies demonstrated that treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486 during adulthood normalized effects of early life stress. We aimed to evaluate the potential of RU486 to reverse stress-induced changes in an animal model of adult stress. METHOD We employed the single-prolonged stress (SPS) model as a multimodal stress exposure protocol in male rats. SPS rats and unstressed controls were treated with RU486 on days 8, 9, 10 after stress exposure and the effects of treatment were evaluated after another 4 days. We determined body weight gain, corticosterone levels, behavioral reactivity in anxiety tests, and brain gene expression of c-fos, corticosteroid receptors, drivers of the stress response and genes (epi-)genitally linked to PTSD. RESULTS RU486 affected body weight gain, corticosterone levels and open field behavior only in SPS rats. RU486 had history-independent effects in reducing fear in the elevated plus maze and fear conditioning behavior. Gene expression analysis showed a diversity of in- and interdependent effects of stress and RU486. CONCLUSION The effects of RU486 applied 1 week after stress and measured 4 days after treatment demonstrate that in the state of post-SPS the GR-dependence of homeostatic processes has changed. This suggests that GR-mediated processes are part of allostatic regulation after adult stress. The normalization of a number of SPS-effects after RU486 treatment reinforces the potential of targeting GR for treatment of stress-related psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlan Ding
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; PTSD Lab, Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Marcia Santos da Silva
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanthe Lingeman
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xinzhao Chen
- PTSD Lab, Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yuxiu Shi
- PTSD Lab, Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Fang Han
- PTSD Lab, Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Lesuis SL, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early life stress amplifies fear responses and hippocampal synaptic potentiation in the APPswe/PS1dE9 Alzheimer mouse model. Neuroscience 2019; 454:151-161. [PMID: 31302265 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits and alterations in emotional behaviour are typical features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, exposure to stress or adversity during the early life period has been associated with an acceleration of cognitive deficits and increased AD pathology in transgenic AD mouse models. Whether and how early life adversity affects fear memory in AD mice remains elusive. We therefore investigated whether exposure to early life stress (ELS) alters fear learning in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, a classic mouse model for AD, and whether this is accompanied by alterations in hippocampal synaptic potentiation, an important cellular substrate for learning and memory. Transgenic APPswe/PS1dE9 mice were subjected to ELS by housing the dams and her pups with limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal days 2-9. Following a fear conditioning paradigm, 12-month-old ELS-exposed APPswe/PS1dE9 mice displayed enhanced contextual freezing behaviour, both in the conditioning context and in a novel context. ELS-exposed APPswe/PS1dE9 mice also displayed enhanced hippocampal synaptic potentiation, even in the presence of the GluN2B antagonist Ro25-6981 (which prevented synaptic potentiation in control mice). No differences in the level of PSD-95 or synaptophysin were observed between the groups. We conclude that in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, ELS increases fear memory in the conditioning context as well as a novel context, which is accompanied by aberrant hippocampal synaptic potentiation. These results may help to understand how individual differences in the vulnerability to develop AD arise and emphasise the importance of the early postnatal time window in these differences. This article is part of Special Issue entitled: Lifestyle and Brain Metaplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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15
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Simon-Kutscher K, Wanke N, Hiller C, Schwabe L. Fear Without Context: Acute Stress Modulates the Balance of Cue-Dependent and Contextual Fear Learning. Psychol Sci 2019; 30:1123-1135. [DOI: 10.1177/0956797619852027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During a threatening encounter, people can learn to associate the aversive event with a discrete preceding cue or with the context in which the event took place, corresponding to cue-dependent and context-dependent fear conditioning, respectively. Which of these forms of fear learning prevails has critical implications for fear-related psychopathology. We tested here whether acute stress may modulate the balance of cue-dependent and contextual fear learning. Participants ( N = 72) underwent a stress or control manipulation 30 min before they completed a fear-learning task in a virtual environment that allowed both cued and contextual fear learning. Results showed equally strong cue- and context-dependent fear conditioning in the control group. Stress, however, abolished contextual fear learning, which was directly correlated with the activity of the stress hormone cortisol, and made cue-dependent fear more resistant to extinction. These results are the first to show that stress favors cue-dependent over contextual fear learning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadine Wanke
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Hamburg
| | - Carlo Hiller
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Hamburg
| | - Lars Schwabe
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Hamburg
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16
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Engler L, Adolf C, Heinrich DA, Brem AK, Riester A, Franke A, Beuschlein F, Reincke M, Steiger A, Künzel H. Effects of chronically high levels of aldosterone on different cognitive dimensions: an investigation in patients with primary aldosteronism. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:407-415. [PMID: 30865927 PMCID: PMC6454298 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is a natural model for chronic aldosterone excess in humans and associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cognitive deficits are inherent to the symptomatology of depression and anxiety disorders. Mineralocorticoid receptors and aldosterone appear to play a role in memory. Aldosterone was additionally supposed to be a risk factor for cognitive decline in patients with essential hypertension. The objective of this study was to investigate possible effects of chronically high aldosterone concentrations on cognitive function. A range of cognitive dimensions were assessed in 19 patients (9 males, 10 females); mean age 47.1 (12.5) under standardized treatment and several rating scales for anxiety, depression, quality of life and sleep were administered. Cognitive parameters were compared to standard norms from a large, healthy standardization sample. Patients showed increased levels of anxiety and depression without meeting diagnostic criteria for a disorder. Besides a numerically lower attention score, patients did not show any significant differences in the cognitive dimensions. Anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with quantitative performance in males. In females, a negative correlation between sleep disturbances and abstract reasoning and a positive correlation with quantitative performance were found. Our data showed no specific effect of chronic aldosterone in the tested cognitive parameters overall at least in younger patients, but they indicate sexually dimorphic regulation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Engler
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munchen, Germany
| | - Christian Adolf
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munchen, Germany
| | - Daniel A Heinrich
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munchen, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharine Brem
- Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Division of Interventional Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna Riester
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munchen, Germany
| | - Anna Franke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munchen, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munchen, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munchen, Germany
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Reincke:
| | - Axel Steiger
- Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Heike Künzel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munchen, Germany
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Lesuis SL, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early life stress impairs fear memory and synaptic plasticity; a potential role for GluN2B. Neuropharmacology 2019; 149:195-203. [PMID: 30641077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Programming of the brain by early life stress has been associated with alterations in structure and function of the dorsal hippocampus. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. In this study, we examined the effects of early life stress (ELS) - by housing mouse dams with limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal days 2-9 and examined in 6 month old offspring; 1) auditory fear conditioning, 2) expression of the hippocampal N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) subunits 2A and 2B (GluN2A, GluN2B), and expression of PSD-95 and synaptophysin, and 3) short- and long-term (LTP) synaptic plasticity. Given its critical role in NMDA receptor function and synaptic plasticity, we further examined the role of GluN2B in effects of ELS on synaptic plasticity and fear memory formation. We demonstrate that ELS impaired fear memory in 6 month old mice and decreased hippocampal LTP as well as the paired-pulse ratio (PPR). ELS also reduced hippocampal GluN2B expression. Interestingly, pharmacological blockade of GluN2B with the selective antagonist Ro25 6981 was less effective to reduce synaptic plasticity in ELS mice, and was also ineffective to impair memory retrieval in ELS mice. These studies suggest that ELS reduces hippocampal synaptic plasticity and fear memory formation and hampers GluN2B receptor function. As such, GluN2B may provide an important target for future strategies to prevent lasting ELS effects on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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18
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Brain Mineralocorticoid Receptors and Resilience to Stress. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2019; 109:341-359. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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19
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Caldwell KK, Solomon ER, Smoake JJW, Djatche de Kamgaing CD, Allan AM. Sex-specific deficits in biochemical but not behavioral responses to delay fear conditioning in prenatal alcohol exposure mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 156:1-16. [PMID: 30316893 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in clinical populations and preclinical models have shown that prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with impairments in the acquisition, consolidation and recall of information, with deficits in hippocampal formation-dependent learning and memory being a common finding. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) are key regulators of hippocampal formation development, structure and functioning and, thus, are potential mediators of PAE's effects on this brain region. In the present studies, we employed a well-characterized mouse model of PAE to identify biochemical mechanisms that may underlie activity-dependent learning and memory deficits associated with PAE. METHODS Mouse dams consumed either 10% (w/v) ethanol in 0.066% (w/v) saccharin (SAC) or 0.066% (w/v) SAC alone using a limited (4-h) access, drinking-in-the-dark paradigm. Male and female offspring (∼180-days of age) were trained using a delay conditioning procedure and contextual fear responses (freezing behavior) were measured 24 h later. Hippocampal formation tissue and blood were collected from three behavioral groups of animals: 20 min following conditioning (conditioning only group), 20 min following the re-exposure to the context (conditioning plus re-exposure group), and behaviorally naïve (naïve group) mice. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Immunoblotting techniques were used to measure protein levels of the GR, MR, ERK1 and ERK2 in nuclear and membrane fractions prepared from the hippocampal formation. RESULTS Adult SAC control male and female mice displayed similar levels of contextual fear. However, significant sex differences were observed in freezing exhibited during the conditioning session. Compared to same-sex SAC controls, male and female PAE mice demonstrated context fear deficits While plasma corticosterone concentrations were elevated in PAE males and females relative to their respective SAC naïve controls, plasma corticosterone concentrations in the conditioning only and conditioning plus re-exposure groups were similar in SAC and PAE animals. Relative to the respective naïve group, nuclear GR protein levels were increased in SAC, but not PAE, male hippocampal formation in the conditioning only group. In contrast, no difference was observed between nuclear GR levels in the naïve and conditioning plus re-exposure groups. In females, nuclear GR levels were significantly reduced by PAE but there was no effect of behavioral group or interaction between prenatal treatment and behavioral group. In males, nuclear MR levels were significantly elevated in the SAC conditioning plus re-exposure group compared to SAC naïve mice. In PAE females, nuclear MR levels were elevated in both the conditioning only and conditioning plus re-exposure groups relative to the naïve group. Levels of activated ERK2 (phospho-ERK2 expressed relative to total ERK2) protein were elevated in SAC, but not PAE, males following context re-exposure, and a significant interaction between prenatal exposure group and behavioral group was found. No main effects or interactions of behavioral group and prenatal treatment on nuclear ERK2 were found in female mice. These findings suggest a sex difference in which molecular pathways are activated during fear conditioning in mice. CONCLUSIONS In PAE males, the deficits in contextual fear were associated with the loss of responsiveness of hippocampal formation nuclear GR, MR and ERK2 to signals generated by fear conditioning and context re-exposure. In contrast, the contextual fear deficit in PAE female mice does not appear to be associated with activity-dependent changes in GR and MR levels or ERK2 activation during training or memory recall, although an overall reduction in nuclear GR levels may play a role. These studies add to a growing body of literature demonstrating that, at least partially, different mechanisms underlie learning, memory formation and memory recall in males and females and that these pathways are differentially affected by PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Caldwell
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Elizabeth R Solomon
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Jane J W Smoake
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Chrys D Djatche de Kamgaing
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Andrea M Allan
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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20
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Lesuis SL, Catsburg LAE, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Effects of corticosterone on mild auditory fear conditioning and extinction; role of sex and training paradigm. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:544-549. [PMID: 30224557 PMCID: PMC6149954 DOI: 10.1101/lm.047811.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that glucocorticoid hormones enhance memory consolidation of fearful events. However, most of these studies involve male individuals. Since anxiety, fear, and fear-associated disorders present differently in male and female subjects we investigated in mice whether male and female mice perform differently in a mild, auditory fear conditioning task and tested the modulatory role of glucocorticoid hormones. Using an auditory fear conditioning paradigm with different footshock intensities (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mA) and frequencies (1× or 3×), we find that intraperitoneal injections with corticosterone (2 mg/kg) immediately after training, altered freezing behavior when repeated footshocks were applied, and that the direction of the effects were opposite in male and female mice. Effects were independent of footshock intensity. In male mice, corticosterone consistently increased freezing behavior in response to the tone, whereas in female mice, corticosterone reduced freezing behavior 24 h after training. These effects were not related to the phase of the oestrous cycle. In addition, corticosterone enhanced extinction learning for all tones, in both male and female mice. These results emphasize that glucocorticoid hormones influence memory consolidation and retrieval, and underscore sex-specific effects of glucocorticoid hormones in modulating conditioned fear responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa A E Catsburg
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Makhijani VH, Van Voorhies K, Besheer J. The mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone reduces alcohol self-administration in female and male rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 175:10-18. [PMID: 30171933 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol/corticosterone and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis serve an important role in modulating alcohol drinking behaviors. To date most alcohol research has focused on the functional involvement of corticosterone and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the primary receptor for corticosterone. Recent studies have indicated that the related mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which binds both corticosterone and aldosterone, may also play a role in alcohol drinking. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to test the functional role of MR signaling in alcohol self-administration via pharmacological antagonism of the MR with spironolactone. Male and female Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer a sweetened alcohol solution (15% (v/v) alcohol +2% (w/v) sucrose). The effects of spironolactone (0, 10, 25, 50 mg/kg; IP) were tested on alcohol self-administration and under "probe extinction" conditions to measure the persistence of responding in the absence of the alcohol reinforcer. Parallel experiments in sucrose self-administration trained rats were used to confirm the specificity of spironolactone effects to an alcohol reinforcer. In female rats spironolactone (50 mg/kg) reduced alcohol self-administration and persistence of alcohol responding. In male rats spironolactone (25 and 50 mg/kg) reduced alcohol self-administration, but not persistence of alcohol responding. Spironolactone reduced sucrose intake in female rats only, and locomotion in male and female rats during sucrose self-administration. There was no effect of spironolactone on persistence of sucrose responding. These studies add to growing evidence that the MR is involved in alcohol drinking, while underscoring the importance of studying both male and female animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viren H Makhijani
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kalynn Van Voorhies
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Shirtcliff EA, Skinner ML, Obasi EM, Haggerty KP. Positive parenting predicts cortisol functioning six years later in young adults. Dev Sci 2017; 20:10.1111/desc.12461. [PMID: 28139051 PMCID: PMC5689081 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Research which indicates that adverse experiences influence hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning illustrates the social environment 'getting under the skin'. The present study extended this literature by examining whether positive social forces within the caregiving environment can also impact cortisol functioning. We conducted a prospective investigation of over 300 youth, half of whom were White and half were Black. Attachment, bonding and parental rewards for positive behaviors were observed or reported by the youth as an 8th grader. Twelve repeated measures of salivary cortisol were examined six years later when youth were young adults (mean age 20). Race differences were explored. Stronger attachment, bonding and teen-reported positive parenting were predictive of high waking cortisol and steeper diurnal slopes six years later. This effect was nonlinear and additive, such that youth whose social contexts were characterized by the strongest attachment, bonding and rewarding parental relationships had the highest waking cortisol. When effects were moderated by race, findings were such that links of positive parenting with HPA functioning were more consistent for White than Black youth. Findings suggest that positive aspects of the caregiving environment can also 'get under the skin' and these effects are additive across a range of caregiving indices. These findings dovetail with an emerging literature on the powerful role of social support for shaping the body's stress response system and are interpreted as consistent with the Adaptive Calibration Model which suggests that cortisol regulation can have adaptive significance. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/8evHXpt_TXM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martie L Skinner
- Social Development Research Group, University of Washington-Seattle, USA
| | | | - Kevin P Haggerty
- Social Development Research Group, University of Washington-Seattle, USA
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Uncertainty and stress: Why it causes diseases and how it is mastered by the brain. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 156:164-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Early postnatal handling reduces hippocampal amyloid plaque formation and enhances cognitive performance in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice at middle age. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 144:27-35. [PMID: 28579367 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In rodents, fragmented and low levels of maternal care have been implicated in age-related cognitive decline and the incidence and progression of Alzheimer's pathology. In contrast, enhancing early postnatal maternal care has been associated with improved cognitive function later in life. Here we examined whether early postnatal handling of mouse pups from postnatal days 2-9 enhanced maternal care and whether this affected cognition and Alzheimer pathology at 5 and 11months of age in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model for Alzheimer's disease. Brief, 15min daily episodes of separating offspring from their dams from postnatal days 2-9 (early handling, EH) increased maternal care of the dam towards her pups upon reunion. At 11 (but not 5) months of age, EH APPswe/PS1dE1 mice displayed significantly reduced amyloid plaque pathology in the hippocampus. At this age, EH also prevented short-term working memory deficits while restoring impairments in contextual fear memory formation in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. EH did not modulate amyloid pathology in the amygdala, nor did it affect auditory fear conditioning deficits in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. We conclude that increased levels of maternal care during the early life period delays amyloid accumulation and cognitive decline in an Alzheimer's mouse model, involving the hippocampus, but not to the amygdala. These studies highlight the importance of the early postnatal period in modulating resilience to develop Alzheimer's pathology later in life.
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Kanatsou S, Karst H, Kortesidou D, van den Akker RA, den Blaauwen J, Harris AP, Seckl JR, Krugers HJ, Joels M. Overexpression of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in the Mouse Forebrain Partly Alleviates the Effects of Chronic Early Life Stress on Spatial Memory, Neurogenesis and Synaptic Function in the Dentate Gyrus. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:132. [PMID: 28611594 PMCID: PMC5447008 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from human studies suggests that high expression of brain mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) may promote resilience against negative consequences of stress exposure, including childhood trauma. We examined, in mice, whether brain MR overexpression can alleviate the effects of chronic early life stress (ELS) on contextual memory formation under low and high stress conditions, and neurogenesis and synaptic function of dentate gyrus granular cells. Male mice were exposed to ELS by housing the dam with limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 9. We investigated the moderating role of MRs by using forebrain-specific transgenic MR overexpression (MR-tg) mice. Low-stress contextual (i.e., object relocation) memory formation was hampered by ELS in wildtype but not MR-tg mice. Anxiety like behavior and high-stress contextual (i.e., fear) memory formation were unaffected by ELS and/or MR expression level. At the cellular level, an interaction effect was observed between ELS and MR overexpression on the number of doublecortin-positive cells, with a significant difference between the wildtype ELS and MR-tg ELS groups. No interaction was found regarding Ki-67 and BrdU staining. A significant interaction between ELS and MR expression was further observed with regard to mEPSCs and mIPSC frequency. The ratio of evoked EPSC/IPSC or NMDA/AMPA responses was unaffected. Overall, these results suggest that ELS affects contextual memory formation under low stress conditions as well as neurogenesis and synaptic transmission in dentate granule cells, an effect that can be alleviated by MR-overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Kanatsou
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands.,Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henk Karst
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Despoina Kortesidou
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rachelle A van den Akker
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan den Blaauwen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anjanette P Harris
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of EdinburghEdinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan R Seckl
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of EdinburghEdinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
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Hamstra DA, de Kloet ER, Quataert I, Jansen M, Van der Does W. Mineralocorticoid receptor haplotype, estradiol, progesterone and emotional information processing. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 76:162-173. [PMID: 27936434 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carriers of MR-haplotype 1 and 3 (GA/CG; rs5522 and rs2070951) are more sensitive to the influence of oral contraceptives (OC) and menstrual cycle phase on emotional information processing than MR-haplotype 2 (CA) carriers. We investigated whether this effect is associated with estradiol (E2) and/or progesterone (P4) levels. METHOD Healthy MR-genotyped premenopausal women were tested twice in a counterbalanced design. Naturally cycling (NC) women were tested in the early-follicular and mid-luteal phase and OC-users during OC-intake and in the pill-free week. At both sessions E2 and P4 were assessed in saliva. Tests included implicit and explicit positive and negative affect, attentional blink accuracy, emotional memory, emotion recognition, and risky decision-making (gambling). RESULTS MR-haplotype 2 homozygotes had higher implicit happiness scores than MR-haplotype 2 heterozygotes (p=0.031) and MR-haplotype 1/3 carriers (p<0.001). MR-haplotype 2 homozygotes also had longer reaction times to happy faces in an emotion recognition test than MR-haplotype 1/3 (p=0.001). Practice effects were observed for most measures. The pattern of correlations between information processing and P4 or E2 differed between sessions, as well as the moderating effects of the MR genotype. In the first session the MR-genotype moderated the influence of P4 on implicit anxiety (sr=-0.30; p=0.005): higher P4 was associated with reduction in implicit anxiety, but only in MR-haplotype 2 homozygotes (sr=-0.61; p=0.012). In the second session the MR-genotype moderated the influence of E2 on the recognition of facial expressions of happiness (sr=-0.21; p=0.035): only in MR-haplotype 1/3 higher E2 was correlated with happiness recognition (sr=0.29; p=0.005). In the second session higher E2 and P4 were negatively correlated with accuracy in lag2 trials of the attentional blink task (p<0.001). Thus NC women, compared to OC-users, performed worse on lag 2 trials (p=0.041). CONCLUSION The higher implicit happiness scores of MR-haplotype 2 homozygotes are in line with previous reports. Performance in the attentional blink task may be influenced by OC-use. The MR-genotype moderates the influence of E2 and P4 on emotional information processing. This moderating effect may depend on the novelty of the situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Hamstra
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Ina Quataert
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Myrthe Jansen
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Willem Van der Does
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
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27
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Hamstra DA, de Kloet ER, Tollenaar M, Verkuil B, Manai M, Putman P, Van der Does W. Mineralocorticoid receptor haplotype moderates the effects of oral contraceptives and menstrual cycle on emotional information processing. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:1054-61. [PMID: 27222270 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116647504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The processing of emotional information is affected by menstrual cycle phase and by the use of oral contraceptives (OCs). The stress hormone cortisol is known to affect emotional information processing via the limbic mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). OBJECTIVES We investigated in an exploratory study whether the MR-genotype moderates the effect of both OC-use and menstrual cycle phase on emotional cognition. METHODS Healthy premenopausal volunteers (n=93) of West-European descent completed a battery of emotional cognition tests. Forty-nine participants were OC users and 44 naturally cycling, 21 of whom were tested in the early follicular (EF) and 23 in the mid-luteal (ML) phase of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS In MR-haplotype 1/3 carriers, ML women gambled more than EF women when their risk to lose was relatively small. In MR-haplotype 2, ML women gambled more than EF women, regardless of their odds of winning. OC-users with MR-haplotype 1/3 recognised fewer facial expressions than ML women with MR-haplotype 1/3. CONCLUSION MR-haplotype 1/3 carriers may be more sensitive to the influence of their female hormonal status. MR-haplotype 2 carriers showed more risky decision-making. As this may reflect optimistic expectations, this finding may support previous observations in female carriers of MR-haplotype 2 in a naturalistic cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Hamstra
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Tollenaar
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Verkuil
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Meriem Manai
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Putman
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Willem Van der Does
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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28
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de Kloet ER, Otte C, Kumsta R, Kok L, Hillegers MHJ, Hasselmann H, Kliegel D, Joëls M. Stress and Depression: a Crucial Role of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 26970338 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol and corticosterone act on the appraisal process, which comprises the selection of an appropriate coping style and the encoding of the experience for storage in the memory. This action exerted by the stress hormones is mediated by mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), which are expressed abundantly in the limbic circuitry, particularly in the hippocampus. Limbic MR is down-regulated by chronic stress and during depression but induced by antidepressants. Increased MR activity inhibits hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, promotes slow wave sleep, reduces anxiety and switches circuit connectivity to support coping. Cortisol and emotion-cognition are affected by MR gene haplotypes based on rs5522 and rs2070951. Haplotype 1 (GA) moderates the effects of (early) life stressors, reproductive cycle and oral contraceptives. MR haplotype 2 (CA) is a gain of function variant that protects females against depression by association with an optimistic, resilient phenotype. Activation of MR therefore may offer a target for alleviating depression and cognitive dysfunction. Accordingly, the MR agonist fludrocortisone was found to enhance the efficacy of antidepressants and to improve memory and executive functions in young depressed patients. In conclusion, CORT coordinates via MR the networks underlying how an individual copes with stress, and this action is complemented by the widely distributed lower affinity glucocorticoid receptor (GR) involved in the subsequent management of stress adaptation. In this MR:GR regulation, the MR is an important target for promoting resilience.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptation, Psychological
- Animals
- Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/physiopathology
- Corticosterone/metabolism
- Corticosterone/physiology
- Depression/metabolism
- Depression/physiopathology
- Fludrocortisone/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/metabolism
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/physiology
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/agonists
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/genetics
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/metabolism
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/physiology
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- E R de Kloet
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C Otte
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - R Kumsta
- Genetic Psychology, Fakultät für Psychologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - L Kok
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M H J Hillegers
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H Hasselmann
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - D Kliegel
- Department of Biological und Clinical Psychology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - M Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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29
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Xiong H, Cassé F, Zhou M, Xiong ZQ, Joels M, Martin S, Krugers HJ. Interactions between N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor and GluA2 contribute to effects of glucocorticoid hormones on AMPA receptor function in the rodent hippocampus. Hippocampus 2016; 26:848-56. [PMID: 26766634 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones, via activation of their receptors, promote memory consolidation, but the exact underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We examined how corticosterone regulates AMPA receptor (AMPAR) availability in the synapse, which is important for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Peptides which specifically block the interaction between N-Ethylmaleimide-Sensitive Factor (NSF) and the AMPAR-subunit GluA2 prevented the increase in synaptic transmission and surface expression of AMPARs known to occur after corticosterone application to hippocampal neurons. Combining a live imaging Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) approach with the use of the pH-sensitive GFP-AMPAR tagging revealed that this NSF/GluA2 interaction was also essential for the increase of the mobile fraction and reduction of the diffusion of AMPARs after treating hippocampal neurons with corticosterone. We conclude that the interaction between NSF and GluA2 contributes to the effects of corticosterone on AMPAR function. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Cassé
- Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique, University of Nice - Sophia-Antipolis Institut De Pharmacologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire, UMR7275, Valbonne, 06560, France
| | - Ming Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 20031, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Stéphane Martin
- Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique, University of Nice - Sophia-Antipolis Institut De Pharmacologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire, UMR7275, Valbonne, 06560, France
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
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30
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Cognitive Adaptation under Stress: A Case for the Mineralocorticoid Receptor. Trends Cogn Sci 2016; 20:192-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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31
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Seo M, Song M, Seok YM, Kang SH, Lee HA, Sohn UD, Kim IK. Lysine acetyltransferases cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding binding protein and acetyltransferase p300 attenuate transcriptional activity of the mineralocorticoid receptor through its acetylation. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 42:559-66. [PMID: 25707758 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acetylation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) by inhibition of lysine deacetylases attenuates MR's transcriptional activity. However, the specific lysine acetyltransferases that are responsible for acetylation of the MR remain unknown. We hypothesized that the acetyltransferases cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding binding protein (CBP) and acetyltransferase p300 (p300) attenuate transcriptional activity of the MR through its acetylation. Expression of MR target genes was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Recruitment of MR and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) on promoters of target genes was analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Acetylation of the MR was determined by western blot with an anti-acetyl-lysine antibody after immunoprecipitation with an anti-MR antibody. In human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, overexpression of CBP or p300, but not p300/CBP-associated factor, increased MR acetylation and decreased expression of MR target genes. The downregulation of target genes coincided with a decrease in the recruitment of MR and Pol II to specific hormone response elements. These results demonstrate that overexpression of CBP or p300 attenuates the transcriptional activity of the MR through its acetylation in HEK 293 cells. Our data provide strong evidence identifying CBP and p300 as lysine acetyltransferases responsible for the regulation of MR that may provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchul Seo
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea; Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju, Korea
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32
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Kanatsou S, Ter Horst JP, Harris AP, Seckl JR, Krugers HJ, Joëls M. Effects of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Overexpression on Anxiety and Memory after Early Life Stress in Female Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 9:374. [PMID: 26858618 PMCID: PMC4726803 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) is a risk factor for the development of psychopathology, particularly in women. Human studies have shown that certain haplotypes of NR3C2, encoding the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), that result in gain of function, may protect against the consequences of stress exposure, including childhood trauma. Here, we tested the hypothesis that forebrain-specific overexpression of MR in female mice would ameliorate the effects of ELS on anxiety and memory in adulthood. We found that ELS increased anxiety, did not alter spatial discrimination and reduced contextual fear memory in adult female mice. Transgenic overexpression of MR did not alter anxiety but affected spatial memory performance and enhanced contextual fear memory formation. The effects of ELS on anxiety and contextual fear were not affected by transgenic overexpression of MR. Thus, MR overexpression in the forebrain does not represent a major resilience factor to early life adversity in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Kanatsou
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Judith P Ter Horst
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anjanette P Harris
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jonathan R Seckl
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
| | - Harmen J Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
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33
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Vogel S, Klumpers F, Kroes MCW, Oplaat KT, Krugers HJ, Oitzl MS, Joëls M, Fernández G. A Stress-Induced Shift From Trace to Delay Conditioning Depends on the Mineralocorticoid Receptor. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 78:830-9. [PMID: 25823790 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear learning in stressful situations is highly adaptive for survival by steering behavior in subsequent situations, but fear learning can become disproportionate in vulnerable individuals. Despite the potential clinical significance, the mechanism by which stress modulates fear learning is poorly understood. Memory theories state that stress can cause a shift away from more controlled processing depending on the hippocampus toward more reflexive processing supported by the amygdala and striatum. This shift may be mediated by activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) for cortisol. We investigated how stress shifts processes underlying cognitively demanding learning versus less demanding fear learning using a combined trace and delay fear conditioning paradigm. METHODS In a pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we tested 101 healthy men probing the effects of stress (socially evaluated cold pressor vs. control procedure) and MR-availability (400 mg spironolactone vs. placebo) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, full-factorial, between-subjects design. RESULTS Effective stress induction and successful conditioning were confirmed by subjective, physiologic, and somatic data. In line with a stress-induced shift, stress enhanced later recall of delay compared with trace conditioning in the MR-available groups as indexed by skin conductance responses. During learning, this was accompanied by a stress-induced reduction of learning-related hippocampal activity for trace conditioning. The stress-induced shift in fear and neural processing was absent in the MR-blocked groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results are in line with a stress-induced shift in fear learning, mediated by the MR, resulting in a dominance of cognitively less demanding amygdala-based learning, which might be particularly prominent in individuals with high MR sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Vogel
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen.
| | - Floris Klumpers
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen
| | | | | | | | - Melly S Oitzl
- Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
| | - Marian Joëls
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Guillén Fernández
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen
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Overexpression of Mineralocorticoid Receptors Partially Prevents Chronic Stress-Induced Reductions in Hippocampal Memory and Structural Plasticity. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142012. [PMID: 26600250 PMCID: PMC4658081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to chronic stress is a risk factor for cognitive decline and psychopathology in genetically predisposed individuals. Preliminary evidence in humans suggests that mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) may confer resilience to these stress-related changes. We specifically tested this idea using a well-controlled mouse model for chronic stress in combination with transgenic MR overexpression in the forebrain. Exposure to unpredictable stressors for 21 days in adulthood reduced learning and memory formation in a low arousing hippocampus-dependent contextual learning task, but enhanced stressful contextual fear learning. We found support for a moderating effect of MR background on chronic stress only for contextual memory formation under low arousing conditions. In an attempt to understand potentially contributing factors, we studied structural plasticity. Chronic stress altered dendritic morphology in the hippocampal CA3 area and reduced the total number of doublecortin-positive immature neurons in the infrapyramidal blade of the dentate gyrus. The latter reduction was absent in MR overexpressing mice. We therefore provide partial support for the idea that overexpression of MRs may confer resilience to the effects of chronic stress on hippocampus-dependent function and structural plasticity.
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35
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Xiong H, Cassé F, Zhou Y, Zhou M, Xiong ZQ, Joëls M, Martin S, Krugers HJ. mTOR is essential for corticosteroid effects on hippocampal AMPA receptor function and fear memory. Learn Mem 2015; 22:577-83. [PMID: 26572647 PMCID: PMC4749735 DOI: 10.1101/lm.039420.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones, via activation of their receptors, promote memory consolidation, but the exact underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We examined how corticosterone regulates AMPA receptors (AMPARs), which are crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Combining a live imaging fluorescent recovery after photobleaching approach with the use of the pH-sensitive GFP-AMPAR tagging revealed that corticosterone enhances the AMPAR mobile fraction and increases synaptic trapping of AMPARs in hippocampal cells. In parallel, corticosterone-enhanced AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission. Blocking the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway prevented the effects of corticosterone on both AMPAR trapping—but not on the mobile fraction—and synaptic transmission. Blocking the mTOR pathway also prevented the memory enhancing effects of corticosterone in a contextual fear-conditioning paradigm. We conclude that activation of the mTOR pathway is essential for the effects of corticosterone on synaptic trapping of AMPARs and, possibly as a consequence, fearful memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Cassé
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR-7275, University of Nice, Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne 06560, France
| | - Yang Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Stéphane Martin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR-7275, University of Nice, Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne 06560, France
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
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Atucha E, Zalachoras I, van den Heuvel JK, van Weert LTCM, Melchers D, Mol IM, Belanoff JK, Houtman R, Hunt H, Roozendaal B, Meijer OC. A Mixed Glucocorticoid/Mineralocorticoid Selective Modulator With Dominant Antagonism in the Male Rat Brain. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4105-14. [PMID: 26305887 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal glucocorticoid hormones are potent modulators of brain function in the context of acute and chronic stress. Both mineralocorticoid (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) can mediate these effects. We studied the brain effects of a novel ligand, C118335, with high affinity for GRs and modest affinity for MRs. In vitro profiling of receptor-coregulator interactions suggested that the compound is a "selective modulator" type compound for GRs that can have both agonistic and antagonistic effects. Its molecular profile for MRs was highly similar to those of the full antagonists spironolactone and eplerenone. C118335 showed predominantly antagonistic effects on hippocampal mRNA regulation of known glucocorticoid target genes. Likewise, systemic administration of C118335 blocked the GR-mediated posttraining corticosterone-induced enhancement of memory consolidation in an inhibitory avoidance task. Posttraining administration of C118335, however, gave a strong and dose-dependent impairment of memory consolidation that, surprisingly, reflected involvement of MRs and not GRs. Finally, C118335 treatment acutely suppressed the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis as measured by plasma corticosterone levels. Mixed GR/MR ligands, such as C118335, can be used to unravel the mechanisms of glucocorticoid signaling. The compound is also a prototype of mixed GR/MR ligands that might alleviate the harmful effects of chronic overexposure to endogenous glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Atucha
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - Ioannis Zalachoras
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - José K van den Heuvel
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - Lisa T C M van Weert
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - Diana Melchers
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - Isabel M Mol
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - Joseph K Belanoff
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - René Houtman
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - Hazel Hunt
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (E.A., L.T.C.M.v.W., B.R.) Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine (I.Z., J.K.v.d.H., L.T.C.M.v.W., I.M.M., O.C.M.), Division of Endocrinology, Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; PamGene International (D.M., R.H.), 2511 HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and Corcept Therapeutics (J.K.B., H.H.), Menlo Park, California 94025
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Kanatsou S, Kuil LE, Arp M, Oitzl MS, Harris AP, Seckl JR, Krugers HJ, Joels M. Overexpression of mineralocorticoid receptors does not affect memory and anxiety-like behavior in female mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:182. [PMID: 26236208 PMCID: PMC4501076 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) have been implicated in behavioral adaptation and learning and memory. Since-at least in humans-MR function seems to be sex-dependent, we examined the behavioral relevance of MR in female mice exhibiting transgenic MR overexpression in the forebrain. Transgenic MR overexpression did not affect contextual fear memory or cued fear learning and memory. Moreover, MR overexpressing and control mice discriminated equally well between fear responses in a combined cue and context fear conditioning paradigm. Also context-memory in an object recognition task was unaffected in MR overexpressing mice. We conclude that MR overexpression in female animals does not affect fear conditioned responses and object recognition memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Kanatsou
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Laura E Kuil
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marit Arp
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Melly S Oitzl
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anjanette P Harris
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jonathan R Seckl
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
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38
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Xiong H, Krugers HJ. Tuning hippocampal synapses by stress-hormones: Relevance for emotional memory formation. Brain Res 2015; 1621:114-20. [PMID: 25907153 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
While stress is often associated with an increased risk to develop (psycho) pathology, the initial response after exposure to stressors is often highly beneficial and allows individuals to optimally cope with challenging situations. Various neurotransmitters and neuromodulators - such as catecholamines and glucocorticoids - are released upon exposure to stressors and regulate behavioural adaptation to stress and enhance the storage of salient information. Studies over the past years have revealed that catecholamines and glucocorticoids regulate synaptic function and synaptic plasticity - which underlie memory formation - in a highly dynamic manner. In this brief review we will summarise how catecholamines and glucocorticoids regulate synaptic function and discuss how these effects may contribute to acquisition and storage of emotional information. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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39
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Manuel R, Gorissen M, Stokkermans M, Zethof J, Ebbesson LOE, van de Vis H, Flik G, van den Bos R. The effects of environmental enrichment and age-related differences on inhibitory avoidance in zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton). Zebrafish 2015; 12:152-65. [PMID: 25646635 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2014.1045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitory avoidance paradigm allows the study of mechanisms underlying learning and memory formation in zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton). For zebrafish, the physiology and behavior associated with this paradigm are as yet poorly understood. We therefore assessed the effects of environmental enrichment and fish age on inhibitory avoidance learning. Fish raised in an environmentally enriched tank showed decreased anxiety-like behavior and increased exploration. Enrichment greatly reduced inhibitory avoidance in 6-month (6M)- and 12-month (12 M)-old fish. Following inhibitory avoidance, telencephalic mRNA levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pcna), neurogenic differentiation (neurod), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript 4 (cart4), and cannabinoid receptor 1 (cnr1) were lower in enriched-housed fish, while the ratios of mineralocorticoid receptor (nr3c2)/glucocorticoid receptor α [nr3c1(α)] and glucocorticoid receptor β [nr3c1(β)]/glucocorticoid receptor α [nr3c1(α)] were higher. This was observed for 6M-old fish only, not for 24-month (24 M) old fish. Instead, 24 M-old fish showed delayed inhibitory avoidance, no effects of enrichment, and reduced expression of neuroplasticity genes. Overall, our data show strong differences in inhibitory avoidance behavior between zebrafish of different ages and a clear reduction in avoidance behavior following housing under environmental enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remy Manuel
- 1 Department of Organismal Animal Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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40
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Reul JM, Collins A, Saliba RS, Mifsud KR, Carter SD, Gutierrez-Mecinas M, Qian X, Linthorst AC. Glucocorticoids, epigenetic control and stress resilience. Neurobiol Stress 2015; 1:44-59. [PMID: 27589660 PMCID: PMC4721318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones play a pivotal role in the response to stressful challenges. The surge in glucocorticoid hormone secretion after stress needs to be tightly controlled with characteristics like peak height, curvature and duration depending on the nature and severity of the challenge. This is important as chronic hyper- or hypo-responses are detrimental to health due to increasing the risk for developing a stress-related mental disorder. Proper glucocorticoid responses to stress are critical for adaptation. Therefore, the tight control of baseline and stress-evoked glucocorticoid secretion are important constituents of an organism's resilience. Here, we address a number of mechanisms that illustrate the multitude and complexity of measures safeguarding the control of glucocorticoid function. These mechanisms include the control of mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) occupancy and concentration, the dynamic control of free glucocorticoid hormone availability by corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), and the control exerted by glucocorticoids at the signaling, epigenetic and genomic level on gene transcriptional responses to stress. We review the beneficial effects of regular exercise on HPA axis and sleep physiology, and cognitive and anxiety-related behavior. Furthermore, we describe that, possibly through changes in the GABAergic system, exercise reduces the impact of stress on a signaling pathway specifically in the dentate gyrus that is strongly implicated in the behavioral response to that stressor. These observations underline the impact of life style on stress resilience. Finally, we address how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting glucocorticoid action can compromise stress resilience, which becomes most apparent under conditions of childhood abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes M.H.M. Reul
- Neuro-Epigenetics Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Collins
- Neuro-Epigenetics Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Richard S. Saliba
- Neuro-Epigenetics Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Karen R. Mifsud
- Neuro-Epigenetics Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvia D. Carter
- Neuro-Epigenetics Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas
- Neuro-Epigenetics Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoxiao Qian
- Neurobiology of Stress and Behaviour Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Astrid C.E. Linthorst
- Neurobiology of Stress and Behaviour Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
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41
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Le Menuet D, Lombès M. The neuronal mineralocorticoid receptor: from cell survival to neurogenesis. Steroids 2014; 91:11-9. [PMID: 24928721 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2014.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a hormone-activated transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily, exerts widespread actions in many tissues such as tight epithelia, the cardiovascular system, adipose tissues and macrophages. In the mammalian brain, MR is present in the limbic areas where it is highly expressed in neurons of the hippocampus and mostly absent in other regions while the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression is ubiquitous. MR binds both aldosterone and glucocorticoids, the latter having a ten-fold higher affinity for MR than for the closely related GR. However, owing to the minimal aldosterone transfer across the blood brain barrier and the absence of neuronal 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 as an intracellular gate-keeper, neuronal MR appears to be fully occupied even at low physiological glucocorticoid levels while GR activation only occurs at high glucocorticoid concentrations, i.e. at the peak of the circadian rhythm or under stress. This defined a one hormone/two receptors system that works in balance, modulating a large spectrum of actions in the central nervous system. MR and GR are involved in the stress responses, the regulation of neuron excitability, long term potentiation, neuroprotection and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. MR thus constitutes a key factor in the arising of higher cognitive functions such as memorization, learning and mood. This review presents an overview of various roles of MR in the central nervous system which are somewhat less studied than that of GR, in the light of recent data obtained using cellular models, animal models and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Le Menuet
- Inserm U693, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre F-94276, France; Univ Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre F-94276, France.
| | - Marc Lombès
- Inserm U693, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre F-94276, France; Univ Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre F-94276, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94275, France
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42
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Manuel R, Gorissen M, Zethof J, Ebbesson LOE, van de Vis H, Flik G, van den Bos R. Unpredictable chronic stress decreases inhibitory avoidance learning in Tuebingen long-fin zebrafish: stronger effects in the resting phase than in the active phase. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 217:3919-28. [PMID: 25267842 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.109736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton) are increasingly used as a model to study the effects of chronic stress on brain and behaviour. In rodents, unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) has a stronger effect on physiology and behaviour during the active phase than during the resting phase. Here, we applied UCS during the daytime (active phase) for 7 and 14 days or during the night-time (resting phase) for 7 nights in an in-house-reared Tuebingen long-fin (TLF) zebrafish strain. Following UCS, inhibitory avoidance learning was assessed using a 3 day protocol where fish learn to avoid swimming from a white to a black compartment where they will receive a 3 V shock. Latencies of entering the black compartment were recorded before training (day 1; first shock) and after training on day 2 (second shock) and day 3 (no shock, tissue sampling). Fish whole-body cortisol content and expression levels of genes related to stress, fear and anxiety in the telencephalon were quantified. Following 14 days of UCS during the day, inhibitory avoidance learning decreased (lower latencies on days 2 and 3); minor effects were found following 7 days of UCS. Following 7 nights of UCS, inhibitory avoidance learning decreased (lower latency on day 3). Whole-body cortisol levels showed a steady increase compared with controls (100%) from 7 days of UCS (139%), to 14 days of UCS (174%) to 7 nights of UCS (231%), suggestive of an increasing stress load. Only in the 7 nights of UCS group did expression levels of corticoid receptor genes (mr, grα, grβ) and of bdnf increase. These changes are discussed as adaptive mechanisms to maintain neuronal integrity and prevent overload, and as being indicative of a state of high stress load. Overall, our data suggest that stressors during the resting phase have a stronger impact than during the active phase. Our data warrant further studies on the effect of UCS on stress axis-related genes, especially grβ; in mammals this receptor has been implicated in glucocorticoid resistance and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remy Manuel
- Department of Organismal Animal Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marnix Gorissen
- Department of Organismal Animal Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Zethof
- Department of Organismal Animal Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hans van de Vis
- IMARES, Wageningen UR, P. Box 77, 4401 NT Yerseke, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Flik
- Department of Organismal Animal Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud van den Bos
- Department of Organismal Animal Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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43
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Revest JM, Le Roux A, Roullot-Lacarrière V, Kaouane N, Vallée M, Kasanetz F, Rougé-Pont F, Tronche F, Desmedt A, Piazza PV. BDNF-TrkB signaling through Erk1/2 MAPK phosphorylation mediates the enhancement of fear memory induced by glucocorticoids. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:1001-9. [PMID: 24126929 PMCID: PMC4195976 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Activation of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) by glucocorticoid hormones (GC) enhances contextual fear memories through the activation of the Erk1/2(MAPK) signaling pathway. However, the molecular mechanism mediating this effect of GC remains unknown. Here we used complementary molecular and behavioral approaches in mice and rats and in genetically modified mice in which the GR was conditionally deleted (GR(NesCre)). We identified the tPA-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway as the upstream molecular effectors of GR-mediated phosphorylation of Erk1/2(MAPK) responsible for the enhancement of contextual fear memory. These findings complete our knowledge of the molecular cascade through which GC enhance contextual fear memory and highlight the role of tPA-BDNF-TrkB-Erk1/2(MAPK) signaling pathways as one of the core effectors of stress-related effects of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-M Revest
- INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Addiction, Bordeaux, France,Pathophysiology of Neuronal Plasticity, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,Pathophysiology of Addiction, Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM-U862, 146 rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux F-33077, France. E-mail:
| | - A Le Roux
- INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Addiction, Bordeaux, France,Pathophysiology of Neuronal Plasticity, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Roullot-Lacarrière
- INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Addiction, Bordeaux, France,Pathophysiology of Neuronal Plasticity, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - N Kaouane
- Pathophysiology of Neuronal Plasticity, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Declarative Memory, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Vallée
- INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Addiction, Bordeaux, France,Pathophysiology of Neuronal Plasticity, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - F Kasanetz
- INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Addiction, Bordeaux, France,Pathophysiology of Neuronal Plasticity, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - F Rougé-Pont
- INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Addiction, Bordeaux, France,Pathophysiology of Neuronal Plasticity, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - F Tronche
- CNRS UMR7224, UPMC Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Molecular Genetics, Neurophysiology and Behavior, Paris, France
| | - A Desmedt
- Pathophysiology of Neuronal Plasticity, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Declarative Memory, Bordeaux, France
| | - P V Piazza
- INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Addiction, Bordeaux, France,Pathophysiology of Neuronal Plasticity, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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44
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Abstract
Corticosteroids secreted as end product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis act like a double-edged sword in the brain. The hormones coordinate appraisal processes and decision making during the initial phase of a stressful experience and promote subsequently cognitive performance underlying the management of stress adaptation. This action exerted by the steroids on the initiation and termination of the stress response is mediated by 2 related receptor systems: mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). The receptor types are unevenly distributed but colocalized in abundance in neurons of the limbic brain to enable these complementary hormone actions. This contribution starts from a historical perspective with the observation that phasic occupancy of GR during ultradian rhythmicity is needed to maintain responsiveness to corticosteroids. Then, during stress, initially MR activation enhances excitability of limbic networks that are engaged in appraisal and emotion regulation. Next, the rising hormone concentration occupies GR, resulting in reallocation of energy to limbic-cortical circuits with a role in behavioral adaptation and memory storage. Upon MR:GR imbalance, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis occurs, which can enhance an individual's vulnerability. Imbalance is characteristic for chronic stress experience and depression but also occurs during exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids. Hence, glucocorticoid psychopathology may develop in susceptible individuals because of suppression of ultradian/circadian rhythmicity and depletion of endogenous corticosterone from brain MR. This knowledge generated from testing the balance hypothesis can be translated to a rational glucocorticoid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ron de Kloet
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Manuel R, Gorissen M, Roca CP, Zethof J, van de Vis H, Flik G, van den Bos R. Inhibitory avoidance learning in zebrafish (Danio rerio): effects of shock intensity and unraveling differences in task performance. Zebrafish 2014; 11:341-52. [PMID: 25004302 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2013.0970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly used as a model in neurobehavioral and neuroendocrine studies. The inhibitory avoidance paradigm has been proposed as tool to study mechanisms underlying learning and memory in zebrafish. In this paradigm subjects receive a shock after entering the black compartment of a black-white box. On the next day, latency to enter the black compartment is assessed; higher latencies are indicative of increased avoidance learning. Here, we aimed to understand the effects of different shock intensities (0, 1, 3, and 9 V) and to unravel variation in inhibitory avoidance learning in an in-house reared Tuebingen Long-Fin zebrafish (D. rerio) strain. While median latencies had increased in the 1, 3, and 9 V groups, no increase in median latency was found in the 0 V group. In addition, higher shock intensities resulted in a higher number of avoiders (latency ≥180 s) over nonavoiders (latency <60 s). Both changes are indicative of increased avoidance learning. We assessed whole-body cortisol content and the expression levels of genes relevant to stress, anxiety, fear, and learning 2 h after testing. Shock intensity was associated with whole-body cortisol content and the expression of glucocorticoid receptor alpha [nr3c1(alpha)], cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (cart4), and mineralocorticoid receptor (nr3c2), while avoidance behavior was associated with whole-body cortisol content only. The inhibitory avoidance paradigm in combination with measuring whole-body cortisol content and gene expression is suitable to unravel (genetic) mechanisms of fear avoidance learning. Our data further show differences in brain-behavior relationships underlying fear avoidance learning and memory in zebrafish. These findings serve as starting point for further unraveling differences in brain-behavior relationships underlying (fear avoidance) learning and memory in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remy Manuel
- 1 Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Xing X, Wang H, Liang J, Bai Y, Liu Z, Zheng X. Mineralocorticoid receptors in the ventral hippocampus are involved in extinction memory in rats. Psych J 2014; 3:201-13. [DOI: 10.1002/pchj.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Xing
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Jing Liang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Yunjing Bai
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Zhengkui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Xigeng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
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Chester JA, Kirchhoff AM, Barrenha GD. Relation between corticosterone and fear-related behavior in mice selectively bred for high or low alcohol preference. Addict Biol 2014; 19:663-75. [PMID: 23331637 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Blunted cortisol responses to stress or trauma have been linked with genetic (familial) risk for both alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mouse lines selectively bred for high (HAP) or low (LAP) alcohol preference may be a relevant model of genetic risk for co-morbid alcoholism and PTSD in humans. HAP mice show greater fear-potentiated startle (FPS), a model used to study PTSD, than LAP mice. The relation between corticosterone (CORT) and FPS behavior was explored in four experiments. Naïve male and female HAP2 and LAP2 mice received fear-conditioning or control treatments, and CORT levels were measured before and immediately after fear-conditioning or FPS testing. In two other experiments, HAP2 mice received CORT (1.0, 5.0 or 10.0 mg/kg) or a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (mifepristone; 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg) 30 minutes before fear conditioning. HAP2 mice exposed to fear conditioning and to control foot shock exposures showed lower CORT after the fear-conditioning and FPS testing sessions than LAP2 mice. A trend toward higher FPS was seen in HAP2 mice pretreated with 10.0 mg/kg CORT, and CORT levels were the lowest in this group, suggesting negative feedback inhibition of CORT release. Mifepristone did not alter FPS. Overall, these results are consistent with data in humans and rodents indicating that lower cortisol/CORT levels after stress are associated with PTSD/PTSD-like behavior. These findings in HAP2 and LAP2 mice suggest that a blunted CORT response to stress may be a biological marker for greater susceptibility to develop PTSD in individuals with increased genetic risk for alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Chester
- Department of Psychological Sciences; Purdue University; West Lafayette IN USA
| | - Aaron M. Kirchhoff
- Department of Psychological Sciences; Purdue University; West Lafayette IN USA
| | - Gustavo D. Barrenha
- Department of Psychological Sciences; Purdue University; West Lafayette IN USA
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Vermetten E, Zhohar J, Krugers HJ. Pharmacotherapy in the aftermath of trauma; opportunities in the 'golden hours'. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2014; 16:455. [PMID: 24890991 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-014-0455-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of research have demonstrated that memories for fearful events become transiently labile upon re-exposure. Activation of molecular mechanisms is required in order to maintain retrieved information. This process is called reconsolidation. Targeting reconsolidation - as in exposure-based psychotherapy - offers therefore a potentially interesting tool to manipulate fear memories, and subsequently to treat disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this paper we discuss the evidence for reconsolidation in rodents and humans and highlight recent studies in which clinical research on normal and abnormal fear extinction reduction of the expression of fear was obtained by targeting the process of reconsolidation. We conclude that reconsolidation presents an interesting opportunity to modify or alter fear and fear-related memories. More clinical research on normal and abnormal fear extinction is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vermetten
- Department Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center Utrecht, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands,
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Sarabdjitsingh RA, Zhou M, Yau JL, Webster SP, Walker BR, Seckl JR, Joëls M, Krugers HJ. Inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 prevents stress effects on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and impairs contextual fear conditioning. Neuropharmacology 2014; 81:231-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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50
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Paradoxical mineralocorticoid receptor-mediated effect in fear memory encoding and expression of rats submitted to an olfactory fear conditioning task. Neuropharmacology 2014; 79:201-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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