1
|
Huang M, Tao X, Bao J, Wang J, Gong X, Luo L, Pan S, Yang R, Gui Y, Zhou H, Xia Y, Yang Y, Sun B, Liu W, Shu X. GADD45B in the ventral hippocampal CA1 modulates aversive memory acquisition and spatial cognition. Life Sci 2024; 346:122618. [PMID: 38614306 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This study was designed to investigate the role of growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible β (GADD45B) in modulating fear memory acquisition and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MAIN METHODS Adeno-associated virus (AAV) that knockdown or overexpression GADD45B were injected into ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) by stereotactic, and verified by fluorescence and Western blot. The contextual fear conditioning paradigm was employed to examine the involvement of GADD45B in modulating aversive memory acquisition. The Y-maze and novel location recognition (NLR) tests were used to examine non-aversive cognition. The synaptic plasticity and electrophysiological properties of neurons were measured by slice patch clamp. KEY FINDINGS Knockdown of GADD45B in the vCA1 significantly enhanced fear memory acquisition, accompanied by an upregulation of long-term potentiation (LTP) expression and intrinsic excitability of vCA1 pyramidal neurons (PNs). Conversely, overexpression of GADD45B produced the opposite effects. Notably, silencing the activity of vCA1 neurons abolished the impact of GADD45B knockdown on fear memory development. Moreover, mice with vCA1 GADD45B overexpression exhibited impaired spatial cognition, whereas mice with GADD45B knockdown did not display such impairment. SIGNIFICANCE These results provided compelling evidence for the crucial involvement of GADD45B in the formation of aversive memory and spatial cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengbing Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Xiaoqing Tao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Jian Bao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Xiaokang Gong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Laijie Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Sijie Pan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yuran Gui
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - HongYan Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yiyuan Xia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Youhua Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Binlian Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China.
| | - Xiji Shu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiang S, Fu Y, Cheng HW. Daylight exposure and circadian clocks in broilers: part I-photoperiod effect on broiler behavior, skeletal health, and fear response. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103162. [PMID: 37924580 PMCID: PMC10654592 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine effects of various daylight exposure during the 24-h light-dark (L-D) cycle on growth performance, skeletal health, and welfare state in broilers. Environmental photoperiod and related circadian clock, the 24-h L-D cycle, are important factors in maintaining productive performance, pathophysiological homeostasis, and psychological reaction in humans and animals. Currently, various lighting programs as management tools for providing a satisfactory environmental condition have been used in commercial broiler production. Four hundred thirty-two 1-day-old Rose 308 broiler chicks were assigned to 24 pens (18 birds/pen). The pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 thermal and lighting control rooms, then the birds were exposed to (n = 6): 1) 12L, 2) 16L, 3) 18L, or 4) 20L at 15 d of age. Lighting program effects on bird body weight, behavioral patterns, bone health, and stress levels were evaluated from d 35 to d 45, respectively. The birds of 12L as well as 16L groups, reared under short photoperiods close to the natural 24-h L-D cycle, had improved production performance, leg bone health, and suppressed stress reaction compared to the birds of both 18L and 20L groups. Especially, 12L birds had heavier final body weight and averaged daily weight gain (P < 0.05), higher BMD and BMC with longer and wider femur (P < 0.05), lower H/L ratio (P < 0.05), and more birds reached the observer during the touch test (P < 0.05) but spent shorter latency during the tonic immobility test (P < 0.05). Taken together, the data suggest that supplying 12 h as well as 16L of daily light improves performance and health while decreasing stress levels in broilers, making it a potentially suitable approach for broiler production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sha Jiang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Animal Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuechi Fu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Heng-Wei Cheng
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guskjolen A, Cembrowski MS. Engram neurons: Encoding, consolidation, retrieval, and forgetting of memory. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3207-3219. [PMID: 37369721 PMCID: PMC10618102 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Tremendous strides have been made in our understanding of the neurobiological substrates of memory - the so-called memory "engram". Here, we integrate recent progress in the engram field to illustrate how engram neurons transform across the "lifespan" of a memory - from initial memory encoding, to consolidation and retrieval, and ultimately to forgetting. To do so, we first describe how cell-intrinsic properties shape the initial emergence of the engram at memory encoding. Second, we highlight how these encoding neurons preferentially participate in synaptic- and systems-level consolidation of memory. Third, we describe how these changes during encoding and consolidation guide neural reactivation during retrieval, and facilitate memory recall. Fourth, we describe neurobiological mechanisms of forgetting, and how these mechanisms can counteract engram properties established during memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. Motivated by recent experimental results across these four sections, we conclude by proposing some conceptual extensions to the traditional view of the engram, including broadening the view of cell-type participation within engrams and across memory stages. In collection, our review synthesizes general principles of the engram across memory stages, and describes future avenues to further understand the dynamic engram.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Axel Guskjolen
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Mark S Cembrowski
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pan HQ, Liu XX, He Y, Zhou J, Liao CZ, You WJ, Jiang SY, Qin X, Chen WB, Fei EK, Zhang WH, Pan BX. Prefrontal GABA A(δ)R Promotes Fear Extinction through Enabling the Plastic Regulation of Neuronal Intrinsic Excitability. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5755-5770. [PMID: 35705488 PMCID: PMC9302468 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0689-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Extinguishing the previously acquired fear is critical for the adaptation of an organism to the ever-changing environment, a process requiring the engagement of GABAA receptors (GABAARs). GABAARs consist of tens of structurally, pharmacologically, and functionally heterogeneous subtypes. However, the specific roles of these subtypes in fear extinction remain largely unexplored. Here, we observed that in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a core region for mood regulation, the extrasynaptically situated, δ-subunit-containing GABAARs [GABAA(δ)Rs], had a permissive role in tuning fear extinction in male mice, an effect sharply contrasting to the established but suppressive role by the whole GABAAR family. First, the fear extinction in individual mice was positively correlated with the level of GABAA(δ)R expression and function in their mPFC. Second, knockdown of GABAA(δ)R in mPFC, specifically in its infralimbic (IL) subregion, sufficed to impair the fear extinction in mice. Third, GABAA(δ)R-deficient mice also showed fear extinction deficits, and re-expressing GABAA(δ)Rs in the IL of these mice rescued the impaired extinction. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that the permissive effect of GABAA(δ)R was associated with its role in enabling the extinction-evoked plastic regulation of neuronal excitability in IL projection neurons. By contrast, GABAA(δ)R had little influence on the extinction-evoked plasticity of glutamatergic transmission in these cells. Altogether, our findings revealed an unconventional and permissive role of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in fear extinction through a route relying on nonsynaptic plasticity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is one of the kernel brain regions engaged in fear extinction. Previous studies have repetitively shown that the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) family in this region act to suppress fear extinction. However, the roles of specific GABAAR subtypes in mPFC are largely unknown. We observed that the GABAAR-containing δ-subunit [GABAA(δ)R], a subtype of GABAARs exclusively situated in the extrasynaptic membrane and mediating the tonic neuronal inhibition, works oppositely to the whole GABAAR family and promotes (but does not suppress) fear extinction. More interestingly, in striking contrast to the synaptic GABAARs that suppress fear extinction by breaking the extinction-evoked plasticity of glutamatergic transmission, the GABAA(δ)R promotes fear extinction through enabling the plastic regulation of neuronal excitability in the infralimbic subregion of mPFC. Our findings thus reveal an unconventional role of GABAA(δ)R in promoting fear extinction through a route relying on nonsynaptic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han-Qing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Liu
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Neurology Department, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye He
- Center for Medical Experiments, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Cai-Zhi Liao
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie You
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Ying Jiang
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Qin
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bing Chen
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Er-Kang Fei
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Hua Zhang
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing-Xing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Meyer HC, Sangha S, Radley JJ, LaLumiere RT, Baratta MV. Environmental certainty influences the neural systems regulating responses to threat and stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1037-1055. [PMID: 34673111 PMCID: PMC8642312 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Flexible calibration of threat responding in accordance with the environment is an adaptive process that allows an animal to avoid harm while also maintaining engagement of other goal-directed actions. This calibration process, referred to as threat response regulation, requires an animal to calculate the probability that a given encounter will result in a threat so they can respond accordingly. Here we review the neural correlates of two highly studied forms of threat response suppression: extinction and safety conditioning. We focus on how relative levels of certainty or uncertainty in the surrounding environment alter the acquisition and application of these processes. We also discuss evidence indicating altered threat response regulation following stress exposure, including enhanced fear conditioning, and disrupted extinction and safety conditioning. To conclude, we discuss research using an animal model of coping that examines the impact of stressor controllability on threat responding, highlighting the potential for previous experiences with control, or other forms of coping, to protect against the effects of future adversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi C Meyer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Susan Sangha
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Jason J Radley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Ryan T LaLumiere
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Michael V Baratta
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cummings KA, Lacagnina AF, Clem RL. GABAergic microcircuitry of fear memory encoding. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 184:107504. [PMID: 34425220 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The paradigm of fear conditioning is largely responsible for our current understanding of how memories are encoded at the cellular level. Its most fundamental underlying mechanism is considered to be plasticity of synaptic connections between excitatory projection neurons (PNs). However, recent studies suggest that while PNs execute critical memory functions, their activity at key stages of learning and recall is extensively orchestrated by a diverse array of GABAergic interneurons (INs). Here we review the contributions of genetically-defined INs to processing of threat-related stimuli in fear conditioning, with a particular focus on how synaptic interactions within interconnected networks of INs modulates PN activity through both inhibition and disinhibition. Furthermore, we discuss accumulating evidence that GABAergic microcircuits are an important locus for synaptic plasticity during fear learning and therefore a viable substrate for long-term memory. These findings suggest that further investigation of INs could unlock unique conceptual insights into the organization and function of fear memory networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie A Cummings
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Anthony F Lacagnina
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Roger L Clem
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kitahara M, Inoue T, Mani H, Takamatsu Y, Ikegami R, Tohyama H, Maejima H. Exercise and pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylase improves cognitive function accompanied by an increase of gene expressions crucial for neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus. Neurosci Lett 2021; 749:135749. [PMID: 33610667 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Exercise is recognized to increase the expression of neurotrophic genes in the hippocampus and prevent cognitive impairment. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor acetylate histones and enhance gene transcription in epigenetic regulation. HDAC inhibitors are expected to be an efficacious pharmacological treatment for cognitive function. This study aimed to examine the effect of HDAC inhibitors and exercise on epigenetic markers and neurotrophic gene expression in the hippocampus to find a more enriched brain conditioning for cognitive function based on the synergic effects of pharmacological treatment and behavioral therapy. Thirteen-week-old male mice were divided into four groups. Intraperitoneal administration of an HDAC inhibitor (1.2 g/kg sodium butyrate, NaB) and treadmill exercise (approximately 10 m/min for 60 min) were performed 5 days a week for 4 weeks. NaB administration increased the expression of an immediate-early gene, a neurotrophin, and a neurotrophin receptor in the hippocampus. These results indicate that HDAC inhibition could present an enriched platform for neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus and cognitive function. The novel object recognition test showed that NaB administration increased the score. Notably, the step-through passive avoidance test showed improved learning and memory in the presence of exercise and exercise, indicating that the mice acquired fear memory, specifically in the presence of NaB administration plus exercise. This study found that repetitive administration of HDAC inhibitors improved cognitive function and HDAC inhibitor administration plus exercise has a synergic effect on learning and memory, accompanying the enhancement of crucial gene transcriptions for neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mika Kitahara
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Takahiro Inoue
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan; Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083, Japan
| | - Hiroki Mani
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Takamatsu
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Ryo Ikegami
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Harukazu Tohyama
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Maejima
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li G, Zhang S, Le TM, Tang X, Li CSR. Neural responses to negative facial emotions: Sex differences in the correlates of individual anger and fear traits. Neuroimage 2020; 221:117171. [PMID: 32682098 PMCID: PMC7789231 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have examined sex differences in emotion processing in health and illness. However, it remains unclear how these neural processes may relate to individual differences in affective traits. We addressed this issue with a dataset of 970 subjects (508 women) curated from the Human Connectome Project. Participants were assessed with the NIH Toolbox Emotion Measures and fMRI while identifying negative facial emotion and neutral shape targets in alternating blocks. Imaging data were analyzed with published routines and the results were reported at a corrected threshold. Men scored similarly in Anger- but lower in Fear-Affect, as compared to women. Men as compared with women engaged the occipital-temporal visual cortex, retrosplenial cortex (RSC), and both anterior and posterior cingulate cortex to a greater extent during face versus shape identification. Women relative to men engaged higher activation of bilateral middle frontal cortex. In regional brain responses to face versus shape identification, men relative to women showed more significant modulations by both Anger- and Fear- Affect traits. The left RSC and right RSC/precuneus each demonstrated activities during face vs. shape identification in negative correlation with Anger- and Fear- Affect scores in men only. Anger affect was positively correlated with prolonged RT in identifying face vs. shape target in men but not women. In contrast, women relative to men showed higher Fear-Affect score and higher activation in the right middle frontal cortex, which was more strongly correlated with prolonged RT during face vs. shape identification. Together, men and women with higher Fear-Affect demonstrated lower accuracy in identifying negative facial emotion versus neutral shape target, a relationship mediated by activity of the RSC. These findings add to the literature of sex and trait individual differences in emotion processing and may help research of sex-shared and sex-specific behavioral and neural markers of emotional disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangfei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of technology, 715-3 Teaching Building No.5, Beijing Institute of technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Thang M Le
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xiaoying Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of technology, 715-3 Teaching Building No.5, Beijing Institute of technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut Mental Health Center S112, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519-1109, United States; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.
| |
Collapse
|