1
|
Conn K, Milton LK, Huang K, Munguba H, Ruuska J, Lemus MB, Greaves E, Homman-Ludiye J, Oldfield BJ, Foldi CJ. Psilocybin restrains activity-based anorexia in female rats by enhancing cognitive flexibility: contributions from 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor mechanisms. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:3291-3304. [PMID: 38678087 PMCID: PMC11449803 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Psilocybin has shown promise for alleviating symptoms of depression and is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN), a condition that is characterised by persistent cognitive inflexibility. Considering that enhanced cognitive flexibility after psilocybin treatment is reported to occur in individuals with depression, it is plausible that psilocybin could improve symptoms of AN by breaking down cognitive inflexibility. A mechanistic understanding of the actions of psilocybin is required to tailor the clinical application of psilocybin to individuals most likely to respond with positive outcomes. This can only be achieved using incisive neurobiological approaches in animal models. Here, we use the activity-based anorexia (ABA) rat model and comprehensively assess aspects of reinforcement learning to show that psilocybin (post-acutely) improves body weight maintenance in female rats and facilitates cognitive flexibility, specifically via improved adaptation to the initial reversal of reward contingencies. Further, we reveal the involvement of signalling through the serotonin (5-HT) 1 A and 5-HT2A receptor subtypes in specific aspects of learning, demonstrating that 5-HT1A antagonism negates the cognitive enhancing effects of psilocybin. Moreover, we show that psilocybin elicits a transient increase and decrease in cortical transcription of these receptors (Htr2a and Htr1a, respectively), and a further reduction in the abundance of Htr2a transcripts in rats exposed to the ABA model. Together, these findings support the hypothesis that psilocybin could ameliorate cognitive inflexibility in the context of AN and highlight a need to better understand the therapeutic mechanisms independent of 5-HT2A receptor binding.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Psilocybin/pharmacology
- Rats
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/drug effects
- Anorexia/metabolism
- Anorexia/drug therapy
- Cognition/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Anorexia Nervosa/drug therapy
- Anorexia Nervosa/metabolism
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Reward
- Hallucinogens/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Conn
- Monash University, Department of Physiology, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - L K Milton
- Monash University, Department of Physiology, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - K Huang
- Monash University, Department of Physiology, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - H Munguba
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - J Ruuska
- University of Helsinki, Yliopistonkatu 4, 00100, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M B Lemus
- Monash University, Department of Physiology, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - E Greaves
- Monash University, Department of Physiology, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - J Homman-Ludiye
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - B J Oldfield
- Monash University, Department of Physiology, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - C J Foldi
- Monash University, Department of Physiology, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kooij KL, Andreani NA, van der Gun LL, Keller L, Trinh S, van der Vijgh B, Luijendijk M, Dempfle A, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Seitz J, van Elburg A, Danner UN, Baines J, Adan RAH. Fecal microbiota transplantation of patients with anorexia nervosa did not alter flexible behavior in rats. Int J Eat Disord 2024. [PMID: 38934721 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) are often anxious, display inflexible behavior and disrupted reward processing. Emerging evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis in patients contributes to the disease phenotype and progression. METHODS In a preclinical study, we explored whether AN-derived microbiota impacts cognitive flexibility, anxiety, and dopamine signaling using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in tyrosine hydroxylase-cre rats. We performed probabilistic reversal learning task (PRLT) at the baseline, after antibiotic treatment, and following FMT from patients with AN and controls. We assessed flexible behavior, task engagement, and ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine signaling during and in the absence of reward. Furthermore, anxiety-like behavior was evaluated with open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. RESULTS Neither antibiotic-induced dysbiosis nor AN FMT led to significant alterations in the number of reversals or lever press strategies after reinforced or nonreinforced lever presses (win and lose-stay) in the PRLT. However, the number of initiated trials decreased after antibiotic treatment while remaining unchanged after FMT. No significant differences were observed in VTA dopamine activity, anxiety measures in the OF and EPM tests. Microbiome analysis revealed limited overlap between the microbiota of the donors and recipients. DISCUSSION No evidence was found that the microbiota of patients compared to controls, nor a depleted microbiome impacts cognitive flexibility. Nonetheless, antibiotic-induced dysbiosis resulted in reduced task engagement during the PRLT. The relatively low efficiency of the FMT is a limitation of our study and highlights the need for improved protocols to draw robust conclusions in future studies. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE While our study did not reveal direct impacts of AN-associated gut microbiota on cognitive flexibility or anxiety behaviors in our preclinical model, we observed a decrease in task engagement after antibiotic-induced dysbiosis, underscoring that the presence of a gut microbiome matters. Our findings underscore the need for further refinement in FMT protocols to better elucidate the complex interplay between gut microbiota and behaviors characteristic of anorexia nervosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karlijn L Kooij
- UMC Brain Center, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Nadia Andrea Andreani
- Section Evolutionary Medicine, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
- Section Evolutionary Medicine, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Luna L van der Gun
- UMC Brain Center, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lara Keller
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Trinh
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Mieneke Luijendijk
- UMC Brain Center, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Dempfle
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Jochen Seitz
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, LVR University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Annemarie van Elburg
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Unna N Danner
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - John Baines
- Section Evolutionary Medicine, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
- Section Evolutionary Medicine, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Roger A H Adan
- UMC Brain Center, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elwyn R, Mitchell J, Kohn MR, Driver C, Hay P, Lagopoulos J, Hermens DF. Novel ketamine and zinc treatment for anorexia nervosa and the potential beneficial interactions with the gut microbiome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105122. [PMID: 36907256 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105122] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe illness with diverse aetiological and maintaining contributors including neurobiological, metabolic, psychological, and social determining factors. In addition to nutritional recovery, multiple psychological and pharmacological therapies and brain-based stimulations have been explored; however, existing treatments have limited efficacy. This paper outlines a neurobiological model of glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic dysfunction, exacerbated by chronic gut microbiome dysbiosis and zinc depletion at a brain and gut level. The gut microbiome is established early in development, and early exposure to stress and adversity contribute to gut microbial disturbance in AN, early dysregulation to glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, interoceptive impairment, and inhibited caloric harvest from food (e.g., zinc malabsorption, competition for zinc ions between gut bacteria and host). Zinc is a key part of glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, and also affects leptin and gut microbial function; systems dysregulated in AN. Low doses of ketamine in conjunction with zinc, could provide an efficacious combination to act on NMDA receptors and normalise glutamatergic, GABAergic and gut function in AN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosiel Elwyn
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jules Mitchell
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael R Kohn
- AYA Medicine Westmead Hospital, CRASH (Centre for Research into Adolescent's Health) Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney University, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Christina Driver
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hay
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Jim Lagopoulos
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel F Hermens
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mottarlini F, Rizzi B, Targa G, Fumagalli F, Caffino L. Long-lasting BDNF signaling alterations in the amygdala of adolescent female rats exposed to the activity-based anorexia model. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1087075. [PMID: 36570702 PMCID: PMC9772010 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1087075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a pathological fear of gaining weight, excessive physical exercise, and emotional instability. Since the amygdala is a key region for emotion processing and BDNF has been shown to play a critical role in this process, we hypothesized that alteration in the amygdalar BDNF system might underline vulnerability traits typical of AN patients. Methods: To this end, adolescent female rats have been exposed to the Activity-Based Anorexia (ABA) protocol, characterized by the combination of caloric restriction and intense physical exercise. Results: The induction of the anorexic phenotype caused hyperactivity and body weight loss in ABA animals. These changes were paralleled by amygdalar hyperactivation, as measured by the up-regulation of cfos mRNA levels. In the acute phase of the pathology, we observed reduced Bdnf exon IX, exon IV, and exon VI gene expression, while mBDNF protein levels were enhanced, an increase that was, instead, uncoupled from its downstream signaling as the phosphorylation of TrkB, Akt, and S6 in ABA rats were reduced. Despite the body weight recovery observed 7 days later, the BDNF-mediated signaling was still downregulated at this time point. Discussion: Our findings indicate that the BDNF system is downregulated in the amygdala of adolescent female rats under these experimental conditions, which mimic the anorexic phenotype in humans, pointing to such dysregulation as a potential contributor to the altered emotional processing observed in AN patients. In addition, since the modulation of BDNF levels is observed in other psychiatric conditions, the persistent AN-induced changes of the BDNF system in the amygdala might contribute to explaining the onset of comorbid psychiatric disorders that persist in patients even beyond recovery from AN.
Collapse
|
5
|
Hebebrand J, Hildebrandt T, Schlögl H, Seitz J, Denecke S, Vieira D, Gradl-Dietsch G, Peters T, Antel J, Lau D, Fulton S. The role of hypoleptinemia in the psychological and behavioral adaptation to starvation: implications for anorexia nervosa. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104807. [PMID: 35931221 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review aims to pinpoint mental and behavioral effects of starvation, which may be triggered by hypoleptinemia and as such may be amenable to treatment with leptin receptor agonists. The reduced leptin secretion results from the continuous loss of fat mass, thus initiating a graded triggering of diverse starvation related adaptive functions. In light of leptin receptors located in several peripheral tissues and many brain regions adaptations may extend beyond those of the hypothalamus-pituitary-end organ-axes. We focus on gastrointestinal tract and reward system as relevant examples of peripheral and central effects of leptin. Despite its association with extreme obesity, congenital leptin deficiency with its many parallels to a state of starvation allows the elucidation of mental symptoms amenable to treatment with exogenous leptin in both ob/ob mice and humans with this autosomal recessive disorder. For starvation induced behavioral changes with an intact leptin signaling we particularly focus on rodent models for which proof of concept has been provided for the causative role of hypoleptinemia. For humans, we highlight the major cognitive, emotional and behavioral findings of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment to contrast them with results obtained upon a lesser degree of caloric restriction. Evidence for hypoleptinemia induced mental changes also stems from findings obtained in lipodystrophies. In light of the recently reported beneficial cognitive, emotional and behavioral effects of metreleptin-administration in anorexia nervosa we discuss potential implications for the treatment of this eating disorder. We postulate that leptin has profound psychopharmacological effects in the state of starvation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Tom Hildebrandt
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Haiko Schlögl
- Department of Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Germany
| | - Saskia Denecke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Diana Vieira
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Gertraud Gradl-Dietsch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Triinu Peters
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - David Lau
- Department of Nutrition, Neuroscience - University of Montreal & CRCHUM, Montréal QC H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Stephanie Fulton
- Department of Nutrition, Neuroscience - University of Montreal & CRCHUM, Montréal QC H3T1J4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
How Can Animal Models Inform the Understanding of Cognitive Inflexibility in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa? J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092594. [PMID: 35566718 PMCID: PMC9105411 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficits in cognitive flexibility are consistently seen in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). This type of cognitive impairment is thought to be associated with the persistence of AN because it leads to deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behaviour that are highly resistant to change. Neurobiological drivers of cognitive inflexibility have some commonalities with the abnormal brain functional outcomes described in patients with AN, including disrupted prefrontal cortical function, and dysregulated dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter systems. The activity-based anorexia (ABA) model recapitulates the key features of AN in human patients, including rapid weight loss caused by self-starvation and hyperactivity, supporting its application in investigating the cognitive and neurobiological causes of pathological weight loss. The aim of this review is to describe the relationship between AN, neural function and cognitive flexibility in human patients, and to highlight how new techniques in behavioural neuroscience can improve the utility of animal models of AN to inform the development of novel therapeutics.
Collapse
|
7
|
Milton LK, Patton T, O'Keeffe M, Oldfield BJ, Foldi CJ. In pursuit of biomarkers for predicting susceptibility to activity-based anorexia in adolescent female rats. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:664-677. [PMID: 35302253 PMCID: PMC9311799 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying risk factors that contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa (AN) is critical for the implementation of early intervention strategies. Anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and immune dysfunction may be involved in the development of AN; however, their direct influence on susceptibility to the condition remains unclear. Here, we used the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model to examine whether activity, anxiety-like behavior, compulsive behavior, and circulating immune markers predict the subsequent development of pathological weight loss. METHOD Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 44) underwent behavioral testing before exposure to ABA conditions after which they were separated into susceptible and resistant subpopulations. Blood was sampled before behavioral testing and after recovery from ABA to screen for proinflammatory cytokines. RESULTS Rats that were vulnerable to pathological weight loss differed significantly from resistant rats on all key ABA parameters. While the primary measures of anxiety-like or compulsive behavior were not shown to predict vulnerability to ABA, increased locomotion and anxiety-like behavior were both associated with the extent of weight loss in susceptible but not resistant animals. Moreover, the change in expression of proinflammatory markers IL-4 and IL-6 evoked by ABA was associated with discrete vulnerability factors. Intriguingly, behavior related to risk assessment was shown to predict vulnerability to ABA. DISCUSSION We did not find undisputable behavioral or immune predictors of susceptibility to pathological weight loss in the ABA rat model. Future research should examine the role of cognition in the development of ABA, dysfunction of which may represent an endophenotype linking anorectic, anxiety-like and compulsive behavior. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Anorexia nervosa (AN) has among the highest mortality rates of all psychiatric disorders and treatment options remain limited in their efficacy. Understanding what types of risk factors contribute to the development of AN is essential for implementing early intervention strategies. This study describes how some of the most common psychological features of AN could be used to predict susceptibility to pathological weight loss in a well-established animal model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Karina Milton
- Department of PhysiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Monash Biomedicine Discovery InstituteClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Timothy Patton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and ImmunityUniversity of MelbourneElizabethVictoriaAustralia
| | - Meredith O'Keeffe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Brian John Oldfield
- Department of PhysiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Monash Biomedicine Discovery InstituteClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Claire Jennifer Foldi
- Department of PhysiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Monash Biomedicine Discovery InstituteClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to describe how emerging technological developments in pre-clinical animal research can be harnessed to accelerate research in anorexia nervosa (AN). RECENT FINDINGS The activity-based anorexia (ABA) paradigm, the best characterized animal model of AN, combines restricted feeding, excessive exercise, and weight loss. A growing body of evidence supports the idea that pathophysiological weight loss in this model is due to cognitive inflexibility, a clinical feature of AN. Targeted manipulations that recapitulate brain changes reported in AN - hyperdopaminergia or hyperactivity of cortical inputs to the nucleus accumbens - exacerbate weight loss in the ABA paradigm, providing the first evidence of causality. The power of preclinical research lies in the ability to assess the consequences of targeted manipulations of neuronal circuits that have been implicated in clinical research. Additional paradigms are needed to capture other features of AN that are not seen in ABA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie François
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Lori M Zeltser
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Foldi CJ, Morris MJ, Oldfield BJ. Executive function in obesity and anorexia nervosa: Opposite ends of a spectrum of disordered feeding behaviour? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110395. [PMID: 34217755 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Higher-order executive functions such as decision-making, cognitive flexibility and behavioural control are critical to adaptive success in all aspects of life, including the maintenance of a healthy body weight by regulating food intake. Performance on tasks designed to assess these aspects of cognition is impaired in individuals with obesity and anorexia nervosa (AN); conditions at either end of a spectrum of body weight disturbance. While the conceptualisation of obesity and AN as mirror images of each other makes some sense from a metabolic point of view, whether or not these conditions also reflect opposing states of executive function is less clear. Here, we review evidence from neurocognitive and neuroimaging studies to compare the direction and extent of executive dysfunction in subjects with obesity and AN and how these are underpinned by changes in structure and function of subregions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Both conditions of extreme body weight disturbance are associated with impaired decision-making and cognitive inflexibility, however, impulsive behaviour presents in opposing directions; obesity being associated with reduced behavioural control and AN being associated with elevated control over behaviour with respect to food and feeding. Accordingly, the subregions of the PFC that guide inhibitory control and valuation of action outcomes (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex) show opposite patterns of activation in subjects with obesity compared to those with AN, whereas the subregions implicated in cognitive and behavioural flexibility (ventromedial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex) show alterations in the same direction in both conditions but with differential extent of dysfunction. We synthesise these findings in the context of the utility of animal models of obesity and AN to interrogate the detail of the neurobiological contributions to cognition in patient populations and the utility of such detail to inform future treatment strategies that specifically target executive dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Foldi
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton 3800, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton 3800, Australia.
| | - Margaret J Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, High Street, Randwick 2052, Australia
| | - Brian J Oldfield
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton 3800, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Milton LK, Mirabella PN, Greaves E, Spanswick DC, van den Buuse M, Oldfield BJ, Foldi CJ. Suppression of Corticostriatal Circuit Activity Improves Cognitive Flexibility and Prevents Body Weight Loss in Activity-Based Anorexia in Rats. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:819-828. [PMID: 32892984 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to adapt behavior to changing environmental circumstances, or cognitive flexibility, is impaired in multiple psychiatric conditions, including anorexia nervosa (AN). Exaggerated prefrontal cortical activity likely underpins the inflexible thinking and rigid behaviors exhibited by patients with AN. A better understanding of the neural basis of cognitive flexibility is necessary to enable treatment approaches that may target impaired executive control. METHODS Utilizing the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model and touchscreen operant learning paradigms, we investigated the neurobiological link between pathological weight loss and cognitive flexibility. We used pathway-specific chemogenetics to selectively modulate activity in neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) projecting to the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) in female Sprague Dawley rats. RESULTS DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs)-based inhibition of the mPFC-AcbSh pathway prevented weight loss in ABA and improved flexibility during early reversal learning by reducing perseverative responding. Modulation of activity within the mPFC-AcbSh pathway had no effect on running, locomotor activity, or feeding under ad libitum conditions, indicating the specific involvement of this circuit in conditions of dysregulated reward. CONCLUSIONS Parallel attenuation of weight loss in ABA and improvement of cognitive flexibility following suppression of mPFC-AcbSh activity align with the relationship between disrupted prefrontal function and cognitive rigidity in AN patients. The identification of a neurobiological correlate between cognitive flexibility and pathological weight loss provides a unique insight into the executive control of feeding behavior. It also highlights the utility of the ABA model for understanding the biological bases of cognitive deficits in AN and provides context for new treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Milton
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul N Mirabella
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erika Greaves
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David C Spanswick
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian J Oldfield
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire J Foldi
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Overlapping Neural Circuitry Links Cognitive Flexibility and Activity-Based Anorexia. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:803-805. [PMID: 34794636 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
12
|
Spadini S, Ferro M, Lamanna J, Malgaroli A. Activity-based anorexia animal model: a review of the main neurobiological findings. J Eat Disord 2021; 9:123. [PMID: 34600568 PMCID: PMC8487535 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-021-00481-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genesis of anorexia nervosa (AN), a severe eating disorder with a pervasive effect on many brain functions such as attention, emotions, reward processing, cognition and motor control, has not yet been understood. Since our current knowledge of the genetic aspects of AN is limited, we are left with a large and diversified number of biological, psychological and environmental risk factors, called into question as potential triggers of this chronic condition with a high relapse rate. One of the most valid and used animal models for AN is the activity-based anorexia (ABA), which recapitulates important features of the human condition. This model is generated from naïve rodents by a self-motivated caloric restriction, where a fixed schedule food delivery induces spontaneous increased physical activity. AIM In this review, we sought to provide a summary of the experimental research conducted using the ABA model in the pursuit of potential neurobiological mechanism(s) underlying AN. METHOD The experimental work presented here includes evidence for neuroanatomical and neurophysiological changes in several brain regions as well as for the dysregulation of specific neurochemical synaptic and neurohormonal pathways. RESULTS The most likely hypothesis for the mechanism behind the development of the ABA phenotype relates to an imbalance of the neural circuitry that mediates reward processing. Evidence collected here suggests that ABA animals show a large set of alterations, involving regions whose functions extend way beyond the control of reward mechanisms and eating habits. Hence, we cannot exclude a primary role of these alterations from a mechanistic theory of ABA induction. CONCLUSIONS These findings are not sufficient to solve such a major enigma in neuroscience, still they could be used to design ad hoc further experimental investigation. The prospect is that, since treatment of AN is still challenging, the ABA model could be more effectively used to shed light on the complex AN neurobiological framework, thus supporting the future development of therapeutic strategies but also the identification of biomarkers and diagnostic tools. Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder with a dramatic effect on many functions of our brain, such as attention, emotions, cognition and motion control. Since our current knowledge of the genetic aspects behind the development of AN is still limited, many biological, psychological and environmental factors must be taken into account as potential triggers of this condition. One of the most valid animal models for studying AN is the activity-based anorexia (ABA). In this model, rodents spontaneously limit food intake and start performing increased physical activity on a running wheel, a result of the imposition of a fixed time schedule for food delivery. In this review, we provide a detailed summary of the experimental research conducted using the ABA model, which includes extended evidence for changes in the anatomy and function of the brain of ABA rodents. The hope is that such integrated view will support the design of future experiments that will shed light on the complex brain mechanisms behind AN. Such advanced knowledge is crucial to find new, effective strategies for both the early diagnosis of AN and for its treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Spadini
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Ferro
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lamanna
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Malgaroli
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hrnjadovic A, Friedmann J, Barhebreus S, Allen PJ, Kocsis B. Effect of a 5-HT7 Receptor Antagonist on Reversal Learning in the Rat Attentional Set-Shifting Test. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:42-48. [PMID: 33337152 PMCID: PMC9976939 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
5-HT7 receptor antagonism has been shown to ameliorate ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like deficits in extradimensional set-shifting using the attentional set-shifting task (ASST). However, this rodent paradigm distinguishes between several types of cognitive rigidity associated with neuropsychiatric conditions. The goal of this study was to test 5-HT7 receptor involvement in the reversal learning component of the ASST because this ability depends primarily on the orbito-frontal cortex, which shows strong 5-HT7 receptor expression. We found that impaired performance on the ASST induced by NMDA receptor blockade (MK-801, 0.2 mg/kg) in 14 rats was reversed by coadministration of the 5-HT7 receptor antagonist SB-269970. The strongest effect was found on the reversal phases of ASST, whereas injection of SB-269970 alone had no effect. These results indicate that 5-HT7 receptor mechanisms may have a specific contribution to the complex cognitive deficits, increasing perseverative responding, in psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia, depression, and anorexia nervosa, which express different forms of cognitive inflexibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alma Hrnjadovic
- Department of Psychiatry, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts 02215, United States
| | - James Friedmann
- Department of Psychiatry, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts 02215, United States
| | - Sandra Barhebreus
- Department of Psychiatry, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts 02215, United States
| | - Patricia J. Allen
- Department of Psychiatry, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts 02215, United States
| | - Bernat Kocsis
- Department of Psychiatry, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts 02215, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Affiliation(s)
- Quenten Highgate
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Susan Schenk
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Foldi CJ, Liknaitzky P, Williams M, Oldfield BJ. Rethinking Therapeutic Strategies for Anorexia Nervosa: Insights From Psychedelic Medicine and Animal Models. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:43. [PMID: 32116500 PMCID: PMC7015070 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disease, yet available pharmacological treatments are largely ineffective due, in part, to an inadequate understanding of the neurobiological drivers that underpin the condition. The recent resurgence of research into the clinical applications of psychedelic medicine for a range of mental disorders has highlighted the potential for classical psychedelics, including psilocybin, to alleviate symptoms of AN that relate to serotonergic signaling and cognitive inflexibility. Clinical trials using psychedelics in treatment-resistant depression have shown promising outcomes, although these studies are unable to circumvent some methodological biases. The first clinical trial to use psilocybin in patients with AN commenced in 2019, necessitating a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms through which psychedelics act. Animal models are beneficial in this respect, allowing for detailed scrutiny of brain function and behavior and the potential to study pharmacology without the confounds of expectancy and bias that are impossible to control for in patient populations. We argue that studies investigating the neurobiological effects of psychedelics in animal models, including the activity-based anorexia (ABA) rodent model, are particularly important to inform clinical applications, including the subpopulations of patients that may benefit most from psychedelic medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Foldi
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul Liknaitzky
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Martin Williams
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Psychedelic Research in Science and Medicine Inc., Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brian J Oldfield
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schalla MA, Stengel A. Activity Based Anorexia as an Animal Model for Anorexia Nervosa-A Systematic Review. Front Nutr 2019; 6:69. [PMID: 31165073 PMCID: PMC6536653 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder affecting around 1 per 100 persons. However, the knowledge about its underlying pathophysiology is limited. To address the need for a better understanding of AN, an animal model was established early on in the late 1960's: the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model in which rats have access to a running wheel combined with restricted food access leading to self-starving/body weight loss and hyperactivity. Both symptoms, separately or combined, can also be found in patients with AN. The aim of this systematic review was to compile the current knowledge about this animal model as well as to address gaps in knowledge. Using the data bases of PubMed, Embase and Web of science 102 publications were identified meeting the search criteria. Here, we show that the ABA model mimics core features of human AN and has been characterized with regards to brain alterations, hormonal changes as well as adaptations of the immune system. Moreover, pharmacological interventions in ABA animals and new developments, such as a chronic adaptation of the ABA model, will be highlighted. The chronic model might be well suited to display AN characteristics but should be further characterized. Lastly, limitations of the model will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha A Schalla
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Stengel
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lamanna J, Sulpizio S, Ferro M, Martoni R, Abutalebi J, Malgaroli A. Behavioral assessment of activity-based-anorexia: how cognition can become the drive wheel. Physiol Behav 2019; 202:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
18
|
Pérez Claudio E, Rodriguez-Cruz Y, Arslan OC, Giray T, Agosto Rivera JL, Kence M, Wells H, Abramson CI. Appetitive reversal learning differences of two honey bee subspecies with different foraging behaviors. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5918. [PMID: 30498631 PMCID: PMC6252072 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to examine mechanistically the observed foraging differences across two honey bee, Apis mellifera, subspecies using the proboscis extension response assay. Specifically, we compared differences in appetitive reversal learning ability between honey bee subspecies: Apis mellifera caucasica (Pollman), and Apis mellifera syriaca (Skorikov) in a "common garden" apiary. It was hypothesized that specific learning differences could explain previously observed foraging behavior differences of these subspecies: A.m. caucasica switches between different flower color morphs in response to reward variability, and A.m. syriaca does not switch. We suggest that flower constancy allows reduced exposure by minimizing search and handling time, whereas plasticity is important when maximizing harvest in preparation for long winter is at a premium. In the initial or Acquisition phase of the test we examined specifically discrimination learning, where bees were trained to respond to a paired conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus and not to respond to a second conditioned stimulus that is not followed by an unconditioned stimulus. We found no significant differences among the subspecies in the Acquisition phase in appetitive learning. During the second, Reversal phase of the experiment, where flexibility in association was tested, the paired and unpaired conditioned stimuli were reversed. During the Reversal phase A.m. syriaca showed a reduced ability to learn the reverse association in the appetitive learning task. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that A.m. syriaca foragers cannot change the foraging choice because of lack of flexibility in appetitive associations under changing contingencies. Interestingly, both subspecies continued responding to the previously rewarded conditioned stimulus in the reversal phase. We discuss potential ecological correlates and molecular underpinnings of these differences in learning across the two subspecies. In addition, in a supplemental experiment we demonstrated that these differences in appetitive reversal learning do not occur in other learning contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eddie Pérez Claudio
- Department of Biology, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Rio Piedras, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Yoselyn Rodriguez-Cruz
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Bayamon, PR, USA
| | - Okan Can Arslan
- Department of Biology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tugrul Giray
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA
| | | | - Meral Kence
- Department of Biology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Harrington Wells
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|