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Sep MSC, Sarabdjitsingh RA, Geuze E, Joels M. Pre-trauma memory contextualization as predictor for PTSD-like behavior in male rats. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:84-94. [PMID: 38262164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.029] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
While many people experience potentially threatening events during their life, only a minority develops posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The identification of individuals at risk among those exposed to trauma is crucial for PTSD prevention in the future. Since re-experiencing trauma elements outside of the original trauma-context is a core feature of PTSD, we investigate if the ability to bind memories to their original encoding context (i.e. memory contextualization) predicts PTSD vulnerability. We hypothesize that pre-trauma neutral memory contextualization (under stress) negatively relates to PTSD-like behavior, in a prospective design using the cut-off behavioral criteria rat model for PTSD. 72 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided in two experimental groups to assess the predictive value of 1) memory contextualization without acute stress (NS-group) and 2) memory contextualization during the recovery phase of the acute stress-response (S-group) for susceptibility to PTSD-like behavior. A powerful extension to regression analysis -path analysis-was used to test this specific hypothesis, together with secondary research questions. Following traumatic predator scent stress, 19.4% of the rats displayed PTSD-like behavior. Results showed a negative relation between pre-trauma memory contextualization and PTSD-like behavior, but only in the NS-group. Pre-trauma memory contextualization was positively related to fear association in the trauma environment, again only in the NS group. If the predictive value of pre-trauma contextualization of neutral information under non-stressful conditions for PTSD susceptibility is replicated in prospective studies in humans, this factor would supplement already known vulnerability factors for PTSD and improve the identification of individuals at risk among the trauma exposed, especially those at high trauma risk such as soldiers deployed on a mission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou S C Sep
- Brain Research and Innovation Centre, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; GGZ inGeest Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Neuroscience, Mood Anxiety, Psychosis, Sleep & Stress Program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health Program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - R Angela Sarabdjitsingh
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Elbert Geuze
- Brain Research and Innovation Centre, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
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Grembecka B, Majkutewicz I, Harackiewicz O, Wrona D. Deep-Brain Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation Enhances Food-Related Motivation by Influencing Neuroinflammation and Anxiety Levels in a Rat Model of Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16916. [PMID: 38069238 PMCID: PMC10706602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep-brain subthalamic nucleus stimulation (DBS-STN) has become a well-established therapeutic option for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). While the motor benefits of DBS-STN are widely acknowledged, the neuropsychiatric effects are still being investigated. Beyond its immediate effects on neuronal circuits, emerging research suggests that DBS-STN might also modulate the peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation. In this work, we assessed the effects of DBS-STN on food-related motivation, food intake pattern, and the level of anxiety and compared them with markers of cellular and immune activation in nigrostriatal and mesolimbic areas in rats with the 6-OHDA model of early PD. To evaluate the potential mechanism of observed effects, we also measured corticosterone concentration in plasma and leukocyte distribution in peripheral blood. We found that DBS-STN applied during neurodegeneration has beneficial effects on food intake pattern and motivation and reduces anxiety. These behavioral effects occur with reduced percentages of IL-6-labeled cells in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra pars compacta in the stimulated brain hemisphere. At the same brain structures, the cFos cell activations were confirmed. Simultaneously, the corticosterone plasma concentration was elevated, and the peripheral blood lymphocytes were reduced after DBS-STN. We believe that comprehending the relationship between the effects of DBS-STN on inflammation and its therapeutic results is essential for optimizing DBS therapy in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Grembecka
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (I.M.); (O.H.); (D.W.)
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Kondashevskaya MV, Mikhaleva LM, Artem’yeva KA, Aleksankina VV, Areshidze DA, Kozlova MA, Pashkov AA, Manukhina EB, Downey HF, Tseilikman OB, Yegorov ON, Zhukov MS, Fedotova JO, Karpenko MN, Tseilikman VE. Unveiling the Link: Exploring Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Probable Mechanism of Hepatic Damage in Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13012. [PMID: 37629192 PMCID: PMC10455150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613012] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PTSD is associated with disturbed hepatic morphology and metabolism. Neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a subcellular determinant of PTSD, but a link between hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatic damage in PTSD has not been demonstrated. Thus, the effects of experimental PTSD on the livers of high anxiety (HA) and low anxiety (LA) rats were compared, and mitochondrial determinants underlying the difference in their hepatic damage were investigated. Rats were exposed to predator stress for 10 days. Then, 14 days post-stress, the rats were evaluated with an elevated plus maze and assigned to HA and LA groups according to their anxiety index. Experimental PTSD caused dystrophic changes in hepatocytes of HA rats and hepatocellular damage evident by increased plasma ALT and AST activities. Mitochondrial dysfunction was evident as a predominance of small-size mitochondria in HA rats, which was positively correlated with anxiety index, activities of plasma transaminases, hepatic lipids, and negatively correlated with hepatic glycogen. In contrast, LA rats had a predominance of medium-sized mitochondria. Thus, we show links between mitochondrial dysfunction, hepatic damage, and heightened anxiety in PTSD rats. These results will provide a foundation for future research on the role of hepatic dysfunction in PTSD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V. Kondashevskaya
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Lyudmila M. Mikhaleva
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Kseniya A. Artem’yeva
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Valentina V. Aleksankina
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - David A. Areshidze
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Maria A. Kozlova
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Anton A. Pashkov
- Scientific and Educational Center ‘Biomedical Technologies’, School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Federal Neurosurgical Center, Novosibirsk 630048, Russia
| | - Eugenia B. Manukhina
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow 125315, Russia
| | - H. Fred Downey
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Olga B. Tseilikman
- Scientific and Educational Center ‘Biomedical Technologies’, School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
| | - Oleg N. Yegorov
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
| | - Maxim S. Zhukov
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Julia O. Fedotova
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Marina N. Karpenko
- Department of Physiology, Pavlov Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg 197376, Russia
| | - Vadim E. Tseilikman
- Scientific and Educational Center ‘Biomedical Technologies’, School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Zelman Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Raise-Abdullahi P, Meamar M, Vafaei AA, Alizadeh M, Dadkhah M, Shafia S, Ghalandari-Shamami M, Naderian R, Afshin Samaei S, Rashidy-Pour A. Hypothalamus and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1010. [PMID: 37508942 PMCID: PMC10377115 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071010] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans have lived in a dynamic environment fraught with potential dangers for thousands of years. While fear and stress were crucial for the survival of our ancestors, today, they are mostly considered harmful factors, threatening both our physical and mental health. Trauma is a highly stressful, often life-threatening event or a series of events, such as sexual assault, war, natural disasters, burns, and car accidents. Trauma can cause pathological metaplasticity, leading to long-lasting behavioral changes and impairing an individual's ability to cope with future challenges. If an individual is vulnerable, a tremendously traumatic event may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The hypothalamus is critical in initiating hormonal responses to stressful stimuli via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Linked to the prefrontal cortex and limbic structures, especially the amygdala and hippocampus, the hypothalamus acts as a central hub, integrating physiological aspects of the stress response. Consequently, the hypothalamic functions have been attributed to the pathophysiology of PTSD. However, apart from the well-known role of the HPA axis, the hypothalamus may also play different roles in the development of PTSD through other pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, as well as by secreting growth hormone, prolactin, dopamine, and oxytocin. This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the neuroendocrine functions of the hypothalamus, which are correlated with the development of PTSD. A better understanding of the role of the hypothalamus in PTSD could help develop better treatments for this debilitating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morvarid Meamar
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Maryam Alizadeh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Qom Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Sakineh Shafia
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Department of Physiology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Ramtin Naderian
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Seyed Afshin Samaei
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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Wilkinson CS, Blount HL, Schwendt M, Knackstedt LA. Brain Monoamine Dysfunction in Response to Predator Scent Stress Accompanies Stress-Susceptibility in Female Rats. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1055. [PMID: 37509091 PMCID: PMC10377406 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in women; however, preclinical research on PTSD has predominantly been conducted in male animals. Using a predator scent stress (PSS) rodent model of PTSD, we sought to determine if stress-susceptible female rats show altered monoamine concentrations in brain regions associated with PTSD: the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and dorsal (dHIPP) and ventral (vHIPP) hippocampus. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a single, 10-min PSS exposure and tested for persistent anhedonia, fear, and anxiety-like behavior over four weeks. Rats were phenotyped as stress-Susceptible based on sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference task and time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. Brain tissue was collected, and norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Stress-susceptibility in female rats was associated with increased dopamine and serotonin turnover in the mPFC. Susceptibility was also associated with elevated dopamine turnover in the NAc and increased norepinephrine in the vHIPP. Our findings suggest that stress-susceptibility after a single stress exposure is associated with long-term effects on monoamine function in female rats. These data suggest interventions that decrease monoamine turnover, such as MAOIs, may be effective in the treatment of PTSD in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney S Wilkinson
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Harrison L Blount
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Marek Schwendt
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Center for OCD and Anxiety Related Disorders, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Lori A Knackstedt
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Center for OCD and Anxiety Related Disorders, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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6
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Glucocorticoid-based pharmacotherapies preventing PTSD. Neuropharmacology 2023; 224:109344. [PMID: 36402246 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly disabling psychiatric condition that may arise after exposure to acute and severe trauma. It is a highly prevalent mental disorder worldwide, and the current treatment options for these patients remain limited due to low effectiveness. The time window right after traumatic events provides clinicians with a unique opportunity for preventive interventions against potential deleterious alterations in brain function that lead to PTSD. Some studies pointed out that PTSD patients present an abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that may contribute to a vulnerability toward PTSD. Moreover, glucocorticoids have arisen as a promising option for preventing the disorder's development when administered in the aftermath of trauma. The present work compiles the recent findings of glucocorticoid administration for the prevention of a PTSD phenotype, from human studies to animal models of PTSD. Overall, glucocorticoid-based therapies for preventing PTSD demonstrated moderate evidence in terms of efficacy in both clinical and preclinical studies. Although clinical studies point out that glucocorticoids may not be effective for all patients' subpopulations, those with adequate traits might greatly benefit from them. Preclinical studies provide precise insight into the mechanisms mediating this preventive effect, showing glucocorticoid-based prevention to reduce long-lasting behavioral and neurobiological abnormalities caused by traumatic stress. However, further research is needed to delineate the precise mechanisms and the extent to which these interventions can translate into lower PTSD rates and morbidity. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'Fear, Anxiety and PTSD'.
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7
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Henriquez AR, Snow SJ, Jackson TW, House JS, Motsinger-Reif AA, Ward-Caviness CK, Schladweiler MC, Alewel DI, Miller CN, Farraj AK, Hazari MS, Grindstaff R, Diaz-Sanchez D, Ghio AJ, Kodavanti UP. Stress Drivers of Glucose Dynamics during Ozone Exposure Measured Using Radiotelemetry in Rats. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:127006. [PMID: 36542476 PMCID: PMC9770052 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhaled irritant air pollutants may trigger stress-related metabolic dysfunction associated with altered circulating adrenal-derived hormones. OBJECTIVES We used implantable telemetry in rats to assess real-time changes in circulating glucose during and after exposure to ozone and mechanistically linked responses to neuroendocrine stress hormones. METHODS First, using a cross-over design, we monitored glucose during ozone exposures (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 ppm) and nonexposure periods in male Wistar Kyoto rats implanted with glucose telemeters. A second cohort of unimplanted rats was exposed to ozone (0.0, 0.4 or 0.8 ppm) for 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, or 4 h with hormones measured immediately post exposure. We assessed glucose metabolism in sham and adrenalectomized rats, with or without supplementation of adrenergic/glucocorticoid receptor agonists, and in a separate cohort, antagonists. RESULTS Ozone (0.8 ppm) was associated with significantly higher blood glucose and lower core body temperature beginning 90 min into exposure, with reversal of effects 4-6 h post exposure. Glucose monitoring during four daily 4-h ozone exposures revealed duration of glucose increases, adaptation, and diurnal variations. Ozone-induced glucose changes were preceded by higher levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone, and epinephrine but lower levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and luteinizing hormones. Higher glucose and glucose intolerance were inhibited in rats that were adrenalectomized or treated with adrenergic plus glucocorticoid receptor antagonists but exacerbated by agonists. DISCUSSION We demonstrated the temporality of neuroendocrine-stress-mediated biological sequalae responsible for ozone-induced glucose metabolic dysfunction and mechanism in a rodent model. Stress hormones assessment with real-time glucose monitoring may be useful in identifying interactions among irritant pollutants and stress-related illnesses. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11088.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres R. Henriquez
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Samantha J. Snow
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas W. Jackson
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - John S. House
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alison A. Motsinger-Reif
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cavin K. Ward-Caviness
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mette C. Schladweiler
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Devin I. Alewel
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Colette N. Miller
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aimen K. Farraj
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mehdi S. Hazari
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel Grindstaff
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Diaz-Sanchez
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew J. Ghio
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Urmila P. Kodavanti
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Exposure to chronic stressor upsurges the excitability of serotoninergic neurons and diminishes concentrations of circulating corticosteroids in rats two weeks thereafter. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:451-460. [DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00366-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Shallcross J, Wu L, Wilkinson CS, Knackstedt LA, Schwendt M. Increased mGlu5 mRNA expression in BLA glutamate neurons facilitates resilience to the long-term effects of a single predator scent stress exposure. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:2279-2293. [PMID: 34175993 PMCID: PMC10416208 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02326-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in a subset of individuals exposed to a trauma with core features being increased anxiety and impaired fear extinction. To model the heterogeneity of PTSD behavioral responses, we exposed male Sprague-Dawley rats to predator scent stress once for 10 min and then assessed anxiety-like behavior 7 days later using the elevated plus maze and acoustic startle response. Rats displaying anxiety-like behavior in both tasks were classified as stress Susceptible, and rats exhibiting behavior no different from un-exposed Controls were classified as stress Resilient. In Resilient rats, we previously found increased mRNA expression of mGlu5 in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC) and CB1 in the amygdala. Here, we performed fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the subregion and cell-type-specific expression of these genes in Resilient rats 3 weeks after TMT exposure. Resilient rats displayed increased mGlu5 mRNA expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the infralimbic and prelimbic regions of the PFC and increased BLA CB1 mRNA. These increases were limited to glutamatergic cells. To test the necessity of mGlu5 for attenuating TMT-conditioned contextual fear 3 weeks after TMT conditioning, intra-BLA infusions of the mGlu5 negative allosteric modulator MTEP were administered prior to context re-exposure. In TMT-exposed Resilient rats, but not Controls, MTEP increased freezing on the day of administration, which extinguished over two additional un-drugged sessions. These results suggest that increased mGlu5 expression in BLA glutamate neurons contributes to the behavioral flexibility observed in stress-Resilient animals by facilitating a capacity for extinguishing contextual fear associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Shallcross
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
| | - Lizhen Wu
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
| | - Courtney S Wilkinson
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Lori A Knackstedt
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Marek Schwendt
- Psychology Department, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, University of Florida, 114 Psychology Building, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA.
- Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
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Malikowska-Racia N, Salat K, Gdula-Argasinska J, Popik P. Sex, Pramipexole and Tiagabine Affect Behavioral and Hormonal Response to Traumatic Stress in a Mouse Model of PTSD. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:691598. [PMID: 34276379 PMCID: PMC8277945 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.691598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with abnormal regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis (HPA). Women demonstrate a more robust HPA response and are twice as likely to develop PTSD than men. The role of sex hormones in PTSD remains unclear. We investigated whether post-trauma chronic treatment with the GABA-ergic agent tiagabine and dopamine-mimetic pramipexole affected the behavioral outcome and plasma levels of corticosterone, testosterone, or 17β-estradiol in female and male mice. These medications were investigated due to their potential capacity to restore GABA-ergic and dopaminergic deficits in PTSD. Animals were exposed to a single prolonged stress procedure (mSPS). Following 13 days treatment with tiagabine (10 mg/kg) or pramipexole (1 mg/kg) once daily, the PTSD-like phenotype was examined in the fear conditioning paradigm. Plasma hormones were measured almost immediately following the conditioned fear assessment. We report that the exposure to mSPS equally enhanced conditioned fear in both sexes. However, while males demonstrated decreased plasma corticosterone, its increase was observed in females. Trauma elevated plasma testosterone in both sexes, but it had no significant effects on 17β-estradiol. Behavioral manifestation of trauma was reduced by pramipexole in both sexes and by tiagabine in females only. While neither compound affected corticosterone in stressed animals, testosterone levels were further enhanced by tiagabine in females. This study shows sex-dependent efficacy of tiagabine but not pramipexole in a mouse model of PTSD-like symptoms and a failure of steroid hormones’ levels to predict PTSD treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Malikowska-Racia
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.,Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kinga Salat
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Gdula-Argasinska
- Department of Radioligands, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Popik
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Danan D, Todder D, Zohar J, Cohen H. Is PTSD-Phenotype Associated with HPA-Axis Sensitivity?: The Endocannabinoid System in Modulating Stress Response in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6416. [PMID: 34203952 PMCID: PMC8232809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids play a role in adaptation to stress and regulate the release of glucocorticoids in stressed and unstressed conditions. We recently found that basal corticosterone pulsatility may significantly impact the vulnerability for developing post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD), suggesting that the endocannabinoid system may contribute to its development. To examine this, we exposed rats to predator scent stress (PSS). Behavioral reactions were recorded seven days post-PSS. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from anesthetized rats shortly after PSS exposure to determine the levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA). To correlate between endocannabinoids and corticosterone levels, rats were placed in metabolic cages for urine collection. To assess the levels of endocannabinoids in specific brain regions, rats' brains were harvested one day after behavioral analysis for staining and fluorescence quantification. Moreover, 2-AG was elevated in the CSF of PTSD-phenotype rats as compared with other groups and was inversely correlated with corticosterone urinary secretion. Eight days post-PSS exposure, hippocampal and hypothalamic 2-AG levels and hippocampal AEA levels were significantly more reduced in the PTSD-phenotype group compared to other groups. We posit that maladaptation to stress, which is propagated by an abnormal activation of endocannabinoids, mediates the subsequent stress-induced behavioral disruption, which, later, reduces neuronal the expression of endocannabinoids, contributing to PTSD symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dor Danan
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ministry of Health, Beer-Sheva 8461144, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Doron Todder
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ministry of Health, Beer-Sheva 8461144, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Post-Trauma Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv 5262000, Israel;
| | - Hagit Cohen
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ministry of Health, Beer-Sheva 8461144, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
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12
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Danan D, Todder D, Zohar J, Cohen H. Is PTSD-Phenotype Associated with HPA-Axis Sensitivity? Feedback Inhibition and Other Modulating Factors of Glucocorticoid Signaling Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116050. [PMID: 34205191 PMCID: PMC8200046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that basal corticosterone pulsatility significantly impacts the vulnerability for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rats that exhibited PTSD-phenotype were characterized by blunted basal corticosterone pulsatility amplitude and a blunted corticosterone response to a stressor. This study sought to identify the mechanisms underlining both the loss of pulsatility and differences in downstream responses. Serial blood samples were collected manually via jugular vein cannula at 10-min intervals to evaluate suppression of corticosterone following methylprednisolone administration. The rats were exposed to predator scent stress (PSS) after 24 h, and behavioral responses were assessed 7 days post-exposure for retrospective classification into behavioral response groups. Brains were harvested for measurements of the glucocorticoid receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor, FK506-binding protein-51 and arginine vasopressin in specific brain regions to assess changes in hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) regulating factors. Methylprednisolone produced greater suppression of corticosterone in the PTSD-phenotype group. During the suppression, the PTSD-phenotype rats showed a significantly more pronounced pulsatile activity. In addition, the PTSD-phenotype group showed distinct changes in the ventral and dorsal CA1, dentate gyrus as well as in the paraventricular nucleus and supra-optic nucleus. These results demonstrate a pre-trauma vulnerability state that is characterized by an over-reactivity of the HPA and changes in its regulating factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dor Danan
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84170, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Doron Todder
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84170, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Post-Trauma Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv 52621, Israel;
| | - Hagit Cohen
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84170, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-544-369106
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13
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Schultebraucks K, Sijbrandij M, Galatzer-Levy I, Mouthaan J, Olff M, van Zuiden M. Forecasting individual risk for long-term Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in emergency medical settings using biomedical data: A machine learning multicenter cohort study. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100297. [PMID: 33553513 PMCID: PMC7843920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The necessary requirement of a traumatic event preceding the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, theoretically allows for administering preventive and early interventions in the early aftermath of such events. Machine learning models including biomedical data to forecast PTSD outcome after trauma are highly promising for detection of individuals most in need of such interventions. In the current study, machine learning was applied on biomedical data collected within 48 h post-trauma to forecast individual risk for long-term PTSD, using a multinominal approach including the full spectrum of common PTSD symptom courses within one prognostic model for the first time. N = 417 patients (37.2% females; mean age 46.09 ± 15.88) admitted with (suspected) serious injury to two urban Academic Level-1 Trauma Centers were included. Routinely collected biomedical information (endocrine measures, vital signs, pharmacotherapy, demographics, injury and trauma characteristics) upon ED admission and subsequent 48 h was used. Cross-validated multi-nominal classification of longitudinal self-reported symptom severity (IES-R) over 12 months and bimodal classification of clinician-rated PTSD diagnosis (CAPS-IV) at 12 months post-trauma was performed using extreme Gradient Boosting and evaluated on hold-out sets. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were used to explain the derived models in human-interpretable form. Good prediction of longitudinal PTSD symptom trajectories (multiclass AUC = 0.89) and clinician-rated PTSD at 12 months (AUC = 0.89) was achieved. Most relevant prognostic variables to forecast both multinominal and dichotomous PTSD outcomes included acute endocrine and psychophysiological measures and hospital-prescribed pharmacotherapy. Thus, individual risk for long-term PTSD was accurately forecasted from biomedical information routinely collected within 48 h post-trauma. These results facilitate future targeted preventive interventions by enabling future early risk detection and provide further insights into the complex etiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Schultebraucks
- Vagelos School of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America; Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Vrije Universiteit, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Isaac Galatzer-Levy
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joanne Mouthaan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Miranda Olff
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam van Zuiden
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Belda X, Fuentes S, Labad J, Nadal R, Armario A. Acute exposure of rats to a severe stressor alters the circadian pattern of corticosterone and sensitizes to a novel stressor: Relationship to pre-stress individual differences in resting corticosterone levels. Horm Behav 2020; 126:104865. [PMID: 32991887 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104865] [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: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic events have been proposed to be associated with hypo-activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but data in animal models exposed to severe stressors are controversial and have important methodological concerns. Individual differences in resting or stress levels of corticosterone might explain some of the inconsistencies. We then studied this issue in male rats exposed to 2 h immobilization on boards (IMO), a severe stressor. Thirty-six rats were blood sampled under resting conditions four times a day on three non-consecutive days. Then, they were assigned to control (n = 14) or IMO (n = 22) to study the HPA response to IMO, the stressor-induced alterations in the circadian pattern of corticosterone (CPCORT), and the behavioral and HPA responsiveness to an open-field. Individual differences in pre-IMO resting corticosterone were inconsistent, but averaging data markedly improved consistency. The CPCORT was markedly altered on day 1 post-IMO (higher trough and lower peak levels), less altered on day 3 and apparently normal on day 7. Importantly, when rats were classified in low and high resting corticosterone groups (LCORT and HCORT, respectively), on the basis of the area under the curve (AUC) of the averaged pre-IMO data, AUC differences between LCORT and HCORT groups were maintained in controls but disappeared in IMO rats during the post-IMO week. Open-field hypo-activity and corticosterone sensitization were similar in LCORT and HCORT groups nine days after IMO. A single IMO exposure causes long-lasting HPA alterations, some of them dependent on pre-stress resting corticosterone levels, with no evidence for post-IMO resting corticosterone hypo-activity.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood
- Animals
- Circadian Rhythm/physiology
- Conditioning, Classical/physiology
- Corticosterone/blood
- Corticosterone/metabolism
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism
- Individuality
- Male
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Rest/physiology
- Rest/psychology
- Restraint, Physical/physiology
- Restraint, Physical/psychology
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/blood
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/etiology
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/metabolism
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology
- Stress, Psychological/blood
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Belda
- Institut de Neurociències, Spain; Animal Physiology Unit (Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology), Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Fuentes
- Institut de Neurociències, Spain; Psychobiology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Labad
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, I3PT, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain
| | - Roser Nadal
- Institut de Neurociències, Spain; Psychobiology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain
| | - Antonio Armario
- Institut de Neurociències, Spain; Animal Physiology Unit (Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology), Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain.
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15
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Ding J, Chen X, da Silva MS, Lingeman J, Han F, Meijer OC. Effects of RU486 treatment after single prolonged stress depend on the post-stress interval. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 108:103541. [PMID: 32858150 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Single Prolonged Stress protocol is considered a model for PTSD, as it induces long lasting changes in rat behaviour and endocrine regulation. Previous work demonstrated that some of these changes can be prevented by treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486, administered a week after the stressor. The current study evaluated the effects of an earlier intervention with RU486, as evaluated 1 week after SPS-exposure. Most RU486 effects occurred independent of prior stress, except for the reversal of a stress-induced increase in locomotor behaviour. The accompanying changes in gene expression depended on gene, brain region, and time. DNA methylation of the robustly down-regulated Fkbp5 gene was dissociated of changes in mRNA expression. The findings reinforce the long term effects of GR antagonist treatment, but also emphasize the need to evaluate changes over time to allow the identification of robust correlates between gene expression and behavioural/endocrine outcome of stressful experiences.
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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
| | - Xinzhao Chen
- 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
| | - 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
| | - 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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16
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Komelkova M, Manukhina E, Downey HF, Sarapultsev A, Cherkasova O, Kotomtsev V, Platkovskiy P, Fedorov S, Sarapultsev P, Tseilikman O, Tseilikman D, Tseilikman V. Hexobarbital Sleep Test for Predicting the Susceptibility or Resistance to Experimental Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5900. [PMID: 32824478 PMCID: PMC7460591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hexobarbital sleep test (HST) was performed in male Wistar rats (hexobarbital 60 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 days prior to stress exposure. Based on the duration of hexobarbital-induced sleep, rats were divided into two groups, animals with high intensity (fast metabolizers (FM), sleep duration <15 min) or low intensity of hexobarbital metabolism (slow metabolizers (SM), sleep duration ≥15 min). The SM and FM groups were then divided into two subgroups: unstressed and stressed groups. The stressed subgroups were exposed to predator scent stress for 10 days followed by 15 days of rest. SM and FM rats from the unstressed group exhibited different behavioral and endocrinological patterns. SM showed greater anxiety and higher corticosterone levels. In stressed animals, anxiety-like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) behavior was aggravated only in SM. Corticosterone levels in the stressed FM, PTSD-resistant rats, were lower than in unstressed SM. Thus, HST was able to predict the susceptibility or resistance to experimental PTSD, which was consistent with the changes in glucocorticoid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Komelkova
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia; (M.K.); (E.M.); (H.F.D.); (O.T.); (V.T.)
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (V.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Eugenia Manukhina
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia; (M.K.); (E.M.); (H.F.D.); (O.T.); (V.T.)
- Laboratory for Regulatory Mechanisms of Stress and Adaptation, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - H. Fred Downey
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia; (M.K.); (E.M.); (H.F.D.); (O.T.); (V.T.)
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (V.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Olga Cherkasova
- Biophysics Laboratory, Institute of Laser Physics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Viacheslav Kotomtsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (V.K.); (P.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Ural Research Institute for Phthisiopulmonology of Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, 620039 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Pavel Platkovskiy
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chelyabinsk State University, 454001 Chelyabinsk, Russia; (P.P.); (S.F.); (D.T.)
| | - Stanislav Fedorov
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chelyabinsk State University, 454001 Chelyabinsk, Russia; (P.P.); (S.F.); (D.T.)
| | - Petr Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (V.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Olga Tseilikman
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia; (M.K.); (E.M.); (H.F.D.); (O.T.); (V.T.)
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chelyabinsk State University, 454001 Chelyabinsk, Russia; (P.P.); (S.F.); (D.T.)
| | - David Tseilikman
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chelyabinsk State University, 454001 Chelyabinsk, Russia; (P.P.); (S.F.); (D.T.)
| | - Vadim Tseilikman
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia; (M.K.); (E.M.); (H.F.D.); (O.T.); (V.T.)
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17
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Tseilikman V, Komelkova M, Lapshin M, Alliluev A, Tseilikman O, Karpenko M, Pestereva N, Manukhina E, Downey HF, Kondashevskaya M, Sarapultsev A, Dremencov E. High and low anxiety phenotypes in a rat model of complex post-traumatic stress disorder are associated with different alterations in regional brain monoamine neurotransmission. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 117:104691. [PMID: 32361171 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeated exposure to predator scent stress (PSS) has been used as an animal model of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). The aim of the current study was to assess brain monoamines and their primary metabolites concentrations in male Wistar rats (16 control, 19 exposed to chronic PSS). METHODS Rats were exposed to PSS for ten days. Fourteen days later, the rats' anxiety index (AI) was assessed with an elevated plus maze test; based on differences in AI, the rats were segregated into low- (AI ≤ 0.8, n = 9) and high- (AI > 0.8, n = 10) anxiety phenotypes. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Brain monoamines and their metabolites were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector. RESULTS PSS exposure led to a significant increase in average rats' AI and a reduction in plasma corticosterone levels. Medullar catecholamines and hippocampal and neocortical norepinephrine levels were increased, and pontine norepinephrine and cerebellar dopamine decreased in PSS-exposed rats. Cerebellar norepinephrine levels were increased, and midbrain, hippocampal, and neocortical 5-HT and hypothalamic and hippocampal dopamine levels-decreased in high-, but not in low-anxiety rats. The decrease in hippocampal dopamine levels was accompanied by an increase of DOPAC levels, suggesting and abnormal metabolism of this transmitter. CONCLUSION Reductions in 5-HT and dopamine in mid- and forebrain brain areas are associated with stress susceptibility in rodents and perhaps also with PTSD vulnerability in humans. Dopamine and 5-HT metabolism and its modulation by glucocorticoids appear to play a role in stress susceptibility and in CPTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Tseilikman
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia.
| | - Maria Komelkova
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Maxim Lapshin
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Anatoli Alliluev
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Olga Tseilikman
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia; Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Marina Karpenko
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Nina Pestereva
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Eugenia Manukhina
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia; University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - H Fred Downey
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | | | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology (IIP) of the Ural Division of Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Eliyahu Dremencov
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia; Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center for Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
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18
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Verbitsky A, Dopfel D, Zhang N. Rodent models of post-traumatic stress disorder: behavioral assessment. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:132. [PMID: 32376819 PMCID: PMC7203017 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0806-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the etiology and expression of psychiatric disorders are complex, mammals show biologically preserved behavioral and neurobiological responses to valent stimuli which underlie the use of rodent models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a complex phenotype that is difficult to model in rodents because it is diagnosed by patient interview and influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. However, given that PTSD results from traumatic experiences, rodent models can simulate stress induction and disorder development. By manipulating stress type, intensity, duration, and frequency, preclinical models reflect core PTSD phenotypes, measured through various behavioral assays. Paradigms precipitate the disorder by applying physical, social, and psychological stressors individually or in combination. This review discusses the methods used to trigger and evaluate PTSD-like phenotypes. It highlights studies employing each stress model and evaluates their translational efficacies against DSM-5, validity criteria, and criteria proposed by Yehuda and Antelman's commentary in 1993. This is intended to aid in paradigm selection by informing readers about rodent models, their benefits to the clinical community, challenges associated with the translational models, and opportunities for future work. To inform PTSD model validity and relevance to human psychopathology, we propose that models incorporate behavioral test batteries, individual differences, sex differences, strain and stock differences, early life stress effects, biomarkers, stringent success criteria for drug development, Research Domain Criteria, technological advances, and cross-species comparisons. We conclude that, despite the challenges, animal studies will be pivotal to advances in understanding PTSD and the neurobiology of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Verbitsky
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - David Dopfel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Nanyin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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19
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Sbarski B, Akirav I. Cannabinoids as therapeutics for PTSD. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 211:107551. [PMID: 32311373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder that involves dysregulation of multiple neurobiological systems. The traumatic stressor plays a causal role in producing psychological dysfunction and the pattern of findings suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is instrumental for stress adaptation, is critically dysfunctional in PTSD. Given the lack of understanding of the basic mechanisms and underlying pathways that cause the disorder and its heterogeneity, PTSD poses challenges for treatment. Targeting the endocannabinoid (ECB) system to treat mental disorders, and PTSD in particular, has been the focus of research and interest in recent years. The ECB system modulates multiple functions, and drugs enhancing ECB signaling have shown promise as potential therapeutic agents in stress effects and other psychiatric and medical conditions. In this review, we focus on the interaction between the ECB-HPA systems in animal models for PTSD and in patients with PTSD. We summarize evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids in preventing and treating PTSD in preclinical and clinical studies. As the HPA system plays a key role in the mediation of the stress response and the pathophysiology of PTSD, we describe preclinical studies suggesting that enhancing ECB signaling is consistent with decreasing PTSD symptoms and dysfunction of the HPA axis. Overall, we suggest that a pharmacological treatment targeted at one system (e.g., HPA) may not be very effective because of the heterogeneity of the disorder. There are abnormalities across different neurotransmitter systems in the pathophysiology of PTSD and none of these systems function uniformly among all patients with PTSD. Hence, conceptually, enhancing ECB signaling may be a more effective avenue for pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Sbarski
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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Brodnik ZD, Black EM, España RA. Accelerated development of cocaine-associated dopamine transients and cocaine use vulnerability following traumatic stress. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:472-481. [PMID: 31539899 PMCID: PMC6969179 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder and cocaine use disorder are highly co-morbid psychiatric conditions. The onset of post-traumatic stress disorder generally occurs prior to the development of cocaine use disorder, and thus it appears that the development of post-traumatic stress disorder drives cocaine use vulnerability. We recently characterized a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder with segregation of rats as susceptible and resilient based on anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and context avoidance. We paired this model with in vivo fast scan cyclic voltammetry in freely moving rats to test for differences in dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens core at baseline, in response to a single dose of cocaine, and in response to cocaine-paired cues. Further, we examined differences in the acquisition of cocaine self-administration across groups. Results indicate that susceptibility to traumatic stress is associated with alterations in phasic dopamine signaling architecture that increase the rate at which dopamine signals entrain to cocaine-associated cues and increase the magnitude of persistent cue-evoked dopamine signals following training. These changes in phasic dopamine signaling correspond with increases in the rate at which susceptible rats develop excessive cocaine-taking behavior. Together, our studies demonstrate that susceptibility to traumatic stress is associated with a cocaine use-vulnerable phenotype and suggests that differences in phasic dopamine signaling architecture may contribute to the process by which this vulnerability occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary D. Brodnik
- 0000 0001 2181 3113grid.166341.7Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129 USA
| | - Emily M. Black
- 0000 0001 2181 3113grid.166341.7Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129 USA
| | - Rodrigo A. España
- 0000 0001 2181 3113grid.166341.7Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129 USA
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21
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Tractenberg SG, Orso R, Creutzberg KC, Malcon LMC, Lumertz FS, Wearick-Silva LE, Viola TW, Riva MA, Grassi-Oliveira R. Vulnerable and resilient cognitive performance related to early life stress: The potential mediating role of dopaminergic receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex of adult mice. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:13-27. [PMID: 31907967 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposure to early life stress (ELS) is known to have pronounced effects on the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, not all individuals exposed to ELS manifest the same neurobiological and cognitive phenotypes when adults. Dopamine signaling could be a key factor in understanding the effects of stress on PFC-related cognitive function. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the differential effects of ELS on cognitive performance of adult mice and the dopaminergic receptors expression in the PFC. METHODS BALB/c males were exposed to the maternal separation (MS) procedure and their cognitive performance on the eight-arm radial maze (8-RAM) were assessed during adulthood. For molecular-level assessments, we performed mRNA expression analyses for dopamine receptors-DRD1, DRD2, DRD3-and Hers1 expression in the medial PFC. RESULTS While MS produced an overall impairment on 8-RAM, the stressed animals could be divided in two groups based on their performance: those with impaired cognitive performance (vulnerable to maternal separation, V-MS) and those without any impairment (resilient to maternal separation, R-MS). V-MS animals showed increased DRD1 and DRD2 expression in comparison with other groups. Errors on 8-RAM were also positively correlated with DRD1 and DRD2 mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a potential role of the dopaminergic system in the programming mechanisms of cognitive vulnerability and resilience related to ELS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo G Tractenberg
- Graduate Program in Psychology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Orso
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Kerstin C Creutzberg
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luiza M C Malcon
- Graduate Program in Psychology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Lumertz
- Graduate Program in Psychology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo Wearick-Silva
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thiago W Viola
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Psychology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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22
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Gao ZW, Ju RL, Luo M, Wu SL, Zhang WT. The anxiolytic-like effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on an animal model of PTSD. Psychiatry Res 2019; 279:130-137. [PMID: 31103345 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the mental illness. The antidepressant-like properties of ginsenoside Rg2 (GRg2) have been shown, while little is known about its anti-PTSD-like effects. In the present study, the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits in rats were induced following exposure to single prolonged stress (SPS). The results showed that the decreased time and entries in the open arms in elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and increased freezing duration in contextual fear paradigm (CFP) were reversed by GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) without affecting the locomotor activity. In addition, GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) could block the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), corticosterone (Cort) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the brain or serum. In summary, GRg2 alleviated the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits with biosynthesis of neurosteroids, normalization of serotonergic system and HPA axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Wei Gao
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China; Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China; Shunde Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528333,P.R. China
| | - Rong-Le Ju
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China.
| | - Shu-Lian Wu
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Tong Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China
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23
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Miles OW, Maren S. Role of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis in PTSD: Insights From Preclinical Models. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:68. [PMID: 31024271 PMCID: PMC6461014 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) afflicts approximately 8% of the United States population and represents a significant public health burden, but the underlying neural mechanisms of this and other anxiety- and stressor-related disorders are largely unknown. Within the last few decades, several preclinical models of PSTD have been developed to help elucidate the mechanisms underlying dysregulated fear states. One brain area that has emerged as a critical mediator of stress-related behavioral processing in both clinical and laboratory settings is the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is interconnected with essential emotional processing regions, including prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. It is activated by stressor exposure and undergoes neurochemical and morphological alterations as a result of stressor exposure. Stress-related neuro-peptides including corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) are also abundant in the BNST, further implicating an involvement of BNST in stress responses. Behaviorally, the BNST is critical for acquisition and expression of fear and is well positioned to regulate fear relapse after periods of extinction. Here, we consider the role of the BNST in stress and memory processes in the context of preclinical models of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia W. Miles
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Modelling posttraumatic stress disorders in animals. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 90:117-133. [PMID: 30468906 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal models of posttraumatic stress disorder are useful tools to reveal the neurobiological basis of the vulnerability to traumatic events, and to develop new treatment strategies, as well as predicting treatment response contributing to personalized medicine approach. Different models have different construct, face and predictive validity and they model different symptoms of the disease. The most prevalent models are the single prolonged stress, electric foot-shock and predator odor. Freezing as 're-experiencing' in cluster B and startle as 'arousal' in cluster E according to DSM-5 are the most frequently studied parameters; however, several other symptoms related to mood, cognitive and social skills are part of the examinations. Beside behavioral characteristics, symptoms of exaggerated sympathetic activity and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis as well as signs of sleep disturbances are also warranted. Test battery rather than a single test is required to describe a model properly and the results should be interpreted in a comprehensive way, e.g. creating a z-score. Research is shifting to study larger populations and identifying the features of the resilient and vulnerable individuals, which cannot be easily done in humans. Incorporation of the "three hit theory" in animal models may lead to a better animal model of vulnerability and resilience. As women are twice as vulnerable as men, more emphasize should be taken to include female animals. Moreover, hypothesis free testing and big data analysis may help to identify an array of biomarkers instead of a single variable for identification of vulnerability and for the purpose of personalized medicine.
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Huzard D, Ghosal S, Grosse J, Carnevali L, Sgoifo A, Sandi C. Low vagal tone in two rat models of psychopathology involving high or low corticosterone stress responses. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:101-110. [PMID: 30448728 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The two stress-responsive physiological systems, autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis exert complementary and interrelated actions in the organism. Individuals that suffer stress-related psychopathologies frequently present simultaneous alterations -i.e., either low or high- responsiveness- in both systems. However, there is scarce evidence establishing whether a priori alterations in these systems -i.e., independent of previous stress exposure- may predispose to the development of psychopathologies possibly due to the lack of animal models simultaneously involving aberrant HPA and SNS responses. In this study, we describe two animal models selectively bred according to their differential (either high, 'High', or low, 'Low') glucocorticoid responsiveness to stress, in comparison to a third line of rats that displays intermediate ('Inter') glucocorticoid responses. The two extreme lines may be considered distinct models of psychopathology; the High line representing a model of constitutive mood alterations while the Low line a model of vulnerability to develop stress-induced psychopathologies. We recorded the electrocardiogram in rats from the three lines and quantified heart rate variability and vagal tone indexes during rest and stress challenges. Rats from both High and Low lines displayed higher heart rate and lower basal vagal tone than the Inter group, both at resting and following stress exposure. Specific pharmacological manipulations probing the relative contribution of sympathetic and parasympathetic components on HR modulation confirmed a relative lower vagal tone in High and Low lines and discarded differences in the sympathetic regulation of heart rate between the lines. Therefore, the two genetically-selected High and Low glucocorticoid rat lines emerge as two valuable preclinical models of psychopathology involving two key risk factors for psychiatric and cardiovascular disorders, namely dysregulations in the HPA axis and cardiac vagal functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Huzard
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sriparna Ghosal
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn Grosse
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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