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Zhang W, Tian D, Yu Y, Tong D, Zhou W, Yu Y, Lu L, Li W, Liu G, Shi W. Micro/nanoplastics impair the feeding of goldfish by disrupting the complicated peripheral and central regulation of appetite. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174112. [PMID: 38908581 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of plastic particles in water bodies poses a potential threat to aquatic species. Although numerous adverse effects of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have been documented, their effects on fish feeding, one of the most important behaviors of animals, are far from being fully understood. In this study, the effects of MPs and NPs (at environmentally realistic levels) on fish food consumption and feeding behavior were assessed using goldfish (Carassius auratus) and polystyrene (PS) particles as representatives. In addition, to reveal the potential mechanisms, the effects of MPs and NPs on peripheral and central regulation of appetite were evaluated by examining appetite-regulation related intestinal, serous, and hypothalamic parameters. The results obtained indicated that the 28-day MP- and NP-exposure significantly impaired goldfish feeding by disrupting peripheral and central appetite regulation. Based on differences observed in their effects on the abovementioned behavioral, histological, and physiological parameters, MPs and NPs may interfere with appetite regulation in a size-dependent manner. Blocking the gastrointestinal tract and causing histopathological and functional damage to inner organs may be the main routes through which MPs and NPs disrupt appetite regulation. Our findings suggested that plastic particles exposure may have far-reaching effects on fish species through impaired feeding, which warrants further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixia Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dandan Tian
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yihan Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Difei Tong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weishang Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yingying Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lingzheng Lu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weifeng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, PR China
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Dissinger A, Rimoldi S, Terova G, Kwasek K. Chronic social isolation affects feeding behavior of juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307967. [PMID: 39058733 PMCID: PMC11280532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Many organisms exhibit social behaviors and are part of some scheme of social structure. Zebrafish are highly social, shoaling fish and therefore, social isolation may have notable impacts on their physiology and behavior. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of social isolation on feed intake, monoaminergic system related gene expression, and intestinal health of juvenile zebrafish fed a high-inclusion soybean meal based diet. At 20 days post-fertilization zebrafish were randomly assigned to chronic isolation (1 fish per 1.5 L tank) or social housing (6 fish per 9 L tank) with 18 tanks per treatment group (n = 18). Dividers were placed between all tanks to prevent visual cues between fish. Zebrafish were fed a commercial fishmeal based diet until 35 days post-fertilization and then fed the experimental high-inclusion soybean meal based diet until 50 days post-fertilization. At the end of the experiment (51 days post-fertilization), the mean total length, weight, and weight gain were not significantly different between treatment groups. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly higher in chronic isolation fish than in social housing fish. Expression of monoaminergic and appetite-related genes were not significantly different between groups. The chronic isolation group showed higher expression of the inflammatory gene il-1b, however, average intestinal villi width was significantly smaller and average length-to-width ratio was significantly higher in chronic isolation fish, suggesting morphological signs of inflammation were not present at the time of sampling. These results indicate that chronic isolation positively affects feed intake of juvenile zebrafish and suggest that isolation may be useful in promoting feed intake of less-palatable diets such as those based on soybean meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Dissinger
- Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Simona Rimoldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Genciana Terova
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Karolina Kwasek
- Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
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3
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Azpeleta C, Delgado MJ, Metz JR, Flik G, de Pedro N. Melatonin as an anti-stress signal: effects on an acute stress model and direct actions on interrenal tissue in goldfish. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1291153. [PMID: 38260137 PMCID: PMC10800973 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1291153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Melatonin is a key hormone in regulation of circadian rhythms, and involved in many rhythmic functions, such as feeding and locomotor activity. Melatonin reportedly counteracts stress responses in many vertebrates, including fish. However, targets for this action of melatonin and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Results This study reports potential anti-stress properties of melatonin in goldfish (Carassius auratus), with a focus on its effect on plasma cortisol, food intake, and locomotor activity, all of them involved in the responses to stress exposure. Indeed, acute injection of melatonin counteracted stress-induced hypercortisolinemia and reduced food intake. The reduced locomotor activity following melatonin treatment suggests a possible sedative role in fish. To assess whether this anti-stress effects of melatonin involve direct actions on interrenal tissue, in vitro cultures of head kidney (containing the interrenal cortisol-producing tissue) were carried out in presence of ACTH, melatonin, and luzindole, an antagonist of melatonin receptors. Melatonin in vitro reduced ACTH-stimulated cortisol release, an effect attenuated by luzindole; this suggests the presence of specific melatonin receptors in interrenal tissue. Conclusions Our data support a role for melatonin as an anti-stress signal in goldfish, and suggest that the interrenal tissue of teleosts may be a plausible target for melatonin action decreasing cortisol production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Azpeleta
- Departamento de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Unidad Docente de Fisiología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas y de la Salud, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mª Jesús Delgado
- Departamento de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Unidad Docente de Fisiología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juriaan R Metz
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Gert Flik
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nuria de Pedro
- Departamento de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Unidad Docente de Fisiología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Yasmin N, Collier AD, Karatayev O, Abdulai AR, Yu B, Fam M, Khalizova N, Leibowitz SF. Subpopulations of hypocretin/orexin neurons differ in measures of their cell proliferation, dynorphin co-expression, projections, and response to embryonic ethanol exposure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8448. [PMID: 37231149 PMCID: PMC10213024 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35432-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies in animals demonstrate that embryonic exposure to ethanol (EtOH) at low-moderate doses stimulates neurogenesis and increases the number of hypothalamic neurons expressing the peptide, hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt). A recent study in zebrafish showed that this effect on the Hcrt neurons in the anterior hypothalamus (AH) is area specific, evident in the anterior (aAH) but not posterior (pAH) part of this region. To understand specific factors that may determine the differential sensitivity to EtOH of these Hcrt subpopulations, we performed additional measures in zebrafish of their cell proliferation, co-expression of the opioid dynorphin (Dyn), and neuronal projections. In association with the increase in Hcrt neurons in the aAH but not pAH, EtOH significantly increased only in the aAH the proliferation of Hcrt neurons and their number lacking Dyn co-expression. The projections of these subpopulations differed markedly in their directionality, with those from the pAH primarily descending to the locus coeruleus and those from the aAH ascending to the subpallium, and they were both stimulated by EtOH, which induced specifically the most anterior subpallium-projecting Hcrt neurons to become ectopically expressed beyond the aAH. These differences between the Hcrt subpopulations suggest they are functionally distinct in their regulation of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nushrat Yasmin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Adam D Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Abdul R Abdulai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Boyi Yu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nailya Khalizova
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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5
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Yasmin N, Collier AD, Abdulai AR, Karatayev O, Yu B, Fam M, Leibowitz SF. Role of Chemokine Cxcl12a in Mediating the Stimulatory Effects of Ethanol on Embryonic Development of Subpopulations of Hypocretin/Orexin Neurons and Their Projections. Cells 2023; 12:1399. [PMID: 37408233 PMCID: PMC10216682 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in zebrafish and rats show that embryonic ethanol exposure at low-moderate concentrations stimulates hypothalamic neurons expressing hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) that promote alcohol consumption, effects possibly involving the chemokine Cxcl12 and its receptor Cxcr4. Our recent studies in zebrafish of Hcrt neurons in the anterior hypothalamus (AH) demonstrate that ethanol exposure has anatomically specific effects on Hcrt subpopulations, increasing their number in the anterior AH (aAH) but not posterior AH (pAH), and causes the most anterior aAH neurons to become ectopically expressed further anterior in the preoptic area (POA). Using tools of genetic overexpression and knockdown, our goal here was to determine whether Cxcl12a has an important function in mediating the specific effects of ethanol on these Hcrt subpopulations and their projections. The results demonstrate that the overexpression of Cxcl12a has stimulatory effects similar to ethanol on the number of aAH and ectopic POA Hcrt neurons and the long anterior projections from ectopic POA neurons and posterior projections from pAH neurons. They also demonstrate that knockdown of Cxcl12a blocks these effects of ethanol on the Hcrt subpopulations and projections, providing evidence supporting a direct role of this specific chemokine in mediating ethanol's stimulatory effects on embryonic development of the Hcrt system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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6
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Carpenter RE, Sabirzhanov B, Summers TR, Clark TG, Keifer J, Summers CH. Anxiolytic reversal of classically conditioned / chronic stress-induced gene expression and learning in the Stress Alternatives Model. Behav Brain Res 2023; 440:114258. [PMID: 36521572 PMCID: PMC9872777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social decision-making is critically influenced by neurocircuitries that regulate stress responsiveness. Adaptive choices, therefore, are altered by stress-related neuromodulatory peptide systems, such as corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). Experimental designs that take advantage of ecologically salient fear-inducing stimuli allow for revelation of neural mechanisms that regulate the balance between pro- and anti-stress responsiveness. To accomplish this, we developed a social stress and conditioning protocol, the Stress Alternatives Model (SAM), that utilizes a simple dichotomous choice, and produces distinctive behavioral phenotypes (Escape or Stay). The experiments involve repeated social aggression, a potent unconditioned stimulus (US), from a novel larger conspecific (a 3X larger Rainbow trout). Prior to the social interaction, the smaller test fish is presented with an auditory conditioning stimulus (water off = CS). During the social aggression, an escape route is available, but is only large enough for the smaller test animal. Surprisingly, although the new aggressor provides vigorous attacks each day, only 50% of the test fish choose Escape. Stay fish, treated with the CRF1 antagonist antalarmin, a potent anxiolytic drug, on day 4, promotes Escape behavior for the last 4 days of the SAM protocol. The results suggest that the decision to Escape, required a reduction in stress reactivity. The Stay fish that chose Escape following anxiolytic treatment, learned how to use the escape route prior to stress reduction, as the Escape latency in these fish was significantly faster than first time escapers. In Escape fish, the use of the escape route is learned over several days, reducing the Escape latency over time in the SAM. Fear conditioning (water off + aggression) resulted in elevated hippocampal (DL) Bdnf mRNA levels, with coincident reduction in the AMPA receptor subunit Glua1 expression, a result that is reversed following a one-time treatment (during SAM aggression on day 4) with the anxiolytic CRF1 receptor antagonist antalarmin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russ E Carpenter
- University Writing Program, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Boris Sabirzhanov
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, 8901 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
| | - Tangi R Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
| | - Timothy G Clark
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
| | - Joyce Keifer
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
| | - Cliff H Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA.
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7
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Servili A, Lévêque E, Mouchel O, Devergne J, Lebigre C, Roussel S, Mazurais D, Zambonino-Infante JL. Ocean acidification alters the acute stress response of a marine fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159804. [PMID: 36349621 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The absorption of anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by oceans generates rapid changes in seawater carbonate system and pH, a process termed ocean acidification. Exposure to acidified water can impact the allostatic load of marine organism as the acclimation to suboptimal environments requires physiological adaptive responses that are energetically costly. As a consequence, fish facing ocean acidification may experience alterations of their stress response and a compromised ability to cope with additional stress, which may impact individuals' life traits and ultimately their fitness. In this context, we carried out an integrative study investigating the impact of ocean acidification on the physiological and behavioral stress responses to an acute stress in juvenile European sea bass. Fish were long term (11 months) exposed to present day pH/CO2 condition or acidified water as predicted by IPCC "business as usual" (RCP8.5) scenario for 2100 and subjected to netting stress (fish transfer and confinement test). Fish acclimated to acidified condition showed slower post stress return to plasma basal concentrations of cortisol and glucose. We found no clear indication of regulation in the central and interrenal tissues of the expression levels of gluco- and mineralocorticoid receptors and corticoid releasing factor. At 120 min post stress, sea bass acclimated to acidified water had divergent neurotransmitters concentrations pattern in the hypothalamus (higher serotonin levels and lower GABA and dopamine levels) and a reduction in motor activity. Our experimental data indicate that ocean acidification alters the physiological response to acute stress in European sea bass via the neuroendocrine regulation of the corticotropic axis, a response associated to an alteration of the motor behavioral profile. Overall, this study suggests that behavioral and physiological adaptive response to climate changes related constraints may impact fish resilience to further stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Servili
- Ifremer, Université de Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, Plouzané, France.
| | - Etienne Lévêque
- Ifremer, Université de Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, Plouzané, France
| | - Olivier Mouchel
- Ifremer, Université de Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, Plouzané, France
| | - Jimmy Devergne
- Ifremer, Université de Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, Plouzané, France
| | - Christophe Lebigre
- UMR DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), Institut Agro, IFREMER, INRAE, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Sabine Roussel
- Ifremer, Université de Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, Plouzané, France
| | - David Mazurais
- Ifremer, Université de Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, Plouzané, France
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8
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Backström T, Thörnqvist PO, Winberg S. Social effects on AVT and CRF systems. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2021; 47:1699-1709. [PMID: 34476683 PMCID: PMC8636423 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-00995-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Stress and aggression have negative effects on fish welfare and productivity in aquaculture. Thus, research to understand aggression and stress in farmed fish is required. The neuropeptides arginine-vasotocin (AVT) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) are involved in the control of stress and aggression. Therefore, we investigated the effect of agonistic interactions on the gene expression of AVT, CRF and their receptors in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The social interactions lead to a clear dominant-subordinate relationship with dominant fish feeding more and being more aggressive. Subordinate fish had an upregulation of the AVT receptor (AVT-R), an upregulation of CRF mRNA levels, and higher plasma cortisol levels. The attenuating effect of AVT on aggression in rainbow trout is proposed to be mediated by AVT-R, and the attenuating effect of the CRF system is proposed to be mediated by CRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Backström
- Institute of Integrated Natural Sciences, University Koblenz-Landau, Koblenz, Universitätsstraße 1, 56070, Koblenz, Germany.
| | - Per-Ove Thörnqvist
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Uppsala University, Box 572, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Svante Winberg
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Uppsala University, Box 572, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
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9
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Geffroy B, Gesto M, Clota F, Aerts J, Darias MJ, Blanc MO, Ruelle F, Allal F, Vandeputte M. Parental selection for growth and early-life low stocking density increase the female-to-male ratio in European sea bass. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13620. [PMID: 34193934 PMCID: PMC8245542 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93116-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), as in many other fish species, temperature is known to influence the sex of individuals, with more males produced at relatively high temperatures. It is however unclear to what extent growth or stress are involved in such a process, since temperature is known to influence both growth rate and cortisol production. Here, we designed an experiment aiming at reducing stress and affecting early growth rate. We exposed larvae and juveniles originating from both captive and wild parents to three different treatments: low stocking density, food supplemented with tryptophan and a control. Low stocking density and tryptophan treatment respectively increased and decreased early growth rate. Each treatment influenced the stress response depending on the developmental stage, although no clear pattern regarding the whole-body cortisol concentration was found. During sex differentiation, fish in the low-density treatment exhibited lower expression of gr1, gr2, mr, and crf in the hypothalamus when compared to the control group. Fish fed tryptophan displayed lower crf in the hypothalamus and higher level of serotonin in the telencephalon compared to controls. Overall, fish kept at low density produced significantly more females than both control and fish fed tryptophan. Parents that have been selected for growth for three generations also produced significantly more females than parents of wild origin. Our findings did not allow to detect a clear effect of stress at the group level and rather point out a key role of early sexually dimorphic growth rate in sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Geffroy
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-Les-Flots, France.
| | - Manuel Gesto
- Techn Section for Aquaculture, DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Willemoesvej 2, 9850, Hirtshals, Denmark
| | - Fréderic Clota
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-Les-Flots, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Johan Aerts
- Stress Physiology Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Maria J Darias
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-Les-Flots, France
| | - Marie-Odile Blanc
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-Les-Flots, France
| | - François Ruelle
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-Les-Flots, France
| | - François Allal
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-Les-Flots, France
| | - Marc Vandeputte
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-Les-Flots, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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10
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Tetrodotoxin functions as a stress relieving substance in juvenile tiger puffer Takifugu rubripes. Toxicon 2019; 171:54-61. [PMID: 31580836 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We tested whether tetrodotoxin (TTX) functions as a stress relieving substance in puffer fish. We orally administered TTX to the juveniles of hatchery-reared non-toxic tiger puffer Takifugu rubripes and measured the effects of TTX on brain corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA expression and plasma cortisol levels in comparison with effects in non-toxic juveniles. Firstly, the reciprocal connections of CRH and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were confirmed by dual-label immunohistochemistry. CRH-immunoreactive (ir) cell bodies were detected in the hypothalamus and CRH-ir fibers were observed to project to ACTH-ir cells in the rostral pars distalis of the pituitary. Next, a TTX-containing diet (2.35 mouse units (517 ng)/g diet) or a non-toxic diet were fed to the fish for 28 days under a recirculating system. Standard length and body weight became significantly larger in the TTX-treated group. The degree of loss of the caudal fin, which is an indicator of the degree of agonistic interactions, where high values show a higher loss of caudal fin of a fish due to nipping by other individuals, was significantly lower in the TTX-treated group. Relative CRH mRNA expression levels in the brain and cortisol levels in the plasma were significantly lower in the TTX-treated group. These results indicate that TTX functions as a stress relieving substance by affecting the CRH-ACTH-cortisol axis and reducing agonistic interactions in tiger puffer juveniles.
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11
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Brun NR, van Hage P, Hunting ER, Haramis APG, Vink SC, Vijver MG, Schaaf MJM, Tudorache C. Polystyrene nanoplastics disrupt glucose metabolism and cortisol levels with a possible link to behavioural changes in larval zebrafish. Commun Biol 2019; 2:382. [PMID: 31646185 PMCID: PMC6802380 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0629-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic nanoparticles originating from weathering plastic waste are emerging contaminants in aquatic environments, with unknown modes of action in aquatic organisms. Recent studies suggest that internalised nanoplastics may disrupt processes related to energy metabolism. Such disruption can be crucial for organisms during development and may ultimately lead to changes in behaviour. Here, we investigated the link between polystyrene nanoplastic (PSNP)-induced signalling events and behavioural changes. Larval zebrafish exhibited PSNP accumulation in the pancreas, which coincided with a decreased glucose level. By using hyperglycemic and glucocorticoid receptor (Gr) mutant larvae, we demonstrate that the PSNP-induced disruption in glucose homoeostasis coincided with increased cortisol secretion and hyperactivity in challenge phases. Our work sheds new light on a potential mechanism underlying nanoplastics toxicity in fish, suggesting that the adverse effect of PSNPs are at least in part mediated by Gr activation in response to disrupted glucose homeostasis, ultimately leading to aberrant locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja R. Brun
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA USA
| | - Patrick van Hage
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Suzanne C. Vink
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martina G. Vijver
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Alfonso S, Sadoul B, Gesto M, Joassard L, Chatain B, Geffroy B, Bégout ML. Coping styles in European sea bass: The link between boldness, stress response and neurogenesis. Physiol Behav 2019; 207:76-85. [PMID: 31047951 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Coping styles consist of a coherent set of individual physiological and behavioral differences in stress responses that are consistent across time and context. Such consistent inter-individual differences in behavior have already been shown in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), but the associated mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we combine physiological measurements with individual behavioral responses in order to characterize coping styles in fish. Fish were tagged and placed in a tank for group risk-taking tests (GRT) at 8 months of age to evaluate boldness using the proxy latency of leaving a sheltered area towards an open area. A subsample of these fish were individually challenged 16 months later using an open field test (OFT), in which the boldness was assessed after being placed in a shelter within an open arena. Latency to exit the shelter, time spent in the shelter, and distance travelled were recorded for this purpose. The blood and brain were then collected to evaluate plasma cortisol concentration and neurotransmitter levels (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and related metabolites), as well as brain transcription of key genes involved in stress axis regulation (gr1, gr2, mr, crf), neurogenesis (neurod1, neurod2, pcna), and neuronal development (egr1). Fish acting bolder in the GRT were not necessarily those acting bolder in the OFT, highlighting the relatively low consistency across different types of tests performed with a 16-months interval. There was, however, a significant correlation between stress markers and boldness. Indeed, mRNA levels of mr, crf, gr2, egr1, and neurod2, as well as norepinephrine levels were higher in shy than bold fish, whereas brain serotonergic activity was lower in shy fish. Overall, our study highlights the fact that boldness was not consistent over time when testing context differed (group vs. alone). This is in agreement with previous literature suggesting that social context play a key role in boldness measurement and that the particular life history of each individual may account in shaping the personality fate of a fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Alfonso
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-les-flots, France; Laboratoire Ressources Halieutiques, Ifremer, Place Gaby Coll, F-17137 L'Houmeau, France.
| | - Bastien Sadoul
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-les-flots, France
| | - Manuel Gesto
- Technical University of Denmark, Willemoesvej 2 Building Hovedbygning, D-9850 Hirtshals, Denmark
| | - Lucette Joassard
- Laboratoire Ressources Halieutiques, Ifremer, Place Gaby Coll, F-17137 L'Houmeau, France
| | - Béatrice Chatain
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-les-flots, France
| | - Benjamin Geffroy
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-les-flots, France
| | - Marie-Laure Bégout
- Laboratoire Ressources Halieutiques, Ifremer, Place Gaby Coll, F-17137 L'Houmeau, France
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13
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Backström T, Winberg S. Serotonin Coordinates Responses to Social Stress-What We Can Learn from Fish. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:595. [PMID: 29163002 PMCID: PMC5669303 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Social interaction is stressful and subordinate individuals are often subjected to chronic stress, which greatly affects both their behavior and physiology. In teleost fish the social position of an individual may have long-term effects, such as effects on migration, age of sexual maturation or even sex. The brain serotonergic system plays a key role in coordinating autonomic, behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses. Social subordination results in a chronic activation of the brain serotonergic system an effect, which seems to be central in the subordinate phenotype. However, behavioral effects of short-term acute activation of the serotonergic system are less obvious. As in other vertebrates, divergent stress coping styles, often referred to as proactive and reactive, has been described in teleosts. As demonstrated by selective breeding, stress coping styles appear to be partly heritable. However, teleost fish are characterized by plasticity, stress coping style being affected by social experience. Again, the brain serotonergic system appears to play an important role. Studies comparing brain gene expression of fish of different social rank and/or displaying divergent stress coping styles have identified several novel factors that seem important for controlling aggressive behavior and stress coping, e.g., histamine and hypocretin/orexin. These may also interact with brain monoaminergic systems, including serotonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Backström
- Institute of Integrated Natural Sciences, University Koblenz-Landau, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Summers TR, Summers TL, Carpenter RE, Smith JP, Young SL, Meyerink B, Orr TZ, Arendt DH, Summers CH. Learning and CRF-Induced Indecision during Escape and Submission in Rainbow Trout during Socially Aggressive Interactions in the Stress-Alternatives Model. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:515. [PMID: 28966574 PMCID: PMC5605647 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Socially stressful environments induce a phenotypic dichotomy of coping measures for populations in response to a dominant aggressor and given a route of egress. This submission- (Stay) or escape-oriented (Escape) dichotomy represents individual decision-making under the stressful influence of hostile social environments. We utilized the Stress-Alternatives Model (SAM) to explore behavioral factors which might predict behavioral phenotype in rainbow trout. The SAM is a compartmentalized tank, with smaller and larger trout separated by an opaque divider until social interaction, and another divider occluding a safety zone, accessible by way of an escape route only large enough for the smaller fish. We hypothesized that distinctive behavioral responses during the first social interaction would indicate a predisposition for one of the behavioral phenotypes in the subsequent interactions. Surprisingly, increased amount or intensity of aggression received had no significant effect on promoting escape in test fish. In fact, during the first day of interaction, fish that turned toward their larger opponent during attack eventually learned to escape. Escaping fish also learn to monitor the patrolling behavior of aggressors, and eventually escape primarily when they are not being observed. Escape per se, was also predicted in trout exhibiting increased movements directed toward the escape route. By contrast, fish that consistently remained in the tank with the aggressor (Stay) showed significantly higher frequency of swimming in subordinate positions, at the top or the bottom of the water column, as well as sitting at the bottom. In addition, a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-induced behavior, snap-shake, was also displayed in untreated fish during aggressive social interaction, and blocked by a CRF1 receptor antagonist. Especially prevalent among the Stay phenotype, snap-shake indicates indecision regarding escape-related behaviors. Snap-shake was also exhibited by fish of the Escape phenotype, showing a positive correlation with latency to escape. These results demonstrate adaptive responses to stress that reflect evolutionarily conserved stress neurocircuitry which may translate to psychological disorders and decision-making across vertebrate taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tangi R Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South DakotaVermillion, SD, United States.,Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South DakotaVermillion, SD, United States.,Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care SystemSioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Torrie L Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South DakotaVermillion, SD, United States.,Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South DakotaVermillion, SD, United States
| | - Russ E Carpenter
- Program in Writing and Rhetoric, Stanford UniversityStanford, CA, United States
| | - Justin P Smith
- Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care SystemSioux Falls, SD, United States.,Institute of PossibilitySioux Falls, SD, United States.,Data Analytics, Sanford HealthSioux Falls, SD, United States
| | | | - Brandon Meyerink
- Department of Biology, University of South DakotaVermillion, SD, United States
| | - T Zachary Orr
- Department of Biology, University of South DakotaVermillion, SD, United States.,Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care SystemSioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - David H Arendt
- Children's Hospital Colorado-Research InstituteAurora, CO, United States
| | - Cliff H Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South DakotaVermillion, SD, United States.,Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South DakotaVermillion, SD, United States.,Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care SystemSioux Falls, SD, United States
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15
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Porseryd T, Volkova K, Reyhanian Caspillo N, Källman T, Dinnetz P, Porsh Hällström I. Persistent Effects of Developmental Exposure to 17α-Ethinylestradiol on the Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Brain Transcriptome and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:69. [PMID: 28473760 PMCID: PMC5397488 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthetic estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) is an endocrine disrupting compound of concern due to its persistence and widespread presence in the aquatic environment. Effects of developmental exposure to low concentrations of EE2 in fish on reproduction and behavior not only persisted to adulthood, but have also been observed to be transmitted to several generations of unexposed progeny. To investigate the possible biological mechanisms of the persistent anxiogenic phenotype, we exposed zebrafish embryos for 80 days post fertilization to 0, 3, and 10 ng/L EE2 (measured concentrations 2.14 and 7.34 ng/L). After discontinued exposure, the animals were allowed to recover for 120 days in clean water. Adult males and females were later tested for changes in stress response and shoal cohesion, and whole-brain gene expression was analyzed with RNA sequencing. The results show increased anxiety in the novel tank and scototaxis tests, and increased shoal cohesion in fish exposed during development to EE2. RNA sequencing revealed 34 coding genes differentially expressed in male brains and 62 in female brains as a result of EE2 exposure. Several differences were observed between males and females in differential gene expression, with only one gene, sv2b, coding for a synaptic vesicle protein, that was affected by EE2 in both sexes. Functional analyses showed that in female brains, EE2 had significant effects on pathways connected to the circadian rhythm, cytoskeleton and motor proteins and synaptic proteins. A large number of non-coding sequences including 19 novel miRNAs were also differentially expressed in the female brain. The largest treatment effect in male brains was observed in pathways related to cholesterol biosynthesis and synaptic proteins. Circadian rhythm and cholesterol biosynthesis, previously implicated in anxiety behavior, might represent possible candidate pathways connecting the transcriptome changes to the alterations to behavior. Further the observed alteration in expression of genes involved in synaptogenesis and synaptic function may be important for the developmental modulations resulting in an anxiety phenotype. This study represents an initial survey of the fish brain transcriptome by RNA sequencing after long-term recovery from developmental exposure to an estrogenic compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Porseryd
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn UniversityHuddinge, Sweden
| | - Kristina Volkova
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn UniversityHuddinge, Sweden.,Örebro Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro UniversityÖrebro, Sweden
| | - Nasim Reyhanian Caspillo
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn UniversityHuddinge, Sweden.,Örebro Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro UniversityÖrebro, Sweden
| | - Thomas Källman
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Uppsala UniversityUppsala, Sweden.,Science for Life Laboratory and Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala UniversityUppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrik Dinnetz
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn UniversityHuddinge, Sweden
| | - Inger Porsh Hällström
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn UniversityHuddinge, Sweden
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16
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Freudenberg F, Carreño Gutierrez H, Post AM, Reif A, Norton WHJ. Aggression in non-human vertebrates: Genetic mechanisms and molecular pathways. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171:603-40. [PMID: 26284957 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is an adaptive behavioral trait that is important for the establishment of social hierarchies and competition for mating partners, food, and territories. While a certain level of aggression can be beneficial for the survival of an individual or species, abnormal aggression levels can be detrimental. Abnormal aggression is commonly found in human patients with psychiatric disorders. The predisposition to aggression is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors and a large number of genes have been associated with aggression in both human and animal studies. In this review, we compare and contrast aggression studies in zebrafish and mouse. We present gene ontology and pathway analyses of genes linked to aggression and discuss the molecular pathways that underpin agonistic behavior in these species. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Freudenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Antonia M Post
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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17
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18
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Carpenter RE, Maruska KP, Becker L, Fernald RD. Social opportunity rapidly regulates expression of CRF and CRF receptors in the brain during social ascent of a teleost fish, Astatotilapia burtoni. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96632. [PMID: 24824619 PMCID: PMC4019471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In social animals, hierarchical rank governs food availability, territorial rights and breeding access. Rank order can change rapidly and typically depends on dynamic aggressive interactions. Since the neuromodulator corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) integrates internal and external cues to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, we analyzed the CRF system during social encounters related to status. We used a particularly suitable animal model, African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni, whose social status regulates reproduction. When presented with an opportunity to rise in rank, subordinate A. burtoni males rapidly change coloration, behavior, and their physiology to support a new role as dominant, reproductively active fish. Although changes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH1), the key reproductive molecular actor, have been analyzed during social ascent, little is known about the roles of CRF and the HPA axis during transitions. Experimentally enabling males to ascend in social rank, we measured changes in plasma cortisol and the CRF system in specific brain regions 15 minutes after onset of social ascent. Plasma cortisol levels in ascending fish were lower than subordinate conspecifics, but similar to levels in dominant animals. In the preoptic area (POA), where GnRH1 cells are located, and in the pituitary gland, CRF and CRF1 receptor mRNA levels are rapidly down regulated in ascending males compared to subordinates. In the Vc/Vl, a forebrain region where CRF cell bodies are located, mRNA coding for both CRFR1 and CRFR2 receptors is lower in ascending fish compared to stable subordinate conspecifics. The rapid time course of these changes (within minutes) suggests that the CRF system is involved in the physiological changes associated with shifts in social status. Since CRF typically has inhibitory effects on the neuroendocrine reproductive axis in vertebrates, this attenuation of CRF activity may allow rapid activation of the reproductive axis and facilitate the transition to dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russ E. Carpenter
- Biology Department, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Karen P. Maruska
- Biology Department, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Lisa Becker
- Biology Department, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Russell D. Fernald
- Biology Department, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
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19
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Øverli Ø, Nordgreen J, Mejdell CM, Janczak AM, Kittilsen S, Johansen IB, Horsberg TE. Ectoparasitic sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) affect behavior and brain serotonergic activity in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): Perspectives on animal welfare. Physiol Behav 2014; 132:44-50. [PMID: 24792663 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Scientific research and public debate on the welfare of animals in human custody is increasing at present. Fish are in this context mentioned with particular attention to the high numbers of individuals reared in aquaculture. Research on fish has also contributed to the understanding of individual variation in the ability to cope with stress and disease. One mediator of such variation is the brain serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system, which conveys physiological and behavioral responses to stress and sub-optimal rearing conditions. Here we study links between the 5-HT response, melanin-based skin pigmentation, and behavior in laboratory-reared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) experimentally infested with ectoparasitic sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). Lice numbers were more variable in less pigmented fish, while the neurochemical response to ectoparastic lice-increased levels of the main 5-HT catabolite 5-HIAA in the brain stem-did not differ between pigmentation groups. A strong depression of growth and locomotor activity was seen in all infested fish but less pigmented fish grew better than fish with more skin melanization regardless of infestation status. The observed combination of neurochemical and behavioral effects clearly suggest that animal welfare concerns can be added to the list of negative effects of ectoparasitic sea lice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øyvind Øverli
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway.
| | - Janicke Nordgreen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilie M Mejdell
- Department of Animal Health, National Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andrew M Janczak
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Kittilsen
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway
| | | | - Tor E Horsberg
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway
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20
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Chichinadze K, Chichinadze N, Gachechiladze L, Lazarashvili A, Nikolaishvili M. Physical predictors, behavioural/emotional attributes and neurochemical determinants of dominant behaviour. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 89:1005-20. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Chichinadze
- Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Functions; I. Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine; Gotua Street 14 0160 Tbilisi Georgia
- Department of Pathology; I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University; 0128 Tbilisi Georgia
- Laboratory of Theoretical Investigations, Systemic Research Center; 0179 Tbilisi Georgia
| | - Nodar Chichinadze
- Department of Andrology; A. Natishvili Institute of Morphology; 0159 Tbilisi Georgia
| | - Ledi Gachechiladze
- Laboratory of Theoretical Investigations, Systemic Research Center; 0179 Tbilisi Georgia
| | - Ann Lazarashvili
- Laboratory of Theoretical Investigations, Systemic Research Center; 0179 Tbilisi Georgia
| | - Marina Nikolaishvili
- Laboratory of Problems of Radiation Safety, Department of Radiobiology; I. Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine; 0160 Tbilisi Georgia
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21
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Ortega VA, Lovejoy DA, Bernier NJ. Appetite-suppressing effects and interactions of centrally administered corticotropin-releasing factor, urotensin I and serotonin in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Front Neurosci 2013; 7:196. [PMID: 24194695 PMCID: PMC3810612 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), urotensin I (UI) and serotonin (5-HT) are generally recognized as key regulators of the anorexigenic stress response in vertebrates, yet the proximal effects and potential interactions of these central messengers on food intake in salmonids are not known. Moreover, no study to date in fishes has compared the appetite-suppressing effects of CRF and UI using species-specific peptides. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) assess the individual effects of synthesized rainbow trout CRF (rtCRF), rtUI as well as 5-HT on food intake in rainbow trout, and (2) determine whether the CRF and serotonergic systems interact in the regulation of food intake in this species. Intracerebroventricular (icv) injections of rtCRF and rtUI both suppressed food intake in a dose-related manner but rtUI [ED50 = 17.4 ng/g body weight (BW)] was significantly more potent than rtCRF (ED50 = 105.9 ng/g BW). Co-injection of either rtCRF or rtUI with the CRF receptor antagonist α-hCRF(9–41) blocked the reduction in food intake induced by CRF-related peptides. Icv injections of 5-HT also inhibited feeding in a dose-related manner (ED50 = 14.7 ng/g BW) and these effects were blocked by the serotonergic receptor antagonist methysergide. While the anorexigenic effects of 5-HT were reversed by α-hCRF(9–41) co-injection, the appetite-suppressing effects of either rtCRF or rtUI were not affected by methysergide co-injection. These results identify CRF, UI and 5-HT as anorexigenic agents in rainbow trout, and suggest that 5-HT-induced anorexia may be at least partially mediated by CRF- and/or UI-secreting neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van A Ortega
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph Guelph, ON, Canada
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22
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Backström T, Winberg S. Central corticotropin releasing factor and social stress. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:117. [PMID: 23847465 PMCID: PMC3705187 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Social interactions are a main source of stress in vertebrates. Social stressors, as well as other stressors, activate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis resulting in glucocorticoid release. One of the main components of the HPA axis is corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). The neuropeptide CRF is part of a peptide family including CRF, urocortin 1–3, urotensin 1–3, and sauvagine. The actions of the CRF family are mediated by at least two different receptors with different anatomical distribution and affinities for the peptides. The CRF peptides affect several behavioral and physiological responses to stress including aggression, feeding, and locomotor activity. This review will summarize recent research in vertebrates concerning how social stress interacts with components of the CRF system. Consideration will be taken to the different models used for social stress ranging from social isolation, dyadic interactions, to group dominance hierarchies. Further, the temporal effect of social stressor from acute, intermittent, to chronic will be considered. Finally, strains selected for specific behavior or physiology linked to social stress will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Backström
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Umeå, Sweden
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23
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Matsuda K, Hagiwara Y, Shibata H, Sakashita A, Wada K. Ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRH) exerts an anxiogenic-like action in the goldfish, Carassius auratus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 188:118-22. [PMID: 23321398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 12/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a member of the hypothalamic neuropeptide family that includes urocortins, urotensin I and sauvagine in vertebrates. CRH and urocortin act as anorexigenic factors for satiety regulation in rodents. In a goldfish model, intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of ovine CRH (oCRH) affects not only food intake, but also locomotor activity. However, there is no information regarding the psychophysiological roles of CRH in goldfish. Therefore, we investigated the effect of oCRH on psychomotor activity in this species. ICV administration of synthetic oCRH at 20 pmol/g body weight (BW) enhanced locomotor activity. Since intact goldfish prefer the lower to the upper area of a tank, we developed a method for measuring the time taken for fish to move from the lower to the upper area. ICV administration of oCRH at 20 pmol/g BW and the central-type benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist FG-7142 (an anxiogenic agent) at 1-4 pmol/g BW both increased the time taken to move from the lower to the upper area. This anxiogenic-like effect of oCRH was abolished by the CRH receptor antagonist α-helical CRH(9-41) (100 pmol/g BW). These results indicate that CRH can potently affect locomotor and psychomotor activities in goldfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Matsuda
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan.
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24
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Ziv L, Muto A, Schoonheim PJ, Meijsing SH, Strasser D, Ingraham HA, Schaaf MJ, Yamamoto KR, Baier H. An affective disorder in zebrafish with mutation of the glucocorticoid receptor. Mol Psychiatry 2013; 18:681-91. [PMID: 22641177 PMCID: PMC4065652 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2012.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Upon binding of cortisol, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulates the transcription of specific target genes, including those that encode the stress hormones corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone. Dysregulation of the stress axis is a hallmark of major depression in human patients. However, it is still unclear how glucocorticoid signaling is linked to affective disorders. We identified an adult-viable zebrafish mutant in which the negative feedback on the stress response is disrupted, due to abolition of all transcriptional activity of GR. As a consequence, cortisol is elevated, but unable to signal through GR. When placed into an unfamiliar aquarium ('novel tank'), mutant fish become immobile ('freeze'), show reduced exploratory behavior and do not habituate to this stressor upon repeated exposure. Addition of the antidepressant fluoxetine to the holding water and social interactions restore normal behavior, followed by a delayed correction of cortisol levels. Fluoxetine does not affect the overall transcription of CRH, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), the serotonin transporter (Serta) or GR itself. Fluoxetine, however, suppresses the stress-induced upregulation of MR and Serta in both wild-type fish and mutants. Our studies show a conserved, protective function of glucocorticoid signaling in the regulation of emotional behavior and reveal novel molecular aspects of how chronic stress impacts vertebrate brain physiology and behavior. Importantly, the zebrafish model opens up the possibility of high-throughput drug screens in search of new classes of antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Ziv
- Department of Physiology, Programs in Neuroscience, Genetics and Developmental & Stem Cell biology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel
| | - Akira Muto
- Department of Physiology, Programs in Neuroscience, Genetics and Developmental & Stem Cell biology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Peter J. Schoonheim
- Department of Physiology, Programs in Neuroscience, Genetics and Developmental & Stem Cell biology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan H. Meijsing
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Daniel Strasser
- Institute of Chemistry, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Holly A. Ingraham
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Keith R. Yamamoto
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Herwig Baier
- Department of Physiology, Programs in Neuroscience, Genetics and Developmental & Stem Cell biology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Department Genes – Circuits – Behavior, Martinsried, Germany
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Matsuda K. Regulation of feeding behavior and psychomotor activity by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in fish. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:91. [PMID: 23754974 PMCID: PMC3667241 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide belonging to a family of neuropeptides that includes urocortins, urotensin I, and sauvagine in vertebrates. CRH and urocortin act as anorexigenic factors for satiety regulation in fish. In a goldfish model, intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of CRH has been shown to affect not only food intake, but also locomotor and psychomotor activities. In particular, CRH elicits anxiety-like behavior as an anxiogenic neuropeptide in goldfish, as is the case in rodents. This paper reviews current knowledge of CRH and its related peptides derived from studies of teleost fish, as representative non-mammals, focusing particularly on the role of the CRH system, and examines its significance from a comparative viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Matsuda
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama Toyama, Japan
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26
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Theoretical and practical considerations behind the use of laboratory animals for the study of Tourette syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1085-100. [PMID: 23583771 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the present manuscript we review a substantial body of literature describing several pre-clinical animal models designed and developed with the purpose of investigating the biological determinants of Tourette syndrome (TS). In order to map the animal models onto the theoretical background upon which they have been devised, we first define phenomenological and etiological aspects of TS and then match this information to the available pre-clinical models. Thus, we first describe the characteristic symptoms exhibited by TS patients and then a series of hypotheses attempting to identify the multifactorial causes of TS. With respect to the former, we detail the phenomenology of abnormal repetitive behaviors (tics and stereotypies), obsessive-compulsive behaviors and aberrant sensory-motor gating. With respect to the latter, we describe both potential candidate vulnerability genes and environmental factors (difficult pregnancies, psychosocial stressors and infections). We then discuss how this evidence has been translated in pre-clinical research with respect to both dependent (symptoms) and independent (etiological factors) variables. Thus, while, on the one hand, we detail the methodologies adopted to measure abnormal repetitive and obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and sensory-motor gating, on the other hand, we describe genetic engineering studies and environmental modulations aimed at reproducing the proposed biological determinants in laboratory rodents. A special emphasis is placed upon "programming" events, occurring during critical stages of early development and exerting organizational delayed consequences. In the final section, we outline a heuristic model with the purpose of integrating clinical and pre-clinical evidence in the study of TS.
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Dodson JJ, Aubin-Horth N, Thériault V, Páez DJ. The evolutionary ecology of alternative migratory tactics in salmonid fishes. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2013; 88:602-25. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julian J. Dodson
- Département de biologie; Université Laval; Pavillon Vachon, 1045, Avenue de la Médecine; Québec (Québec); G1V 0A6; Canada
| | - Nadia Aubin-Horth
- Département de biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS); Université Laval; Pavillon Charles-Eugène-Marchand, 1030, Avenue de la Médecine; Québec (Québec); G1V 0A6; Canada
| | - Véronique Thériault
- Hatfield Marine Science Center; Marine Fisheries Genetics Program, Oregon State University; 2030 SE Marine Science Drive; Newport; OR 97365; U.S.A
| | - David J. Páez
- Département de biologie; Université Laval; Pavillon Vachon, 1045, Avenue de la Médecine; Québec (Québec); G1V 0A6; Canada
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Volkova K, Reyhanian N, Kot-Wasik A, Olsén H, Porsch-Hällström I, Hallgren S. Brain circuit imprints of developmental 17α-Ethinylestradiol exposure in guppies (Poecilia reticulata): persistent effects on anxiety but not on reproductive behaviour. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 178:282-90. [PMID: 22687331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The effects of endocrine disruptors may vary with the timing of exposure. The physiological implications of adult exposure are present during and shortly after exposure while embryonic exposure can imprint changes manifested in adulthood. In this study, guppy (Poecilia reticulata) embryos were exposed to 2 and 20 ng/L of 17α-ethinylestradiol during development via the mother and reared in clean water from gestation until 6 months of age. As adults, fish exposed to 20 ng/L during development showed significantly altered behaviour in the Novel Tank test, where anxiety is determined as the tendency to remain at the bottom upon introduction into an unfamiliar tank. 17α-ethinylestradiol treatment increased the latency time before swimming to the upper half of the tank and decreased the number of transitions to the upper half. In control females the basal stress behaviour responses were significantly higher than in males, as indicated by longer latency period and fewer and shorter visits to the upper half, supporting the importance of gonadal hormones for the behaviour. The anxiety increased, however, with treatment in both sexes, suggesting that the observed response is not entirely due to feminisation of the males. Shoaling behaviour, analysed as tendency to leave a shoal of littermates, was neither sex-differentiated nor changed by treatment. Also male reproductive behaviour, brain aromatase activity and testes histology, previously shown to respond to oestrogen exposure in adult guppy, were unaffected by the developmental treatment. This suggests that the stress system in the guppy is very sensitive to 17α-ethinylestradiol, which possibly causes an early organisational imprint on the brain circuit that regulates stress reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Volkova
- School of Life Sciences, Södertörn University, SE-141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
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29
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Solomon-Lane TK, Grober MS. Behavioral and physiological responses to central administration of corticotropin-releasing factor in the bluebanded goby (Lythrypnus dalli). Physiol Behav 2012; 106:619-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2011] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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The role of CRH in behavioral responses to acute restraint stress in zebrafish. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 36:176-82. [PMID: 21893154 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Revised: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In teleosts, changes in swimming, exploring, general locomotor activity, and anxious state can be a response to stress mediated by the corticotropin-releasing hormone system activation and its effects on glucocorticoid levels. Zebrafish has been widely used to study neuropharmacology and has become a promising animal model to investigate neurobehavioral mechanisms of stress. In this report the animals were submitted to acute restraint stress for different time lengths (15, 60 and 90 min) for further evaluation of behavioral patterns, whole-body cortisol content, and corticotropin-releasing hormone expression. The results demonstrated an increase in the locomotor activity and an alteration in the swimming pattern during a 5-min trial after the acute restraint stress. Interestingly, all groups of fish tested in the novel tank test exhibited signs of anxiety as evaluated by the time spent in the bottom of the tank. Whole-body cortisol content showed a positive correlation with increased behavioral indices of locomotion in zebrafish whereas molecular analysis of corticotropin-releasing hormone showed a late reduction of mRNA expression (90 min). Altogether, we present a model of acute restraint stress in zebrafish, confirmed by elevated cortisol content, as a valid and reliable model to study the biochemical basis of stress behavior, which seems to be accompanied by a negative feedback of corticotropin-release hormone mRNA expression.
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Hubbard CS, Rose JD. Brainstem neuronal and behavioral activation by corticotropin-releasing hormone depend on the behavioral state of the animal. Horm Behav 2012; 61:121-33. [PMID: 22137972 PMCID: PMC4465356 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Central administration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is known to enhance locomotion across a wide range of vertebrates, including the roughskin newt, Taricha granulosa. The present study aimed to identify the CRH effects on locomotor-controlling medullary neurons that underlie the peptide's behavioral stimulating actions. Single neurons were recorded from the rostral medullary reticular formation before and after intraventricular infusion of CRH in freely behaving newts and newts paralyzed with a myoneural blocking agent. In behaving newts, most medullary neurons showed increased firing 3-23 min after CRH infusion. Decreases in firing were less common. Of particular importance was the finding that in behaving newts, medullary neurons showed a cyclic firing pattern that was strongly associated with an increase in the incidence of walking bouts, an effect blocked by pretreatment with the CRH antagonist, alpha-helical CRH and not seen following vehicle administration. In contrast, the majority of medullary neurons sampled in immobilized newts lacked temporal cyclicity in their firing patterns following intraventricular infusion of CRH. That is, there was no evidence for a fictive locomotor activity pattern. Our results indicate that the actual expression of locomotion is a critical factor in regulating the behavior-activating effects of CRH and underscore the importance of using an awake, unrestrained animal for analysis of a hormone's neurobehavioral actions.
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Backström T, Pettersson A, Johansson V, Winberg S. CRF and urotensin I effects on aggression and anxiety-like behavior in rainbow trout. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 214:907-14. [PMID: 21346117 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.045070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is central in the stress response but also modulates several behaviors including anxiety-related behaviors and aggression. In this study, juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were tested for competitive ability, determined during dyadic fights for dominance, after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of CRF, urotensin I (UI), the non-specific CRF antagonist α-helical RF(9-41) (ahCRF) or the CRF receptor subtype 1-specific antagonist antalarmin, when paired with a mass-matched con-specific injected with saline. In addition, isolated fish received the same substances. Plasma cortisol and brain monoamines were monitored in all fish. Most fish receiving CRF showed a conspicuous behavior consisting of flaring the opercula, opening the mouth and violent shaking of the head from side to side. When this occurred, the fish immediately forfeited the fight. Similar behavior was observed in most fish receiving UI but no effect on outcome of dyadic fights was noted. This behavior seems similar to non-ambulatory motor activity seen in rats and could be anxiety related. Furthermore, fish receiving CRF at a dose of 1000 ng became subordinate, whereas all other treatments had no effects on the outcome of dyadic fights. In addition, isolated fish receiving ahCRF had lower brain stem concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, serotonin, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and dopamine. In conclusion, CRF seems to attenuate competitive ability, and both CRF and UI seem to induce anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Backström
- Evolutionary Biology Centre, Comparative Physiology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, Sweden
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33
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Vivas Y, Azpeleta C, Feliciano A, Velarde E, Isorna E, Delgado MJ, De Pedro N. Time-dependent effects of leptin on food intake and locomotor activity in goldfish. Peptides 2011; 32:989-95. [PMID: 21291931 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates the possible circadian dependence of leptin effects on food intake, locomotor activity, glycemia and plasma cortisol levels in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Fish were maintained under 12L:12D photoperiod and subjected to two different feeding schedules, one group fed during photophase (10:00) and the other one during scotophase (22:00). Leptin or saline were intraperitoneally injected at two different times (10:00 or 22:00), coincident or not with the meal time. To eliminate the entraining effect of the light/dark cycle, goldfish maintained under 24h light (LL) were fed and leptin-injected at 10:00. A reduction in food intake and locomotor activity and an increase in glycemia were found in goldfish fed and leptin-injected at 10:00. No significant changes in circulating cortisol were observed. Those effects were not observed when leptin was administered during the scotophase, regardless the feeding schedule; neither in fish maintained under LL, suggesting that a day/night cycle would be necessary to observe the actions of leptin administered during the photophase. Changes in locomotor activity and glycemia were only observed in goldfish when leptin was injected at daytime, coincident with the feeding schedule, suggesting that these leptin actions could be dependent on the feeding time as zeitgeber. In view of these results it appears that the circadian dependence of leptin actions in goldfish can be determined by the combination of both zeitgebers, light/dark cycle and food. Our results point out the relevance of the administration time when investigating regulatory functions of hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Vivas
- Dpto Fisiología, Fisiología Animal II, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Matsuda K, Kang KS, Sakashita A, Yahashi S, Vaudry H. Behavioral effect of neuropeptides related to feeding regulation in fish. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2011; 1220:117-26. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05884.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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35
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Backström T, Schjolden J, Øverli Ø, Thörnqvist PO, Winberg S. Stress effects on AVT and CRF systems in two strains of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) divergent in stress responsiveness. Horm Behav 2011; 59:180-6. [PMID: 21087609 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Revised: 11/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim for this study was to examine whether the F4 generation of two strains of rainbow trout divergent in their plasma cortisol response to confinement stress (HR: high responder or LR: low responder) would also differ in stress-induced effects on forebrain concentrations of mRNA for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), arginine vasotocin (AVT), CRF receptor type 1 (CRF-R1), CRF receptor type 2 (CRF-R2) and AVT receptor (AVT-R). In addition, plasma cortisol concentrations, brainstem levels of monoamines and monoamine metabolites, and behaviour during confinement were monitored. The results confirm that HR and LR trout differ in their cortisol response to confinement and show that fish of these strains also differ in their behavioural response to confinement. The HR trout displayed significantly higher locomotor activity while in confinement than LR trout. Moreover, following 180 min of confinement HR fish showed significantly higher forebrain concentrations of CRF mRNA than LR fish. Also, when subjected to 30 min of confinement HR fish showed significantly lower CRF-R2 mRNA concentrations than LR fish, whereas there were no differences in CRF-R1, AVT or AVT-R mRNA expression between LR and HR fish either at 30 or 180 min of confinement. Differences in the expression of CRF and CRF-R2 mRNA may be related to the divergence in stress coping displayed by these rainbow trout strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Backström
- Evolutionary Biology Centre, Department of Comparative Physiology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
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36
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Ronan PJ, Summers CH. Molecular Signaling and Translational Significance of the Corticotropin Releasing Factor System. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 98:235-92. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385506-0.00006-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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37
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von Krogh K, Sørensen C, Nilsson GE, Øverli Ø. Forebrain cell proliferation, behavior, and physiology of zebrafish, Danio rerio, kept in enriched or barren environments. Physiol Behav 2010; 101:32-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2009] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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38
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Azpeleta C, Martínez-Alvarez RM, Delgado MJ, Isorna E, De Pedro N. Melatonin reduces locomotor activity and circulating cortisol in goldfish. Horm Behav 2010; 57:323-9. [PMID: 20079741 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study focused on the effects of a subchronic melatonin treatment on locomotor activity and cortisol plasma levels in goldfish. We compared two different administration routes: peripheral (10 microg/g body weight) versus central (1 microg/microl) injections of melatonin for 7 or 4 days, respectively. Daily locomotor activity, including both diurnal and nocturnal activities, food anticipatory activity and circulating cortisol at 11:00 (under 24 h of food deprivation and 17 h postinjection) were significantly reduced after repeated intraperitoneal injections with melatonin for 7 days, but not after intracerebroventricular treatment. Taking in mind the anoretic effect of melatonin in this species, we investigated if such feeding reduction is directly responsible for the reduction in motor activity induced by melatonin treatment. Food restriction (50%) for 10 days did not significantly modify either daily locomotor activity or plasma cortisol levels in goldfish, indicating that the peripheral action of melatonin diminishing locomotor activity in goldfish is not a direct consequence of its anoretic action. In summary, our results indicate that, as previously described in other vertebrate species, melatonin can regulate locomotor activity and cortisol levels in goldfish, suggesting a sedative effect of this hormone in this teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Azpeleta
- Departamento Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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39
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Hubbard CS, Dolence EK, Rose JD. Brainstem reticulospinal neurons are targets for corticotropin-releasing factor-Induced locomotion in roughskin newts. Horm Behav 2010; 57:237-46. [PMID: 19968991 PMCID: PMC2814980 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2009] [Revised: 11/25/2009] [Accepted: 11/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Stress-induced release or central administration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) enhances locomotion in a wide range of vertebrates, including the roughskin newt, Taricha granulosa. Although CRF's stimulatory actions on locomotor behavior are well established, the target neurons through which CRF exerts this effect remain unknown. To identify these target neurons, we utilized a fluorescent conjugate of CRF (CRF-TAMRA 1) to track this peptide's internalization into reticulospinal and other neurons in the medullary reticular formation (MRF), a region critically involved in regulating locomotion. Epifluorescent and confocal microscopy revealed that CRF-TAMRA 1 was internalized by diverse MRF neurons, including reticulospinal neurons retrogradely labeled with Cascade Blue dextran. In addition, we immunohistochemically identified a distinct subset of serotonin-containing neurons, located throughout the medullary raphé, that also internalized the fluorescent CRF-TAMRA 1 conjugate. Chronic single-unit recordings obtained from microwire electrodes in behaving newts revealed that intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of CRF-TAMRA 1 increased medullary neuronal firing and that appearance of this firing was associated with, and strongly predictive of, episodes of CRF-induced locomotion. Furthermore, icv administered CRF-TAMRA 1 produced behavioral and neurophysiological effects identical to equimolar doses of unlabeled CRF. Collectively, these findings provide the first evidence that CRF directly targets reticulospinal and serotonergic neurons in the MRF and indicate that CRF may enhance locomotion via direct effects on the hindbrain, including the reticulospinal system.
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Le Mével JC, Lancien F, Mimassi N, Conlon JM. Central hyperventilatory action of the stress-related neurohormonal peptides, corticotropin-releasing factor and urotensin-I in the trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 164:51-60. [PMID: 19341734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Revised: 03/03/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The stress-related neurohormonal peptides corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urotensin-I (U-I), an ortholog of mammalian urocortin 1, are widely distributed in the central nervous systems of teleost fish but little is known about their possible central neurotropic actions. In the present study, we investigated the effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of CRF and U-I (1-10pmol) on ventilatory and cardiovascular variables in our established unanaesthetized trout model. CRF and U-I produced a significant dose-dependent and long-lasting increase in the ventilatory frequency (VF) and the ventilatory amplitude (VA). Consequently the net effect of these peptides was a hyperventilatory response since the total ventilation (VTOT) was significantly elevated. However, CRF evoked a significant hyperventilatory response 5-10min sooner than that observed after ICV administration of U-I and the hyperventilatory effect of 10pmol CRF was twofold higher than that of equimolar dose of U-I. Pre-treatment of the trout with the antagonist, alpha-helical CRF(9-41), significantly reduced by about threefold the CRF-induced increase in VF, VA and VTOT. The most significant cardiovascular action of central CRF and U-I was to evoke a hypertensive response without changing the heart rate. Peripheral injection of CRF and U-I at doses of 5 and 50pmol produced no change in VF, VA or VTOT. Only a transient hypertensive response without change in heart rate was observed after the injection of the highest dose of U-I. Our results demonstrate that in a teleost fish, CRF and U-I produce a potent hyperventilatory response only when injected centrally. The two endogenous stress-related neuropeptides may play an important stimulatory role acting as neurotransmitters and/or neuromodulators in the central control of ventilatory apparatus during stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude Le Mével
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, Université de Brest, INSERM U650, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, IFR 148 ScInBioS, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Brest, CHU de Brest, France.
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Kittilsen S, Schjolden J, Beitnes-Johansen I, Shaw JC, Pottinger TG, Sørensen C, Braastad BO, Bakken M, Overli O. Melanin-based skin spots reflect stress responsiveness in salmonid fish. Horm Behav 2009; 56:292-8. [PMID: 19539629 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Revised: 06/10/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Within animal populations, genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors interact to shape individual neuroendocrine and behavioural profiles, conferring variable vulnerability to stress and disease. It remains debated how alternative behavioural syndromes and stress coping styles evolve and are maintained by natural selection. Here we show that individual variation in stress responsiveness is reflected in the visual appearance of two species of teleost fish; rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Salmon and trout skin vary from nearly immaculate to densely spotted, with black spots formed by eumelanin-producing chromatophores. In rainbow trout, selection for divergent hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal responsiveness has led to a change in dermal pigmentation patterns, with low cortisol-responsive fish being consistently more spotted. In an aquaculture population of Atlantic salmon individuals with more spots showed a reduced physiological and behavioural response to stress. Taken together, these data demonstrate a heritable behavioural-physiological and morphological trait correlation that may be specific to alternative coping styles. This observation may illuminate the evolution of contrasting coping styles and behavioural syndromes, as occurrence of phenotypes in different environments and their response to selective pressures can be precisely and easily recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kittilsen
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-1432, As, Norway.
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Lowry CA, Hale MW, Burke KA, Renner KJ, Moore FL. Fluoxetine potentiates the effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on locomotor activity and serotonergic systems in the roughskin newt, Taricha granulosa. Horm Behav 2009; 56:177-84. [PMID: 19409390 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Revised: 04/08/2009] [Accepted: 04/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The anxiety- and stress-related neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) elicits behavioral changes in vertebrates including increases in behavioral arousal and locomotor activity. Intracerebroventricular injections of CRF in an amphibian, the roughskin newt (Taricha granulosa), induces rapid increases in locomotor activity in both intact and hypophysectomized animals. We hypothesized that this CRF-induced increase in locomotor activity involves a central effect of CRF on serotonergic neurons, based on known stimulatory actions of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) on spinal motor neurons and the central pattern generator for locomotor activity in vertebrates. In Experiment 1, we found that neither intracerebroventricular injections of low doses of CRF (25 ng) nor the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (10, 100 ng), by themselves, altered locomotor activity. In contrast, newts treated concurrently with CRF and fluoxetine responded with marked increases in locomotor activity. In Experiment 2, we found that increases in locomotor activity following co-administration of CRF (25 ng) and fluoxetine (100 ng) were associated with decreased 5-HT concentrations in a number of forebrain structures involved in regulation of emotional behavior and emotional states, including the ventral striatum, amygdala pars lateralis, and dorsal hypothalamus, measured 37 min after treatment. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that CRF stimulates locomotor activity through activation of serotonergic systems.
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Abstract
This paper describes a model of fear learning, in which subjects have an option of behavioral responses to impending social defeat. The model generates two types of learning: social avoidance and classical conditioning, dependent upon (1) escape from or (2) social subordination to an aggressor. We hypothesized that social stress provides the impetus as well as the necessary information to stimulate dichotomous goal-oriented learning. Specialized tanks were constructed to subject rainbow trout to a conditioning paradigm where the conditioned stimulus (CS) is cessation of tank water flow (water off) and the unconditioned stimulus (US) is social aggression from a larger conspecific. Following seven daily CS/US pairings, approximately half of the test fish learned to consistently escape the aggression to a neutral chamber through a small escape hole available only during the interaction. The learning curve for escaping fish was dramatic, with an 1100% improvement in escape time over 7 days. Fish that did not escape exhibited a 400% increase in plasma cortisol and altered brain monoamine response to presentation of the CS alone. Elevated plasma cortisol levels represent classical fear conditioning in non-escaping fish, while a lack of fear conditioning and a decreased latency to escape over the training period in escapers indicates learned escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russ E Carpenter
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
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Lorenzi V, Carpenter RE, Summers CH, Earley RL, Grober MS. Serotonin, social status and sex change in the bluebanded goby Lythrypnus dalli. Physiol Behav 2009; 97:476-83. [PMID: 19345236 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2009.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2008] [Revised: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 03/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In a variety of vertebrates, highly aggressive individuals tend to have high social status and low serotonergic function. In the sex changing fish Lythrypnus dalli, serotonin (5-HT) may be involved as a mediator between the social environment and the reproductive system because social status is a critical cue in regulating sex change. Subordination inhibits sex change in L. dalli, and it is associated with higher serotonergic activity in other species. We tested the hypothesis that high serotonergic activity has an inhibitory effect on sex change. In a social situation permissive to sex change, we administered to the dominant female implants containing the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). In a social situation not conducive to sex change, we administered either the serotonin synthesis inhibitor p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) or the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist p-MPPI. After three weeks we used HPLC to measure brain levels of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). We also performed PCPA, p-MPPI and fluoxetine injections in size-matched pairs of females to assess its effect on dominance status. Males and newly sex changed fish showed a trend for higher levels of 5-HIAA and 5-HT/5-HIAA ratio than females. The different implants treatments did not affect the probability of sex change. Interestingly, this species does not seem to fit the pattern seen in other vertebrates where dominant individuals have lower serotonergic activity than subordinates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varenka Lorenzi
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University & Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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Chapter 6 Regulation And Contribution Of The Corticotropic, Melanotropic And Thyrotropic Axes To The Stress Response In Fishes. FISH PHYSIOLOGY 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1546-5098(09)28006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Corticotropin releasing factor influences aggression and monoamines: modulation of attacks and retreats. Neuroscience 2008; 158:412-25. [PMID: 18992791 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Revised: 10/09/2008] [Accepted: 10/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Salmonids establish social hierarchies as a result of aggressive social interactions. The establishment of dominant or subordinate status is strongly linked to neuroendocrine responses mediated through the stress axis. In this study, we tested the effects of introcerebroventricular (icv) corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) on the behavioral outcome, plasma cortisol and monoamine function in trout subjected to a socially aggressive encounter. Rainbow trout were treated with an icv injection of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), 500 or 2000 ng ovine CRF, or not injected. Fish were allowed to interact with a similarly sized conspecific for 15 min. Following the behavioral interaction, plasma cortisol and central monoamine concentrations were analyzed. Trout treated with CRF were victorious in approximately 66% of the aggressive encounters against aCSF-treated opponents. Trout injected with CRF exhibited a reduction in the total number of attacks and decreased latency to attack. When trout were divided into winners and losers, only victorious CRF-treated fish exhibited a reduced latency to attack and fewer retreats. Social stress increased cortisol levels in both winners and losers of aggressive interaction. This effect was enhanced with the additional stress incurred from icv injection of aCSF. However, icv CRF in addition to social stress decreased plasma cortisol in both winners and losers. While aggression stimulated significant changes in serotonergic and dopaminergic activity, the magnitude and direction were dependent on limbic brain region, CRF dose, and outcome of social aggression. With broad effects on aggressive behavior, anxiety, stress responsiveness, and central monoaminergic activity, CRF plays an important role in modulating the behavioral components of social interaction.
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Lastein S, Höglund E, Overli O, Døving KB. Effects of antalarmin, a CRF receptor 1 antagonist, on fright reaction and endocrine stress response in crucian carp (Carassius carassius). J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2008; 194:1007-12. [PMID: 18830607 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-008-0372-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Revised: 09/04/2008] [Accepted: 09/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors show striking homogeneity throughout the vertebrate subphylum. In mammals, the CRF(1) receptor (CRFR(1)) plays an important role in mediating behavioral and endocrine responses to fear and stress. The specific roles of this receptor subtype in fear and stress reactions in non-mammalian vertebrates are largely unknown. Crucian carp displays the olfactory-mediated fright reaction, a stereotypic behavioral response to waterborne cues from damaged skin of conspecifics. This reaction shows several similarities to basic components of avoidance behavior in mammals. In the present study, we applied the non-peptide CRFR(1) antagonist, antalarmin, to crucian carp 1 h before exposure to conspecific skin extract. This treatment resulted in a suppression of the fright reaction. After skin extract exposure, antalarmin treatment also lead to lower plasma cortisol values, as compared to vehicle treatment. This suppression of the behavioral fright reaction and the stress induced rise in plasma cortisol in crucian carp suggests that the functions of the CRFR(1) are conserved by evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Lastein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
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St-Cyr S, Aubin-Horth N. Integrative and genomics approaches to uncover the mechanistic bases of fish behavior and its diversity. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2008; 152:9-21. [PMID: 18824118 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2008.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Revised: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 09/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying fish behavior is of fundamental importance to further our understanding of the proximate and ultimate causes of variation in this trait and informs us on issues of animal husbandry, conservation, and welfare. One way to approach this question is to study variation in gene expression in individuals exhibiting different behaviors and relating it to variations at other phenotypic levels in an organismic, ecological and evolutionary context. Here we review studies that have shown that the use of such an integrative and genomics approach is greatly useful for shedding new light on the mechanisms of behaviors as diverse as social dominance, mate choice, reproduction and migration. We present studies that use functional genomics tools and integrate several biological levels of organization, including transcription variation, which are important in the context of integrative biology and genomics of fish behavior. We review studies of phenotype-level variation in transcription but also studies that focus on variation at the individual-level. Dissecting the molecular bases of among-individual variation in behavior, including the study of variation in temperament (behavioral syndrome/coping style) within and among populations, will gain importance in the field in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie St-Cyr
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Chen CC, Fernald RD. Sequences, expression patterns and regulation of the corticotropin-releasing factor system in a teleost. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 157:148-55. [PMID: 18501902 PMCID: PMC3357958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Revised: 03/05/2008] [Accepted: 04/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is well known for its role in regulating the stress response in vertebrate species by controlling release of glucocorticoids. CRF also influences other physiological processes via two distinct CRF receptors (CRF-Rs) and is co-regulated by a CRF binding protein (CRFBP). Although CRF was first discovered in mammals, it is important for the regulation of the stress response, motor behavior, and appetite in all vertebrates. However, it is unclear how the actions of CRF, CRF-Rs, and CRFBP are coordinated. To approach this problem, we cloned and identified CRF, CRF-Rs, and CRFBP in a teleost fish model system, Astatotilapia burtoni and mapped their expression patterns in the body and brain. We found that CRF, CRFBP, and CRF-Rs gene sequences are highly conserved across vertebrates, suggesting that the CRF system plays an essential role in survival. Members of the CRF system are expressed widely in the brain, retina, gill, spleen, muscle, and kidney, thereby implicating them in a variety of bodily functions, including vision, respiration, digestion, and movement. We also found that following long-term social stress, mRNA expression of CRF in the brain and CRF type 1 receptor in the pituitary decrease whereas CRFBP in the pituitary increases via a homeostatic mechanism.
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