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Alves CDO, Waku I, Chiossi JN, de Oliveira AR. Dopamine D2-like receptors on conditioned and unconditioned fear: A systematic review of rodent pharmacological studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111080. [PMID: 38950840 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence supports dopamine's role in aversive states, yet systematic reviews focusing on dopamine receptors in defensive behaviors are lacking. This study presents a systematic review of the literature examining the influence of drugs acting on dopamine D2-like receptors on unconditioned and conditioned fear in rodents. The review reveals a predominant use of adult male rats in the studies, with limited inclusion of female rodents. Commonly employed tests include the elevated plus maze and auditory-cued fear conditioning. The findings indicate that systemic administration of D2-like drugs has a notable impact on both innate and learned aversive states. Generally, antagonists tend to increase unconditioned fear, while agonists decrease it. Moreover, both agonists and antagonists typically reduce conditioned fear. These effects are attributed to the involvement of distinct neural circuits in these states. The observed increase in unconditioned fear induced by D2-like antagonists aligns with dopamine's role in suppressing midbrain-mediated responses. Conversely, the reduction in conditioned fear is likely a result of blocking dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway. The study highlights the need for future research to delve into sex differences, explore alternative testing paradigms, and identify specific neural substrates. Such investigations have the potential to advance our understanding of the neurobiology of aversive states and enhance the therapeutic application of dopaminergic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila de Oliveira Alves
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil; Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Waku
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Joyce Nonato Chiossi
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Amanda Ribeiro de Oliveira
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil; Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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2
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Vörös D, Kiss O, Taigiszer M, László BR, Ollmann T, Péczely L, Zagorácz O, Kertes E, Kállai V, Berta B, Kovács A, Karádi Z, Lénárd L, László K. The role of intraamygdaloid oxytocin in spatial learning and avoidance learning. Peptides 2024; 175:171169. [PMID: 38340898 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The goal of the present study is to investigate the role of intraamygdaloid oxytocin in learning-related mechanisms. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide which is involved in social bonding, trust, emotional responses and various social behaviors. By conducting passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests on male Wistar rats, the role of intraamygdaloid oxytocin in memory performance and learning was investigated. Oxytocin doses of 10 ng and 100 ng were injected into the central nucleus of the amygdala. Our results showed that 10 ng oxytocin significantly reduced the time required to locate the platform during the Morris water maze test while significantly increasing the latency time in the passive avoidance test. However, the 100 ng oxytocin experiment failed to produce a significant effect in either of the tests. Wistar rats pretreated with 20 ng oxytocin receptor antagonist (L-2540) were administered 10 ng of oxytocin into the central nucleus of the amygdala and were also subjected to the aforementioned tests to highlight the role of oxytocin receptors in spatial- and avoidance learning. Results suggest that oxytocin supports memory processing during both the passive avoidance and the Morris water maze tests. Oxytocin antagonists can however block the effects of oxytocin in both tests. The results substantiate that oxytocin uses oxytocin receptors to enhance memory and learning performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Vörös
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Márton Taigiszer
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bettina Réka László
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Ollmann
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Péczely
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Olga Zagorácz
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Kertes
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Veronika Kállai
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Beáta Berta
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Anita Kovács
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Karádi
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Cellular Bioimpedance Research Group, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Molecular Endocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Lénárd
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Molecular Endocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kristóf László
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box 99, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary; Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary.
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Monari PK, Hammond ER, Zhao X, Maksimoski AN, Petric R, Malone CL, Riters LV, Marler CA. Conditioned preferences: Gated by experience, context, and endocrine systems. Horm Behav 2024; 161:105529. [PMID: 38492501 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Central to the navigation of an ever-changing environment is the ability to form positive associations with places and conspecifics. The functions of location and social conditioned preferences are often studied independently, limiting our understanding of their interplay. Furthermore, a de-emphasis on natural functions of conditioned preferences has led to neurobiological interpretations separated from ecological context. By adopting a naturalistic and ethological perspective, we uncover complexities underlying the expression of conditioned preferences. Development of conditioned preferences is a combination of motivation, reward, associative learning, and context, including for social and spatial environments. Both social- and location-dependent reward-responsive behaviors and their conditioning rely on internal state-gating mechanisms that include neuroendocrine and hormone systems such as opioids, dopamine, testosterone, estradiol, and oxytocin. Such reinforced behavior emerges from mechanisms integrating past experience and current social and environmental conditions. Moreover, social context, environmental stimuli, and internal state gate and modulate motivation and learning via associative reward, shaping the conditioning process. We highlight research incorporating these concepts, focusing on the integration of social neuroendocrine mechanisms and behavioral conditioning. We explore three paradigms: 1) conditioned place preference, 2) conditioned social preference, and 3) social conditioned place preference. We highlight nonclassical species to emphasize the naturalistic applications of these conditioned preferences. To fully appreciate the complex integration of spatial and social information, future research must identify neural networks where endocrine systems exert influence on such behaviors. Such research promises to provide valuable insights into conditioned preferences within a broader naturalistic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K Monari
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Emma R Hammond
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xin Zhao
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alyse N Maksimoski
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Radmila Petric
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA; Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Candice L Malone
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lauren V Riters
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Catherine A Marler
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA.
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4
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Li W, Chen R, Feng L, Dang X, Liu J, Chen T, Yang J, Su X, Lv L, Li T, Zhang Z, Luo XJ. Genome-wide meta-analysis, functional genomics and integrative analyses implicate new risk genes and therapeutic targets for anxiety disorders. Nat Hum Behav 2024; 8:361-379. [PMID: 37945807 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01746-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental disorders. However, the genetic etiology of anxiety disorders remains largely unknown. Here we conducted a genome-wide meta-analysis on anxiety disorders by including 74,973 (28,392 proxy) cases and 400,243 (146,771 proxy) controls. We identified 14 risk loci, including 10 new associations near CNTNAP5, MAP2, RAB9BP1, BTN1A1, PRR16, PCLO, PTPRD, FARP1, CDH2 and RAB27B. Functional genomics and fine-mapping pinpointed the potential causal variants, and expression quantitative trait loci analysis revealed the potential target genes regulated by the risk variants. Integrative analyses, including transcriptome-wide association study, proteome-wide association study and colocalization analyses, prioritized potential causal genes (including CTNND1 and RAB27B). Evidence from multiple analyses revealed possibly causal genes, including RAB27B, BTN3A2, PCLO and CTNND1. Finally, we showed that Ctnnd1 knockdown affected dendritic spine density and resulted in anxiety-like behaviours in mice, revealing the potential role of CTNND1 in anxiety disorders. Our study identified new risk loci, potential causal variants and genes for anxiety disorders, providing insights into the genetic architecture of anxiety disorders and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Li
- Henan Mental Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Laipeng Feng
- Henan Mental Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xinglun Dang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Tengfei Chen
- Henan Mental Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xi Su
- Henan Mental Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Luxian Lv
- Henan Mental Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tao Li
- Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Mental Health and Public Health, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiong-Jian Luo
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Riva G, Wiederhold BK, Mantovani F. Searching for the Metaverse: Neuroscience of Physical and Digital Communities. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2024; 27:9-18. [PMID: 37057986 PMCID: PMC10794843 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2023.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
What distinguishes real-world communities from their online counterparts? Social and cognitive neuroscience research on social networks and collective intentionality will be used in the article to answer this question. Physical communities are born in places. And places engage "we-mode" neurobiological and cognitive processes as behavioral synchrony, shared attention, deliberate attunement, interbrain synchronization, and so on, which create coherent social networks of very different individuals who are supported by a "wisdom of crowd." Digital technologies remove physical boundaries, giving people more freedom to choose their activities and groups. At the same time, however, the lack of physical co-presence of community members significantly reduces their possibility of activating "we-mode" cognitive processes and social motivation. Because of this, unlike physical communities that allow interaction between people from varied origins and stories, digital communities are always made up of people who have the same interests and knowledge (communities of practice). This new situation disrupts the "wisdom of crowd," making the community more radical and less accurate (polarization effect), allowing influential users to wield disproportionate influence over the group's beliefs, and producing inequalities in the distribution of social capital. However, a new emergent technology-the Metaverse-has the potential to reverse this trend. Several studies have revealed that virtual and augmented reality-the major technologies underlying the Metaverse-can engage the same neurobiological and cognitive "we-mode" processes as real-world environments. If the many flaws in this technology are fixed, it might encourage people to engage in more meaningful and constructive interactions in online communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Brenda K. Wiederhold
- Virtual Reality Medical Center, La Jolla, California, USA
- Virtual Reality Medical Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fabrizia Mantovani
- Centre for Studies in Communication Sciences “Luigi Anolli” (CESCOM), Department of Human Sciences for Education “Riccardo Massa,” University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Hernández-Mondragón JC, Hernández-Hernández DA, Crespo-Ramírez M, Prospero-García O, Rocha-Arrieta L, Fuxe K, Borroto-Escuela DO, Perez de la Mora M. Evidence for the existence of facilitatory interactions between the dopamine D2 receptor and the oxytocin receptor in the amygdala of the rat. Relevance for anxiolytic actions. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1251922. [PMID: 37900160 PMCID: PMC10603234 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1251922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The amygdala is a limbic region of high value for understanding anxiety and its treatment. Dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) and oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) have both been shown to participate in modulating anxiety involving effects in the amygdala. The goal is to understand if D2R-OXTR heterocomplexes exist in the central amygdala and if, through enhancing allosteric receptor-receptor interactions, may enhance anxiolytic actions. Methods: The methods used involve the shock-probe burying test, the in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA), image acquisition and analysis, and the BRET2 assay. Bilateral cannulas were introduced into the amygdala, and the effects of the coadministration of oxytocin and the D2R-like agonist quinpirole into the amygdala were studied. Results: The combination treatment enhanced the anxiolytic effects compared to the single treatment. The D2R/D3R antagonist raclopride blocked the effects of the combination treatment of oxytocin and the D2R agonist, although oxytocin is regarded as a distinct modulator of fear-mediating anxiolytic effects. In situ PLA results indicate the existence of D2R-OXTR heteroreceptor complexes and/or the co-location of OXTR and D2R within the same cell membrane nanodomains in the central amygdala. With BRET2, evidence is given for the existence of D2R-OXTR heteromers in HEK293 cells upon co-transfection. Discussion: The enhanced behavioral effects observed upon co-treatment with OXTR and D2R agonists may reflect the existence of improved positive receptor-receptor interactions in the putative D2R-OXTR heterocomplexes in certain neuronal populations of the basolateral and central amygdala. The D2R-OXTR heterocomplex, especially upon agonist co-activation in the central amygdala, may open a new pharmacological venue for the treatment of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Minerva Crespo-Ramírez
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Oscar Prospero-García
- Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luisa Rocha-Arrieta
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV, Sede Sur), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dasiel O Borroto-Escuela
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel Perez de la Mora
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Guoynes CD, Marler CA. Acute intranasal oxytocin dose enhances social preference for parents over peers in male but not female peri-adolescent California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 335:114230. [PMID: 36781024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Peri-adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by profound changes in the valence of social interactions with parents and peers. We hypothesized that the oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) systems, known for influencing social behavior, would be involved in the maintenance and breaking of bonding behavior expressed by very early peri-adolescent males and females. In rodents, OXT is associated with mother-pup bonding and may promote social attachment to members of the natal territory. AVP, on the other hand, can act in contrasting ways to OXT and has been associated with aggression and territoriality. Specifically, we predicted that in peri-adolescent male and female juveniles of the biparental and territorial California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), a) OXT would increase the social preferences for the parents over unfamiliar age-matched peers (one male and one female), and b) AVP would break the parent-offspring bond and either increase time in the neutral chamber and/or approach to their unfamiliar and novel peers. We examined anxiety and exploratory behavior using an elevated plus maze and a novel object task as a control. Peri-adolescent mice were administered an acute intranasal (IN) treatment of 0.5 IU/kg IN AVP, 0.5 IU/kg IN OXT, or saline control; five minutes later, the behavioral tests were conducted. As predicted, we found that IN OXT enhanced social preference for parents; however, this was only in male and not female peri-adolescent mice. IN AVP did not influence social preference in either sex. These effects appear specific to social behavior and not anxiety, as neither IN OXT nor AVP influenced behavior during the elevated plus maze or novel object tasks. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence indicating that OXT may play a role in promoting peri-adolescent social preferences for parents and delaying weaning in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh D Guoynes
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Catherine A Marler
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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The Role of Intraamygdaloid Oxytocin and D2 Dopamine Receptors in Reinforcement in the Valproate-Induced Autism Rat Model. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092309. [PMID: 36140411 PMCID: PMC9496370 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting around 1 out of 68 children and its incidence shows an increasing tendency. There is currently no effective treatment for ASD. In autism research, the valproate (VPA)-induced autism rodent model is widely accepted. Our previous results showed that intraamygdaloid oxytocin (OT) has anxiolytic effects on rats showing autistic signs under the VPA-induced autism model. Methods: rats were stereotaxically implanted with guide cannulae bilaterally and received intraamygdaloid microinjections. In the present study, we investigated the possible role of intraamygdaloid OT and D2 dopamine (DA) receptors on reinforcement using VPA-treated rats in a conditioned place preference test. OT and/or an OT receptor antagonist or a D2 DA antagonist were microinjected into the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Results: valproate-treated rats receiving 10 ng OT spent significantly longer time in the treatment quadrant during the test session of the conditioned place preference test. Prior treatment with an OT receptor antagonist or with a D2 DA receptor antagonist blocked the positive reinforcing effects of OT. The OT receptor antagonist or D2 DA antagonist in themselves did not influence the time rats spent in the treatment quadrant. Conclusions: Our results show that OT has positive reinforcing effects under the VPA-induced autism rodent model and these effects are OT receptor-specific. Our data also suggest that the DAergic system plays a role in the positive reinforcing effects of OT because the D2 DA receptor antagonist can block these actions.
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Possible oxytocin-related biomarkers in anxiety and mood disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 116:110531. [PMID: 35150782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and mood disorders are prevalent, disabling, and frequently difficult to treat. Such disorders are often comorbid and share similar characteristics. For more accurate diagnosis and improved treatment, a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of anxiety and mood disorders is important. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus, affects human psychology and behaviors such as social and affiliative behaviors, fear and emotion processing, and stress regulation. Thus, oxytocin is believed to exert anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects. This review article provides an overview of clinical studies on relationships between the oxytocin system and anxiety and mood disorders, focusing on oxytocin-related biomarker findings. Biomarkers used in such studies include central and peripheral oxytocin levels, analysis of oxytocin-related genes, and expression levels of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor genes in postmortem brains. Although a growing number of studies support the presence of oxytocinergic effects on anxiety and mood disorders, study results are heterogeneous and inconclusive. Moderating factors such as the characteristics of study populations, including sex, age, context, early life adversity, and attachment styles in patient cohorts, might affect the heterogeneity of the study results. Limitations in existing research such as small sample sizes, large dependence on peripheral sources of oxytocin, and inconsistent results between immunoassay methods complicate the interpretation of existing findings.
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Dysfunctional Heteroreceptor Complexes as Novel Targets for the Treatment of Major Depressive and Anxiety Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111826. [PMID: 35681521 PMCID: PMC9180493 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Among mental diseases, major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety deserve a special place due to their high prevalence and their negative impact both on society and patients suffering from these disorders. Consequently, the development of novel strategies designed to treat them quickly and efficiently, without or at least having limited side effects, is considered a highly important goal. Growing evidence indicates that emerging properties are developed on recognition, trafficking, and signaling of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) upon their heteromerization with other types of GPCRs, receptor tyrosine kinases, and ionotropic receptors such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Therefore, to develop new treatments for MDD and anxiety, it will be important to identify the most vulnerable heteroreceptor complexes involved in MDD and anxiety. This review focuses on how GPCRs, especially serotonin, dopamine, galanin, and opioid heteroreceptor complexes, modulate synaptic and volume transmission in the limbic networks of the brain. We attempt to provide information showing how these emerging concepts can contribute to finding new ways to treat both MDD and anxiety disorders.
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László K, Kiss O, Vörös D, Mintál K, Ollmann T, Péczely L, Kovács A, Zagoracz O, Kertes E, Kállai V, László B, Hormay E, Berta B, Tóth A, Karádi Z, Lénárd L. Intraamygdaloid Oxytocin Reduces Anxiety in the Valproate-Induced Autism Rat Model. Biomedicines 2022; 10:405. [PMID: 35203614 PMCID: PMC8962302 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder affecting about 1.5% of children, and its prevalence is increasing. Anxiety is one of the most common comorbid signs of ASD. Despite the increasing prevalence, the pathophysiology of ASD is still poorly understood, and its proper treatment has not been defined yet. In order to develop new therapeutic approaches, the valproate- (VPA) induced rodent model of autism can be an appropriate tool. Oxytocin (OT), as a prosocial hormone, may ameliorate some symptoms of ASD. METHODS In the present study, we investigated the possible anxiolytic effect of intraamygdaloid OT on VPA-treated rats using the elevated plus maze test. RESULTS Our results show that male Wistar rats prenatally exposed to VPA spent significantly less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze apparatus and performed significantly less head dips from the open arms. Bilateral OT microinjection into the central nucleus of the amygdala increased the time spent in the open arms and the number of head dips and reduced the anxiety to the healthy control level. An OT receptor antagonist blocked the anxiolytic effects of OT. The antagonist by itself did not influence the time rats spent in the open arms. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that intraamygdaloid OT has anxiolytic effects in autistic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristóf László
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Vörös
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kitti Mintál
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Ollmann
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Péczely
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Anita Kovács
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Olga Zagoracz
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Kertes
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Veronika Kállai
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bettina László
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Edina Hormay
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Beáta Berta
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Tóth
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Karádi
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Center, Molecular Endocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Lénárd
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (O.K.); (D.V.); (K.M.); (T.O.); (L.P.); (A.K.); (O.Z.); (E.K.); (V.K.); (B.L.); (E.H.); (B.B.); (A.T.); (Z.K.); (L.L.)
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Center, Molecular Endocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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