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Zamorina TA, Ivashkina OI, Toropova KA, Anokhin KV. Inhibition of Protein Synthesis Attenuates Formation of Traumatic Memory and Normalizes Fear-Induced c-Fos Expression in a Mouse Model of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6544. [PMID: 38928250 PMCID: PMC11204086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126544] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychosomatic condition characterized by impairment of brain fear circuits and persistence of exceptionally strong associative memories resistant to extinction. In this study, we investigated the neural and behavioral consequences of inhibiting protein synthesis, a process known to suppress the formation of conventional aversive memories, in an established PTSD animal model based on contextual fear conditioning in mice. Control animals were subjected to the conventional fear conditioning task. Utilizing c-Fos neural activity mapping, we found that the retrieval of PTSD and normal aversive memories produced activation of an overlapping set of brain structures. However, several specific areas, such as the infralimbic cortex and the paraventricular thalamic nucleus, showed an increase in the PTSD group compared to the normal aversive memory group. Administration of protein synthesis inhibitor before PTSD induction disrupted the formation of traumatic memories, resulting in behavior that matched the behavior of mice with usual aversive memory. Concomitant with this behavioral shift was a normalization of brain c-Fos activation pattern matching the one observed in usual fear memory. Our findings demonstrate that inhibiting protein synthesis during traumatic experiences significantly impairs the development of PTSD in a mouse model. These data provide insights into the neural underpinnings of protein synthesis-dependent traumatic memory formation and open prospects for the development of new therapeutic strategies for PTSD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana A. Zamorina
- Institute for Advanced Brain Studies, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.Z.); (O.I.I.); (K.A.T.)
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Higher Nervous Activity, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga I. Ivashkina
- Institute for Advanced Brain Studies, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.Z.); (O.I.I.); (K.A.T.)
- Laboratory of Neuronal Intelligence, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ksenia A. Toropova
- Institute for Advanced Brain Studies, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.Z.); (O.I.I.); (K.A.T.)
- Laboratory of Neuronal Intelligence, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin V. Anokhin
- Institute for Advanced Brain Studies, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.Z.); (O.I.I.); (K.A.T.)
- Laboratory of Neuronal Intelligence, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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2
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Infection with an acanthocephalan helminth reduces anxiety-like behaviour in crustacean host. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21649. [PMID: 36522391 PMCID: PMC9755125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25484-9] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophically transmitted heteroxenous parasites of diverse clades can decrease or reverse antipredator behaviours in their intermediate hosts, thereby increasing their chances of reaching their final hosts. Such behavioural alterations could result from compromised cognitive abilities affecting fear- or more generally stress-related neurophysiological pathways. We tested this hypothesis in a key model system in the study of parasitic manipulation, the fish acanthocephalan parasite Pomphorhynchus tereticollis and its intermediate crustacean host Gammarus fossarum, using the 'threat of electric shock' paradigm. We exposed uninfected and infected G. fossarum to chronic and/or acute electric shock programs at two different intensities (voltage), and then quantified their sheltering behaviour as a proxy for anxiety-like state. Infected gammarids did not express anxiety-like response to electric shocks, while uninfected gammarids hid more when exposed to acute treatments, and when exposed to the high intensity chronic treatment. Interestingly, the lack of response in infected gammarids depended on parasite developmental stage. Our results support the hypothesis that this acanthocephalan parasite impacts the general anxiety-like circuitry of their intermediate host. Further studies are needed to investigate whether it involves inappropriate processing of information, impaired integration, or altered activation of downstream pathways initiating behavioural action.
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3
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Silote GP, de Oliveira SFS, Ribeiro DE, Machado MS, Andreatini R, Joca SRL, Beijamini V. Ketamine effects on anxiety and fear-related behaviors: Current literature evidence and new findings. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 100:109878. [PMID: 31982463 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine, a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, presents a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect in clinical and preclinical studies. Regarding ketamine effects on anxiety, there is a widespread discordance among pre-clinical studies. To address this issue, the present study reviewed the literature (electronic database MEDLINE) to summarize the profile of ketamine effects in animal tests of anxiety/fear. We found that ketamine anxiety/fear-related effects may depend on the anxiety paradigm, schedule of ketamine administration and tested species. Moreover, there was no report of ketamine effects in animal tests of fear related to panic disorder (PD). Based on that finding, we evaluated if treatment with ketamine and another NMDA antagonist, MK-801, would induce acute and sustained (24 hours later) anxiolytic and/or panicolytic-like effects in animals exposed to the elevated T-maze (ETM). The ETM evaluates, in the same animal, conflict-evoked and fear behaviors, which are related, respectively, to generalized anxiety disorder and PD. Male Wistar rats were systemically treated with racemic ketamine (10, 30 and 80 mg/kg) or MK-801 (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) and tested in the ETM in the same day or 24 hours after their administration. Ketamine did not affect the behavioral tasks performed in the ETM acutely or 24 h later. MK-801 impaired inhibitory avoidance in the ETM only at 45 min post-injection, suggesting a rapid but not sustained anxiolytic-like effect. Altogether our results suggest that ketamine might have mixed effects in anxiety tests while it does not affect panic-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela P Silote
- Biochemistry and Pharmacology Graduate Program, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sabrina F S de Oliveira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Deidiane E Ribeiro
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayara S Machado
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Roberto Andreatini
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Sâmia R L Joca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Vanessa Beijamini
- Biochemistry and Pharmacology Graduate Program, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.
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4
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Verbitsky A, Dopfel D, Zhang N. Rodent models of post-traumatic stress disorder: behavioral assessment. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:132. [PMID: 32376819 PMCID: PMC7203017 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0806-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the etiology and expression of psychiatric disorders are complex, mammals show biologically preserved behavioral and neurobiological responses to valent stimuli which underlie the use of rodent models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a complex phenotype that is difficult to model in rodents because it is diagnosed by patient interview and influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. However, given that PTSD results from traumatic experiences, rodent models can simulate stress induction and disorder development. By manipulating stress type, intensity, duration, and frequency, preclinical models reflect core PTSD phenotypes, measured through various behavioral assays. Paradigms precipitate the disorder by applying physical, social, and psychological stressors individually or in combination. This review discusses the methods used to trigger and evaluate PTSD-like phenotypes. It highlights studies employing each stress model and evaluates their translational efficacies against DSM-5, validity criteria, and criteria proposed by Yehuda and Antelman's commentary in 1993. This is intended to aid in paradigm selection by informing readers about rodent models, their benefits to the clinical community, challenges associated with the translational models, and opportunities for future work. To inform PTSD model validity and relevance to human psychopathology, we propose that models incorporate behavioral test batteries, individual differences, sex differences, strain and stock differences, early life stress effects, biomarkers, stringent success criteria for drug development, Research Domain Criteria, technological advances, and cross-species comparisons. We conclude that, despite the challenges, animal studies will be pivotal to advances in understanding PTSD and the neurobiology of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Verbitsky
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - David Dopfel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Nanyin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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5
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Kim EJ, Kim JJ. Amygdala, Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Glucocorticoid Interactions Produce Stress-Like Effects on Memory. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:210. [PMID: 31619974 PMCID: PMC6759673 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse stress effects on the hippocampal memory system are generally thought to be due to the high level of circulating glucocorticoids directly modifying the properties of hippocampal neurons and, accordingly, the results should be reproducible with exogenous administration of cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents. However, glucocorticoid levels increased to other events, such as exercise and environment enrichment, do not impair but instead enhance hippocampal memory, indicating that cortisol/corticosterone are not invariant causal factors of stress. To better model the complex psychophysiological attributes of stress (i.e., aversiveness, lack of controllability, and glucose metabolism), we examined the functions of the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and corticosterone on a hippocampal-based one-trial novel object recognition (OR) memory task in rats. Specifically, animals were subjected to amygdala stimulation, mPFC inactivation, and corticosterone treatments separately or in combination during behavioral testing. Collective amygdala, mPFC, and corticosterone manipulations significantly impaired OR memory comparable to behavioral stress. By contrast, single and dual treatments failed to reliably decrease memory functioning. These results suggest that negative mnemonic impacts of uncontrollable stress involve the amalgamation of heightened amygdala and diminished mPFC activities, and elevated circulating corticosterone level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Joo Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jeansok J Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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6
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Bhattacharya S, Fontaine A, MacCallum PE, Drover J, Blundell J. Stress Across Generations: DNA Methylation as a Potential Mechanism Underlying Intergenerational Effects of Stress in Both Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Pre-clinical Predator Stress Rodent Models. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:113. [PMID: 31191267 PMCID: PMC6547031 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most humans will experience some type of traumatic event in their lifetime only a small set of individuals will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Differences in sex, age, trauma type, and comorbidity, along with many other elements, contribute to the heterogenous manifestation of this disorder. Nonetheless, aberrant hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, especially in terms of cortisol and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) alterations, has been postulated as a tenable factor in the etiology and pathophysiology of PTSD. Moreover, emerging data suggests that the harmful effects of traumatic stress to the HPA axis in PTSD can also propagate into future generations, making offspring more prone to psychopathologies. Predator stress models provide an ethical and ethologically relevant way to investigate tentative mechanisms that are thought to underlie this phenomenon. In this review article, we discuss findings from human and laboratory predator stress studies that suggest changes to DNA methylation germane to GRs may underlie the generational effects of trauma transmission. Understanding mechanisms that promote stress-induced psychopathology will represent a major advance in the field and may lead to novel treatments for such devastating, and often treatment-resistant trauma and stress-disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriya Bhattacharya
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Audrey Fontaine
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.,Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique (ISIR), Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Phillip E MacCallum
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - James Drover
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Blundell
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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7
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Ullmann E, Perry SW, Licinio J, Wong ML, Dremencov E, Zavjalov EL, Shevelev OB, Khotskin NV, Koncevaya GV, Khotshkina AS, Moshkin MP, Lapshin MS, Komelkova MV, Feklicheva IV, Tseilikman OB, Cherkasova OP, Bhui KS, Jones E, Kirschbaum C, Bornstein SR, Tseilikman V. From Allostatic Load to Allostatic State-An Endogenous Sympathetic Strategy to Deal With Chronic Anxiety and Stress? Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:47. [PMID: 30967764 PMCID: PMC6442703 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The concepts of allostatic load and overload, i. e., a dramatic increase in the allostatic load that predisposes to disease, have been extensively described in the literature. Here, we show that rats engaging in active offensive response (AOR) behavioral strategies to chronic predator scent stress (PSS) display less anxiety behavior and lower plasma cortisol levels vs. rats engaging in passive defensive response (PDR) behavioral strategies to chronic PSS. In the same chronic PSS paradigm, AOR rats also have higher lactate and lower glutamate levels in amygdala but not in control-region hippocampus vs. PDR rats. The implications of these findings for regulation of allostatic and stress responses, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Ullmann
- Department of Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Seth W Perry
- College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Julio Licinio
- College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Ma-Li Wong
- College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Eliyahu Dremencov
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia.,Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre for Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Evgenii L Zavjalov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science (RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Oleg B Shevelev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science (RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nikita V Khotskin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science (RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Galina V Koncevaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science (RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anna S Khotshkina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science (RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mikhail P Moshkin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science (RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maxim S Lapshin
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Maria V Komelkova
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Inna V Feklicheva
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Olga B Tseilikman
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Olga P Cherkasova
- Biophysics Laboratory, Institute of Laser Physics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Kamaldeep S Bhui
- Centre for Psychiatry, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edgar Jones
- Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Psychology, Biopsychology, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vadim Tseilikman
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
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8
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Wah DTO, Ossenkopp KP, Bishnoi I, Kavaliers M. Predator odor exposure in early adolescence influences the effects of the bacterial product, propionic acid, on anxiety, sensorimotor gating, and acoustic startle response in male rats in later adolescence and adulthood. Physiol Behav 2019; 199:35-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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9
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On the Developmental Timing of Stress: Delineating Sex-Specific Effects of Stress across Development on Adult Behavior. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8070121. [PMID: 29966252 PMCID: PMC6071226 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8070121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress, and the chronic overactivation of major stress hormones, is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, clinical literature on the exact role of stress either as a causative, triggering, or modulatory factor to mental illness remains unclear. We suggest that the impact of stress on the brain and behavior is heavily dependent on the developmental timing at which the stress has occurred, and as such, this may contribute to the overall variability reported on the association of stress and mental illness. Here, animal models provide a way to comprehensively assess the temporal impact of stress on behavior in a controlled manner. This review particularly focuses on the long-term impact of stress on behavior in various rodent stress models at three major developmental time points: early life, adolescence, and adulthood. We characterize the various stressor paradigms into physical, social, and pharmacological, and discuss commonalities and differences observed across these various stress-inducing methods. In addition, we discuss here how sex can influence the impact of stress at various developmental time points. We conclude here that early postnatal life and adolescence represent particular periods of vulnerability, but that stress exposure during early life can sometimes lead to resilience, particularly to fear-potentiated memories. In the adult brain, while shorter periods of stress tended to enhance spatial memory, longer periods caused impairments. Overall, males tended to be more vulnerable to the long-term effects of early life and adolescent stress, albeit very few studies incorporate both sexes, and further well-powered sex comparisons are needed.
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10
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Butler RK, Oliver EM, Fadel JR, Wilson MA. Hemispheric differences in the number of parvalbumin-positive neurons in subdivisions of the rat basolateral amygdala complex. Brain Res 2018; 1678:214-219. [PMID: 29107660 PMCID: PMC5714668 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The amygdala is a bilateral temporal lobe brain region which plays an important role in emotional processing. Past studies on the amygdala have shown hemispheric differences in amygdalar processes and responses associated with specific pain and fear behaviors. Despite the functional differences in the amygdala, few studies have been performed to characterize whether anatomical differences exist between the left and right amygdala. Parvalbumin (PV) is a phenotypic marker for an inhibitory interneuronal population in cortical brain structures such as the basolateral amygdala complex (BLC). This study examined the number of PV-positive neurons in the left and right BLC of adult, male Long-Evans rats using unbiased stereology. Coronal sections through the rostral-caudal extent of the BLC were immunohistochemically-stained for PV and the optical fractionator method was used to obtain an unbiased estimate of the number of PV-positive neurons in subdivisions through the BLC. The lateral and basolateral amygdala divisions of the BLC were analyzed, were subdivided into the dorsolateral, ventrolateral and ventromedial and the posterior, anterior and ventral subdivisions, respectively. The results indicate that there are significantly more PV-positive neurons in the left basolateral amygdala compared to the right, with a significant difference specifically in the posterior subdivision. This difference in PV neuronal number could help explain the distinct hemispheric roles of the BLC in the behavioral processing following exposure to painful and fearful stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan K Butler
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Elisabeth M Oliver
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jim R Fadel
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Marlene A Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
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11
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Malikowska N, Fijałkowski Ł, Nowaczyk A, Popik P, Sałat K. Antidepressant-like activity of venlafaxine and clonidine in mice exposed to single prolonged stress - A model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Pharmacodynamic and molecular docking studies. Brain Res 2017; 1673:1-10. [PMID: 28797691 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a growing issue worldwide characterized by stress and anxiety in response to re-experiencing traumatic events which strongly impair patient's quality of life and social functions. Available antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs are not efficacious in the majority of treated individuals. This necessitates a significant medical demand to develop novel therapeutic strategies for PTSD. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Animal model of PTSD was induced using a mouse single prolonged stress protocol (mSPS). To assess the activity of venlafaxine and clonidine, the forced swim test (FST) was used repeatedly 24h, 3days, 8days, 15days and 25days after mSPS. To get insight into a possible mechanism of anti-PTSD action, molecular docking procedure was utilized for the most active drug. This in silico part comprised molecular docking of enantiomers of venlafaxine to human transporters for serotonin (hSERT), norepinephrine (hNET) and dopamine (hDAT). KEY RESULTS In mSPS-subjected mice FST revealed the effectiveness of venlafaxine, however in non SPS-subjected mice both venlafaxine and clonidine were active. Molecular docking studies indicated that the affinity of venlafaxine to monoamine transporters is growing in the following rank order: hDAT<hNET<hSERT. Both venlafaxine enantiomers present different selectivity and binding mode. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Venlafaxine but not clonidine was effective in an animal model of PTSD. Its mechanism of action, i.e., SERT, NET and DAT inhibition indicates potential drug targets for PTSD treatment. We expect that these results will contribute to a broader application of VLX in PTSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Malikowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna St., 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Fijałkowski
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 2 dr. A. Jurasza St., 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Alicja Nowaczyk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 2 dr. A. Jurasza St., 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Piotr Popik
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna St., 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Kinga Sałat
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna St., 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
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12
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Vose LR, Stanton PK. Synaptic Plasticity, Metaplasticity and Depression. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:71-86. [PMID: 26830964 PMCID: PMC5327460 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160202121111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of a persistent depressive affective state has for some time been thought to result from persistent alterations in neurotransmitter-mediated synaptic transmission. While the identity of those transmitters has changed over the years, the literature has lacked mechanistic connections between the neurophysiological mechanisms they regulate, and how these mechanisms alter neuronal function, and, hence, affective homeostasis. This review will examine recent work that suggests that both long-term activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength (“plasticity”), and shifting set points for the ease of induction of future long-term changes (“metaplasticity”), may be critical to establishing and reversing a depressive behavioral state. Activity-dependent long-term synaptic plasticity involves both strengthening and weakening of synaptic connections associated with a dizzying array of neurochemical alterations that include synaptic insertion and removal of a number of subtypes of AMPA, NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors, changes in presynaptic glutamate release, and structural changes in dendritic spines. Cellular mechanisms of metaplasticity are far less well understood. Here, we will review the growing evidence that long-term synaptic changes in glutamatergic transmission, in brain regions that regulate mood, are key determinants of affective homeostasis and therapeutic targets with immense potential for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patric K Stanton
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
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Effects of (-)-sesamin on chronic stress-induced memory deficits in mice. Neurosci Lett 2016; 634:114-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Zoladz PR, Diamond DM. Predator-based psychosocial stress animal model of PTSD: Preclinical assessment of traumatic stress at cognitive, hormonal, pharmacological, cardiovascular and epigenetic levels of analysis. Exp Neurol 2016; 284:211-219. [PMID: 27283115 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is faced with the challenge of understanding how a traumatic experience produces long-lasting detrimental effects on behavior and brain functioning, and more globally, how stress exacerbates somatic disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the design of translational research needs to link animal models of PTSD to clinically relevant risk factors which address why only a subset of traumatized individuals develop persistent psychopathology. In this review, we have summarized our psychosocial stress rodent model of PTSD which is based on well-described PTSD-inducing risk factors, including a life-threatening experience, a sense of horror and uncontrollability, and insufficient social support. Specifically, our animal model of PTSD integrates acute episodes of inescapable exposure of immobilized rats to a predator with chronic daily social instability. This stress regimen produces PTSD-like effects in rats at behavioral, cognitive, physiological, pharmacological and epigenetic levels of analysis. We have discussed a recent extension of our animal model of PTSD in which stress exacerbated coronary pathology following an ischemic event, assessed in vitro. In addition, we have reviewed our research investigating pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies which may have value in clinical approaches toward the treatment of traumatized people. Overall, our translational approach bridges the gap between human and animal PTSD research to create a framework with which to enhance our understanding of the biological basis of trauma-induced pathology and to assess therapeutic approaches in the treatment of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip R Zoladz
- Department of Psychology, Sociology, & Criminal Justice, Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810, USA
| | - David M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Preclinical & Clinical Research on PTSD, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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15
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Different effects of prenatal stress on ERK2/CREB/Bcl-2 expression in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex of adult offspring rats. Neuroreport 2016; 27:600-4. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Chattarji S, Tomar A, Suvrathan A, Ghosh S, Rahman MM. Neighborhood matters: divergent patterns of stress-induced plasticity across the brain. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:1364-75. [PMID: 26404711 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The fact that exposure to severe stress leads to the development of psychiatric disorders serves as the basic rationale for animal models of stress disorders. Clinical and neuroimaging studies have shown that three brain areas involved in learning and memory--the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex--undergo distinct structural and functional changes in individuals with stress disorders. These findings from patient studies pose several challenges for animal models of stress disorders. For instance, why does stress impair cognitive function, yet enhance fear and anxiety? Can the same stressful experience elicit contrasting patterns of plasticity in the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex? How does even a brief exposure to traumatic stress lead to long-lasting behavioral abnormalities? Thus, animal models of stress disorders must not only capture the unique spatio-temporal features of structural and functional alterations in these brain areas, but must also provide insights into the underlying neuronal plasticity mechanisms. This Review will address some of these key questions by describing findings from animal models on how stress-induced plasticity varies across different brain regions and thereby gives rise to the debilitating emotional and cognitive symptoms of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumantra Chattarji
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Anupratap Tomar
- Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wakoshi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Aparna Suvrathan
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Supriya Ghosh
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mohammed Mostafizur Rahman
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
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Yuan RK, Hebert JC, Thomas AS, Wann EG, Muzzio IA. HDAC I inhibition in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus differentially modulates predator-odor fear learning and generalization. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:319. [PMID: 26441495 PMCID: PMC4585269 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although predator odors are ethologically relevant stimuli for rodents, the molecular pathways and contribution of some brain regions involved in predator odor conditioning remain elusive. Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in the dorsal hippocampus has been shown to enhance shock-induced contextual fear learning, but it is unknown if HDACs have differential effects along the dorso-ventral hippocampal axis during predator odor fear learning. We injected MS-275, a class I HDAC inhibitor, bilaterally in the dorsal or ventral hippocampus of mice and found that it had no effects on innate anxiety in either region. We then assessed the effects of MS-275 at different stages of fear learning along the longitudinal hippocampal axis. Animals were injected with MS-275 or vehicle after context pre-exposure (pre-conditioning injections), when a representation of the context is first formed, or after exposure to coyote urine (post-conditioning injections), when the context becomes associated with predator odor. When MS-275 was administered after context pre-exposure, dorsally injected animals showed enhanced fear in the training context but were able to discriminate it from a neutral environment. Conversely, ventrally injected animals did not display enhanced learning in the training context but generalized the fear response to a neutral context. However, when MS-275 was administered after conditioning, there were no differences between the MS-275 and vehicle control groups in either the dorsal or ventral hippocampus. Surprisingly, all groups displayed generalization to a neutral context, suggesting that predator odor exposure followed by a mild stressor such as restraint leads to fear generalization. These results may elucidate distinct functions of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus in predator odor-induced fear conditioning as well as some of the molecular mechanisms underlying fear generalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin K Yuan
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jenna C Hebert
- Biological Basis of Behavior, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Arthur S Thomas
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ellen G Wann
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Isabel A Muzzio
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX, USA
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Wilson MA, Grillo CA, Fadel JR, Reagan LP. Stress as a one-armed bandit: Differential effects of stress paradigms on the morphology, neurochemistry and behavior in the rodent amygdala. Neurobiol Stress 2015; 1:195-208. [PMID: 26844236 PMCID: PMC4721288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity may be defined as the ability of the central nervous system (CNS) to respond to changes in the internal and external environment and it is well established that some stimuli have the ability to facilitate or impair neuroplasticity depending on the pre-existing milieu. A classic example of a stimulus that can both facilitate and impair neuroplasticity is stress. Indeed, the ability of CNS to respond to acute stress is often dependent upon the prior stress history of the individual. While responses to acute stress are often viewed as adaptive in nature, stress reactivity in subjects with prior chronic stress experiences are often linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. In rodent studies, chronic stress exposure produces structural and functional alterations in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex that are consistent across different types of stress paradigms. Conversely, the amygdala appears to exhibit differential structural and functional responses to stress that are dependent on a variety of factors, including the type of stressor performed and the duration of the stress paradigm. This is most evident in output measures including morphological analysis of amygdala neurons, measurement of glutamatergic tone in amygdalar subdivisions and the analysis of amygdala-centric behaviors. Accordingly, this review will provide an overview of the effects of stress on the structural and functional plasticity of the rodent amygdala, especially in relation to the differential effects of repeated or chronic stress paradigms on dendritic architecture, neurochemistry of the glutamatergic system and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene A. Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Claudia A. Grillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jim R. Fadel
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Lawrence P. Reagan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, D40, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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Psychosocial predator-based animal model of PTSD produces physiological and behavioral sequelae and a traumatic memory four months following stress onset. Physiol Behav 2015; 147:183-92. [PMID: 25911267 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have a well-established animal model of PTSD composed of predator exposure administered in conjunction with social instability that produces PTSD-like behavioral and physiological abnormalities one month after stress initiation. Here, we assessed whether the PTSD-like effects would persist for at least 4months after the initiation of the psychosocial stress regimen. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to either 2 or 3 predator-based fear conditioning sessions. During each session, rats were placed in a chamber for a 3-min period that terminated with a 30-s tone, followed by 1h of immobilization of the rats during cat exposure (Day 1). All rats in the stress groups received a second fear conditioning session 10days later (Day 11). Half of the stress rats received a third fear conditioning session 3weeks later (Day 32). The two cat-exposed groups were also exposed to daily unstable housing conditions for the entire duration of the psychosocial stress regimen. The control group received stable (conventional) housing conditions and an equivalent amount of chamber exposure on Days 1, 11 and 32, without cat exposure. Behavioral testing commenced for all groups on Day 116. The stress groups demonstrated increased anxiety on the elevated plus maze, impaired object recognition memory and robust contextual and cued fear conditioned memory 3months after the last conditioning session. Combined data from the two stress groups revealed lower post-stress corticosterone levels and greater diastolic blood pressure relative to the control group. These findings indicate that predator-based psychosocial stress produces persistent PTSD-like physiological and behavioral abnormalities that may provide insight into the neurobiological and endocrine sequelae in traumatized people with PTSD.
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Involvement of TRPV1 channels in the periaqueductal grey on the modulation of innate fear responses. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2015; 27:97-105. [PMID: 25529842 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2014.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 channel (TRPV1) is expressed in the midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG), a region of the brain related to aversive responses. TRPV1 antagonism in the dorsolateral PAG (dlPAG) induces anxiolytic-like effects in models based on conflict situations. No study, however, has investigated whether these receptors could contribute to fear responses to proximal threat. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that TRPV1 in the PAG could mediate fear response in rats exposed to a predator. METHODS We verified whether exposure to a live cat (a natural predator) would activate TRPV1-expressing neurons in the PAG. Double-staining immunohistochemistry was used as a technique to detect c-Fos, a marker of neuronal activation, and TRPV1 expression. We also investigated whether intra-dlPAG injections of the TRPV1 antagonist, capsazepine (CPZ), would attenuate the behavioural consequences of predator exposure. RESULTS Exposure to a cat increased c-Fos expression in TRPV1-positive neurons, mainly in the dorsal columns of the PAG, suggesting that TRPV1-expressing neurons are activated by threatening stimuli. Accordingly, local injection of CPZ inhibited the fear responses. CONCLUSION These data support the hypothesis that TRPV1 channels mediate fear reactions in the dlPAG. This may have an implication for the development of TRPV1-antagonists as potential drugs for the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders.
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Zhang LM, Zhou WW, Ji YJ, Li Y, Zhao N, Chen HX, Xue R, Mei XG, Zhang YZ, Wang HL, Li YF. Anxiolytic effects of ketamine in animal models of posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:663-72. [PMID: 25231918 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3697-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of ketamine, a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, in alleviating the enhanced anxiety and fear response in both a mouse model of PTSD induced by inescapable electric foot shocks and a rat model of PTSD induced by a time-dependent sensitization (TDS) procedure. First, we evaluated the effect of ketamine on behavioral deficits in a mouse model of PTSD that consisted of foot shocks followed by three situational reminders. Our results showed that the aversive procedure induced several behavioral deficiencies, such as increased freezing behavior and anxiety, as well as reduced time spent in an aversive-like context, which were reversed by repeated treatment with ketamine. The effect of ketamine on behavioral changes after exposure to TDS was also investigated, and the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus were measured. The results revealed that after TDS, the rats showed a significant increase in contextual freezing and a decrease in the percentage of time spent in and numbers of entries into open arms in the elevated plus maze test. As a positive control drug, sertraline (Ser, 15 mg/kg, i.g.), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) ameliorated these behavioral deficits. These behavioral effects were mimicked by chronic ketamine treatment. Furthermore, ketamine normalized the decreased BDNF level in the hippocampus in post-TDS rats. Taken together, these results suggest that ketamine exerts a therapeutic effect on PTSD that might be at least partially mediated by an influence on BDNF signaling in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ming Zhang
- Department of New Drug Evaluation, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
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Distinctive hippocampal and amygdalar cytoarchitectural changes underlie specific patterns of behavioral disruption following stress exposure in an animal model of PTSD. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:1925-44. [PMID: 25451698 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in cytoarchitecture and molecular signaling have been observed in adaptive and maladaptive responses to stress and presumably underlie the physiological and behavioral changes observed. The relationship between behavioral responses to stress exposure and changes in cytoarchitecture of subregions of the hippocampus and amygdala was investigated in an animal model of PTSD. Behaviors in elevated plus-maze and acoustic startle response tests were assessed in rats 7 days after exposure to predator scent stress. Brains were harvested 24h later. Neurons from CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus subregions and basolateral amygdala were reconstructed and subjected to Sholl analysis and spine density estimation. Glucocorticoid receptor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, phospho-NR1-Ser-889, phospho-GluR1-Ser-845, phospho-calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II-Thy-286, post-synaptic density protein 95 and phospho-CREB-Ser-133 were evaluated in the hippocampus. Data were analyzed by retrospective classification of individual rats into three behavioral response groups. The extent and distribution of changes in the morphology of hippocampal and amygdalar dendrites was significantly associated with stress-induced behavioral response classification. Extreme (PTSD-like) behavioral disruption was associated with extensive neuronal retraction in the hippocampus and proliferation in the amygdala. Neither structure displayed such changes in minimal behavioral responders. Partial behavioral response was associated with identical changes in the hippocampus only. Patterns of change in requisite molecular signaling genes and endophenotypic markers corresponded to the structural and behavioral responses. The extent and distribution of changes in the cytoarchitecture of hippocampal and amygdalar subregions is directly related to the pattern of behavioral response of the individual to stress exposure.
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Campos AC, Fogaça MV, Aguiar DC, Guimarães FS. Animal models of anxiety disorders and stress. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2014; 35 Suppl 2:S101-11. [PMID: 24271222 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2013-1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety and stress-related disorders are severe psychiatric conditions that affect performance in daily tasks and represent a high cost to public health. The initial observation of Charles Darwin that animals and human beings share similar characteristics in the expression of emotion raise the possibility of studying the mechanisms of psychiatric disorders in other mammals (mainly rodents). The development of animal models of anxiety and stress has helped to identify the pharmacological mechanisms and potential clinical effects of several drugs. Animal models of anxiety are based on conflict situations that can generate opposite motivational states induced by approach-avoidance situations. The present review revisited the main rodent models of anxiety and stress responses used worldwide. Here we defined as "ethological" the tests that assess unlearned/unpunished responses (such as the elevated plus maze, light-dark box, and open field), whereas models that involve learned/punished responses are referred to as "conditioned operant conflict tests" (such as the Vogel conflict test). We also discussed models that involve mainly classical conditioning tests (fear conditioning). Finally, we addressed the main protocols used to induce stress responses in rodents, including psychosocial (social defeat and neonatal isolation stress), physical (restraint stress), and chronic unpredictable stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alline C Campos
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo HorizonteMG, Brazil
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The effects of early-life predator stress on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors of adult rats. Neural Plast 2014; 2014:163908. [PMID: 24839560 PMCID: PMC4009288 DOI: 10.1155/2014/163908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood emotional trauma contributes significantly to certain psychopathologies, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. In experimental animals, however, whether or not early-life stress results in behavioral abnormalities in adult animals still remains controversial. Here, we investigated both short-term and long-term changes of anxiety- and depression-like behaviors of Wistar rats after being exposed to chronic feral cat stress in juvenile ages. The 2-week predator stress decreased spontaneous activities immediately following stress but did not increase depression- or anxiety-like behaviors 4 weeks after the stimulation in adulthood. Instead, juvenile predator stress had some protective effects, though not very obvious, in adulthood. We also exposed genetic depression model rats, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, to the same predator stress. In WKY rats, the same early-life predator stress did not enhance anxiety- or depression-like behaviors in both the short-term and long-term. However, the stressed WKY rats showed slightly reduced depression-like behaviors in adulthood. These results indicate that in both normal Wistar rats and WKY rats, early-life predator stress led to protective, rather than negative, effects in adulthood.
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Suvrathan A, Bennur S, Ghosh S, Tomar A, Anilkumar S, Chattarji S. Stress enhances fear by forming new synapses with greater capacity for long-term potentiation in the amygdala. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 369:20130151. [PMID: 24298153 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged and severe stress leads to cognitive deficits, but facilitates emotional behaviour. Little is known about the synaptic basis for this contrast. Here, we report that in rats subjected to chronic immobilization stress, long-term potentiation (LTP) and NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated synaptic responses are enhanced in principal neurons of the lateral amygdala, a brain area involved in fear memory formation. This is accompanied by electrophysiological and morphological changes consistent with the formation of 'silent synapses', containing only NMDARs. In parallel, chronic stress also reduces synaptic inhibition. Together, these synaptic changes would enable amygdalar neurons to undergo further experience-dependent modifications, leading to stronger fear memories. Consistent with this prediction, stressed animals exhibit enhanced conditioned fear. Hence, stress may leave its mark in the amygdala by generating new synapses with greater capacity for plasticity, thereby creating an ideal neuronal substrate for affective disorders. These findings also highlight the unique features of stress-induced plasticity in the amygdala that are strikingly different from the stress-induced impairment of structure and function in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Suvrathan
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore 560065, India
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27
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Elharrar E, Warhaftig G, Issler O, Sztainberg Y, Dikshtein Y, Zahut R, Redlus L, Chen A, Yadid G. Overexpression of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 2 in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis improves posttraumatic stress disorder-like symptoms in a model of incubation of fear. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 74:827-36. [PMID: 23871471 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe, persistent psychiatric disorder in response to a traumatic event, causing intense anxiety and fear. These responses may increase over time upon conditioning with fear-associated cues, a phenomenon termed fear incubation. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRFR1) is involved in activation of the central stress response, while corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 2 (CRFR2) has been suggested to mediate termination of this response. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors are found in stress-related regions, including the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), which is implicated in sustained fear. METHODS Fear-related behaviors were analyzed in rats exposed to predator-associated cues, a model of psychological trauma, over 10 weeks. Rats were classified as susceptible (PTSD-like) or resilient. Expression levels of CRF receptors were measured in the amygdala nuclei and BNST of the two groups. In addition, lentiviruses overexpressing CRFR2 were injected into the medial division, posterointermediate part of the BNST (BSTMPI) of susceptible and resilient rats and response to stress cues was measured. RESULTS We found that exposure to stress and stress-associated cues induced a progressive increase in fear response of susceptible rats. The behavioral manifestations of these rats were correlated both with sustained elevation in CRFR1 expression and long-term downregulation in CRFR2 expression in the BSTMPI. Intra-BSTMPI injection of CRFR2 overexpressing lentiviruses attenuated behavioral impairments of susceptible rats. CONCLUSIONS These results implicate the BNST CRF receptors in the mechanism of coping with stress. Our findings suggest increase of CRFR2 levels as a new approach for understanding stress-related atypical psychiatric syndromes such as PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Elharrar
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan; The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan
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Tian Z, Wang Y, Zhang N, Guo YY, Feng B, Liu SB, Zhao MG. Estrogen receptor GPR30 exerts anxiolytic effects by maintaining the balance between GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission in the basolateral amygdala of ovariectomized mice after stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:2218-33. [PMID: 23669322 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30)/G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor is a novel estrogen membrane receptor that localizes to the cell membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. GPR30 is widely distributed and has numerous physiological functions in the central nervous system. We found that GPR30 is highly expressed in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Additionally, GPR30 expression in the amygdala of ovariectomized (OVX) mice significantly increased after acute stress and was accompanied by anxiety-like behaviors. These effects, however, were reversed by local infusion of the GPR30 agonist (G1) in the BLA. Protein assessments revealed that G1 attenuated the up-regulation of the GluR1 subunit of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor and NR2A-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the BLA of OVX mice using an acute stress paradigm. In the same model, we found that the agonist also blocked the down-regulation of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors and NR2B-containing NMDARs. Electrophysiological recording showed that the activation of GPR30 increased the inhibitory synaptic transmission in the BLA. Overall, our results indicate that estradiol reduces anxiety-like behaviors induced by acute stress at least partially through GPR30 signaling, maintaining the balance between GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission in the BLA of OVX-stressed mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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29
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Comparison between low doses of TMT and cat odor exposure in anxiety- and fear-related behaviors in mice. Behav Brain Res 2012; 238:227-31. [PMID: 23089645 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Few comparisons were made between cat odor and synthetic fox odor (TMT) to study fear and anxiety in rodents. TMT is frequently used are at high concentration while the stimulus should be as possible closer to natural conditions. The aim of this work was to compare behavioral responses of mice exposed to cat odor and low doses of TMT (i.e. 10 μl of a solution containing 1%, 0.1% or 0.01% TMT). Behavioral parameters were recorded in elevated plus-maze and in open field. Results showed that 1% TMT and 0.1% TMT induced similar responses to cat odor, contrary to water and 0.01% TMT which failed to elicit fear or anxiety-related behaviors. Additionally, behavioral changes were more marked in EPM - e.g. time spent in open arms - than in open field - e.g. freezing. These findings are discussed in terms of a possible continuum of mild anxiety-like behaviors to strong fear-like behaviors linked to predator odor intensity.
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A high-dose of fentanyl induced delayed anxiety-like behavior in rats. Prevention by a NMDA receptor antagonist and nitrous oxide (N2O). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 102:562-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Moreira FA, Aguiar DC, Resstel LB, Lisboa SF, Campos AC, Gomes FV, Guimarães FS. Neuroanatomical substrates involved in cannabinoid modulation of defensive responses. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:40-55. [PMID: 21616976 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111400651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Administration of Cannabis sativa derivatives causes anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects in humans and laboratory animals, depending on the specific compound and dosage used. In agreement with these findings, several studies in the last decade have indicated that the endocannabinoid system modulates neuronal activity in areas involved in defensive responses. The mechanisms of these effects, however, are still not clear. The present review summarizes recent data suggesting that they involve modulation of glutamate and GABA-mediated neurotransmission in brain sites such as the medial prefrontal cortex, amygdaloid complex, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, hippocampus and dorsal periaqueductal gray. Moreover, we also discuss results indicating that, in these regions, the endocannabinoid system could be particularly engaged by highly stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Stewart A, Gaikwad S, Kyzar E, Green J, Roth A, Kalueff AV. Modeling anxiety using adult zebrafish: a conceptual review. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:135-43. [PMID: 21843537 PMCID: PMC3195883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are rapidly emerging as a useful animal model in neurobehavioral research. Mounting evidence shows the suitability of zebrafish to model various aspects of anxiety-related states. Here, we evaluate established and novel approaches to uncover the molecular substrates, genetic pathways and neural circuits of anxiety using adult zebrafish. Experimental approaches to modeling anxiety in zebrafish include novelty-based paradigms, pharmacological and genetic manipulations, as well as innovative video-tracking, 3D-reconstructions, bioinformatics-based searchable databases and omics-based tools. Complementing traditional rodent models of anxiety, we provide a conceptual framework for the wider application of zebrafish and other aquatic models in anxiety research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Tulane Neurophenotyping Platform, Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Siddharth Gaikwad
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Tulane Neurophenotyping Platform, Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Evan Kyzar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Tulane Neurophenotyping Platform, Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jeremy Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Tulane Neurophenotyping Platform, Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Andrew Roth
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Tulane Neurophenotyping Platform, Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Allan V. Kalueff
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Tulane Neurophenotyping Platform, Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Adamec R, Toth M, Haller J, Halasz J, Blundell J. A comparison of activation patterns of cells in selected prefrontal cortical and amygdala areas of rats which are more or less anxious in response to predator exposure or submersion stress. Physiol Behav 2011; 105:628-38. [PMID: 21971366 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study had two purposes. First: to compare predator and water submersion stress cFos activation in medial prefrontal cortices (mPFC) and the medial amygdala (MeA). Second: to identify markers of vulnerability to stressors within these areas. Rats were either predator or submersion stressed and tested 1.75 h later for anxiety. Immediately thereafter, rats were sacrificed and cFos expression was examined. Predator and submersion stress equally increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole board. To examine vulnerability, rats which were less anxious (LA) and more (highly) anxious (MA) in the EPM were selected from among handled control and stressed animals. LA stressed rats were considered stress non-responsive while MA stressed rats were considered stress responsive. Predator stress, but not submersion stress, activated MeA cFos. CFos expression of mPFC cells was elevated in LA rats and reduced in MA rats in predator stressed animals only, correlating negatively with anxiety. These findings are consistent with data implicating greater mPFC excitability in protection against the effects on affect of traumatic stress. The findings also suggest that this conclusion is stressor specific, applying to predator stress but not submersion stress. Both stressors have been suggested to model hyperarousal and comorbid anxiety aspects of PTSD in humans. Hence the use of these paradigms to identify brain bases of vulnerability and resilience to traumatic stress in PTSD has translation potential. On the other hand, our evidence of stressor specificity of vulnerability/resilience markers raises a caution. The data suggest that preclinical markers of vulnerability/resilience in a given stress paradigm are at best suggestive, and translational value must ultimately be confirmed in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Adamec
- Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
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Black P, Niu L, Sachdeva M, Lean D, Poon R, Bowers WJ, Chan HM, Arnason JT, Pelletier G. Modulation of the effects of methylmercury on rat neurodevelopment by co-exposure with Labrador Tea (Rhododendron tomentosum ssp. subarcticum). Food Chem Toxicol 2011; 49:2336-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2011.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Steckler T, Risbrough V. Pharmacological treatment of PTSD - established and new approaches. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:617-27. [PMID: 21736888 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A large proportion of humans will experience a traumatic event at least once in their lifetime, with up to 10% then going on to developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this review we will discuss established pharmacological interventions for PTSD as well as highlight novel therapeutic strategies undergoing extensive pre-clinical research as well as ongoing clinical research. Such strategies include prophylactic treatments and use of pharmacotherapy as adjunctive treatment with established trauma-focused psychological therapies. These potential treatment approaches include modulation of stress effects on memory consolidation after trauma (e.g., glucocorticoid, corticotropin-releasing factor and norepinephrine signalling modulators), as well as putative cognitive enhancers that target mechanisms of conditioned fear extinction and reconsolidation (e.g., glucocorticoid receptor modulators and modulators of glutamate signalling such as positive allosteric modulators of glutamate receptors, glycine transporter inhibitors, or glycine agonists). We will discuss evidence for and against these potential novel treatment strategies and their limitations. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.
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Muñoz-Abellán C, Rabasa C, Daviu N, Nadal R, Armario A. Behavioral and endocrine consequences of simultaneous exposure to two different stressors in rats: interaction or independence? PLoS One 2011; 6:e21426. [PMID: 21731743 PMCID: PMC3123340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although behavioral and endocrine consequences of acute exposure to stressors have been extensively studied, little is known about how simultaneous exposure to two different stressors interacts to induce short- and long-term effects. In the present experiment we studied this interaction in adult male rats exposed to cat fur odor (impregnated cloth) or immobilization on boards either separately or simultaneously. We reasoned that exposure to the odor of a potential predator while immobilized, may potentiate its negative consequences as compared to exposure to only one of the stressors. Exposure to cat odor elicited the expected reduction of activity and avoidance of the area where the impregnated cloth was located. The endocrine response (plasma levels of ACTH and corticosterone, as a measure of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, HPA) was markedly greater after immobilization than after cat fur odor and no additive effects were found by simultaneous exposure to both stressors. Cat odor, but not immobilization, increased anxiety-like behavior as evaluated in the elevated plus-maze 7 days after the stressors, with no evidence of enhanced HPA activation. In addition, cat odor exposure resulted in long-lasting (8 days later) fear conditioning to the box containing a clean cloth, which was reflected by hypoactivity, avoidance of the cloth area and enhanced HPA activation. All these effects were similarly observed in rats exposed simultaneously to cat odor and immobilization. In rats only exposed to immobilization, only some weak behavioral signs of fear conditioning were found, but HPA activation in response to the context paired to immobilization was enhanced to the same extent as in cat odor-exposed animals, supporting a certain degree of endocrine conditioning. The present results did not reveal important behavioral interactions between the two stressors when animals experienced both simultaneously, whereas some interactions were found regarding HPA activation. Theoretical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Muñoz-Abellán
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Fisiologia Animal, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Rabasa
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Fisiologia Animal, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Daviu
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Fisiologia Animal, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Nadal
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Psicobiologia, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Armario
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Fisiologia Animal, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Blockade of NMDA or NO in the dorsal premammillary nucleus attenuates defensive behaviors. Physiol Behav 2011; 103:279-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2010] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Wang DV, Wang F, Liu J, Zhang L, Wang Z, Lin L. Neurons in the amygdala with response-selectivity for anxiety in two ethologically based tests. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18739. [PMID: 21494567 PMCID: PMC3073991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala is a key area in the brain for detecting potential threats or dangers, and further mediating anxiety. However, the neuronal mechanisms of anxiety in the amygdala have not been well characterized. Here we report that in freely-behaving mice, a group of neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) fires tonically under anxiety conditions in both open-field and elevated plus-maze tests. The firing patterns of these neurons displayed a characteristic slow onset and progressively increased firing rates. Specifically, these firing patterns were correlated to a gradual development of anxiety-like behaviors in the open-field test. Moreover, these neurons could be activated by any impoverished environment similar to an open-field; and introduction of both comfortable and uncomfortable stimuli temporarily suppressed the activity of these BLA neurons. Importantly, the excitability of these BLA neurons correlated well with levels of anxiety. These results demonstrate that this type of BLA neuron is likely to represent anxiety and/or emotional values of anxiety elicited by anxiogenic environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong V Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), Institute of Brain Functional Genomics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Kwon SKC, Kovesdi E, Gyorgy AB, Wingo D, Kamnaksh A, Walker J, Long JB, Agoston DV. Stress and traumatic brain injury: a behavioral, proteomics, and histological study. Front Neurol 2011; 2:12. [PMID: 21441982 PMCID: PMC3057553 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2011.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress and traumatic brain injury (TBI) can both result in lasting neurobehavioral abnormalities. Post-traumatic stress disorder and blast induced TBI (bTBI) have become the most significant health issues in current military conflicts. Importantly, military bTBI virtually never occurs without stress. In this experiment, we assessed anxiety and spatial memory of rats at different time points after repeated exposure to stress alone or in combination with a single mild blast. At 2 months after injury or sham we analyzed the serum, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hippocampus (HC) of all animals by proteomics and immunohistochemistry. Stressed sham animals showed an early increase in anxiety but no memory impairment at any measured time point. They had elevated levels of serum corticosterone (CORT) and hippocampal IL-6 but no other cellular or protein changes. Stressed injured animals had increased anxiety that returned to normal at 2 months and significant spatial memory impairment that lasted up to 2 months. They had elevated serum levels of CORT, CK-BB, NF-H, NSE, GFAP, and VEGF. Moreover, all of the measured protein markers were elevated in the HC and the PFC; rats had an increased number of TUNEL-positive cells in the HC and elevated GFAP and Iba1 immunoreactivity in the HC and the PFC. Our findings suggest that exposure to repeated stress alone causes a transient increase in anxiety and no significant memory impairment or cellular and molecular changes. In contrast, repeated stress and blast results in lasting behavioral, molecular, and cellular abnormalities characterized by memory impairment, neuronal and glial cell loss, inflammation, and gliosis. These findings may have implications in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic measures for conditions caused by stress or a combination of stress and bTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook-Kyung C Kwon
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University Bethesda, MD, USA
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Lisboa SF, Guimarães FS, Resstel LB. Anxiety-Behavior Modulated by Ventral Medial Prefrontal Cortex of Rats Submitted to the Vogel Conflict Test Involves a Local NMDA Receptor and Nitric Oxide. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.4236/jbbs.2011.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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41
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Motevasseli T, Rezayof A, Zarrindast MR, Nayer-Nouri T. Role of ventral hippocampal NMDA receptors in anxiolytic-like effect of morphine. Physiol Behav 2010; 101:608-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Revised: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Webster JP, McConkey GA. Toxoplasma gondii-altered host behaviour: clues as to mechanism of action. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2010; 57:95-104. [PMID: 20608471 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2010.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A convincing body of evidence now exists, from both human and animal studies, and encompassing epidemiological to experimental, to indicate that the common protozoan Toxoplasma gondii can cause specific behavioural changes in its host. Such behavioural alterations are likely to be the product of strong selective pressures for the parasite to enhance transmission from its intermediate host reservoir, primarily rodent, to its feline definitive host, wherein sexual reproduction can occur and the parasite's life cycle completed. Here we consider what the available data to date may reveal about the potential mechanisms involved, the future research that needs to be performed, and the subsequent implications for animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne P Webster
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, Faculty of Medicine, London, W2 1PG, UK.
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43
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CRF receptor blockade prevents initiation and consolidation of stress effects on affect in the predator stress model of PTSD. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 13:747-57. [PMID: 19751543 PMCID: PMC3092595 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145709990496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic anxiety disorder initiated by an intensely threatening, traumatic event. There is a great need for more efficacious pharmacotherapy and preventive treatments for PTSD. In animals, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the CRF1 receptor play a critical role in behavioural and neuroendocrine responses to stress. We tested the hypothesis that CRF1 activation is required for initiation and consolidation of long-term effects of trauma on anxiety-like behaviour in the predator exposure (predator stress) model of PTSD. Male C57BL6 mice were treated with the selective CRF1 antagonist CRA0450 (2, 20 mg/kg) 30 min before or just after predator stress. Long-term effects of stress on rodent anxiety were measured 7 d later using acoustic startle, elevated plus maze (EPM), light/dark box, and hole-board tests. Predator stress increased startle amplitude and delayed startle habituation, increased time in and decreased exits from the dark chamber in the light/dark box test, and decreased risk assessment in the EPM. CRF1 antagonism had limited effects on these behaviours in non-stressed controls, with the high dose decreasing risk assessment in the EPM. However, in stressed animals CRF1 antagonism blocked initiation and consolidation of stressor effects on startle, and returned risk assessment to baseline levels in predator-stressed mice. These findings implicate CRF1 activation in initiation and post-trauma consolidation of predator stress effects on anxiety-like behaviour, specifically on increased arousal as measured by exaggerated startle behaviours. These data support further research of CRF1 antagonists as potential prophylactic treatments for PTSD.
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Mazor A, Matar MA, Kaplan Z, Kozlovsky N, Zohar J, Cohen H. Gender-related qualitative differences in baseline and post-stress anxiety responses are not reflected in the incidence of criterion-based PTSD-like behaviour patterns. World J Biol Psychiatry 2010; 10:856-69. [PMID: 17886167 DOI: 10.1080/15622970701561383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most epidemiological studies report higher prevalence rates of stress-related disorders such as acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder in women than in men. Few animal models of PTSD have taken gender differences into account and have typically used male subjects. In order to explore gender-related PTSD-like stress-responses more thoroughly, we applied an animal model that focuses selectively on individual patterns of behavioural responses. METHODS Prevalence rates of individual behavioural response to a single exposure to predator scent stress (PSS) were assessed by both elevated plus-maze and startle response paradigms. Prevalence rates of extreme behavioural disruption (EBR) on both tests were assessed, correlated to corticosterone levels, and compared to global population response data. In addition, we assessed learning and memory in the Morris water-maze (MWM). RESULTS There were no significant differences between the behavioural responses related to oestrous cycle phase in terms of global data for the groups or in terms of prevalence rates of EBR. The overall patterns of response of males and females were affected, yet females demonstrated greater levels of baseline anxiety-like behaviour and lower peak levels of post-exposure anxiety-like behaviour than males. However, the prevalence rates of individual subjects who responded with PTSD-like behaviour were equal for female and male subjects. PSS-exposed female subjects demonstrated significantly compromised performance in the MWM compared to males. CONCLUSIONS In this animal model, the results clarified that the assumption that females are more vulnerable is true for the magnitude of the response, but not for the prevalence of pathological response patterns in rat populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Mazor
- Ministry of Health Mental Health Center, Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Dion S, Barbe PG, Leman S, Camus V, Dimier-Poisson I. [Schizophrenia and toxoplasmosis]. Med Sci (Paris) 2010; 25:687-91. [PMID: 19765381 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2009258-9687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is one of the most severe and disabling psychiatric disease that affects about 1 % of the adult worldwide population. Aetiology of schizophrenia is still unknown but genetic and environmental factors are suspected to play a major role in its onset. Recent epidemiologic studies indicate that infectious agents may contribute to some cases of schizophrenia. In particular, several epidemiological, behavioural and neurochemical studies suggested the existence of an association between schizophrenia and past history of primo-infection by the Toxoplasma gondii. However, they are some limitations for this hypothesis among which the lack of correlation between the geographic distribution of both diseases and of direct evidence for the presence of the parasite in schizophrenic patients. Nevertheless the identification of physiopathological mechanisms related to the parasite could provide a better comprehension to the outcome of schizophrenia. Studies on the link between toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia may provide interesting data for the diagnosis and the development of new treatments for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dion
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, INRA , France.
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46
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Tonetto LL, Terzian AL, Del Bel EA, Guimarães FS, Resstel LB. Inhibition of the NMDA receptor/Nitric Oxide pathway in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray causes anxiolytic-like effects in rats submitted to the Vogel conflict test. Behav Brain Funct 2009; 5:40. [PMID: 19775445 PMCID: PMC2762983 DOI: 10.1186/1744-9081-5-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies had demonstrated the involvement of the dorsolateral portion of periaqueductal grey matter (dlPAG) in defensive responses. This region contains a significant number of neurons containing the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and previous studies showed that non-selective NOS inhibition or glutamate NMDA-receptor antagonism in the dlPAG caused anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus maze. Methods In the present study we verified if the NMDA/NO pathway in the dlPAG would also involve in the behavioral suppression observed in rats submitted to the Vogel conflict test. In addition, the involvement of this pathway was investigated by using a selective nNOS inhibitor, Nω-propyl-L-arginine (N-Propyl, 0.08 nmol/200 nL), a NO scavenger, carboxy-PTIO (c-PTIO, 2 nmol/200 nL) and a specific NMDA receptor antagonist, LY235959 (4 nmol/200 nL). Results Intra-dlPAG microinjection of these drugs increased the number of punished licks without changing the number of unpunished licks or nociceptive threshold, as measure by the tail flick test. Conclusion The results indicate that activation of NMDA receptors and increased production of NO in the dlPAG are involved in the anxiety behavior displayed by rats in the VCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lm Tonetto
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049900, Brazil.
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Aguiar DC, Guimarães FS. Blockade of NMDA receptors and nitric oxide synthesis in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray attenuates behavioral and cellular responses of rats exposed to a live predator. J Neurosci Res 2009; 87:2418-29. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Glutamate receptor antagonism in inferior colliculus attenuates elevated startle response of high anxiety diazepam-withdrawn rats. Neuroscience 2009; 161:707-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Revised: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Viral vector induction of CREB expression in the periaqueductal gray induces a predator stress-like pattern of changes in pCREB expression, neuroplasticity, and anxiety in rodents. Neural Plast 2009; 2009:904568. [PMID: 19360104 PMCID: PMC2664642 DOI: 10.1155/2009/904568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2008] [Accepted: 01/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Predator stress is lastingly anxiogenic. Phosphorylation of CREB to pCREB (phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element binding protein) is increased after predator stress in fear circuitry, including in the right lateral column of the PAG (periaqueductal gray). Predator stress also potentiates right but not left CeA-PAG (central amygdala-PAG) transmission up to 12 days after stress. The present study explored the functional significance of pCREB changes by increasing CREB expression in non-predator stressed rats through viral vectoring, and assessing the behavioral, electrophysiological and pCREB expression changes in comparison with handled and predator stressed controls. Increasing CREB expression in right PAG was anxiogenic in the elevated plus maze, had no effect on risk assessment, and increased acoustic startle response while delaying startle habituation. Potentiation of the right but not left CeA-PAG pathway was also observed. pCREB expression was slightly elevated in the right lateral column of the PAG, while the dorsal and ventral columns were not affected. The findings of this study suggest that by increasing CREB and pCREB in the right lateral PAG, it is possible to produce rats that exhibit behavioral, brain, and molecular changes that closely resemble those seen in predator stressed rats.
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Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that may develop after the experiencing or witnessing of a life-threatening event. PTSD is defined by the coexistence of three clusters of symptoms: re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal, which persist for at least 1 month in survivors of the event (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition). Using an established model of PTSD, we addressed the well-accepted clinical finding that only a minority (about 20%) of the individuals exposed to a traumatic event develop PTSD. Moreover, we followed individual rat behavior for up to a month, and then treated the PTSD-like animals with citalopram. Our data demonstrate high face (20% of rats exposed to a reminder of the stressor develop symptoms characteristic of PTSD) and predictive (response to citalopram) validities. Based on these validities we identified alterations in the Wolframin gene in the CA1 and amygdala regions, specifically in exposed PTSD-like rats, which were normalized after treatment with citalopram. We suggest the Wolframin gene as a putative biomarker for PTSD. Since Wolframin gene undergoes alternative splicing and has polymorphism in the population, it may serve a future marker for identification of the vulnerable population exposed to a traumatic event.
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