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Geng X, Wang X, Liu K, Xing Y, Xu J, Li Z, Zhang H, Hu M, Gao P, Chen D, Liu W, Li K, Wei S. ShuYu capsule alleviates emotional and physical symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Impact on ALLO decline and GABA A receptor δ subunit in the PAG area. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155549. [PMID: 38810551 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe subtype of premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age, with its pathogenesis linked to the heightened sensitivity of type A γ -aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAAR) to neuroactive steroid hormone changes, particularly allopregnanolone (ALLO). While a low dose of fluoxetine, a classic selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is commonly used as a first-line drug to alleviate emotional disorders in PMDD in clinical settings, its mechanism of action is related to ALLO-GABAA receptor function. However, treating PMDD requires attention to both emotional and physical symptoms, such as pain sensitivity. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of ShuYu capsules, a traditional Chinese medicine, in simultaneously treating emotional and physical symptoms in a rat model of PMDD. Specifically, our focus centres on the midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG), a region associated with emotion regulation and susceptibility to hyperalgesia. Considering the underlying mechanisms of ALLO-GABAA receptor function in the PAG region, we conducted a series of experiments to evaluate and define the effects of ShuYu capsules and uncover the relationship between the drug's efficacy and ALLO concentration fluctuations on GABAA receptor function in the PAG region. Our findings demonstrate that ShuYu capsules significantly improved oestrous cycle-dependant depression-like behaviour and reduced stress-induced hyperalgesia in rats with PMDD. Similar to the low dose of fluoxetine, ShuYu capsules targeted and mitigated the sharp decline in ALLO, rescued the upregulation of GABAAR subunit function, and activated PAG neurons in PMDD rats. The observed effects of ShuYu capsules suggest a central mechanism underlying PMDD symptoms, involving ALLO_GABAA receptor function in the PAG region. This study highlights the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in addressing both emotional and physical symptoms associated with PMDD, shedding light on novel therapeutic approaches for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwen Geng
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China
| | - Kun Liu
- High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China
| | - Ying Xing
- High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China
| | - Jialing Xu
- High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China
| | - Minghui Hu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Encephalopathy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250001, China.
| | - Kejian Li
- High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China.
| | - Sheng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China.
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Oliveira VEDM, Evrard F, Faure MC, Bakker J. Social isolation and aggression training lead to escalated aggression and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis hyperfunction in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01808-3. [PMID: 38337026 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01808-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Although the participation of sex hormones and sex hormone-responsive neurons in aggressive behavior has been extensively studied, the role of other systems within the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis remains elusive. Here we assessed how the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and kisspeptin systems are impacted by escalated aggression in male mice. We used a combination of social isolation and aggression training (IST) to exacerbate mice's aggressive behavior. Next, low-aggressive (group-housed, GH) and highly aggressive (IST) mice were compared regarding neuronal activity in the target populations and hormonal levels, using immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. Finally, we used pharmacological and viral approaches to manipulate neuropeptide signaling and expression, subsequently evaluating its effects on behavior. IST mice exhibited enhanced aggressive behavior compared to GH controls, which was accompanied by elevated neuronal activity in GnRH neurons and arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons. Remarkably, IST mice presented an increased number of kisspeptin neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). In addition, IST mice exhibited elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum. Accordingly, activation and blockade of GnRH receptors (GnRHR) exacerbated and reduced aggression, respectively. Surprisingly, kisspeptin had intricate effects on aggression, i.e., viral ablation of AVPV-kisspeptin neurons impaired the training-induced rise in aggressive behavior whereas kisspeptin itself strongly reduced aggression in IST mice. Our results indicate that IST enhances aggressive behavior in male mice by exacerbating HPG-axis activity. Particularly, increased GnRH neuron activity and GnRHR signaling were found to underlie aggression whereas the relationship with kisspeptin remains puzzling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Elias de Moura Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Florence Evrard
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Melanie C Faure
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Julie Bakker
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
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Wei E, Gao A, Mu X, Qu S, Yang C, Li F, Li S, Liu X, Song C, Guo Y. Paeonol ameliorates hippocampal neuronal damage by inhibiting GRM5/GABBR2/β-arrestin2 and activating the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway in premenstrual irritability rats. Brain Res Bull 2023; 205:110830. [PMID: 38036272 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a periodic psychiatric disorder with high prevalence in women of childbearing age, seriously affecting patients' work and life. Currently, the international first-line drugs for PMDD have low efficiency and increased side effects. Paeonol, a major component of the traditional Chinese medicine Cortex Moutan, has been applied in treating PMDD in China with satisfactory results, but the therapeutic mechanism is not fully understood. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects and pharmacological mechanisms of paeonol on the main psychiatric symptoms and hippocampal damage in PMDD. We established a premenstrual irritability rat model by the resident-intruder paradigm and performed elevated plus maze and social interactions. And we employed the HE and Nissl staining techniques to observe the therapeutic effect of paeonol on hippocampal damage in PMDD rats. Subsequently, Elisa, qRT-PCR Array, Western Blotting, and cell models were utilized to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms through which paeonol intervenes in treating PMDD. In this study, we demonstrated the therapeutic effects of paeonol on irritability, anxiety, and social withdrawal behaviors in rats. In addition, we found that paeonol significantly reduced the serum corticosterone (CORT) level, improved hippocampal morphological structure and neuron number, and reduced hippocampal neuron apoptosis in PMDD rats. Paeonol reduced GRM5, GABBR2, β-arrestin2, and GRK3 expression levels in hippocampal brain regions of PMDD rats and activated the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Inhibitor cell experiments showed that paeonol specifically ameliorated hippocampal injury by modulating the β-arrestin2/PDE4-cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that paeonol exerts a therapeutic effect on periodic psychotic symptoms and hippocampal injury in PMDD through inhibiting GRM5/GABBR2/β-arrestin2 and activating cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. These findings enhance our understanding of the pharmacological mechanism underlying paeonol and provide a solid scientific foundation for its future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enhua Wei
- College of traditional Chinese medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Aiying Gao
- Taian Institute for Food and Drug Control (Taian Fiber Inspection Institute), Taian 271000, China
| | - Xiaofei Mu
- Department of Pharmacy, Rizhao Central Hospital, Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Songlin Qu
- College of traditional Chinese medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Caixing Yang
- College of traditional Chinese medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Fengling Li
- Taian Institute for Food and Drug Control (Taian Fiber Inspection Institute), Taian 271000, China
| | - Shujing Li
- College of traditional Chinese medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Xuehuan Liu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Chunhong Song
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stress Injury, Department of Laboratory Animal Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250013, China.
| | - Yinghui Guo
- College of traditional Chinese medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China.
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Zhang H, Qiao M, Gao D, Wang J, Sun C, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Liu H, Zhang Z, Gao M. Shuyu capsule alleviates premenstrual depression via allopregnanolone metabolic pathway targeting GABA (A) receptors δ subunit in the hippocampus. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 90:103800. [PMID: 37898099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
To reveal the exact changes of allopregnanolone-mediated γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor pathways and its specific therapeutic targets by Shuyu Capsule treating premenstrual depression, female Wistar rat models of premenstrual depression was established by Forced swimming test (FST). Behavioral tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), interference knockdown adenovirus, and overexpressed vector adenovirus of GABAARδ, RT-qPCR, Western-Blot, and immunohistochemical detecting expressions were applied to identify the therapeutic targets. FST-based rat model indicated that Shuyu capsules alleviated typical premenstrual depression and may regulate alternations of 5α-reductase and 3α-steroid dehydrogenase, enhancing the metabolic pathway of progesterone to allopregnanolone, as well as targeting the GABAARδ subunit, thereby alleviating premenstrual depression of PMDD rat models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunyan Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ya Sun
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy , Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy , Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Huayuan Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Mingzhou Gao
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy , Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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Maranho MCDMF, Guapo VG, de Rezende MG, Vieira CS, Brandão ML, Graeff FG, Lovick T, Del-Ben CM. Low doses of fluoxetine for the treatment of emotional premenstrual syndrome: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 157:106360. [PMID: 37572412 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The neuroactive metabolite of progesterone, allopregnanolone (ALLO), has been implicated in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) physiopathology and preclinical studies suggested that low doses of fluoxetine increase the ALLO brain concentration. OBJECTIVES To assess which low dose of fluoxetine (2 mg/d, 5 mg/d or 10 mg/d), administered exclusively during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle, has a potential effect for preventing or mitigating emotional PMS symptoms. METHODS In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, we followed 40 women (mean age = 29.7 +/- 7.4 years) with emotional PMS, during two menstrual cycles: cycle 1, without pharmacological intervention; and cycle 2, with pharmacological intervention. Participants took capsules, on average, seven days preceding the likely date of menses. We assessed the severity of PMS symptoms in both cycles using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems scale (DRSP). RESULTS There was an increase in the DRSP scores during the late luteal phase of cycle 1, confirming the diagnosis of emotional PMS. Low doses of fluoxetine (5 mg/d: 33.5%; 10 mg/d: 48.4%) reduced DRSP total score in the day before menses (day-1) at cycle 2 compared with day-1 at cycle 1. Fluoxetine 10 mg/d had the most consistent decline in emotional PMS symptoms; 70% of the participants reported a reduction greater than 40% in the DRSP score. CONCLUSIONS Low doses of fluoxetine, which may have no or few effect on the serotonergic system, but may interfere in the progesterone metabolization, seem to have some potential to mitigate emotional PMS symptoms. While the 10 mg/d of fluoxetine had the best performance on reducing emotional PMS symptoms, the 5 mg/d dose also seems to have some effect on emotional PMS symptoms. Further larger studies will help establish the lowest effective dose of flouxetine for PMS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clara de Morais Faleiros Maranho
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Internal Medicine, Barão de Mauá University Center, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Guandalini Guapo
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Gonçalves de Rezende
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Carolina Sales Vieira
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcus Lira Brandão
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior - IneC, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Thelma Lovick
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Cristina Marta Del-Ben
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Bäckström T, Bengtsson SKS, Sjöstedt J, Malinina E, Johansson M, Ragagnin G, Ekberg K, Lundgren P. Isoallopregnanolone Inhibits Estrus Cycle-Dependent Aggressive Behavior. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1017. [PMID: 37371597 DOI: 10.3390/biom13061017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among female rats, some individuals show estrus cycle-dependent irritability/aggressive behaviors, and these individual rats may be used as a model for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). We wanted to investigate if these behaviors are related to the estrus cycle phase containing moderately increased levels of positive GABA-A receptor-modulating steroids (steroid-PAM), especially allopregnanolone (ALLO), and if the adverse behavior can be antagonized. The electrophysiology studies in this paper show that isoallopregnanolone (ISO) is a GABA-A-modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA), meaning that ISO can antagonize the agonistic effects of positive GABA-A receptor-modulating steroids in both α1β2γ2L and α4β3δ GABA-A receptor subtypes. In this study, we also investigated whether ISO could antagonize the estrus cycle-dependent aggressive behaviors in female Wistar rats using a resident-intruder test. Our results confirmed previous reports of estrus cycle-dependent behaviors in that 42% of the tested rats showed higher levels of irritability/aggression at diestrus compared to those at estrus. Furthermore, we found that, during the treatment with ISO, the aggressive behavior at diestrus was alleviated to a level comparable to that of estrus. We noticed an 89% reduction in the increase in aggressive behavior at diestrus compared to that at estrus. Vehicle treatment in the same animals showed a minimal effect on the diestrus-related aggressive behavior. In conclusion, we showed that ISO can antagonize Steroid-PAM both in α1β2γ2L and α4β3δ GABA-A receptor subtypes and inhibit estrus cycle-dependent aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torbjörn Bäckström
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umea, Sweden
| | - Sara K S Bengtsson
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umea, Sweden
| | - Jessica Sjöstedt
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umea, Sweden
| | - Evgenya Malinina
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umea, Sweden
| | - Maja Johansson
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umea, Sweden
| | - Gianna Ragagnin
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umea, Sweden
| | - Karin Ekberg
- Asarina Pharma AB, Fogdevreten 2, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Per Lundgren
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umea, Sweden
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Studer E, Nilsson S, Westman A, Pedersen NL, Eriksson E. Significance and Interrelationship of the Symptoms Listed in the DSM Criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE 2023; 5:105-113. [PMID: 37711753 PMCID: PMC10499188 DOI: 10.1176/appi.prcp.20220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective While premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) as defined in DSM has become an established diagnosis, and a formal indication for drug treatment, the relative impact of the disparate symptoms named in the criteria, and to what extent they indeed constitute parts of one syndrome, remains insufficiently clarified. We have therefore explored the frequency, impact, and inter-relationship of different PMDD symptoms. Method Using a web survey, 10,457 Swedish women of fertile age were asked to retrospectively assess if they experience reduced functioning due to symptoms clearly associated with the premenstrual phase. Those responding affirmatively reported presence, severity, and impact of each symptom named in the PMDD criteria. Result Nine percent reported impairing premenstrual symptoms. Whereas irritability was reported to cause impairment in 77% of those passing the gate questions, somatic symptoms were common but seldom causing impairment. A vast majority reported presence of at least 5 different symptoms, as required to meet the PMDD criteria, but few reported each of 5 different symptoms to be severe or impairing. An analysis of the association between symptoms revealed clear-cut clustering of somatic and mood symptoms, respectively. Conclusion While retrospective account suggested irritability to be the clinically most important premenstrual symptom, some of the complaints named in the PMDD criteria were not or only weakly associated with mood symptoms and also reported to be of limited clinical significance. It is concluded that regarding all symptoms listed in the DSM criteria as clinically relevant manifestations of one and the same syndrome may be questioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Studer
- Department of PharmacologyInstitute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Institute of Mathematical SciencesChalmers University of TechnologyGothenburgSweden
| | - Anna Westman
- Department of PharmacologyInstitute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Nancy L. Pedersen
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and BiostatisticsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Elias Eriksson
- Department of PharmacologyInstitute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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Zhang H, Gao Z, Sun Y, Lu T, Wang Z, Gao D, Wang J, Qiao M, Gao M. Profiling GABA(A) Receptor Subunit Expression in the Hippocampus of PMDD Rat Models Based on TCM Theories. Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s12035-023-03354-3. [PMID: 37103685 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) play an important role in cognitive and emotional regulation and are related to the hippocampus. However, little is known regarding patterns of hippocampal GABAAR subunit expression in rat models of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This study investigated the above changes by establishing two PMDD rat models based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, namely, PMDD liver-qi invasion syndrome (PMDD-LIS) and PMDD liver-qi depression syndrome (PMDD-LDS). Behavioral tests were used to detect depression and irritability emotion. Western blot analysis was used to investigate protein levels of GABAAR α1, α2, α4, α5, β2, β3, and δ subunits, whereas ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis was performed to determine gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) levels in the hippocampus across each group. Concurrently, behavioral data indicated that the PMDD-LDS and PMDD-LIS rat models had been successfully established. GABAAR α2, α5, β2, and δ subunit was significantly upregulated, whereas α4 was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) in PMDD-LDS rat models relative to controls. On the other hand, GABAAR α1, α2, and β3 were significantly downregulated while α4 and β2 were significantly upregulated in PMDD-LIS rat models relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, GABA levels significantly decreased, while Glu and the ratio of glutamate to GABA increased in PMDD-LIS rat models (P < 0.05). Conversely, GABA and Glu levels significantly decreased, whereas the ratio of glutamate to GABA increased in PMDD-LIS rat models (P < 0.05). Conclusively, our results revealed differential expression of GABAAR α1, α2, α4, α5, β2, β3, and δ subunits between PMDD-LIS and PMDD-LDS rat models, suggesting that they may be biomarkers in the pathogenesis of PMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ya Sun
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tian Lu
- International Exchange and Cooperation Office, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- Office of Academic Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan , Shandong Province, China
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Mingzhou Gao
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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Liu X, Wang H, Wang X, Ning Y, Liu W, Gao J. Baixiangdan capsule and Shuyu capsule regulate anger-out and anger-in, respectively: GB1–mediated GABA can regulate 5-HT levels in multiple brain regions. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:2046-2065. [PMID: 36988497 PMCID: PMC10085605 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The identity of the mechanism by which the Baixiangdan capsule (BXD) and the Shuyu capsule (SY) control anger-out (AO) and anger-in (AI) in rodents is unclear. The current study clarified the intervention role of BXD and SY on AO and AI male rats. We further explored the differences between BXD and SY in the treatment of AO and AI rats. Social isolation combined with the resident-intruder paradigm was used to establish the anger-out and AI rats models. On this basis, GABA content in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and serotonin (5-HT) contents in these brain regions were detected using ELISA after various time courses (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days) treated with BXD and SY. Co-expression of 5-HT and GB1 in the DRN was detected. GB1-specific agonist baclofen and GB1-specific inhibitor CGP35348 were injected into the DRN. Changes in 5-HT levels in these brain regions were then detected. After treatment, rats in the BXD group exhibited lower aggressive behavior scores, longer latencies of aggression, lower total distances in the open field test, and a higher sucrose preference coefficient. Meanwhile, rats in the SY group exhibited higher aggressive behavior scores, shorter latencies of aggression, higher total distances in the open field test, and higher sucrose preference coefficients. With increasing medication duration, 5-HT levels in these brain regions were increased gradually, whereas GABA levels in the DRN were decreased gradually, and all recovered to normal levels by the 7th day. A large number of 5-HT-positive cells could be found in the immunofluorescence section in the DRN containing GABABR1 (GB1)-positive cells, indicating that 5-HT neurons in the DRN co-expressed with GB1. Furthermore, after the drug intervention, the 5-HT level in the DRN was elevated to a normal level, and the GB1 level in the DRN was decreased to a normal level. After the microinjection of baclofen into the DRN, the 5-HT contents in these brain regions were decreased. By contrast, the 5-HT contents were increased after injection with CGP35348. BXD and SY could effectively improve the abnormal behavior changes of AO and AI rats, and the optimal duration of action was 7 days. The improvement way is as follows: Decreased abnormal increase of GABA and GB1 in the DRN further mediated synaptic inhibition and increased 5-HT level in the DRN, leading to increased 5-HT levels in the PFC, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. Therefore, GB1-mediated GABA in the DRN could regulate 5-HT levels in these brain regions, which may be one of the ways by which BXD and SY treat AO and AI, respectively.
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Yu Q, Liu M, Dai W, Xiong Y, Mu X, Xia M, Li Y, Ma S, Su Y, Wu J, Liu C, Xie Y, Zhao T, Lu A, Weng N, Zheng F, Sun P. The NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in resident intruder paradigm-induced aggressive behaviors in mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:974905. [PMID: 36778007 PMCID: PMC9912938 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.974905] [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: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Aggressive behaviors are one of the most important negative behaviors that seriously endangers human health. Also, the central para-inflammation of microglia triggered by stress can affect neurological function, plasticity, and behavior. NLRP3 integrates stress-related signals and is a key driver of this neural para-inflammation. However, it is unclear whether the NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in the development of aggressive behaviors. Methods: First, aggressive behavior model mice were established using the resident intruder paradigm. Then, aggressive behaviors were determined with open-field tests (OFT), elevated plus-maze (EPM), and aggressive behavior tests (AT). Moreover, the expression of P2X7R and NLRP3 inflammasome complexes were assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. The levels of NLRP3 and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Finally, nerve plasticity damage was observed by immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscope, and BrdU staining. Results: Overall, the resident intruder paradigm induced aggressive behaviors, activated the hippocampal P2X7R and NLRP3 inflammasome, and promoted the release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β in mice. Moreover, NLRP3 knockdown, administration of P2X7R antagonist (A804598), and IL-1β blocker (IL-1Ra) prevented NLRP3 inflammasome-driven inflammatory responses and ameliorated resident intruder paradigm-induced aggressive behaviors. Also, the resident intruder paradigm promoted the activation of mouse microglia, damaging synapses in the hippocampus, and suppressing hippocampal regeneration in mice. Besides, NLRP3 knockdown, administration of A804598, and IL-1Ra inhibited the activation of microglia, improved synaptic damage, and restored hippocampal regeneration. Conclusion: The NLRP3 inflammasome-driven inflammatory response contributed to resident intruder paradigm-induced aggressive behavior, which might be related to neuroplasticity. Therefore, the NLRP3 inflammasome can be a potential target to treat aggressive behavior-related mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingying Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Molin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Weibo Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhong Shan, China
| | - Yu Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xiangyu Mu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Mengyao Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yanling Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Shan Ma
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yongtao Su
- Innovation Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Jibiao Wu
- Innovation Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Chuanguo Liu
- Experimental center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yicheng Xie
- The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- College of Foreign Languages, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China,*Correspondence: Tingting Zhao, ; Aimei Lu, ; Ning Weng, ; Feng Zheng, ; Peng Sun,
| | - Aimei Lu
- Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Ji’nan, China,*Correspondence: Tingting Zhao, ; Aimei Lu, ; Ning Weng, ; Feng Zheng, ; Peng Sun,
| | - Ning Weng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Mental Health Center, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China,*Correspondence: Tingting Zhao, ; Aimei Lu, ; Ning Weng, ; Feng Zheng, ; Peng Sun,
| | - Feng Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China,*Correspondence: Tingting Zhao, ; Aimei Lu, ; Ning Weng, ; Feng Zheng, ; Peng Sun,
| | - Peng Sun
- Innovation Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China,*Correspondence: Tingting Zhao, ; Aimei Lu, ; Ning Weng, ; Feng Zheng, ; Peng Sun,
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Gao M, Zhang H, Gao Z, Sun Y, Xu G, Wei F, Wang J, Gao D. Resident intruder paradigm-induced PMDD rat model of premenstrual irritability: behavioral phenotypes, drug intervention, and biomarkers. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:9210-9220. [PMID: 36441533 PMCID: PMC9740374 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204402] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is high in women of childbearing age with obvious premenstrual irritability. However, reliable animal models are still lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS PMDD rat model of premenstrual irritability was induced by the resident-intruder paradigm (RIP). Behavioral characteristics were determined by the aggressive behavior test, elevated plus maze, open-field test, and breast width measurement. The estrous cycle in rats was artificially manipulated by bilateral ovariectomy and exogenous hormone injection to verify the model phenotype's dependence on the estrous cycle. Fluoxetine and Baixiangdan capsules were administered by gavage to determine the symptom improvement effect of PMDD irritability. Biomarkers in serum and brain were detected using ELISA, and GABRA4 was detected in the brain by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Rat models demonstrated similar clinical characteristics as PMDD, such as premenstrual irritability and anxiety, and the above symptoms were estrous cycle-dependent. In addition, the levels of progesterone (P) and ALLO hormones decreased in the serum, hippocampus, amygdala, and frontal lobe in the NR phase. The contents of 5-HT in the brain were significantly increased, while NE and GABA contents were considerably reduced. Moreover, mRNA and protein expression of GABRA4 levels in model rats' amygdala, hippocampus, and frontal lobe were significantly increased, while drug intervention downregulated its expression in these tissues. CONCLUSION Premenstrual irritability rat model of PMDD demonstrates a behavioral phenotype consistent with the clinical symptoms of PMDD and micro index. The increased levels of 5-HT, NE, and expression of GABRA4, as well as the decrease of GABA, P, and ALLO levels, may be critical biomarkers of the abnormal changes that occur during the pathogenesis of PMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhou Gao
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ya Sun
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guanghao Xu
- Marxism College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fengqin Wei
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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12
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Concas A, Serra M, Porcu P. How hormonal contraceptives shape brain and behavior: A review of preclinical studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101017. [PMID: 35843303 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones influence different aspects of brain function, including development, neurogenesis, neuronal excitability, and plasticity, thus affecting emotional states, cognition, sociality, and reward. In women, their levels fluctuate across the lifespan and through the reproductive stages but are also altered by exogenous administration of hormonal contraceptives (HC). HC are widely used by women throughout their fertile life both for contraceptive and therapeutic benefits. However, awareness of their effects on brain function and behavior is still poorly appreciated, despite the emerging evidence of their action at the level of the central nervous system. Here, we summarize results obtained in preclinical studies, mostly conducted in intact female rodents, aimed at investigating the neurobiological effects of HC. HC can alter neuroactive hormones, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, as well as emotional states, cognition, social and sexual behaviors. Animal studies provide insights into the neurobiological effects of HC with the aim to improve women's health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Concas
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Serra
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy.
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13
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Can animal models resemble a premenstrual dysphoric condition? Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101007. [PMID: 35623450 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Around 80% of women worldwide suffer mild Premenstrual Disorders (PMD) during their reproductive life. Up to a quarter are affected by moderate to severe symptoms, and between 3% and 8% experience a severe form. It is classified as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with predominantly physical symptoms and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) with psychiatric symptoms. The present review analyzes the factors associated with PMD and the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian or Hypothalamus-Pituitary-adrenal axis and discusses the main animal models used to study PMDD. Evidence shows that the ovarian hormones participate in PMDD symptoms, and several points of regulation of their synthesis, metabolism, and target sites could be altered. PMDD is complex and implies several factors that require consideration when this condition is modeled in animals. Of particular interest are those points related to areas that may represent opportunities to develop new approximations to understand the mechanisms involved in PMDD and possible treatments.
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14
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Oliveira VEDM, de Jong TR, Neumann ID. Synthetic Oxytocin and Vasopressin Act Within the Central Amygdala to Exacerbate Aggression in Female Wistar Rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:906617. [PMID: 35663559 PMCID: PMC9158429 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.906617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exacerbated aggression is a high-impact, but poorly understood core symptom of several psychiatric disorders, which can also affect women. Animal models have successfully been employed to unravel the neurobiology of aggression. However, despite increasing evidence for sex-specificity, little is known about aggression in females. Here, we studied the role of the oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) systems within the central amygdala (CeA) on aggressive behavior displayed by virgin female Wistar rats using immunohistochemistry, receptor autoradiography, and neuropharmacology. Our data show that CeA GABAergic neurons are activated after an aggressive encounter in the female intruder test. Additionally, neuronal activity (pERK) negatively correlated with the display of aggression in low-aggressive group-housed females. Binding of OXT receptors, but not AVP-V1a receptors, was increased in the CeA of high-aggressive isolated and trained (IST) females. Finally, local infusion of either synthetic OXT or AVP enhanced aggression in IST females, whereas blockade of either of these receptors did not affect aggressive behavior. Altogether, our data support a moderate role of the CeA in female aggression. Regarding neuropeptide signaling, our findings suggest that synthetic, but not endogenous OXT and AVP modulate aggressive behavior in female Wistar rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius E. de M. Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Trynke R. de Jong
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Medische Biobank Noord-Nederland B.V., Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Inga D. Neumann,
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15
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Oliveira VEDM, Bakker J. Neuroendocrine regulation of female aggression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:957114. [PMID: 36034455 PMCID: PMC9399833 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.957114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Classically the neurobiology of aggression has been studied exclusively in males. Thus, females have been considered mildly aggressive except during lactation. Interestingly, recent studies in rodents and humans have revealed that non-lactating females can show exacerbated and pathological aggression similarly to males. This review provides an overview of recent findings on the neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating aggressive behavior in females. In particular, the focus will be on novel rodent models of exaggerated aggression established in non-lactating females. Among the neuromodulatory systems influencing female aggression, special attention has been given to sex-steroids and sex-steroid-sensitive neuronal populations (i.e., the core nuclei of the neural pathway of aggression) as well as to the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin which are major players in the regulation of social behaviors.
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16
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Ferreira-Sgobbi R, de Figueiredo RM, Frias AT, Matthiesen M, Batistela MF, Falconi-Sobrinho LL, Vilela-Costa HH, Sá SI, Lovick TA, Zangrossi H, Coimbra NC. Panic-like responses of female Wistar rats confronted by Bothrops alternatus pit vipers, or exposure to acute hypoxia: Effect of oestrous cycle. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:32-48. [PMID: 34850475 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety-related diseases are more than twice as common in women than in men, and in women, symptoms may be exacerbated during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Despite this, most research into the underlying mechanisms, which drives drug development, have been carried out using male animals. In an effort to redress this imbalance, we compared responses of male and female Wistar rats during exposure to two unconditioned threatening stimuli that evoke panic-related defensive behaviours: confrontation with a predator (Bothrops alternatus) and acute exposure to hypoxia (7% O2 ). Threatened by venomous snake, male and female rats initially displayed defensive attention, risk assessment, and cautious interaction with the snake, progressing to defensive immobility to overt escape. Both males and females displayed higher levels of risk assessment but less interaction with the predator. They also spent more time in the burrow, displaying inhibitory avoidance, and more time engaged in defensive attention, and non-oriented escape behaviour. In females, anxiety-like behaviour was most pronounced in the oestrous and proestrus phases whereas panic-like behaviour was more pronounced during the dioestrus phase, particularly during late dioestrus. Acute hypoxia evoked panic-like behaviour (undirected jumping) in both sexes, but in females, responsiveness in late dioestrus was significantly greater than at other stages of the cycle. The results reveal that females respond in a qualitatively similar manner to males during exposure to naturally occurring threatening stimuli, but the responses of females is oestrous cycle dependent with a significant exacerbation of panic-like behaviour in the late dioestrus phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Ferreira-Sgobbi
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Psychology, Division of Psychobiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Machado de Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alana Tercino Frias
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Melina Matthiesen
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus Fitipaldi Batistela
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Luciano Falconi-Sobrinho
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Ophidiarium LNN-FMRP-USP/INeC, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Heloísa Helena Vilela-Costa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Susana Isabel Sá
- Unidade de Anatomia, Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Thelma Anderson Lovick
- Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hélio Zangrossi
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Norberto Cysne Coimbra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Ophidiarium LNN-FMRP-USP/INeC, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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17
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Oliveira VEDM, Lukas M, Wolf HN, Durante E, Lorenz A, Mayer AL, Bludau A, Bosch OJ, Grinevich V, Egger V, de Jong TR, Neumann ID. Oxytocin and vasopressin within the ventral and dorsal lateral septum modulate aggression in female rats. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2900. [PMID: 34006875 PMCID: PMC8131389 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23064-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to male rats, aggression in virgin female rats has been rarely studied. Here, we established a rat model of enhanced aggression in females using a combination of social isolation and aggression-training to specifically investigate the involvement of the oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) systems within the lateral septum (LS). Using neuropharmacological, optogenetic, chemogenetic as well as microdialysis approaches, we revealed that enhanced OXT release within the ventral LS (vLS), combined with reduced AVP release within the dorsal LS (dLS), is required for aggression in female rats. Accordingly, increased activity of putative OXT receptor-positive neurons in the vLS, and decreased activity of putative AVP receptor-positive neurons in the dLS, are likely to underly aggression in female rats. Finally, in vitro activation of OXT receptors in the vLS increased tonic GABAergic inhibition of dLS neurons. Overall, our data suggest a model showing that septal release of OXT and AVP differentially affects aggression in females by modulating the inhibitory tone within LS sub-networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Elias de Moura Oliveira
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Michael Lukas
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Nora Wolf
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Elisa Durante
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Alexandra Lorenz
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Mayer
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Anna Bludau
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Veronica Egger
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Trynke R de Jong
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
- Medische Biobank Noord-Nederland B.V., Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany.
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18
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Iba H, Watanabe T, Motomura S, Harada K, Uesugi H, Shibahara T, Kubota K, Katsurabayashi S, Iwasaki K. A Japanese herbal medicine attenuates anxiety-like behavior through GABA A receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in a rat model of premenstrual syndrome. J Pharmacol Sci 2021; 145:140-149. [PMID: 33357772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Inochinohaha White (IHW) is a Japanese herbal medicine for treating women with anxiety associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In this study, we examined the effects of IHW on anxiety-like behavior in rats undergoing progesterone withdrawal (PWD), a model for PMS. Female rats were injected daily with progesterone for 21 days. Water and ethanol extracts of IHW (WE-IHW and EE-IHW, respectively) were administered orally 15 days after the initiation of progesterone injections. Anxiety-like behavior in an elevated plus maze was evaluated 48 h after the final injection of progesterone. PWD induced anxiety-like behavior, and EE-IHW (300 mg/kg), but not WE-IHW, significantly attenuated this behavior. Administration of the GABA agonists, diazepam or muscimol, significantly attenuated PWD-induced anxiety-like behavior. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of IHW action, we analyzed GABAA receptor expression in the amygdala of these rats. EE-IHW ameliorated the PWD-induced decrease in GABAA receptor β2-subunit mRNA, although β2-subunit protein was unchanged. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been reported to have anxiolytic effects and enhance GABAergic synaptic transmission. We found that EE-IHW increased BDNF levels in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that EE-IHW attenuates PWD-induced anxiety-like behavior by increasing GABAA receptor-mediated signaling via increases in β2-subunit and BDNF in the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikari Iba
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Takuya Watanabe
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Saori Motomura
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Kyoka Harada
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Haruka Uesugi
- R&D Center, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 4-10 Doshomachi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Takenori Shibahara
- R&D Center, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 4-10 Doshomachi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Kaori Kubota
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Shutaro Katsurabayashi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Katsunori Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
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19
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Wei S, Geng X, Li Z, Xu K, Hu M, Wu H, Shi W, Qiao M. A forced swim-based rat model of premenstrual depression: effects of hormonal changes and drug intervention. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:24357-24370. [PMID: 33229622 PMCID: PMC7762461 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), is a severe health disturbance that affects a patient’s emotions; it is caused by periodic psychological symptoms, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. As depression-like symptoms are found in a majority of clinical cases, a reliable animal model of premenstrual depression is indispensable to understand the pathogenesis. Herein, we describe a novel rat model of premenstrual depression, based on the forced swimming test, with a regular estrous cycle. The results showed that in the estrous cycle, the depression-like behavior of rats occurred in the non-receptive phase and disappeared in the receptive phase. Following ovariectomy, the depression-like symptoms disappeared and returned after a hormone priming regimen. Moreover, fluoxetine, an anti-depressant, could reverse the behavioral symptoms in these model rats with normal estrous cycle. Further, the model rats showed significant changes in the serum levels of estrogen and progesterone, hippocampal levels of allopregnanolone, 5-hydroxytryptamine, norepinephrine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and in the expression of GABAA receptor 4α subunit, all of which were reversed to physiological levels by fluoxetine. Overall, we established a reliable and standardized rat model of premenstrual depression, which may facilitate the elucidation of PMS/PMDD pathogenesis and development of related therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Ji’nan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Minghui Hu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Hongyun Wu
- Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250011, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250011, China
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
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20
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Effects of Paeonia lactiflora Extract on Estrogen Receptor β, TPH2, and SERT in Rats with PMS Anxiety. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4690504. [PMID: 32219134 PMCID: PMC7081021 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4690504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study is to investigate the effect of Paeonia lactiflora extract on PMS anxiety and on expression of estrogen receptor β (ERβ), tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2), and serotonin transporter (SERT) in the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) anxiety model rats. The vaginal smear and open field test were used to screen rats in nonreception phase of estrus cycle with similar macroscopic behaviors and regular estrus cycle. PMS anxiety model rats were prepared by electrical stimulation. RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were used to measure the expression of ERβ, TPH2, and SERT. Compared with normal rats, the total distance in the open field test of the model rats was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The model rats showed nervous alertness, irritability, and sensitivity to external stimuli. After treatment with the Paeonia lactiflora extract, the total distance of rats was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In reception stage, there was no significant difference in the mRNA and protein expression of ERβ, TPH2, and SERT. In nonreception stage, the expression of ERβ and TPH2 in the model group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) as compared with the control group, but not SERT. Abnormal changes of the above indicators were reversed after the administration of the Paeonia lactiflora extract. In conclusion, Paeonia lactiflora extract can increase the expression of ERβ and TPH2 and decrease SERT in PMS model rats, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying the effect of Paeonia lactiflora extract on PMS.
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21
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Näslund J, Studer E, Nilsson S, Eriksson E. Expression of 22 serotonin-related genes in rat brain after sub-acute serotonin depletion or reuptake inhibition. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2020; 32:1-7. [PMID: 32063244 PMCID: PMC7282867 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2020.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although the assessment of expression of serotonin-related genes in experimental animals has become a common strategy to shed light on variations in brain serotonergic function, it remains largely unknown to what extent the manipulation of serotonin levels causes detectable changes in gene expression. We therefore chose to investigate how sub-acute depletion or elevation of brain serotonin influences the expression of a number of serotonin-related genes in six brain areas. METHODS Male Wistar rats were administered a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, para-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA), or a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine, for 3 days and then sacrificed. The expression of a number of serotonin-related genes in the raphe nuclei, hypothalamus, amygdala, striatum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was investigated using real-time quantitative PCR (rt-qPCR). RESULTS While most of the studied genes were uninfluenced by paroxetine treatment, we could observe a robust downregulation of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 in the brain region where the serotonergic cell bodies reside, that is, the raphe nuclei. p-CPA induced a significant increase in the expression of Htr1b and Htr2a in amygdala and of Htr2c in the striatum and a marked reduction in the expression of Htr6 in prefrontal cortex; it also enhanced the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) in raphe and hippocampus. CONCLUSION With some notable exceptions, the expression of most of the studied genes is left unchanged by short-term modulation of extracellular levels of serotonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Näslund
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Studer
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Division of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elias Eriksson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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22
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Zhang H, Geng X, Li Z, Li Y, Xu K, Wu H, Xie J, Sun P, Wei S, Qiao M. Paeonol at Certain Doses Alleviates Aggressive and Anxiety-Like Behaviours in Two Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Rat Models. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:295. [PMID: 32351418 PMCID: PMC7174695 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common mental health disturbance associated with several periodic psychological symptoms in women. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line treatment for PMS/PMDD patients; however, side effects are inevitable, especially in long-term treatment. In previous studies, the natural compound paeonol in Moutan Cortex was found to play effective roles in central nervous system disorders with its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Consequently, we assume that paeonol might produce positive effects in the treatment of PMS/PMDD. In this study, the open-field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) and light dark box (LDB) tests were performed in mice to determine the optimal dose of paeonol for treating anxiety. Then, paeonol was used to treat the progesterone withdrawal (PWD) and resident intruder paradigm (RIP) rat models of PMDD. Using these two reliable models, the OFT and EPM, LDB, and composite aggressive tests were performed to evaluate the effect of the drug on behavioural symptoms of PMDD. From the dosage screening results, the optimal anti-anxiety dose of paeonol was identified as 17.5 mg/kg/d for 7 days. With regard to the effect of paeonol on PMDD rat models, a significantly improvement was found in the behavioural symptoms, but the effective dose varied in different models. For the PWD model rats, treatment with 6.05 mg/kg paeonol could significantly improve anxiety and irritability, while that with 24.23 mg/kg paeonol resulted in anxiety-like effects in behavioural tests. In RIP model rats, treatment with 12.11 mg/kg paeonol demonstrated excellent effects in improving anxiety, particularly irritable emotional behaviour. In conclusion, our study indicates that paeonol is a potential therapeutic compound for PMS/PMDD; it is a drug option that helps establish dosage guidance for treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yaqiong Li
- Bozhou Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Bozhou, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Hongyun Wu
- No. 3 Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Jinlu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang, School of Medicine, Huzhou University, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Sheng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
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23
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Planchez B, Surget A, Belzung C. Animal models of major depression: drawbacks and challenges. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2019; 126:1383-1408. [PMID: 31584111 PMCID: PMC6815270 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-019-02084-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Major depression is a leading contributor to the global burden of disease. This situation is mainly related to the chronicity and/or recurrence of the disorder, and to poor response to antidepressant therapy. Progress in this area requires valid animal models. Current models are based either on manipulating the environment to which rodents are exposed (during the developmental period or adulthood) or biological underpinnings (i.e. gene deletion or overexpression of candidate genes, targeted lesions of brain areas, optogenetic control of specific neuronal populations, etc.). These manipulations can alter specific behavioural and biological outcomes that can be related to different symptomatic and pathophysiological dimensions of major depression. However, animal models of major depression display substantial shortcomings that contribute to the lack of innovative pharmacological approaches in recent decades and which hamper our capabilities to investigate treatment-resistant depression. Here, we discuss the validity of these models, review putative models of treatment-resistant depression, major depression subtypes and recurrent depression. Furthermore, we identify future challenges regarding new paradigms such as those proposing dimensional rather than categorical approaches to depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catherine Belzung
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.
- UMR 1253, iBrain, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France.
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24
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The brain as a target of hormonal contraceptives: Evidence from animal studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100799. [PMID: 31614151 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives are frequently prescribed drugs among women, mainly for their reversible contraceptive purposes but also for beneficial effects in some gynecological pathologies. Despite extensive studies aimed at elucidating the physical effects of hormonal contraceptives and ameliorating some unwanted outcomes, little is known yet about the effects of these drugs on brain function and related behavior, which are known to be modulated by endogenous steroid hormones. We describe the current literature on preclinical studies in animals undertaken to investigate effects of hormonal contraceptives on brain function and behavior. These studies suggest that hormonal contraceptives influence neurohormones, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and emotional, cognitive, social and sexual behaviors. Animals allow examination of the basic biological mechanisms of these drugs, devoid of the psychological aspect often associated to hormonal contraceptives' use in women. Understanding the neurobiological effects of these drugs may improve women's health and may help women making informed choices on hormonal contraception.
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25
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Williamson CM, Lee W, DeCasien AR, Lanham A, Romeo RD, Curley JP. Social hierarchy position in female mice is associated with plasma corticosterone levels and hypothalamic gene expression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7324. [PMID: 31086272 PMCID: PMC6513839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43747-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Social hierarchies emerge when animals compete for access to resources such as food, mates or physical space. Wild and laboratory male mice have been shown to develop linear hierarchies, however, less is known regarding whether female mice have sufficient intrasexual competition to establish significant social dominance relationships. In this study, we examined whether groups of outbred CD-1 virgin female mice housed in a large vivaria formed social hierarchies. We show that females use fighting, chasing and mounting behaviors to rapidly establish highly directionally consistent social relationships. Notably, these female hierarchies are less linear, steep and despotic compared to male hierarchies. Female estrus state was not found to have a significant effect on aggressive behavior, though dominant females had elongated estrus cycles (due to increased time in estrus) compared to subordinate females. Plasma estradiol levels were equivalent between dominant and subordinate females. Subordinate females had significantly higher levels of basal corticosterone compared to dominant females. Analyses of gene expression in the ventromedial hypothalamus indicated that subordinate females have elevated ERα, ERβ and OTR mRNA compared to dominant females. This study provides a methodological framework for the study of the neuroendocrine basis of female social aggression and dominance in laboratory mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cait M Williamson
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Won Lee
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Alexandra R DeCasien
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, 10024, USA
| | - Alesi Lanham
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Russell D Romeo
- Department of Psychology, Barnard College, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - James P Curley
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA.
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26
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Machado Figueiredo R, de Carvalho MC, Brandão ML, Lovick TA. Short-term, low-dose fluoxetine prevents oestrous cycle-linked increase in anxiety-like behaviour in female rats. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:548-557. [PMID: 31012390 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119841833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We sought a robust behavioural test that evoked increased anxiety-like behaviour during the late dioestrus phase of the oestrous cycle (similar to the premenstrual period in women) and tested whether this could be prevented by acute low-dose fluoxetine (FLX). METHODS Female Wistar rats in different stages of their cycle were exposed to four different tests of anxiety-like behaviour. RESULTS No oestrous cycle differences were detected in fear potentiated startle or conditioned freezing to an aversive context. In a light switch-off test where rats move from one compartment of a shuttle-box to the other to turn off an aversive light, females displayed enhanced responding in late dioestrus. During isolation restraint stress females in late dioestrus emitted three times more 22 kHz ultrasound vocalisations (USV) than at other cycle stages. Using the USV test, short-term administration of low-dose FLX (1.75 mg kg-1, i.p.) designed to blunt the sharp fall in brain allopregnanolone concentration during late dioestrus but without affecting 5-HT systems, prevented the increase in isolation stress-evoked USVs. CONCLUSIONS The light switch-off and isolation restraint-induced USV tests evoke unconditioned adverse emotional responses that are ethologically relevant and sensitive to oestrous cycle stage. The USV test fulfils many criteria required of a model for premenstrual syndrome in women. Using the USV test, short-term administration of FLX to increase brain allopregnanolone concentration without affecting 5-HT systems prevented the increased USV responding in late dioestrus. Short-term low-dose FLX treatment may have potential to alleviate development of adverse premenstrual symptoms in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Machado Figueiredo
- 1 Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Milene Cristina de Carvalho
- 1 Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcus Lira Brandão
- 1 Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thelma Anderson Lovick
- 2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,3 School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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27
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Abstract
Introduction: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a distressing disorder amongst women of reproductive age group with significant implication in the productivity and quality of life of women who suffer from it. It is generally neglected as it is mostly undifferentiated from premenstrual symptoms—milder presentation of the same spectrum of problem but of lesser intensity and impairment. Objective: Here, in this article, we aim to highlight various studies and the research done on PMDD in the context of Indian women. Method: Reviewing the last 40 years’ database including Medline (PUBMED), Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Trip, Psych INFO, CINAHL, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), and the British Nursing Index. Results: PMDD is a troublesome disorder, often underdiagnosed. A thorough history including menstrual and sexual history, conducting a thorough physical examination, assessing the comorbidities, and finally using a proper and structured treatment protocol for managing the condition are recommended. Sertraline is the most widely studied drug which is found to be effective in PMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahuja Malvika
- Shaikh-ul-Hind Maulana Mahmood Hasan Medical College, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Agarwal Supriya
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Subharti Medical College, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
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28
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Been LE, Gibbons AB, Meisel RL. Towards a neurobiology of female aggression. Neuropharmacology 2018; 156:107451. [PMID: 30502376 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although many people think of aggression as a negative or undesirable emotion, it is a normal part of many species' repertoire of social behaviors. Purposeful and controlled aggression can be adaptive in that it warns other individuals of perceived breaches in social contracts with the goal of dispersing conflict before it escalates into violence. Aggression becomes maladaptive, however, when it escalates inappropriately or impulsively into violence. Despite ample data demonstrating that impulsive aggression and violence occurs in both men and women, aggression has historically been considered a uniquely masculine trait. As a result, the vast majority of studies attempting to model social aggression in animals, particularly those aimed at understanding the neural underpinnings of aggression, have been conducted in male rodents. In this review, we summarize the state of the literature on the neurobiology of social aggression in female rodents, including social context, hormonal regulation and neural sites of aggression regulation. Our goal is to put historical research in the context of new research, emphasizing studies using ecologically valid methods and modern sophisticated techniques. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Current status of the neurobiology of aggression and impulsivity'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Been
- Department of Psychology, Haverford College, Haverford, PA, 19041, USA.
| | - Alison B Gibbons
- Department of Psychology, Haverford College, Haverford, PA, 19041, USA
| | - Robert L Meisel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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29
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Wei S, Sun P, Guo Y, Chen J, Wang J, Song C, Li Z, Xue L, Qiao M. Gene Expression in the Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder After Treatment With Baixiangdan Capsules. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2065. [PMID: 30483168 PMCID: PMC6242977 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the targets, signal regulatory networks and mechanisms involved in Baixiangdan (BXD) capsule regulation of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) at the gene transcription level, since the etiology and pathogenesis of PMDD are not well understood. Methods: The PMDD rat model was prepared using the resident-intruder paradigm. The rats were tested for aggressive behavior, and those with scores in the lowest 30% were used as controls, while rats with scores in the highest 30% were divided into a PMDD model group, BXD administration group and fluoxetine administration group, which were evaluated with open-field tests and aggressive behavior tests. We also analyzed gene expression profiles in the hippocampus for each group, and verified differential expression of genes by real-time PCR. Results: Before and after BXD or fluoxetine administration, scores in the open-field test exhibited no significant differences. The aggressive behavior of the PMDD model rats was improved to a degree after administration of both substances. Gene chip data indicated that 715 genes were differentially expressed in the control and BXD groups. Other group-to-group comparisons exhibited smaller numbers of differentially expressed genes. The effective targets of both drugs included the Htr2c, Cdh3, Serpinb1a, Ace, Trpv4, Cacna1a, Mapk13, Mapk8, Cyp2c13, and Htr1a genes. The results of real-time PCR tests were in accordance with the gene chip data. Based on the target genes and signaling pathway network analysis, we have elaborated the impact and likely mechanism of BXD in treating PMDD and premenstrual irritability. Conclusion: Our work contributes to the understanding of PMDD pathogenesis and the mechanisms of BXD treatment. We speculate that the differentially expressed genes could participate in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, mitogen-activated protein kinase, calcium, and gamma-aminobutyric acid signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wei
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Behavioral Phenotyping Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yinghui Guo
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jingxuan Chen
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Behavioral Phenotyping Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chunhong Song
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Behavioral Phenotyping Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ling Xue
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Wei S, Li Z, Ren M, Wang J, Gao J, Guo Y, Xu K, Li F, Zhu D, Zhang H, Lv R, Qiao M. Social defeat stress before pregnancy induces depressive-like behaviours and cognitive deficits in adult male offspring: correlation with neurobiological changes. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:61. [PMID: 30326843 PMCID: PMC6192280 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0463-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological surveys and studies with animal models have established a relationship between maternal stress and affective disorders in their offspring. However, whether maternal depression before pregnancy influences behaviour and related neurobiological mechanisms in the offspring has not been studied. RESULTS A social defeat stress (SDS) maternal rat model was established using the resident-intruder paradigm with female specific pathogen-free Wistar rats and evaluated with behavioural tests. SDS maternal rats showed a significant reduction in sucrose preference and locomotor and exploratory activities after 4 weeks of stress. In the third week of the experiment, a reduction in body weight gain was observed in SDS animals. Sucrose preference, open field, the elevated-plus maze, light-dark box, object recognition, the Morris water maze, and forced swimming tests were performed using the 2-month-old male offspring of the female SDS rats. Offspring subjected to pre-gestational SDS displayed enhanced anxiety-like behaviours, reduced exploratory behaviours, reduced sucrose preference, and atypical despair behaviours. With regard to cognition, the offspring showed significant impairments in the retention phase of the object recognition test, but no effect was observed in the acquisition phase. These animals also showed impairments in recognition memory, as the discrimination index in the Morris water maze test in this group was significantly lower for both 1 h and 24 h memory retention compared to controls. Corticosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and monoamine neurotransmitters levels were determined using enzyme immunoassays or radioimmunoassays in plasma, hypothalamus, left hippocampus, and left prefrontal cortex samples from the offspring of the SDS rats. These markers of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responsiveness and the monoaminergic system were significantly altered in pre-gestationally stressed offspring. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (pCREB), and serotonin transporter (SERT) protein levels were evaluated using western blotting with right hippocampus and right prefrontal cortex samples. Expression levels of BDNF, pCREB, and SERT in the offspring were also altered in the hippocampus and in the prefrontal cortex; however, there was no effect on CREB. CONCLUSION We conclude that SDS before pregnancy might induce depressive-like behaviours, cognitive deficits, and neurobiological alterations in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wei
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, #4655 University Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan, 250355 China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
- Laboratory of Behavioural Brain Analysis, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 China
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Zifa Li
- Laboratory of Behavioural Brain Analysis, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 China
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Meng Ren
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, #4655 University Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Jie Gao
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, #4655 University Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Yinghui Guo
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, #4655 University Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Fang Li
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, #4655 University Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan, 250355 China
- Fengtai Maternal and Children’s Health Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Dehao Zhu
- Laboratory of Behavioural Brain Analysis, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Laboratory of Behavioural Brain Analysis, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Rongju Lv
- Laboratory of Behavioural Brain Analysis, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 China
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, #4655 University Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan, 250355 China
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Fight or flight? Effects of vaginal oestrus on cortisol, testosterone, and behaviour in guinea pig female-female interaction. Behav Processes 2018; 157:625-631. [PMID: 29654828 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It is accepted that social stress in relation to confrontation and competition can elicit behavioural and hormonal changes in social mammals. These effects have, however, been less frequently studied among female-female interactions. In the present study female-female confrontation experiments were carried out to monitor socio-positive and agonistic behaviour by controlling for the oestrus cycles of 12 individuals. Additionally, plasma cortisol (CORT) and testosterone (T) levels were determined before and after the experiments. During non-oestrus conditions a significant increase in CORT levels from pre- to post confrontation was registered and females spent more time to sit side by side. During vaginal oestrus the confrontation experiments revealed avoiding of a conspecific female by showing increased flight behaviour. However, during that period no changes in CORT levels were found. But, a non-significant increase in T was measured from pre- to post confrontation in both cycle phases, while no differences in the display of aggressive behaviours were found. These findings indicate considerable influences of different oestrus cycle phases on social stress-induced CORT secretion and the modulation of socio-positive and agonistic behaviour in female guinea pigs.
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Paeoniflorin, the Main Active Ingredient of Shuyu Capsule, Inhibits Ca v1.2 and Regulates Calmodulin/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Signalling. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:8459287. [PMID: 29362718 PMCID: PMC5736929 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8459287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying the antidepression activity of paeoniflorin, the main active ingredient of paeony extract and Shuyu capsules, and determine its effect on the calmodulin/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM/CaMKII) signalling pathway and on the possible target, the voltage-gated calcium channel (Cav). Rats at the nonacceptance stage were selected for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) depression modelling. Behavioural assays were used for model testing. Rats were given Shuyu capsules, paeony extract, and bupleurum. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression levels of calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1 C (CACNA1C), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and CaM/CaMKII signalling pathway proteins. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration in CHO cell line was measured using Fluo-4-AM and whole-cell patch clamps. The PMS depression model was successfully established and demonstrated that Shuyu can mitigate depressive behaviour in a rat PMS model. Paeony extract did not affect CACNA1C protein expression in rat hippocampi but did affect Cav1.2-mediated CaM/CaMKII signalling pathways. Paeoniflorin significantly inhibited KCl-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and Cav1.2 current density. Further, it may function via the CaM/CaMKII pathway and its downstream signalling molecules by regulating Cav1.2, thus playing an important role in the treatment and alleviation of affective disorders.
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Shuyu Capsules Relieve Premenstrual Syndrome Depression by Reducing 5-HT 3AR and 5-HT 3BR Expression in the Rat Brain. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:7950781. [PMID: 27725889 PMCID: PMC5048033 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7950781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of the Shuyu capsule on 5-HT3AR and 5-HT3BR expression in a rat model of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) depression and on 5-HT3AR and 5-HT3BR expression and hippocampal neuron 5-HT3 channel current were investigated, to elucidate its mechanism of action against PMS depression. PMS depression model rats were divided into depression and Shuyu- and fluoxetine-treated groups, which were compared to control rats for frontal lobe and hippocampal 5-HT3AR and 5-HT3BR expression and behavior. The depressed model rats displayed symptoms of depression, which were reduced in treated and normal control rats. Frontal lobe and hippocampal 5-HT3AR and 5-HT3BR levels were significantly higher in the model versus the control group and were significantly lower in the Shuyu group. As compared to control rats, the 5-HT3R channel current in the model group was significantly higher; the 5-HT3R channel current in hippocampal neurons treated with serum from Shuyu group rats was significantly lower than that in those treated with model group serum. Thus, PMS depression may be related to 5-HT3AR and 5-HT3BR expression and increased 5-HT3 channel current. Shuyu capsules rectified abnormal 5-HT3AR and 5-HT3BR expression and 5-HT3 channel current changes in a rat model; this finding may provide insight into treating PMS depression.
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Islas-Preciado D, López-Rubalcava C, González-Olvera J, Gallardo-Tenorio A, Estrada-Camarena E. Environmental enrichment prevents anxiety-like behavior induced by progesterone withdrawal in two strains of rats. Neuroscience 2016; 336:123-132. [PMID: 27600948 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Stress vulnerability could influence the treatment response to anxiety associated with abrupt hormonal suppression. The present study explored the effects of different treatments on experimental anxiety induced by progesterone withdrawal (PW) in a stress-sensitive rat strain, Wistar Kyoto (WKY), in the burying behavior test (BBT). The following experimental series was conducted using independent groups of Wistar (control strain) and WKY ovariectomized rats: Experiment 1: Rats were treated for 5days with oil, a constant dose of progesterone (0.5mg/rat, s.c) or a combination of progesterone (0.5mg/rat, s.c) plus fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p); on day 6, all rats were subjected to BBT. Experiment 2: Rats received corn oil or decreasing doses of progesterone (0.84, 0.67, 0.5, 0.33 and 0.17mg/rat; one dose daily); on day 6, the rats were subjected to BBT. Experiment 3: Rats were divided into two groups that were subjected to 30days of standard conditions or environmental enrichment (EE); from days 25 to 30, all rats received a fixed dose of progesterone (0.5mg/rat, s.c.) or vehicle. On day 31, the rats were tested with BBT. Results showed that PW increased anxiety in both strains, and fluoxetine prevented anxiety in WKY rats. In contrast, a gradual reduction of progesterone prevents the anxiety in Wistar but not in WKY. EE was preventive against the anxiety induced by PW in both strains of rats. Thus, the results suggest that anxiety induced by PW is prevented by EE while the anxiolytic effect of pharmacological treatments depends on stress vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Islas-Preciado
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicofarmacología, Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, San Lorenzo Huipulco, C.P. 14370 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - C López-Rubalcava
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados-IPN, Calzada de los Tenorios 235, Granjas Coapa, C.P. 14330 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - J González-Olvera
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente", Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, San Lorenzo Huipulco, C.P. 14370 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - A Gallardo-Tenorio
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicofarmacología, Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, San Lorenzo Huipulco, C.P. 14370 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - E Estrada-Camarena
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicofarmacología, Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, San Lorenzo Huipulco, C.P. 14370 México, D.F., Mexico.
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Saunders PA, Franco T, Sottas C, Maurice T, Ganem G, Veyrunes F. Masculinised Behaviour of XY Females in a Mammal with Naturally Occuring Sex Reversal. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22881. [PMID: 26964761 PMCID: PMC4786791 DOI: 10.1038/srep22881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Most sex differences in phenotype are controlled by gonadal hormones, but recent work on laboratory strain mice that present discordant chromosomal and gonadal sex showed that sex chromosome complement can have a direct influence on the establishment of sex-specific behaviours, independently from gonads. In this study, we analyse the behaviour of a rodent with naturally occurring sex reversal: the African pygmy mouse Mus minutoides, in which all males are XY, while females are of three types: XX, XX* or X*Y (the asterisk represents an unknown X-linked mutation preventing masculinisation of X*Y embryos). X*Y females show typical female anatomy and, interestingly, have greater breeding performances. We investigate the link between sex chromosome complement, behaviour and reproductive success in females by analysing several behavioural features that could potentially influence their fitness: female attractiveness, aggressiveness and anxiety. Despite sex chromosome complement was not found to impact male mate preferences, it does influence some aspects of both aggressiveness and anxiety: X*Y females are more aggressive than the XX and XX*, and show lower anxiogenic response to novelty, like males. We discuss how these behavioural differences might impact the breeding performances of females, and how the sex chromosome complement could shape the differences observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Saunders
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5554, IRD, EPHE, France
| | - Thomas Franco
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5554, IRD, EPHE, France
| | - Camille Sottas
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5554, IRD, EPHE, France
| | - Tangui Maurice
- INSERM U1198, Université de Montpellier, Inserm, EPHE, France
| | - Guila Ganem
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5554, IRD, EPHE, France
| | - Frédéric Veyrunes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5554, IRD, EPHE, France
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The effects of the dopamine stabilizer (-)-OSU6162 on aggressive and sexual behavior in rodents. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e762. [PMID: 27003188 PMCID: PMC4872438 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The dopamine stabilizer (-)-OSU61612 dampens locomotion in rodents rendered hyperactive by exposure to a novel environment or treatment with amphetamine, but stimulates locomotion in habituated animals displaying low motor activity, tentatively exerting this profile by selectively blocking extrasynaptic D2 receptors. The major aim of the present study was to explore the possible usefulness of (-)-OSU61612 as an anti-aggressive drug. To this end, the effect of (-)-OSU61612 on isolation-induced aggression in male mice and estrous cycle-dependent aggression in female rats were studied using the resident intruder test; in addition, the possible influence of (-)-OSU61612 on sexual behavior in male mice and on elevated plus maze (EPM) performance in male rats were assessed. (-)-OSU61612 at doses influencing neither locomotion nor sexual activity reduced aggression in male mice. The effect was observed also in serotonin-depleted animals and is hence probably not caused by the antagonism of serotonin receptors displayed by the drug; refuting the possibility that it is due to 5-HT1B activation, it was also not counteracted by isamoltane. (-)-OSU61612 did not display the profile of an anxiogenic or anxiolytic drug in the EPM but caused a general reduction in activity that is well in line with the previous finding that it reduces exploratory behavior of non-habituated animals. In line with the observations in males, (-)-OSU61612 reduced estrus cycle-related aggression in female Wistar rats, a tentative animal model of premenstrual dysphoria. By stabilizing dopaminergic transmission, (-)-OSU61612 may prove useful as a well-tolerated treatment of various forms of aggression and irritability.
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Anger Emotional Stress Influences VEGF/VEGFR2 and Its Induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:4129015. [PMID: 27057362 PMCID: PMC4769761 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4129015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. We discuss the influence of anger emotional stress upon VEGF/VEGFR2 and its induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Methods. We created a rat model of induced anger (anger-out and anger-in) emotional response using social isolation and resident-intruder paradigms and assessed changes in hippocampus' VEGF content, neuroplasticity, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Results. The resident-intruder method successfully generated anger-out and anger-in models that differed significantly in composite aggression score, aggression incubation, open field behavior, sucrose preference, and weight gain. Anger emotional stress decreased synaptic connections and VEGFR2 expression. Anger emotional stress led to abnormal expression of VEGF/VEGFR2 mRNA and protein and disorderly expression of key factors in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Fluoxetine administration ameliorated behavioral abnormalities and damage to hippocampal neurons caused by anger emotional stress, as well as abnormal expression of some proteins in VEGF/VEGFR2 and its induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Conclusion. This research provides a detailed classification of anger emotion and verifies its influence upon VEGF and the VEGF-induced signaling pathway, thus providing circumstantial evidence of mechanisms by which anger emotion damages neurogenesis. As VEGFR2 can promote neurogenesis and vasculogenesis in the hippocampus and frontal lobe, these results suggest that anger emotional stress can result in decreased neurogenesis.
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Banlaki Z, Elek Z, Nanasi T, Szekely A, Nemoda Z, Sasvari-Szekely M, Ronai Z. Polymorphism in the serotonin receptor 2a (HTR2A) gene as possible predisposal factor for aggressive traits. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117792. [PMID: 25658328 PMCID: PMC4319849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive manifestations and their consequences are a major issue of mankind, highlighting the need for understanding the contributory factors. Still, aggression-related genetic analyses have so far mainly been conducted on small population subsets such as individuals suffering from a certain psychiatric disorder or a narrow-range age cohort, but no data on the general population is yet available. In the present study, our aim was to identify polymorphisms in genes affecting neurobiological processes that might explain some of the inter-individual variation between aggression levels in the non-clinical Caucasian adult population. 55 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were simultaneously determined in 887 subjects who also filled out the self-report Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Single marker association analyses between genotypes and aggression scores indicated a significant role of rs7322347 located in the HTR2A gene encoding serotonin receptor 2a following Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (p = 0.0007) both for males and females. Taking the four BPAQ subscales individually, scores for Hostility, Anger and Physical Aggression showed significant association with rs7322347 T allele in themselves, while no association was found with Verbal Aggression. Of the subscales, relationship with rs7322347 was strongest in the case of Hostility, where statistical significance virtually equaled that observed with the whole BPAQ. In conclusion, this is the first study to our knowledge analyzing SNPs in a wide variety of genes in terms of aggression in a large sample-size non-clinical adult population, also describing a novel candidate polymorphism as predisposal to aggressive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Banlaki
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Elek
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Nanasi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Szekely
- Institute of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsofia Nemoda
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Sasvari-Szekely
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Ronai
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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Gao X, Sun P, Qiao M, Wei S, Xue L, Zhang H. Shu‑Yu capsule, a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation, attenuates premenstrual syndrome depression induced by chronic stress constraint. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:2942-8. [PMID: 25270424 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of the Shu-Yu capsule (SYC), a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation, on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) depression and the ratio of glutamate (Glu) to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in a rat model of PMS depression. Rats were randomly divided into a control group, model group, fluoxetine group, SYC group and saikosaponins (SS) group. The therapeutic effect of SYC was evaluated using a sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT) and body mass following four days of treatment. Hippocampal extracellular fluid was collected by microdialysis and the levels of Glu and GABA in the microdialysate were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The results revealed that, compared with the control group, the sucrose preference coefficient (SC%), total score of OFT and body mass of the model group were significantly lower (P<0.01, P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). However, the sucrose preference coefficient, total score of OFT and body mass of the SYC group were all significantly increased compared with the model group (P<0.05). Furthermore, SYC inhibited the decrease of the Glu/GABA ratio in the hippocampus of rats with PMS depression. It was concluded that SYC effectively improved the symptoms of PMS depression, possibly by inhibiting the dysregulation of the Glu/GABA balance in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxiao Gao
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Peng Sun
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Wei
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Ling Xue
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Huiyun Zhang
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
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Kastenberger I, Schwarzer C. GPER1 (GPR30) knockout mice display reduced anxiety and altered stress response in a sex and paradigm dependent manner. Horm Behav 2014; 66:628-36. [PMID: 25236887 PMCID: PMC4213071 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The putative estrogen receptor GPER1 (the former orphan receptor GPR30) is discussed to be involved in emotional and cognitive functions and stress control. We recently described the induction of anxiety-like effects by the GPER1 agonist G-1 upon systemic injection into mice. To contribute to a better understanding of the role of GPER1 in anxiety and stress, we investigated germ-line GPER1 deficient mice. Our experiments revealed marked differences between the sexes. A mild but consistent phenotype of increased exploratory drive was observed in the home cage, the elevated plus maze and the light-dark choice test in male GPER1 KO mice. In contrast, female GPER1-KO mice displayed a less pronounced phenotype in these tests. Estrous-stage dependent mild anxiolytic-like effects were observed solely in the open field test. Notably, we observed a strong shift in acute stress coping behavior in the tail suspension test and basal corticosterone levels in different phases of the estrous cycle in female GPER1-KO mice. Our data, in line with previous reports, suggest that GPER1 is involved in anxiety and stress control. Surprisingly, its effects appear to be stronger in male than female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Kastenberger
- Department of Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Peter-Mayr-Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Schwarzer
- Department of Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Peter-Mayr-Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Santoru F, Berretti R, Locci A, Porcu P, Concas A. Decreased allopregnanolone induced by hormonal contraceptives is associated with a reduction in social behavior and sexual motivation in female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:3351-64. [PMID: 24728651 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3539-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid involved in depression, memory, social, and sexual behavior. We have previously demonstrated that treatment with a combination of ethinylestradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG), two compounds frequently used in hormonal contraception, decreased brain allopregnanolone concentrations. These changes may contribute to some of the emotional and sexual disorders observed in hormonal contraceptive users. OBJECTIVES We thus examined whether the reduction in allopregnanolone concentrations induced by long-term EE/LNG administration was associated with altered emotional, learning, social, and sexual behaviors. METHODS Rats were orally treated with a combination of EE (0.030 mg) and LNG (0.125 mg) once a day for 4 weeks and were subjected to behavioral tests 24 h after the last administration. RESULTS EE/LNG treatment reduced immobility behavior in the forced swim test, without affecting sucrose preference and spatial learning and memory. In the resident-intruder test, EE/LNG-treated rats displayed a decrease in dominant behaviors associated with a reduction in social investigation. In the paced mating test, EE/LNG treated rats showed a reduction in proceptive behaviors, while the lordosis quotient was not affected. Progesterone, but not estradiol, administration to EE/LNG-treated rats increased sexual activity and cerebrocortical allopregnanolone concentrations. Prior administration of finasteride decreased allopregnanolone concentrations and abolished the increase in proceptivity induced by progesterone administration. CONCLUSIONS The decrease in brain allopregnanolone concentrations induced by EE/LNG treatment is associated with a reduction in social behavior and sexual motivation in female rats. These results might be relevant to the side effects sometimes exhibited by women taking hormonal contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Santoru
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS 554 (Km. 4,500), 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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Wei S, Ji XW, Wu CL, Li ZF, Sun P, Wang JQ, Zhao QT, Gao J, Guo YH, Sun SG, Qiao MQ. Resident intruder paradigm-induced aggression relieves depressive-like behaviors in male rats subjected to chronic mild stress. Med Sci Monit 2014; 20:945-52. [PMID: 24911067 PMCID: PMC4067422 DOI: 10.12659/msm.890200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating epidemiological evidence shows that life event stressors are major vulnerability factors for psychiatric diseases such as major depression. It is also well known that the resident intruder paradigm (RIP) results in aggressive behavior in male rats. However, it is not known how resident intruder paradigm-induced aggression affects depressive-like behavior in isolated male rats subjected to chronic mild stress (CMS), which is an animal model of depression. Material/Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: non-stressed controls, isolated rats subjected to the CMS protocol, and resident intruder paradigm-exposed rats subjected to the CMS protocol. Results In the sucrose intake test, ingestion of a 1% sucrose solution by rats in the CMS group was significantly lower than in control and CMS+RIP rats after 3 weeks of stress. In the open-field test, CMS rats had significantly lower open-field scores compared to control rats. Furthermore, the total scores given the CMS group were significantly lower than in the CMS+RIP rats. In the forced swimming test (FST), the immobility times of CMS rats were significantly longer than those of the control or CMS+RIP rats. However, no differences were observed between controls and CMS+RIP rats. Conclusions Our data show that aggressive behavior evoked by the resident intruder paradigm could relieve broad-spectrum depressive-like behaviors in isolated adult male rats subjected to CMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wei
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
| | - Xiao-wei Ji
- Second Affiliated Hospita, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Shandong Provincial Hospital of Integrated Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
| | | | - Zi-fa Li
- Laboratory of Behavioral Brain Analysis, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
| | - Peng Sun
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
| | - Jie-qiong Wang
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
| | - Qi-tao Zhao
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
| | - Jie Gao
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
| | - Ying-hui Guo
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
| | - Shi-guang Sun
- Laboratory of Behavioral Brain Analysis, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
| | - Ming-qi Qiao
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (mainland)
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43
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Perez-Caballero L, Torres-Sanchez S, Bravo L, Mico JA, Berrocoso E. Fluoxetine: a case history of its discovery and preclinical development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:567-78. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.907790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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de Jong TR, Beiderbeck DI, Neumann ID. Measuring virgin female aggression in the female intruder test (FIT): effects of oxytocin, estrous cycle, and anxiety. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91701. [PMID: 24614336 PMCID: PMC3948875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The costs of violence and aggression in our society have stimulated the scientific search for the predictors and causes of aggression. The majority of studies have focused on males, which are considered to be more aggressive than females in most species. However, rates of offensive behavior in girls and young women are considerable and are currently rising in Western society. The extrapolation of scientific results from males to young, non-maternal females is a priori limited, based on the profound sex differences in brain areas and functioning of neurotransmitters involved in aggression. Therefore, we established a paradigm to assess aggressive behavior in young virgin female rats, i.e. the female intruder test (FIT). We found that approximately 40% of un-manipulated adult (10-11 weeks old) female Wistar rats attack an intruder female during the FIT, independent of their estrous phase or that of their intruder. In addition, adolescent (7-8 weeks old) female rats selected for high anxiety behavior (HABs) displayed significantly more aggression than non-selected (NAB) or low-anxiety (LAB) rats. Intracerebroventricular infusion of oxytocin (OXT, 0.1 µg/5 µl) inhibited aggressive behavior in adult NAB and LAB, but not HAB females. Adolescent NAB rats that had been aggressive towards their intruder showed increased pERK immunoreactivity (IR) in the hypothalamic attack area and reduced pERK-IR in OXT neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus compared to non-aggressive NAB rats. Taken together, aggressive behavior in young virgin female rats is partly dependent on trait anxiety, and appears to be under considerable OXT control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trynke R. de Jong
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniela I. Beiderbeck
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Berretti R, Santoru F, Locci A, Sogliano C, Calza A, Choleris E, Porcu P, Concas A. Neonatal exposure to estradiol decreases hypothalamic allopregnanolone concentrations and alters agonistic and sexual but not affective behavior in adult female rats. Horm Behav 2014; 65:142-53. [PMID: 24368289 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of developing female rats to estradiol during the perinatal period induced long-lasting dysregulation of gonadal axis and decreased cerebrocortical and plasma concentrations of allopregnanolone. We have now examined the effects of neonatal estradiol administration in female rats on hypothalamic allopregnanolone concentrations and on exploratory, affective, agonistic and sexual behaviors as well as social learning. A single administration of β-estradiol 3-benzoate (EB, 10μg) on the day of birth resulted in a delay of vaginal opening, acyclicity and ovarian failure. These alterations were associated with a significant decrease in the concentrations of allopregnanolone in the hypothalamus at 21 and 60days, but not at 7days, after birth. Neonatal administration of EB also increased agonistic behaviors in adult rats, such as dominant behaviors and following of an ovariectomized intruder, while living attacks unaffected. EB-treated rats showed also an increase in anogenital investigation, associated with a drastic reduction in spontaneous and induced female sexual behaviors (receptivity and proceptivity). In contrast, neonatal administration of EB did not affect locomotor activity, anxiety- and mood-related behaviors, the social transmission of flavor preferences, and seizures sensitivity. These effects of estradiol suggest that it plays a major role in regulation of both the abundance of allopregnanolone and the expression of agonistic and sexual behaviors, while failing to influence affective behaviors and social learning. Thus, the pronounced and persistent decrease in hypothalamic allopregnanolone concentration may be related to the manifestation of agonistic and sexual behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Berretti
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - F Santoru
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Locci
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - C Sogliano
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Calza
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - E Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - P Porcu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Concas
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy.
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46
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Morrison TR, Melloni RH. The role of serotonin, vasopressin, and serotonin/vasopressin interactions in aggressive behavior. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2014; 17:189-228. [PMID: 24496652 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2014_283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Aggression control has been investigated across species and is centrally mediated within various brain regions by several neural systems that interact at different levels. The debate over the degree to which any one system or region affects aggressive responding, or any behavior for that matter, in some senses is arbitrary considering the plastic and adaptive properties of the central nervous system. Nevertheless, from the reductionist point of view, the compartmentalization of evolutionarily maladaptive behaviors to specific regions and systems of the brain is necessary for the advancement of clinical treatments (e.g., pharmaceutical) and novel therapeutic methods (e.g., deep brain stimulation). The general purpose of this chapter is to examine the confluence of two such systems, and how their functional interaction affects aggressive behavior. Specifically, the influence of the serotonin (5HT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) neural systems on the control of aggressive behavior will be examined individually and together to provide a context by which the understanding of aggression modulation can be expanded from seemingly parallel neuromodulatory mechanisms, to a single and highly interactive system of aggression control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Morrison
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, 125 Nightingale Hall, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02155, USA,
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47
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Qiao M, Zhao Q, Wei S, Zhang H, Wang H. Premenstrual dysphoria and luteal stress in dominant-social-status female macaques. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:393862. [PMID: 24371458 PMCID: PMC3863534 DOI: 10.1155/2013/393862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The current study aims to extend our previous work to develop nonhuman primate model for prospectively studying the mechanism underlying premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Thirty young dominant-status female monkeys were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, and JQP group. For two consecutive menstrual cycles, from day 18 to 22, monkeys in the model and JQP groups were housed and immobilized singly in specially designed isolation cages for 5-6 hours per day. At the same time, the pharmaceutical interference effect of jingqianping (JQP) granule, a traditional Chinese medicine specifically used to cure PMDD patients, was tested using monkeys in the JQP group. The behavior and facial expressions of monkeys were photographed with an automatic vidicon and were quantitatively analyzed by "the emotion evaluation scale of female experimental macaque." Changes in serum level of progesterone and estradiol were measured with RIA, and serum level of 5-HT, noradrenaline, and dopamine were measured with HPLC. After experiencing mentioned above stress, 70% of monkeys of model group showed PMDD symptoms during three consecutive menstrual cycles. Estradiol and progesterone serum level decreased (P < 0.01). Moreover, the peak value of secreted hormones in their follicular phase did not occur. Serum level of 5-HT and dopamine were significantly lower (P < 0.01), but the serum noradrenaline level was higher (P < 0.01). Moreover, in monkeys administered by JQP granule, both PMDD symptoms and the anormal serum level of neurotransmitters could be obviously reversed. This special luteal-phase treatment on dominant-social-status monkeys might be a feasible way to create models mimicking PMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqi Qiao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changqing University & Science & Technology Park, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
| | - Qitao Zhao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changqing University & Science & Technology Park, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
| | - Sheng Wei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changqing University & Science & Technology Park, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
| | - Huiyun Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changqing University & Science & Technology Park, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
| | - Haijun Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changqing University & Science & Technology Park, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
- Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
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Serotonin depletion counteracts sex differences in anxiety-related behaviour in rat. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 230:29-35. [PMID: 23681161 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3133-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies suggest (1) that a major physiological role of brain serotonin-containing neurons is to modulate sex steroid-driven behaviour such as sex and aggression, (2) that sex steroids influence brain serotonergic neurotransmission and (3) that brain serotonergic neurotransmission displays sexual dimorphism. Such observations indicate that an important task for brain serotonin is to either enhance or counteract sex differences in behaviour. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we explored the effect of short-term serotonin depletion on the behaviour of adult male and female rats in a behavioural paradigm in which males and females have been shown to behave differently, i.e. the elevated plus maze. RESULTS Two rounds of testing of untreated Wistar rats confirmed the previous observation that females make more entries into open arms (round 1, p = 0.001; round 2, p = 0.008) and spend more time on these arms (round 1, p ≤ 0.001; round 2, p = 0.006) than males; in addition, males displayed fewer entries into closed arms upon habituation, i.e. at the second round (p ≤ 0.001) than did females. Administration of the tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor para-chloro-phenylalanine, at a regimen (300 mg/kg/day for 3 days), markedly reducing brain content of serotonin, enhanced entries upon open arms (p = 0.01) and time spent on open arms (p = 0.004) in males but exerted no such effects in females (p = 0.9 and p = 0.9, respectively); moreover, it reduced entries into closed arms in females (p ≤ 0.001) but not in males (p = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS Serotonin depletion abolishing the sex differences observed at baseline supports the theory that serotonin aids to uphold certain sex differences in behaviour.
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Long-term programming of enhanced aggression by peripuberty stress in female rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:2758-69. [PMID: 23942011 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.07.005] [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: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Human literature has linked adverse early life experiences with an increased risk to develop violent behaviors in both boys and girls. We have previously shown that male rats submitted to stress during the peripuberty period display as adults abnormal aggressive behavior against both male intruders and female partners. In the present study, we examined whether the same stress protocol would affect the development of aggressive behaviors in female rats. We evaluated the behavior of these peripuberty stressed female rats when confronted, at adulthood, with either female or male intruders, and during their cohabitation with male partners. Given that estrus cycle influences mood and aggressive behaviors, female aggressive behavior was assessed at different estrus cycle phases: estrus and diestrus, and during pregnancy and lactancy. Additionally, we evaluated postpartum plasma levels of vasopressin, oxytocin and corticosterone, hormones associated with aggression and the regulation of social behavior. Compared to control females, females submitted to stressful events during puberty exhibited higher and more sustained rates of aggression during adulthood independently on the estrus cycle or the sex of the intruder, and they had higher levels of plasma vasopressin. Significant correlations between plasma levels of vasopressin and corticosterone and aggressive behavior were also found. Strikingly, our results showed opposite intragroup correlations suggesting a different role of these hormones on aggression depending on life experiences. We provide here an animal model, devoid of cultural influences strongly supporting a role for biological factors in the development of aggressive behaviors following exposure to stressful events at puberty in females.
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Soyda Akyol E, Karakaya Arısoy EÖ, Cayköylü A. Anger in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: its relations with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and sociodemographic and clinical variables. Compr Psychiatry 2013; 54:850-5. [PMID: 23759151 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to investigate anger and anger levels in women meeting the criteria of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and to determine the relation between anger levels and the severity of PMDD and other variables. METHODS 50 women meeting the criteria of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and 50 healthy controls were included in the study. Sociodemographic, familial and reproductive period characteristics of the women participating in the study were recorded. All subjects were administered the State-Trait Anger Scale and Premenstrual Syndrom Scale scales. RESULTS A significant difference was found between the Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder group and the healthy control group in terms of Premenstrual Syndrom Scale scores and anger sub scores. When the state trait anger scale scores were examined, it was seen that subscles had higher scores compared to healthy women. In Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder group; there was a positive correlation between Premenstrual Syndrom Scale scores and trait anger, anger-in and anger control scores. CONCLUSIONS Anger appears to be an important problem that makes life more difficult for subjects with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Wide-scale further studies focused on anger and its relation with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are needed to develop ways of coping with anger in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Soyda Akyol
- Department of Psychiatry, Yenimahalle State Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
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