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Zhang S, Zhang X, Li H, Wang D, Wang S, Wang Y, Zhao G, Dong H, Li J. Ventral Tegmental Area Glutamatergic Neurons Facilitated Emergence From Isoflurane Anesthesia Involves Excitation of Lateral Septum GABA-ergic Neurons in Mice. Anesth Analg 2024; 139:397-410. [PMID: 38048607 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventral tegmental area (VTA) glutamatergic neurons promote wakefulness in the sleep-wake cycle; however, their roles and neural circuit mechanisms during isoflurane (ISO) anesthesia remain unclear. METHODS Fiber photometry and in vivo electrophysiology were used to observe the changes in neuronal or terminal activity during ISO anesthesia and arousal processes. Optogenetic and anesthesia behaviors were used to investigate the effects of VTA glutamatergic neurons and their projections to the lateral septum (LS) during ISO anesthesia and arousal. Anterograde and retrograde tracings were performed to identify the connections between VTA glutamatergic neurons and the LS. RESULTS Population activity and firing rates of VTA glutamatergic neurons decreased during ISO anesthesia (ISO: 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-2.06 Spikes.s -1 vs wake: 95% CI, 3.53-7.83 Spikes.s -1 ; P =.0001; n = 34 from 4 mice). Optogenetic activation of VTA glutamatergic neurons reduced the burst-suppression ratio in electroencephalography (laser: 95% CI, 13.09%-28.76% vs pre: 95% CI, 52.85%-71.59%; P =.0009; n = 6) and facilitated emergence (ChR2: 95% CI, 343.3-388.0 seconds vs mCherry: 95% CI, 447.6-509.8 seconds; P < .0001; n = 11/12) from ISO anesthesia. VTA glutamatergic neurons monosynaptically innervated LS γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons. The activity of VTA glutamatergic terminals in the LS decreased during ISO anesthesia, and optogenetic activation of the VTA glutamatergic terminals in the LS facilitated emergence from ISO anesthesia. Furthermore, optogenetic activation of VTA glutamatergic terminals increased the firing rates of LS γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) neurons (laser: 95% CI, 0.85-4.03 Spikes.s -1 vs pre: 95% CI, 0.24-0.78 Spikes.s -1 ; P =.008; n = 23 from 4 mice) during ISO anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS VTA glutamatergic neurons facilitated emergence from ISO anesthesia involving excitation of LS GABAergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Zhang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huiming Li
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan Wang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sa Wang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guangchao Zhao
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hailong Dong
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Tong X, Wu J, Sun R, Li H, Hong Y, Liu X, Sun Y, Chen C, Huang L, Lin S. Elevated dorsal medial prefrontal cortex to lateral habenula pathway activity mediates chronic stress-induced depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1402-1411. [PMID: 38480908 PMCID: PMC11251170 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01840-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) sends projections to numerous brain regions and is believed to play a significant role in depression and anxiety. One of the key downstream targets of the mPFC, the lateral habenula (LHb), is essential for chronic stress (CS)-induced depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. Nevertheless, whether the mPFC-LHb pathway mediates the co-occurrence of depression and anxiety and the underlying mechanism remain incompletely understood. Here, using chemogenetics, we first determined that activation of LHb-projecting mPFC neurons is essential for the development of depressive and anxiety-like behaviors induced by CS. Subsequently, we identify the extent and distribution of LHb-projecting neurons originating from the mPFC subregion. Through circuit-specific in vivo fiber photometry, we found that Ca2+ activity in dorsal mPFC (dmPFC) axon terminals within the LHb was increased during exposure to stressful and anxiety-related stimuli, highlighting the potential role of LHb-projecting dmPFC neurons in conveying stressful and anxiety-related information to the LHb. Finally, we observed that activation of both LHb-projecting dmPFC neurons and their postsynaptic counterparts in the LHb was necessary for CS-induced depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. Overall, this study provides multiple lines of evidence demonstrating that activation of the dmPFC-LHb pathway is a crucial neural circuitry for CS-induced depressive and anxiety-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Tong
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jijin Wu
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ruizhe Sun
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Han Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yingxi Hong
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xianwei Liu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Chunxiao Chen
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Emergency Department, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
| | - Song Lin
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Zhou L, Zhang C, Xie Z, Yu Q, Wang J, Gong Y, Zhao J, Bai S, Yang L, Deng D, Zhang R, Shi Y. Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Sinisan formula for the Treatment of adolescent Depression: prefrontal cortex to dorsal raphe nucleus. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118529. [PMID: 38972528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sinisan formula (SNSF), documented in the classic books Shanghan Lun, is known for its ability to regulate liver-qi and treat depression. However, its underlying mechanism, particularly its effects on dynamic real-time neuron activity and circuits remains to be fully elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of SNSF and its central nervous system mechanism on depression-like behaviors, focusing on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) neural circuit in a stress-induced adolescent animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS SNSF comprised four herbs, the root of Bupleurum chinense DC., the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., the fruit of Citrus aurantium L., the rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., in equal propotions. The adolescent depression animal model was induced by maternal separation (MS) and chronic restraint stress (CRS). In-vivo multichannel physiological electrodes were implanted into the PFC on PND 28 and animals were recorded 5 times during PND 35-46. From PND 47, the behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of SNSF. Subsequently, brain tissue was collected for Western blot and immunofluorescence staining analysis. Retro virus was injected into the DRN to explore sources of projections received by serotonergic (5-HTergic) neurons. And the PFC-to-DRN circuit was activated or inhibited through chemogenetic techniques to investigate the effects of SNSF on depression-like behaviors. RESULTS Administration of SNSF for 18 days effectively alleviated depression-like behaviors in MS&CRS adolescent mice. The PFC emerged as the primary glutamatergic projection source of the DRN5-HT neurons. Following SNSF administration for 13/15/18 days, there was an increase in the firing rate of excitatory neurons and excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) ratio in the PFC. MS&CRS stress let to a reduction in the density of 5-HT+ and CaMKII + neurons in the DRN, accompanied by an increase in the density of GAD + neurons in the DRN, while SNSF administration reversed the alterations. Chemogenetic activation of the PFC-to-DRN circuit rescued the depression-like behaviors induced by MS&CRS, whereas suppression of this circuit attenuated the antidepressant effect of SNSF. CONCLUSIONS SNSF significantly mitigated depression-like behaviors in MS&CRS mice. SNSF exerts its antidepressant effects by increasing the E/I ratio in the PFC and enhancing glutamatergic projections from the PFC to the DRN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuchang Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China; Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Fundamental Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Caixia Zhang
- Outpatient Department, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Zedan Xie
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qingying Yu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuwen Gong
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jinlan Zhao
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shasha Bai
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Di Deng
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Rong Zhang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yafei Shi
- School of Fundamental Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Abdel-Hay N, Kabirova M, Yaka R. A discrete subpopulation of PFC-LHb neurons govern cocaine place preference. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:269. [PMID: 38956048 PMCID: PMC11220025 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Addiction is a complex behavioral disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and drug use despite harmful consequences. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a crucial role in cocaine addiction, involving decision-making, impulse control, memory, and emotional regulation. The PFC interacts with the brain's reward system, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). The PFC also projects to the lateral habenula (LHb), a brain region critical for encoding negative reward and regulating the reward system. In the current study, we examined the role of PFC-LHb projections in regulating cocaine reward-related behaviors. We found that optogenetic stimulation of the PFC-LHb circuit during cocaine conditioning abolished cocaine preference without causing aversion. In addition, increased c-fos expression in LHb neurons was observed in animals that received optic stimulation during cocaine conditioning, supporting the circuit's involvement in cocaine preference regulation. Molecular analysis in animals that received optic stimulation revealed that cocaine-induced alterations in the expression of GluA1 subunit of AMPA receptor was normalized to saline levels in a region-specific manner. Moreover, GluA1 serine phosphorylation on S845 and S831 were differentially altered in LHb and VTA but not in the PFC. Together these findings highlight the critical role of the PFC-LHb circuit in controlling cocaine reward-related behaviors and shed light on the underlying mechanisms. Understanding this circuit's function may provide valuable insights into addiction and contribute to developing targeted treatments for substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Abdel-Hay
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marina Kabirova
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rami Yaka
- Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Li F, Zheng X, Wang H, Meng L, Chen M, Hui Y, Liu D, Li Y, Xie K, Zhang J, Guo G. Mediodorsal thalamus projection to medial prefrontal cortical mediates social defeat stress-induced depression-like behaviors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1318-1329. [PMID: 38438592 PMCID: PMC11224337 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01829-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown that the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) may play an important role in the development of depression. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms by which the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) participates in the pathological processes of depression remain unclear. Here, we show that in male chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) mice, the calcium signaling activity of glutamatergic neurons in MD is reduced. By combining conventional neurotracer and transneuronal virus tracing techniques, we identify a synaptic circuit connecting MD and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the mouse. Brain slice electrophysiology and fiber optic recordings reveal that the reduced activity of MD glutamatergic neurons leads to an excitatory-inhibitory imbalance of pyramidal neurons in mPFC. Furthermore, activation of MD glutamatergic neurons restores the electrophysiological properties abnormal in mPFC. Optogenetic activation of the MD-mPFC circuit ameliorates anxiety and depression-like behaviors in CSDS mice. Taken together, these data support the critical role of MD-mPFC circuit on CSDS-induced depression-like behavior and provide a potential mechanistic explanation for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xuefeng Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Hanjie Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Lianghui Meng
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Meiying Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yuqing Hui
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Danlei Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Keman Xie
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Guoqing Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Meng X, Xia Y, Liu M, Ning Y, Li H, Liu L, Liu J. A deep-learning-based threshold-free method for automated analysis of rodent behavior in the forced swim test and tail suspension test. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 409:110212. [PMID: 38960331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) are widely used to assess depressive-like behaviors in animals. Immobility time is used as an important parameter in both FST and TST. Traditional methods for analyzing FST and TST rely on manually setting the threshold for immobility, which is time-consuming and subjective. NEW METHOD We proposed a threshold-free method for automated analysis of mice in these tests using a Dual-Stream Activity Analysis Network (DSAAN). Specifically, this network extracted spatial information of mice using a limited number of video frames and combined it with temporal information extracted from differential feature maps to determine the mouse's state. To do so, we developed the Mouse FSTST dataset, which consisted of annotated video recordings of FST and TST. RESULTS By using DSAAN methods, we identify immobility states at accuracies of 92.51 % and 88.70 % for the TST and FST, respectively. The predicted immobility time from DSAAN is nicely correlated with a manual score, which indicates the reliability of the proposed method. Importantly, the DSAAN achieved over 80 % accuracy for both FST and TST by utilizing only 94 annotated images, suggesting that even a very limited training dataset can yield good performance in our model. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Compared with DBscorer and EthoVision XT, our method exhibits the highest Pearson correlation coefficient with manual annotation results on the Mouse FSTST dataset. CONCLUSIONS We established a powerful tool for analyzing depressive-like behavior independent of threshold, which is capable of freeing users from time-consuming manual analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechun Meng
- School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Yang Xia
- School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Mingqing Liu
- School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Yuxing Ning
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Hongqi Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Life Science School, University of Science and Technology of China, China.
| | - Ji Liu
- School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China; Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Life Science School, University of Science and Technology of China, China.
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Galaraga K, Rogaeva A, Biniam N, Daigle M, Albert PR. CaMKIV-Mediated Phosphorylation Inactivates Freud-1/CC2D1A Repression for Calcium-Dependent 5-HT1A Receptor Gene Induction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6194. [PMID: 38892382 PMCID: PMC11172825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcium calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) mediates calcium-induced neural gene activation. CaMK also inhibits the non-syndromic intellectual disability gene, Freud-1/CC2D1A, a transcriptional repressor of human serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) and dopamine-D2 receptor genes. The altered expression of these Freud-1-regulated genes is implicated in mental illnesses such as major depression and schizophrenia. We hypothesized that Freud-1 is blocked by CaMK-induced phosphorylation. The incubation of purified Freud-1 with either CaMKIIα or CaMKIV increased Freud-1 phosphorylation that was partly prevented in Freud-1-Ser644Ala and Freud-1-Thr780Ala CaMK site mutants. In human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells, active CaMKIV induced the serine and threonine phosphorylation of Freud-1, and specifically increased Freud-1-Thr780 phosphorylation in transfected HEK-293 cells. The activation of purified CaMKIIα or CaMKIV reduced Freud-1 binding to its DNA element on the 5-HT1A and dopamine-D2 receptor genes. In SK-N-SH cells, active CaMKIV but not CaMKIIα blocked the Freud-1 repressor activity, while Freud-1 Ser644Ala, Thr780Ala or dual mutants were resistant to inhibition by activated CaMKIV or calcium mobilization. These results indicate that the Freud-1 repressor activity is blocked by CaMKIV-induced phosphorylation at Thr780, resulting in the up-regulation of the target genes, such as the 5-HT1A receptor gene. The CaMKIV-mediated inhibition of Freud-1 provides a novel de-repression mechanism to induce 5-HT1A receptor expression for the regulation of cognitive development, behavior and antidepressant response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paul R. Albert
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience), Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H-8M5, Canada; (K.G.); (A.R.); (N.B.); (M.D.)
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8
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Zhang X, Fan L, Yang L, Jin X, Liu H, Lei H, Song X, Zhang Z, Zhang F, Song J. DAPK1 mediates cognitive dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis in PSD rats through the ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. Behav Brain Res 2024; 471:115064. [PMID: 38777261 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common mental sequelae after a stroke and can damage the brain. Although PSD has garnered increasing attention in recent years, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Studies have indicated that the expression of DAPK1 is elevated in various neurodegenerative conditions, including depression, ischemic stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. However, the specific molecular mechanism of DAPK1-mediated cognitive dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis in PSD rats is unclear. In this study, we established a rat model of PSD, and then assessed depression-like behaviors and cognitive dysfunction in rats using behavioral tests. In addition, we detected neuronal apoptosis and analyzed the expression of DAPK1 protein and proteins related to the ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. The findings revealed that MCAO combined with CUMS can induce more severe depression-like behaviors and cognitive dysfunction in rats, while overexpression of DAPK1 may hinder the downstream ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathways, resulting in neuronal loss and exacerbation of brain tissue damage. In this study, we will focus on DAPK1 and explore its role in PSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, Xinxiang 453000, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry (Xinxiang Medical College), Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Lifei Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Lina Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Xuejiao Jin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, Xinxiang 453000, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry (Xinxiang Medical College), Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Huanhuan Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, Xinxiang 453000, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry (Xinxiang Medical College), Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Hao Lei
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, Xinxiang 453000, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry (Xinxiang Medical College), Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Xiaojia Song
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, Xinxiang 453000, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry (Xinxiang Medical College), Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Fuping Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, Xinxiang 453000, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry (Xinxiang Medical College), Xinxiang 453000, China; Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and treatment of mental disorder, Xinxiang 453000, China; Brain Institute, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou 451162, China.
| | - Jinggui Song
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, Xinxiang 453000, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry (Xinxiang Medical College), Xinxiang 453000, China; Brain Institute, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou 451162, China.
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9
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Spreen A, Alkhoury D, Walter H, Müller S. Optogenetic behavioral studies in depression research: A systematic review. iScience 2024; 27:109776. [PMID: 38726370 PMCID: PMC11079475 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics has made substantial contributions to our understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of depression. This systematic review employs quantitative analysis to investigate the impact of optogenetic stimulation in mice and rats on behavioral alterations in social interaction, sucrose consumption, and mobility. The review analyses optogenetic behavioral studies using standardized behavioral tests to detect behavioral changes induced via optogenetic stimulation in stressed or stress-naive mice and rats. Behavioral changes were evaluated as either positive, negative, or not effective. The analysis comprises the outcomes of 248 behavioral tests of 168 studies described in 37 articles, including negative and null results. Test outcomes were compared for each behavior, depending on the animal cohort, applied type of stimulation and the stimulated neuronal circuit and cell type. The presented synthesis contributes toward a comprehensive picture of optogenetic behavioral research in the context of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Spreen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Biophysics, Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dana Alkhoury
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Müller
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
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10
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Michel L, Molina P, Mameli M. The behavioral relevance of a modular organization in the lateral habenula. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00287-3. [PMID: 38772374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Behavioral strategies for survival rely on the updates the brain continuously makes based on the surrounding environment. External stimuli-neutral, positive, and negative-relay core information to the brain, where a complex anatomical network rapidly organizes actions, including approach or escape, and regulates emotions. Human neuroimaging and physiology in nonhuman primates, rodents, and teleosts suggest a pivotal role of the lateral habenula in translating external information into survival behaviors. Here, we review the literature describing how discrete habenular modules-reflecting the molecular signatures, anatomical connectivity, and functional components-are recruited by environmental stimuli and cooperate to prompt specific behavioral outcomes. We argue that integration of these findings in the context of valence processing for reinforcing or discouraging behaviors is necessary, offering a compelling model to guide future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Michel
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Molina
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005 Paris, France.
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11
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Bollinger JL, Johnsamuel S, Vollmer LL, Kuhn AM, Wohleb ES. Stress-induced dysfunction of neurovascular astrocytes contributes to sex-specific behavioral deficits. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594147. [PMID: 38798398 PMCID: PMC11118421 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes form an integral component of the neurovascular unit, ensheathing brain blood vessels with projections high in aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression. These AQP4-rich projections facilitate interaction between the vascular endothelium, astrocytes, and neurons, and help stabilize vascular morphology. Studies using preclinical models of psychological stress and post-mortem tissue from patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have reported reductions in AQP4, loss of astrocytic structures, and vascular impairment in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Though compelling, the role of AQP4 in mediating stress-induced alterations in blood vessel function and behavior remains unclear. Here, we address this, alongside potential sex differences in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) effects on astrocyte phenotype, blood-brain barrier integrity, and behavior. CUS led to pronounced shifts in stress-coping behavior and working memory deficits in male -but not female- mice. Following behavioral testing, astrocytes from the frontal cortex were isolated for gene expression analyses. We found that CUS increased various transcripts associated with blood vessel maintenance in astrocytes from males, but either had no effect on- or decreased- these genes in females. Furthermore, CUS caused a reduction in vascular-localized AQP4 and elevated extravasation of a small molecule fluorescent reporter (Dextran) in the PFC in males but not females. Studies showed that knockdown of AQP4 in the PFC in males is sufficient to disrupt astrocyte phenotype and increase behavioral susceptibility to a sub-chronic stressor. Collectively, these findings provide initial evidence that sex-specific alterations in astrocyte phenotype and neurovascular integrity in the PFC contribute to behavioral and cognitive consequences following chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Bollinger
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Shobha Johnsamuel
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Lauren L Vollmer
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alexander M Kuhn
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Eric S Wohleb
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
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12
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Flerlage WJ, Simmons SC, Thomas EH, Gouty S, Cox BM, Nugent FS. Dysregulation of Kappa Opioid Receptor Neuromodulation of Lateral Habenula Synaptic Function following a Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.592017. [PMID: 38746139 PMCID: PMC11092670 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.592017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) increases the risk of cognitive deficits, affective disorders, anxiety and substance use disorder in affected individuals. Substantial evidence suggests a critical role for the lateral habenula (LHb) in pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Recently, we demonstrated a causal link between persistent mTBI-induced LHb hyperactivity due to synaptic excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance and motivational deficits in self-care grooming behavior in young adult male mice using a repetitive closed head injury mTBI model. One of the major neuromodulatory systems that is responsive to traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, influences affective states and also modulates LHb activity is the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (Dyn/KOR) system. However, the effects of mTBI on KOR neuromodulation of LHb function is unknown. To address this, we first used retrograde tracing to anatomically verify that the mouse LHb indeed receives Dyn/KOR expressing projections. We identified several major KOR-expressing and Dyn-expressing synaptic inputs projecting to the mouse LHb. We then functionally evaluated the effects of in vitro KOR modulation of spontaneous synaptic activity within the LHb of male and female sham and mTBI mice at 4week post-injury using the repetitive closed head injury mTBI model. Similar to what we previously reported in the LHb of male mTBI mice, mTBI presynaptically diminished spontaneous synaptic activity onto LHb neurons, while shifting synaptic E/I toward excitation in female mouse LHb. Furthermore, KOR activation in either mouse male/female LHb generally suppressed spontaneous glutamatergic transmission without altering GABAergic transmission, resulting in a significant reduction in E/I ratios and decreased excitatory synaptic drive to LHb neurons of male and female sham mice. Interestingly following mTBI, while responses to KOR activation at LHb glutamatergic synapses were observed comparable to those of sham, LHb GABAergic synapses acquired an additional sensitivity to KOR-mediated inhibition. Thus, in contrast to sham LHb, we observed a reduction in GABA release probability in response to KOR stimulation in mTBI LHb, resulting in a chronic loss of KOR-mediated net synaptic inhibition within the LHb. Overall, our findings uncovered the previously unknown sources of major Dyn/KOR-expressing synaptic inputs projecting to the mouse LHb. Further, we demonstrate that an engagement of intra-LHb Dyn/KOR signaling provides a global suppression of excitatory synaptic drive to the mouse LHb which could act as an inhibitory braking mechanism to prevent LHb hyperexcitability. The additional engagement of KOR-mediated modulatory action on LHb GABAergic transmission by mTBI could contribute to the E/I imbalance after mTBI, with Dyn/KOR signaling serving as a disinhibitory mechanism for LHb neurons in male and female mTBI mice.
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13
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Botterill JJ, Khlaifia A, Appings R, Wilkin J, Violi F, Premachandran H, Cruz-Sanchez A, Canella AE, Patel A, Zaidi SD, Arruda-Carvalho M. Dorsal peduncular cortex activity modulates affective behavior and fear extinction in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:993-1006. [PMID: 38233571 PMCID: PMC11039686 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01795-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is critical to cognitive and emotional function and underlies many neuropsychiatric disorders, including mood, fear and anxiety disorders. In rodents, disruption of mPFC activity affects anxiety- and depression-like behavior, with specialized contributions from its subdivisions. The rodent mPFC is divided into the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), spanning the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsal prelimbic cortex (PL), and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), which includes the ventral PL, infralimbic cortex (IL), and in some studies the dorsal peduncular cortex (DP) and dorsal tenia tecta (DTT). The DP/DTT have recently been implicated in the regulation of stress-induced sympathetic responses via projections to the hypothalamus. While many studies implicate the PL and IL in anxiety-, depression-like and fear behavior, the contribution of the DP/DTT to affective and emotional behavior remains unknown. Here, we used chemogenetics and optogenetics to bidirectionally modulate DP/DTT activity and examine its effects on affective behaviors, fear and stress responses in C57BL/6J mice. Acute chemogenetic activation of DP/DTT significantly increased anxiety-like behavior in the open field and elevated plus maze tests, as well as passive coping in the tail suspension test. DP/DTT activation also led to an increase in serum corticosterone levels and facilitated auditory fear extinction learning and retrieval. Activation of DP/DTT projections to the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) acutely decreased freezing at baseline and during extinction learning, but did not alter affective behavior. These findings point to the DP/DTT as a new regulator of affective behavior and fear extinction in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Botterill
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Abdessattar Khlaifia
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Ryan Appings
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Jennifer Wilkin
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Francesca Violi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Hanista Premachandran
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Arely Cruz-Sanchez
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G5, Canada
| | - Anna Elisabete Canella
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Ashutosh Patel
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - S Danyal Zaidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Maithe Arruda-Carvalho
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada.
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G5, Canada.
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14
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Sun R, Tang MY, Yang D, Zhang YY, Xu YH, Qiao Y, Yu B, Cao SX, Wang H, Huang HQ, Zhang H, Li XM, Lian H. C3aR in the medial prefrontal cortex modulates the susceptibility to LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors through glutamatergic neuronal excitability. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 236:102614. [PMID: 38641040 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102614] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Complement activation and prefrontal cortical dysfunction both contribute to the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD), but their interplay in MDD is unclear. We here studied the role of complement C3a receptor (C3aR) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and its influence on depressive-like behaviors induced by systematic lipopolysaccharides (LPS) administration. C3aR knockout (KO) or intra-mPFC C3aR antagonism confers resilience, whereas C3aR expression in mPFC neurons makes KO mice susceptible to LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors. Importantly, the excitation and inhibition of mPFC neurons have opposing effects on depressive-like behaviors, aligning with increased and decreased excitability by C3aR deletion and activation in cortical neurons. In particular, inhibiting mPFC glutamatergic (mPFCGlu) neurons, the main neuronal subpopulation expresses C3aR, induces depressive-like behaviors in saline-treated WT and KO mice, but not in LPS-treated KO mice. Compared to hypoexcitable mPFCGlu neurons in LPS-treated WT mice, C3aR-null mPFCGlu neurons display hyperexcitability upon LPS treatment, and enhanced excitation of mPFCGlu neurons is anti-depressant, suggesting a protective role of C3aR deficiency in these circumstances. In conclusion, C3aR modulates susceptibility to LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors through mPFCGlu neuronal excitability. This study identifies C3aR as a pivotal intersection of complement activation, mPFC dysfunction, and depression and a promising therapeutic target for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sun
- Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Research Center of System Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Yu Tang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Clinical Research Center, The second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Yi Zhang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Heng Xu
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Qiao
- Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Research Center of System Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Xia Cao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Qian Huang
- Clinical Research Center, The second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center of Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Lian
- Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Research Center of System Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
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15
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Groos D, Helmchen F. The lateral habenula: A hub for value-guided behavior. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113968. [PMID: 38522071 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113968] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The habenula is an evolutionarily highly conserved diencephalic brain region divided into two major parts, medial and lateral. Over the past two decades, studies of the lateral habenula (LHb), in particular, have identified key functions in value-guided behavior in health and disease. In this review, we focus on recent insights into LHb connectivity and its functional relevance for different types of aversive and appetitive value-guided behavior. First, we give an overview of the anatomical organization of the LHb and its main cellular composition. Next, we elaborate on how distinct LHb neuronal subpopulations encode aversive and appetitive stimuli and on their involvement in more complex decision-making processes. Finally, we scrutinize the afferent and efferent connections of the LHb and discuss their functional implications for LHb-dependent behavior. A deepened understanding of distinct LHb circuit components will substantially contribute to our knowledge of value-guided behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Groos
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University Research Priority Program (URPP), Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Huang T, Guo X, Huang X, Yi C, Cui Y, Dong Y. Input-output specific orchestration of aversive valence in lateral habenula during stress dynamics. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38616136 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300933] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Stress has been considered as a major risk factor for depressive disorders, triggering depression onset via inducing persistent dysfunctions in specialized brain regions and neural circuits. Among various regions across the brain, the lateral habenula (LHb) serves as a critical hub for processing aversive information during the dynamic process of stress accumulation, thus having been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression. LHb neurons integrate aversive valence conveyed by distinct upstream inputs, many of which selectively innervate the medial part (LHbM) or lateral part (LHbL) of LHb. LHb subregions also separately assign aversive valence via dissociable projections to the downstream targets in the midbrain which provides feedback loops. Despite these strides, the spatiotemporal dynamics of LHb-centric neural circuits remain elusive during the progression of depression-like state under stress. In this review, we attempt to describe a framework in which LHb orchestrates aversive valence via the input-output specific neuronal architecture. Notably, a physiological form of Hebbian plasticity in LHb under multiple stressors has been unveiled to incubate neuronal hyperactivity in an input-specific manner, which causally encodes chronic stress experience and drives depression onset. Collectively, the recent progress and future efforts in elucidating LHb circuits shed light on early interventions and circuit-specific antidepressant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taida Huang
- Department of Neurology and International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
- Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Research Centre, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xiaonan Guo
- Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaomin Huang
- Research Centre, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou 510080, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Yihui Cui
- Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China. ,
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. ,
| | - Yiyan Dong
- Department of Neurology and International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China. ,
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17
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Negrón-Oyarzo I, Dib T, Chacana-Véliz L, López-Quilodrán N, Urrutia-Piñones J. Large-scale coupling of prefrontal activity patterns as a mechanism for cognitive control in health and disease: evidence from rodent models. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 18:1286111. [PMID: 38638163 PMCID: PMC11024307 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1286111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive control of behavior is crucial for well-being, as allows subject to adapt to changing environments in a goal-directed way. Changes in cognitive control of behavior is observed during cognitive decline in elderly and in pathological mental conditions. Therefore, the recovery of cognitive control may provide a reliable preventive and therapeutic strategy. However, its neural basis is not completely understood. Cognitive control is supported by the prefrontal cortex, structure that integrates relevant information for the appropriate organization of behavior. At neurophysiological level, it is suggested that cognitive control is supported by local and large-scale synchronization of oscillatory activity patterns and neural spiking activity between the prefrontal cortex and distributed neural networks. In this review, we focus mainly on rodent models approaching the neuronal origin of these prefrontal patterns, and the cognitive and behavioral relevance of its coordination with distributed brain systems. We also examine the relationship between cognitive control and neural activity patterns in the prefrontal cortex, and its role in normal cognitive decline and pathological mental conditions. Finally, based on these body of evidence, we propose a common mechanism that may underlie the impaired cognitive control of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Negrón-Oyarzo
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Tatiana Dib
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Lorena Chacana-Véliz
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención en Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Nélida López-Quilodrán
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención en Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jocelyn Urrutia-Piñones
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención en Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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18
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Ho YY, Yang Q, Boddu P, Bulkin DA, Warden MR. Infralimbic parvalbumin neural activity facilitates cued threat avoidance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.18.553864. [PMID: 37645876 PMCID: PMC10462114 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.18.553864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The infralimbic cortex (IL) is essential for flexible behavioral responses to threatening environmental events. Reactive behaviors such as freezing or flight are adaptive in some contexts, but in others a strategic avoidance behavior may be more advantageous. IL has been implicated in avoidance, but the contribution of distinct IL neural subtypes with differing molecular identities and wiring patterns is poorly understood. Here, we study IL parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in mice as they engage in active avoidance behavior, a behavior in which mice must suppress freezing in order to move to safety. We find that activity in inhibitory PV neurons increases during movement to avoid the shock in this behavioral paradigm, and that PV activity during movement emerges after mice have experienced a single shock, prior to learning avoidance. PV neural activity does not change during movement toward cued rewards or during general locomotion in the open field, behavioral paradigms where freezing does not need to be suppressed to enable movement. Optogenetic suppression of PV neurons increases the duration of freezing and delays the onset of avoidance behavior, but does not affect movement toward rewards or general locomotion. These data provide evidence that IL PV neurons support strategic avoidance behavior by suppressing freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yun Ho
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Cornell Neurotech, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Qiuwei Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Priyanka Boddu
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - David A. Bulkin
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Cornell Neurotech, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Melissa R. Warden
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Cornell Neurotech, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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19
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Bremshey S, Groß J, Renken K, Masseck OA. The role of serotonin in depression-A historical roundup and future directions. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38477031 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide, affecting approximately 280 million people, with probably much higher unrecorded cases. Depression is associated with symptoms such as anhedonia, feelings of hopelessness, sleep disturbances, and even suicidal thoughts. Tragically, more than 700 000 people commit suicide each year. Although depression has been studied for many decades, the exact mechanisms that lead to depression are still unknown, and available treatments only help a fraction of patients. In the late 1960s, the serotonin hypothesis was published, suggesting that serotonin is the key player in depressive disorders. However, this hypothesis is being increasingly doubted as there is evidence for the influence of other neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline, glutamate, and dopamine, as well as larger systemic causes such as altered activity in the limbic network or inflammatory processes. In this narrative review, we aim to contribute to the ongoing debate on the involvement of serotonin in depression. We will review the evolution of antidepressant treatments, systemic research on depression over the years, and future research applications that will help to bridge the gap between systemic research and neurotransmitter dynamics using biosensors. These new tools in combination with systemic applications, will in the future provide a deeper understanding of the serotonergic dynamics in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Bremshey
- Synthetic Biology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Neuropharmacology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Juliana Groß
- Synthetic Biology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Kim Renken
- Synthetic Biology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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20
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Gutierrez-Castellanos N, Sarra D, Godinho BS, Mainen ZF. Maturation of cortical input to dorsal raphe nucleus increases behavioral persistence in mice. eLife 2024; 13:e93485. [PMID: 38477558 PMCID: PMC10994666 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to persist toward a desired objective is a fundamental aspect of behavioral control whose impairment is implicated in several behavioral disorders. One of the prominent features of behavioral persistence is that its maturation occurs relatively late in development. This is presumed to echo the developmental time course of a corresponding circuit within late-maturing parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, but the specific identity of the responsible circuits is unknown. Here, we used a genetic approach to describe the maturation of the projection from layer 5 neurons of the neocortex to the dorsal raphe nucleus in mice. Using optogenetic-assisted circuit mapping, we show that this projection undergoes a dramatic increase in synaptic potency between postnatal weeks 3 and 8, corresponding to the transition from juvenile to adult. We then show that this period corresponds to an increase in the behavioral persistence that mice exhibit in a foraging task. Finally, we used a genetic targeting strategy that primarily affected neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, to selectively ablate this pathway in adulthood and show that mice revert to a behavioral phenotype similar to juveniles. These results suggest that frontal cortical to dorsal raphe input is a critical anatomical and functional substrate of the development and manifestation of behavioral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dario Sarra
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud FoundationLisbonPortugal
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Beatriz S Godinho
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud FoundationLisbonPortugal
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
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21
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Baek JH, Park H, Kang H, Kim R, Kang JS, Kim HJ. The Role of Glutamine Homeostasis in Emotional and Cognitive Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1302. [PMID: 38279303 PMCID: PMC10816396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine (Gln), a non-essential amino acid, is synthesized de novo by glutamine synthetase (GS) in various organs. In the brain, GS is exclusively expressed in astrocytes under normal physiological conditions, producing Gln that takes part in glutamatergic neurotransmission through the glutamate (Glu)-Gln cycle. Because the Glu-Gln cycle and glutamatergic neurotransmission play a pivotal role in normal brain activity, maintaining Gln homeostasis in the brain is crucial. Recent findings indicated that a neuronal Gln deficiency in the medial prefrontal cortex in rodents led to depressive behaviors and mild cognitive impairment along with lower glutamatergic neurotransmission. In addition, exogenous Gln supplementation has been tested for its ability to overcome neuronal Gln deficiency and reverse abnormal behaviors induced by chronic immobilization stress (CIS). Although evidence is accumulating as to how Gln supplementation contributes to normalizing glutamatergic neurotransmission and the Glu-Gln cycle, there are few reviews on this. In this review, we summarize recent evidence demonstrating that Gln supplementation ameliorates CIS-induced deleterious changes, including an imbalance of the Glu-Gln cycle, suggesting that Gln homeostasis is important for emotional and cognitive functions. This is the first review of detailed mechanistic studies on the effects of Gln supplementation on emotional and cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Tyrosine Peptide Multiuse Research Group, Anti-Aging Bio Cell Factory Regional Leading Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beongil, Jinju 52727, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea; (J.H.B.); (H.P.); (H.K.); (R.K.); (J.S.K.)
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22
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Bollinger JL, Horchar MJ, Wohleb ES. Repeated Activation of Pyramidal Neurons in the Prefrontal Cortex Alters Microglial Phenotype in Male Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:715-723. [PMID: 38129124 PMCID: PMC10801771 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neuronal activity in the cortex alters microglia phenotype and function in several contexts, including chronic psychologic stress and neurodegenerative disease. Recent findings even suggest that heightened levels of neuronal activity spur microglia to phagocytose synapses, with potential impacts on cognition and behavior. Thus, the present studies were designed to determine if activation of neurons alone-independent of disease or dysfunction-is sufficient to alter microglial phenotype in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a brain region critical in emotion regulation and cognition. In these studies, we used both an adeno-associated virus-mediated and Cre-dependent chemogenetic [designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD)] approach to repeatedly activate excitatory pyramidal neurons (CaMKIIa+) neurons in the mPFC. Various molecular, cytometric, and behavioral endpoints were examined. Recurrent DREADD-induced neuronal activation led to pronounced changes in microglial density, clustering, and morphology in the mPFC and increased microglia-specific transcripts implicated in synaptic pruning (e.g., Csf1r, Cd11b). Further analyses revealed that the magnitude of DREADD-induced neuronal activation was significantly correlated with measures of microglial morphology in the mPFC. These alterations in microglial phenotype coincided with an increase in microglial lysosome volume in the mPFC and selective deficits in working memory function. Altogether, these findings indicate that repeated neuronal activation alone is sufficient to drive changes in microglia phenotype and function in the mPFC. Future studies using optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches to manipulate neural circuits need to consider microglial and other nonneuronal contributions to physiologic and behavioral outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Microglia are highly attuned to fluctuations in neuronal activity. Here we show that repeated activation of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex induces broad changes in microglia phenotype; this includes upregulation of pathways associated with microglial proliferation, microglia-neuron interactions, and lysosome induction. Our findings suggest that studies using chemogenetic or optogenetic approaches to manipulate neural circuits should be mindful of indirect effects on nonneuronal cells and their potential contribution to measured outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Bollinger
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Matthew J Horchar
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Eric S Wohleb
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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23
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Zhang L, Guo Y, Liu J, Li L, Wang Y, Wu X, Bai Y, Li J, Zhang Q, Hui Y. Transcranial direct current stimulation of the prefrontal cortex improves depression-like behaviors in rats with Parkinson's disease. Brain Res 2024; 1822:148649. [PMID: 37923003 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148649] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Depression associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) seriously affects patients, and there is a lack of effective treatments. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is increasingly used as a new non-invasive neuromodulation technique in the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. However, there is a paucity of research on tDCS for PD-related depression. Our study used PD model rats established with unilateral destruction of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) to observe the modulatory effects of tDCS acting on the mPFC on depression-like behaviors. We found that tDCS acting on the mPFC improved depression-like behaviors in PD model rats by increasing sucrose intake in sucrose preference test (n = 7-10 rats/group) and shortening immobility time in forced swimming test (n = 7-8 rats/group). Meanwhile, tDCS decreased the expression of c-Fos protein (n = 8-11 rats/group) and the excitation of glutamatergic neurons (n = 6-8 rats/group) in the PrL and LHb of PD model rats. Western blots showed that tDCS decreased the overexpression of serine 845 phosphorylation site of AMPA receptor GluR1 (p-GluR1-S845) in the PrL and LHb of PD model rats (n = 8-11 rats/group), and the overexpression of p-GluR1-S831 in the LHb (n = 8-11 rats/group). The results of this study show that tDCS acting on the mPFC helps to improve PD-related depression, which involves the modulation of excitability and AMPA receptor phosphorylation on the PrL and LHb neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Yuan Guo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Libo Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Yihua Bai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Qiaojun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
| | - Yanping Hui
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
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24
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Schaeuble D, Wallace T, Pace SA, Hentges ST, Myers B. Sex-specific prefrontal-hypothalamic control of behavior and stress responding. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106413. [PMID: 37890240 PMCID: PMC10842088 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Depression and cardiovascular disease are both augmented by daily life stress. Yet, the biological mechanisms that translate psychological stress into affective and physiological outcomes are unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that stimulation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) has sexually divergent outcomes on behavior and physiology. Importantly, the vmPFC does not innervate the brain regions that initiate autonomic or neuroendocrine stress responses; thus, we hypothesized that intermediate synapses integrate cortical information to regulate stress responding. The posterior hypothalamus (PH) directly innervates stress-effector regions and receives substantial innervation from the vmPFC. In the current studies, circuit-specific approaches examined whether vmPFC synapses in the PH coordinate stress responding. Here we tested the effects of optogenetic vmPFC-PH circuit stimulation in male and female rats on social and motivational behaviors as well as physiological stress responses. Additionally, an intersectional genetic approach was used to knock down synaptobrevin in PH-projecting vmPFC neurons. Our collective results indicate that male vmPFC-PH circuitry promotes positive motivational valence and is both sufficient and necessary to reduce sympathetic-mediated stress responses. In females, the vmPFC-PH circuit does not affect social or preference behaviors but is sufficient and necessary to elevate neuroendocrine stress responses. Altogether, these data suggest cortical regulation of stress reactivity and behavior is mediated, in part, by projections to the hypothalamus that function in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Schaeuble
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Tyler Wallace
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Sebastian A Pace
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Shane T Hentges
- Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Brent Myers
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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25
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Sylte OC, Muysers H, Chen HL, Bartos M, Sauer JF. Neuronal tuning to threat exposure remains stable in the mouse prefrontal cortex over multiple days. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002475. [PMID: 38206890 PMCID: PMC10783789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Intense threat elicits action in the form of active and passive coping. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) executes top-level control over the selection of threat coping strategies, but the dynamics of mPFC activity upon continuing threat encounters remain unexplored. Here, we used 1-photon calcium imaging in mice to probe the activity of prefrontal pyramidal cells during repeated exposure to intense threat in a tail suspension (TS) paradigm. A subset of prefrontal neurons displayed selective activation during TS, which was stably maintained over days. During threat, neurons showed specific tuning to active or passive coping. These responses were unrelated to general motion tuning and persisted over days. Moreover, the neural manifold traversed by low-dimensional population activity remained stable over subsequent days of TS exposure and was preserved across individuals. These data thus reveal a specific, temporally, and interindividually conserved repertoire of prefrontal tuning to behavioral responses under threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Christian Sylte
- University of Freiburg, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, Freiburg, Germany
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Muysers
- University of Freiburg, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, Freiburg, Germany
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hung-Ling Chen
- University of Freiburg, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marlene Bartos
- University of Freiburg, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonas-Frederic Sauer
- University of Freiburg, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, Freiburg, Germany
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26
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Heifets BD, Olson DE. Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:104-118. [PMID: 37488282 PMCID: PMC10700553 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01666-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that psychedelics and entactogens may produce both rapid and sustained therapeutic effects across several indications. Currently, there is a disconnect between how these compounds are used in the clinic and how they are studied in preclinical species, which has led to a gap in our mechanistic understanding of how these compounds might positively impact mental health. Human studies have emphasized extra-pharmacological factors that could modulate psychedelic-induced therapeutic responses including set, setting, and integration-factors that are poorly modelled in current animal experiments. In contrast, animal studies have focused on changes in neuronal activation and structural plasticity-outcomes that are challenging to measure in humans. Here, we describe several hypotheses that might explain how psychedelics rescue neuropsychiatric disease symptoms, and we propose ways to bridge the gap between human and rodent studies. Given the diverse pharmacological profiles of psychedelics and entactogens, we suggest that their rapid and sustained therapeutic mechanisms of action might best be described by the collection of circuits that they modulate rather than their actions at any single molecular target. Thus, approaches focusing on selective circuit modulation of behavioral phenotypes might prove more fruitful than target-based methods for identifying novel compounds with rapid and sustained therapeutic effects similar to psychedelics and entactogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris D Heifets
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - David E Olson
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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27
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Nishioka Y, Hayashi K, Morito K, Takayama K, Nagasawa K. Altered Expression of Astrocytic ATP Channels and Ectonucleotidases in the Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus of Chronic Social Defeat Stress-Susceptible BALB/c Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:1172-1178. [PMID: 38880625 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b24-00236] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The increasing number of patients with depressive disorder is a serious socioeconomic problem worldwide. Although several therapeutic agents have been developed and used clinically, their effectiveness is insufficient and thus discovery of novel therapeutic targets is desired. Here, focusing on dysregulation of neuronal purinergic signaling in depressive-like behavior, we examined the expression profiles of ATP channels and ectonucleotidases in astrocytes of cerebral cortex and hippocampus of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-susceptible BALB/c mice. Mice were exposed to 10-d CSDS, and their astrocytes were obtained using a commercially available kit based on magnetic activated cell sorting technology. In astrocytes derived from cerebral cortex of CSDS-susceptible mice, the expression levels of mRNAs for connexin 43, P2X7 receptors and maxi anion channels were increased, those for connexin 43 and P2X7 receptors being inversely correlated with mouse sociability, and the expression of mRNAs for ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrase 2 and ecto-5'nucleotidase was decreased and increased, respectively. On the other hand, the alteration profiles of ATP channels and ectonucleotidases in hippocampal astrocytes of CSDS-susceptible mice were different from in the case of cortical astrocytes, and there was no significant correlation between expression levels of their mRNAs and mouse sociability. These findings imply that increased expression of ATP channels in cerebral cortex might be involved in the development of reduced sociability in CSDS-subjected BALB/c mice. Together with recent findings, it is suggested that ATP channels expressed by cortical astrocytes might be potential therapeutic targets for depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Nishioka
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| | - Kana Hayashi
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| | - Katsuya Morito
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| | - Kentaro Takayama
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| | - Kazuki Nagasawa
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
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28
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Martianova E, Sadretdinova R, Pageau A, Pausic N, Gentiletti TD, Leblanc D, Rivera AM, Labonté B, Proulx CD. Hypothalamic neuronal outputs transmit sensorimotor signals at the onset of locomotor initiation. iScience 2023; 26:108328. [PMID: 38026162 PMCID: PMC10665817 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The lateral hypothalamus (LH) plays a critical role in sensory integration to organize behavior responses. However, how projection-defined LH neuronal outputs dynamically transmit sensorimotor signals to major downstream targets to organize behavior is unknown. Here, using multi-fiber photometry, we show that three major LH neuronal outputs projecting to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and lateral habenula (LHb) exhibit significant coherent activity in mice engaging sensory-evoked or self-initiated motor responses. Increased activity at LH axon terminals precedes movement initiation during active coping responses and the activity of serotonin neurons and dopamine neurons. The optogenetic activation of LH axon terminals in either of the DRN, VTA, or LHb was sufficient to increase motor initiation but had different effects on passive avoidance and sucrose consumption. Our findings support the complementary role of three projection-defined LH neuronal outputs in the transmission of sensorimotor signals to major downstream regions at movement onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Martianova
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Renata Sadretdinova
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alicia Pageau
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nikola Pausic
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Tommy Doucet Gentiletti
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Danahé Leblanc
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Arturo Marroquin Rivera
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Benoît Labonté
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Christophe D. Proulx
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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29
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Chen JY, Wu K, Guo MM, Song W, Huang ST, Zhang YM. The PrL Glu→avBNST GABA circuit rapidly modulates depression-like behaviors in male mice. iScience 2023; 26:107878. [PMID: 37810240 PMCID: PMC10551841 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a global disease with a high prevalence. Here, we examine the role of the circuit from prelimbic mPFC (PrL) to the anterior ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (avBNST) in depression-like mice through behavioral tests, immunofluorescence, chemogenetics, optogenetics, pharmacology, and fiber photometry. Mice exposed to chronic restraint stress with individual housing displayed depression-like behaviors. Optogenetic or chemogenetic activation of the avBNST-projecting glutamatergic neurons in the PrL had an antidepressant effect. Moreover, we found that α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionicacid receptors (AMPARs) play a dominant role in this circuit. Systemic administration of ketamine profoundly alleviated depression-like behaviors in the mice and rapidly rescued the decreased activity in the PrLGlu→avBNSTGABA circuit. Furthermore, the fast-acting effect of ketamine on depressive behaviors was diminished when the circuit was inhibited. To summarize, activating the PrLGlu→avBNSTGABA circuit quickly ameliorated depression-like behaviors. Thus, we propose the PrLGlu→avBNSTGABA circuit as a target for fast regulation of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-ying Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
| | - Miao-miao Guo
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
| | - Wei Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
| | - Si-ting Huang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
| | - Yong-mei Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
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30
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Tossell K, Yu X, Giannos P, Anuncibay Soto B, Nollet M, Yustos R, Miracca G, Vicente M, Miao A, Hsieh B, Ma Y, Vyssotski AL, Constandinou T, Franks NP, Wisden W. Somatostatin neurons in prefrontal cortex initiate sleep-preparatory behavior and sleep via the preoptic and lateral hypothalamus. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1805-1819. [PMID: 37735497 PMCID: PMC10545541 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01430-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) enables mammals to respond to situations, including internal states, with appropriate actions. One such internal state could be 'tiredness'. Here, using activity tagging in the mouse PFC, we identified particularly excitable, fast-spiking, somatostatin-expressing, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (PFCSst-GABA) cells that responded to sleep deprivation. These cells projected to the lateral preoptic (LPO) hypothalamus and the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Stimulating PFCSst-GABA terminals in the LPO hypothalamus caused sleep-preparatory behavior (nesting, elevated theta power and elevated temperature), and stimulating PFCSst-GABA terminals in the LH mimicked recovery sleep (non-rapid eye-movement sleep with higher delta power and lower body temperature). PFCSst-GABA terminals had enhanced activity during nesting and sleep, inducing inhibitory postsynaptic currents on diverse cells in the LPO hypothalamus and the LH. The PFC also might feature in deciding sleep location in the absence of excessive fatigue. These findings suggest that the PFC instructs the hypothalamus to ensure that optimal sleep takes place in a suitable place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Tossell
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Berta Anuncibay Soto
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mathieu Nollet
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Raquel Yustos
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Giulia Miracca
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mikal Vicente
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Andawei Miao
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bryan Hsieh
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Center for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alexei L Vyssotski
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zürich-ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tim Constandinou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Center for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Care Research and Technology Centre, UK Dementia Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Nicholas P Franks
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Center for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - William Wisden
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Center for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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31
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Chaki S, Watanabe M. mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists for depression: overview of underlying mechanisms and clinical development. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1451-1462. [PMID: 36715750 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Triggered by the ground-breaking finding that ketamine exerts robust and rapid-acting antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression, glutamatergic systems have attracted attention as targets for the development of novel antidepressants. Among glutamatergic systems, group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, consisting of mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors, are of interest because of their modulatory roles in glutamatergic transmission. Accumulating evidence has indicated that mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists have antidepressant-like effects in rodent models that mirror those of ketamine and that mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists also share underlying mechanisms with ketamine that are responsible for these antidepressant-like actions. Importantly, contrary to their antidepressant-like profile, preclinical studies have revealed that mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists are devoid of ketamine-like adverse effects, such as psychotomimetic-like behavior, abuse potential and neurotoxicity. Despite some discouraging results for an mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist decoglurant (classified as a negative allosteric modulator [NAM]) in patients with major depressive disorder, clinical trials of two mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists, a phase 2 trial of TS-161 (an orthosteric antagonist) and a phase 1 trial of DSP-3456 (a NAM), are presently on-going. mGlu2/3 receptors still hold promise for the development of safer and more efficacious antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyuki Chaki
- Research Headquarters, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama, Saitama, 331-9530, Japan.
| | - Mai Watanabe
- Taisho Pharmaceutical R&D Inc, 350 Mt. Kemble Avenue, Morristown, NJ, 07960, USA
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32
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Hong JK, Moon HJ, Shin HJ. Optical EUS Activation to Relax Sensitized Micturition Response. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1961. [PMID: 37895343 PMCID: PMC10608351 DOI: 10.3390/life13101961] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to activate the external urethral sphincter (EUS), which plays a critical role in micturition control, through optogenetics and to determine its potential contribution to the stabilization of sensitized micturition activity. The viral vector (AAV2/8-CMV-hChR2(H134R)-EGFP) is utilized to introduce light-gated ion channels (hChR2/H134R) into the EUS of wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Following the induction of sensitized micturition activity using weak acetic acid (0.1%) in anesthetized mice, optical stimulation of the EUS muscle tissue expressing channel rhodopsin is performed using a 473 nm laser light delivered through optical fibers, and the resulting changes in muscle activation and micturition activity are examined. Through EMG (electromyography) measurements, it is confirmed that optical stimulation electrically activates the EUS muscle in mice. Analysis of micturition activity using cystometry reveals a 70.58% decrease in the micturition period and a 70.27% decrease in the voiding volume due to sensitized voiding. However, with optical stimulation, the micturition period recovers to 101.49%, and the voiding volume recovered to 100.22%. Stimulation of the EUS using optogenetics can alleviate sensitized micturition activity and holds potential for application in conjunction with other micturition control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hyun-Joon Shin
- Bionics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (J.-K.H.); (H.-J.M.)
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33
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Tao C, Zhang GW, Huang JJ, Li Z, Tao HW, Zhang LI. The medial preoptic area mediates depressive-like behaviors induced by ovarian hormone withdrawal through distinct GABAergic projections. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1529-1540. [PMID: 37524978 PMCID: PMC11037266 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01397-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Fluctuations in reproductive hormone levels are associated with mood disruptions in women, such as in postpartum and perimenopausal depression. However, the neural circuit mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that medial preoptic area (MPOA) GABAergic neurons mediate multifaceted depressive-like behaviors in female mice after ovarian hormone withdrawal (HW), which can be attributed to downregulation of activity in Esr1 (estrogen receptor-1)-expressing GABAergic neurons. Enhancing activity of these neurons ameliorates depressive-like behaviors in HW-treated mice, whereas reducing their activity results in expression of these behaviors. Two separate subpopulations mediate different symptoms: a subpopulation projecting to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) mediates anhedonia and another projecting to the periaqueductal gray mediates immobility. These projections enhance activity of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA and serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe, respectively, with increased release of dopamine and serotonin, possibly through disinhibition mechanisms. Thus, the MPOA is a hub that mediates depressive-like behaviors resulting from transitions in reproductive hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Tao
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Guang-Wei Zhang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Junxiang J Huang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Graduate Programs in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhong Li
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Huizhong W Tao
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Center for Neural Circuits and Sensory Processing Disorders, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Li I Zhang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Center for Neural Circuits and Sensory Processing Disorders, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Fonseca C, Ettcheto M, Bicker J, Fernandes MJ, Falcão A, Camins A, Fortuna A. Under the umbrella of depression and Alzheimer's disease physiopathology: Can cannabinoids be a dual-pleiotropic therapy? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:101998. [PMID: 37414155 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Depression and Alzheimer´s disease (AD) are two disorders highly prevalent worldwide. Depression affects more than 300 million people worldwide while AD affects 60-80% of the 55 million cases of dementia. Both diseases are affected by aging with high prevalence in elderly and share not only the main brain affected areas but also several physiopathological mechanisms. Depression disease is already ascribed as a risk factor to the development of AD. Despite the wide diversity of pharmacological treatments currently available in clinical practice for depression management, they remain associated to a slow recovery process and to treatment-resistant depression. On the other hand, AD treatment is essentially based in symptomatology relieve. Thus, the need for new multi-target treatments arises. Herein, we discuss the current state-of-art regarding the contribution of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in synaptic transmission processes, synapses plasticity and neurogenesis and consequently the use of exogenous cannabinoids in the treatment of depression and on delaying the progression of AD. Besides the well-known imbalance of neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine and glutamate, recent scientific evidence highlights aberrant spine density, neuroinflammation, dysregulation of neurotrophic factor levels and formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, as the main physiopathological mechanisms compromised in depression and AD. The contribution of the ECS in these mechanisms is herein specified as well as the pleiotropic effects of phytocannabinoids. At the end, it became evident that Cannabinol, Cannabidiol, Cannabigerol, Cannabidivarin and Cannabichromene may act in novel therapeutic targets, presenting high potential in the pharmacotherapy of both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fonseca
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joana Bicker
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria José Fernandes
- Departamento de Neurologia/Neurocirurgia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669, CEP, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antoni Camins
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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35
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Glover EJ, Margaret Starr E, Gascon A, Clayton-Stiglbauer K, Amegashie CL, Selchick AH, Vaughan DT, Wayman WN, Woodward JJ, Chandler LJ. Involvement of cortical input to the rostromedial tegmental nucleus in aversion to foot shock. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1455-1464. [PMID: 37221326 PMCID: PMC10425416 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) encodes negative reward prediction error (RPE) and plays an important role in guiding behavioral responding to aversive stimuli. Previous research has focused on regulation of RMTg activity by the lateral habenula despite studies revealing RMTg afferents from other regions including the frontal cortex. The current study provides a detailed anatomical and functional analysis of cortical input to the RMTg of male rats. Retrograde tracing uncovered dense cortical input to the RMTg spanning the medial prefrontal cortex, the orbitofrontal cortex and anterior insular cortex. Afferents were most dense in the dorsomedial subregion of the PFC (dmPFC), an area that is also implicated in both RPE signaling and aversive responding. RMTg-projecting dmPFC neurons originate in layer V, are glutamatergic, and collateralize to select brain regions. In-situ mRNA hybridization revealed that neurons in this circuit are predominantly D1 receptor-expressing with a high degree of D2 receptor colocalization. Consistent with cFos induction in this neural circuit during exposure to foot shock and shock-predictive cues, optogenetic stimulation of dmPFC terminals in the RMTg drove avoidance. Lastly, acute slice electrophysiology and morphological studies revealed that exposure to repeated foot shock resulted in significant physiological and structural changes consistent with a loss of top-down modulation of RMTg-mediated signaling. Altogether, these data reveal the presence of a prominent cortico-subcortical projection involved in adaptive behavioral responding to aversive stimuli such as foot shock and provide a foundation for future work aimed at exploring alterations in circuit function in diseases characterized by deficits in cognitive control over reward and aversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Glover
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - E Margaret Starr
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andres Gascon
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kacey Clayton-Stiglbauer
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christen L Amegashie
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alyson H Selchick
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Dylan T Vaughan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Wesley N Wayman
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - John J Woodward
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - L Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Gongwer MW, Klune CB, Couto J, Jin B, Enos AS, Chen R, Friedmann D, DeNardo LA. Brain-Wide Projections and Differential Encoding of Prefrontal Neuronal Classes Underlying Learned and Innate Threat Avoidance. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5810-5830. [PMID: 37491314 PMCID: PMC10423051 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0697-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand how the brain produces behavior, we must elucidate the relationships between neuronal connectivity and function. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is critical for complex functions including decision-making and mood. mPFC projection neurons collateralize extensively, but the relationships between mPFC neuronal activity and brain-wide connectivity are poorly understood. We performed whole-brain connectivity mapping and fiber photometry to better understand the mPFC circuits that control threat avoidance in male and female mice. Using tissue clearing and light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), we mapped the brain-wide axon collaterals of populations of mPFC neurons that project to nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), or contralateral mPFC (cmPFC). We present DeepTraCE (deep learning-based tracing with combined enhancement), for quantifying bulk-labeled axonal projections in images of cleared tissue, and DeepCOUNT (deep-learning based counting of objects via 3D U-net pixel tagging), for quantifying cell bodies. Anatomical maps produced with DeepTraCE aligned with known axonal projection patterns and revealed class-specific topographic projections within regions. Using TRAP2 mice and DeepCOUNT, we analyzed whole-brain functional connectivity underlying threat avoidance. PL was the most highly connected node with functional connections to subsets of PL-cPL, PL-NAc, and PL-VTA target sites. Using fiber photometry, we found that during threat avoidance, cmPFC and NAc-projectors encoded conditioned stimuli, but only when action was required to avoid threats. mPFC-VTA neurons encoded learned but not innate avoidance behaviors. Together our results present new and optimized approaches for quantitative whole-brain analysis and indicate that anatomically defined classes of mPFC neurons have specialized roles in threat avoidance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding how the brain produces complex behaviors requires detailed knowledge of the relationships between neuronal connectivity and function. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a key role in learning, mood, and decision-making, including evaluating and responding to threats. mPFC dysfunction is strongly linked to fear, anxiety and mood disorders. Although mPFC circuits are clear therapeutic targets, gaps in our understanding of how they produce cognitive and emotional behaviors prevent us from designing effective interventions. To address this, we developed a high-throughput analysis pipeline for quantifying bulk-labeled fluorescent axons [DeepTraCE (deep learning-based tracing with combined enhancement)] or cell bodies [DeepCOUNT (deep-learning based counting of objects via 3D U-net pixel tagging)] in intact cleared brains. Using DeepTraCE, DeepCOUNT, and fiber photometry, we performed detailed anatomic and functional mapping of mPFC neuronal classes, identifying specialized roles in threat avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Gongwer
- Department of Physiology
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program
| | | | | | - Benita Jin
- Department of Physiology
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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Conde K, Fang S, Xu Y. Unraveling the serotonin saga: from discovery to weight regulation and beyond - a comprehensive scientific review. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:143. [PMID: 37550777 PMCID: PMC10408233 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide, while the development of effective obesity therapies lags behind. Although new therapeutic targets to alleviate obesity are identified every day, and drug efficacy is improving, adverse side effects and increased health risks remain serious issues facing the weight-loss industry. Serotonin, also known as 5-HT, has been extensively studied in relation to appetite reduction and weight loss. As a result, dozens of upstream and downstream neural targets of 5-HT have been identified, revealing a multitude of neural circuits involved in mediating the anorexigenic effect of 5-HT. Despite the rise and fall of several 5-HT therapeutics in recent decades, the future of 5-HT as a therapeutic target for weight-loss therapy looks promising. This review focuses on the history of serotonin, the state of current central serotonin research, previous serotonergic therapies, and the future of serotonin for treating individuals with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Conde
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
| | - Shuzheng Fang
- College of Art and Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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38
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Folschweiller S, Sauer JF. Behavioral State-Dependent Modulation of Prefrontal Cortex Activity by Respiration. J Neurosci 2023; 43:4795-4807. [PMID: 37277176 PMCID: PMC10312056 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2075-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiration-rhythmic oscillations in the local field potential emerge in the mPFC, a cortical region with a key role in the regulation of cognitive and emotional behavior. Respiration-driven rhythms coordinate local activity by entraining fast γ oscillations as well as single-unit discharges. To what extent respiration entrainment differently engages the mPFC network in a behavioral state-dependent manner, however, is not known. Here, we compared the respiration entrainment of mouse PFC local field potential and spiking activity (23 male and 2 female mice) across distinct behavioral states: during awake immobility in the home cage (HC), during passive coping in response to inescapable stress under tail suspension (TS), and during reward consumption (Rew). Respiration-driven rhythms emerged during all three states. However, prefrontal γ oscillations were more strongly entrained by respiration during HC than TS or Rew. Moreover, neuronal spikes of putative pyramidal cells and putative interneurons showed significant respiration phase-coupling throughout behaviors with characteristic phase preferences depending on the behavioral state. Finally, while phase-coupling dominated in deep layers in HC and Rew conditions, TS resulted in the recruitment of superficial layer neurons to respiration. These results jointly suggest that respiration dynamically entrains prefrontal neuronal activity depending on the behavioral state.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The mPFC, through its extensive connections (e.g., to the amygdala, the striatum, serotoninergic and dopaminergic nuclei), flexibly regulates cognitive behaviors. Impairment of prefrontal functions can lead to disease states, such as depression, addiction, or anxiety disorders. Deciphering the complex regulation of PFC activity during defined behavioral states is thus an essential challenge. Here, we investigated the role of a prefrontal slow oscillation that has recently attracted rising interest, the respiration rhythm, in modulating prefrontal neurons during distinct behavioral states. We show that prefrontal neuronal activity is differently entrained by the respiration rhythm in a cell type- and behavior-dependent manner. These results provide first insight into the complex modulation of prefrontal activity patterns by rhythmic breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Folschweiller
- Institute of Physiology 1, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonas-Frederic Sauer
- Institute of Physiology 1, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
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39
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Calvigioni D, Fuzik J, Le Merre P, Slashcheva M, Jung F, Ortiz C, Lentini A, Csillag V, Graziano M, Nikolakopoulou I, Weglage M, Lazaridis I, Kim H, Lenzi I, Park H, Reinius B, Carlén M, Meletis K. Esr1 + hypothalamic-habenula neurons shape aversive states. Nat Neurosci 2023:10.1038/s41593-023-01367-8. [PMID: 37349481 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Excitatory projections from the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) to the lateral habenula (LHb) drive aversive responses. We used patch-sequencing (Patch-seq) guided multimodal classification to define the structural and functional heterogeneity of the LHA-LHb pathway. Our classification identified six glutamatergic neuron types with unique electrophysiological properties, molecular profiles and projection patterns. We found that genetically defined LHA-LHb neurons signal distinct aspects of emotional or naturalistic behaviors, such as estrogen receptor 1-expressing (Esr1+) LHA-LHb neurons induce aversion, whereas neuropeptide Y-expressing (Npy+) LHA-LHb neurons control rearing behavior. Repeated optogenetic drive of Esr1+ LHA-LHb neurons induces a behaviorally persistent aversive state, and large-scale recordings showed a region-specific neural representation of the aversive signals in the prelimbic region of the prefrontal cortex. We further found that exposure to unpredictable mild shocks induced a sex-specific sensitivity to develop a stress state in female mice, which was associated with a specific shift in the intrinsic properties of bursting-type Esr1+ LHA-LHb neurons. In summary, we describe the diversity of LHA-LHb neuron types and provide evidence for the role of Esr1+ neurons in aversion and sexually dimorphic stress sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janos Fuzik
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pierre Le Merre
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marina Slashcheva
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Felix Jung
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cantin Ortiz
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Lentini
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Veronika Csillag
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marta Graziano
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Moritz Weglage
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iakovos Lazaridis
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hoseok Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irene Lenzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hyunsoo Park
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Reinius
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Carlén
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Elias E, Zhang AY, White AG, Pyle MJ, Manners MT. Voluntary wheel running promotes resilience to the behavioral effects of unpredictable chronic mild stress in male and female mice. Stress 2023; 26:2203769. [PMID: 37125617 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2023.2203769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elias Elias
- Department of Biology. College of Arts and Sciences. St Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, United States
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology
| | - Ariel Y Zhang
- Department of Biology. College of Arts and Sciences. St Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, United States
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology
| | - Abigail G White
- Department of Biology. College of Arts and Sciences. St Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, United States
- Program in Neuroscience
| | - Matthew J Pyle
- Department of Biology. College of Arts and Sciences. St Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, United States
| | - Melissa T Manners
- Department of Biology. College of Arts and Sciences. St Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, United States
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology
- Program in Neuroscience
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. College of Science and Mathematics. Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
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41
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Cooper MA, Grizzell JA, Whitten CJ, Burghardt GM. Comparing the ontogeny, neurobiology, and function of social play in hamsters and rats. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 147:105102. [PMID: 36804399 PMCID: PMC10023430 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Syrian hamsters show complex social play behavior and provide a valuable animal model for delineating the neurobiological mechanisms and functions of social play. In this review, we compare social play behavior of hamsters and rats and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Juvenile rats play by competing for opportunities to pin one another and attack their partner's neck. A broad set of cortical, limbic, and striatal regions regulate the display of social play in rats. In hamsters, social play is characterized by attacks to the head in early puberty, which gradually transitions to the flanks in late puberty. The transition from juvenile social play to adult hamster aggression corresponds with engagement of neural ensembles controlling aggression. Play deprivation in rats and hamsters alters dendritic morphology in mPFC neurons and impairs flexible, context-dependent behavior in adulthood, which suggests these animals may have converged on a similar function for social play. Overall, dissecting the neurobiology of social play in hamsters and rats can provide a valuable comparative approach for evaluating the function of social play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Cooper
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA.
| | - J Alex Grizzell
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Conner J Whitten
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Gordon M Burghardt
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA; Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Lewis V, Bonniwell EM, Lanham JK, Ghaffari A, Sheshbaradaran H, Cao AB, Calkins MM, Bautista-Carro MA, Arsenault E, Telfer A, Taghavi-Abkuh FF, Malcolm NJ, El Sayegh F, Abizaid A, Schmid Y, Morton K, Halberstadt AL, Aguilar-Valles A, McCorvy JD. A non-hallucinogenic LSD analog with therapeutic potential for mood disorders. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112203. [PMID: 36884348 PMCID: PMC10112881 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hallucinations limit widespread therapeutic use of psychedelics as rapidly acting antidepressants. Here we profiled the non-hallucinogenic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analog 2-bromo-LSD (2-Br-LSD) at more than 33 aminergic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). 2-Br-LSD shows partial agonism at several aminergic GPCRs, including 5-HT2A, and does not induce the head-twitch response (HTR) in mice, supporting its classification as a non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A partial agonist. Unlike LSD, 2-Br-LSD lacks 5-HT2B agonism, an effect linked to cardiac valvulopathy. Additionally, 2-Br-LSD produces weak 5-HT2A β-arrestin recruitment and internalization in vitro and does not induce tolerance in vivo after repeated administration. 2-Br-LSD induces dendritogenesis and spinogenesis in cultured rat cortical neurons and increases active coping behavior in mice, an effect blocked by the 5-HT2A-selective antagonist volinanserin (M100907). 2-Br-LSD also reverses the behavioral effects of chronic stress. Overall, 2-Br-LSD has an improved pharmacological profile compared with LSD and may have profound therapeutic value for mood disorders and other indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vern Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Emma M Bonniwell
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Janelle K Lanham
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Abdi Ghaffari
- BetterLife Pharma Inc., Vancouver, BC V6H 1A6, Canada
| | | | - Andrew B Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Maggie M Calkins
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | - Emily Arsenault
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Andre Telfer
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | | | - Nicholas J Malcolm
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Fatema El Sayegh
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Alfonso Abizaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Yasmin Schmid
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen Morton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | | | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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Differential Modulation of Dorsal Raphe Serotonergic Activity in Rat Brain by the Infralimbic and Prelimbic Cortices. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054891. [PMID: 36902322 PMCID: PMC10003771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The reciprocal connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) is involved in mood control and resilience to stress. The infralimbic subdivision (IL) of the mPFC is the rodent equivalent of the ventral anterior cingulate cortex, which is intimately related to the pathophysiology/treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Boosting excitatory neurotransmission in the IL-but not in the prelimbic cortex, PrL-evokes depressive-like or antidepressant-like behaviors in rodents, which are associated with changes in serotonergic (5-HT) neurotransmission. We therefore examined the control of 5-HT activity by both of the mPFC subdivisions in anesthetized rats. The electrical stimulation of IL and PrL at 0.9 Hz comparably inhibited 5-HT neurons (53% vs. 48%, respectively). However, stimulation at higher frequencies (10-20 Hz) revealed a greater proportion of 5-HT neurons sensitive to IL than to PrL stimulation (86% vs. 59%, at 20 Hz, respectively), together with a differential involvement of GABAA (but not 5-HT1A) receptors. Likewise, electrical and optogenetic stimulation of IL and PrL enhanced 5-HT release in DR in a frequency-dependent manner, with greater elevations after IL stimulation at 20 Hz. Hence, IL and PrL differentially control serotonergic activity, with an apparent superior role of IL, an observation that may help to clarify the brain circuits involved in MDD.
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Inhibition of norepinephrine signaling during a sensitive period disrupts locus coeruleus circuitry and emotional behaviors in adulthood. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3077. [PMID: 36813805 PMCID: PMC9946949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29175-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficits in arousal and stress responsiveness are a feature of numerous psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety. Arousal is supported by norepinephrine (NE) released from specialized brainstem nuclei, including the locus coeruleus (LC) neurons into cortical and limbic areas. During development, the NE system matures in concert with increased exploration of the animal's environment. While several psychiatric medications target the NE system, the possibility that its modulation during discreet developmental periods can have long-lasting consequences has not yet been explored. We used a chemogenetic strategy in mice to reversibly inhibit NE signaling during brief developmental periods and then evaluated any long-lasting impact of our intervention on adult NE circuit function and on emotional behavior. We also tested whether developmental exposure to the α2 receptor agonist guanfacine, which is commonly used in the pediatric population and is not contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing, recapitulates the effect seen with the chemogenetic strategy. Our results reveal that postnatal days 10-21 constitute a sensitive period during which alterations in NE signaling lead to changes in baseline anxiety, increased anhedonia, and passive coping behaviors in adulthood. Disruption of NE signaling during this sensitive period also caused altered LC autoreceptor function, along with circuit specific changes in LC-NE target regions at baseline, and in response to stress. Our findings indicate an early critical role for NE in sculpting brain circuits that support adult emotional function. Interfering with this role by guanfacine and similar clinically used drugs can have lasting implications for mental health.
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Shigetomi E, Koizumi S. The role of astrocytes in behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Neurosci Res 2023; 187:21-39. [PMID: 36181908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are present throughout the brain and intimately interact with neurons and blood vessels. Three decades of research have shown that astrocytes reciprocally communicate with neurons and other non-neuronal cells in the brain and dynamically regulate cell function. Astrocytes express numerous receptors for neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and cytokines and receive information from neurons, other astrocytes, and other non-neuronal cells. Among those receptors, the main focus has been G-protein coupled receptors. Activation of G-protein coupled receptors leads to dramatic changes in intracellular signaling (Ca2+ and cAMP), which is considered a form of astrocyte activity. Methodological improvements in measurement and manipulation of astrocytes have advanced our understanding of the role of astrocytes in circuits and have begun to reveal unexpected functions of astrocytes in behavior. Recent studies have suggested that astrocytic activity regulates behavior flexibility, such as coping strategies for stress exposure, and plays an important role in behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Preclinical evidence suggests that impairment of astrocytic function contributes to psychiatric diseases, especially major depression. Here, we review recent progress on the role of astrocytes in behaviors related to emotion and motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Shigetomi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan; Yamanashi GLIA Center, Graduate School of Medical Science, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan; Yamanashi GLIA Center, Graduate School of Medical Science, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
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46
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Harkin EF, Lynn MB, Payeur A, Boucher JF, Caya-Bissonnette L, Cyr D, Stewart C, Longtin A, Naud R, Béïque JC. Temporal derivative computation in the dorsal raphe network revealed by an experimentally driven augmented integrate-and-fire modeling framework. eLife 2023; 12:72951. [PMID: 36655738 PMCID: PMC9977298 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
By means of an expansive innervation, the serotonin (5-HT) neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are positioned to enact coordinated modulation of circuits distributed across the entire brain in order to adaptively regulate behavior. Yet the network computations that emerge from the excitability and connectivity features of the DRN are still poorly understood. To gain insight into these computations, we began by carrying out a detailed electrophysiological characterization of genetically identified mouse 5-HT and somatostatin (SOM) neurons. We next developed a single-neuron modeling framework that combines the realism of Hodgkin-Huxley models with the simplicity and predictive power of generalized integrate-and-fire models. We found that feedforward inhibition of 5-HT neurons by heterogeneous SOM neurons implemented divisive inhibition, while endocannabinoid-mediated modulation of excitatory drive to the DRN increased the gain of 5-HT output. Our most striking finding was that the output of the DRN encodes a mixture of the intensity and temporal derivative of its input, and that the temporal derivative component dominates this mixture precisely when the input is increasing rapidly. This network computation primarily emerged from prominent adaptation mechanisms found in 5-HT neurons, including a previously undescribed dynamic threshold. By applying a bottom-up neural network modeling approach, our results suggest that the DRN is particularly apt to encode input changes over short timescales, reflecting one of the salient emerging computations that dominate its output to regulate behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson F Harkin
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Michael B Lynn
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Alexandre Payeur
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
- Department of Physics, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Jean-François Boucher
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Léa Caya-Bissonnette
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Dominic Cyr
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Chloe Stewart
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - André Longtin
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
- Department of Physics, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Richard Naud
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
- Department of Physics, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Jean-Claude Béïque
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
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Shu S, Xu SY, Ye L, Liu Y, Cao X, Jia JQ, Bian HJ, Liu Y, Zhu XL, Xu Y. Prefrontal parvalbumin interneurons deficits mediate early emotional dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:391-401. [PMID: 36229597 PMCID: PMC9750960 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01435-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and has an insidious onset. Exploring the characteristics and mechanism of the early symptoms of AD plays a critical role in the early diagnosis and intervention of AD. Here we found that depressive-like behavior and short-term spatial memory dysfunction appeared in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice (AD mice) as early as 9-11 weeks of age. Electrophysiological analysis revealed excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This E/I imbalance was induced by significant reduction in the number and activity of parvalbumin interneurons (PV+ INs) in this region. Furthermore, optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of residual PV+ INs effectively ameliorated depressive-like behavior and rescued short-term spatial memory in AD mice. These results suggest the PFC is selectively vulnerable in the early stage of AD and prefrontal PV+ INs deficits play a key role in the occurrence and development of early symptoms of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Shu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Institute of Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Stroke Center for Diagnosis and Therapy, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Nanjing Neuropsychiatry Clinic Medical Center, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Si-Yi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Institute of Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Stroke Center for Diagnosis and Therapy, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Nanjing Neuropsychiatry Clinic Medical Center, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiang Cao
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Institute of Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Stroke Center for Diagnosis and Therapy, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Nanjing Neuropsychiatry Clinic Medical Center, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jun-Qiu Jia
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hui-Jie Bian
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiao-Lei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Institute of Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Stroke Center for Diagnosis and Therapy, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
- Nanjing Neuropsychiatry Clinic Medical Center, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China.
- Institute of Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, PR China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China.
- Jiangsu Province Stroke Center for Diagnosis and Therapy, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China.
- Nanjing Neuropsychiatry Clinic Medical Center, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Pate T, Anthony DC, Radford-Smith DE. cFOS expression in the prefrontal cortex correlates with altered cerebral metabolism in developing germ-free mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1155620. [PMID: 37152431 PMCID: PMC10157641 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1155620] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The microbiota plays a critical role in modulating various aspects of host physiology, particularly through the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. However, the mechanisms that transduce and affect gut-to-brain communication are still not well understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that dysbiosis of the microbiome is associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, which are common complications of metabolic syndrome. Germ-free (GF) animal models offer a valuable tool for studying the causal effects of microbiota on the host. Methods We employed gene expression and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic techniques to investigate the relationships between brain plasticity and immune gene expression, peripheral immunity, and cerebral and liver metabolism in GF and specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice. Results Our principal findings revealed that brain acetate (p = 0.012) was significantly reduced in GF relative to SPF mice, whereas glutamate (p = 0.0013), glutamine (p = 0.0006), and N-acetyl aspartate (p = 0.0046) metabolites were increased. Notably, cFOS mRNA expression, which was significantly decreased in the prefrontal cortex of GF mice relative to SPF mice (p = 0.044), correlated with the abundance of a number of key brain metabolites altered by the GF phenotype, including glutamate and glutamine. Discussion These results highlight the connection between the GF phenotype, altered brain metabolism, and immediate-early gene expression. The study provides insight into potential mechanisms by which microbiota can regulate neurotransmission through modulation of the host's brain and liver metabolome, which may have implications for stress-related psychiatric disorders such as anxiety.
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Flerlage WJ, Langlois LD, Rusnak M, Simmons SC, Gouty S, Armstrong RC, Cox BM, Symes AJ, Tsuda MC, Nugent FS. Involvement of Lateral Habenula Dysfunction in Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Motivational Deficits. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:125-140. [PMID: 35972745 PMCID: PMC9917318 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Affective disorders including depression (characterized by reduced motivation, social withdrawal, and anhedonia), anxiety, and irritability are frequently reported as long-term consequences of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in addition to cognitive deficits, suggesting a possible dysregulation within mood/motivational neural circuits. One of the important brain regions that control motivation and mood is the lateral habenula (LHb), whose hyperactivity is associated with depression. Here, we used a repetitive closed-head injury mTBI model that is associated with social deficits in adult male mice and explored the possible long-term alterations in LHb activity and motivated behavior 10-18 days post-injury. We found that mTBI increased the proportion of spontaneous tonically active LHb neurons yet decreased the proportion of LHb neurons displaying bursting activity. Additionally, mTBI diminished spontaneous glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic activity onto LHb neurons, while synaptic excitation and inhibition (E/I) balance was shifted toward excitation through a greater suppression of GABAergic transmission. Behaviorally, mTBI increased the latency in grooming behavior in the sucrose splash test suggesting reduced self-care motivated behavior following mTBI. To show whether limiting LHb hyperactivity could restore motivational deficits in grooming behavior, we then tested the effects of Gi (hM4Di)-DREADD-mediated inhibition of LHb activity in the sucrose splash test. We found that chemogenetic inhibition of LHb glutamatergic neurons was sufficient to reverse mTBI-induced delays in grooming behavior. Overall, our study provides the first evidence for persistent LHb neuronal dysfunction due to an altered synaptic integration as causal neural correlates of dysregulated motivational states by mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Flerlage
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ludovic D. Langlois
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Milan Rusnak
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah C. Simmons
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shawn Gouty
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Regina C. Armstrong
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian M. Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aviva J. Symes
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mumeko C. Tsuda
- Preclinical Behavior and Modeling Core, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Address correspondence to: Fereshteh S. Nugent, PhD, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences,, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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50
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Rose TR, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Mitten EH, Wickman K. GIRK channel activity in prelimbic pyramidal neurons regulates the extinction of cocaine conditioned place preference in male mice. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13256. [PMID: 36577727 PMCID: PMC10078116 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced neuroadaptations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) have been implicated in drug-associated memories that motivate continued drug use. Chronic cocaine exposure increases pyramidal neuron excitability in the prelimbic subregion of the PFC (PL), an adaptation that has been attributed in part to a suppression of inhibitory signalling mediated by the GABAB receptor (GABAB R) and G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channels. Although reduced GIRK channel activity in PL pyramidal neurons enhances the motor-stimulatory effect of cocaine in mice, the impact on cocaine reward and associated memories remains unclear. Here, we employed Cre- and CRISPR/Cas9-based viral manipulation strategies to evaluate the impact of GIRK channel or GABAB R ablation in PL pyramidal neurons on cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and extinction. Neither ablation of GIRK channels nor GABAB R impacted the acquisition of cocaine CPP. GIRK channel ablation in PL pyramidal neurons, however, impaired extinction of cocaine CPP in male but not female mice. Since ablation of GIRK channels but not GABAB R increased PL pyramidal neuron excitability, we used a chemogenetic approach to determine if acute excitation of PL pyramidal neurons impaired the expression of extinction in male mice. While acute chemogenetic excitation of PL pyramidal neurons induced locomotor hyperactivity, it did not impair the extinction of cocaine CPP. Lastly, we found that persistent enhancement of GIRK channel activity in PL pyramidal neurons accelerated the extinction of cocaine CPP. Collectively, our findings show that the strength of GIRK channel activity in PL pyramidal neurons bi-directionally regulates cocaine CPP extinction in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Rose
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Eric H Mitten
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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