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Liao GY, Pettan-Brewer C, Ladiges W. Comparison of Age-Related Decline and Behavioral Validity in C57BL/6 and CB6F1 Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.599036. [PMID: 38915625 PMCID: PMC11195229 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.599036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Variability in physical resilience to aging prompts a comprehensive examination of underlying mechanisms across organs and individuals. We conducted a detailed exploration of behavioral and physiological differences between C57BL/6 and CB6F1 mice across various age groups. In behavioral assays, B6 mice displayed superior performance in rotarod tasks but higher anxiety while CB6F1 mice exhibited a decline in short-term memory with age. Grip strength, long-term memory, and voluntary wheel running declined similarly with age in both strains. Examining physiological phenotypes, B6 mice exhibited lower body fat percentages across ages compared to CB6F1 mice, though cataract severity worsened with age in both strains. Analysis of cardiac functions revealed differences between strains, with worsening left ventricular hypertrophy and structural heart abnormalities with age in CB6F1 mice along with higher blood pressure than B6. Lesion scores showed an age-related increase in heart, kidney, and liver lesions in both strains, while lung lesions worsened with age only in CB6F1 mice. This study underscores the validity of behavioral assays and geropathology assessment in reflecting age-related decline and emphasizes the importance of considering strain specificity when using mouse models to study human aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Yu Liao
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christina Pettan-Brewer
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Warren Ladiges
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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2
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Ell MA, Schiele MA, Iovino N, Domschke K. Epigenetics of Fear, Anxiety and Stress - Focus on Histone Modifications. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:843-865. [PMID: 36946487 PMCID: PMC10845084 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230322154158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear-, anxiety- and stress-related disorders are among the most frequent mental disorders. Given substantial rates of insufficient treatment response and often a chronic course, a better understanding of the pathomechanisms of fear-, anxiety- and stress-related disorders is urgently warranted. Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications - positioned at the interface between the biological and the environmental level in the complex pathogenesis of mental disorders - might be highly informative in this context. The current state of knowledge on histone modifications, chromatin-related pharmacology and animal models modified for genes involved in the histone-related epigenetic machinery will be reviewed with respect to fear-, anxiety- and stress-related states. Relevant studies, published until 30th June 2022, were identified using a multi-step systematic literature search of the Pub- Med and Web of Science databases. Animal studies point towards histone modifications (e.g., H3K4me3, H3K9me1/2/3, H3K27me2/3, H3K9ac, H3K14ac and H4K5ac) to be dynamically and mostly brain region-, task- and time-dependently altered on a genome-wide level or gene-specifically (e.g., Bdnf) in models of fear conditioning, retrieval and extinction, acute and (sub-)chronic stress. Singular and underpowered studies on histone modifications in human fear-, anxiety- or stress-related phenotypes are currently restricted to the phenotype of PTSD. Provided consistent validation in human phenotypes, epigenetic biomarkers might ultimately inform indicated preventive interventions as well as personalized treatment approaches, and could inspire future innovative pharmacological treatment options targeting the epigenetic machinery improving treatment response in fear-, anxiety- and stressrelated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Ell
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A. Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Iovino
- Department of Chromation Regulation, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Bach DR. Psychometrics in experimental psychology: A case for calibration. Psychon Bull Rev 2023:10.3758/s13423-023-02421-z. [PMID: 38148472 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-023-02421-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Psychometrics is historically grounded in the study of individual differences. Consequently, common metrics such as quantitative validity and reliability require between-person variance in a psychological variable to be meaningful. Experimental psychology, in contrast, deals with variance between treatments, and experiments often strive to minimise within-group person variance. In this article, I ask whether and how psychometric evaluation can be performed in experimental psychology. A commonly used strategy is to harness between-person variance in the treatment effect. Using simulated data, I show that this approach can be misleading when between-person variance is low, and in the face of methods variance. I argue that this situation is common in experimental psychology, because low between-person variance is desirable, and because methods variance is no more problematic in experimental settings than any other source of between-person variance. By relating validity and reliability with the corresponding concepts in measurement science outside psychology, I show how experiment-based calibration can serve to compare the psychometric quality of different measurement methods in experimental psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik R Bach
- Hertz Chair for Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, Transdisciplinary Research Area "Life and Health", University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
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4
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Sporrer JK, Brookes J, Hall S, Zabbah S, Serratos Hernandez UD, Bach DR. Functional sophistication in human escape. iScience 2023; 26:108240. [PMID: 38026199 PMCID: PMC10654542 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals including humans must cope with immediate threat and make rapid decisions to survive. Without much leeway for cognitive or motor errors, this poses a formidable computational problem. Utilizing fully immersive virtual reality with 13 natural threats, we examined escape decisions in N = 59 humans. We show that escape goals are dynamically updated according to environmental changes. The decision whether and when to escape depends on time-to-impact, threat identity and predicted trajectory, and stable personal characteristics. Its implementation appears to integrate secondary goals such as behavioral affordances. Perturbance experiments show that the underlying decision algorithm exhibits planning properties and can integrate novel actions. In contrast, rapid information-seeking and foraging-suppression are only partly devaluation-sensitive. Instead of being instinctive or hardwired stimulus-response patterns, human escape decisions integrate multiple variables in a flexible computational architecture. Taken together, we provide steps toward a computational model of how the human brain rapidly solves survival challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana K. Sporrer
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Jack Brookes
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Samson Hall
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Sajjad Zabbah
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Ulises Daniel Serratos Hernandez
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Dominik R. Bach
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, UK
- University of Bonn, Transdisciplinary Research Area “Life and Health”, Hertz Chair for Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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5
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Miyagami Y, Honshuku Y, Nomura H, Minami M, Hitora-Imamura N. Evaluation of behavioural selection processes in conflict scenarios using a newly developed mouse behavioural paradigm. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20006. [PMID: 37973835 PMCID: PMC10654709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46743-3] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Selecting an appropriate behaviour is critical for survival in conflict scenarios, wherein animals face both appetitive and aversive stimuli. Behavioural selection consists of multiple processes: (1) animals remain quiet in a safe place to avoid aversive stimuli (suspension), (2) once they decide to take risks to approach appetitive stimuli, they assess the risks (risk assessment), and (3) they act to reach the reward. However, most studies have not addressed these distinct behavioural processes separately. Here, we developed a new experimental paradigm called the three-compartment conflict task to quantitatively evaluate conflict processes. Our apparatus consisted of start, flat, and grid compartments. Mice needed to explore the grid compartment, where they might receive foot shocks while trying to obtain sucrose. Applying foot shocks increased sucrose acquisition latency in subsequent trials, reflecting elevated conflict levels throughout trials. The time spent in the start compartment and the number of retreats were determined to measure the conflict levels in suspension and risk assessment, respectively. Foot shocks increased these parameters, whereas diazepam decreased them. Our new paradigm is valuable for quantitatively evaluating distinct behavioural processes and contributes to developing effective treatments for psychiatric disorders associated with maladaptive behaviours in conflict scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Miyagami
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yuki Honshuku
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nomura
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
- Department of Cognitive Function & Pathology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Masabumi Minami
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Natsuko Hitora-Imamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan.
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6
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Yamamori Y, Robinson OJ, Roiser JP. Approach-avoidance reinforcement learning as a translational and computational model of anxiety-related avoidance. eLife 2023; 12:RP87720. [PMID: 37963085 PMCID: PMC10645421 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87720] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although avoidance is a prevalent feature of anxiety-related psychopathology, differences in the measurement of avoidance between humans and non-human animals hinder our progress in its theoretical understanding and treatment. To address this, we developed a novel translational measure of anxiety-related avoidance in the form of an approach-avoidance reinforcement learning task, by adapting a paradigm from the non-human animal literature to study the same cognitive processes in human participants. We used computational modelling to probe the putative cognitive mechanisms underlying approach-avoidance behaviour in this task and investigated how they relate to subjective task-induced anxiety. In a large online study (n = 372), participants who experienced greater task-induced anxiety avoided choices associated with punishment, even when this resulted in lower overall reward. Computational modelling revealed that this effect was explained by greater individual sensitivities to punishment relative to rewards. We replicated these findings in an independent sample (n = 627) and we also found fair-to-excellent reliability of measures of task performance in a sub-sample retested 1 week later (n = 57). Our findings demonstrate the potential of approach-avoidance reinforcement learning tasks as translational and computational models of anxiety-related avoidance. Future studies should assess the predictive validity of this approach in clinical samples and experimental manipulations of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeya Yamamori
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Oliver J Robinson
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P Roiser
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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7
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Groenink L, Verdouw PM, Zhao Y, Ter Heegde F, Wever KE, Bijlsma EY. Pharmacological modulation of conditioned fear in the fear-potentiated startle test: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2361-2401. [PMID: 36651922 PMCID: PMC10593622 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06307-1] [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: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Fear conditioning is an important aspect in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. The fear-potentiated startle test is based on classical fear conditioning and over the years, a broad range of drugs have been tested in this test. Synthesis of the available data may further our understanding of the neurotransmitter systems that are involved in the expression of conditioned fear. METHODS Following a comprehensive search in Medline and Embase, we included 68 research articles that reported on 103 drugs, covering 56 different drug classes. The systematic review was limited to studies using acute, systemic drug administration in naive animals. RESULTS Qualitative data synthesis showed that most clinically active anxiolytics, but not serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, reduced cued fear. Anxiogenic drugs increased fear potentiation in 35% of the experiments, reduced fear potentiation in 29% of the experiments, and were without effect in 29% of the experiments. Meta-analyses could be performed for five drug classes and showed that benzodiazepines, buspirone, 5-HT1A agonists, 5-HT1A antagonists, and mGluR2,3 agonists reduced cued conditioned fear. The non-cued baseline startle response, which may reflect contextual anxiety, was only significantly reduced by benzodiazepines and 5-HT1A antagonists. No associations were found between drug effects and methodological characteristics, except for strain. CONCLUSIONS The fear-potentiated startle test appears to have moderate to high predictive validity and may serve as a valuable tool for the development of novel anxiolytics. Given the limited available data, the generally low study quality and high heterogeneity additional studies are warranted to corroborate the findings of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucianne Groenink
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - P Monika Verdouw
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yulong Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Freija Ter Heegde
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberley E Wever
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Y Bijlsma
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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8
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Bailey SJ, Bast T, Chaby L, Kinon BJ, Harte MK, Mead S, Moloney RD, Ragan I, Stanford SC, Tricklebank MD, Zervas M, Ajram LA. Improving Translational Relevance in Preclinical Psychopharmacology (iTRIPP). J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:1051-1057. [PMID: 37522187 PMCID: PMC10647891 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231182607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Animal models are important in preclinical psychopharmacology to study mechanisms and potential treatments for psychiatric disorders. A working group of 14 volunteers, comprising an international team of researchers from academia and industry, convened in 2021 to discuss how to improve the translational relevance and interpretation of findings from animal models that are used in preclinical psychopharmacology. The following paper distils the outcomes of the working group's discussions into 10 key considerations for the planning and reporting of behavioural studies in animal models relevant to psychiatric disorders. These form the iTRIPP guidelines (Improving Translational Relevance In Preclinical Psychopharmacology). These guidelines reflect the key considerations that the group thinks will likely have substantial impact in terms of improving the translational relevance of behavioural studies in animal models that are used to study psychiatric disorders and their treatment. They are relevant to the research community when drafting and reviewing manuscripts, presentations and grant applications. The iTRIPP guidelines are intended to complement general recommendations for planning and reporting animal studies that have been published elsewhere, by enabling researchers to fully consider the most appropriate animal model for the research purpose and to interpret their findings appropriately. This in turn will increase the clinical benefit of such research and is therefore important not only for the scientific community but also for patients and the lay public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Bailey
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Tobias Bast
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience@Nottingham, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lauren Chaby
- Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Cohen Veterans Bioscience, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bruce J Kinon
- Karuna Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael K Harte
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sally Mead
- Independent Lived Experience Consultant, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachel D Moloney
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ian Ragan
- Independent Consultant for the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs)
| | - S Clare Stanford
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology University College London, London, UK
| | - Mark D Tricklebank
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Zervas
- Cohen Veterans Bioscience, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Brookes J, Hall S, Frühholz S, Bach DR. Immersive VR for investigating threat avoidance: The VRthreat toolkit for Unity. Behav Res Methods 2023:10.3758/s13428-023-02241-y. [PMID: 37794208 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02241-y] [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] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
All animals have to respond to immediate threats in order to survive. In non-human animals, a diversity of sophisticated behaviours has been observed, but research in humans is hampered by ethical considerations. Here, we present a novel immersive VR toolkit for the Unity engine that allows assessing threat-related behaviour in single, semi-interactive, and semi-realistic threat encounters. The toolkit contains a suite of fully modelled naturalistic environments, interactive objects, animated threats, and scripted systems. These are arranged together by the researcher as a means of creating an experimental manipulation, to form a series of independent "episodes" in immersive VR. Several specifically designed tools aid the design of these episodes, including a system to allow for pre-sequencing the movement plans of animal threats. Episodes can be built with the assets included in the toolkit, but also easily extended with custom scripts, threats, and environments if required. During the experiments, the software stores behavioural, movement, and eye tracking data. With this software, we aim to facilitate the use of immersive VR in human threat avoidance research and thus to close a gap in the understanding of human behaviour under threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Brookes
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Samson Hall
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sascha Frühholz
- Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominik R Bach
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
- Hertz Chair for Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, Transdisciplinary Research Area "Life and Health", University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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10
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Kwee CMB, Leen NA, Van der Kamp RC, Van Lissa CJ, Cath DC, Groenink L, Baas JMP. Anxiolytic effects of endocannabinoid enhancing compounds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 72:79-94. [PMID: 37094409 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is a promising candidate for anxiolytic therapy, but translation to the clinic has been lagging. We meta-analyzed the evidence for anxiety-reduction by compounds that facilitate endocannabinoid signaling in humans and animals. To identify areas of specific potential, effects of moderators were assessed. Literature was searched in Pubmed and Embase up to May 2021. A placebo/vehicle-control group was required and in human studies, randomization. We excluded studies that co-administered other substances. Risk of bias was assessed with SYRCLE's RoB tool and Cochrane RoB 2.0. We conducted three-level random effects meta-analyses and explored sources of heterogeneity using Bayesian regularized meta-regression (BRMA). The systematic review yielded 134 studies. We analyzed 120 studies (114 animal, 6 human) that investigated cannabidiol (CBD, 61), URB597 (39), PF-3845 (6) and AM404 (14). Pooled effects on conditioned and unconditioned anxiety in animals (with the exception of URB597 on unconditioned anxiety) and on experimentally induced anxiety in humans favored the investigational drugs over placebo/vehicle. Publication year was negatively associated with effects of CBD on unconditioned anxiety. Compared to approach avoidance tests, tests of repetitive-compulsive behavior were associated with larger effects of CBD and URB597, and the social interaction test with smaller effects of URB597. Larger effects of CBD on unconditioned anxiety were observed when anxiety pre-existed. Studies reported few side effects at therapeutic doses. The evidence quality was low with indications of publication bias. More clinical trials are needed to translate the overall positive results to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M B Kwee
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Altrecht Academic Anxiety Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Nadia A Leen
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Brain Research & Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rian C Van der Kamp
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, VUmc medical faculty, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Caspar J Van Lissa
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Danielle C Cath
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; GGZ Drenthe, Department of specialist trainings, Assen, the Netherlands
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, UIPS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna M P Baas
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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11
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Wise T, Robinson OJ, Gillan CM. Identifying Transdiagnostic Mechanisms in Mental Health Using Computational Factor Modeling. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:690-703. [PMID: 36725393 PMCID: PMC10017264 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.09.034] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Most psychiatric disorders do not occur in isolation, and most psychiatric symptom dimensions are not uniquely expressed within a single diagnostic category. Current treatments fail to work for around 25% to 40% of individuals, perhaps due at least in part to an overreliance on diagnostic categories in treatment development and allocation. In this review, we describe ongoing efforts in the field to surmount these challenges and precisely characterize psychiatric symptom dimensions using large-scale studies of unselected samples via remote, online, and "citizen science" efforts that take a dimensional, mechanistic approach. We discuss the importance that efforts to identify meaningful psychiatric dimensions be coupled with careful computational modeling to formally specify, test, and potentially falsify candidate mechanisms that underlie transdiagnostic symptom dimensions. We refer to this approach, i.e., where symptom dimensions are identified and validated against computationally well-defined neurocognitive processes, as computational factor modeling. We describe in detail some recent applications of this method to understand transdiagnostic cognitive processes that include model-based planning, metacognition, appetitive processing, and uncertainty estimation. In this context, we highlight how computational factor modeling has been used to identify specific associations between cognition and symptom dimensions and reveal previously obscured relationships, how findings generalize to smaller in-person clinical and nonclinical samples, and how the method is being adapted and optimized beyond its original instantiation. Crucially, we discuss next steps for this area of research, highlighting the value of more direct investigations of treatment response that bridge the gap between basic research and the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Wise
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver J Robinson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Research Department of Clinical Education and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire M Gillan
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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12
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Integrated cardio-behavioral responses to threat define defensive states. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:447-457. [PMID: 36759559 PMCID: PMC9991919 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01252-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Fear and anxiety are brain states that evolved to mediate defensive responses to threats. The defense reaction includes multiple interacting behavioral, autonomic and endocrine adjustments, but their integrative nature is poorly understood. In particular, although threat has been associated with various cardiac changes, there is no clear consensus regarding the relevance of these changes for the integrated defense reaction. Here we identify rapid microstates that are associated with specific behaviors and heart rate dynamics, which are affected by long-lasting macrostates and reflect context-dependent threat levels. In addition, we demonstrate that one of the most commonly used defensive behavioral responses-freezing as measured by immobility-is part of an integrated cardio-behavioral microstate mediated by Chx10+ neurons in the periaqueductal gray. Our framework for systematic integration of cardiac and behavioral readouts presents the basis for a better understanding of complex neural defensive states and their associated systemic functions.
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Hilton JR, Simpson SR, Sherman ER, Raby‐Smith W, Azvine K, Arribas M, Zhou J, Deiana S, Hengerer B, Cahill EN. Reactivity to conditioned threat cues is distinct from exploratory drive in the elevated plus maze. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:54-63. [PMID: 36382836 PMCID: PMC10107846 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fear and anxiety are adaptive states that allow humans and animals alike to respond appropriately to threatening cues in their environment. Commonly used tasks for studying behaviour akin to fear and anxiety in rodent models are Pavlovian threat conditioning and the elevated plus maze (EPM), respectively. In threat conditioning the rodents learn to associate an aversive event with a specific stimulus or context. The learnt association between the two stimuli (the 'memory') can then be recalled by re-exposing the subject to the conditioned stimulus. The elevated plus maze is argued to measure the agoraphobic avoidance of the brightly lit open maze arms in crepuscular rodents. These two tasks have been used extensively, yet research into whether they interact is scarce. We investigated whether recall of an aversive memory, across contextual, odour or auditory modalities, would potentiate anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze. The data did not support that memory recall, even over a series of time points, could influence EPM behaviour. Furthermore, there was no correlation between EPM behaviour and conditioned freezing in independent cohorts tested in the EPM before or after auditory threat conditioning. Further analysis found the production of 22 kHz ultrasonic vocalisations revealed the strongest responders to a conditioned threat cue. These results are of particular importance for consideration when using the EPM and threat conditioning to identify individual differences and the possibility to use the tasks in batteries of tests without cross-task interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe R. Hilton
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Susannah R. Simpson
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Emily R. Sherman
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Will Raby‐Smith
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Keemia Azvine
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Maite Arribas
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Jiaqi Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Serena Deiana
- CNS Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Bastian Hengerer
- CNS Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Emma N. Cahill
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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Kwee CMB, van Gerven JMA, Bongaerts FLP, Cath DC, Jacobs G, Baas JMP, Groenink L. Cannabidiol in clinical and preclinical anxiety research. A systematic review into concentration-effect relations using the IB-de-risk tool. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1299-1314. [PMID: 36239014 PMCID: PMC9716490 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221124792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential in pathological anxiety. Dosing guidelines to inform future human studies are however lacking. AIM We aimed to predict the therapeutic window for anxiety-reducing effects of CBD in humans based on preclinical models. METHODS We conducted two systematic searches in PubMed and Embase up to August 2021, into pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data of systemic CBD exposure in humans and animals, which includes anxiety-reducing and potential side effects. Risk of bias was assessed with SYRCLE's RoB tool and Cochrane RoB 2.0. A control group was an inclusion criterion in outcome studies. In human outcome studies, randomisation was required. We excluded studies that co-administered other substances. We used the IB-de-risk tool for a translational integration of outcomes. RESULTS We synthesised data from 87 studies. For most observations (70.3%), CBD had no effect on anxiety outcomes. There was no identifiable relation between anxiety outcomes and drug levels across species. In all species (humans, mice, rats), anxiety-reducing effects seemed to be clustered in certain concentration ranges, which differed between species. DISCUSSION A straightforward dosing recommendation was not possible, given variable concentration-effect relations across species, and no consistent linear effect of CBD on anxiety reduction. Currently, these results raise questions about the broad use as a drug for anxiety. Meta-analytic studies are needed to quantitatively investigate drug efficacy, including aspects of anxiety symptomatology. Acute and (sub)chronic dosing studies with integrated PK and PD outcomes are required for substantiated dose recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline MB Kwee
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Altrecht Academic Anxiety Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Caroline MB Kwee, Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, Utrecht 3584 CS, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Fleur LP Bongaerts
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle C Cath
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Department of Specialist Trainings, GGZ Drenthe, Assen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Johanna MP Baas
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Domschke K. Fear and Anxiety-Distinct or "Kindred" Phenomena? BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 2:314-315. [PMID: 36324653 PMCID: PMC9616343 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Millan MJ. Agomelatine for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: focus on its distinctive mechanism of action. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2022; 12:20451253221105128. [PMID: 35795687 PMCID: PMC9251978 DOI: 10.1177/20451253221105128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the most frequently diagnosed form of anxiety, is usually treated by cognitive-behavioural approaches or medication; in particular, benzodiazepines (acutely) and serotonin or serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (long term). Efficacy, compliance, and acceptability are, however, far from ideal, reinforcing interest in alternative options. Agomelatine, clinically employed in the treatment of major depression, expresses anxiolytic properties in rodents and was effective in the treatment of GAD (including severely ill patients) in several double-blind, short-term (12 weeks) and relapse-prevention (6 months) studies. At active doses, the incidence of adverse effects was no higher than for placebo. Agomelatine possesses a unique binding profile, behaving as a melatonin (MT1/MT2) receptor agonist and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, yet recognizing neither monoamine transporters nor GABAA receptors. Extensive evidence supports a role for 5-HT2C receptors in the induction of anxious states, and their blockade likely plays a primary role in mediating the anxiolytic actions of agomelatine, including populations in the amygdala and bed nucleus of stria terminalis, as well as the hippocampus. Recruitment of MT receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, thalamic reticular nucleus, and hippocampus appears to fulfil a complimentary role. Downstream of 5-HT2C and MT receptors, modulation of stress-sensitive glutamatergic circuits and altered release of the anxiogenic neuropeptides, corticotrophin-releasing factor, and vasopressin, may be implicated in the actions of agomelatine. To summarize, agomelatine exerts its anxiolytic actions by mechanisms clearly distinct from those of other agents currently employed for the management of GAD. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY How agomelatine helps in the treatment of anxiety disorders. INTRODUCTION • Anxiety disorders have a significant negative impact on quality of life.• The most common type of anxiety disorder, called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), is associated with nervousness and excessive worry.• These symptoms can lead to additional symptoms like tiredness, sleeplessness, irritability, and poor attention.• GAD is generally treated through either cognitive-behavioural therapy or medication. However, widely used drugs like benzodiazepines and serotonin reuptake inhibitors have adverse effects.• Agomelatine, a well-established antidepressant drug, has shown anxiety-lowering ('anxiolytic') properties in rats and has been shown to effectively treat GAD with minimal side effects.• However, exactly how it acts on the brain to manage GAD is not yet clear.• Thus, this review aims to shed light on agomelatine's mechanism of action in treating GAD. METHODS • The authors reviewed studies on how agomelatine treats anxiety in animals.• They also looked at clinical studies on the effects of agomelatine in people with GAD. RESULTS • The study showed that agomelatine 'blocks' a receptor in nerve cells, which plays a role in causing anxiety, called the 5-HT2C receptor.• Blocking this receptor, especially in specific brain regions such as nerve cells of the amygdala, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, and hippocampus, produced the anxiety reduction seen during agomelatine treatment.• Agomelatine also activates the melatonin (MT) receptor, which is known to keep anxiety in check, promote sleep, and maintain the sleep cycle.• Agomelatine should thus tackle sleep disturbances commonly seen in patients with GAD.• Beyond 5-HT2C and MT receptors, signalling molecules in nerve cells that are known to be involved in anxiety disorders (called 'neurotransmitters' and 'neuropeptides') are also affected by agomelatine. CONCLUSION • Agomelatine's anxiolytic effects are caused by mechanisms that are distinct from those of other medications currently used to treat GAD.• This explains its therapeutic success and minimal adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Millan
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medicine, Vet and Life Sciences, Glasgow University, 28 Hillhead Street, Glasgow G12 8QB, UK
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