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Cheung H, Yu TZ, Yi X, Wu YJ, Wang Q, Gu X, Xu M, Cai M, Wen W, Li XN, Liu YX, Sun Y, Zheng J, Xu TL, Luo Y, Zhang MZ, Li WG. An ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine in thalamic nucleus reuniens undermines fear extinction via intermediation of hippocamposeptal circuits. Commun Biol 2024; 7:728. [PMID: 38877285 PMCID: PMC11178775 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06417-w] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines, commonly used for anxiolytics, hinder conditioned fear extinction, and the underlying circuit mechanisms are unclear. Utilizing remimazolam, an ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine, here we reveal its impact on the thalamic nucleus reuniens (RE) and interconnected hippocamposeptal circuits during fear extinction. Systemic or RE-specific administration of remimazolam impedes fear extinction by reducing RE activation through A type GABA receptors. Remimazolam enhances long-range GABAergic inhibition from lateral septum (LS) to RE, underlying the compromised fear extinction. RE projects to ventral hippocampus (vHPC), which in turn sends projections characterized by feed-forward inhibition to the GABAergic neurons of the LS. This is coupled with long-range GABAergic projections from the LS to RE, collectively constituting an overall positive feedback circuit construct that promotes fear extinction. RE-specific remimazolam negates the facilitation of fear extinction by disrupting this circuit. Thus, remimazolam in RE disrupts fear extinction caused by hippocamposeptal intermediation, offering mechanistic insights for the dilemma of combining anxiolytics with extinction-based exposure therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoiyin Cheung
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Tong-Zhou Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Yi
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan-Jiao Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xue Gu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Meihua Cai
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wen Wen
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xin-Ni Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying-Xiao Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jijian Zheng
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201600, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Ma-Zhong Zhang
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Wei-Guang Li
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Puska G, Szendi V, Dobolyi A. Lateral septum as a possible regulatory center of maternal behaviors. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105683. [PMID: 38649125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105683] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The lateral septum (LS) is involved in controlling anxiety, aggression, feeding, and other motivated behaviors. Lesion studies have also implicated the LS in various forms of caring behaviors. Recently, novel experimental tools have provided a more detailed insight into the function of the LS, including the specific role of distinct cell types and their neuronal connections in behavioral regulations, in which the LS participates. This article discusses the regulation of different types of maternal behavioral alterations using the distributions of established maternal hormones such as prolactin, estrogens, and the neuropeptide oxytocin. It also considers the distribution of neurons activated in mothers in response to pups and other maternal activities, as well as gene expressional alterations in the maternal LS. Finally, this paper proposes further research directions to keep up with the rapidly developing knowledge on maternal behavioral control in other maternal brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Puska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien Szendi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arpád Dobolyi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Laboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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3
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Ji S, Guo Y, Yan W, Wei F, Ding J, Hong W, Wu X, Ku T, Yue H, Sang N. PM 2.5 exposure contributes to anxiety and depression-like behaviors via phenyl-containing compounds interfering with dopamine receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319595121. [PMID: 38739786 PMCID: PMC11127009 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319595121] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
As a global problem, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) really needs local fixes. Considering the increasing epidemiological relevance to anxiety and depression but inconsistent toxicological results, the most important question is to clarify whether and how PM2.5 causally contributes to these mental disorders and which components are the most dangerous for crucial mitigation in a particular place. In the present study, we chronically subjected male mice to a real-world PM2.5 exposure system throughout the winter heating period in a coal combustion area and revealed that PM2.5 caused anxiety and depression-like behaviors in adults such as restricted activity, diminished exploratory interest, enhanced repetitive stereotypy, and elevated acquired immobility, through behavioral tests including open field, elevated plus maze, marble-burying, and forced swimming tests. Importantly, we found that dopamine signaling was perturbed using mRNA transcriptional profile and bioinformatics analysis, with Drd1 as a potential target. Subsequently, we developed the Drd1 expression-directed multifraction isolating and nontarget identifying framework and identified a total of 209 compounds in PM2.5 organic extracts capable of reducing Drd1 expression. Furthermore, by applying hierarchical characteristic fragment analysis and molecular docking and dynamics simulation, we clarified that phenyl-containing compounds competitively bound to DRD1 and interfered with dopamine signaling, thereby contributing to mental disorders. Taken together, this work provides experimental evidence for researchers and clinicians to identify hazardous factors in PM2.5 and prevent adverse health outcomes and for local governments and municipalities to control source emissions for diminishing specific disease burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyang Ji
- Department of Environment Science, College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi030006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuqiong Guo
- Department of Environment Science, College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi030006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Environment Science, College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi030006, People’s Republic of China
- Xuzhou Engineering Research Center of Medical Genetics and Transformation, Key Laboratory of Genetic Foundation and Clinical Application, Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu221004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Wei
- Department of Environment Engineering, College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinjian Ding
- Department of Environment Engineering, College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Hong
- Department of Environment Engineering, College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Department of Environment Science, College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi030006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Ku
- Department of Environment Science, College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi030006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huifeng Yue
- Department of Environment Science, College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi030006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Sang
- Department of Environment Science, College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi030006, People’s Republic of China
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Lauretani F, Giallauria F, Testa C, Zinni C, Lorenzi B, Zucchini I, Salvi M, Napoli R, Maggio MG. Dopamine Pharmacodynamics: New Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5293. [PMID: 38791331 PMCID: PMC11121567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105293] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in physiological processes such as motor control, motivation, reward, cognitive function, and maternal and reproductive behaviors. Therefore, dysfunctions of the dopaminergic system are related to a plethora of human diseases. Dopamine, via different circuitries implicated in compulsive behavior, reward, and habit formation, also represents a key player in substance use disorder and the formation and perpetuation of mechanisms leading to addiction. Here, we propose dopamine as a model not only of neurotransmission but also of neuromodulation capable of modifying neuronal architecture. Abuse of substances like methamphetamine, cocaine, and alcohol and their consumption over time can induce changes in neuronal activities. These modifications lead to synaptic plasticity and finally to morphological and functional changes, starting from maladaptive neuro-modulation and ending in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Lauretani
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.T.); (C.Z.); (B.L.); (I.Z.); (M.S.); (M.G.M.)
- Cognitive and Motor Center, Medicine and Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department of Parma, University-Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Giallauria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (R.N.)
| | - Crescenzo Testa
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.T.); (C.Z.); (B.L.); (I.Z.); (M.S.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Claudia Zinni
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.T.); (C.Z.); (B.L.); (I.Z.); (M.S.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Beatrice Lorenzi
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.T.); (C.Z.); (B.L.); (I.Z.); (M.S.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Irene Zucchini
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.T.); (C.Z.); (B.L.); (I.Z.); (M.S.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Marco Salvi
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.T.); (C.Z.); (B.L.); (I.Z.); (M.S.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Raffaele Napoli
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (R.N.)
| | - Marcello Giuseppe Maggio
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.T.); (C.Z.); (B.L.); (I.Z.); (M.S.); (M.G.M.)
- Cognitive and Motor Center, Medicine and Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department of Parma, University-Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Zuo X, Zhang S, Bai H, Yu Q, Zhao Q, Sun M, Zhao X, Feng X. Effects of fluorene-9-bisphenol exposure on anxiety-like and social behavior in mice and protective potential of exogenous melatonin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29385-29399. [PMID: 38573577 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF) is widely used in the manufacture of plastic products and potentially disrupts several physiological processes, but its biological effects on social behavior remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of BHPF exposure on anxiety-like and social behavior in female mice and the potential mechanisms, thereby proposing a potential therapy strategy. We exposed female Balb/c mice to BHPF by oral gavage at different doses (0.5, 50 mg/kg bw/2-day) for 28 days, which were found BHPF (50 mg/kg) exposure affected motor activity in the open field test (OFT) and elevated cross maze (EPM), resulting in anxiety-like behaviors, as well as abnormal social behavioral deficits in the Social Interaction Test (SIT). Analysis of histopathological staining results showed that BHPF exposure caused damage to hippocampal neurons in the CA1/CA3/DG region and decreased Nissl pyramidal neurons in the CA1/CA3 regions of the hippocampus, as well as a decrease in parvalbumin neuron expression. In addition, BHPF exposure upregulated the expression of excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) vesicle transporter genes (Vglut1, Vglut2, VGAT, GAD67, Gabra) and axon growth gene (Dcc) in the mouse hippocampus. Interestingly, behavioral disturbances and E/I balance could be alleviated by exogenous melatonin (15 mg/kg bw/2-day) therapy. Our findings suggest that exogenous melatonin may be a potential therapy with protective potential for ameliorating or preventing BHPF-induced hippocampal neuronal damage and behavioral disturbances. This study provided new insight into the neurotoxicological effects on organisms exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and aroused our vigilance in current environmental safety about chemical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zuo
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Shuhui Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Huijuan Bai
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qian Yu
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics & Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Institute of Robotics & Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Robotics & Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xizeng Feng
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Chen S, Li M, Tong C, Wang Y, He J, Shao Q, Liu Y, Wu Y, Song Y. Regulation of miRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex by fecal microbiota transplantation in anxiety-like mice. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1323801. [PMID: 38410679 PMCID: PMC10894985 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1323801] [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] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The gut-brain axis and gut microbiota have emerged as key players in emotional disorders. Recent studies suggest that alterations in gut microbiota may impact psychiatric symptoms through brain miRNA along the gut-brain axis. However, direct evidence linking gut microbiota to the pathophysiology of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) via brain miRNA is limited. In this study, we explored the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from GAD donors on gut microbiota and prefrontal cortex miRNA in recipient mice, aiming to understand the relationship between these two factors. Methods Anxiety scores and gut microbiota composition were assessed in GAD patients, and their fecal samples were utilized for FMT in C57BL/6J mice. Anxiety-like behavior in mice was evaluated using open field and elevated plus maze tests. High-throughput sequencing of gut microbiota 16S rRNA and prefrontal cortex miRNA was performed. Results The fecal microbiota of GAD patients exhibited a distinct microbial structure compared to the healthy group, characterized by a significant decrease in Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia, and a significant increase in Actinobacteria and Bacteroides. Subsequent FMT from GAD patients to mice induced anxiety-like behavior in recipients. Detailed analysis of gut microbiota composition revealed lower abundances of Verrucomicrobia, Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Butyricimonas, and higher abundances of Deferribacteres, Allobaculum, Bacteroides, and Clostridium in mice that received FMT from GAD patients. MiRNA analysis identified five key miRNAs affecting GAD pathogenesis, including mmu-miR-10a-5p, mmu-miR-1224-5p, mmu-miR-218-5p, mmu-miR-10b-5p, and mmu-miR-488-3p. Notably, mmu-miR-488-3p showed a strong negative correlation with Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia. Conclusion This study demonstrates that anxiety-like behavior induced by human FMT can be transmitted through gut microbiota and is associated with miRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex. It is inferred that the reduction of Akkermansia caused by FMT from GAD patients leads to the upregulation of mmu-miR-488-3p expression, resulting in the downregulation of its downstream target gene Creb1 and interference with its related signaling pathway. These findings highlight the gut microbiota's crucial role in the GAD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjia Li
- College of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Changqing Tong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahui He
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Shao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Liuzhou Key laboratory of infection disease and immunology, Research Center of Medical Sciences, Liuzhou People's Hospital affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuehan Song
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Franco TM, Tavares MR, Novaes LS, Munhoz CD, Peixoto-Santos JE, Araujo RC, Donato J, Bader M, Wasinski F. Effects of Bradykinin B2 Receptor Ablation from Tyrosine Hydroxylase Cells on Behavioral and Motor Aspects in Male and Female Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1490. [PMID: 38338764 PMCID: PMC10855040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031490] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The kallikrein-kinin system is a versatile regulatory network implicated in various biological processes encompassing inflammation, nociception, blood pressure control, and central nervous system functions. Its physiological impact is mediated through G-protein-coupled transmembrane receptors, specifically the B1 and B2 receptors. Dopamine, a key catecholamine neurotransmitter widely distributed in the CNS, plays a crucial role in diverse physiological functions including motricity, reward, anxiety, fear, feeding, sleep, and arousal. Notably, the potential physical interaction between bradykinin and dopaminergic receptors has been previously documented. In this study, we aimed to explore whether B2R modulation in catecholaminergic neurons influences the dopaminergic pathway, impacting behavioral, metabolic, and motor aspects in both male and female mice. B2R ablation in tyrosine hydroxylase cells reduced the body weight and lean mass without affecting body adiposity, substrate oxidation, locomotor activity, glucose tolerance, or insulin sensitivity in mice. Moreover, a B2R deficiency in TH cells did not alter anxiety levels, exercise performance, or motor coordination in female and male mice. The concentrations of monoamines and their metabolites in the substantia nigra and cortex region were not affected in knockout mice. In essence, B2R deletion in TH cells selectively influenced the body weight and composition, leaving the behavioral and motor aspects largely unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaina Maquedo Franco
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (T.M.F.); (M.R.T.); (J.E.P.-S.)
| | - Mariana R. Tavares
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (T.M.F.); (M.R.T.); (J.E.P.-S.)
| | - Leonardo S. Novaes
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (L.S.N.); (C.D.M.)
| | - Carolina D. Munhoz
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (L.S.N.); (C.D.M.)
| | - Jose Eduardo Peixoto-Santos
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (T.M.F.); (M.R.T.); (J.E.P.-S.)
| | - Ronaldo C. Araujo
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 04039-032, Brazil;
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Michael Bader
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Frederick Wasinski
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (T.M.F.); (M.R.T.); (J.E.P.-S.)
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8
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Wang Q, Wang Y, Tian Y, Li Y, Han J, Tai F, Jia R. Social environment enrichment alleviates anxiety-like behavior in mice: Involvement of the dopamine system. Behav Brain Res 2024; 456:114687. [PMID: 37778421 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114687] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Rearing environment plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental health of both animals and humans. Plenty of studies have proved that physical environment enrichment in adolescence has protective effects on emotion, social behavior, learning and memory deficits. However, the following effects of social environment enrichment in adolescence remain largely elusive. Using the paradigm of companion rotation (CR), the present study found that social environment enrichment reduced anxiety-like behaviors of early adult male C57BL/6J mice. CR group also showed significantly higher expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the ventral tegmental area and dopamine 1 receptor mRNA in the nucleus accumbens shell than control group. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that CR from adolescence to early adulthood can suppress the level of anxiety and upregulate dopaminergic neuron activity in early adult male C57BL/6J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Science, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Yuqian Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Science, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Yaoyao Tian
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Science, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Science, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Jing Han
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, China
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Science, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Science, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China.
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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 γ-Aminobutyric Acid-ergic Neurons in Mice. Anesth Analg 2023:00000539-990000000-00668. [PMID: 38048607 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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Wu Q, Ren Q, Meng J, Gao WJ, Chang YZ. Brain Iron Homeostasis and Mental Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1997. [PMID: 38001850 PMCID: PMC10669508 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron plays an essential role in various physiological processes. A disruption in iron homeostasis can lead to severe consequences, including impaired neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, and cancer. Interestingly, the link between mental health disorders and iron homeostasis has not received significant attention. Therefore, our understanding of iron metabolism in the context of psychological diseases is incomplete. In this review, we aim to discuss the pathologies and potential mechanisms that relate to iron homeostasis in associated mental disorders. We propose the hypothesis that maintaining brain iron homeostasis can support neuronal physiological functions by impacting key enzymatic activities during neurotransmission, redox balance, and myelination. In conclusion, our review highlights the importance of investigating the relationship between trace element nutrition and the pathological process of mental disorders, focusing on iron. This nutritional perspective can offer valuable insights for the clinical treatment of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China;
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20 Nan’erhuan Eastern Road, Shijiazhuang 050024, China; (Q.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Qiuyang Ren
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20 Nan’erhuan Eastern Road, Shijiazhuang 050024, China; (Q.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Jingsi Meng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20 Nan’erhuan Eastern Road, Shijiazhuang 050024, China; (Q.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Wei-Juan Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China;
| | - Yan-Zhong Chang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20 Nan’erhuan Eastern Road, Shijiazhuang 050024, China; (Q.R.); (J.M.)
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11
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Jiang J, Zou Y, Xie C, Yang M, Tong Q, Yuan M, Pei X, Deng S, Tian M, Xiao L, Gong Y. Oxytocin alleviates cognitive and memory impairments by decreasing hippocampal microglial activation and synaptic defects via OXTR/ERK/STAT3 pathway in a mouse model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:195-213. [PMID: 37648002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a diffuse brain dysfunction, characterized by cognitive and memory impairments closely linked to hippocampal dysfunction. Though it is well-known that SAE is a diffuse brain dysfunction with microglial activation, the pathological mechanisms of SAE are not well established and effective clinical interventions are lacking. Oxytocin (OXT) is reported to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective roles. However, the effects of OXT on SAE and the underlying mechanisms are not clear. METHODS SAE was induced in adult C57BL/6J male mice by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) surgery. Exogenous OXT was intranasally applied after surgery. Clinical score, survivor rate, cognitive and memory behaviors, and hippocampal neuronal and non-neuronal functions were evaluated. Cultured microglia challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to investigate the effects of OXT on microglial functions, including inflammatory cytokines release and phagocytosis. The possible intracellular signal pathways involved in the OXT-induced neuroprotection were explored with RNA sequencing. RESULTS Hippocampal OXT level decreases, while the expression of OXT receptor (OXTR) increases around 24 h after CLP surgery. Intranasal OXT application at a proper dose increases mouse survival rate, alleviates cognitive and memory dysfunction, and restores hippocampal synaptic function and neuronal activity via OXTR in the SAE model. Intraperitoneal or local administration of the OXTR antagonist L-368,899 in hippocampal CA1 region inhibited the protective effects of OXT. Moreover, during the early stages of sepsis, hippocampal microglia are activated, while OXT application reduces microglial phagocytosis and the release of inflammatory cytokines, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect. OXT may improve the SAE outcomes via the OXTR-ERK-STAT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers the dysfunction of the OXT signal in SAE and shows that intranasal OXT application at a proper dose can alleviate SAE outcomes by reducing microglial overactivation, suggests that OXT may be a promising therapeutic approach in managing SAE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Jiang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yue Zou
- Yunnan Eye Institute & Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Disease Clinical Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chuantong Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxian Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuping Tong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mimi Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Pei
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuixiang Deng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mi Tian
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ye Gong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Zhang YF, Wu J, Wang Y, Johnson NL, Bhattarai JP, Li G, Wang W, Guevara C, Shoenhard H, Fuccillo MV, Wesson DW, Ma M. Ventral striatal islands of Calleja neurons bidirectionally mediate depression-like behaviors in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6887. [PMID: 37898623 PMCID: PMC10613228 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42662-z] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The ventral striatum is a reward center implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. It contains islands of Calleja, clusters of dopamine D3 receptor-expressing granule cells, predominantly in the olfactory tubercle (OT). These OT D3 neurons regulate self-grooming, a repetitive behavior manifested in affective disorders. Here we show that chronic restraint stress (CRS) induces robust depression-like behaviors in mice and decreases excitability of OT D3 neurons. Ablation or inhibition of these neurons leads to depression-like behaviors, whereas their activation ameliorates CRS-induced depression-like behaviors. Moreover, activation of OT D3 neurons has a rewarding effect, which diminishes when grooming is blocked. Finally, we propose a model that explains how OT D3 neurons may influence dopamine release via synaptic connections with OT spiny projection neurons (SPNs) that project to midbrain dopamine neurons. Our study reveals a crucial role of OT D3 neurons in bidirectionally mediating depression-like behaviors, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Jialiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Yingqi Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Natalie L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Janardhan P Bhattarai
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Guanqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, China
| | - Wenqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, China
| | - Camilo Guevara
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hannah Shoenhard
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marc V Fuccillo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Daniel W Wesson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Minghong Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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13
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Wang A, Zhou Y, Chen H, Jin J, Mao Y, Tao S, Qiu T. Inhibition of SK Channels in VTA Affects Dopaminergic Neurons to Improve the Depression-Like Behaviors of Post-Stroke Depression Rats. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:2127-2139. [PMID: 37840624 PMCID: PMC10572402 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s426091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effect of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels) on the dopaminergic (DA) neuron pathways in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) during the pathogenesis of post-stroke depression (PSD) and explore the improvement of PSD by inhibiting the SK channels. Patients and Methods Four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided: Control, PSD, SK channel inhibitor (apamin) and SK channel activator (CyPPA) groups. In both control and CyPPA groups, sham surgery was performed. In the other two groups, middle cerebral arteries were occluded. The behavioral indicators related to depression in different groups were compared. Immunofluorescence was used to measure the activity of DA neurons in the VTA, while qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of SK channel genes. Results The results showed that apamin treatment improved behavioral indicators related to depression compared to the PSD group. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR analysis revealed differential expression of the KCNN1 and KCNN3 subgenes of the SK channels in each group. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed an increase in the expression of DA neurons in the VTA of the PSD group, which was subsequently reduced upon apamin intervention. Conclusion This study suggests that SK channel activation following stroke contributes to depression-related behaviors in PSD rats through increased expression of DA neurons in the VTA. And depression-related behavior is improved in PSD rats by inhibiting the SK channels. The results of this study provide a new understanding of PSD pathogenesis and the possibility of developing new strategies to prevent PSD by targeting SK channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujia Zhou
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huangying Chen
- First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Jin
- First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingqi Mao
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuiliang Tao
- Basic Medicine College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Cui X, Tong Q, Xu H, Xie C, Xiao L. A putative loop connection between VTA dopamine neurons and nucleus accumbens encodes positive valence to compensate for hunger. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 229:102503. [PMID: 37451329 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102503] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) signal play pivotal roles in regulating motivated behaviors, including feeding behavior, but the role of midbrain DA neurons in modulating food intake and neural circuitry mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we found that activating but not inhibiting ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons reduces mouse food intake. Furthermore, DA neurons in ventral VTA, especially neurons projecting to the medial nucleus accumbens (NAc), are activated by refeeding in the 24 h fasted mice. Combing neural circuitry tracing, optogenetic, chemogenetic, and pharmacological manipulations, we established that the VTA→medial NAc→VTA loop circuit is critical for the VTA DA neurons activation-induced food intake reduction. Moreover, activating either VTA DA neurons or dopaminergic axons in medial NAc elevates positive valence, which will compensate for the hungry-induced food intake. Thus, our study identifies a subset of positive valence-encoded VTA DA neurons forming possible loop connections with medial NAc that are anorexigenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Cui
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiuping Tong
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chuantong Xie
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Xiao
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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15
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Dalto JF, Medina JH. Time-dependent inhibition of Rac1 in the VTA enhances long-term aversive memory: implications in active forgetting mechanisms. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13507. [PMID: 37598223 PMCID: PMC10439914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40434-9] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The fate of memories depends mainly on two opposing forces: the mechanisms required for the storage and maintenance of memory and the mechanisms underlying forgetting, being the latter much less understood. Here, we show the effect of inhibiting the small Rho GTPase Rac1 on the fate of inhibitory avoidance memory in male rats. The immediate post-training micro-infusion of the specific Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 (150 ng/0.5 µl/ side) into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) enhanced long-term memory at 1, 7, and 14 days after a single training. Additionally, an opposed effect occurred when the inhibitor was infused at 12 h after training while no effect was observed immediately after testing animals at 1 day. Control experiments ruled out the possibility that post-training memory enhancement was due to facilitation of memory formation since no effect was found when animals were tested at 1 h after acquisition and no memory enhancement was observed after the formation of a weak memory. Immediate post-training micro-infusion of Rac1 inhibitor into the dorsal hippocampus, or the amygdala did not affect memory. Our findings support the idea of a Rac1-dependent time-specific active forgetting mechanism in the VTA controlling the strength of a long-term aversive memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana F Dalto
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. Eduardo de Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, 3rd Floor, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge H Medina
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. Eduardo de Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, 3rd Floor, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Hornung RS, Kinchington PR, Umorin M, Kramer PR. PAQR8 and PAQR9 expression is altered in the ventral tegmental area of aged rats infected with varicella zoster virus. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231202598. [PMID: 37699860 PMCID: PMC10515525 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231202598] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV) results in chicken pox and reactivation of VZV results in herpes zoster (HZ) or what is often referred to as shingles. Patients with HZ experience decreased motivation and increased emotional distress consistent with functions of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain. In addition, activity within the ventral tegmental area is altered in patients with HZ. HZ primarily affects individuals that are older and the VTA changes with age. To begin to determine if the VTA has a role in HZ symptoms, a screen of 10,000 genes within the VTA in young and old male rats was completed after injecting the whisker pad with VZV. The two genes that had maximal change were membrane progesterone receptors PAQR8 (mPRβ) and PAQR9 (mPRε). Neurons and non-neuronal cells expressed both PAQR8 and PAQR9. PAQR8 and PAQR9 protein expression was significantly reduced after VZV injection of young males. In old rats PAQR9 protein expression was significantly increased after VZV injection and PAQR9 protein expression was reduced in aged male rats versus young rats. Consistent with previous results, pain significantly increased after VZV injection of the whisker pad and aged animals showed significantly more pain than young animals. Our data suggests that PAQR8 and PAQR9 expression is altered by VZV injection and that these changes are affected by age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Hornung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University School of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Paul R Kinchington
- Department of Ophthalmology and of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mikhail Umorin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University School of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Phillip R Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University School of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA
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