1
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Volitaki E, Forro T, Li K, Nevian T, Ciocchi S. Activity of ventral hippocampal parvalbumin interneurons during anxiety. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114295. [PMID: 38796850 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114295] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety plays a key role in guiding behavior in response to potential threats. Anxiety is mediated by the activation of pyramidal neurons in the ventral hippocampus (vH), whose activity is controlled by GABAergic inhibitory interneurons. However, how different vH interneurons might contribute to anxiety-related processes is unclear. Here, we investigate the role of vH parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons while mice transition from safe to more anxiogenic compartments of the elevated plus maze (EPM). We find that vH PV interneurons increase their activity in anxiogenic EPM compartments concomitant with dynamic changes in inhibitory interactions between PV interneurons and pyramidal neurons. By optogenetically inhibiting PV interneurons, we induce an increase in the activity of vH pyramidal neurons and persistent anxiety. Collectively, our results suggest that vH inhibitory microcircuits may act as a trigger for enduring anxiety states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouela Volitaki
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Forro
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kaizhen Li
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Nevian
- Neuronal Plasticity Group, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Ciocchi
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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2
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Ouyang W, Kilner KJ, Xavier RMP, Liu Y, Lu Y, Feller SM, Pitts KM, Wu M, Ausra J, Jones I, Wu Y, Luan H, Trueb J, Higbee-Dempsey EM, Stepien I, Ghoreishi-Haack N, Haney CR, Li H, Kozorovitskiy Y, Heshmati M, Banks AR, Golden SA, Good CH, Rogers JA. An implantable device for wireless monitoring of diverse physio-behavioral characteristics in freely behaving small animals and interacting groups. Neuron 2024; 112:1764-1777.e5. [PMID: 38537641 PMCID: PMC11256974 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Comprehensive, continuous quantitative monitoring of intricately orchestrated physiological processes and behavioral states in living organisms can yield essential data for elucidating the function of neural circuits under healthy and diseased conditions, for defining the effects of potential drugs and treatments, and for tracking disease progression and recovery. Here, we report a wireless, battery-free implantable device and a set of associated algorithms that enable continuous, multiparametric physio-behavioral monitoring in freely behaving small animals and interacting groups. Through advanced analytics approaches applied to mechano-acoustic signals of diverse body processes, the device yields heart rate, respiratory rate, physical activity, temperature, and behavioral states. Demonstrations in pharmacological, locomotor, and acute and social stress tests and in optogenetic studies offer unique insights into the coordination of physio-behavioral characteristics associated with healthy and perturbed states. This technology has broad utility in neuroscience, physiology, behavior, and other areas that rely on studies of freely moving, small animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ouyang
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Keith J Kilner
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; NeuroLux Inc., Northfield, IL 60093, USA
| | | | - Yiming Liu
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Yinsheng Lu
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | | | - Kayla M Pitts
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mingzheng Wu
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | | | - Ian Jones
- NeuroLux Inc., Northfield, IL 60093, USA
| | - Yunyun Wu
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Haiwen Luan
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Jacob Trueb
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | | | - Iwona Stepien
- Developmental Therapeutics Core, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | | | - Chad R Haney
- Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Mitra Heshmati
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Anthony R Banks
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; NeuroLux Inc., Northfield, IL 60093, USA
| | - Sam A Golden
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Cameron H Good
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; NeuroLux Inc., Northfield, IL 60093, USA.
| | - John A Rogers
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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3
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Stempel AV. A conserved brainstem region for instinctive behaviour control: The vertebrate periaqueductal gray. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 86:102878. [PMID: 38663047 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Instinctive behaviours have evolved across animal phyla and ensure the survival of both the individual and species. They include behaviours that achieve defence, feeding, aggression, sexual reproduction, or parental care. Within the vertebrate subphylum, the brain circuits that support instinctive behaviour output are evolutionarily conserved, being present in the oldest group of living vertebrates, the lamprey. Here, I will provide an evolutionary and comparative perspective on the function of a conserved brainstem region central to the initiation and execution of virtually all instinctive behaviours-the periaqueductal gray. In particular, I will focus on recent advances on the neural mechanisms in the periaqueductal gray that underlie the production of different instinctive behaviours within and across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vanessa Stempel
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany.
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4
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Rogers JF, Vandendoren M, Prather JF, Landen JG, Bedford NL, Nelson AC. Neural cell-types and circuits linking thermoregulation and social behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105667. [PMID: 38599356 PMCID: PMC11163828 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105667] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how social and affective behavioral states are controlled by neural circuits is a fundamental challenge in neurobiology. Despite increasing understanding of central circuits governing prosocial and agonistic interactions, how bodily autonomic processes regulate these behaviors is less resolved. Thermoregulation is vital for maintaining homeostasis, but also associated with cognitive, physical, affective, and behavioral states. Here, we posit that adjusting body temperature may be integral to the appropriate expression of social behavior and argue that understanding neural links between behavior and thermoregulation is timely. First, changes in behavioral states-including social interaction-often accompany changes in body temperature. Second, recent work has uncovered neural populations controlling both thermoregulatory and social behavioral pathways. We identify additional neural populations that, in separate studies, control social behavior and thermoregulation, and highlight their relevance to human and animal studies. Third, dysregulation of body temperature is linked to human neuropsychiatric disorders. Although body temperature is a "hidden state" in many neurobiological studies, it likely plays an underappreciated role in regulating social and affective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Rogers
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA; University of Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, USA
| | - Morgane Vandendoren
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA; University of Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, USA
| | - Jonathan F Prather
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Jason G Landen
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA; University of Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, USA
| | - Nicole L Bedford
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Adam C Nelson
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA; University of Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, USA.
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5
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Klaassen FH, de Voogd LD, Hulsman AM, O'Reilly JX, Klumpers F, Figner B, Roelofs K. The neurocomputational link between defensive cardiac states and approach-avoidance arbitration under threat. Commun Biol 2024; 7:576. [PMID: 38755409 PMCID: PMC11099143 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06267-6] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Avoidance, a hallmark of anxiety-related psychopathology, often comes at a cost; avoiding threat may forgo the possibility of a reward. Theories predict that optimal approach-avoidance arbitration depends on threat-induced psychophysiological states, like freezing-related bradycardia. Here we used model-based fMRI analyses to investigate whether and how bradycardia states are linked to the neurocomputational underpinnings of approach-avoidance arbitration under varying reward and threat magnitudes. We show that bradycardia states are associated with increased threat-induced avoidance and more pronounced reward-threat value comparison (i.e., a stronger tendency to approach vs. avoid when expected reward outweighs threat). An amygdala-striatal-prefrontal circuit supports approach-avoidance arbitration under threat, with specific involvement of the amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC) in integrating reward-threat value and bradycardia states. These findings highlight the role of human freezing states in value-based decision making, relevant for optimal threat coping. They point to a specific role for amygdala/dACC in state-value integration under threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix H Klaassen
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lycia D de Voogd
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University, Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Rapenburg 70, 2311 EZ, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anneloes M Hulsman
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University, Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jill X O'Reilly
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Woodstock Road, OX2 6GG, Oxford, UK
| | - Floris Klumpers
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University, Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bernd Figner
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University, Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Roelofs
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Radboud University, Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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6
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Drzewiecki CM, Fox AS. Understanding the heterogeneity of anxiety using a translational neuroscience approach. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 24:228-245. [PMID: 38356013 PMCID: PMC11039504 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-024-01162-3] [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] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide and present a challenge in neuroscience research because of their substantial heterogeneity in clinical presentation. While a great deal of progress has been made in understanding the neurobiology of fear and anxiety, these insights have not led to effective treatments. Understanding the relationship between phenotypic heterogeneity and the underlying biology is a critical first step in solving this problem. We show translation, reverse translation, and computational modeling can contribute to a refined, cross-species understanding of fear and anxiety as well as anxiety disorders. More specifically, we outline how animal models can be leveraged to develop testable hypotheses in humans by using targeted, cross-species approaches and ethologically informed behavioral paradigms. We discuss reverse translational approaches that can guide and prioritize animal research in nontraditional research species. Finally, we advocate for the use of computational models to harmonize cross-species and cross-methodology research into anxiety. Together, this translational neuroscience approach will help to bridge the widening gap between how we currently conceptualize and diagnose anxiety disorders, as well as aid in the discovery of better treatments for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly M Drzewiecki
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Andrew S Fox
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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7
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Signoret-Genest J, Schukraft N, Tovote P. Measuring Heart Rate in Freely Moving Mice. Bio Protoc 2024; 14:e4926. [PMID: 38379828 PMCID: PMC10875351 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Measuring autonomic parameters like heart rate in behaving mice is not only a standard procedure in cardiovascular research but is applied in many other interdisciplinary research fields. With an electrocardiogram (ECG), the heart rate can be measured by deriving the electrical potential between subcutaneously implanted wires across the chest. This is an inexpensive and easy-to-implement technique and particularly suited for repeated recordings of up to eight weeks. This protocol describes a step-by-step guide for manufacturing the needed equipment, performing the surgical procedure of electrode implantation, and processing of acquired data, yielding accurate and reliable detection of heartbeats and calculation of heart rate (HR). We provide MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI)-based tools to extract and start processing the acquired data without a lot of coding knowledge. Finally, based on an example of a data set acquired in the context of defensive reactions, we discuss the potential and pitfalls in analyzing HR data. Key features • Next to surgical steps, the protocol provides a detailed description of manufacturing custom-made ECG connectors and a shielded, light-weight patch cable. • Suitable for recordings in which signal quality is challenged by ambient noise or noise from other recording devices. • Described for 2-channel differential recording but easily expandable to record from more channels. • Includes a summary of potential analysis methods and a discussion on the interpretation of HR dynamics in the case study of fear states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Signoret-Genest
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University
Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Center for Mental Health, University Hospital
Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Nina Schukraft
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University
Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Philip Tovote
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University
Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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8
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Wiessler AL, Hasenmüller AS, Fuhl I, Mille C, Cortes Campo O, Reinhard N, Schenk J, Heinze KG, Schaefer N, Specht CG, Villmann C. Role of the Glycine Receptor β Subunit in Synaptic Localization and Pathogenicity in Severe Startle Disease. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0837232023. [PMID: 37963764 PMCID: PMC10860499 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0837-23.2023] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Startle disease is due to the disruption of recurrent inhibition in the spinal cord. Most common causes are genetic variants in genes (GLRA1, GLRB) encoding inhibitory glycine receptor (GlyR) subunits. The adult GlyR is a heteropentameric complex composed of α1 and β subunits that localizes at postsynaptic sites and replaces embryonically expressed GlyRα2 homomers. The human GlyR variants of GLRA1 and GLRB, dominant and recessive, have been intensively studied in vitro. However, the role of unaffected GlyRβ, essential for synaptic GlyR localization, in the presence of mutated GlyRα1 in vivo is not fully understood. Here, we used knock-in mice expressing endogenous mEos4b-tagged GlyRβ that were crossed with mouse Glra1 startle disease mutants. We explored the role of GlyRβ under disease conditions in mice carrying a missense mutation (shaky) or resulting from the loss of GlyRα1 (oscillator). Interestingly, synaptic targeting of GlyRβ was largely unaffected in both mouse mutants. While synaptic morphology appears unaltered in shaky animals, synapses were notably smaller in homozygous oscillator animals. Hence, GlyRβ enables transport of functionally impaired GlyRα1 missense variants to synaptic sites in shaky animals, which has an impact on the efficacy of possible compensatory mechanisms. The observed enhanced GlyRα2 expression in oscillator animals points to a compensation by other GlyRα subunits. However, trafficking of GlyRα2β complexes to synaptic sites remains functionally insufficient, and homozygous oscillator mice still die at 3 weeks after birth. Thus, both functional and structural deficits can affect glycinergic neurotransmission in severe startle disease, eliciting different compensatory mechanisms in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Wiessler
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Sofie Hasenmüller
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Isabell Fuhl
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Clémence Mille
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm U1195), Université Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Orlando Cortes Campo
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Reinhard
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Schenk
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katrin G Heinze
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian G Specht
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm U1195), Université Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
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9
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Tseng YT, Schaefke B, Wei P, Wang L. Defensive responses: behaviour, the brain and the body. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:655-671. [PMID: 37730910 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Most animals live under constant threat from predators, and predation has been a major selective force in shaping animal behaviour. Nevertheless, defence responses against predatory threats need to be balanced against other adaptive behaviours such as foraging, mating and recovering from infection. This behavioural balance in ethologically relevant contexts requires adequate integration of internal and external signals in a complex interplay between the brain and the body. Despite this complexity, research has often considered defensive behaviour as entirely mediated by the brain processing threat-related information obtained via perception of the external environment. However, accumulating evidence suggests that the endocrine, immune, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems have important roles in modulating behavioural responses to threat. In this Review, we focus on how predatory threat defence responses are shaped by threat imminence and review the circuitry between subcortical brain regions involved in mediating defensive behaviours. Then, we discuss the intersection of peripheral systems involved in internal states related to infection, hunger and mating with the neurocircuits that underlie defence responses against predatory threat. Through this process, we aim to elucidate the interconnections between the brain and body as an integrated network that facilitates appropriate defensive responses to threat and to discuss the implications for future behavioural research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Tseng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behaviour, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bernhard Schaefke
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengfei Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behaviour, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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10
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Lefler Y, Branco T. How the brain plays musical statues. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1482-1484. [PMID: 37550512 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01400-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaara Lefler
- UCL Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, London, UK
| | - Tiago Branco
- UCL Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, London, UK.
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11
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Goñi-Erro H, Selvan R, Caggiano V, Leiras R, Kiehn O. Pedunculopontine Chx10 + neurons control global motor arrest in mice. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1516-1528. [PMID: 37501003 PMCID: PMC10471498 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01396-3] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Arrest of ongoing movements is an integral part of executing motor programs. Behavioral arrest may happen upon termination of a variety of goal-directed movements or as a global motor arrest either in the context of fear or in response to salient environmental cues. The neuronal circuits that bridge with the executive motor circuits to implement a global motor arrest are poorly understood. We report the discovery that the activation of glutamatergic Chx10-derived neurons in the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) in mice arrests all ongoing movements while simultaneously causing apnea and bradycardia. This global motor arrest has a pause-and-play pattern with an instantaneous interruption of movement followed by a short-latency continuation from where it was paused. Mice naturally perform arrest bouts with the same combination of motor and autonomic features. The Chx10-PPN-evoked arrest is different to ventrolateral periaqueductal gray-induced freezing. Our study defines a motor command that induces a global motor arrest, which may be recruited in response to salient environmental cues to allow for a preparatory or arousal state, and identifies a locomotor-opposing role for rostrally biased glutamatergic neurons in the PPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizea Goñi-Erro
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raghavendra Selvan
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vittorio Caggiano
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Meta AI Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto Leiras
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ole Kiehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Rodriguez-Rozada S, Frantz S, Tovote P. Cardiac optogenetics: regulating brain states via the heart. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:324. [PMID: 37644039 PMCID: PMC10465583 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rodriguez-Rozada
- Defense Circuits Lab, Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Frantz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philip Tovote
- Defense Circuits Lab, Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Center for Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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13
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Joshi SA, Aupperle RL, Khalsa SS. Interoception in Fear Learning and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2023; 21:266-277. [PMID: 37404967 PMCID: PMC10316209 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20230007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by sustained symptoms, including reexperiencing, hyperarousal, avoidance, and mood alterations, following exposure to a traumatic event. Although symptom presentations in PTSD are heterogeneous and incompletely understood, they likely involve interactions between neural circuits involved in memory and fear learning and multiple body systems involved in threat processing. PTSD differs from other psychiatric conditions in that it is a temporally specific disorder, triggered by a traumatic event that elicits heightened physiological arousal, and fear. Fear conditioning and fear extinction learning have been studied extensively in relation to PTSD, because of their central role in the development and maintenance of threat-related associations. Interoception, the process by which organisms sense, interpret, and integrate their internal body signals, may contribute to disrupted fear learning and to the varied symptom presentations of PTSD in humans. In this review, the authors discuss how interoceptive signals may serve as unconditioned responses to trauma that subsequently serve as conditioned stimuli, trigger avoidance and higher-order conditioning of other stimuli associated with these interoceptive signals, and constitute an important aspect of the fear learning context, thus influencing the specificity versus generalization of fear acquisition, consolidation, and extinction. The authors conclude by identifying avenues for future research to enhance understanding of PTSD and the role of interoceptive signals in fear learning and in the development, maintenance, and treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonalee A Joshi
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma (all authors); Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Joshi); Oxley College of Health Sciences, School of Community Medicine, University of Tulsa, Tulsa (Aupperle, Khalsa)
| | - Robin L Aupperle
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma (all authors); Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Joshi); Oxley College of Health Sciences, School of Community Medicine, University of Tulsa, Tulsa (Aupperle, Khalsa)
| | - Sahib S Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma (all authors); Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Joshi); Oxley College of Health Sciences, School of Community Medicine, University of Tulsa, Tulsa (Aupperle, Khalsa)
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14
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Ciapponi C, Li Y, Osorio Becerra DA, Rodarie D, Casellato C, Mapelli L, D’Angelo E. Variations on the theme: focus on cerebellum and emotional processing. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 17:1185752. [PMID: 37234065 PMCID: PMC10206087 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1185752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum operates exploiting a complex modular organization and a unified computational algorithm adapted to different behavioral contexts. Recent observations suggest that the cerebellum is involved not just in motor but also in emotional and cognitive processing. It is therefore critical to identify the specific regional connectivity and microcircuit properties of the emotional cerebellum. Recent studies are highlighting the differential regional localization of genes, molecules, and synaptic mechanisms and microcircuit wiring. However, the impact of these regional differences is not fully understood and will require experimental investigation and computational modeling. This review focuses on the cellular and circuit underpinnings of the cerebellar role in emotion. And since emotion involves an integration of cognitive, somatomotor, and autonomic activity, we elaborate on the tradeoff between segregation and distribution of these three main functions in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Ciapponi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Yuhe Li
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Dimitri Rodarie
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Centro Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Casellato
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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15
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Urrutia Desmaison JD, Sala RW, Ayyaz A, Nondhalee P, Popa D, Léna C. Cerebellar control of fear learning via the cerebellar nuclei-Multiple pathways, multiple mechanisms? Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 17:1176668. [PMID: 37229350 PMCID: PMC10203220 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1176668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear learning is mediated by a large network of brain structures and the understanding of their roles and interactions is constantly progressing. There is a multitude of anatomical and behavioral evidence on the interconnection of the cerebellar nuclei to other structures in the fear network. Regarding the cerebellar nuclei, we focus on the coupling of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus to the fear network and the relation of the cerebellar dentate nucleus to the ventral tegmental area. Many of the fear network structures that receive direct projections from the cerebellar nuclei are playing a role in fear expression or in fear learning and fear extinction learning. We propose that the cerebellum, via its projections to the limbic system, acts as a modulator of fear learning and extinction learning, using prediction-error signaling and regulation of fear related thalamo-cortical oscillations.
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16
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Rogers J. Integrated cardio-behavioural defensive states. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:191. [PMID: 36849809 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00687-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
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17
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da Silva GN, Seiffert N, Tovote P. Cerebellar contribution to the regulation of defensive states. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 17:1160083. [PMID: 37064160 PMCID: PMC10102664 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1160083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite fine tuning voluntary movement as the most prominently studied function of the cerebellum, early human studies suggested cerebellar involvement emotion regulation. Since, the cerebellum has been associated with various mood and anxiety-related conditions. Research in animals provided evidence for cerebellar contributions to fear memory formation and extinction. Fear and anxiety can broadly be referred to as defensive states triggered by threat and characterized by multimodal adaptations such as behavioral and cardiac responses integrated into an intricately orchestrated defense reaction. This is mediated by an evolutionary conserved, highly interconnected network of defense-related structures with functional connections to the cerebellum. Projections from the deep cerebellar nucleus interpositus to the central amygdala interfere with retention of fear memory. Several studies uncovered tight functional connections between cerebellar deep nuclei and pyramis and the midbrain periaqueductal grey. Specifically, the fastigial nucleus sends direct projections to the ventrolateral PAG to mediate fear-evoked innate and learned freezing behavior. The cerebellum also regulates cardiovascular responses such as blood pressure and heart rate-effects dependent on connections with medullary cardiac regulatory structures. Because of the integrated, multimodal nature of defensive states, their adaptive regulation has to be highly dynamic to enable responding to a moving threatening stimulus. In this, predicting threat occurrence are crucial functions of calculating adequate responses. Based on its role in prediction error generation, its connectivity to limbic regions, and previous results on a role in fear learning, this review presents the cerebellum as a regulator of integrated cardio-behavioral defensive states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Neubert da Silva
- Defense Circuits Lab, Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nina Seiffert
- Defense Circuits Lab, Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philip Tovote
- Defense Circuits Lab, Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Center for Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Philip Tovote,
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Cain CK. Beyond Fear, Extinction, and Freezing: Strategies for Improving the Translational Value of Animal Conditioning Research. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 64:19-57. [PMID: 37532965 PMCID: PMC10840073 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Translational neuroscience for anxiety has had limited success despite great progress in understanding the neurobiology of Pavlovian fear conditioning and extinction. This chapter explores the idea that conditioning paradigms have had a modest impact on translation because studies in animals and humans are misaligned in important ways. For instance, animal conditioning studies typically use imminent threats to assess short-duration fear states with single behavioral measures (e.g., freezing), whereas human studies typically assess weaker or more prolonged anxiety states with physiological (e.g., skin conductance) and self-report measures. A path forward may be more animal research on conditioned anxiety phenomena measuring dynamic behavioral and physiological responses in more complex environments. Exploring transitions between defensive brain states during extinction, looming threats, and post-threat recovery may be particularly informative. If care is taken to align paradigms, threat levels, and measures, this strategy may reveal stable patterns of non-conscious defense in animals and humans that correlate better with conscious anxiety. This shift in focus is also warranted because anxiety is a bigger problem than fear, even in disorders defined by dysfunctional fear or panic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K Cain
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA.
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