1
|
Sajjaviriya C, Fujianti, Azuma M, Tsuchiya H, Koshimizu TA. Computer vision analysis of mother-infant interaction identified efficient pup retrieval in V1b receptor knockout mice. Peptides 2024; 177:171226. [PMID: 38649033 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Close contact between lactating rodent mothers and their infants is essential for effective nursing. Whether the mother's effort to retrieve the infants to their nest requires the vasopressin-signaling via V1b receptor has not been fully defined. To address this question, V1b receptor knockout (V1bKO) and control mice were analyzed in pup retrieval test. Because an exploring mother in a new test cage randomly accessed to multiple infants in changing backgrounds over time, a computer vision-based deep learning analysis was applied to continuously calculate the distances between the mother and the infants as a parameter of their relationship. In an open-field, a virgin female V1bKO mice entered fewer times into the center area and moved shorter distances than wild-type (WT). While this behavioral pattern persisted in V1bKO mother, the pup retrieval test demonstrated that total distances between a V1bKO mother and infants came closer in a shorter time than with a WT mother. Moreover, in the medial preoptic area, parts of the V1b receptor transcripts were detected in galanin- and c-fos-positive neurons following maternal stimulation by infants. This research highlights the effectiveness of deep learning analysis in evaluating the mother-infant relationship and the critical role of V1b receptor in pup retrieval during the early lactation phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chortip Sajjaviriya
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0489, Japan
| | - Fujianti
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0489, Japan
| | - Morio Azuma
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0489, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Tsuchiya
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0489, Japan
| | - Taka-Aki Koshimizu
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0489, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bravo JC, Ugartemendia L, Barman A, Rodríguez AB, Pariente JA, Bravo R. Bibliometric analysis on cannibalism/infanticide and maternal aggression towards pups in laboratory rodents. Lab Anim 2024; 58:240-251. [PMID: 38353042 DOI: 10.1177/00236772231192030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Animal welfare has evolved during the past decades to improve not only the quality of life of laboratory rodents but also the quality and reproducibility of scientific investigations. Bibliometric analysis has become an important tool to complete the current knowledge with academic databases. Our objective was to investigate whether scientific research on cannibalism/infanticide is connected with maternal aggression towards the offspring in laboratory rodents. To carry out our research, we performed a specific search for published articles on each concept. Results were analyzed in the open-source environment RStudio with the package Bibliometrix. We obtained 253 and 134 articles for the first search (cannibalism/infanticide) and the second search (maternal aggression towards the pups) respectively. We observed that the interest in infanticide/cannibalism started in the 1950s, while researchers started showing interest in maternal aggression towards the pups 30 years later. Our analyses indicated that maternal aggression had better citations in scientific literature. In addition, although our results showed some common features (e.g. oxytocin or medial preoptic area in the brain), we observed a gap between cannibalism/infanticide and maternal aggression towards the pups with only 14 published articles in common for both the searches. Therefore, we recommend researchers to combine both concepts in further investigations in the context of cannibalism for better dissemination and higher impact in laboratory rodents' welfare research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José C Bravo
- Animal facility of University of Extremadura, University of Extremadura, Spain
- Neuroimmunophysiology and Chrononutrition Research Group, Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Spain
| | - Lierni Ugartemendia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, USA
| | - Arko Barman
- D2K Lab & Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, USA
| | - Ana B Rodríguez
- Neuroimmunophysiology and Chrononutrition Research Group, Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Spain
| | - José A Pariente
- Neuroimmunophysiology and Chrononutrition Research Group, Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Spain
| | - Rafael Bravo
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sanson A, Krieg P, Schramm MM, Kellner K, Maloumby R, Klampfl SM, Brunton PJ, Bosch OJ. CRF binding protein activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus is essential for stress adaptations and normal maternal behaviour in lactating rats. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100631. [PMID: 38601362 PMCID: PMC11004997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To ensure the unrestricted expression of maternal behaviour peripartum, activity of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system needs to be minimised. CRF binding protein (CRF-BP) might be crucial for this adaptation, as its primary function is to sequester freely available CRF and urocortin1, thereby dampening CRF receptor (CRF-R) signalling. So far, the role of CRF-BP in the maternal brain has barely been studied, and a potential role in curtailing activation of the stress axis is unknown. We studied gene expression for CRF-BP and both CRF-R within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. In lactating rats, Crh-bp expression in the parvocellular PVN was significantly higher and Crh-r1 expression in the PVN significantly lower compared to virgin rats. Acute CRF-BP inhibition in the PVN with infusion of CRF(6-33) increased basal plasma corticosterone concentrations under unstressed conditions in dams. Furthermore, while acute intra-PVN infusion of CRF increased corticosterone secretion in virgin rats, it was ineffective in vehicle (VEH)-pre-treated lactating rats, probably due to a buffering effect of CRF-BP. Indeed, pre-treatment with CRF(6-33) reinstated a corticosterone response to CRF in lactating rats, highlighting the critical role of CRF-BP in maintaining attenuated stress reactivity in lactation. To our knowledge, this is the first study linking hypothalamic CRF-BP activity to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation in lactation. In terms of behaviour, acute CRF-BP inhibition in the PVN under non-stress conditions reduced blanket nursing 60 min and licking/grooming 90 min after infusion compared to VEH-treated rats, while increasing maternal aggression towards an intruder. Lastly, chronic intra-PVN inhibition of CRF-BP strongly reduced maternal aggression, with modest effects on maternal motivation and care. Taken together, intact activity of the CRF-BP in the PVN during the postpartum period is essential for the dampened responsiveness of the stress axis, as well as for the full expression of appropriate maternal behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Sanson
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Paula Krieg
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Milena M. Schramm
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Kellner
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rodrigue Maloumby
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Klampfl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Paula J. Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Oliver J. Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Inada K. Neurobiological mechanisms underlying oxytocin-mediated parental behavior in rodents. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00052-X. [PMID: 38642676 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Parental behavior is essential for mammalian offspring to survive. Because of this significance, elucidating the neurobiological mechanisms that facilitate parental behavior has received strong interest. Decades of studies utilizing pharmacology and molecular biology have revealed that in addition to its facilitatory effects on parturition and lactation, oxytocin (OT) promotes the expression of parental behavior in rodents. Recent studies have also described the modulation of sensory processing by OT and the interaction of the OT system with other brain regions associated with parental behavior. However, the precise neurobiological mechanisms underlying the facilitation of caregiving behaviors by OT remain unclear. In this Review, I summarize the findings from rats and mice with a view toward integrating past and recent progress. I then review recent advances in the understanding of the molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms of OT-mediated parental behavior. Based on these observations, I propose a hypothetical model that would explain the mechanisms underlying OT-mediated parental behavior. Finally, I conclude by discussing some major remaining questions and propose potential future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Inada
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Menon R, Neumann ID. Detection, processing and reinforcement of social cues: regulation by the oxytocin system. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:761-777. [PMID: 37891399 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Many social behaviours are evolutionarily conserved and are essential for the healthy development of an individual. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is crucial for the fine-tuned regulation of social interactions in mammals. The advent and application of state-of-the-art methodological approaches that allow the activity of neuronal circuits involving OXT to be monitored and functionally manipulated in laboratory mammals have deepened our understanding of the roles of OXT in these behaviours. In this Review, we discuss how OXT promotes the sensory detection and evaluation of social cues, the subsequent approach and display of social behaviour, and the rewarding consequences of social interactions in selected reproductive and non-reproductive social behaviours. Social stressors - such as social isolation, exposure to social defeat or social trauma, and partner loss - are often paralleled by maladaptations of the OXT system, and restoring OXT system functioning can reinstate socio-emotional allostasis. Thus, the OXT system acts as a dynamic mediator of appropriate behavioural adaptations to environmental challenges by enhancing and reinforcing social salience and buffering social stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Menon
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Winter J, Meyer M, Berger I, Royer M, Bianchi M, Kuffner K, Peters S, Stang S, Langgartner D, Hartmann F, Schmidtner AK, Reber SO, Bosch OJ, Bludau A, Slattery DA, van den Burg EH, Jurek B, Neumann ID. Chronic oxytocin-driven alternative splicing of Crfr2α induces anxiety. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4742-4755. [PMID: 34035479 PMCID: PMC10914602 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01141-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has generated considerable interest as potential treatment for psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and autism spectrum disorders. However, the behavioral and molecular consequences associated with chronic OXT treatment and chronic receptor (OXTR) activation have scarcely been studied, despite the potential therapeutic long-term use of intranasal OXT. Here, we reveal that chronic OXT treatment over two weeks increased anxiety-like behavior in rats, with higher sensitivity in females, contrasting the well-known anxiolytic effect of acute OXT. The increase in anxiety was transient and waned 5 days after the infusion has ended. The behavioral effects of chronic OXT were paralleled by activation of an intracellular signaling pathway, which ultimately led to alternative splicing of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2α (Crfr2α), an important modulator of anxiety. In detail, chronic OXT shifted the splicing ratio from the anxiolytic membrane-bound (mCRFR2α) form of CRFR2α towards the soluble CRFR2α (sCRFR2α) form. Experimental induction of alternative splicing mimicked the anxiogenic effects of chronic OXT, while sCRFR2α-knock down reduced anxiety-related behavior of male rats. Furthermore, chronic OXT treatment triggered the release of sCRFR2α into the cerebrospinal fluid with sCRFR2α levels positively correlating with anxiety-like behavior. In summary, we revealed that the shifted splicing ratio towards expression of the anxiogenic sCRFR2α underlies the adverse effects of chronic OXT treatment on anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Winter
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Meyer
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ilona Berger
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Royer
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marta Bianchi
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Kuffner
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Peters
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Simone Stang
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Langgartner
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Finn Hartmann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anna K Schmidtner
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefan O Reber
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anna Bludau
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - David A Slattery
- Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Erwin H van den Burg
- Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Neumann ID. Monitoring oxytocin signaling in the brain: More than a love story. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 16:100206. [PMID: 38108033 PMCID: PMC10724740 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
More than any other neuropeptide, oxytocin (OXT) is attracting the attention of neurobiologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, evolutionary biologists and even economists. It is often called a "love hormone" due to its many prosocial functions described in vertebrates including mammals and humans, especially its ability to support "bonding behaviour". Oxytocin plays an important role in female reproduction, as it promotes labour during parturition, enables milk ejection in lactation and is essential for related reproductive behaviours. Therefore, it particularly attracts the interest of many female researchers. In this short narrative review I was invited to provide a personal overview on my scientific journey closely linked to my research on the brain OXT system and the adventures associated with starting my research career behind the Iron Curtain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Centre of Neurosciences, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gryksa K, Schmidtner AK, Masís-Calvo M, Rodríguez-Villagra OA, Havasi A, Wirobski G, Maloumby R, Jägle H, Bosch OJ, Slattery DA, Neumann ID. Selective breeding of rats for high (HAB) and low (LAB) anxiety-related behaviour: A unique model for comorbid depression and social dysfunctions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105292. [PMID: 37353047 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105292] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Animal models of selective breeding for extremes in emotionality are a strong experimental approach to model psychopathologies. They became indispensable in order to increase our understanding of neurobiological, genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and environmental mechanisms contributing to anxiety disorders and their association with depressive symptoms or social deficits. In the present review, we extensively discuss Wistar rats selectively bred for high (HAB) and low (LAB) anxiety-related behaviour on the elevated plus-maze. After 30 years of breeding, we can confirm the prominent differences between HAB and LAB rats in trait anxiety, which are accompanied by consistent differences in depressive-like, social and cognitive behaviours. We can further confirm a single nucleotide polymorphism in the vasopressin promotor of HAB rats causative for neuropeptide overexpression, and show that low (or high) anxiety and fear levels are unlikely due to visual dysfunctions. Thus, HAB and LAB rats continue to exist as a reliable tool to study the multiple facets underlying the pathology of high trait anxiety and its comorbidity with depression-like behaviour and social dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gryksa
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Anna K Schmidtner
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Marianella Masís-Calvo
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Odir A Rodríguez-Villagra
- Centro de Investigación en Neurosciencias, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Andrea Havasi
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Gwendolyn Wirobski
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Rodrigue Maloumby
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Herbert Jägle
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - David A Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Straße 10, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jiménez A, Jiménez P, Inoue K, Young LJ, González-Mariscal G. Oxytocin antagonist does not disrupt rabbit maternal behavior despite binding to brain oxytocin receptors. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13236. [PMID: 36762715 PMCID: PMC10363570 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We explored a possible role of oxytocin (OXT) for the onset and maintenance of rabbit maternal behavior by: (a) confirming that a selective oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTA) widely used in rodents selectively binds to OXT receptors (OXTR) in the rabbit brain and (b) determining the effect of daily intracerebroventricular (icv) injections of OTA to primiparous and multiparous does from gestation day 29 to lactation day 3. OTA efficiently displaced the high affinity, selective oxytocin receptor (OXTR) radioligand, 125 I-labeled ornithine vasotocin analog (125 I-OVTA), but was much less effective at displacing the selective V1a vasopressin receptor radioligand, 125 I-labeled linear vasopressin, thus showing high affinity and selectivity of OTA for rabbit OXTR as in rodents. Further, ICV OTA injections did not modify nest-building, latency to enter the nest box, time spent nursing or the amount of milk produced, relative to vehicle-injected does. The percentage of mothers suckling the litter was also similar between both groups, regardless of parity. Together, our results do not support a role of OXT for the initiation or maintenance of rabbit maternal behavior. Future studies are warranted to determine if OXT participates in fine-tuning additional aspects of the maternal ethogram, for example, circadian periodicity of nursing and nest defense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angeles Jiménez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, México
| | - Pedro Jiménez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, México
| | - Kiyoshi Inoue
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Larry J. Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Baxter A, Karaskiewicz CL, Campbell LA, Kinnally EL, Ferrer E, Seelke AHM, Freeman SM, Bales KL. Parental experience is linked with lower vasopressin receptor 1a binding and decreased postpartum androgens in titi monkeys. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13304. [PMID: 37267441 PMCID: PMC10521943 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Parenting induces many neurological and behavioral changes that enable parents to rear offspring. Vasopressin plays an important role in this process via its effects on cognition, affect, and neuroplasticity, and in some cases, via interactions with decreased parental androgens. Thus far, the role of these hormones has been primarily studied in rodents. To address this gap, we explored vasopressin receptors and androgens in titi monkeys, a pair-bonding and biparental primate species. In Studies 1 and 2, we used receptor autoradiography to correlate arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a) binding in the hippocampus (Study 1, n = 10) and the rest of the forebrain (Study 2, n = 23) with parental status, parental experience, parity, infant carrying, and pair affiliation. We found that parents exhibited lower AVPR1a binding than non-parents throughout most brain regions assessed, with especially strong effects in the hippocampus (β = -.61), superior colliculus (β = -.88), lateral septum (β = -.35), and medial preoptic area (β = -.29). The other measures of parental experience also tended to be negatively associated with AVPR1a binding across different brain regions. In Study 3 (n = 44), we compared pre- and postpartum urinary androgen levels in parents and non-parents and found that mothers exhibited a sustained androgen decrease across 3-4 months postpartum (relative to 3 months prepartum; β ranged from -.72 to -.62 for different comparisons). For males, we found that multiparous fathers exhibited decreased androgen levels at 1-2 weeks postpartum (β = -.25) and at 3-4 months postpartum (β = -.40) compared to the prepartum, indicating both immediate and long-term reductions with subsequent paternal experience. Together, the results of this study suggest that decreases in AVPR1a binding and circulating androgens are associated with parental behavior and physiology in titi monkeys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Chloe L. Karaskiewicz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Lindsey A. Campbell
- California National Primate Research Center
- Department of Animal Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Erin L. Kinnally
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
| | - Adele H. M. Seelke
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Sara M. Freeman
- California National Primate Research Center
- Utah State University, Department of Biology
| | - Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Blumenthal SA, Young LJ. The Neurobiology of Love and Pair Bonding from Human and Animal Perspectives. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:844. [PMID: 37372130 PMCID: PMC10295201 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Love is a powerful emotional experience that is rooted in ancient neurobiological processes shared with other species that pair bond. Considerable insights have been gained into the neural mechanisms driving the evolutionary antecedents of love by studies in animal models of pair bonding, particularly in monogamous species such as prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Here, we provide an overview of the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and vasopressin in regulating neural circuits responsible for generating bonds in animals and humans alike. We begin with the evolutionary origins of bonding in mother-infant relationships and then examine the neurobiological underpinnings of each stage of bonding. Oxytocin and dopamine interact to link the neural representation of partner stimuli with the social reward of courtship and mating to create a nurturing bond between individuals. Vasopressin facilitates mate-guarding behaviors, potentially related to the human experience of jealousy. We further discuss the psychological and physiological stress following partner separation and their adaptive function, as well as evidence of the positive health outcomes associated with being pair-bonded based on both animal and human studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Blumenthal
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Larry J. Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Haimson B, Mizrahi A. Plasticity in auditory cortex during parenthood. Hear Res 2023; 431:108738. [PMID: 36931020 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Most animals display robust parental behaviors that support the survival and well-being of their offspring. The manifestation of parental behaviors is accompanied by physiological and hormonal changes, which affect both the body and the brain for better care giving. Rodents exhibit a behavior called pup retrieval - a stereotyped sequence of perception and action - used to identify and retrieve their newborn pups back to the nest. Pup retrieval consists of a significant auditory component, which depends on plasticity in the auditory cortex (ACx). We review the evidence of neural changes taking place in the ACx of rodents during the transition to parenthood. We discuss how the plastic changes both in and out of the ACx support the encoding of pup vocalizations. Key players in the mechanism of this plasticity are hormones and experience, both of which have a clear dynamic signature during the transition to parenthood. Mothers, co caring females, and fathers have been used as models to understand parental plasticity at disparate levels of organization. Yet, common principles of cortical plasticity and the biological mechanisms underlying its involvement in parental behavior are just beginning to be unpacked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baruch Haimson
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, and 2Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
| | - Adi Mizrahi
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, and 2Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rigney N, de Vries GJ, Petrulis A. Modulation of social behavior by distinct vasopressin sources. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1127792. [PMID: 36860367 PMCID: PMC9968743 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1127792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is well known for its peripheral effects on blood pressure and antidiuresis. However, AVP also modulates various social and anxiety-related behaviors by its actions in the brain, often sex-specifically, with effects typically being stronger in males than in females. AVP in the nervous system originates from several distinct sources which are, in turn, regulated by different inputs and regulatory factors. Based on both direct and indirect evidence, we can begin to define the specific role of AVP cell populations in social behavior, such as, social recognition, affiliation, pair bonding, parental behavior, mate competition, aggression, and social stress. Sex differences in function may be apparent in both sexually-dimorphic structures as well as ones without prominent structural differences within the hypothalamus. The understanding of how AVP systems are organized and function may ultimately lead to better therapeutic interventions for psychiatric disorders characterized by social deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Muscatelli F. [As early as birth, oxytocin plays a key role in both food and social behavior]. Biol Aujourdhui 2023; 216:131-143. [PMID: 36744979 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2022017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohormone that regulates the so-called "social brain" and is mainly studied in adulthood. During postnatal development, the mechanisms by which the OT system structures various behaviors are little studied. Here we present the dynamic process of postnatal development of the OT system as well as the OT functions in the perinatal period that are essential for shaping social behaviors. Specifically, we discuss the role of OT, in the newborn, in integrating and adapting responses to early sensory stimuli and in stimulating suckling activity. Sensory dialogue and suckling are involved in mother-infant bonds and structure future social interactions. In rodents and humans, neurodevelopmental diseases with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), such as Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes, are associated with sensory, feeding and behavioral deficits in infancy. We propose that in early postnatal life, OT plays a key role in stimulating the maturation of neural networks controlling feeding behavior and early social interactions from birth. Administration of OT at birth improves sensory integration of environmental factors and the relationship with the mother as well as sucking activity as we have shown in mouse models and in babies with Prader-Willi syndrome. Long-term effects have also been observed on social and cognitive behavior. Therefore, early feeding difficulties might be an early predictive marker of ASD, and OT treatment a promising option to improve feeding behavior and, in the longer term, social behavioral problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Muscatelli
- INMED (Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée), INSERM, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chojnowski K, Opiełka M, Gozdalski J, Radziwon J, Dańczyszyn A, Aitken AV, Biancardi VC, Winklewski PJ. The Role of Arginine-Vasopressin in Stroke and the Potential Use of Arginine-Vasopressin Type 1 Receptor Antagonists in Stroke Therapy: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032119. [PMID: 36768443 PMCID: PMC9916514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a life-threatening condition in which accurate diagnoses and timely treatment are critical for successful neurological recovery. The current acute treatment strategies, particularly non-invasive interventions, are limited, thus urging the need for novel therapeutical targets. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor antagonists are emerging as potential targets to treat edema formation and subsequent elevation in intracranial pressure, both significant causes of mortality in acute stroke. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms leading to AVP hyperexcretion in acute stroke and the subsequent secondary neuropathological responses. Furthermore, we discuss the work supporting the predictive value of measuring copeptin, a surrogate marker of AVP in stroke patients, followed by a review of the experimental evidence suggesting AVP receptor antagonists in stroke therapy. As we highlight throughout the narrative, critical gaps in the literature exist and indicate the need for further research to understand better AVP mechanisms in stroke. Likewise, there are advantages and limitations in using copeptin as a prognostic tool, and the translation of findings from experimental animal models to clinical settings has its challenges. Still, monitoring AVP levels and using AVP receptor antagonists as an add-on therapeutic intervention are potential promises in clinical applications to alleviate stroke neurological consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karol Chojnowski
- Student Scientific Circle of the Department of Adult Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, 17 Smoluchowskiego Street, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Opiełka
- Student Scientific Circle of the Department of Adult Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, 17 Smoluchowskiego Street, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jacek Gozdalski
- Department of Adult Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, 17 Smoluchowskiego Street, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (P.J.W.)
| | - Jakub Radziwon
- Student Scientific Circle of the Department of Adult Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, 17 Smoluchowskiego Street, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Dańczyszyn
- Student Scientific Circle of the Department of Adult Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, 17 Smoluchowskiego Street, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Andrew Vieira Aitken
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Center for Neurosciences Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Vinicia Campana Biancardi
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Center for Neurosciences Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Paweł Jan Winklewski
- Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 15 Tuwima Street, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 17 Smoluchowskiego Street, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (P.J.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hiura LC, Lazaro VA, Ophir AG. Plasticity in parental behavior and vasopressin: responses to co-parenting, pup age, and an acute stressor are experience-dependent. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1172845. [PMID: 37168139 PMCID: PMC10164929 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1172845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The impact of variation in parental caregiving has lasting implications for the development of offspring. However, the ways in which parents impact each other in the context of caregiving is comparatively less understood, but can account for much of the variation observed in the postnatal environment. Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) demonstrate a range of postnatal social groups, including pups raised by biparental pairs and by their mothers alone. In addition to the challenges of providing parental care, prairie vole parents often experience acute natural stressors (e.g., predation, foraging demands, and thermoregulation) that could alter the way co-parents interact. Methods We investigated how variation in the experience of raising offspring impacts parental behavior and neurobiology by administering an acute handling stressor on prairie vole families of single mothers and biparental parents over the course of offspring postnatal development. Results Mothers and fathers exhibited robust behavioral plasticity in response to the age of their pups, but in sex-dependent ways. Pup-directed care from mothers did not vary as a function of their partner's presence, but did covary with the number of hypothalamic vasopressin neurons in experience-dependent ways. The relationship between vasopressin neuron numbers and fathers' behaviors was also contingent upon the stress handling manipulation, suggesting that brain-behavior associations exhibit stress-induced plasticity. Conclusion These results demonstrate that the behavioral and neuroendocrine profiles of adults are sensitive to distinct and interacting experiences as a parent, and extend our knowledge of the neural mechanisms that may facilitate parental behavioral plasticity.
Collapse
|
17
|
Muscatelli F, Matarazzo V, Chini B. Neonatal oxytocin gives the tempo of social and feeding behaviors. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1071719. [PMID: 36583080 PMCID: PMC9792990 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1071719] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) is a master regulator of the social brain in early infancy, adolescence, and adult life. Here, we review the postnatal dynamic development of OT-system as well as early-life OT functions that are essential for shaping social behaviors. We specifically address the role of OT in neonates, focusing on its role in modulating/adapting sensory input and feeding behavior; both processes are involved in the establishing mother-infant bond, a crucial event for structuring all future social interactions. In patients and rodent models of Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes, two neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by autism-related features, sensory impairments, and feeding difficulties in early infancy are linked to an alteration of OT-system. Successful preclinical studies in mice and a phase I/II clinical trial in Prader-Willi babies constitute a proof of concept that OT-treatment in early life not only improves suckling deficit but has also a positive long-term effect on learning and social behavior. We propose that in early postnatal life, OT plays a pivotal role in stimulating and coordinating the maturation of neuronal networks controlling feeding behavior and the first social interactions. Consequently, OT therapy might be considered to improve feeding behavior and, all over the life, social cognition, and learning capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Muscatelli
- Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED), INSERM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France,*Correspondence: Françoise Muscatelli,
| | - Valery Matarazzo
- Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED), INSERM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Bice Chini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Vedano al Lambro, Italy and NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lapp HE, Margolis AE, Champagne FA. Impact of a bisphenol A, F, and S mixture and maternal care on the brain transcriptome of rat dams and pups. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:22-36. [PMID: 36041667 PMCID: PMC9985957 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Products containing BPA structural analog replacements have increased in response to growing public concern over adverse effects of BPA. Although humans are regularly exposed to a mixture of bisphenols, few studies have examined effects of prenatal exposure to BPA alternatives or bisphenol mixtures. In the present study, we investigate the effect of exposure to an environmentally-relevant, low-dose (150 ug/kg body weight per day) mixture of BPA, BPS, and BPF during gestation on the brain transcriptome in Long-Evans pups and dams using Tag RNA-sequencing. We also examined the association between dam licking and grooming, which also has enduring effects on pup neural development, and the transcriptomes. Associations between licking and grooming and the transcriptome were region-specific, with the hypothalamus having the greatest number of differentially expressed genes associated with licking and grooming in both dams and pups. Prenatal bisphenol exposure also had region-specific effects on gene expression and pup gene expression was affected more robustly than dam gene expression. In dams, the prelimbic cortex had the greatest number of differentially expressed genes associated with prenatal bisphenol exposure. Prenatal bisphenol exposure changed the expression of over 2000 genes in pups, with the majority being from the pup amygdala. We used Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to asses enrichment of gene ontology biological processes for each region. Top GSEA terms were diverse and varied by brain region and included processes known to have strong associations with steroid hormone regulation, cilium-related terms, metabolic/biosynthetic process terms, and immune terms. Finally, hypothesis-driven analysis of genes related to estrogen response, parental behavior, and epigenetic regulation of gene expression revealed region-specific expression associated with licking and grooming and bisphenol exposure that were distinct in dams and pups. These data highlight the effects of bisphenols on multiple physiological process that are highly dependent on timing of exposure (prenatal vs. adulthood) and brain region, and reiterate the contributions of multiple environmental and experiential factors in shaping the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H E Lapp
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keaton St, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - A E Margolis
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - F A Champagne
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keaton St, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Berendzen KM, Manoli DS. Rethinking the Architecture of Attachment: New Insights into the Role for Oxytocin Signaling. AFFECTIVE SCIENCE 2022; 3:734-748. [PMID: 36519145 PMCID: PMC9743890 DOI: 10.1007/s42761-022-00142-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Social attachments, the enduring bonds between individuals and groups, are essential to health and well-being. The appropriate formation and maintenance of social relationships depend upon a number of affective processes, including stress regulation, motivation, reward, as well as reciprocal interactions necessary for evaluating the affective state of others. A genetic, molecular, and neural circuit level understanding of social attachments therefore provides a powerful substrate for probing the affective processes associated with social behaviors. Socially monogamous species form long-term pair bonds, allowing us to investigate the mechanisms underlying attachment. Now, molecular genetic tools permit manipulations in monogamous species. Studies using these tools reveal new insights into the genetic and neuroendocrine factors that design and control the neural architecture underlying attachment behavior. We focus this discussion on the prairie vole and oxytocinergic signaling in this and related species as a model of attachment behavior that has been studied in the context of genetic and pharmacological manipulations. We consider developmental processes that impact the demonstration of bonding behavior across genetic backgrounds, the modularity of mechanisms underlying bonding behaviors, and the distributed circuitry supporting these behaviors. Incorporating such theoretical considerations when interpreting reverse genetic studies in the context of the rich ethological and pharmacological data collected in monogamous species provides an important framework for studies of attachment behavior in both animal models and studies of human relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M. Berendzen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158 USA
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158 USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158 USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158 USA
| | - Devanand S. Manoli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158 USA
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158 USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158 USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158 USA
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158 USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rigney N, de Vries GJ, Petrulis A, Young LJ. Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior: From Neural Circuits to Clinical Opportunities. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqac111. [PMID: 35863332 PMCID: PMC9337272 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin are peptide hormones secreted from the pituitary that are well known for their peripheral endocrine effects on childbirth/nursing and blood pressure/urine concentration, respectively. However, both peptides are also released in the brain, where they modulate several aspects of social behaviors. Oxytocin promotes maternal nurturing and bonding, enhances social reward, and increases the salience of social stimuli. Vasopressin modulates social communication, social investigation, territorial behavior, and aggression, predominantly in males. Both peptides facilitate social memory and pair bonding behaviors in monogamous species. Here we review the latest research delineating the neural circuitry of the brain oxytocin and vasopressin systems and summarize recent investigations into the circuit-based mechanisms modulating social behaviors. We highlight research using modern molecular genetic technologies to map, monitor activity of, or manipulate neuropeptide circuits. Species diversity in oxytocin and vasopressin effects on social behaviors are also discussed. We conclude with a discussion of the translational implications of oxytocin and vasopressin for improving social functioning in disorders with social impairments, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Geert J de Vries
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Aras Petrulis
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rivas M, Serantes D, Pascovich C, Peña F, Ferreira A, Torterolo P, Benedetto L. Electrophysiological characterization of medial preoptic neurons in lactating rats and its modulation by hypocretin-1. Neurosci Res 2022; 184:19-29. [PMID: 36030967 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The medial preoptic area (mPOA) undergoes through neuroanatomical changes across the postpartum period, during which its neurons play a critical role in the regulation of maternal behavior. In addition, this area is also crucial for sleep-wake regulation. We have previously shown that hypocretins (HCRT) within the mPOA facilitate active maternal behaviors in postpartum rats, while the blockade of endogenous HCRT in this area promotes nursing and sleep. To explore the mechanisms behind these HCRT actions, we aimed to evaluate the effects of juxta-cellular HCRT-1 administration on mPOA neurons in urethane-anesthetized postpartum and virgin female rats. We recorded mPOA single units and the electroencephalogram (EEG) and applied HCRT-1 juxta-cellular by pressure pulses. Our main results show that the electrophysiological characteristics of the mPOA neurons and their relationship with the EEG of postpartum rats did not differ from virgin rats. Additionally, neurons that respond to HCRT-1 had a slower firing rate than those that did not. In addition, administration of HCRT increased the activity in one group of neurons while decreasing it in another, both in postpartum and virgin rats. The mechanisms by which HCRT modulate functions controlled by the mPOA involve different cell populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayda Rivas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Diego Serantes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Claudia Pascovich
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Consciousness and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Florencia Peña
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Annabel Ferreira
- Sección de Fisiología y Nutrición, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Torterolo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luciana Benedetto
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Oliveira VEDM, de Jong TR, Neumann ID. Synthetic Oxytocin and Vasopressin Act Within the Central Amygdala to Exacerbate Aggression in Female Wistar Rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:906617. [PMID: 35663559 PMCID: PMC9158429 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.906617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exacerbated aggression is a high-impact, but poorly understood core symptom of several psychiatric disorders, which can also affect women. Animal models have successfully been employed to unravel the neurobiology of aggression. However, despite increasing evidence for sex-specificity, little is known about aggression in females. Here, we studied the role of the oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) systems within the central amygdala (CeA) on aggressive behavior displayed by virgin female Wistar rats using immunohistochemistry, receptor autoradiography, and neuropharmacology. Our data show that CeA GABAergic neurons are activated after an aggressive encounter in the female intruder test. Additionally, neuronal activity (pERK) negatively correlated with the display of aggression in low-aggressive group-housed females. Binding of OXT receptors, but not AVP-V1a receptors, was increased in the CeA of high-aggressive isolated and trained (IST) females. Finally, local infusion of either synthetic OXT or AVP enhanced aggression in IST females, whereas blockade of either of these receptors did not affect aggressive behavior. Altogether, our data support a moderate role of the CeA in female aggression. Regarding neuropeptide signaling, our findings suggest that synthetic, but not endogenous OXT and AVP modulate aggressive behavior in female Wistar rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius E. de M. Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Trynke R. de Jong
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Medische Biobank Noord-Nederland B.V., Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Inga D. Neumann,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Carboni L, El Khoury A, Beiderbeck DI, Neumann ID, Mathé AA. Neuropeptide Y, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and neurokinin A in brain regions of HAB rats correlate with anxiety-like behaviours. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 57:1-14. [PMID: 35008014 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are pervasive psychiatric disorders causing great suffering. The high (HAB) and low (LAB) anxiety-related behaviour rats were selectively bred to investigate neurobiological correlates of anxiety. We compared the level of neuropeptides relevant for anxiety- and depression-related behaviours in selected brain regions of HAB and LAB rats. Increased anxiety and depression-like behaviours of male and female HAB rats in the elevated plus-maze and forced swim tests were accompanied by elevated levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the prefrontal (PFC), frontal (FC) and cingulate cortex (CCx), the striatum, and periaqueductal grey (PAG). Moreover, HAB rats displayed sex-dependent, elevated levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in PFC, FC, CCx, hippocampus, and PAG. Higher neurokinin A (NKA) levels were detected in CCx, striatum, and PAG in HAB males and in CCx and hypothalamus in HAB females. Increased neurotensin was detected in CCx and PAG in HAB males and in hypothalamus in HAB females. Elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) levels appeared in female HAB hypothalamus. Significant correlations were found between anxiety-like behaviour and NPY, CGRP, NKA, and neurotensin, particularly with NPY in CCx and striatum, CGRP in FC and hippocampus, and NKA in entorhinal cortex. This is the first report of NPY, CGRP, NKA, Neurotensin, and CRH measurements in brain regions of HAB and LAB rats, which showed widespread NPY and CGRP alterations in cortical regions, with NKA and neurotensin changes localised in sub-cortical areas. The results may contribute to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying anxiety and depression and should facilitate identifying novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Aram El Khoury
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela I Beiderbeck
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Aleksander A Mathé
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Species differences in the effect of oxytocin on maternal behavior: A model incorporating the potential for allomaternal contributions. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100996. [PMID: 35429546 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has historically been linked to processes involved with maternal behavior. However, the relative importance of oxytocin for maternal behavior widely varies among mammalian species, from indispensable to apparently nonessential. This review proposes a new model in which the relative importance of oxytocin for mothering across species is explained by an evolutionary pressure which we term "allomaternal potential", or the degree to which other conspecifics are capable and likely to assist with caregiving. It is notable that in animals where allomaternal potential is high (i.e., many quality helpers are available), oxytocin is decoupled from mothering. However, in animals where allomaternal potential is low (i.e., conspecifics refuse to, or do not provide, quality help), oxytocin is crucial for mothering. We posit that this relationship is a form of kin selection, whereby oxytocin is a signal that leads mothers to preferentially dispense resources to their own young when quality helpers are unlikely.
Collapse
|
25
|
Oxytocin Facilitates Allomaternal Behavior under Stress in Laboratory Mice. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0405-21.2022. [PMID: 35017259 PMCID: PMC8868028 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0405-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (Oxt) controls reproductive physiology and various kinds of social behaviors, but the exact contribution of Oxt to different components of parental care still needs to be determined. Here, we illustrate the neuroanatomical relations of the parental nurturing-induced neuronal activation with magnocellular Oxt neurons and fibers in the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the brain region critical for parental and alloparental behaviors. We used genetically-targeted mouse lines for Oxt, Oxt receptor (Oxtr), vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a), vasopressin receptor 1b (Avpr1b), and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh) to systematically examine the role of Oxt-related signaling in pup-directed behaviors. The Oxtr-Avpr1a-Avpr1b triple knock-out (TKO), and Oxt-Trh-Avpr1a-Avpr1b quadruple KO (QKO) mice were grossly healthy and fertile, except for their complete deficiency in milk ejection and modest deficiency in parturition secondary to maternal loss of the Oxt or Oxtr gene. In our minimal stress conditions, pup-directed behaviors in TKO and QKO mothers and fathers, virgin females and males were essentially indistinguishable from those of their littermates with other genotypes. However, Oxtr KO virgin females did show decreased pup retrieval in the pup-exposure assay performed right after restraint stress. This stress vulnerability in the Oxtr KO was abolished by the additional Avpr1b KO. The general stress sensitivity, as measured by plasma cortisol elevation after restraint stress or by the behavioral performance in the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM), were not altered in the Oxtr KO but were reduced in the Avpr1b KO females, indicating that the balance of neurohypophysial hormones affects the outcome of pup-directed behaviors.
Collapse
|
26
|
Takayanagi Y, Onaka T. Roles of Oxytocin in Stress Responses, Allostasis and Resilience. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010150. [PMID: 35008574 PMCID: PMC8745417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin has been revealed to work for anxiety suppression and anti-stress as well as for psychosocial behavior and reproductive functions. Oxytocin neurons are activated by various stressful stimuli. The oxytocin receptor is widely distributed within the brain, and oxytocin that is released or diffused affects behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses. On the other hand, there has been an increasing number of reports on the role of oxytocin in allostasis and resilience. It has been shown that oxytocin maintains homeostasis, shifts the set point for adaptation to a changing environment (allostasis) and contributes to recovery from the shifted set point by inducing active coping responses to stressful stimuli (resilience). Recent studies have suggested that oxytocin is also involved in stress-related disorders, and it has been shown in clinical trials that oxytocin provides therapeutic benefits for patients diagnosed with stress-related disorders. This review includes the latest information on the role of oxytocin in stress responses and adaptation.
Collapse
|
27
|
Demarchi L, Pawluski JL, Bosch OJ. The brain oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing factor systems in grieving mothers: What we know and what we need to learn. Peptides 2021; 143:170593. [PMID: 34091013 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The bond between a mother and her child is the strongest bond in nature. Consequently, the loss of a child is one of the most stressful and traumatic life events that causes Prolonged Grief Disorder in up to 94 % of bereaved parents. While both parents are affected, mothers are of higher risk to develop mental health complications; yet, very little research has been done to understand the impact of the loss of a child, stillbirth and pregnancy loss on key neurobiological systems. The emotional impact of losing a child, e.g., Prolonged Grief Disorder, is likely accompanied by dysregulations in neural systems important for mental health. Among those are the neuropeptides contributing to attachment and stress processing. In this review, we present evidence for the involvement of the brain oxytocin (OXT) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems, which both play a role in maternal behavior and the stress response, in the neurobiology of grief in mothers from a behavioral and molecular point of view. We will draw conclusions from reviewing relevant animal and human studies. However, the paucity of research on the tragic end to an integral bond in a female's life calls for the need and responsibility to conduct further studies on mothers experiencing the loss of a child both in the clinic and in appropriate animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Demarchi
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Jodi L Pawluski
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S, 1085 Rennes, France.
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Rivera DS, Lindsay CB, Oliva CA, Bozinovic F, Inestrosa NC. "Live together, die alone": The effect of re-socialization on behavioural performance and social-affective brain-related proteins after a long-term chronic social isolation stress. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100289. [PMID: 33426200 PMCID: PMC7785960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness affects group-living mammals triggering a cascade of stress-dependent physiological disorders. Indeed, social isolation stress is a major risk factor for several neuropsychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression. Furthermore, social isolation has a negative impact on health and fitness. However, the neurobiological consequences of long-term chronic social isolation stress (LTCSIS) manifested during the adulthood of affected individuals are not fully understood. Our study assessed the impact of LTCSIS and social buffering (re-socialization) on the behavioural performance and social-affective brain-related proteins in diurnal, social, and long-lived Octodon degus (degus). Thereby, anxiety-like and social behaviour, and social recognition memory were assessed in male and female animals subjected to a variety of stress-inducing treatments applied from post-natal and post-weaning until their adulthood. Additionally, we evaluated the relationship among LTCSIS, Oxytocin levels (OXT), and OXT-Ca2+-signalling proteins in the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex. Our findings suggest that LTCSIS induces anxiety like-behaviour and impairs social novelty preference whereas sociability is unaffected. On the other hand, re-socialization can revert both isolation-induced anxiety and social memory impairment. However, OXT and its signalling remained reduced in the abovementioned brain areas, suggesting that the observed changes in OXT-Ca2+ pathway proteins were permanent in male and female degus. Based on these findings, we conclude degus experience social stress differently, suggesting the existence of sex-related mechanisms to cope with specific adaptive challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela S. Rivera
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Facultad de Estudios Interdisciplinarios, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina B. Lindsay
- Center of Aging and Regeneration UC (CARE-UC), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina A. Oliva
- Center of Aging and Regeneration UC (CARE-UC), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Bozinovic
- Center for Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nibaldo C. Inestrosa
- Center of Aging and Regeneration UC (CARE-UC), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
A Scientometric Approach to Review the Role of the Medial Preoptic Area (MPOA) in Parental Behavior. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030393. [PMID: 33804634 PMCID: PMC8003755 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Research investigating the neural substrates underpinning parental behaviour has recently gained momentum. Particularly, the hypothalamic medial preoptic area (MPOA) has been identified as a crucial region for parenting. The current study conducted a scientometric analysis of publications from 1 January 1972 to 19 January 2021 using CiteSpace software to determine trends in the scientific literature exploring the relationship between MPOA and parental behaviour. In total, 677 scientific papers were analysed, producing a network of 1509 nodes and 5498 links. Four major clusters were identified: “C-Fos Expression”, “Lactating Rat”, “Medial Preoptic Area Interaction” and “Parental Behavior”. Their content suggests an initial trend in which the properties of the MPOA in response to parental behavior were studied, followed by a growing attention towards the presence of a brain network, including the reward circuits, regulating such behavior. Furthermore, while attention was initially directed uniquely to maternal behavior, it has recently been extended to the understanding of paternal behaviors as well. Finally, although the majority of the studies were conducted on rodents, recent publications broaden the implications of previous documents to human parental behavior, giving insight into the mechanisms underlying postpartum depression. Potential directions in future works were also discussed.
Collapse
|
30
|
Grieb ZA, Lonstein JS. Oxytocin receptor expression in the midbrain dorsal raphe is dynamic across female reproduction in rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12926. [PMID: 33427399 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Central oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression is extremely sensitive to circulating steroid hormones and OTRs influence many of the neurobehavioural adaptations associated with female reproduction (e.g., postpartum caregiving, aggression, cognition, affective responses). Changes in central OTR expression across female reproduction have often been studied, but almost all of such research has focused on the forebrain, ignoring hormone-sensitive midbrain sites such as the serotonergic dorsal raphe (DR) that are also critical for postpartum behaviours. To investigate the effects of female reproductive state on OTRs in the DR, we first used autoradiography to examine OTR binding across four female reproductive states in laboratory rats: dioestrous virgin, pregnancy day 10, the day of parturition and postpartum day 7. OTR binding in the rostral DR (but not other DR subregions) was approximately 250% higher in parturient rats compared to dioestrous virgins and dropped back down to virgin levels by postpartum day 7. Given the chemical heterogeneity of the DR, we then examined OTR expression in the three most abundant neuronal phenotypes of the DR (i.e., serotonin, GABA and dopamine) in dioestrous virgins and recently parturient females. Using dual-label immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation, we found that twice as many dopaminergic cells in the parturient rostral DR contained OTR immunoreactivity compared to that found in virgins. On the other hand, mothers had fewer rostral DR GABAergic cells expressing OTRs than did virgins. OTR expression in serotonin cells did not differ between the two groups. Overall, these results suggest that the rostral subregion of the midbrain DR is uniquely sensitive to oxytocin around the time of parturition, with subpopulations of cells that become more sensitive (i.e., dopamine), less sensitive (i.e., GABA) and show no change (i.e., serotonin) to this neuropeptide. This dynamic OTR signalling in the female DR may help drive the numerous behavioural changes across female reproduction that are necessary for successful motherhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Grieb
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rigney N, Whylings J, de Vries GJ, Petrulis A. Sex Differences in the Control of Social Investigation and Anxiety by Vasopressin Cells of the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:521-535. [PMID: 32541145 PMCID: PMC7736187 DOI: 10.1159/000509421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) has long been implicated in the regulation of social behavior and communication in diverse taxa, but the source of AVP release relevant for behavior has not been precisely determined. Potential sources include hypothalamic cell populations such as the paraventricular (PVN), supraoptic, and suprachiasmatic nuclei, as well as extrahypothalamic cell groups in the extended amygdala. To address if AVP-expressing cells in the PVN are important for mouse social communication, we deleted PVN AVP-expressing cells using viral-mediated delivery of Cre-dependent caspase-9 cell death construct into the PVN of AVP-Cre-positive mice (expressing Cre-recombinase under the control of the AVP promoter) or AVP-Cre-negative littermate controls, and assessed their levels of social investigation, social communication, anxiety, sex behavior, and aggressive behavior. We found that these lesions increased social investigation in females, but not in males. However, in males but not in females, these lesions increased non-social anxiety-related behaviors in the elevated-plus maze. These results therefore point at differential involvement of PVN AVP-expressing cells in the context of social and emotional behavior in the two sexes, which may contribute to sex differences in social communication and anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,
| | - Jack Whylings
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Geert J de Vries
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aras Petrulis
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Coen CW, Bennett NC, Holmes MM, Faulkes CG. Neuropeptidergic and Neuroendocrine Systems Underlying Eusociality and the Concomitant Social Regulation of Reproduction in Naked Mole-Rats: A Comparative Approach. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1319:59-103. [PMID: 34424513 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65943-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The African mole-rat family (Bathyergidae) includes the first mammalian species identified as eusocial: naked mole-rats. Comparative studies of eusocial and solitary mole-rat species have identified differences in neuropeptidergic systems that may underlie the phenomenon of eusociality. These differences are found in the oxytocin, vasopressin and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) systems within the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and lateral septal nucleus. As a corollary of their eusociality, most naked mole-rats remain pre-pubertal throughout life because of the presence of the colony's only reproductive female, the queen. To elucidate the neuroendocrine mechanisms that mediate this social regulation of reproduction, research on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in naked mole-rats has identified differences between the many individuals that are reproductively suppressed and the few that are reproductively mature: the queen and her male consorts. These differences involve gonadal steroids, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1), kisspeptin, gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone/RFamide-related peptide-3 (GnIH/RFRP-3) and prolactin. The comparative findings in eusocial and solitary mole-rat species are assessed with reference to a broad range of studies on other mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clive W Coen
- Reproductive Neurobiology, Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Melissa M Holmes
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.,Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher G Faulkes
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Luo W, Lim PH, Wert SL, Gacek SA, Chen H, Redei EE. Hypothalamic Gene Expression and Postpartum Behavior in a Genetic Rat Model of Depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:589967. [PMID: 33192370 PMCID: PMC7649805 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.589967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression is a complex illness that often occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. Closely related inbred rat strains are a great resource to identify novel causative genes and mechanisms underlying complex traits such as postpartum behavior. We report differences in these behaviors between the inbred depression model, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) More Immobile (WMI), and the isogenic control Wistar Kyoto Less Immobile (WLI) dams. WMI dams showed significantly lower litter survival rate and frequency of arched back and blanket nursing, but increased pup-directed licking, grooming, and retrieval during postpartum days (PPD) 1-10, compared to control WLIs. This increased pup-directed behavior and the frequency of self-directed behaviors segregated during selective breeding of the progenitor strain of WKY, which is also a depression model. These behaviors are manifested in the WMIs in contrast to those of WLIs. Furthermore, habitual differences in the self-directed behavior between light and dark cycles present in WLIs were missing in WMI dams. Hypothalamic transcript levels of the circadian rhythm-related gene Lysine Demethylase 5A (Kdm5a), period 2 (Per2), and the maternal behavior-related oxytocin receptor (Oxtr), vasopressin (Avp), and vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a) were significantly greater in the post-weaning WMI dams at PPD 24 compared to those of WLIs, and also to those of WMI dams whose litter died before PPD 5. Expression correlation amongst genes differed in WLI and WMI dams and between the two time-points postpartum, suggesting genetic and litter-survival differences between these strains affect transcript levels. These data demonstrate that the genetically close, but behaviorally disparate WMI and WLI strains would be suitable for investigating the underlying genetic basis of postpartum behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Luo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Patrick H Lim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stephanie L Wert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stephanie A Gacek
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Eva E Redei
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yu P, Yang M, Zhao H, Cao R, Chen Z, Gong D. Characteristics of pup ultrasonic vocalizations and parental behavior responses in midday gerbils (Meriones meridianus). Physiol Behav 2020; 224:113075. [PMID: 32663552 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) play an important role in parent-infant interactions during the neonatal period of rodents because of the pups' need to be suckled and protected by their parents. However, studies on the effects of USVs on parental care are focused on maternal behavior, and little data on paternal care are available, with especially few investigations in midday gerbils. In this study, we examined the effects of early social deprivation (ED) on offspring due to USVs and parental behavior responses in midday gerbils (Meriones meridianus). The results indicated that the number of USVs in ED gerbils increased on postnatal day nine (40 calls/minute), whereas the number of gerbils in the parental care (PC) group remained high for up to 2 weeks (46.6 calls/minute), before decreasing. The number of USVs and duration of single syllables from postnatal day 3 to 21 in ED pups were significantly lower than those in PC pups. ED increased maternal licking, grooming behavior, and nest-building, but decreased huddling and exploring behavior. Similarly, ED increased paternal behavior, like nest-building, but reduced exploring and self-grooming. Overall, gerbil pups displayed high levels of USVs and various syllable types before weaning. ED significantly reduced the number of USVs and syllable types, but increased maternal licking, grooming, and paternal nest-building behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yu
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Minna Yang
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Haochi Zhao
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Ruidong Cao
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Dajie Gong
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yu P, Chen Z, Zhao H, Cao R, Chen L, Su J, Ning Y. Exposure to quinestrol and levonorgestrel affects maternal behavior and offspring development in midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus). Physiol Behav 2020; 219:112848. [PMID: 32088172 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Quinestrol and levonorgestrel (EP-1, at a ratio of 1:2) are often used as anti-fertility compounds (sterilants) in rodents. As most of the research has focused on the sterility and damage caused in parental reproductive organs, there is little research on the effect of these contraceptive hormones on maternal behavior and offspring's early development. In this study, we examined maternal behavior after treatment with different doses of EP-1 (10 ml/kg) at postnatal days 3 and 10, separately. Various parameters were measured after treatment, including oxytocin expression, serum levels of estradiol and luteinizing hormone (LH), ovary damage after weaning of offspring, as well as the development and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) of midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus) offspring. At postnatal days 5 and 12, the EP-1 increased maternal licking, grooming, and retrieving behavior, while reducing contacting behavior. Oxytocin expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei increased, while the levels of estradiol and LH decreased. The ovaries and the development of follicles were clearly affected by the treatment. The EP-1 significantly reduced the pups' body weight, the amount and pulse duration of USVs, whereas the frequency range variation of USVs was increased. Overall, treatment with EP-1 during lactation significantly affected maternal behavior and impaired offspring early development in the midday gerbil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yu
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Haochi Zhao
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Ruidong Cao
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Lingyun Chen
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Junhu Su
- Institute of Rodent Control, Pratacultural College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Yingzhi Ning
- Institute of Behavioral and Physical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Almanza-Sepulveda ML, Fleming AS, Jonas W. Mothering revisited: A role for cortisol? Horm Behav 2020; 121:104679. [PMID: 31927022 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This selective review first describes the involvement of the maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and the relation between peripartum HPA axis function and maternal behavior, stress reactivity and emotional dysregulation in human mothers. To provide experimental background to this correlational work, where helpful, animal studies are also described. It then explores the association between HPA axis function in mothers and their infants, under ongoing non-stressful conditions and during stressful challenges, the moderating role of mothers' sensitivity and behavior in the mother-child co-regulation and the effects of more traumatic risk factors on these relations. The overarching theme being explored is that the HPA axis - albeit a system designed to function during periods of high stress and challenge - also functions to promote adaptation to more normative processes, shown in the new mother who experiences both high cortisol and enhanced attraction and attention to and recognition of, their infants and their cues. Hence the same HPA system shows positive relations with behavior at some time points and inverse ones at others. However, the literature is not uniform and results vary widely depending on the number, timing, place, and type of samplings and assessments, and, of course, the population being studied and, in the present context, the state, the stage, and the stress levels of mother and infant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayra L Almanza-Sepulveda
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Alison S Fleming
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Wibke Jonas
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18a, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Rigney N, Beaumont R, Petrulis A. Sex differences in vasopressin 1a receptor regulation of social communication within the lateral habenula and dorsal raphe of mice. Horm Behav 2020; 121:104715. [PMID: 32067962 PMCID: PMC7249673 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) has long been implicated in the regulation of social behavior and communication in diverse taxa, often through its actions on the V1a receptor (V1aR) and in a sex-different and steroid-dependent way. One source of sex-different brain AVP is the steroid-sensitive and sexually-dimorphic AVP neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a cell population that regulates social behavior in a sex-dependent manner. Potential targets of these BNST-AVP cells include the lateral habenula (LHb) and dorsal raphe (DR), areas known to be important for social behavior, yet few studies have investigated AVP action within these regions. Consequently, to test if V1aR action in the LHb or DR controls social behavior in a sexually dimorphic manner, we administered a highly-specific V1aR antagonist (or saline vehicle) in the LHb or DR of C57BL/6 male and female mice and tested its effects on social investigation, social communication (urine marking, ultrasonic vocalizations), and territorial aggression. V1aR antagonism of the LHb or DR decreased male urine marking toward unfamiliar males, but not toward unfamiliar females. Additionally, V1aR blockade of the LHb decreased ultrasonic vocalizations generated in the presence of females. Social investigation, locomotion and aggressive behavior were not altered by V1aR antagonism in either area. Blocking V1aR in the LHb or DR of females had no effect, indicating V1aR action in the DR and LHb drives sex differences in social communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
| | - Rachael Beaumont
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
| | - Aras Petrulis
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, 145 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Creeth HDJ, John RM. The placental programming hypothesis: Placental endocrine insufficiency and the co-occurrence of low birth weight and maternal mood disorders. Placenta 2020; 98:52-59. [PMID: 33039032 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Polypeptide hormones and steroid hormones, either expressed by the placenta or dependant on the placenta for their synthesis, are key to driving adaptations in the mother during pregnancy that support growth in utero. These adaptations include changes in maternal behaviour that take place in pregnancy and after the birth to ensure that offspring receive appropriate care and nutrition. Placentally-derived hormones implicated in the programming of maternal caregiving in rodents include prolactin-related hormones and steroid hormones. Neuromodulators produced by the placenta may act directly on the fetus to support brain development. A number of imprinted genes function antagonistically in the placenta to regulate the development of key placental endocrine lineages expressing these hormones. Gain-in-expression of the normally maternally expressed gene Phlda2 or loss-of-function of the normally paternally expressed gene Peg3 results in fewer endocrine cells in the placenta, and pups are born low birth weight. Importantly, wild type dams carrying these genetically altered pups display alterations in their behaviour with decreased focus on nurturing (Phlda2) or heightened anxiety (Peg3). These same genes may regulate placental hormones in human pregnancies, with the potential to influence birth weight and maternal mood. Consequently, the aberrant expression of imprinted genes in the placenta may underlie the reported co-occurrence of low birth weight with maternal prenatal depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H D J Creeth
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - R M John
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
The blockade of oxytocin receptors in the paraventricular thalamus reduces maternal crouching behavior over pups in lactating mice. Neurosci Lett 2020; 720:134761. [PMID: 31952987 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) systems contribute to the elicitation of stereotypic maternal behaviors. OT peptide-expressing neurons are predominantly localized in the hypothalamus, whereas OT receptor (OTR)-expressing neurons are widely distributed throughout the brain. Among those OTR-expressing regions, the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) consists of heterogeneous neuropeptide-responsive neurons critical for appetitive motivation, food intake control, and social behaviors; however, the precise distribution of OTR-expressing neurons within the PVT and whether these neurons are involved in maternal behaviors in mice are unknown. The distribution of OTR-expressing neurons was examined in an OTR-Venus transgenic line expressing a fluorescent protein controlled by the OTR promoter. The number of Venus expressing neurons was higher in the posterior PVT (pPVT) than in the anterior PVT (aPVT). When OTR-Venus dams were exposed to pups, the number of double-labelled neurons expressing both OTR-Venus and a marker of neuronal activity (c-Fos) was increased in the pPVT compared to non-exposed dams, while the aPVT remained unchanged. To investigate whether OT signaling in the pPVT is essential for maternal behaviors, an OT antagonist (OTA) was transiently or chronically infused into the pPVT of lactating dams during the postpartum period. Although the transient OTR blockade did not affect maternal behaviors, a chronic OTR blockade specifically reduced the duration of crouching behavior over pups. Taken together, these findings suggest that OTR-expressing neurons in the pPVT are involved in maternal crouching behavior.
Collapse
|
40
|
Kelly EM, Adkins-Regan E. Do nonapeptides regulate parental care depending on experience in zebra finches? Horm Behav 2020; 117:104603. [PMID: 31669456 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent research suggests that the nonapeptide neurohormones regulate parental behaviors in a diverse array of vertebrates. However, it remains unclear how these neurohormones regulate parental care among birds, especially those which exhibit biparental care, or whether hormonal effects are contingent on a bird's previous experience as a parent. We measured the effects of nonapeptides on parental behaviors by peripherally injecting, over three treatment days, a short-acting nonapeptide receptor antagonist (OTA) or a saline control into breeding pairs of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) that either did or did not have previous parental experience. We then compared how the duration of parental behaviors changed over the five days of observation (including one day before and two days after injections were administered). To compare treatment effects on parental outcomes, we also measured chick growth and mortality rates for each pair. There was a nearly significant interaction between treatment and experience for the amount of time birds spent in the nest, with time in the nest declining across the experiment inexperienced and experienced OTA birds. There was also a significant treatment by trial day interaction for nest guarding and a treatment by experience by trial day interaction for nest maintenance. Chicks reared by parents that received the OTA had significantly lower growth rates than chicks reared by control parents and, among experienced birds, higher mortality relative to control birds. Together, these results provide some support for the hypothesis that nonapeptides play a role in regulating parental outcomes and some parental behaviors in both experienced and inexperienced zebra finches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E McKenna Kelly
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Seeley G. Mudd Hall, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America.
| | - Elizabeth Adkins-Regan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Seeley G. Mudd Hall, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America; Department of Psychology, Cornell University, 211 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
DiBenedictis BT, Cheung HK, Nussbaum ER, Veenema AH. Involvement of ventral pallidal vasopressin in the sex-specific regulation of sociosexual motivation in rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 111:104462. [PMID: 31586844 PMCID: PMC6902445 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) is a critical node of the mesocorticolimbic reward circuit and is known to modulate social behaviors in rodents. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) signaling via the V1A receptor (V1AR) within the VP is necessary for the expression of socially motivated affiliative behaviors in monogamous voles. However, whether the VP-AVP system regulates socially motivated behaviors in non-monogamous species remains unknown. Here, we determined the extent of AVP fiber innervation in the VP as well as the involvement of the VP-AVP system in sociosexual motivation in adult male and female rats. We found that males have nearly twice the density of AVP-immunoreactive (AVP-ir) fibers in the VP compared to females, suggesting the possibility that males experience enhanced AVP signaling in the VP. We further found that this sex difference in VP-AVP-ir fiber density likely arises from an observed sex difference (males > females) in the percentage of VP-projecting AVP-ir cell bodies located in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and medial amygdala. To determine the behavioral implications of this sex difference, we next blocked AVP signaling in the VP by antagonizing VP-V1ARs in male and female rats and tested their preference to investigate an unfamiliar male rat or unfamiliar estrus female rat confined to corrals located on opposite ends of a three-chamber apparatus. Under vehicle conditions, males showed a significantly greater innate preference to investigate an opposite sex over same sex conspecific than estrus females. Interestingly, VP-V1AR antagonism significantly reduced males' opposite sex preference, while enhancing estrus females' opposite sex preference. Importantly, all subjects reliably discriminated between male and female stimulus rats regardless of drug treatment, demonstrating a change in motivational state rather than a perceptual impairment induced by VP-V1AR blockade. These results provide a novel functional link between a sex difference in ventral pallidal AVP fiber density and the sex-specific regulation of a sexually motivated behavior necessary for reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett T. DiBenedictis
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA,Corresponding Author Information: Brett T. DiBenedictis, Ph.D., Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215,
| | - Harry K. Cheung
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Nussbaum
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Alexa H. Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA,Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gryksa K, Mittmann L, Bauer A, Peterlik D, Flor PJ, Uschold-Schmidt N, Bosch OJ. Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 controls maternal care, maternal motivation and maternal aggression in mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 19:e12627. [PMID: 31793148 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The group III metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 (mGlu7) is an important regulator of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission and known to mediate emotionality and male social behavior. However, a possible regulatory role in maternal behavior remains unknown to date. Adequate expression of maternal behavior is essential for successful rearing and healthy development of the young. By understanding genetic and neural mechanisms underlying this important prosocial behavior, we gain valuable insights into possible dysregulations. Using genetic ablation as well as pharmacological modulation, we studied various parameters of maternal behavior in two different mouse strains under the influence of mGlu7. We can clearly show a regulatory role of mGlu7 in maternal behavior. Naïve virgin female C57BL/6 mGlu7 knockout mice showed more often nursing postures and less spontaneous maternal aggression compared to their heterozygous and wildtype littermates. In lactating C57BL/6 wildtype mice, acute central activation of mGlu7 by the selective agonist AMN082 reduced arched back nursing and accelerated pup retrieval without affecting maternal aggression. In addition, in lactating CD1 wildtype mice the selective mGlu7 antagonist XAP044 increased both pup retrieval and maternal aggression. With respect to receptor expression levels, mGlu7 mRNA expression was higher in lactating vs virgin C57BL/6 mice in the prefrontal cortex, but not hypothalamus or hippocampus. In conclusion, these findings highlight a significant role of the mGlu7 receptor subtype in mediating maternal behavior in mice. Region-dependent studies are warranted to further extend our knowledge on the specific function of the brain glutamate system in maternal behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gryksa
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Laura Mittmann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Bauer
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Peterlik
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter J Flor
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Uschold-Schmidt
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Sharma K, LeBlanc R, Haque M, Nishimori K, Reid MM, Teruyama R. Sexually dimorphic oxytocin receptor-expressing neurons in the preoptic area of the mouse brain. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219784. [PMID: 31295328 PMCID: PMC6622548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is involved in the regulation of social behaviors including parental behaviors in a variety of species. Oxytocin triggers social behaviors by binding to oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) in various parts of the brain. OXTRs are present in the preoptic area (POA) where hormone-sensitive sexually dimorphic nuclei exist. The present study was conducted to examine whether sex differences exist in the distribution of neurons expressing OXTRs in the POA. Using OXTR-Venus (an enhanced variant of yellow fluorescent protein) mice, the distribution of OXTR-Venus cells in the POA was compared between sexes. The total number of OXTR-Venus cells in the medial POA (MPOA) was significantly greater in females than in males. No detectable OXTR-Venus cells were observed in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) within the MPOA in most of the brain sections from males. We further examined the total number of OXTR-Venus cells in the AVPV and the rest of the MPOA between the sexes. The total number of OXTR-Venus cells in the AVPV in females (615 ± 43) was significantly greater than that in males (14 ± 2), whereas the total number of OXTR-Venus cells in the rest of the MPOA did not differ significantly between the sexes. Thus, the sexually dimorphic expression of OXTR-Venus specifically occurred in the AVPV, but not in the rest of the MPOA. We also examined whether the expression of OXTR in the AVPV is driven by the female gonadal hormone, estrogen. Immunocytochemistry and single-cell RT-PCR revealed the presence of the estrogen receptor α in OXTR-Venus cells in the female AVPV. Moreover, ovariectomy resulted in the absence of OXTR-Venus expression in the AVPV, whereas estrogen replacement therapy restored OXTR-Venus expression. These results demonstrate that the expression of OXTR in the AVPV is primarily female specific and estrogen dependent. The presence of the sexually dimorphic expression of OXTR in the AVPV suggests the involvement of OXTR neurons in the AVPV in the regulation of female-specific behavior and/or physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Ryan LeBlanc
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Masudul Haque
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Madigan M. Reid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Ryoichi Teruyama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Yun H, Park ES, Choi S, Shin B, Yu J, Yu J, Amarasekara DS, Kim S, Lee N, Choi JS, Choi Y, Rho J. TDAG51 is a crucial regulator of maternal care and depressive-like behavior after parturition. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008214. [PMID: 31251738 PMCID: PMC6599150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression is a severe emotional and mental disorder that involves maternal care defects and psychiatric illness. Postpartum depression is closely associated with a combination of physical changes and physiological stress during pregnancy or after parturition in stress-sensitive women. Although postpartum depression is relatively well known to have deleterious effects on the developing fetus, the influence of genetic risk factors on the development of postpartum depression remains unclear. In this study, we discovered a novel function of T cell death-associated gene 51 (TDAG51/PHLDA1) in the regulation of maternal and depressive-like behavior. After parturition, TDAG51-deficient dams showed impaired maternal behavior in pup retrieving, nursing and nest building tests. In contrast to the normal dams, the TDAG51-deficient dams also exhibited more sensitive depressive-like behaviors after parturition. Furthermore, changes in the expression levels of various maternal and depressive-like behavior-associated genes regulating neuroendocrine factor and monoamine neurotransmitter levels were observed in TDAG51-deficient postpartum brain tissues. These findings indicate that TDAG51 plays a protective role against maternal care defects and depressive-like behavior after parturition. Thus, TDAG51 is a maternal care-associated gene that functions as a crucial regulator of maternal and depressive-like behavior after parturition. Postpartum depression is a severe emotional and mental disease that can affect women typically after parturition. However, the genetic risk factors associated with the development of postpartum depression are still largely unknown. We discovered a novel function of T cell death-associated gene 51 (TDAG51) in the regulation of maternal behavior and postpartum depression. We report that TDAG51 deficiency induces depressive-like and abnormal maternal behavior after parturition. The loss of TDAG51 in postpartum brain tissues induces changes in the expression levels of various maternal and depressive-like behavior-associated genes that regulate the levels of neuroendocrine factors and monoamine neurotransmitters. TDAG51 is a maternal care-associated gene that functions as a crucial regulator of maternal and depressive-like behavior after parturition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeongseok Yun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eui-Soon Park
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seunga Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Bongjin Shin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jungeun Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jiyeon Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | | | - Sumi Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Nari Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jong-Soon Choi
- Division of Life Science, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yongwon Choi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jaerang Rho
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Klampfl SM, Bosch OJ. When mothers neglect their offspring: an activated CRF system in the BNST is detrimental for maternal behavior. Arch Womens Ment Health 2019; 22:409-415. [PMID: 30078057 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-018-0897-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Becoming a mother is an intense experience that not only changes a woman's life but is also paralleled by multiple central adaptations. These changes evolve before parturition and continue to persist into lactation, thereby ensuring the full commitment of the mother to care for the newborns. Most of our knowledge on these adaptations that drive the peripartum brain come from rodent animal models. On one side, it is known that maternal behavior is initiated and maternal mood is stabilized by an upregulation of the pro-maternal neuropeptide systems' activity of oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin. On the other side, signaling of the rather anti-maternal corticotropin-releasing factor system triggers maternal neglect and increases maternal anxiety. Here, we discuss how the corticotropin-releasing factor system based in the limbic bed nucleus of the stria terminalis negatively affects maternal behavior and maternal mood. Moreover, we apply microdialysis and acute pharmacological interventions to demonstrate how the corticotropin-releasing factor system potentially interacts with the pro-maternal oxytocin system in the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to trigger certain aspects of maternal behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M Klampfl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Strzelewicz AR, Ordoñes Sanchez E, Rondón-Ortiz AN, Raneri A, Famularo ST, Bangasser DA, Kentner AC. Access to a high resource environment protects against accelerated maturation following early life stress: A translational animal model of high, medium and low security settings. Horm Behav 2019; 111:46-59. [PMID: 30708031 PMCID: PMC6527488 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Early life exposure to a low security setting, characterized by a scarcity of resources and limited food access, increases the risk for psychiatric illness and metabolic dysfunction. We utilized a translational rat model to mimic a low security environment and determined how this manipulation affected offspring behavior, metabolism, and puberty. Because food insecurity in humans is associated with reduced access to healthy food options the "low security" rat manipulation combined a Western diet with exposure to a limited bedding and nesting manipulation (WD-LB). In this setting, dams were provided with limited nesting materials during the pups' early life (P2-P10). This manipulation was contrasted with standard rodent caging (SD) and environmental enrichment (EE), to model "medium security" and "high security" environments, respectively. To determine if transitioning from a low to high security environment improved outcomes, some juvenile WD-LB offspring were exposed to EE. Maternal care was impacted by these environments such that EE dams engaged in high quality care when on the nest, but spent less time on the nest than SD dams. Although WD-LB dams excessively chased their tails, they were very attentive to their pups, perhaps to compensate for limited resources. Offspring exposed to WD-LB only displayed subtle changes in behavior. However, WD-LB exposure resulted in significant metabolic dysfunction characterized by increased body weight, precocious puberty and alterations in the hypothalamic kisspeptin system. These negative effects of WD-LB on puberty and weight regulation were mitigated by EE exposure. Collectively, these studies suggest that both compensatory maternal care and juvenile enrichment can reduce the impact of a low security environment. Moreover, they highlight how utilizing diverse models of resource (in)stability can reveal mechanisms that confer vulnerability and resilience to early life stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arielle R Strzelewicz
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston,MA 02115, United States
| | | | - Alejandro N Rondón-Ortiz
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston,MA 02115, United States
| | - Anthony Raneri
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Sydney T Famularo
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States
| | - Debra A Bangasser
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States
| | - Amanda C Kentner
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Creeth HDJ, McNamara GI, Isles AR, John RM. Imprinted genes influencing the quality of maternal care. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 53:100732. [PMID: 30553874 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammals successful rearing imposes a cost on later reproductive fitness specifically on the mother creating the potential for parental conflict. Loss of function of three imprinted genes in the dam results in deficits in maternal care suggesting that, like maternal nutrients, maternal care is a resource over which the parental genomes are in conflict. The induction of maternal care is a complex, highly regulated process and it is unsurprising that many gene disruptions and environmental adversities result in maternal care deficits. However, recent compelling evidence for a more purposeful imprinting phenomenon comes from observing alterations in the mother's behaviour when expression of the imprinted genes Phlda2 and Peg3 has been manipulated solely in the offspring. This explicit demonstration that imprinted genes expressed in the offspring influence maternal behaviour lends significant weight to the hypothesis that maternal care is a resource that has been manipulated by the paternal genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H D J Creeth
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - G I McNamara
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - A R Isles
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - R M John
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Neumann ID, Landgraf R. Tracking oxytocin functions in the rodent brain during the last 30 years: From push-pull perfusion to chemogenetic silencing. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12695. [PMID: 30748037 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A short overview is provided of the last 30 years of oxytocin (and vasopressin) research performed in our laboratories, starting with attempts to monitor the release of this nonapeptide in the rodent brain during physiological conditions such as suckling in the lactating animal. Using push-pull perfusion and microdialysis approaches, release patterns in hypothalamic and limbic brain regions could be characterised to occur from intact neuronal structures, to be independent of peripheral secretion into blood, and to respond differentially to various stimuli, particularly those related to reproduction and stress. Parallel efforts focused on the functional impact of central oxytocin release, including neuroendocrine and behavioural effects mediated by nonapeptide receptor interactions and subsequent intraneuronal signalling cascades. The use of a variety of sophisticated behavioural paradigms to manipulate central oxytocin release, along with pharmacological, genetic and pharmacogenetic approaches, revealed multiple consequences on social behaviours, particularly social fear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Centre of Neurosciences, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bayerl DS, Bosch OJ. Brain vasopressin signaling modulates aspects of maternal behavior in lactating rats. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 18:e12517. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Doris S. Bayerl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology; Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg; Regensburg Germany
| | - Oliver J. Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology; Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg; Regensburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Bichet C, Lepetit D, Cohas A. Extrinsic and intrinsic constraints interact to drive extra-pair paternities in the Alpine marmot. J Evol Biol 2018; 31:1794-1802. [PMID: 30216586 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To reproduce, animals have to form pairs and large variations in the degree of mate switching are observed. Extrinsic and intrinsic factors can constrain individual's mate switching. Among intrinsic factors, genes involved in pair-bonding, such as Avpr-1a, receive increasing attention. The length of microsatellites present in the regulatory region of Avpr-1a determines the neural densities and distributions of the vasopressin receptors known to impact pair-bonding behaviours. For the first time, we investigated whether and how the genetic makeup at Avpr-1a, an intrinsic factor, and the social context, an extrinsic factor, experienced by wild Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) females affect the proportion of extra-pair young. This proportion was positively correlated with the length of their Avpr-1a regulatory region but only when the social constraints were relaxed, that is when mature male subordinates were present. When ignoring the interactive effect between the length of their Avpr-1a regulatory region and the social constraints, the genetic makeup at Avpr-1a was not associated with the proportion of extra-pair young. Under natural conditions, the genetic regulation of pair-bonding could be hidden by extrinsic factors constraining mate choice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coraline Bichet
- UMR-CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France.,Institut für Vogelforschung, 'Vogelwarte Helgoland' (Institute of Avian Research), Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - David Lepetit
- UMR-CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Aurélie Cohas
- UMR-CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| |
Collapse
|