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Singh R, Gobrogge K. Aggression Unleashed: Neural Circuits from Scent to Brain. Brain Sci 2024; 14:794. [PMID: 39199486 PMCID: PMC11352925 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14080794] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggression is a fundamental behavior with essential roles in dominance assertion, resource acquisition, and self-defense across the animal kingdom. However, dysregulation of the aggression circuitry can have severe consequences in humans, leading to economic, emotional, and societal burdens. Previous inconsistencies in aggression research have been due to limitations in techniques for studying these neurons at a high spatial resolution, resulting in an incomplete understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying aggression. Recent advancements in optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and in vivo electrophysiology have provided new insights into this complex circuitry. This review aims to explore the aggression-provoking stimuli and their detection in rodents, particularly through the olfactory systems. Additionally, we will examine the core regions associated with aggression, their interactions, and their connection with the prefrontal cortex. We will also discuss the significance of top-down cognitive control systems in regulating atypical expressions of aggressive behavior. While the focus will primarily be on rodent circuitry, we will briefly touch upon the modulation of aggression in humans through the prefrontal cortex and discuss emerging therapeutic interventions that may benefit individuals with aggression disorders. This comprehensive understanding of the neural substrates of aggression will pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and clinical interventions. This approach contrasts with the broader perspective on neural mechanisms of aggression across species, aiming for a more focused analysis of specific pathways and their implications for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhea Singh
- The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Kyle Gobrogge
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
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2
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Yuan XS, Xiang Z, Jiang JB, Yuan F, Zhang MT, Zhang KY, Chen ZY, Qu WM, Li WS, Huang ZL. Leptin receptor neurons in the ventral premammillary nucleus modulate emotion-induced insomnia. Cell Discov 2024; 10:59. [PMID: 38830876 PMCID: PMC11148181 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00676-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Shan Yuan
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhe Xiang
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Bo Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Yuan
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mu-Tian Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai-Ying Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Yi Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Sheng Li
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science; Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Pan L, Xiao S, Xu Z, Li W, Zhao L, Zhang L, Qi R, Wang J, Cai Y. Orexin-A attenuated motion sickness through modulating neural activity in hypothalamus nuclei. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1474-1493. [PMID: 38129941 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We evaluated the hypothesis that central orexin application could counteract motion sickness responses through regulating neural activity in target brain areas. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Thec effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of orexin-A and SB-334867 (OX1 antagonist) on motion sickness-induced anorexia, nausea-like behaviour (conditioned gaping), hypoactivity and hypothermia were investigated in rats subjected to Ferris wheel-like rotation. Orexin-A responsive brain areas were identified using Fos immunolabelling and were verified via motion sickness responses after intranucleus injection of orexin-A, SB-334867 and TCS-OX2-29 (OX2 antagonist). The efficacy of intranasal application of orexin-A versus scopolamine on motion sickness symptoms in cats was also investigated. KEY RESULTS Orexin-A (i.c.v.) dose-dependently attenuated motion sickness-related behavioural responses and hypothermia. Fos expression was inhibited in the ventral part of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMV) and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), but was enhanced in the ventral part of the premammillary nucleus ventral part (PMV) by orexin-A (20 μg) in rotated animals. Motion sickness responses were differentially inhibited by orexin-A injection into the DMV (anorexia and hypoactivity), the PVN (conditioned gaping) and the PMV (hypothermia). SB-334867 and TCS-OX2-29 (i.c.v. and intranucleus injection) inhibited behavioural and thermal effects of orexin-A. Orexin-A (60 μg·kg-1) and scopolamine inhibited rotation-induced emesis and non-retching/vomiting symptoms, while orexin-A also attenuated anorexia with mild salivation in motion sickness cats. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Orexin-A might relieve motion sickness through acting on OX1 and OX2 receptors in various hypothalamus nuclei. Intranasal orexin-A could be a potential strategy against motion sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Pan
- Department of Nautical Injury Prevention, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Shuifeng Xiao
- Department of Nautical Injury Prevention, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Zichao Xu
- Department of Nautical Injury Prevention, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Wenping Li
- Department of Nautical Injury Prevention, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Nautical Injury Prevention, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Nautical Injury Prevention, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ruirui Qi
- Department of Nautical Injury Prevention, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Junqin Wang
- Department of Nautical Injury Prevention, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yiling Cai
- Department of Nautical Injury Prevention, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
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Stagkourakis S, Williams P, Spigolon G, Khanal S, Ziegler K, Heikkinen L, Fisone G, Broberger C. Maternal Aggression Driven by the Transient Mobilisation of a Dormant Hormone-Sensitive Circuit. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.02.526862. [PMID: 38585740 PMCID: PMC10996482 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.02.526862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Aggression, a sexually dimorphic behaviour, is prevalent in males and typically absent in virgin females. Following parturition, however, the transient expression of aggression in adult female mice protects pups from predators and infanticide by male conspecifics. While maternal hormones are known to elicit nursing, their potential role in maternal aggression remains elusive. Here, we show in mice that a molecularly defined subset of ventral premammillary (PMvDAT) neurons, instrumental for intermale aggression, switch from quiescence to a hyperexcitable state during lactation. We identify that the maternal hormones prolactin and oxytocin excite these cells through actions that include T-type Ca2+ channels. Optogenetic manipulation or genetic ablation of PMvDAT neurons profoundly affects maternal aggression, while activation of these neurons impairs the expression of non-aggression-related maternal behaviours. This work identifies a monomorphic neural substrate that can incorporate hormonal cues to enable the transient expression of a dormant behavioural program in lactating females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Stagkourakis
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum B:4, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giada Spigolon
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum B:4, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shreya Khanal
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum B:4, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katharina Ziegler
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum B:4, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Heikkinen
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum B:4, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gilberto Fisone
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum B:4, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Broberger
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum B:4, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Ito M, Ito H, Miyoshi K, Kanai-Azuma M. Chronic non-discriminatory social defeat stress during the perinatal period induces depressive-like outcomes in female mice. Brain Res 2024; 1825:148734. [PMID: 38110072 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Depression is more prevalent in women than in men. Perinatal stress is one of the main risk factors for depression in women. However, there is no suitable female model for perinatal depression that uses the social defeat stress (SDS) paradigm. The standard chronic SDS protocol, which is the most useful method for developing a depression-like model, is effective only in male mice. Thus, this study aimed to characterize a novel SDS method for producing a perinatal depression-like model mouse. We induced chronic SDS in perinatal female mice, wherein chronic non-discriminatory SDS (ND-SDS) was used to induce substantial stress in female mice. The female mice were placed in aggressive ICR mouse cages with sentinel male mice under ND-SDS conditions. Stressed female mice subjected to ND-SDS during the perinatal period efficiently exhibited stress-susceptible phenotypes, such as a social avoidance phenotype and anhedonic behavior, whereas stressed female mice subjected to SDS did not show depressive-like behaviors. These results indicate that chronic ND-SDS in perinatal females could be used to develop a female perinatal depression-like model that can be used to study women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Ito
- Department of Basic Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793 Japan; Research Facility Center for Science and Technology, Kagawa University, 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793 Japan
| | - Hikaru Ito
- Department of Basic Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793 Japan; Research Facility Center for Science and Technology, Kagawa University, 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793 Japan; Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan; Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan.
| | - Kaori Miyoshi
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan; Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan; Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan
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6
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Melleu FF, Canteras NS. Pathways from the Superior Colliculus to the Basal Ganglia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1431-1453. [PMID: 37702174 PMCID: PMC11097988 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230911102118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The present work aims to review the structural organization of the mammalian superior colliculus (SC), the putative pathways connecting the SC and the basal ganglia, and their role in organizing complex behavioral output. First, we review how the complex intrinsic connections between the SC's laminae projections allow for the construction of spatially aligned, visual-multisensory maps of the surrounding environment. Moreover, we present a summary of the sensory-motor inputs of the SC, including a description of the integration of multi-sensory inputs relevant to behavioral control. We further examine the major descending outputs toward the brainstem and spinal cord. As the central piece of this review, we provide a thorough analysis covering the putative interactions between the SC and the basal ganglia. To this end, we explore the diverse thalamic routes by which information from the SC may reach the striatum, including the pathways through the lateral posterior, parafascicular, and rostral intralaminar thalamic nuclei. We also examine the interactions between the SC and subthalamic nucleus, representing an additional pathway for the tectal modulation of the basal ganglia. Moreover, we discuss how information from the SC might also be relayed to the basal ganglia through midbrain tectonigral and tectotegmental projections directed at the substantia nigra compacta and ventrotegmental area, respectively, influencing the dopaminergic outflow to the dorsal and ventral striatum. We highlight the vast interplay between the SC and the basal ganglia and raise several missing points that warrant being addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Newton Sabino Canteras
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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7
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Mei L, Osakada T, Lin D. Hypothalamic control of innate social behaviors. Science 2023; 382:399-404. [PMID: 37883550 PMCID: PMC11105421 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh8489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Sexual, parental, and aggressive behaviors are central to the reproductive success of individuals and species survival and thus are supported by hardwired neural circuits. The reproductive behavior control column (RBCC), which comprises the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN), the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl), and the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMv), is essential for all social behaviors. The RBCC integrates diverse hormonal and metabolic cues and adjusts an animal's physical activity, hence the chance of social encounters. The RBCC further engages the mesolimbic dopamine system to maintain social interest and reinforces cues and actions that are time-locked with social behaviors. We propose that the RBCC and brainstem form a dual-control system for generating moment-to-moment social actions. This Review summarizes recent progress regarding the identities of RBCC cells and their pathways that drive different aspects of social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Mei
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Takuya Osakada
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
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8
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Guo Z, Yin L, Diaz V, Dai B, Osakada T, Lischinsky JE, Chien J, Yamaguchi T, Urtecho A, Tong X, Chen ZS, Lin D. Neural dynamics in the limbic system during male social behaviors. Neuron 2023; 111:3288-3306.e4. [PMID: 37586365 PMCID: PMC10592239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and aggressive behaviors are vital for species survival and individual reproductive success. Although many limbic regions have been found relevant to these behaviors, how social cues are represented across regions and how the network activity generates each behavior remains elusive. To answer these questions, we utilize multi-fiber photometry (MFP) to simultaneously record Ca2+ signals of estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1)-expressing cells from 13 limbic regions in male mice during mating and fighting. We find that conspecific sensory information and social action signals are widely distributed in the limbic system and can be decoded from the network activity. Cross-region correlation analysis reveals striking increases in the network functional connectivity during the social action initiation phase, whereas late copulation is accompanied by a "dissociated" network state. Based on the response patterns, we propose a mating-biased network (MBN) and an aggression-biased network (ABN) for mediating male sexual and aggressive behaviors, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Guo
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Luping Yin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Veronica Diaz
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Bing Dai
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Takuya Osakada
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Julieta E Lischinsky
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jonathan Chien
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ashley Urtecho
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Tong
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Zhe S Chen
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY 11201, USA
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Abstract
Reproduction is the biological process by which new individuals are produced by their parents. It is the fundamental feature of all known life and is required for the existence of all species. All mammals reproduce sexually, a process that involves the union of two reproductive cells, one from a male and one from a female. Sexual behaviors are a series of actions leading to reproduction. They are composed of appetitive, action, and refractory phases, each supported by dedicated developmentally-wired neural circuits to ensure high reproduction success. In rodents, successful reproduction can only occur during female ovulation. Thus, female sexual behavior is tightly coupled with ovarian activity, namely the estrous cycle. This is achieved through the close interaction between the female sexual behavior circuit and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding, learned mainly in rodents, regarding the neural circuits underlying each phase of the female sexual behaviors and their interaction with the HPG axis, highlighting the gaps in our knowledge that require future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luping Yin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Wei D, Osakada T, Guo Z, Yamaguchi T, Varshneya A, Yan R, Jiang Y, Lin D. A hypothalamic pathway that suppresses aggression toward superior opponents. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:774-787. [PMID: 37037956 PMCID: PMC11101994 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01297-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Aggression is costly and requires tight regulation. Here we identify the projection from estrogen receptor alpha-expressing cells in the caudal part of the medial preoptic area (cMPOAEsr1) to the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) as an essential pathway for modulating aggression in male mice. cMPOAEsr1 cells increase activity mainly during male-male interaction, which differs from the female-biased response pattern of rostral MPOAEsr1 (rMPOAEsr1) cells. Notably, cMPOAEsr1 cell responses to male opponents correlated with the opponents' fighting capability, which mice could estimate based on physical traits or learn through physical combats. Inactivating the cMPOAEsr1-VMHvl pathway increased aggression, whereas activating the pathway suppressed natural intermale aggression. Thus, cMPOAEsr1 is a key population for encoding opponents' fighting capability-information that could be used to prevent animals from engaging in disadvantageous conflicts with superior opponents by suppressing the activity of VMHvl cells essential for attack behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyu Wei
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takuya Osakada
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhichao Guo
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Avni Varshneya
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rongzhen Yan
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yiwen Jiang
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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StepjanoviĆ D, Hall W, Leung J. Illicit drug use and violence. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 197:121-145. [PMID: 37633705 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821375-9.00010-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
This chapter reviews evidence on the relationship between illicit drug use and violence, specifically cannabis, stimulant drugs, and opioids. It summarizes findings of systematic reviews of evidence on cannabis, stimulant drugs, and opioids. It also examines evidence from epidemiological studies of drug use among violent offenders and of violence among persons who use drugs, intervention studies, animal studies, human laboratory studies, and human neuroimaging studies. More studies have examined cannabis because of its higher prevalence of use. There is an association between cannabis use and violence, suggestive evidence of a dose-response relationship between the frequency of cannabis use and violence, and a stronger association in persons with psychoses. There is similar emerging evidence on stimulant use and violence, but evidence on opioids is very limited. There is limited and mixed evidence from intervention studies that reducing drug use reduces violence. Animal and human studies provide potential biological explanations for these associations. The association between cannabis use and violence is most consistent but limited by study heterogeneity and lack of control for potential confounders. It is unclear whether these associations are causal or reflect reverse causation or the effects of confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel StepjanoviĆ
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| | - Janni Leung
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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12
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Li X, Sun H, Zhu Y, Wang F, Wang X, Han L, Cui D, Luo D, Zhai Y, Zhuo L, Xu X, Yang J, Li Y. Dysregulation of prefrontal parvalbumin interneurons leads to adult aggression induced by social isolation stress during adolescence. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1010152. [PMID: 36267698 PMCID: PMC9577330 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social isolation during the juvenile stage results in structural and functional impairment of the brain and deviant adult aggression. However, the specific subregions and cell types that underpin this deviant behavior are still largely unknown. Here, we found that adolescent social isolation led to a shortened latency to attack onset and extended the average attack time, accompanied by anxiety-like behavior and deficits in social preference in adult mice. However, when exposed to social isolation during adulthood, the mice did not show these phenotypes. We also found that the structural plasticity of prefrontal pyramidal neurons, including the dendritic complexity and spine ratio, was impaired in mice exposed to adolescent social isolation. The parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the prefrontal infralimbic cortex (IL) are highly vulnerable to juvenile social isolation and exhibit decreased cell numbers and reduced activation in adulthood. Moreover, chemogenetic inactivation of IL-PV interneurons can mimic juvenile social isolation-induced deviant aggression and social preference. Conversely, artificial activation of IL-PV interneurons significantly attenuated deviant aggression and rescued social preference during adulthood in mice exposed to adolescent social isolation. These findings implicate juvenile social isolation-induced damage to IL-PV interneurons in long-term aggressive behavior in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neurosciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feidi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lin Han
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of China, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongqi Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Danlei Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yifang Zhai
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lixia Zhuo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangzhao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Jian Yang,
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Li,
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de Almeida AP, Baldo MVC, Motta SC. Dynamics in brain activation and behaviour in acute and repeated social defensive behaviour. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220799. [PMID: 35703050 PMCID: PMC9198769 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature, confrontations between conspecifics are recurrent and related, in general, due to the lack of resources such as food and territory. Adequate defence against a conspecific aggressor is essential for the individual's survival and the group integrity. However, repeated social defeat is a significant stressor promoting several behavioural changes, including social defence per se. What would be the neural basis of these behavioural changes? To build new hypotheses about this, we here investigate the effects of repeated social stress on the neural circuitry underlying motivated social defence behaviour in male mice. We observed that animals re-exposed to the aggressor three times spent more time in passive defence during the last exposure than in the first one. These animals also show less activation of the amygdalar and hypothalamic nuclei related to the processing of conspecific cues. In turn, we found no changes in the activation of the hypothalamic dorsal pre-mammillary nucleus (PMD) that is essential for passive defence. Therefore, our data suggest that the balance between the activity of circuits related to conspecific processing and the PMD determines the pattern of social defence behaviour. Changes in this balance may be the basis of the adaptations in social defence after repeated social defeat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisson P. de Almeida
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Marcus V. C. Baldo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Simone C. Motta
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
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14
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Arakawa H, Higuchi Y. Exocrine scent marking: Coordinative role of arginine vasopressin in the systemic regulation of social signaling behaviors. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104597. [PMID: 35248677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohypophysial hormone that coordinatively regulates central socio-emotional behavior and peripheral control of antidiuretic fluid homeostasis. Most mammals, including rodents, utilize exocrine or urine-contained scent marking as a social signaling tool that facilitates social adaptation. The exocrine scent marking behavior is postulated to fine-tune sensory and cognitive abilities to recognize key social features via exocrine/urinary olfactory cues and subsequently control exocrine deposition or urinary marking through the mediation of osmotic fluid balance. AVP is implicated as a major player in controlling both recognition and signaling responses. This review provides constructive hypotheses on the coordinative processes of the AVP neurohypophysial circuits in the systemic regulations of fluid control and social-communicative behavior, via the expression of exocrine scent marking, and further emphasizes a potential role of AVP in a common mechanism underlying social communication in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Depertment of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Yuki Higuchi
- Depertment of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan
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15
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Brain-Wide Synaptic Inputs to Aromatase-Expressing Neurons in the Medial Amygdala Suggest Complex Circuitry for Modulating Social Behavior. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0329-21.2021. [PMID: 35074828 PMCID: PMC8925724 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0329-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we reveal an unbiased view of the brain regions that provide specific inputs to aromatase-expressing cells in the medial amygdala, neurons that play an outsized role in the production of sex-specific social behaviors, using rabies tracing and light sheet microscopy. While the downstream projections from these cells are known, the specific inputs to the aromatase-expressing cells in the medial amygdala remained unknown. We observed established connections to the medial amygdala (e.g., bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and accessory olfactory bulb) indicating that aromatase neurons are a major target cell type for efferent input including from regions associated with parenting and aggression. We also identified novel and unexpected inputs from areas involved in metabolism, fear and anxiety, and memory and cognition. These results confirm the central role of the medial amygdala in sex-specific social recognition and social behavior, and point to an expanded role for its aromatase-expressing neurons in the integration of multiple sensory and homeostatic factors, which are likely used to modulate many other social behaviors.
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Understanding the Significance of the Hypothalamic Nature of the Subthalamic Nucleus. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0116-21.2021. [PMID: 34518367 PMCID: PMC8493884 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0116-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an essential component of the basal ganglia and has long been considered to be a part of the ventral thalamus. However, recent neurodevelopmental data indicated that this nucleus is of hypothalamic origin which is now commonly acknowledged. In this work, we aimed to verify whether the inclusion of the STN in the hypothalamus could influence the way we understand and conduct research on the organization of the whole ventral and posterior diencephalon. Developmental and neurochemical data indicate that the STN is part of a larger glutamatergic posterior hypothalamic region that includes the premammillary and mammillary nuclei. The main anatomic characteristic common to this region involves the convergent cortical and pallidal projections that it receives, which is based on the model of the hyperdirect and indirect pathways to the STN. This whole posterior hypothalamic region is then integrated into distinct functional networks that interact with the ventral mesencephalon to adjust behavior depending on external and internal contexts.
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17
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Wei D, Talwar V, Lin D. Neural circuits of social behaviors: Innate yet flexible. Neuron 2021; 109:1600-1620. [PMID: 33705708 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Social behaviors, such as mating, fighting, and parenting, are fundamental for survival of any vertebrate species. All members of a species express social behaviors in a stereotypical and species-specific way without training because of developmentally hardwired neural circuits dedicated to these behaviors. Despite being innate, social behaviors are flexible. The readiness to interact with a social target or engage in specific social acts can vary widely based on reproductive state, social experience, and many other internal and external factors. Such high flexibility gives vertebrates the ability to release the relevant behavior at the right moment and toward the right target. This maximizes reproductive success while minimizing the cost and risk associated with behavioral expression. Decades of research have revealed the basic neural circuits underlying each innate social behavior. The neural mechanisms that support behavioral plasticity have also started to emerge. Here we provide an overview of these social behaviors and their underlying neural circuits and then discuss in detail recent findings regarding the neural processes that support the flexibility of innate social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyu Wei
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vaishali Talwar
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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18
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Hyland L, Park SB, Abdelaziz Y, Abizaid A. Metabolic effects of ghrelin delivery into the hypothalamic ventral premammilary nucleus of male mice. Physiol Behav 2021; 228:113208. [PMID: 33068562 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide hormone that targets the brain to promote feeding and adiposity. The ghrowth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a) is expressed within many hypothalamic nuclei, including the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMV), but the role of GHSR1a signaling in this region is unknown. In order to investigate whether GHSR1a signaling within the PMV modulates energy balance, we implanted osmotic minipumps connected to cannulae that were implanted intracranially and aiming at the PMV. The cannulae delivered either saline or ghrelin (10 µg/day at a flow rate of 0.11μL/h for 28 days) into the PMV of adult male C57BLJ6 mice. We found that chronic infusion of ghrelin into the PMV increased weight gain, promoted the oxidation of carbohydrates as a fuel source and resulted in hyperglycemia, without affecting food intake, or body fat. This suggests that ghrelin signaling in the PMV contributes to the modulation of metabolic fuel utilization and glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Hyland
- Carleton University, Department of Neuroscience, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Su-Bin Park
- Carleton University, Department of Neuroscience, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yosra Abdelaziz
- Carleton University, Department of Neuroscience, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alfonso Abizaid
- Carleton University, Department of Neuroscience, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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19
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Neural mechanisms of aggression across species. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:1317-1328. [PMID: 33046890 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-00715-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is a social behavior essential for securing resources and defending oneself and family. Thanks to its indispensable function in competition and thus survival, aggression exists widely across animal species, including humans. Classical works from Tinbergen and Lorenz concluded that instinctive behaviors including aggression are mediated by hardwired brain circuitries that specialize in processing certain sensory inputs to trigger stereotyped motor outputs. They further suggest that instinctive behaviors are influenced by an animal's internal state and past experiences. Following this conceptual framework, here we review our current understanding regarding the neural substrates underlying aggression generation, highlighting an evolutionarily conserved 'core aggression circuit' composed of four subcortical regions. We further discuss the neural mechanisms that support changes in aggression based on the animal's internal state. We aim to provide an overview of features of aggression and the relevant neural substrates across species, highlighting findings in rodents, primates and songbirds.
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20
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Neural circuits for coping with social defeat. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2019; 60:99-107. [PMID: 31837481 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
When resources, such as food, territory, and potential mates are limited, competition among animals of the same species is inevitable. Over bouts of agonistic interactions, winners and losers are determined. Losing is a traumatic experience, both physically and psychologically. Losers not only need to deploy a set of species-specific defensive behaviors to minimize the physical damage during defeat, but also adjust their behavior towards the winners to avoid future fights in which they are likely disadvantaged. The expression of defensive behaviors and the fast and long-lasting changes in behaviors accompanying defeat must be supported by a complex neural circuit. This review summarizes the brain regions that have been implicated in coping with social defeat, one centered on basolateral amygdala and the other on ventromedial hypothalamus. Gaps in our knowledge and hypotheses that may help guide future experiments are also discussed.
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21
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Fields RD. THE ROOTS OF HUMAN AGGRESSION: Experiments in humans and animals have started to identify how violent behaviors begin in the brain. Sci Am 2019; 320:65-71. [PMID: 34276077 PMCID: PMC8284101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
From his sniper's perch on the 32nd floor of the mandalay bay hotel in las vegas, a lone gunman fired 1,000 bullets from high-powered rifles into a crowd of concertgoers in 2017, murdering 58 innocent people and injuring 869 others. After he committed suicide at the crime scene, the mass murderer's brain was shipped to Stanford University to seek a possible biological explanation for this depraved incident. What could the scientists possibly find during such an inspection? Quite a lot, in fact. No genetic test for homicidal behavior is in the offing. But this type of investigation can add insight into how violence is controlled by the brain. Using the same experimental methods that have enabled the tracing of brain circuits responsible for other complex human activities-including walking, speech and reading-neuroscientists now can pinpoint pathways that underlie aggressive behaviors. These new findings help to expose the underlying mechanisms at work in acts of extreme violence, such as the Las Vegas atrocity, but they also help to explain the more commonplace road rage and even a mother's instantaneous response to any threat to her child.
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22
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Klampfl SM, Bosch OJ. Mom doesn't care: When increased brain CRF system activity leads to maternal neglect in rodents. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 53:100735. [PMID: 30684507 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mothers are the primary caregivers in mammals, ensuring their offspring's survival. This strongly depends on the adequate expression of maternal behavior, which is the result of a concerted action of "pro-maternal" versus "anti-maternal" neuromodulators such as the oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems, respectively. When essential peripartum adaptations fail, the CRF system has negative physiological, emotional and behavioral consequences for both mother and offspring often resulting in maternal neglect. Here, we provide an elaborate and unprecedented review on the implications of the CRF system in the maternal brain. Studies in rodents have advanced our understanding of the specific roles of brain regions such as the limbic bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial preoptic area and lateral septum even in a CRF receptor subtype-specific manner. Furthermore, we discuss potential interactions of the CRF system with other neurotransmitters like oxytocin and noradrenaline, and present valuable translational aspects of the recent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M Klampfl
- 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.
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Canteras NS. Hypothalamic survival circuits related to social and predatory defenses and their interactions with metabolic control, reproductive behaviors and memory systems. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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24
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The Neural Mechanisms of Sexually Dimorphic Aggressive Behaviors. Trends Genet 2018; 34:755-776. [PMID: 30173869 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is a fundamental social behavior that is essential for competing for resources and protecting oneself and families in both males and females. As a result of natural selection, aggression is often displayed differentially between the sexes, typically at a higher level in males than females. Here, we highlight the behavioral differences between male and female aggression in rodents. We further outline the aggression circuits in males and females, and compare their differences at each circuit node. Lastly, we summarize our current understanding regarding the generation of sexually dimorphic aggression circuits during development and their maintenance during adulthood. In both cases, gonadal steroid hormones appear to play crucial roles in differentiating the circuits by impacting on the survival, morphology, and intrinsic properties of relevant cells. Many other factors, such as environment and experience, may also contribute to sex differences in aggression and remain to be investigated in future studies.
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25
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Functions of medial hypothalamic and mesolimbic dopamine circuitries in aggression. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018; 24:104-112. [PMID: 30746430 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Aggression is a crucial survival behavior: it is employed to defend territory, compete for food and mating opportunities, protect kin, and resolve disputes. Although widely differing in its behavioral expression, aggression is observed across many species. The neural substrates of aggression have been investigated for nearly a century and two highly conserved circuitries emerge as critical substrates for generating and modulating aggression. One circuitry centers on the medial hypothalamus. Activity of the medial hypothalamic cells closely correlates with attacks and can bi-directionally modulate aggressive behaviors. The other aggression-related circuit involves the mesolimbic dopamine cells. Dopaminergic antagonists are the most commonly used treatment for suppressing human aggression in psychotic patients. Animal studies support essential roles of dopaminergic signaling in the nucleus accumbens in assessing the reward value of aggression and reinforcing the aggressive behaviors. In this review, we will provide an overview regarding the functions of medial hypothalamus and dopaminergic system in mediating aggressive behaviors and the potential interactions between these two circuitries.
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26
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A neural network for intermale aggression to establish social hierarchy. Nat Neurosci 2018; 21:834-842. [DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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27
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Klampfl SM, Schramm MM, Gaßner BM, Hübner K, Seasholtz AF, Brunton PJ, Bayerl DS, Bosch OJ. Maternal stress and the MPOA: Activation of CRF receptor 1 impairs maternal behavior and triggers local oxytocin release in lactating rats. Neuropharmacology 2018; 133:440-450. [PMID: 29477300 PMCID: PMC5869057 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Maternal behavior and anxiety are potently modulated by the brain corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system postpartum. Downregulation of CRF in limbic brain regions is essential for appropriate maternal behavior and an adaptive anxiety response. Here, we focus our attention on arguably the most important brain region for maternal behavior, the hypothalamic medial preoptic area (MPOA). Within the MPOA, mRNA for CRF receptor subtype 1 (protein: CRFR1, gene: Crhr1) was more abundantly expressed than for subtype 2 (protein: CRFR2, gene: Crhr2), however expression of Crhr1, Crhr2 and CRF-binding protein (protein: CRFBP, gene: Crhbp) mRNA was similar between virgin and lactating rats. Subtype-specific activation of CRFR, predominantly CRFR1, in the MPOA decreased arched back nursing and total nursing under non-stress conditions. Following acute stressor exposure, only CRFR1 inhibition rescued the stress-induced reduction in arched back nursing while CRFR1 activation prolonged the decline in nursing. Furthermore, inhibition of CRFR1 strongly increased maternal aggression in the maternal defense test. CRFR1 activation had anxiogenic actions and reduced locomotion on the elevated plus-maze, however neither CRFR1 nor R2 manipulation affected maternal motivation. In addition, activation of CRFR1, either centrally or locally in the MPOA, increased local oxytocin release. Finally, inhibition of CRFBP (a potent regulator of CRFR activity) in the MPOA did not affect any of the maternal parameters investigated. In conclusion, activity of CRFR in the MPOA, particularly of subtype 1, needs to be dampened during lactation to ensure appropriate maternal behavior. Furthermore, oxytocin release in the MPOA may provide a regulatory mechanism to counteract the negative impact of CRFR activation on maternal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M. Klampfl
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Audrey F. Seasholtz
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Paula J. Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Oliver J. Bosch
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,Corresponding author. University of Regensburg, Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.University of RegensburgDepartment of Behavioural and Molecular NeurobiologyRegensburg Center of NeuroscienceUniversitätsstr. 31Regensburg93053Germany
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28
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Holschbach MA, Vitale EM, Lonstein JS. Serotonin-specific lesions of the dorsal raphe disrupt maternal aggression and caregiving in postpartum rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 348:53-64. [PMID: 29653128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The behavioral modifications associated with early motherhood, which include high aggression, caring for the young, and low anxiety, are all affected by acute pharmacological manipulation of serotonin signaling. However, the effects on all these behaviors of permanently disrupting serotonin signaling from one of its primary sources, the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), have not been examined in detail. To address this, serotonin-specific lesions centered on the dorsomedial DR (DRdm; DR subregion strongly implicated in emotional behaviors) were induced at mid-pregnancy (day 15) or early postpartum (day 2) in rats using a saporin-conjugated neurotoxin targeting the serotonin transporter (Anti-SERT-SAP). Prepartum or postpartum Anti-SERT-SAP reduced DRdm serotonin immunoreactivity by ∼40-65%, and postpartum Anti-SERT-SAP also reduced it in the ventromedial and lateral wings of the DR, as well as in the median raphe. Serotonin-immunoreactive fibers were significantly reduced in the anterior hypothalamus, but not medial preoptic area, of lesioned dams. Pre- or postpartum lesions both greatly reduced maternal aggression, but while prepartum lesions did not affect later undisturbed maternal caregiving, the larger postpartum lesions prevented the postpartum decline in kyphotic nursing and reduced pup licking. Serotonin lesions did not affect pup retrieval, but the prepartum lesions temporarily increased maternal hovering over and licking the pups observed immediately after the disruptive retrieval tests. Dams' anxiety-like behaviors and litter weight gains were unaffected by the lesions. These findings suggest that DRdm serotonin projecting to the AH is particularly critical for maternal aggression, but that more widespread disruption of midbrain raphe serotonin is necessary to greatly impair maternal caregiving. Postpartum anxiety may rely more on other neurochemical systems or different midbrain serotonergic cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Allie Holschbach
- Neuroscience Program, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Erika M Vitale
- Department of Psychology, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Psychology, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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Manfredi-Lozano M, Roa J, Tena-Sempere M. Connecting metabolism and gonadal function: Novel central neuropeptide pathways involved in the metabolic control of puberty and fertility. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 48:37-49. [PMID: 28754629 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Albeit essential for perpetuation of species, reproduction is an energy-demanding function that can be adjusted to body metabolic status. Reproductive maturation and function can be suppressed in conditions of energy deficit, but can be altered also in situations of persistent energy excess, e.g., morbid obesity. This metabolic-reproductive integration, of considerable pathophysiological relevance to explain different forms of perturbed puberty and sub/infertility, is implemented by the concerted action of numerous central and peripheral regulators, which impinge at different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, permitting a tight fit between nutritional/energy status and gonadal function. We summarize here the major physiological mechanisms whereby nutritional and metabolic cues modulate the maturation and function of the HPG axis. We will focus on recent progress on the major central neuropeptide pathways, including kisspeptins, neurokinin B and the products of POMC and NPY neurons, which convey metabolic information to GnRH neurons, as major hierarchical hub of our reproductive brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Manfredi-Lozano
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, INSERM, U1172, Lille, France
| | - J Roa
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain.
| | - M Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; FiDiPro Program, Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland.
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Hashikawa Y, Hashikawa K, Falkner AL, Lin D. Ventromedial Hypothalamus and the Generation of Aggression. Front Syst Neurosci 2017; 11:94. [PMID: 29375329 PMCID: PMC5770748 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2017.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggression is a costly behavior, sometimes with severe consequences including death. Yet aggression is prevalent across animal species ranging from insects to humans, demonstrating its essential role in the survival of individuals and groups. The question of how the brain decides when to generate this costly behavior has intrigued neuroscientists for over a century and has led to the identification of relevant neural substrates. Various lesion and electric stimulation experiments have revealed that the hypothalamus, an ancient structure situated deep in the brain, is essential for expressing aggressive behaviors. More recently, studies using precise circuit manipulation tools have identified a small subnucleus in the medial hypothalamus, the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl), as a key structure for driving both aggression and aggression-seeking behaviors. Here, we provide an updated summary of the evidence that supports a role of the VMHvl in aggressive behaviors. We will consider our recent findings detailing the physiological response properties of populations of VMHvl cells during aggressive behaviors and provide new understanding regarding the role of the VMHvl embedded within the larger whole-brain circuit for social sensation and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Hashikawa
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Koichi Hashikawa
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Annegret L Falkner
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States.,Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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McHenry JA, Robison CL, Bell GA, Vialou VV, Bolaños-Guzmán CA, Nestler EJ, Hull EM. The role of ΔfosB in the medial preoptic area: Differential effects of mating and cocaine history. Behav Neurosci 2017; 130:469-78. [PMID: 27657309 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor deltaFosB (ΔFosB) is induced in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) by repeated exposure to drugs of abuse and natural rewards. Less is known about its role in other brain areas. Here, we compared the effects of mating versus cocaine history on induction of ΔFosB in the medial preoptic area (MPOA), an integral site for reproductive behavior, and in the NAc. ΔFosB immunoreactivity (ir) was increased in the MPOA of previously naïve and experienced male rats that mated the day before euthanasia, compared to unmated controls and experienced males with recent mating abstinence. Western immunoblots confirmed that the 35-37-kDa isoform of ΔFosB was increased more in recently mated males. Conversely, previous plus recent cocaine did not increase ΔFosB-ir in the MPOA, despite an increase in the NAc. Next, a viral vector expressing ΔFosB, its dominant negative antagonist ΔJunD, or green fluorescent protein (GFP) control, were microinjected bilaterally into the MPOA. ΔFosB overexpression impaired copulation and promoted female-directed aggression, compared to ΔJunD and control males. These data suggest that ΔFosB in the mPOA is expressed in an experience-dependent manner and affects systems that coordinate mating and aggression. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vincent V Vialou
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | | | - Eric J Nestler
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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32
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Distribution of histaminergic neuronal cluster in the rat and mouse hypothalamus. J Chem Neuroanat 2015; 68:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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33
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The neurobiology of offensive aggression: Revealing a modular view. Physiol Behav 2015; 146:111-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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van-Hover C, Li C. Stress-activated afferent inputs into the anterior parvicellular part of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus: Insights into urocortin 3 neuron activation. Brain Res 2015; 1611:29-43. [PMID: 25779038 PMCID: PMC4441854 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Urocortin 3 (Ucn 3) is a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor family, which plays a major role in coordinating stress responses. Ucn 3 neurons in the anterior parvicellular part of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVHap) provide prominent input into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), a well known satiety center, where Ucn 3 acts to suppress feeding and modulate blood glucose levels. In the present study, we first determined that Ucn 3 expression in the PVHap was stimulated by acute restraint stress. We then performed retrograde tracing with fluorogold (FG) combined with immunohistochemistry for Fos as a marker for neuronal activation after restraint stress to determine the stress-activated afferent inputs into the PVHap. Substantial numbers of FG/Fos double labeled cells were found in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the lateral septal nucleus, the medial amygdala, and a number of nuclei in the hypothalamus including the VMH, the arcuate nucleus, the posterior nucleus, and the ventral premammillary nucleus. In the brainstem, FG/Fos positive cells were found in the periaqueductal gray, the nucleus of the solitary tract, and the ventrolateral medulla. In conclusion, the present study showed that acute stress rapidly stimulates Ucn 3 expression in the PVHap and identified specific stress-sensitive brain areas that project to the PVHap. These areas are potentially important in mediating the stress-induced activation of Ucn 3 neurons in the PVHap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine van-Hover
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 800735 1300 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Chien Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 800735 1300 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States.
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Expression of a novel serine/threonine kinase gene, Ulk4, in neural progenitors during Xenopus laevis forebrain development. Neuroscience 2015; 290:61-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Afferent projections to the different medial amygdala subdivisions: a retrograde tracing study in the mouse. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 221:1033-65. [PMID: 25503449 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0954-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The medial amygdaloid nucleus (Me) is a key node in the socio-sexual brain, composed of anterior (MeA), posteroventral (MePV) and posterodorsal (MePD) subdivisions. These subdivisions have been suggested to play a different role in reproductive and defensive behaviours. In the present work we analyse the afferents of the three Me subdivisions using restricted injections of fluorogold in female outbred CD1 mice. The results reveal that the MeA, MePV and MePD share a common pattern of afferents, with some differences in the density of retrograde labelling in several nuclei. Common afferents to Me subdivisions include: the accessory olfactory bulbs, piriform cortex and endopiriform nucleus, chemosensory amygdala (receiving direct inputs from the olfactory bulbs), posterior part of the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTM), CA1 in the ventral hippocampus and posterior intralaminar thalamus. Minor projections originate from the basolateral amygdala and amygdalo-hippocampal area, septum, ventral striatum, several allocortical and periallocortical areas, claustrum, several hypothalamic structures, raphe and parabrachial complex. MeA and MePV share minor inputs from the frontal cortex (medial orbital, prelimbic, infralimbic and dorsal peduncular cortices), but differ in the lack of main olfactory projections to the MePV. By contrast, the MePD receives preferential projections from the rostral accessory olfactory bulb, the posteromedial BSTM and the ventral premammillary nucleus. In summary, the common pattern of afferents to the Me subdivisions and their interconnections suggest that they play cooperative instead of differential roles in the various behaviours (e.g., sociosexual, defensive) in which the Me has been shown to be involved.
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37
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Leshan RL, Pfaff DW. The hypothalamic ventral premammillary nucleus: A key site in leptin's regulation of reproduction. J Chem Neuroanat 2014; 61-62:239-47. [PMID: 25172030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is an energy-expensive process that relies on indicators of energy availability to adjust its proper functioning. The adipokine leptin provides one such metabolic signal, with leptin receptor-expressing neurons at sites widespread within the CNS, including regions associated with the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. One substantial population lies within the hypothalamic ventral premammillary nucleus (PMv), a region itself linked to reproductive control, which may provide a strategic site for the integration of energy availability, sensory and gonadal cues. Here we review our current understanding of leptin and PMv regulation of reproduction, including emerging details about intracellular mechanisms of leptin action at this site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Leshan
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, Rockefeller University, Box 275, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Donald W Pfaff
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, Rockefeller University, Box 275, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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Veening JG, de Jong TR, Waldinger MD, Korte SM, Olivier B. The role of oxytocin in male and female reproductive behavior. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 753:209-28. [PMID: 25088178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide with an impressive variety of physiological functions. Among them, the 'prosocial' effects have been discussed in several recent reviews, but the direct effects on male and female sexual behavior did receive much less attention so far. As our contribution to honor the lifelong interest of Berend Olivier in the control mechanisms of sexual behavior, we decided to explore the role of OT in the present review. In the successive sections, some physiological mechanisms and the 'pair-bonding' effects of OT will be discussed, followed by sections about desire, female appetitive and copulatory behavior, including lordosis and orgasm. At the male side, the effects on erection and ejaculation are reviewed, followed by a section about 'premature ejaculation' and a possible role of OT in its treatment. In addition to OT, serotonin receives some attention as one of the main mechanisms controlling the effects of OT. In the succeeding sections, the importance of OT for 'the fruits of labor' is discussed, as it plays an important role in both maternal and paternal behavior. Finally, we pay attention to an intriguing brain area, the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMHvl), apparently functioning in both sexual and aggressive behavior, which are at first view completely opposite behavioral systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Veening
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Division of Pharmacology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - T R de Jong
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - M D Waldinger
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Division of Pharmacology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S M Korte
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Division of Pharmacology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B Olivier
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Division of Pharmacology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Distribution of the neuronal inputs to the ventral premammillary nucleus of male and female rats. Brain Res 2014; 1582:77-90. [PMID: 25084037 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The ventral premammillary nucleus (PMV) expresses dense collections of sex steroid receptors and receptors for metabolic cues, including leptin, insulin and ghrelin. The PMV responds to opposite sex odor stimulation and projects to areas involved in reproductive control, including direct innervation of gonadotropin releasing hormone neurons. Thus, the PMV is well positioned to integrate metabolic and reproductive cues, and control downstream targets that mediate reproductive function. In fact, lesions of PMV neurons blunt female reproductive function and maternal aggression. However, although the projections of PMV neurons have been well documented, little is known about the neuronal inputs received by PMV neurons. To fill this gap, we performed a systematic evaluation of the brain sites innervating the PMV neurons of male and female rats using the retrograde tracer subunit B of the cholera toxin (CTb). In general, we observed that males and females show a similar pattern of afferents. We also noticed that the PMV is preferentially innervated by neurons located in the forebrain, with very few projections coming from brainstem nuclei. The majority of inputs originated from the medial nucleus of the amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the medial preoptic nucleus. A moderate to high density of afferents was also observed in the ventral subiculum, the arcuate nucleus and the ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Our findings strengthen the concept that the PMV is part of the vomeronasal system and integrates the brain circuitry controlling reproductive functions.
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