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Song W, Jayaprakash N, Saleknezhad N, Puleo C, Al-Abed Y, Martin JH, Zanos S. Transspinal Focused Ultrasound Suppresses Spinal Reflexes in Healthy Rats. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:614-624. [PMID: 37530695 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.04.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low-intensity, focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging noninvasive neuromodulation approach, with improved spatial and temporal resolution and penetration depth compared to other noninvasive electrical stimulation strategies. FUS has been used to modulate circuits in the brain and the peripheral nervous system, however, its potential to modulate spinal circuits is unclear. In this study, we assessed the effect of trans-spinal FUS (tsFUS) on spinal reflexes in healthy rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS tsFUS targeting different spinal segments was delivered for 1 minute, under anesthesia. Monosynaptic H-reflex of the sciatic nerve, polysynaptic flexor reflex of the sural nerve, and withdrawal reflex tested with a hot plate were measured before, during, and after tsFUS. RESULTS tsFUS reversibly suppresses the H-reflex in a spinal segment-, acoustic pressure- and pulse-repetition frequency (PRF)-dependent manner. tsFUS with high PRF augments the degree of homosynaptic depression of the H-reflex observed with paired stimuli. It suppresses the windup of components of the flexor reflex associated with slower, C-afferent, but not faster, A- afferent fibers. Finally, it increases the latency of the withdrawal reflex. tsFUS does not elicit neuronal loss in the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence that tsFUS reversibly suppresses spinal reflexes and suggests that tsFUS could be a safe and effective strategy for spinal cord neuromodulation in disorders associated with hyperreflexia, including spasticity after spinal cord injury and painful syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Song
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Naveen Jayaprakash
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Nafiseh Saleknezhad
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Chris Puleo
- General Electric Research, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - Yousef Al-Abed
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - John H Martin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stavros Zanos
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY.
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2
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Hamati R, Ahrens J, Shvetz C, Holahan MR, Tuominen L. 65 years of research on dopamine's role in classical fear conditioning and extinction: A systematic review. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1099-1140. [PMID: 37848184 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine, a catecholamine neurotransmitter, has historically been associated with the encoding of reward, whereas its role in aversion has received less attention. Here, we systematically gathered the vast evidence of the role of dopamine in the simplest forms of aversive learning: classical fear conditioning and extinction. In the past, crude methods were used to augment or inhibit dopamine to study its relationship with fear conditioning and extinction. More advanced techniques such as conditional genetic, chemogenic and optogenetic approaches now provide causal evidence for dopamine's role in these learning processes. Dopamine neurons encode conditioned stimuli during fear conditioning and extinction and convey the signal via activation of D1-4 receptor sites particularly in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and striatum. The coordinated activation of dopamine receptors allows for the continuous formation, consolidation, retrieval and updating of fear and extinction memory in a dynamic and reciprocal manner. Based on the reviewed literature, we conclude that dopamine is crucial for the encoding of classical fear conditioning and extinction and contributes in a way that is comparable to its role in encoding reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Hamati
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Ahrens
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cecelia Shvetz
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew R Holahan
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauri Tuominen
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Agetsuma M, Sato I, Tanaka YR, Carrillo-Reid L, Kasai A, Noritake A, Arai Y, Yoshitomo M, Inagaki T, Yukawa H, Hashimoto H, Nabekura J, Nagai T. Activity-dependent organization of prefrontal hub-networks for associative learning and signal transformation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5996. [PMID: 37803014 PMCID: PMC10558457 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41547-5] [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: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Associative learning is crucial for adapting to environmental changes. Interactions among neuronal populations involving the dorso-medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) are proposed to regulate associative learning, but how these neuronal populations store and process information about the association remains unclear. Here we developed a pipeline for longitudinal two-photon imaging and computational dissection of neural population activities in male mouse dmPFC during fear-conditioning procedures, enabling us to detect learning-dependent changes in the dmPFC network topology. Using regularized regression methods and graphical modeling, we found that fear conditioning drove dmPFC reorganization to generate a neuronal ensemble encoding conditioned responses (CR) characterized by enhanced internal coactivity, functional connectivity, and association with conditioned stimuli (CS). Importantly, neurons strongly responding to unconditioned stimuli during conditioning subsequently became hubs of this novel associative network for the CS-to-CR transformation. Altogether, we demonstrate learning-dependent dynamic modulation of population coding structured on the activity-dependent formation of the hub network within the dmPFC.
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Grants
- MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- This study was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO (to M.A.), JSPS KAKENHI Grant (grant number JP18K06536, JP18H05144, JP20H05076, JP21H02801, JP22H05081, JP22H05519 to M.A.; JP20H03357, JP20H05073, JP21K18563 to Y.R.T.; JP20H05065, JP22H05080 to A.K.; JP22H05081 to A.N.), JSPS Bilateral Program (JPJSBP1-20199901 to M.A.), AMED (grant number JP19dm0207086 to M.A.; JP21dm0207117 to H.H.), the grant of Joint Research by the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS program No 01112008 and 01112106 to M.A.), and grants from Brain Science Foundation and Shimadzu Foundation to M.A. and the Takeda Science Foundation to A.K. and H.H. Authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakazu Agetsuma
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan.
- Division of Molecular Design, Research Center for Systems Immunology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Quantum Regenerative and Biomedical Engineering Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Anagawa 4-9-1, Chiba Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Issei Sato
- Department of Computer Science, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro R Tanaka
- Brain Science Institute, Tamagawa University, 6-1-1 Tamagawagakuen, Machida, Tokyo, 194-8610, Japan
| | - Luis Carrillo-Reid
- Instituto de Neurobiologia, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla, Queretaro, CP, 76230, Mexico
| | - Atsushi Kasai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 1-6, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Atsushi Noritake
- Division of Behavioral Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Arai
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan
| | - Miki Yoshitomo
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Takashi Inagaki
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yukawa
- Quantum Regenerative and Biomedical Engineering Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Anagawa 4-9-1, Chiba Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
- Institute of Nano-Life-Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 1-6, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Junichi Nabekura
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Takeharu Nagai
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan
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4
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Isingrini E, Guinaudie C, Perret L, Guma E, Gorgievski V, Blum ID, Colby-Milley J, Bairachnaya M, Mella S, Adamantidis A, Storch KF, Giros B. Behavioral and Transcriptomic Changes Following Brain-Specific Loss of Noradrenergic Transmission. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030511. [PMID: 36979445 PMCID: PMC10046559 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Noradrenaline (NE) plays an integral role in shaping behavioral outcomes including anxiety/depression, fear, learning and memory, attention and shifting behavior, sleep-wake state, pain, and addiction. However, it is unclear whether dysregulation of NE release is a cause or a consequence of maladaptive orientations of these behaviors, many of which associated with psychiatric disorders. To address this question, we used a unique genetic model in which the brain-specific vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) gene expression was removed in NE-positive neurons disabling NE release in the entire brain. We engineered VMAT2 gene splicing and NE depletion by crossing floxed VMAT2 mice with mice expressing the Cre-recombinase under the dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) gene promotor. In this study, we performed a comprehensive behavioral and transcriptomic characterization of the VMAT2DBHcre KO mice to evaluate the role of central NE in behavioral modulations. We demonstrated that NE depletion induces anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, improves contextual fear memory, alters shifting behavior, decreases the locomotor response to amphetamine, and induces deeper sleep during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase. In contrast, NE depletion did not affect spatial learning and memory, working memory, response to cocaine, and the architecture of the sleep-wake cycle. Finally, we used this model to identify genes that could be up- or down-regulated in the absence of NE release. We found an up-regulation of the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2c (SV2c) gene expression in several brain regions, including the locus coeruleus (LC), and were able to validate this up-regulation as a marker of vulnerability to chronic social defeat. The NE system is a complex and challenging system involved in many behavioral orientations given it brain wide distribution. In our study, we unraveled specific role of NE neurotransmission in multiple behavior and link it to molecular underpinning, opening future direction to understand NE role in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Isingrini
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Université Paris Cité, INCC UMR 8002, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Chloé Guinaudie
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Léa Perret
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Elisa Guma
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Victor Gorgievski
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Ian D. Blum
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Jessica Colby-Milley
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Maryia Bairachnaya
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Sébastien Mella
- Cytometry and Biomarkers Platform, Unit of Technology and Service, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, F-75015 Paris, France
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub Platform, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Antoine Adamantidis
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Zentrum für Experimentelle Neurologie, Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai-Florian Storch
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Bruno Giros
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Université Paris Cité, INCC UMR 8002, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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5
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Dąbrowska-Bouta B, Sulkowski G, Orzelska-Górka J, Strużyńska L, Kędzierska E, Biała G. Response of immature rats to a low dose of nanoparticulate silver: Alterations in behavior, cerebral vasculature-related transcriptome and permeability. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111416. [PMID: 33075587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The increasing production and use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antimicrobial agents in medicinal and commercial products creates a substantial risk of exposure, especially for infants and children. Our current knowledge concerning the impact of AgNPs on developing brain is insufficient. Therefore we investigated the temporal profile of transcriptional changes in cellular components of the neurovascular unit in immature rats exposed to a low dose of AgNPs. The behavior of animals under these conditions was also monitored. Significant deposition of AgNPs in brain of exposed rats was identified and found to persist over the post-exposure time. Substantial changes were noted in the transcriptional profile of tight junction proteins such as occludin and claudin-5, and pericyte-related molecules such as angiopoietin-1. Moreover, downregulation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFβ) and its receptor (PDGFβR) which constitute the main signaling pathway between endothelial cells and pericytes was observed. These were long-lasting effects, accompanied by overexpression of astroglial-specific GFAP mRNA and endothelial cell adhesion molecule, ICAM-1, involved in the pathomechanism of neuroinflammation. The profile of changes indicates that even low doses of AgNPs administered during the early stage of life induce dysregulation of neurovascular unit constituents which may lead to disintegration of the blood-brain barrier. This was confirmed by ultrastructural analysis that revealed enhanced permeability of cerebral microvessels resulting in perivascular edema. Changes in the behavior of exposed rats indicating pro-depressive and anti-anxiety impacts were also identified. The results show a high risk of using AgNPs in medical and consumer products dedicated for infants and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Dąbrowska-Bouta
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry, Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Sulkowski
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry, Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Orzelska-Górka
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Lidia Strużyńska
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry, Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ewa Kędzierska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Biała
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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6
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Qiu M, Zhang C, Dai Y, Zhang L, Wang Y, Peng W, Chen Y, Wen C, Li H, Zhu T. mRNA Levels of MAOA and 5-HT 2 A Receptor in Patients With Pathological Internet Use: Correlations With Comorbid Symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:667699. [PMID: 34335325 PMCID: PMC8322446 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.667699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Uncontrolled internet use may lead to the emergence of pathological internet use (PIU). PIU has become a global public health concern that can cause a range of psychotic symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and impulse control disorder. To date, we know very little about the principal biological factors related to PIU. Monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA) and serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) play critical roles in the development of behavioural and drug addictions. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure the relative expression of mRNA of MAOA and 5-HT2AR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with PIU and to determine the correlations between these biological indicators and the comorbid symptoms of patients with PIU. Methods: In this study, the mRNA of MAOA and 5-HT2AR was detected using real-time PCR in PBMCs of the patients with PIU (n = 24) and healthy controls (HCs, n = 25). The relationship between the mRNA levels of MAOA and 5-HT2AR and clinical symptoms in patients with PIU was further investigated. Results: MAOA mRNA in PBMCs was significantly upregulated in patients with PIU compared with that in HCs. mRNA levels of 5-HT2AR were not found to differ significantly between HCs and patients with PIU. Correlation analyses further revealed a significant positive correlation between the relative expression of MAOA mRNA in PBMCs of patients with PIU and the Young's Internet Addiction Test and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores. Conclusion: The present study revealed upregulated expression of MAOA mRNA in patients with PIU and an association between the expression of MAOA mRNA and clinical symptoms of PIU, suggesting that the neurobiological changes may be similar between PIU and substance addiction. Additionally, this study demonstrated a potential association between comorbid symptoms and mRNA levels of MAOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Qiu
- College of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenchen Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Dai
- College of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingrui Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Leshan Vocational and Technical College, Leshan, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Peng
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yalin Chen
- College of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Wen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zigong Fifth People's Hospital, Zigong, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianmin Zhu
- College of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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7
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Distinct temporal integration of noradrenaline signaling by astrocytic second messengers during vigilance. Nat Commun 2020; 11:471. [PMID: 31980655 PMCID: PMC6981284 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes may function as mediators of the impact of noradrenaline on neuronal function. Activation of glial α1-adrenergic receptors triggers rapid astrocytic Ca2+ elevation and facilitates synaptic plasticity, while activation of β-adrenergic receptors elevates cAMP levels and modulates memory consolidation. However, the dynamics of these processes in behaving mice remain unexplored, as do the interactions between the distinct second messenger pathways. Here we simultaneously monitored astrocytic Ca2+ and cAMP and demonstrate that astrocytic second messengers are regulated in a temporally distinct manner. In behaving mice, we found that while an abrupt facial air puff triggered transient increases in noradrenaline release and large cytosolic astrocytic Ca2+ elevations, cAMP changes were not detectable. By contrast, repeated aversive stimuli that lead to prolonged periods of vigilance were accompanied by robust noradrenergic axonal activity and gradual sustained cAMP increases. Our findings suggest distinct astrocytic signaling pathways can integrate noradrenergic activity during vigilance states to mediate distinct functions supporting memory. Astrocytic GPCRs activate Ca2+ and cAMP signaling pathways, however, the in vivo dynamics of the two second messengers have not been fully been characterized. The authors demonstrate distinct noradrenaline-induced astrocytic Ca2+ and cAMP dynamics during startle and fear conditioning.
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8
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Raber J, Arzy S, Bertolus JB, Depue B, Haas HE, Hofmann SG, Kangas M, Kensinger E, Lowry CA, Marusak HA, Minnier J, Mouly AM, Mühlberger A, Norrholm SD, Peltonen K, Pinna G, Rabinak C, Shiban Y, Soreq H, van der Kooij MA, Lowe L, Weingast LT, Yamashita P, Boutros SW. Current understanding of fear learning and memory in humans and animal models and the value of a linguistic approach for analyzing fear learning and memory in humans. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 105:136-177. [PMID: 30970272 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Fear is an emotion that serves as a driving factor in how organisms move through the world. In this review, we discuss the current understandings of the subjective experience of fear and the related biological processes involved in fear learning and memory. We first provide an overview of fear learning and memory in humans and animal models, encompassing the neurocircuitry and molecular mechanisms, the influence of genetic and environmental factors, and how fear learning paradigms have contributed to treatments for fear-related disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder. Current treatments as well as novel strategies, such as targeting the perisynaptic environment and use of virtual reality, are addressed. We review research on the subjective experience of fear and the role of autobiographical memory in fear-related disorders. We also discuss the gaps in our understanding of fear learning and memory, and the degree of consensus in the field. Lastly, the development of linguistic tools for assessments and treatment of fear learning and memory disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, and Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Shahar Arzy
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | | | - Brendan Depue
- Departments of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Haley E Haas
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stefan G Hofmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Kangas
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Christopher A Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Hilary A Marusak
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jessica Minnier
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Mouly
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS-UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Université Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Andreas Mühlberger
- Department of Psychology (Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; PFH - Private University of Applied Sciences, Department of Psychology (Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Research), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Seth Davin Norrholm
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kirsi Peltonen
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christine Rabinak
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Youssef Shiban
- Department of Psychology (Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; PFH - Private University of Applied Sciences, Department of Psychology (Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Research), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hermona Soreq
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science and The Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Michael A van der Kooij
- Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitatsmedizin der Johannes Guttenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Leah T Weingast
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paula Yamashita
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sydney Weber Boutros
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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9
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Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Affects Behaviour and Monoamine Levels in Mice. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:1533-1548. [PMID: 30941547 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02774-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) attract the attention of clinicians for its unique magnetic and paramagnetic properties, which are exclusively used in neurodiagnostics and therapeutics among the other biomedical applications. Despite numerous research findings has already proved neurotoxicity of Fe2O3-NPs, factors affecting neurobehaviour has not been elucidated. In this study, mice were exposed to Fe2O3-NPs (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) by oral intubation daily for 30 days. It was observed that Fe2O3-NPs remarkably impair motor coordination and memory. In the treated brain regions, mitochondrial damage, depleted energy level and decreased ATPase (Mg2+, Ca2+ and Na+/K+) activities were observed. Disturbed ion homeostasis and axonal demyelination in the treated brain regions contributes to poor motor coordination. Increased intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and decreased expression of growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) impairs vesicular exocytosis could result in insufficient signal between neurons. In addition, levels of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EP) were found to be altered in the subjected brain regions in correspondence to the expression of monoamine oxidases (MAO). Along with all these factors, over expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) confirms the neuronal damage, suggesting the evidences for behavioural changes.
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10
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Nilsson KW, Åslund C, Comasco E, Oreland L. Gene-environment interaction of monoamine oxidase A in relation to antisocial behaviour: current and future directions. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:1601-1626. [PMID: 29881923 PMCID: PMC6224008 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1892-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Since the pioneering finding of Caspi and co-workers in 2002 that exposure to childhood maltreatment predicted later antisocial behaviour (ASB) in male carriers of the low-activity MAOA-uVNTR allele, frequent replication studies have been published. Two meta-analyses, one in 2006 and the other in 2014, confirmed the original findings by Caspi and co-workers. In the present paper, we review the literature, note some methodological aspects of candidate gene–environment interaction (cG×E) studies and suggest some future directions. Our conclusions are as follows. (1) The direction of the effect in a cG×E model may differ according to the positive and negative environmental background of the population. (2) There is a predictor-intersection problem such that when measuring one type of maltreatment in a person, other kinds of maltreatment often co-occur. Other forms of abuse are implicitly considered in statistical models; therefore, it is difficult to draw conclusions about the effects of timing and the severity of different forms of stressful life events in relation to ASB. (3) There is also an outcome-intersection problem because of the major intersection of ASB and other forms of mental health problems. It is likely that the G×E with MAOA is related to a common unmeasured factor. (4) For the G×E model, in which the effect of the gene on the outcome variable is dependent on other predictor variables, theoretically, hypothesis-driven statistical modelling is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent W Nilsson
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Åslund
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Oreland
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Bortolato M, Floris G, Shih JC. From aggression to autism: new perspectives on the behavioral sequelae of monoamine oxidase deficiency. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:1589-1599. [PMID: 29748850 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The two monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, A and B, catalyze the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The phenotypic outcomes of MAO congenital deficiency have been studied in humans and animal models, to explore the role of these enzymes in behavioral regulation. The clinical condition caused by MAOA deficiency, Brunner syndrome, was first described as a disorder characterized by overt antisocial and aggressive conduct. Building on this discovery, subsequent studies were focused on the characterization of the role of MAOA in the neurobiology of antisocial conduct. MAO A knockout mice were found to display high levels of intermale aggression; however, further analyses of these mutants unveiled additional behavioral abnormalities mimicking the core symptoms of autism-spectrum disorder. These findings were strikingly confirmed in newly reported cases of Brunner syndrome. The role of MAOB in behavioral regulation remains less well-understood, even though Maob-deficient mice have been found to exhibit greater behavioral disinhibition and risk-taking responses, supporting previous clinical studies showing associations between low MAO B activity and impulsivity. Furthermore, lack of MAOB was found to exacerbate the severity of psychopathological deficits induced by concurrent MAOA deficiency. Here, we summarize how the convergence of clinical reports and behavioral phenotyping in mutant mice has helped frame a complex picture of psychopathological features in MAO-deficient individuals, which encompass a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental problems. This emerging knowledge poses novel conceptual challenges towards the identification of the endophenotypes shared by autism-spectrum disorder, antisocial behavior and impulse-control problems, as well as their monoaminergic underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, L.S. Skaggs Hall, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, L.S. Skaggs Hall, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Jean C Shih
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Cell and Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Giustino TF, Maren S. Noradrenergic Modulation of Fear Conditioning and Extinction. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:43. [PMID: 29593511 PMCID: PMC5859179 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) system plays a broad role in learning and memory. Here we begin with an overview of the LC-NE system. We then consider how both direct and indirect manipulations of the LC-NE system affect cued and contextual aversive learning and memory. We propose that NE dynamically modulates Pavlovian conditioning and extinction, either promoting or impairing learning aversive processes under different levels of behavioral arousal. We suggest that under high levels of stress (e.g., during/soon after fear conditioning) the locus coeruleus (LC) promotes cued fear learning by enhancing amygdala function while simultaneously blunting prefrontal function. Under low levels of arousal, the LC promotes PFC function to promote downstream inhibition of the amygdala and foster the extinction of cued fear. Thus, LC-NE action on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) might be described by an inverted-U function such that it can either enhance or hinder learning depending on arousal states. In addition, LC-NE seems to be particularly important for the acquisition, consolidation and extinction of contextual fear memories. This may be due to dense adrenoceptor expression in the hippocampus (HPC) which encodes contextual information, and the ability of NE to regulate long-term potentiation (LTP). Moreover, recent work reveals that the diversity of LC-NE functions in aversive learning and memory are mediated by functionally heterogeneous populations of LC neurons that are defined by their projection targets. Hence, LC-NE function in learning and memory is determined by projection-specific neuromodulation that accompanies various states of behavioral arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Giustino
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Stephen Maren
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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13
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Ross RS, Smolen A, Curran T, Nyhus E. MAO-A Phenotype Effects Response Sensitivity and the Parietal Old/New Effect during Recognition Memory. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:53. [PMID: 29487517 PMCID: PMC5816743 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical problem for developing personalized treatment plans for cognitive disruptions is the lack of understanding how individual differences influence cognition. Recognition memory is one cognitive ability that varies from person to person and that variation may be related to different genetic phenotypes. One gene that may impact recognition memory is the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAO-A), which influences the transcription rate of MAO-A. Examination of how MAO-A phenotypes impact behavioral and event-related potentials (ERPs) correlates of recognition memory may help explain individual differences in recognition memory performance. Therefore, the current study uses electroencephalography (EEG) in combination with genetic phenotyping of the MAO-A gene to determine how well-characterized ERP components of recognition memory, the early frontal old/new effect, left parietal old/new effect, late frontal old/new effect, and the late posterior negativity (LPN) are impacted by MAO-A phenotype during item and source memory. Our results show that individuals with the MAO-A phenotype leading to increased transcription have lower response sensitivity during both item and source memory. Additionally, during item memory the left parietal old/new effect is not present due to increased ERP amplitude for correct rejections. The results suggest that MAO-A phenotype changes EEG correlates of recognition memory and influences how well individuals differentiate between old and new items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Ross
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Andrew Smolen
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Tim Curran
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Erika Nyhus
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, United States
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14
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Abstract
Although serotonin neurotransmission has been implicated in several neurodevelopmental and psychological disorders, the factors that drive dysfunction of the serotonin system are poorly understood. Current research regarding the serotonin system revolves around its dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders, but there is no database collating genetic mutations that result in serotonin abnormalities. To bridge this gap, we developed a list of genes in mice that, when perturbed, result in altered levels of serotonin either in brain or blood. Due to the intrinsic limitations of search, the current list should be considered a preliminary subset of all relevant cases. Nevertheless, it offered an opportunity to gain insight into what types of genes have the potential to impact serotonin by using gene ontology (GO). This analysis found that genes associated with monoamine metabolism were more often associated with increases in brain serotonin than decreases. Speculatively, this could be because several pathways (and therefore many genes) are responsible for the clearance and metabolism of serotonin whereas only one pathway (and therefore fewer genes) is directly involved in the synthesis of serotonin. Another contributor could be cross talk between monoamine systems such as dopamine. In contrast, genes that were associated with decreases in brain serotonin were more likely linked to a developmental process. Sensitivity of serotonin neurons to developmental perturbations could be due to their complicated neuroanatomy or possibly they may be negatively regulated by dysfunction of their innervation targets. Thus, these observations suggest hypotheses regarding the mechanisms underlying the vulnerability of brain serotonin neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Tenpenny
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain
Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Anesthesia,
Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kathryn G. Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain
Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Anesthesia,
Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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15
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Naoi M, Maruyama W, Shamoto-Nagai M. Type A monoamine oxidase and serotonin are coordinately involved in depressive disorders: from neurotransmitter imbalance to impaired neurogenesis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:53-66. [PMID: 28293733 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1709-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Type A monoamine oxidase (MAOA) catabolizes monoamine transmitters, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, and plays a major role in the onset, progression and therapy of neuropsychiatric disorders. In depressive disorders, increase in MAOA expression and decrease in brain levels of serotonin and norepinephrine are proposed as the major pathogenic factors. The functional polymorphism of MAOA gene and genes in serotonin signal pathway are associated with depression. This review presents recent advance in studies on the role of MAOA in major depressive disorder and related emotional disorders. MAOA and serotonin regulate the prenatal development and postnatal maintenance of brain architecture and neurocircuit, as shown by MAOA-deficient humans and MAO knockout animal models. Impaired neurogenesis in the mature hippocampus has been proposed as "adult neurogenesis" hypothesis of depression. MAOA modulates the sensitivity to stress in the stages of brain development and maturation, and the interaction of gene-environmental factors in the early stage regulates the onset of depressive behaviors in adulthood. Vice versa environmental factors affect MAOA expression by epigenetic regulation. MAO inhibitors not only restore compromised neurotransmitters, but also protect neurons from cell death in depression through induction of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and prosurvival neurotrophic factors, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the deficiency of which is detected in depression. This review discusses novel role of MAOA and serotonin in the pathogenesis and therapy of depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Naoi
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Psychological and Physical Science, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nisshin, Aichi, 320-0195, Japan.
| | - Wakako Maruyama
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Psychological and Physical Science, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nisshin, Aichi, 320-0195, Japan
| | - Masayo Shamoto-Nagai
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Psychological and Physical Science, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nisshin, Aichi, 320-0195, Japan
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16
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Gu F, Chauhan V, Chauhan A. Monoamine oxidase-A and B activities in the cerebellum and frontal cortex of children and young adults with autism. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:1965-1972. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gu
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities; Staten Island New York
| | - Ved Chauhan
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities; Staten Island New York
| | - Abha Chauhan
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities; Staten Island New York
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17
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Poirier GL, Hitora-Imamura N, Sandi C. Emergence in extinction of enhanced and persistent responding to ambiguous aversive cues is associated with high MAOA activity in the prelimbic cortex. Neurobiol Stress 2016; 5:1-7. [PMID: 27981191 PMCID: PMC5145910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a great deal of individual variability in the emotional outcomes of potentially traumatic events, and the underlying mechanisms are only beginning to be understood. In order to further our understanding of individual trajectories to trauma, its vulnerability and resilience, we adapted a model of fear expression to ambiguous vs perfect cues in adult male rats, and examined long-term fear extinction, 2, 3, and 50 days from acquisition. After the final conditioned fear test, mitochondrial enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) function was examined. In order to identify associations between this function and behavioral expression, an a posteri median segregation approach was adopted, and animals were classified as high or low responding according to level of freezing to the ambiguous cue at remote testing, long after the initial extinction. Those individuals characterized by their higher response showed a freezing pattern that persisted from their previous extinction sessions, in spite of their acquisition levels being equivalent to the low-freezing group. Furthermore, unlike more adaptive individuals, freezing levels of high-freezing animals even increased at initial extinction, to almost double their acquisition session levels. Controlling for perfect cue response at remote extinction, greater ambiguous threat cue response was associated with enhanced prelimbic cortex MAOA functional activity. These findings underscore MAOA as a potential target for the development of interventions to mitigate the impact of traumatic experiences. Potentially traumatic event outcomes vary and mechanisms are poorly understood. We examined fear extinction of perfect or ambiguous cues in adult male rats. Higher freezing to ambiguous cue in extinction yet followed equivalent acquisition. Ambiguous cue response was associated with higher prelimbic cortex MAOA function. These findings support targeting MAOA to mitigate impact of traumatic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume L Poirier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Natsuko Hitora-Imamura
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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18
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Godar SC, Fite PJ, McFarlin KM, Bortolato M. The role of monoamine oxidase A in aggression: Current translational developments and future challenges. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 69:90-100. [PMID: 26776902 PMCID: PMC4865459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Drawing upon the recent resurgence of biological criminology, several studies have highlighted a critical role for genetic factors in the ontogeny of antisocial and violent conduct. In particular, converging lines of evidence have documented that these maladaptive manifestations of aggression are influenced by monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), the enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of brain serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The interest on the link between MAOA and aggression was originally sparked by Han Brunner's discovery of a syndrome characterized by marked antisocial behaviors in male carriers of a nonsense mutation of this gene. Subsequent studies showed that MAOA allelic variants associated with low enzyme activity moderate the impact of early-life maltreatment on aggression propensity. In spite of overwhelming evidence pointing to the relationship between MAOA and aggression, the neurobiological substrates of this link remain surprisingly elusive; very little is also known about the interventions that may reduce the severity of pathological aggression in genetically predisposed subjects. Animal models offer a unique experimental tool to investigate these issues; in particular, several lines of transgenic mice harboring total or partial loss-of-function Maoa mutations have been shown to recapitulate numerous psychological and neurofunctional endophenotypes observed in humans. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the link between MAOA and aggression; in particular, we will emphasize how an integrated translational strategy coordinating clinical and preclinical research may prove critical to elucidate important aspects of the pathophysiology of aggression, and identify potential targets for its diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Godar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA
| | - Paula J Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA
| | - Kenneth M McFarlin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA.
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Godar SC, Bortolato M, Richards SE, Li FG, Chen K, Wellman CL, Shih JC. Monoamine Oxidase A is Required for Rapid Dendritic Remodeling in Response to Stress. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyv035. [PMID: 25857821 PMCID: PMC4576521 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute stress triggers transient alterations in the synaptic release and metabolism of brain monoamine neurotransmitters. These rapid changes are essential to activate neuroplastic processes aimed at the appraisal of the stressor and enactment of commensurate defensive behaviors. Threat evaluation has been recently associated with the dendritic morphology of pyramidal cells in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA); thus, we examined the rapid effects of restraint stress on anxiety-like behavior and dendritic morphology in the BLA and OFC of mice. Furthermore, we tested whether these processes may be affected by deficiency of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), the primary enzyme catalyzing monoamine metabolism. METHODS Following a short-term (1-4h) restraint schedule, MAO-A knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were sacrificed, and histological analyses of dendrites in pyramidal neurons of the BLA and OFC of the animals were performed. Anxiety-like behaviors were examined in a separate cohort of animals subjected to the same experimental conditions. RESULTS In WT mice, short-term restraint stress significantly enhanced anxiety-like responses, as well as a time-dependent proliferation of apical (but not basilar) dendrites of the OFC neurons; conversely, a retraction in BLA dendrites was observed. None of these behavioral and morphological changes were observed in MAO-A KO mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that acute stress induces anxiety-like responses by affecting rapid dendritic remodeling in the pyramidal cells of OFC and BLA; furthermore, our data show that MAO-A and monoamine metabolism are required for these phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jean C Shih
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (Drs Godar, Chen, and Shih and Mr Li); Department of Cell and Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Shih); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS (Drs Godar and Bortolato); Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, (Drs Godar and Bortolato); Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN (Ms Richards and Dr Wellman)
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20
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Castro AV, Woolcott OO, Iyer MS, Kabir M, Ionut V, Stefanovski D, Kolka CM, Szczepaniak LS, Szczepaniak EW, Asare-Bediako I, Paszkiewicz RL, Broussard JL, Kim SP, Kirkman EL, Rios HC, Mkrtchyan H, Wu Q, Ader M, Bergman RN. Increase in visceral fat per se does not induce insulin resistance in the canine model. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2015; 23:105-11. [PMID: 25322680 PMCID: PMC4276477 DOI: 10.1002/oby.20906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether a selective increase of visceral adipose tissue content will result in insulin resistance. METHODS Sympathetic denervation of the omental fat was performed under general inhalant anesthesia by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine in the omental fat of lean mongrel dogs (n = 11). In the conscious animal, whole-body insulin sensitivity was assessed by the minimal model (SI ) and the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (SICLAMP ). Changes in abdominal fat were monitored by magnetic resonance. All assessments were determined before (Wk0) and 2 weeks (Wk2) after denervation. Data are medians (upper and lower interquartile). RESULTS Denervation of omental fat resulted in increased percentage (and content) of visceral fat [Wk0: 10.2% (8.5-11.4); Wk2: 12.4% (10.4-13.6); P < 0.01]. Abdominal subcutaneous fat remained unchanged. However, no changes were found in SI [Wk0: 4.7 (mU/l)(-1) min(-1) (3.1-8.8); Wk2: 5.3 (mU/l)(-1) min(-1) (4.5-7.2); P = 0.59] or SICLAMP [Wk0: 42.0 × 10(-4) dl kg(-1) min(-1) (mU/l)(-1) (41.0-51.0); Wk2: 40.0 × 10(-4) dl kg(-1) min(-1) (mU/l) (-1) (34.0-52.0); P = 0.67]. CONCLUSIONS Despite a selective increase in visceral adiposity in dogs, insulin sensitivity in vivo did not change, which argues against the concept that accumulation of visceral adipose tissue contributes to insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana V.B. Castro
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Orison O. Woolcott
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Malini S. Iyer
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Morvarid Kabir
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Viorica Ionut
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Cathryn M. Kolka
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Lidia S. Szczepaniak
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Edward W. Szczepaniak
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Isaac Asare-Bediako
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | | | - Josiane L. Broussard
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Stella P. Kim
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Erlinda L. Kirkman
- Department of Animal Resources, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Hernan C. Rios
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Hasmik Mkrtchyan
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Qiang Wu
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Marilyn Ader
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Richard N. Bergman
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
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22
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Transfer of classical eyeblink conditioning with electrical stimulation of mPFC or tone as conditioned stimulus in guinea pigs. Behav Brain Res 2014; 274:19-29. [PMID: 25106738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Learning with a stimulus from one sensory modality can facilitate subsequent learning with a new stimulus from a different sensory modality. To date, the characteristics and mechanism of this phenomenon named transfer effect still remain ambiguous. Our previous work showed that electrical stimulation of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as a conditioned stimulus (CS) could successfully establish classical eyeblink conditioning (EBC). The present study aimed to (1) observe whether transfer of EBC learning would occur when CSs shift between central (mPFC electrical stimulation as a CS, mPFC-CS) and peripheral (tone as a CS, tone CS); (2) compare the difference in transfer effect between the two paradigms, delay EBC (DEBC) and trace EBC (TEBC). A total of 8 groups of guinea pigs were tested in the study, including 4 experimental groups and 4 control groups. Firstly, the experimental groups accepted central (or peripheral) CS paired with corneal airpuff unconditioned stimulus (US); then, CS shifted to the peripheral (or central) and paired with US. The control groups accepted corresponding central (or peripheral) CS and pseudo-paired with US, and then shifted CS from central (or peripheral) to peripheral (or central) and paired with US. The results showed that the acquisition rates of EBC were higher in experimental groups than in control groups after CS switching from central to peripheral or vice versa, and the CR acquisition rate was remarkably higher in DEBC than in TEBC in both transfer ways. The results indicate that EBC transfer can occur between learning established with mPFC-CS and tone CS. Memory of CS-US association for delay paradigm was less disturbed by the sudden switch of CS than for trace paradigm. This study provides new insight into neural mechanisms underlying conditioned reflex as well as the role of mPFC.
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Autism-relevant social abnormalities in mice exposed perinatally to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 37:58-64. [PMID: 24970316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been rising, but the causes of ASD remain largely unidentified. Collective data have implicated the increased human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the increasing incidence of ASD. There are established biological effects of extremely low-frequency (ELF) EMF, but the relation to ASD is not investigated enough. In this study we examined the effects of perinatal exposure to ELF EMF on some ASD-relevant behavioral parameters in mice. The EMF was delivered via a Helmholtz coil pair. Male BALB/C mice were used and divided into exposed and control groups (n=8 and n=9, respectively). Tests were used to assess sociability, preference for social novelty, locomotion, anxiety, exploratory behavior, motor coordination, and olfaction. The examined mice were all males and exposed to EMF during the last week of gestation and for 7 days after delivery. The exposed mice demonstrated a lack of normal sociability and preference for social novelty while maintaining normal anxiety-like behavior, locomotion, motor coordination, and olfaction. Exposed mice also demonstrated decreased exploratory activity. We concluded that these results are supportive of the hypothesis of a causal link between exposure to ELF-EMF and ASD; however, replications of the study with further tests are recommended.
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Lee YS. Genes and signaling pathways involved in memory enhancement in mutant mice. Mol Brain 2014; 7:43. [PMID: 24894914 PMCID: PMC4050447 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutant mice have been used successfully as a tool for investigating the mechanisms of memory at multiple levels, from genes to behavior. In most cases, manipulating a gene expressed in the brain impairs cognitive functions such as memory and their underlying cellular mechanisms, including synaptic plasticity. However, a remarkable number of mutations have been shown to enhance memory in mice. Understanding how to improve a system provides valuable insights into how the system works under normal conditions, because this involves understanding what the crucial components are. Therefore, more can be learned about the basic mechanisms of memory by studying mutant mice with enhanced memory. This review will summarize the genes and signaling pathways that are altered in the mutants with enhanced memory, as well as their roles in synaptic plasticity. Finally, I will discuss how knowledge of memory-enhancing mechanisms could be used to develop treatments for cognitive disorders associated with impaired plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Shtemberg AS, Lebedeva-Georgievskaya KB, Matveeva MI, Kudrin VS, Narkevich VB, Klodt PM, Bazyan AS. Effect of space flight factors simulated in ground-based experiments on the behavior, discriminant learning, and exchange of monoamines in different brain structures of rats. BIOL BULL+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359014020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), the catabolic enzyme of norepinephrine and serotonin, plays a critical role in emotional and social behavior. However, the control and impact of endogenous MAO-A levels in the brain remains unknown. Here we show that the RING finger-type E3 ubiquitin ligase Rines/RNF180 regulates brain MAO-A subset, monoamine levels, and emotional behavior. Rines interacted with MAO-A and promoted its ubiquitination and degradation. Rines knock-out mice displayed impaired stress responses, enhanced anxiety, and affiliative behavior. Norepinephrine and serotonin levels were altered in the locus ceruleus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala in either stressed or resting conditions, and MAO-A enzymatic activity was enhanced in the locus ceruleus in Rines knock-out mice. Treatment of Rines knock-out mice with MAO inhibitors showed genotype-specific effects on some of the abnormal affective behaviors. These results indicated that the control of emotional behavior by Rines is partly due to the regulation of MAO-A levels. These findings verify that Rines is a critical regulator of the monoaminergic system and emotional behavior and identify a promising candidate drug target for treating diseases associated with emotion.
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Schmouth JF, Castellarin M, Laprise S, Banks KG, Bonaguro RJ, McInerny SC, Borretta L, Amirabbasi M, Korecki AJ, Portales-Casamar E, Wilson G, Dreolini L, Jones SJM, Wasserman WW, Goldowitz D, Holt RA, Simpson EM. Non-coding-regulatory regions of human brain genes delineated by bacterial artificial chromosome knock-in mice. BMC Biol 2013; 11:106. [PMID: 24124870 PMCID: PMC4015596 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The next big challenge in human genetics is understanding the 98% of the genome that comprises non-coding DNA. Hidden in this DNA are sequences critical for gene regulation, and new experimental strategies are needed to understand the functional role of gene-regulation sequences in health and disease. In this study, we build upon our HuGX ('high-throughput human genes on the X chromosome') strategy to expand our understanding of human gene regulation in vivo. RESULTS In all, ten human genes known to express in therapeutically important brain regions were chosen for study. For eight of these genes, human bacterial artificial chromosome clones were identified, retrofitted with a reporter, knocked single-copy into the Hprt locus in mouse embryonic stem cells, and mouse strains derived. Five of these human genes expressed in mouse, and all expressed in the adult brain region for which they were chosen. This defined the boundaries of the genomic DNA sufficient for brain expression, and refined our knowledge regarding the complexity of gene regulation. We also characterized for the first time the expression of human MAOA and NR2F2, two genes for which the mouse homologs have been extensively studied in the central nervous system (CNS), and AMOTL1 and NOV, for which roles in CNS have been unclear. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated the use of the HuGX strategy to functionally delineate non-coding-regulatory regions of therapeutically important human brain genes. Our results also show that a careful investigation, using publicly available resources and bioinformatics, can lead to accurate predictions of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Schmouth
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Genetics Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Mauro Castellarin
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Laprise
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Kathleen G Banks
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Russell J Bonaguro
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Simone C McInerny
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Lisa Borretta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Mahsa Amirabbasi
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Andrea J Korecki
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Elodie Portales-Casamar
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Gary Wilson
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Lisa Dreolini
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Steven JM Jones
- Genetics Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z2, Canada
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Wyeth W Wasserman
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Genetics Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z2, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Daniel Goldowitz
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Robert A Holt
- Genetics Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z2, Canada
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M Simpson
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Genetics Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z2, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2A1, Canada
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Cognitive abnormalities and hippocampal alterations in monoamine oxidase A and B knockout mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:12816-21. [PMID: 23858446 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1308037110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The monoamine oxidase isoenzymes (MAOs) A and B play important roles in the homeostasis of monoaminergic neurotransmitters. The combined deficiency of MAO A and B results in significantly elevated levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), norepinephrine, dopamine, and β-phenylethylamine; in humans and mice, these neurochemical changes are accompanied by neurodevelopmental perturbations as well as autistic-like responses. Ample evidence indicates that normal levels of monoamines in the hippocampus, amygdala, frontal cortex, and cerebellum are required for the integrity of learning and memory. Thus, in the present study, the cognitive status of MAO A/B knockout (KO) mice was examined with a wide array of behavioral tests. In comparison with male wild-type littermates, MAO A/B KO mice exhibited abnormally high and overgeneralized fear conditioning and enhanced eye-blink conditioning. These alterations were accompanied by significant increases in hippocampal long-term potentiation and alterations in the relative expression of NMDA glutamate receptor subunits. Our data suggest that chronic elevations of monoamines, because of the absence of MAO A and MAO B, cause functional alterations that are accompanied with changes in the cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory. The characteristics exhibited by MAO A/B KO mice highlight the potential of these animals as a useful tool to provide further insight into the molecular bases of disorders associated with abnormal monoaminergic profiles.
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29
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Vasudevan N, Morgan M, Pfaff D, Ogawa S. Distinct behavioral phenotypes in male mice lacking the thyroid hormone receptor α1 or β isoforms. Horm Behav 2013; 63:742-51. [PMID: 23567476 PMCID: PMC3726275 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones influence both neuronal development and anxiety via the thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). The TRs are encoded by two different genes, TRα and TRβ. The loss of TRα1 is implicated in increased anxiety in males, possibly via a hippocampal increase in GABAergic activity. We compared both social behaviors and two underlying and related non-social behaviors, state anxiety and responses to acoustic and tactile startle in the gonadally intact TRα1 knockout (α1KO) and TRβ (βKO) male mice to their wild-type counterparts. For the first time, we show an opposing effect of the two TR isoforms, TRα1 and TRβ, in the regulation of state anxiety, with α1 knockout animals (α1KO) showing higher levels of anxiety and βKO males showing less anxiety compared to respective wild-type mice. At odds with the increased anxiety in non-social environments, α1KO males also show lower levels of responsiveness to acoustic and tactile startle stimuli. Consistent with the data that T4 is inhibitory to lordosis in female mice, we show subtly increased sex behavior in α1KO male mice. These behaviors support the idea that TRα1 could be inhibitory to ERα driven transcription that ultimately impacts ERα driven behaviors such as lordosis. The behavioral phenotypes point to novel roles for the TRs, particularly in non-social behaviors such as state anxiety and startle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Vasudevan
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
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30
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Abstract
Converging lines of evidence show that a sizable subset of autism-spectrum disorders (ASDs) is characterized by increased blood levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), yet the mechanistic link between these two phenomena remains unclear. The enzymatic degradation of brain 5-HT is mainly mediated by monoamine oxidase (MAO)A and, in the absence of this enzyme, by its cognate isoenzyme MAOB. MAOA and A/B knockout (KO) mice display high 5-HT levels, particularly during early developmental stages. Here we show that both mutant lines exhibit numerous behavioural hallmarks of ASDs, such as social and communication impairments, perseverative and stereotypical responses, behavioural inflexibility, as well as subtle tactile and motor deficits. Furthermore, both MAOA and A/B KO mice displayed neuropathological alterations reminiscent of typical ASD features, including reduced thickness of the corpus callosum, increased dendritic arborization of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and disrupted microarchitecture of the cerebellum. The severity of repetitive responses and neuropathological aberrances was generally greater in MAOA/B KO animals. These findings suggest that the neurochemical imbalances induced by MAOA deficiency (either by itself or in conjunction with lack of MAOB) may result in an array of abnormalities similar to those observed in ASDs. Thus, MAOA and A/B KO mice may afford valuable models to help elucidate the neurobiological bases of these disorders and related neurodevelopmental problems.
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31
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Wang CC, Billett E, Borchert A, Kuhn H, Ufer C. Monoamine oxidases in development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:599-630. [PMID: 22782111 PMCID: PMC11113580 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1065-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are flavoproteins of the outer mitochondrial membrane that catalyze the oxidative deamination of biogenic and xenobiotic amines. In mammals there are two isoforms (MAO-A and MAO-B) that can be distinguished on the basis of their substrate specificity and their sensitivity towards specific inhibitors. Both isoforms are expressed in most tissues, but their expression in the central nervous system and their ability to metabolize monoaminergic neurotransmitters have focused MAO research on the functionality of the mature brain. MAO activities have been related to neurodegenerative diseases as well as to neurological and psychiatric disorders. More recently evidence has been accumulating indicating that MAO isoforms are expressed not only in adult mammals, but also before birth, and that defective MAO expression induces developmental abnormalities in particular of the brain. This review is aimed at summarizing and critically evaluating the new findings on the developmental functions of MAO isoforms during embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shatin, Hong Kong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ellen Billett
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS UK
| | - Astrid Borchert
- Institute of Biochemistry, University Medicine Berlin-Charité, Oudenarder Str. 16, 13347 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hartmut Kuhn
- Institute of Biochemistry, University Medicine Berlin-Charité, Oudenarder Str. 16, 13347 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Ufer
- Institute of Biochemistry, University Medicine Berlin-Charité, Oudenarder Str. 16, 13347 Berlin, Germany
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32
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The role of the serotonergic system at the interface of aggression and suicide. Neuroscience 2013; 236:160-85. [PMID: 23333677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 01/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in serotonin (5-HT) neurochemistry have been implicated in the aetiology of all major neuropsychiatric disorders, ranging from schizophrenia to mood and anxiety-spectrum disorders. This review will focus on the multifaceted implications of 5-HT-ergic dysfunctions in the pathophysiology of aggressive and suicidal behaviours. After a brief overview of the anatomical distribution of the 5-HT-ergic system in the key brain areas that govern aggression and suicidal behaviours, the implication of 5-HT markers (5-HT receptors, transporter as well as synthetic and metabolic enzymes) in these conditions is discussed. In this regard, particular emphasis is placed on the integration of pharmacological and genetic evidence from animal studies with the findings of human experimental and genetic association studies. Traditional views postulated an inverse relationship between 5-HT and aggression and suicidal behaviours; however, ample evidence has shown that this perspective may be overly simplistic, and that such pathological manifestations may reflect alterations in 5-HT homoeostasis due to the interaction of genetic, environmental and gender-related factors, particularly during early critical developmental stages. The development of animal models that may capture the complexity of such interactions promises to afford a powerful tool to elucidate the pathophysiology of impulsive aggression and suicidability, and identify new effective therapies for these conditions.
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Alzghoul L, Bortolato M, Delis F, Thanos PK, Darling RD, Godar SC, Zhang J, Grant S, Wang GJ, Simpson KL, Chen K, Volkow ND, Lin RCS, Shih JC. Altered cerebellar organization and function in monoamine oxidase A hypomorphic mice. Neuropharmacology 2012; 63:1208-17. [PMID: 22971542 PMCID: PMC3442946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is the key enzyme for the degradation of brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA). We recently generated and characterized a novel line of MAO-A hypormorphic mice (MAO-A(Neo)), featuring elevated monoamine levels, social deficits and perseverative behaviors as well as morphological changes in the basolateral amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. Here we showed that MAO-A(Neo) mice displayed deficits in motor control, manifested as subtle disturbances in gait, motor coordination, and balance. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging of the cerebellum revealed morphological changes and a moderate reduction in the cerebellar size of MAO-A(Neo) mice compared to wild type (WT) mice. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses using calbindin-D-28k (CB) expression of Purkinje cells revealed abnormal cerebellar foliation with vermal hypoplasia and decreased in Purkinje cell count and their dendritic density in MAO-A(Neo) mice compared to WT. Our current findings suggest that congenitally low MAO-A activity leads to abnormal development of the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai Alzghoul
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Homberg JR. Serotonergic modulation of conditioned fear. SCIENTIFICA 2012; 2012:821549. [PMID: 24278743 PMCID: PMC3820492 DOI: 10.6064/2012/821549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Conditioned fear plays a key role in anxiety disorders as well as depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Understanding how neuromodulators drive the associated learning and memory processes, including memory consolidation, retrieval/expression, and extinction (recall), is essential in the understanding of (individual differences in vulnerability to) these disorders and their treatment. The human and rodent studies I review here together reveal, amongst others, that acute selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment facilitates fear conditioning, reduces contextual fear, and increases cued fear, chronic SSRI treatment reduces both contextual and cued fear, 5-HT1A receptors inhibit the acquisition and expression of contextual fear, 5-HT2A receptors facilitates the consolidation of cued and contextual fear, inactivation of 5-HT2C receptors facilitate the retrieval of cued fear memory, the 5-HT3 receptor mediates contextual fear, genetically induced increases in serotonin levels are associated with increased fear conditioning, impaired cued fear extinction, or impaired extinction recall, and that genetically induced 5-HT depletion increases fear conditioning and contextual fear. Several explanations are presented to reconcile seemingly paradoxical relationships between serotonin levels and conditioned fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith R. Homberg
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 21, Route 126, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Converging evidence shows that monoamine oxidase A (MAO A), the key enzyme catalyzing serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) degradation, is a primary factor in the pathophysiology of antisocial and aggressive behavior. Accordingly, male MAO A-deficient humans and mice exhibit an extreme predisposition to aggressive outbursts in response to stress. As NMDARs regulate the emotional reactivity to social and environmental stimuli, we hypothesized their involvement in the modulation of aggression mediated by MAO A. In comparison with WT male mice, MAO A KO counterparts exhibited increases in 5-HT and NE levels across all brain regions, but no difference in glutamate concentrations and NMDAR binding. Notably, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of MAO A KO mice exhibited higher expression of NR2A and NR2B, as well as lower levels of glycosylated NR1 subunits. In line with these changes, the current amplitude and decay time of NMDARs in PFC was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the currents of these receptors were hypersensitive to the action of the antagonists of the NMDAR complex (dizocilpine), as well as NR2A (PEAQX) and NR2B (Ro 25-6981) subunits. Notably, systemic administration of these agents selectively countered the enhanced aggression in MAO A KO mice, at doses that did not inherently affect motor activity. Our findings suggest that the role of MAO A in pathological aggression may be mediated by changes in NMDAR subunit composition in the PFC, and point to a critical function of this receptor in the molecular bases of antisocial personality.
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Chen Y, Zhang J, Zhang L, Shen Y, Xu Q. Effects of MAOA promoter methylation on susceptibility to paranoid schizophrenia. Hum Genet 2011; 131:1081-7. [PMID: 22198720 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-011-1131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to analyze DNA methylation profiling at the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) locus, in order to determine whether abnormal DNA methylation is involved in the development of schizophrenia. We recruited a total of 371 patients with paranoid schizophrenia (199 males and 172 females) and 288 unrelated control subjects (123 males and 165 females) for analysis of DNA methylation. Diagnosis was made based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-VI. Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood was chemically modified using bisulfite, and DNA methylation profiles of the MAOA promoter were determined by BSP-sequencing. DNA methylation ratios of individual CpG residues and overall methylation ratios were measured on each subject. The results showed that there was no significant difference in overall DNA methylation ratios between patients and controls either in the female group (P = 0.42) or in the male group (P = 0.24). Of 15 CpG residues that showed significant differences in DNA methylation status between the patient group and the control group in females, eight of which had an increased level and seven, a decreased level, with a combined P value of 1 (df = 160). In male subjects, however, six individual CpG residues showed an increased methylation level with a combined P value of 5.80E-35 (df = 158). In conclusion, abnormalities of DNA methylation at the MAOA promoter may be associated with schizophrenia in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Chen
- National Lab of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing 100005, PR China
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37
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Abstract
Rich evidence indicates that monoamine oxidase (MAO) A, the major enzyme catalysing the degradation of monoamine neurotransmitters, plays a key role in emotional regulation. Although MAOA deficiency is associated with reactive aggression in humans and mice, the involvement of this enzyme in defensive behaviour remains controversial and poorly understood. To address this issue, we tested MAOA knockout (KO) mice in a spectrum of paradigms and settings associated with variable degrees of threat. The presentation of novel inanimate objects induced a significant reduction in exploratory approaches and increase in defensive behaviours, such as tail-rattling, biting and digging. These neophobic responses were context-dependent and particularly marked in the home cage. In the elevated plus- and T-mazes, MAOA KO mice and wild-type (WT) littermates displayed equivalent locomotor activity and time in closed and open arms; however, MAOA KO mice featured significant reductions in risk assessment, as well as unconditioned avoidance and escape. No differences between genotypes were observed in the defensive withdrawal and emergence test. Conversely, MAOA KO mice exhibited a dramatic reduction of defensive and fear-related behaviours in the presence of predator-related cues, such as predator urine or an anaesthetized rat, in comparison with those observed in their WT littermates. The behavioural abnormalities in MAOA KO mice were not paralleled by overt alterations in sensory and microvibrissal functions. Collectively, these results suggest that MAOA deficiency leads to a general inability to appropriately assess contextual risk and attune defensive and emotional responses to environmental cues.
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Mertins V, Schote AB, Hoffeld W, Griessmair M, Meyer J. Genetic susceptibility for individual cooperation preferences: the role of monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) in the voluntary provision of public goods. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20959. [PMID: 21698196 PMCID: PMC3116851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of social dilemmas, previous research has shown that human cooperation is mainly based on the social norm of conditional cooperation. While in most cases individuals behave according to such a norm, deviant behavior is no exception. Recent research further suggests that heterogeneity in social behavior might be associated with varying genetic predispositions. In this study, we investigated the relationship between individuals' behavior in a public goods experiment and the promoter-region functional repeat polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA). In a dynamic setting of increasing information about others' contributions, we analyzed differences in two main components of conditional cooperation, namely the players' own contribution and their beliefs regarding the contribution of other players. We showed that there is a significant association between individuals' behavior in a repeated public goods game and MAOA. Our results suggest that male carriers of the low activity alleles cooperate significantly less than those carrying the high activity alleles given a situation where subjects had to rely on their innate beliefs about others' contributions. With increasing information about the others' cooperativeness, the genetic effect diminishes. Furthermore, significant opposing effects for female subjects carrying two low activity alleles were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Mertins
- Institute for Labour Law and Industrial Relations in the European Community (IAAEG), University of Trier, Trier, Germany.
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Soliman A, Bagby RM, Wilson AA, Miler L, Clark M, Rusjan P, Sacher J, Houle S, Meyer JH. Relationship of monoamine oxidase A binding to adaptive and maladaptive personality traits. Psychol Med 2011; 41:1051-1060. [PMID: 20810002 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291710001601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is an important enzyme that metabolizes monoamines such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. In prefrontal cortex, low MAOA binding is associated with aggression and high binding is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and also risk for recurrence of depressive episodes. In rodent models, low MAOA levels are associated with increased aggression and fear conditioning, and decreased social and exploratory investigative behaviors. Our objective was to measure MAOA binding in prefrontal cortex and concurrently evaluate a broad range of validated personality traits. We hypothesized that prefrontal MAOA binding would correlate negatively with angry-hostility, a trait related to aggression/anger, and positively with traits intuitively related to adaptive investigative behavior. METHOD Participants were aged 19-49 years, healthy and non-smoking. MAOA binding was measured with [11C]harmine positron emission tomography (PET) in prefrontal brain regions and personality traits were measured with the NEO Personality Inventory Revised (NEO PI-R). RESULTS Prefrontal MAOA binding correlated negatively with angry-hostility (r=-0.515, p=0.001) and positively with deliberation (r=0.514, p=0.001). In a two-factor regression model, these facets explained 38% of variance in prefrontal MAOA binding. A similar relationship was found in prefrontal cortex subregions. CONCLUSIONS We propose a new continuum describing the relationship between personality and MAOA: deliberate/thoughtful contrasting aggressive/impulsive. Additionally, the association between high MAOA binding and greater deliberation may explain why some people have moderately high levels of MAOA, although very high levels occur during MDD. In health, higher MAOA binding is associated with an adaptive personality facet.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Soliman
- Vivian M. Rakoff PET Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Cerasa A, Quattrone A, Gioia MC, Magariello A, Muglia M, Assogna F, Bernardini S, Caltagirone C, Bossù P, Spalletta G. MAO A VNTR polymorphism and amygdala volume in healthy subjects. Psychiatry Res 2011; 191:87-91. [PMID: 21236646 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2010.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The X-linked Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO A) gene presents a well known functional polymorphism consisting of a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) (long and short variants) previously associated with altered neural function of the amygdala. Using automatic subcortical segmentation (Freesurfer), we investigated whether amygdala volume could be influenced by this genotype. We studied 109 healthy subjects (age range 18-80 years; 59 male and 50 female), 74 carrying the MAO A High-activity allele and 35 the MAO A Low-activity allele. No significant effect of the MAO A polymorphism or interaction effect between polymorphism × gender was found on amygdalar volume. Thus, our findings suggest that the reported impact of the MAO A polymorphism on amygdala function is not coupled with consistent volumetric changes in healthy subjects. Future studies are needed to investigate whether the association between volume of the amygdala and the MAO A VNTR polymorphism is influenced by social/psychological variables, such as impulsivity, trauma history and cigarette smoking behaviour, not taken into account in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cerasa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Brain serotonin receptors and transporters: initiation vs. termination of escalated aggression. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 213:183-212. [PMID: 20938650 PMCID: PMC3684010 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-2000-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Recent findings have shown a complexly regulated 5-HT system as it is linked to different kinds of aggression. OBJECTIVE We focus on (1) phasic and tonic changes of 5-HT and (2) state and trait of aggression, and emphasize the different receptor subtypes, their role in specific brain regions, feed-back regulation and modulation by other amines, acids and peptides. RESULTS New pharmacological tools differentiate the first three 5-HT receptor families and their modulation by GABA, glutamate and CRF. Activation of 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(1B) and 5-HT(2A/2C) receptors in mesocorticolimbic areas, reduce species-typical and other aggressive behaviors. In contrast, agonists at 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex or septal area can increase aggressive behavior under specific conditions. Activation of serotonin transporters reduce mainly pathological aggression. Genetic analyses of aggressive individuals have identified several molecules that affect the 5-HT system directly (e.g., Tph2, 5-HT(1B), 5-HT transporter, Pet1, MAOA) or indirectly (e.g., Neuropeptide Y, αCaMKII, NOS, BDNF). Dysfunction in genes for MAOA escalates pathological aggression in rodents and humans, particularly in interaction with specific experiences. CONCLUSIONS Feedback to autoreceptors of the 5-HT(1) family and modulation via heteroreceptors are important in the expression of aggressive behavior. Tonic increase of the 5-HT(2) family expression may cause escalated aggression, whereas the phasic increase of 5-HT(2) receptors inhibits aggressive behaviors. Polymorphisms in the genes of 5-HT transporters or rate-limiting synthetic and metabolic enzymes of 5-HT modulate aggression, often requiring interaction with the rearing environment.
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Bortolato M, Shih JC. Behavioral outcomes of monoamine oxidase deficiency: preclinical and clinical evidence. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2011; 100:13-42. [PMID: 21971001 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386467-3.00002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) isoenzymes A and B are mitochondrial-bound proteins, catalyzing the oxidative deamination of monoamine neurotransmitters as well as xenobiotic amines. Although they derive from a common ancestral progenitor gene, are located at X-chromosome and display 70% structural identity, their substrate preference, regional distribution, and physiological role are divergent. In fact, while MAO-A has high affinity for serotonin and norepinephrine, MAO-B primarily serves the catabolism of 2-phenylethylamine (PEA) and contributes to the degradation of other trace amines and dopamine. Convergent lines of preclinical and clinical evidence indicate that variations in MAO enzymatic activity--due to either genetic or environmental factors--can exert a profound influence on behavioral regulation and play a role in the pathophysiology of a large spectrum of mental and neurodegenerative disorders, ranging from antisocial personality disorder to Parkinson's disease. Over the past few years, numerous advances have been made in our understanding of the phenotypical variations associated with genetic polymorphisms and mutations of the genes encoding for both isoenzymes. In particular, novel findings on the phenotypes of MAO-deficient mice are highlighting novel potential implications of both isoenzymes in a broad spectrum of mental disorders, ranging from autism and anxiety to impulse-control disorders and ADHD. These studies will lay the foundation for future research on the neurobiological and neurochemical bases of these pathological conditions, as well as the role of gene × environment interactions in the vulnerability to several mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Takahashi A, Quadros IM, de Almeida RMM, Miczek KA. Behavioral and pharmacogenetics of aggressive behavior. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2011; 12:73-138. [PMID: 22297576 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2011_191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) has long been considered as a key transmitter in the neurocircuitry controlling aggression. Impaired regulation of each subtype of 5-HT receptor, 5-HT transporter, synthetic and metabolic enzymes has been linked particularly to impulsive aggression. The current summary focuses mostly on recent findings from pharmacological and genetic studies. The pharmacological treatments and genetic manipulations or polymorphisms of aspecific target (e.g., 5-HT1A receptor) can often result in inconsistent results on aggression, due to "phasic" effects of pharmacological agents versus "trait"-like effects of genetic manipulations. Also, the local administration of a drug using the intracranial microinjection technique has shown that activation of specific subtypes of 5-HT receptors (5-HT1A and 5-HT1B) in mesocorticolimbic areas can reduce species-typical and other aggressive behaviors, but the same receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex or septal area promote escalated forms of aggression. Thus, there are receptor populations in specific brain regions that preferentially modulate specific types of aggression. Genetic studies have shown important gene-environment interactions; it is likely that the polymorphisms in the genes of 5-HT transporters or rate-limiting synthetic and metabolic enzymes of 5-HT (e.g., MAOA) determine the vulnerability to adverse environmental factors that escalate aggression. We also discuss the interaction between the 5-HT system and other systems. Modulation of 5-HT neurons in the dorsalraphe nucleus by GABA, glutamate and CRF profoundly regulate aggressive behaviors. Also, interactions of the 5-HT system with other neuropeptides(arginine vasopressin, oxytocin, neuropeptide Y, opioid) have emerged as important neurobiological determinants of aggression. Studies of aggression in genetically modified mice identified several molecules that affect the 5-HT system directly (e.g., Tph2, 5-HT1B, 5-HT transporter, Pet1, MAOA) or indirectly[e.g., BDNF, neuronal nitric oxide (nNOS), aCaMKII, Neuropeptide Y].The future agenda delineates specific receptor subpopulations for GABA, glutamate and neuropeptides as they modulate the canonical aminergic neurotransmitters in brainstem, limbic and cortical regions with the ultimate outcome of attenuating or escalating aggressive behavior.
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Tammimäki A, Männistö PT. Effect of genetic modifications in the synaptic dopamine clearance systems on addiction-like behaviour in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2010; 108:2-8. [PMID: 21118356 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2010.00647.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During the last 15 years, genetically modified mouse lines have proved to be a valuable research tool. This review summarizes research that studied addiction-like behaviour in mice that had a targeted mutation in the genes of the synaptic dopamine removal systems, i.e. in the dopamine transporter (DAT), a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) or two dopamine-metabolizing enzymes (monoamine oxidase, MAO, mainly MAO-A isoenzyme, and catechol-O-methyltransferase, COMT). Majority of the mice are knockouts but also some knock-in and knock down mouse lines are included. Most studies have explored DAT, and it has been shown to be the critical target in addiction to psychostimulants. Its role in the development of addiction-like behaviour to nicotine, opioids or ethanol is less clear. VMAT2 also seems to be linked to psychostimulant addiction. MAO-A and COMT have a minor role in addiction-like behaviour that is further complicated by a sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Tammimäki
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Powers CM, Levin ED, Seidler FJ, Slotkin TA. Silver exposure in developing zebrafish produces persistent synaptic and behavioral changes. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2010; 33:329-32. [PMID: 21035540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2010.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Environmental silver exposures are increasing due to the use of silver nanoparticles, which exert antimicrobial actions by releasing Ag+, a suspected developmental neurotoxicant. We evaluated the long-term neurochemical and behavioral effects of embryonic Ag+ exposure in zebrafish at concentrations that had no overt effects on morphological development. Exposure to 0.03, 0.1 or 0.3 μM Ag+ during the first five days post-fertilization caused elevations in both dopamine and serotonin turnover in the adult zebrafish brain without affecting basal neurotransmitter levels. Consistent with these synaptic effects, Ag+-exposed fish showed a faster acquisition of avoidance behavior in a three-chamber test apparatus, without any change in response latency or overall swimming ability. Our results indicate that Ag+ is a developmental neurotoxicant that causes persistent neurobehavioral effects, reinforcing health concerns about Ag+ released from silver nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Powers
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Pine DS, Ernst M, Leibenluft E. Imaging-genetics applications in child psychiatry. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2010; 49:772-82. [PMID: 20643311 PMCID: PMC2997350 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2009.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To place imaging-genetics research in the context of child psychiatry. METHOD A conceptual overview is provided, followed by discussion of specific research examples. RESULTS Imaging-genetics research is described linking brain function to two specific genes, for the serotonin-reuptake-transporter protein and a monoamine oxidase enzyme. Work is then described on phenotype selection in imaging genetics. CONCLUSIONS Child psychiatry applications of imaging genetics are only beginning to emerge. The approach holds promise for advancing understandings of pathophysiology and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Pine
- National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Bethesda, MD 20892-2670, USA.
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Bortolato M, Chen K, Shih JC. The Degradation of Serotonin: Role of MAO. HANDBOOK OF BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-7339(10)70079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Behavioral disinhibition and reduced anxiety-like behaviors in monoamine oxidase B-deficient mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:2746-57. [PMID: 19710633 PMCID: PMC2783894 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2009.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) B catalyzes the degradation of beta-phenylethylamine (PEA), a trace amine neurotransmitter implicated in mood regulation. Although several studies have shown an association between low MAO B activity in platelets and behavioral disinhibition in humans, the nature of this relation remains undefined. To investigate the impact of MAO B deficiency on the emotional responses elicited by environmental cues, we tested MAO B knockout (KO) mice in a set of behavioral assays capturing different aspects of anxiety-related manifestations, such as the elevated plus maze, defensive withdrawal, marble burying, and hole board. Furthermore, MAO B KO mice were evaluated for their exploratory patterns in response to unfamiliar objects and risk-taking behaviors. In comparison with their wild-type (WT) littermates, MAO B KO mice exhibited significantly lower anxiety-like responses and shorter latency to engage in risk-taking behaviors and exploration of unfamiliar objects. To determine the neurobiological bases of the behavioral differences between WT and MAO B KO mice, we measured the brain-regional levels of PEA in both genotypes. Although PEA levels were significantly higher in all brain regions of MAO B KO in comparison with WT mice, the most remarkable increments were observed in the striatum and prefrontal cortex, two key regions for the regulation of behavioral disinhibition. However, no significant differences in transcript levels of PEA's selective receptor, trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1), were detected in either region. Taken together, these results suggest that MAO B deficiency may lead to behavioral disinhibition and decreased anxiety-like responses partially through regional increases of PEA levels.
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Gonadectomy and hormone replacement exert region- and enzyme isoform-specific effects on monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in prefrontal cortex and neostriatum of adult male rats. Neuroscience 2009; 165:850-62. [PMID: 19909795 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 11/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences and gonadal hormone influences are well known for diverse aspects of forebrain amine and indolamine neurotransmitter systems, the cognitive and affective functions they govern and their malfunction in mental illness. This study explored whether hormone regulation/dysregulation of these systems could be related to gonadal steroid effects on catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase which are principal enzymatic controllers of forebrain dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Driven by male over female differences in cortical enzyme activities, by male-specific associations between monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase gene polymorphisms and cognitive and dysfunction in disease and by male-specific consequences of gene knockouts in mice, the question of hormone sensitivity was addressed here using a male rat model where prefrontal dopamine levels and related behaviors are also known to be affected. Specifically, quantitative O-methylation and oxidative deamination assays were used to compare the activities of catechol-O-methyltransferase's soluble and membrane-bound isoforms and of monoamine oxidase's A and B isoforms in the pregenual medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal striatum of male rats that were sham operated, gonadectomized or gonadectomized and supplemented with testosterone propionate or with estradiol for 28 days. These studies revealed significant effects of hormone replacement but not gonadectomy on the soluble but not the membrane-bound isorfom of catechol-O-methyltransferase in both striatum and cortex. A significant, cortex-specific testosterone-but not estradiol-attenuated effect (increase) of gonadectomy on monoamine oxidase's A but not B isoform was also observed. Although none of these actions suggest potential roles in the regulation/dysregulation of prefrontal dopamine, the suppressive effects of testosterone on cortical monoamine oxidase-A that were observed could have bearing on the increased incidence of cognitive deficits and symptoms of depression and anxiety that are repeatedly observed in males in conditions of hypogonadalism related to aging, other biological factors or in prostate cancer where androgen deprivation is used as a neoadjuvant treatment.
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