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Qin H, Yu M, Han N, Zhu M, Li X, Zhou J. Antidepressant effects of esketamine via the BDNF/AKT/mTOR pathway in mice with postpartum depression and their offspring. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110992. [PMID: 38484929 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health problem that can negatively affect future generations. BDNF/AKT/mTOR signaling in the frontal lobe and hippocampus in mice is associated with depression, but its role in mice with PPD and their offspring is unknown. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of esketamine (ESK), a drug approved for treatment of refractory depression, on the BDNF/AKT/mTOR pathway in mice with PPD and their offspring. A model of chronic unpredictable mild stress with pregnancy was used. ESK was injected into postpartum mice, and behavioral tests were conducted to predict the severity of symptoms at the end of lactation and in the offspring after adulthood. Both mice with PPD and their offspring showed significant anxiety- and depression-like behaviors that were ameliorated with the ESK intervention. ESK enhanced exploratory behavior in unfamiliar environments, increased the preference for sucrose, and ameliorated the impaired BDNF/AKT/mTOR signaling in the frontal and hippocampal regions in mice. Thus, ESK may have great potential in treating PPD and decreasing the incidence of depression in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Science Experiment Center, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Nianjiao Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meilin Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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2
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Puska G, Szendi V, Dobolyi A. Lateral septum as a possible regulatory center of maternal behaviors. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105683. [PMID: 38649125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The lateral septum (LS) is involved in controlling anxiety, aggression, feeding, and other motivated behaviors. Lesion studies have also implicated the LS in various forms of caring behaviors. Recently, novel experimental tools have provided a more detailed insight into the function of the LS, including the specific role of distinct cell types and their neuronal connections in behavioral regulations, in which the LS participates. This article discusses the regulation of different types of maternal behavioral alterations using the distributions of established maternal hormones such as prolactin, estrogens, and the neuropeptide oxytocin. It also considers the distribution of neurons activated in mothers in response to pups and other maternal activities, as well as gene expressional alterations in the maternal LS. Finally, this paper proposes further research directions to keep up with the rapidly developing knowledge on maternal behavioral control in other maternal brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Puska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien Szendi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arpád Dobolyi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Laboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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3
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Gorman-Sandler E, Wood G, Cloude N, Frambes N, Brennen H, Robertson B, Hollis F. Mitochondrial might: powering the peripartum for risk and resilience. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1286811. [PMID: 38187925 PMCID: PMC10767224 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1286811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The peripartum period, characterized by dynamic hormonal shifts and physiological adaptations, has been recognized as a potentially vulnerable period for the development of mood disorders such as postpartum depression (PPD). Stress is a well-established risk factor for developing PPD and is known to modulate mitochondrial function. While primarily known for their role in energy production, mitochondria also influence processes such as stress regulation, steroid hormone synthesis, glucocorticoid response, GABA metabolism, and immune modulation - all of which are crucial for healthy pregnancy and relevant to PPD pathology. While mitochondrial function has been implicated in other psychiatric illnesses, its role in peripartum stress and mental health remains largely unexplored, especially in relation to the brain. In this review, we first provide an overview of mitochondrial involvement in processes implicated in peripartum mood disorders, underscoring their potential role in mediating pathology. We then discuss clinical and preclinical studies of mitochondria in the context of peripartum stress and mental health, emphasizing the need for better understanding of this relationship. Finally, we propose mitochondria as biological mediators of resilience to peripartum mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Gorman-Sandler
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
- Columbia VA Healthcare System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Gabrielle Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Nazharee Cloude
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Noelle Frambes
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Hannah Brennen
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Breanna Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Fiona Hollis
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
- Columbia VA Healthcare System, Columbia, SC, United States
- USC Institute for Cardiovascular Disease Research, Columbia, SC, United States
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4
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Gorman-Sandler E, Robertson B, Crawford J, Wood G, Ramesh A, Arishe OO, Webb RC, Hollis F. Gestational stress decreases postpartum mitochondrial respiration in the prefrontal cortex of female rats. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 26:100563. [PMID: 37654512 PMCID: PMC10466928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major psychiatric complication of childbirth, affecting up to 20% of mothers, yet remains understudied. Mitochondria, dynamic organelles crucial for cell homeostasis and energy production, share links with many of the proposed mechanisms underlying PPD pathology. Brain mitochondrial function is affected by stress, a major risk factor for development of PPD, and is linked to anxiety-like and social behaviors. Considering the importance of mitochondria in regulating brain function and behavior, we hypothesized that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with behavioral alterations in a chronic stress-induced rat model of PPD. Using a validated and translationally relevant chronic mild unpredictable stress paradigm during late gestation, we induced PPD-relevant behaviors in adult postpartum Wistar rats. In the mid-postpartum, we measured mitochondrial function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) using high-resolution respirometry. We then measured protein expression of mitochondrial complex proteins and 4-hydroxynonenal (a marker of oxidative stress), and Th1/Th2 cytokine levels in PFC and plasma. We report novel findings that gestational stress decreased mitochondrial function in the PFC, but not the NAc of postpartum dams. However, in groups controlling for the effects of either stress or parity alone, no differences in mitochondrial respiration measured in either brain regions were observed compared to nulliparous controls. This decrease in PFC mitochondrial function in stressed dams was accompanied by negative behavioral consequences in the postpartum, complex-I specific deficits in protein expression, and increased Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha cytokine levels in plasma and PFC. Overall, we report an association between PFC mitochondrial respiration, PPD-relevant behaviors, and inflammation following gestational stress, highlighting a potential role for mitochondrial function in postpartum health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Gorman-Sandler
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- Columbia VA Health Care Systems, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Breanna Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jesseca Crawford
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- Columbia VA Health Care Systems, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Gabrielle Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Archana Ramesh
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Olufunke O. Arishe
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - R. Clinton Webb
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- USC Institute for Cardiovascular Disease Research, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Fiona Hollis
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- Columbia VA Health Care Systems, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- USC Institute for Cardiovascular Disease Research, Columbia, SC, USA
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Roets M, Brand L, Steyn SF. Increased depressive-like behaviour of postpartum Flinders sensitive and resistant line rats is reversed by a predictable postpartum stressor. Behav Brain Res 2023; 442:114321. [PMID: 36720349 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
During the peripartum period, women are at an increased risk to develop perinatal distress, presenting as symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Yet, due to practical and ethical restrictions, our understanding of this condition remains limited. Animal studies that focus on the neuropsychiatric mechanisms associated with the postpartum period, often ignore the genetical predisposition factor. We therefore investigated whether pregnancy could alter the bio-behavioural profile of the Flinders sensitive and resistant line rats, and whether these effects are exacerbated by a postpartum stressor. Postpartum dams were compared to nulliparous controls in behavioural tests, analysing depressive- and anxiety-like behaviours. Next, postpartum dams were subjected to a maternal separation and early weaning (MSEW) regimen, with their behaviour and serotonergic and noradrenergic concentrations compared to rats not separated from their pups. Regardless of strain, pregnancy decreased time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and hippocampal serotonin concentrations. Time spent immobile in the forced swim test was also increased, with a significant effect in the FRL and a strong trend in the FSL rats. MSEW reversed these behaviours in both strains and increased social interaction with a male counterpart in the FSL rats, without influencing hippocampal or cortical serotonin or norepinephrine. Taken together, these results suggest that pregnancy influences postpartum behaviour, in a strain-dependent manner. Contrary to what we expected, MSEW overall decreased depressive- and anxiety-like behaviours, with strain specific differences, indicating that a chronic, predictable stressor may not necessarily adversely affect postpartum behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareli Roets
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Linda Brand
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stephan F Steyn
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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6
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Plieger T, Lepper J, Klein A, Reuter M. Effects of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and subjective birth experience on the risk of postpartum depression and maternal bonding. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 148:105995. [PMID: 36463751 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious health care issue that affects a substantial share of women giving birth. PPD is considered a severe stress response that is likely associated with impaired HPA-axis activity. However, genetic findings regarding HPA-axis effects on PPD are scarce and inconsistent. Inconsistencies may be due to the neglect of environmental (stressful) events such as perinatal trauma or averse subjective birth experiences associated with PPD. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate whether the NR3C1 gene and subjective birth experience interact on PPD and postpartum bonding to the child. N = 277 mothers provided gene samples and self-report data on PPD and postpartum bonding. We genotyped 11 polymorphisms on the NR3C1 gene (including the prominent BCL1) and conducted haplotype analyses. A negative subjective birth experience was associated with both PPD and maternal postpartum bonding. Our results further show a significant main effect of NR3C1 haplotype (F1, 275 = 6.42, p = .012, η2 =.023) and a haplotype x birth experience interaction (F1, 274 = 4.57, p = .033, η2 =.016) on PPD. We did not find any NR3C1 haplotype effects on bonding. Our results support the assumption that the glucocorticoid receptor coding NR3C1 gene is involved in the development of PPD. These gene effects become particularly important in presence of a negative environmental event such as the subjective birth experience. This finding allows more targeted preventions in terms of being particularly sensitive to potentially harming environmental influences that may present even stronger risk factors for genetically vulnerable women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judith Lepper
- University of Bonn, Department of Psychology, Germany
| | - Angela Klein
- University Hospital Bonn, Department of Gynecologic Psychosomatics, Germany
| | - Martin Reuter
- University of Bonn, Department of Psychology, Germany
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Rincón-Cortés M, Grace AA. Dopamine downregulation in novel rodent models useful for the study of postpartum depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1065558. [PMID: 36620861 PMCID: PMC9812956 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1065558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common psychiatric disorder following childbirth and is characterized by maternal mood disturbances, impaired maternal responses, and disrupted caregiving- all of which negatively impact offspring development. Since PPD has detrimental consequences for both mother and child, clinical and preclinical research has focused on identifying brain changes associated with this disorder. In humans, PPD is linked to dysregulated mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system function and altered neural responses (i.e., decreased reward-related activity) to infant-related cues, which are considered hallmark features of PPD. In accordance, rodent models employing translational risk factors useful for the study of PPD have demonstrated alterations in mesolimbic DA system structure and function, and these changes are reviewed here. We also present two novel rodent models based on postpartum adversity exposure (i.e., pup removal, scarcity-adversity) which result in PPD-relevant behavioral changes (e.g., disrupted mother-infant interactions, deficits in maternal behavior, depressive-like phenotypes) and attenuated ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neuron activity consistent with a hypodopaminergic state. Furthermore, we highlight open questions and future directions for these rodent models. In sum, human and rodent studies converge in showing blunted mesolimbic DA function (i.e., DA downregulation) in PPD. We propose that reduced activity of VTA DA neurons, resulting in downregulation of the mesolimbic DA system, interferes with reward-related processes necessary for maternal motivation and responsiveness. Thus, the mesolimbic DA system may constitute a therapeutic target for ameliorating reward-related deficits in PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millie Rincón-Cortés
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Millie Rincón-Cortés
| | - Anthony A. Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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8
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Effects of fast-acting antidepressant drugs on a postpartum depression mice model. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113598. [PMID: 36029538 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a severe psychiatric disorder with devastating consequences on child development and mother's health. Dysregulation of glutamatergic and GABAergic signalling has been described in the corticolimbic system of PPD patients, who also show a downregulation of allopregnanolone levels in serum. Consequently, a synthetic allopregnanolone-based treatment is the current eligible drug to treat PPD patients. Alternatively, ketamine appears to be a promising medication for preventing PPD, nevertheless the differences in efficacy between both treatments remains unknown due to the lack of comparative studies. On this basis, the present study aims to compare the effectiveness of allopregnanolone and ketamine on a PPD-like mouse model. Our results show that postpartum females undergoing a maternal separation with early weaning (MSEW) protocol show increased despair-like behaviour, anhedonia and disrupted maternal care. Such symptoms are accompanied by lower allopregnanolone serum levels, reduction of vesicular transporters of GABA (VGAT) and glutamate (VGLUT1) in the infralimbic cortex (IL), as well as decreased hippocampal cellular proliferation. Furthermore, both drugs prevent despair-like behaviour while only ketamine reverts anhedonia. Both treatments increase hippocampal neurogenesis, while only allopregnanolone raises VGAT and VGLUT1 markers in IL. These findings suggest that ketamine might be even more effective than allopregnanolone, which points out the necessity of including ketamine in clinical studies for PPD patients. Altogether, we propose a new mice model that recapitulates the core symptomatology and molecular alterations shown in PPD patients, which allows us to further investigate both the neurobiology of PPD and the therapeutic potential of antidepressant drugs.
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Fuentes I, Morishita Y, Gonzalez-Salinas S, Champagne FA, Uchida S, Shumyatsky GP. Experience-Regulated Neuronal Signaling in Maternal Behavior. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:844295. [PMID: 35401110 PMCID: PMC8987921 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.844295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal behavior is shaped and challenged by the changing developmental needs of offspring and a broad range of environmental factors, with evidence indicating that the maternal brain exhibits a high degree of plasticity. This plasticity is displayed within cellular and molecular systems, including both intra- and intercellular signaling processes as well as transcriptional profiles. This experience-associated plasticity may have significant overlap with the mechanisms controlling memory processes, in particular those that are activity-dependent. While a significant body of work has identified various molecules and intracellular processes regulating maternal care, the role of activity- and experience-dependent processes remains unclear. We discuss recent progress in studying activity-dependent changes occurring at the synapse, in the nucleus, and during the transport between these two structures in relation to maternal behavior. Several pre- and postsynaptic molecules as well as transcription factors have been found to be critical in these processes. This role reflects the principal importance of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of memory formation to maternal and other behavioral adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Fuentes
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | | | | | - Frances A. Champagne
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Shusaku Uchida
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gleb P. Shumyatsky
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Gleb P. Shumyatsky
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10
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Wallace K, Bowles T, Griffin A, Robinson R, Solis L, Railey T, Shaffery JP, Araji S, Spencer SK. Evidence of Anxiety, Depression and Learning Impairments following Prenatal Hypertension. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12020053. [PMID: 35200304 PMCID: PMC8869594 DOI: 10.3390/bs12020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as Preeclampsia (PreE) and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme, low platelet) syndrome, affects approximately 5–10% of pregnancies and increases the risk of women developing disorders, such as anxiety or depression, in the postpartum period. Using preclinical rodent models, we set out to determine whether rats with a history of PreE or HELLP had evidence of anxiety, depression or cognitive impairment and whether immune suppression during pregnancy prevented these changes in mood and/or cognition. Methods: Timed-pregnant rats were infused with sFlt-1 and/or sEng to induce PreE or HELLP beginning on gestational day 12. After delivery, a battery of validated behavioral assays was used to assess post-partum depression, anxiety and learning. Results: There was no negative effect on maternal pup interaction due to PreE or HELLP; however, hypertensive dams spent more time immobile in the forced swim test (p < 0.0001). Hypertensive dams also spent less time in the open area of the open field (p = 0.001). There were no significant changes in recognition memory (p = 0.08); however, spatial learning was impaired in hypertensive dams (p = 0.003). Immobility time in the forced swim test was positively correlated with increased circulating S100B (p = 0.04), while increased time spent in the outer zones of the open field was negatively correlated with BDNF levels (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that hypertensive pregnancy disorders are associated with depression, anxiety and learning impairments in the post-partum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedra Wallace
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (T.B.); (R.R.); (L.S.); (T.R.); (S.A.)
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Teylor Bowles
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (T.B.); (R.R.); (L.S.); (T.R.); (S.A.)
| | - Ashley Griffin
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Reanna Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (T.B.); (R.R.); (L.S.); (T.R.); (S.A.)
| | - Lucia Solis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (T.B.); (R.R.); (L.S.); (T.R.); (S.A.)
| | - Teryn Railey
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (T.B.); (R.R.); (L.S.); (T.R.); (S.A.)
| | - James P. Shaffery
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Sarah Araji
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (T.B.); (R.R.); (L.S.); (T.R.); (S.A.)
| | - Shauna-Kay Spencer
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (T.B.); (R.R.); (L.S.); (T.R.); (S.A.)
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11
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Dye C, Lenz KM, Leuner B. Immune System Alterations and Postpartum Mental Illness: Evidence From Basic and Clinical Research. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 2:758748. [PMID: 35224544 PMCID: PMC8866762 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.758748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The postpartum period is a time associated with high rates of depression and anxiety as well as greater risk for psychosis in some women. A growing number of studies point to aberrations in immune system function as contributing to postpartum mental illness. Here we review evidence from both clinical and animal models suggesting an immune component to postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum psychosis. Thus far, clinical data primarily highlights changes in peripheral cytokine signaling in disease etiology, while animal models have begun to provide insight into the immune environment of the maternal brain and how central inflammation may also be contributing to postpartum mental illnesses. Further research investigating peripheral and central immune function, along with neural and endocrine interactions, will be important in successfully developing novel prevention and treatment strategies for these serious disorders that impact a large portion of new mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Dye
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kathryn M. Lenz
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Institute of Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Benedetta Leuner
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Benedetta Leuner
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12
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Animal models of postpartum depression revisited. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 136:105590. [PMID: 34839082 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a heterogeneous mood disorder and the most frequent psychiatric complication of the postnatal period. Given its potential long-lasting repercussions on the well-being of the mother and the infants, it should be a priority in public health. In spite of efforts devoted to clinical investigation and preclinical studies, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of this disorder remain unknown in detail. Much of the progress in the area has been made from animal models, especially rodent models. The aim of this mini-review is to update the current rodent models in PPD research and their main contributions to the field. Animal models are critical tools to advance understanding of the pathophysiological basis of this disorder and to help the development of new therapeutic strategies. Here, we group PPD models into 2 main categories (Models based on hormone manipulations, Models based on stress exposure), each of which includes different paradigms that reflect risk factors or physiological conditions associated with this disease. Finally, we provide an overview of emerging models that provide new perspectives on the study of possible pathophysiological factors related to PPD, to contribute to tackling potential therapeutic targets.
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13
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Mundorf A, Bölükbas I, Freund N. Maternal separation: Does it hold the potential to model consequences of postpartum depression? Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22219. [PMID: 35050513 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The postpartum period is a sensitive time where women are especially vulnerable to develop postpartum depression (PPD), with 10%-15% of women affected. This review investigates whether the maternal separation (MS) paradigm in rodents holds the potential to help to understand mothers suffering from PPD. MS is a well-established stress model to investigate effects on infants, whereas effects on the dam are often overlooked. The database PubMed was searched for studies investigating effects of daily MS within the first weeks after parturition on dams in rats and mice and compared to findings in PPD mothers. MS was categorized as brief MS (5-45 min) with or without handling of pups and long MS (3-4 h and longer). MS alters maternal care, depressive-like behavior, anxiety, and aggression; leads to alterations in neuronal gene expression; and affects hormone and neurotransmitter levels similar to observations in PPD patients. Even though there are disparities between human and rodent mothers, with some results differing in directionality, as well as the reason for separation (self-induced in PPD, externally induced in MS), the overall effects found on neurobiological, hormonal, and behavioral levels mostly coincide. Thus, the MS paradigm can add relevant knowledge to existing PPD animal models, further advancing the study of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annakarina Mundorf
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Institute for Systems Medicine and Department of Human Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ibrahim Bölükbas
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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14
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Postpartum scarcity-adversity disrupts maternal behavior and induces a hypodopaminergic state in the rat dam and adult female offspring. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:488-496. [PMID: 34703012 PMCID: PMC8674224 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01210-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum adversity is among the strongest predictors for the emergence of postpartum depression (PPD) in humans and a translational risk factor employed in rodent models. Parental care is disturbed under conditions of environmental adversity, including low resource environments, and in PPD. Nonetheless, the neural changes associated with these adversity-induced maladaptive behavioral states remain poorly understood. Postpartum scarcity-adversity can be modeled in rats by providing the dam with limited bedding and nesting (LBN) materials, which mimics the effects of a stressful low resource environment in potentiating maltreatment/neglect in humans. Indeed, LBN exposure from postpartum days (PD) 2-9 increased adverse maternal behaviors, impaired pup retrieval, and increased passive stress coping responses. Since mesolimbic dopamine (DA) activity is an important mechanism for motivated maternal behavior and is implicated in PPD, we assessed the impact of postpartum scarcity-adversity on in vivo electrophysiological properties of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons at two timepoints. We found reduced numbers of active VTA DA neurons in LBN dams at PD 9-10 but not PD-21, suggesting a transient impact on VTA population activity in LBN dams. Finally, we assessed the impact of early life scarcity-adversity on VTA DA function by conducting VTA recordings in adult female offspring and found a long-lasting attenuation in DA activity. These findings highlight a link between adversity-induced deficits in DA function and disrupted maternal behavior, suggesting the VTA/mesolimbic DA system as a potential mechanism by which postpartum scarcity-adversity drives aberrant maternal behavior, and early postnatal programming of adult VTA function in the offspring.
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15
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Czéh B, Simon M. Benefits of animal models to understand the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110049. [PMID: 32735913 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a potentially life-threatening mental disorder imposing severe social and economic burden worldwide. Despite the existence of effective antidepressant treatment strategies the exact pathophysiology of the disease is still unknown. Large number of animal models of MDD have been developed over the years, but all of them suffer from significant shortcomings. Despite their limitations these models have been extensively used in academic research and drug development. The aim of this review is to highlight the benefits of animal models of MDD. We focus here on recent experimental data where animal models were used to examine current theories of this complex disease. We argue, that despite their evident imperfections, these models provide invaluable help to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of MDD. Furthermore, animal models are utilized in research to find clinically useful biomarkers. We discuss recent neuroimaging and microRNA studies since these investigations yielded promising candidates for biomarkers. Finally, we briefly summarize recent progresses in drug development, i.e. the FDA approval of two novel antidepressant drugs: S-ketamine and brexanolone (allopregnanolone). Deeper understanding of the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms of action responsible for the antidepressant efficacy of these rapid acting drugs could aid us to design further compounds with similar effectiveness, but less side effects. Animal studies are likely to provide valuable help in this endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boldizsár Czéh
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Maria Simon
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
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16
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Thippeswamy H, Davies W. A new molecular risk pathway for postpartum mood disorders: clues from steroid sulfatase-deficient individuals. Arch Womens Ment Health 2021; 24:391-401. [PMID: 33219387 PMCID: PMC8116278 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-020-01093-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum mood disorders develop shortly after childbirth in a significant proportion of women. These conditions are associated with a range of symptoms including abnormally high or low mood, irritability, cognitive disorganisation, disrupted sleep, hallucinations/delusions, and occasionally suicidal or infanticidal ideation; if not treated promptly, they can substantially impact upon the mother's health, mother-infant bonding, and family dynamics. The biological precipitants of such disorders remain unclear, although large changes in maternal immune and hormonal physiology following childbirth are likely to play a role. Pharmacological therapies for postpartum mood disorders can be effective, but may be associated with side effects, concerns relating to breastfeeding, and teratogenicity risks when used prophylactically. Furthermore, most of the drugs that are used to treat postpartum mood disorders are the same ones that are used to treat mood episodes during non-postpartum periods. A better understanding of the biological factors predisposing to postpartum mood disorders would allow for rational drug development, and the identification of predictive biomarkers to ensure that 'at risk' mothers receive earlier and more effective clinical management. We describe new findings relating to the role of the enzyme steroid sulfatase in maternal postpartum behavioural processes, and discuss how these point to a novel molecular risk pathway underlying postpartum mood disorders. Specifically, we suggest that aberrant steroid hormone-dependent regulation of neuronal calcium influx via extracellular matrix proteins and membrane receptors involved in responding to the cell's microenvironment might be important. Testing of this hypothesis might identify novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Thippeswamy
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | - William Davies
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. .,School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, 70, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK. .,Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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17
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Luo W, Lim PH, Wert SL, Gacek SA, Chen H, Redei EE. Hypothalamic Gene Expression and Postpartum Behavior in a Genetic Rat Model of Depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:589967. [PMID: 33192370 PMCID: PMC7649805 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.589967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression is a complex illness that often occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. Closely related inbred rat strains are a great resource to identify novel causative genes and mechanisms underlying complex traits such as postpartum behavior. We report differences in these behaviors between the inbred depression model, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) More Immobile (WMI), and the isogenic control Wistar Kyoto Less Immobile (WLI) dams. WMI dams showed significantly lower litter survival rate and frequency of arched back and blanket nursing, but increased pup-directed licking, grooming, and retrieval during postpartum days (PPD) 1-10, compared to control WLIs. This increased pup-directed behavior and the frequency of self-directed behaviors segregated during selective breeding of the progenitor strain of WKY, which is also a depression model. These behaviors are manifested in the WMIs in contrast to those of WLIs. Furthermore, habitual differences in the self-directed behavior between light and dark cycles present in WLIs were missing in WMI dams. Hypothalamic transcript levels of the circadian rhythm-related gene Lysine Demethylase 5A (Kdm5a), period 2 (Per2), and the maternal behavior-related oxytocin receptor (Oxtr), vasopressin (Avp), and vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a) were significantly greater in the post-weaning WMI dams at PPD 24 compared to those of WLIs, and also to those of WMI dams whose litter died before PPD 5. Expression correlation amongst genes differed in WLI and WMI dams and between the two time-points postpartum, suggesting genetic and litter-survival differences between these strains affect transcript levels. These data demonstrate that the genetically close, but behaviorally disparate WMI and WLI strains would be suitable for investigating the underlying genetic basis of postpartum behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Luo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Patrick H Lim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stephanie L Wert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stephanie A Gacek
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Eva E Redei
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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18
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Maternal Separation Model of Postpartum Depression: Potential Role for Nucleus Accumbens Dopamine D1-D2 Receptor Heteromer. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:2978-2990. [PMID: 33057844 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03145-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder with a distinct neurobiological and behavioural profile occurring during and after the postpartum period. Dopamine pathways in the limbic regions of the brain such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) have been shown to be involved in the etiology of depressive disorders. Selective activation of the dopamine D1-D2 receptor heteromer has been demonsrated to cause depressive- and anxiogenic-like behaviours in rats. The maternal separation model involving three hour daily maternal separation (MS) from pups on PPD 2-15 on anxiety-, depression- and anhedonia-like behaviors in the dams was investigated, together with plasma corticosterone, oxytocin and D1-D2 heteromer expression in the NAc core and shell in non-MS and MS dams. Depression, anxiety and anhedonia-like behaviours were measured using the forced swim test, elevated plus maze and sucrose preference test, respectively. In comparison to non-MS controls, MS dams displayed slightly higher depressive and anxiety-like behaviours with no difference in anhedonia-like behaviours. The MS dams displayed significantly increased care of pups after their retrieval with higher bouts of nursing, lower latency to nurse, lower bouts of out nest behaviour and decreased self-care. There was no significant alteration in D1-D2 heteromer expression in NAc core and shell between mothers of either group (MS, non-MS) or between postpartum rats and nonpregnant female rats, remaining higher than in male rats. This data provides evidence for the maternal separation model in producing a postpartum depression-like profile, but with maternal resilience able to modify behaviours to counteract any potential deleterious consequences to the pups.
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19
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Rincón-Cortés M, Grace AA. Adaptations in reward-related behaviors and mesolimbic dopamine function during motherhood and the postpartum period. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100839. [PMID: 32305528 PMCID: PMC7531575 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Initiation and maintenance of maternal behavior is driven by a complex interaction between the physiology of parturition and offspring stimulation, causing functional changes in maternal brain and behavior. Maternal behaviors are among the most robust and rewarding motivated behaviors. Mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system alterations during pregnancy and the postpartum enable enhanced reward-related responses to offspring stimuli. Here, we review behavioral evidence demonstrating postpartum rodents exhibit a bias towards pups and pup-related stimuli in reward-related tasks. Next, we provide an overview of normative adaptations in the mesolimbic DA system induced by parturition and the postpartum, which likely mediate shifts in offspring valence. We also discuss a causal link between dopaminergic dysfunction and disrupted maternal behaviors, which are recapitulated in postpartum depression (PPD) and relevant rodent models. In sum, mesolimbic DA system activation drives infant-seeking behavior and strengthens the mother-infant bond, potentially representing a therapeutic target for reward-related deficits in PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millie Rincón-Cortés
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, United States.
| | - Anthony A Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, United States
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20
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Hou W, He Z, Yang Y, Yuan W, Wang L, Zhang J, Zhang X, Cai W, Guo Q, Tai F. The involvement of oxytocin in the effects of chronic social defeat stress on emotional behaviours in adult female mandarin voles. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:2853-2872. [PMID: 32011013 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) can induce anxiety and depression in male rodents, but the prevalence of anxiety and depression is much higher in females, and effects of CSDS on adult females and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. Oxytocin is a stress-buffering hormone in the brain that modulates the physiological effects of stress. Strikingly, research regarding the effect of oxytocin on emotional changes caused by CSDS is still lacking in females. Thus, we focused on the involvement of the oxytocin system in changes in emotional regulation induced by CSDS in female voles. Seventy-day-old female mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus) were exposed to aggressive adult females for 14 days, and the effects of CSDS on emotion and regulation of oxytocin system were characterized. In addition, we injected vehicle, oxytocin and oxytocin receptor antagonist into the nucleus accumbens (Nacc) of female voles to investigate the involvement of Nacc oxytocin in the effect of CSDS on emotion. Herein, we reported that CSDS increased anxiety and depression-like behaviour and the circulating level of corticosterone, but decreased the number of oxytocin projections and the protein and mRNA expression levels of oxytocin receptor in the Nacc. Injection of oxytocin into the Nacc reversed the effects of CSDS on anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviour, whereas combined injections of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor antagonist eliminated these effects. In conclusion, CSDS increases the levels of anxiety and depression possibly via a reduction in oxytocin projections and the oxytocin receptor level in the Nacc. Nacc oxytocin may be involved in the effects of CSDS on emotional behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhixiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Limin Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xueni Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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21
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Zoubovsky SP, Hoseus S, Tumukuntala S, Schulkin JO, Williams MT, Vorhees CV, Muglia LJ. Chronic psychosocial stress during pregnancy affects maternal behavior and neuroendocrine function and modulates hypothalamic CRH and nuclear steroid receptor expression. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:6. [PMID: 32066677 PMCID: PMC7026416 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0704-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 20% of mothers and has negative consequences for both mother and child. Although exposure to psychosocial stress during pregnancy and abnormalities in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis have been linked to PPD, molecular changes in the brain that contribute to this disease remain unknown. This study utilized a novel chronic psychosocial stress paradigm during pregnancy (CGS) to investigate the effects of psychosocial stress on maternal behavior, neuroendocrine function, and gene expression changes in molecular regulators of the HPA axis in the early postpartum period. Postpartum female mice exposed to CGS display abnormalities in maternal behavior, including fragmented and erratic maternal care patterns, and the emergence of depression and anxiety-like phenotypes. Dysregulation in postpartum HPA axis function, evidenced by blunted circadian peak and elevation of stress-induced corticosterone levels, was accompanied by increased CRH mRNA expression and a reduction in CRH receptor 1 in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). We further observed decreased PVN expression of nuclear steroid hormone receptors associated with CRH transcription, suggesting these molecular changes could underlie abnormalities in postpartum HPA axis and behavior observed. Overall, our study demonstrates that psychosocial stress during pregnancy induces changes in neuroendocrine function and maternal behavior in the early postpartum period and introduces our CGS paradigm as a viable model that can be used to further dissect the molecular defects that lead to PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra P Zoubovsky
- Center for the Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sarah Hoseus
- Center for the Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shivani Tumukuntala
- Center for the Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jay O Schulkin
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael T Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Charles V Vorhees
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Center for the Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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22
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Maguire J, McCormack C, Mitchell A, Monk C. Neurobiology of maternal mental illness. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 171:97-116. [PMID: 32736761 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64239-4.00005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of current research discoveries beginning to uncover the neurobiology of maternal mental illness. Results are described according to standard diagnostic categories (specifically, perinatal depression, perinatal anxiety and OCD, postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, and trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder), yet we aim to put this approach in context with the introduction of a classification model for psychiatric research, the research domain criteria, gaining traction in basic and clinical translational fields. We first review a new area of study, the neuroplasticity of the pregnant and postpartum brain, as work here has relevance for understanding the pathophysiology of mental disorders and may provide clues to changes in brain functioning that are related to compromised parenting in the context of postpartum depression. We next provide background information on neuroendocrine and immune changes during pregnancy and, to a lesser extent, the postpartum period, as alterations in these systems are significantly implicated in underlying neurobiology of mental illness for peripartum women. Our discussion of the major mental illnesses for pregnant and postpartum women includes neuroendocrine changes, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter alterations, as well as circuit dysfunction. Overall, remarkable progress has been made in identifying variations in neurobiology (and related systems) involved in maternal mental illness; yet, it is clear that, as classified with standard diagnostic systems, these are heterogeneous disorders and there is individual variability in the alterations in neurobiology for the same illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Clare McCormack
- Center for Science and Society, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anika Mitchell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Catherine Monk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States.
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23
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Allopregnanolone-based treatments for postpartum depression: Why/how do they work? Neurobiol Stress 2019; 11:100198. [PMID: 31709278 PMCID: PMC6838978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent FDA approval of an allopregnanolone-based treatment specifically for postpartum depression, brexanolone, now commercially called Zulresso®, is an exciting development for patients and families impacted by postpartum depression and allows us to start asking questions about why and how this compound is so effective. Allopregnanolone is a neuroactive steroid, or neurosteroid, which can be synthesized from steroid hormone precursors, such as progesterone, or synthesized de novo from cholesterol. Neurosteroids are positive allosteric modulators at GABAA receptors (GABAARs), a property which is thought to mediate the therapeutic effects of these compounds. However, the durability of effect of brexanolone in clinical trials questions the mechanism of action mediating the remarkable antidepressant effects, leading us to ask why and how does this drug work. Asking why this drug is effective may provide insight into the underlying neurobiology of postpartum depression. Exploring how this drug works will potentially elucidate a novel antidepressant mechanism of action and may provide useful information for next generation drug development. In this review, we examine the clinical and preclinical evidence supporting a role for allopregnanolone in the underlying neurobiology of postpartum depression as well as foundational evidence supporting the therapeutic effects of allopregnanolone for treatment of postpartum depression.
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24
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Hillerer KM, Slattery DA, Pletzer B. Neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex-related differences in stress-related disorders: Effects of neuroactive steroids on the hippocampus. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100796. [PMID: 31580837 PMCID: PMC7115954 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Men and women differ in their vulnerability to a variety of stress-related illnesses, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not well understood. This is likely due to a comparative dearth of neurobiological studies that assess male and female rodents at the same time, while human neuroimaging studies often don't model sex as a variable of interest. These sex differences are often attributed to the actions of sex hormones, i.e. estrogens, progestogens and androgens. In this review, we summarize the results on sex hormone actions in the hippocampus and seek to bridge the gap between animal models and findings in humans. However, while effects of sex hormones on the hippocampus are largely consistent in animals and humans, methodological differences challenge the comparability of animal and human studies on stress effects. We summarise our current understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie sex-related differences in behavior and discuss implications for stress-related illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Hillerer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Salzburger Landeskrankenhaus (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Clinical Research Center Salzburg (CRCS), Salzburg, Austria.
| | - David A Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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25
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Post C, Leuner B. The maternal reward system in postpartum depression. Arch Womens Ment Health 2019; 22:417-429. [PMID: 30554286 PMCID: PMC6784840 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-018-0926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The experience of motherhood is most often emotionally positive and rewarding, but for many new mothers suffering from postpartum depression (PPD), this is not the case. Preclinical and clinical research has sought to uncover brain changes underlying PPD in order to gain a better understanding of how this disorder develops. This review focuses on the mesolimbic dopamine system, particularly the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens pathway which has been implicated in the regulation of critical functions disrupted in PPD including mood, motivation, and mothering. Specifically, we discuss normative changes in the mesolimbic system during motherhood in both rodents and humans and how these are impacted in PPD. We also consider modulation of mesolimbic dopamine by the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin and how oxytocin-dopamine interactions regulate mood and mothering during the postpartum period. In addition to providing an overview of reward mechanisms in PPD, our goal is to highlight open questions which warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Post
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Benedetta Leuner
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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26
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Perinatal Depression: Embracing Variability toward Better Treatment and Outcomes. Neuron 2019; 102:13-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Pawluski JL, Li M, Lonstein JS. Serotonin and motherhood: From molecules to mood. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 53:100742. [PMID: 30878665 PMCID: PMC6541513 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Emerging research points to a valuable role of the monoamine neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the display of maternal behaviors and reproduction-associated plasticity in the maternal brain. Serotonin is also implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous affective disorders and likely plays an important role in the pathophysiology of maternal mental illness. Therefore, the main goals of this review are to detail: (1) how the serotonin system of the female brain changes across pregnancy and postpartum; (2) the role of the central serotonergic system in maternal caregiving and maternal aggression; and (3) how the serotonin system and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) are involved in the treatment of maternal mental illness. Although there is much work to be done, studying the central serotonin system's multifaceted role in the maternal brain is vital to our understanding of the processes governing matrescence and the maintenance of motherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L Pawluski
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0308, USA.
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program & Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Hu Z, Du X, Yang Y, Botchway BOA, Fang M. Progesterone and fluoxetine treatments of postpartum depressive-like behavior in rat model. Cell Biol Int 2019; 43:539-552. [PMID: 30811083 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Research studies have indicated that alterations in plasma progesterone levels might be associated with the hippocampal synaptic plasticity of postpartum depressive-like behavior. Herein, we assess both progesterone and fluoxetine effects in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats with postpartum depressive-like behavior. Depressive-like behavior of postpartum rats was established using chronic ultra-mild stress (CUMS) method for 1 week from gestation day 15. Postpartum rats that showed depressive-like behavior were treated with either progesterone (subcutaneously, 0.5 mg/kg) from gestation day 17 to gestation day 22 or fluoxetine (by gavage, 10 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks after birth. Open field and sucrose preference tests were conducted at the start, week 2 and week 4 postpartum. Golgi staining, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses of rats' hippocampi were conducted on week 4 postpartum. Results showed CUMS increases depressive-like behavior, however, treatment with progesterone and fluoxetine improves this behavior. Both progesterone and fluoxetine treatments increase the numbers of dendritic spines pyramidal neurons in the CA3 region of the hippocampus as well as protein expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and synaptophysin (SYP). CUMS-induced decrement of MAP-2 and SYP protein expressions can be prevented by treatment with progesterone in advanced pregnant stage and fluoxetine in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Hu
- Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxue Du
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Benson O A Botchway
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Marong Fang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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Maguire J. Neuroactive Steroids and GABAergic Involvement in the Neuroendocrine Dysfunction Associated With Major Depressive Disorder and Postpartum Depression. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:83. [PMID: 30906252 PMCID: PMC6418819 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and previous adverse life events are well-established risk factors for depression. Further, neuroendocrine disruptions are associated with both major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD). However, the mechanisms whereby stress contributes to the underlying neurobiology of depression remains poorly understood. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which mediates the body's neuroendocrine response to stress, is tightly controlled by GABAergic signaling and there is accumulating evidence that GABAergic dysfunction contributes to the impact of stress on depression. GABAergic signaling plays a critical role in the neurobiological effects of stress, not only by tightly controlling the activity of the HPA axis, but also mediating stress effects in stress-related brain regions. Deficits in neuroactive steroids and neurosteroids, some of which are positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors (GABAARs), such as allopregnanolone and THDOC, have also been implicated in MDD and PPD, further supporting a role for GABAergic signaling in depression. Alterations in neurosteroid levels and GABAergic signaling are implicated as potential contributing factors to neuroendocrine dysfunction and vulnerability to MDD and PPD. Further, potential novel treatment strategies targeting these proposed underlying neurobiological mechanisms are discussed. The evidence summarized in the current review supports the notion that MDD and PPD are stress-related psychiatric disorders involving neurosteroids and GABAergic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Maguire
- Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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Eid RS, Gobinath AR, Galea LAM. Sex differences in depression: Insights from clinical and preclinical studies. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 176:86-102. [PMID: 30721749 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Depression represents a global mental health concern, and disproportionally affects women as they are twice more likely to be diagnosed than men. In this review, we provide a summary of evidence to support the notion that differences in depression between men and women span multiple facets of the disease, including epidemiology, symptomology, treatment, and pathophysiology. Through a lens of biological sex, we overview depression-related transcriptional patterns, changes in neuroanatomy and neuroplasticity, and immune signatures. We acknowledge the unique physiological and behavioral demands of pregnancy and motherhood by devoting special attention to depression occurring in the peripartum period. Specifically, we discuss issues surrounding the presentation, time course, treatment, and neurobiology of peripartum depression. We write this review with the intention of highlighting the encouraging advancements in our understanding of sex differences in depression, while underscoring the gaps that remain. A more systematic consideration of biological sex as a variable in depression research will be critical in the discovery and development of pharmacotherapies that are efficacious for both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rand S Eid
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aarthi R Gobinath
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Payne JL, Maguire J. Pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in postpartum depression. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 52:165-180. [PMID: 30552910 PMCID: PMC6370514 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to summarize the diverse proposed pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to postpartum depression, highlighting both clinical and basic science research findings. The risk factors for developing postpartum depression are discussed, which may provide insight into potential neurobiological underpinnings. The evidence supporting a role for neuroendocrine changes, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter alterations, circuit dysfunction, and the involvement of genetics and epigenetics in the pathophysiology of postpartum depression are discussed. This review integrates clinical and preclinical findings and highlights the diversity in the patient population, in which numerous pathophysiological changes may contribute to this disorder. Finally, we attempt to integrate these findings to understand how diverse neurobiological changes may contribute to a common pathological phenotype. This review is meant to serve as a comprehensive resource reviewing the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms underlying postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Payne
- Department of Psychiatry, Women's Mood Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jamie Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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32
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Ma L, Demin KA, Kolesnikova TO, Kharsko SL, Zhu X, Yuan X, Song C, Meshalkina DA, Leonard BE, Tian L, Kalueff AV. Animal inflammation-based models of depression and their application to drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:995-1009. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1362385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Xiaokang Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaodong Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Kailuan General Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Cai Song
- Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Department of Medical Research, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Darya A. Meshalkina
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine (ITBM), St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Brian E. Leonard
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Li Tian
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Psychiatry Research Centre, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Allan V. Kalueff
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine (ITBM), St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Institute of Chemical Technologies, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
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What about me? The loss of self through the experience of traumatic childbirth. Midwifery 2017; 51:1-11. [PMID: 28494225 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE birth trauma has become an increasingly recognised maternal mental health issue and has important implications for both mother and infant. The importance of subjective birth experience in the development of birth trauma has been identified and may mediate the lack of theoretical consistency in this area. The current study aims to explore the subjective experience of birth trauma among first time mothers in Ireland. It aims to separate the potential effects of peripartum depression (PPD) from this in limiting this qualitative investigation to women who reported birth trauma, without PPD. DESIGN mixed methods: Quantitative methods facilitated the recruitment of participants, the selection of a homogenous sample and addressed previous methodological flaws in birth trauma research. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore the subjective experience of traumatic childbirth. PARTICIPANTS seven, first- time mothers who reported a traumatic childbirth, without significant symptoms of PPD participated. MEASUREMENT AND FINDINGS screening measures of birth trauma and PPD were completed by participants. A semi-structured interview was then conducted with each participant about their childbirth experience. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using IPA. The primary superordinate theme recounted how the identity and individuality of women is ignored and discounted, throughout the process of childbirth. Identity is challenged and altered as a result of women's incompatibility with the maternity system. CONCLUSIONS this study supports the existence of birth trauma in an Irish context and highlights the subjective experience of women as central to the development of birth trauma. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE acknowledgement and inclusion of the mother as an individual throughout the process of childbirth may be protective in limiting the experience of birth trauma.
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34
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Slattery DA, Cryan JF. Modelling depression in animals: at the interface of reward and stress pathways. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1451-1465. [PMID: 28224183 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4552-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Despite substantial research efforts the aetiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) remains poorly understood, which is due in part to the heterogeneity of the disorder and the complexity of designing appropriate animal models. However, in the last few decades, a focus on the development of novel stress-based paradigms and a focus on using hedonic/anhedonic behaviour have led to renewed optimism in the use of animal models to assess aspects of MDD. OBJECTIVES Therefore, in this review article, dedicated to Athina Markou, we summarise the use of stress-based animal models for studying MDD in rodents and how reward-related readouts can be used to validate/assess the model and/or treatment. RESULTS We reveal the use and limitations of chronic stress paradigms, which we split into non-social (i.e. chronic mild stress), social (i.e. chronic social defeat) and drug-withdrawal paradigms for studying MDD and detail numerous reward-related readouts that are employed in preclinical research. Finally, we finish with a section regarding important factors to consider when using animal models. CONCLUSIONS One of the most consistent findings following chronic stress exposure in rodents is a disruption of the brain reward system, which can be easily assessed using sucrose, social interaction, food, drug of abuse or intracranial self-stimulation as a readout. Probing the underlying causes of such alterations is providing a greater understanding of the potential systems and processes that are disrupted in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Slattery
- Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Str. 10, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - J F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Institute, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Avraham Y, Hants Y, Vorobeiv L, Staum M, Abu Ahmad W, Mankuta D, Galun E, Arbel-Alon S. Brain neurotransmitters in an animal model with postpartum depressive-like behavior. Behav Brain Res 2017; 326:307-321. [PMID: 28300619 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Post-Partum Depression (PPD) occurs in 15% of pregnancies and its patho-physiology is not known. We studied female BALB/c ("depressive") and C57BL/6 (control) mice as a model for PPD and assessed their behavior and correlates with brain neurotransmitters (NTs) - norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and intermediates, during the pre-pregnancy (PREP), pregnancy (PREG) and post-partum (PP) periods. Depressive-like behavior was evaluated by the Open Field (OFT), Tail Suspension (TST) and Forced Swim (FST) tests. Neurotransmitters (NTs) were determined in the striatum (care-giving), hippocampus (cognitive function) and hypothalamus (maternal care & eating behavior). In the BALB/c mice, while their performance in all behavioral tests was significantly reduced during pregnancy and P-P indicative of the development of depressive-like responses, no changes were observed in the C57BL/6 mice. Changes in NTs in BALB/C were as follows: PREP, all NTs in the three brain areas were decreased, although an increase in dopamine release was observed in the hippocampus. PREG: No changes were observed in the NTs except for a decrease in 5-HT in the striatum. P-P: striatum, low 5-HT, NE and dopamine; Hippocampus: low 5-HT, NE and high Dopamine; hypothalamus: all NTs increased, especially NE. Following pregnancy and delivery, the BALB/c mice developed depressive-like behavior associated with a significant decrease in 5-HT, dopamine and NE in the striatum and 5-HT and NE in the hippocampus. Dopamine increased in the latter together with a significant increase in all NTs in the hypothalamus. These findings suggest that the development of PPD may be associated with NT changes. Normalization of these alterations may have a role in the treatment of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Avraham
- Department of Metabolism and Human Nutrition, Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Y Hants
- Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - L Vorobeiv
- Department of Metabolism and Human Nutrition, Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - M Staum
- Department of Metabolism and Human Nutrition, Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wiessam Abu Ahmad
- Department of Metabolism and Human Nutrition, Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - D Mankuta
- Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - E Galun
- Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - S Arbel-Alon
- Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
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36
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Kroll-Desrosiers AR, Nephew BC, Babb JA, Guilarte-Walker Y, Moore Simas TA, Deligiannidis KM. Association of peripartum synthetic oxytocin administration and depressive and anxiety disorders within the first postpartum year. Depress Anxiety 2017; 34:137-146. [PMID: 28133901 PMCID: PMC5310833 DOI: 10.1002/da.22599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to its potent effects on social behavior, including maternal behavior, oxytocin has been identified as a potential mediator of postpartum depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between peripartum synthetic oxytocin administration and the development of depressive and anxiety disorders within the first year postpartum. We hypothesized that women exposed to peripartum synthetic oxytocin would have a reduced risk of postpartum depressive and anxiety disorders compared with those without any exposure. METHODS Population-based data available through the Massachusetts Integrated Clinical Academic Research Database (MiCARD) were used to retrospectively (2005-2014) examine this relationship and calculate the relative risk of peripartum synthetic oxytocin for the development of postpartum depressive and anxiety disorders in exposed (n = 9,684) compared to unexposed (n = 37,048) deliveries. RESULTS Among deliveries to women with a history of prepregnancy depressive or anxiety disorder, exposure to peripartum oxytocin increased the risk of postpartum depressive or anxiety disorder by 36% (relative risk (RR): 1.36; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.20-1.55). In deliveries to women with no history of prepregnancy depressive or anxiety disorder, exposure to peripartum oxytocin increased the risk of postpartum depressive or anxiety disorder by 32% compared to those not exposed (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.23-1.42). CONCLUSIONS Contrary to our hypothesis, results indicate that women with peripartum exposure to synthetic oxytocin had a higher relative risk of receiving a documented depressive or anxiety disorder diagnosis or antidepressant/anxiolytic prescription within the first year postpartum than women without synthetic oxytocin exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee R. Kroll-Desrosiers
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Benjamin C. Nephew
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536
| | - Jessica A. Babb
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yurima Guilarte-Walker
- Department of Information Technology – Research Computing, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Tiffany A. Moore Simas
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, 01655
| | - Kristina M. Deligiannidis
- Women’s Mental Health Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655
- Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, NY, NY 11004
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Social stress during lactation, depressed maternal care, and neuropeptidergic gene expression. Behav Pharmacol 2016; 26:642-53. [PMID: 26061353 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety can be severely detrimental to the health of both the affected woman and her offspring. In a rodent model of postpartum depression and anxiety, chronic social stress exposure during lactation induces deficits in maternal care and increases anxiety. Here, we extend previous findings by expanding the behavioral analyses, assessing lactation, and examining several neural systems within amygdalar and hypothalamic regions involved in the control of the stress response and expression of maternal care that may be mediating the behavioral changes in stressed dams. Compared with control dams, those exposed to chronic social stress beginning on day 2 of lactation show impaired maternal care and lactation and increased maternal anxiety on day 9 of lactation. Saccharin-based anhedonia and maternal aggression were increased and lactation was also impaired on day 16 of lactation. These behavioral changes were correlated with a decrease in oxytocin mRNA expression in the medial amygdala, and increases in the expressions of corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA in the central nucleus of the amygdala, glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus, and orexin 2 receptor mRNA in the supraoptic nucleus of stressed compared with control dams. The increase in glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus was negatively correlated with methylation of a CpG site in the promoter region. In conclusion, the data support the hypothesis that social stress during lactation can have profound effects on maternal care, lactation, and anxiety, and that these behavioral effects are mediated by central changes in stress and maternally relevant neuropeptide systems.
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Maternal alterations in the proteome of the medial prefrontal cortex in rat. J Proteomics 2016; 153:65-77. [PMID: 27233742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic differences between rat dams and control mothers deprived of their pups immediately after delivery were investigated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). A 2-D DIGE minimal dye technique combined with LC-MS/MS identified 32 different proteins that showed significant changes in expression in the mPFC, of which, 25 were upregulated and 7 were downregulated in dams. The identity of one significantly increased protein, the small heat-shock protein alpha-crystallin B chain (Cryab), was confirmed via Western blot analysis. Alpha-crystallin B chain was distributed in scattered cells in the mPFC, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, it was found to be localized in parvalbumin-containing neurons using double labeling. The elevation of its mRNA level in rat dams was also demonstrated via RT-PCR. The functional classification of the altered proteins was conducted using the UniProt and Gene Ontology protein databases. The identified proteins predominantly participate in synaptic transport and plasticity, neuron development, oxidative stress and apoptosis, and cytoskeleton organization. A common regulator and target analysis of these proteins determined using the Elsevier Pathway Studio Platform suggests that protein level changes associated with pup nursing are driven by growth factors and cytokines, while the MAP kinase pathway was identified as a common target. A high proportion of the proteins that were found to be altered in the mPFC are associated with depression. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE The behavior and emotional state of females change robustly when they become mothers. The brain, which governs these changes, may also undergo molecular alterations in mothers. As no proteomics approaches have been applied regarding maternal changes in the brain, we addressed this issue in the mPFC as this brain area is the uppermost cortical center of maternal control and the associated mood changes. The high number of protein-level alterations found between mothers taking care of their litter and those without pups indicates that pup nursing is associated with cortical protein-level changes. Alterations in proteins participating in synaptic transport, plasticity and neuron development suggest neuroplastic changes in the maternal brain. In turn, the relatively high number of altered proteins in the mPFC associated with depression suggests that the physiological effects of the protein-level alterations in the maternal mPFC could promote the incidence of postpartum depression. Cryab, a protein confirmed to be increased during maternal behaviors, was selectively found in parvalbumin cells, which, as fast-spiking interneurons, are associated with depression. The function of Cryab should be further investigated to establish whether it can be used to identify drug targets for future drug development.
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Slattery DA, Hillerer KM. The maternal brain under stress: Consequences for adaptive peripartum plasticity and its potential functional implications. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 41:114-28. [PMID: 26828151 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The peripartum period represents a time during which all mammalian species undergo substantial physiological and behavioural changes, which prepare the female for the demands of motherhood. In addition to behavioural and physiological alterations, numerous brain regions, such as the medial prefrontal cortex, olfactory bulb, medial amygdala and hippocampus are subject to substantial peripartum-associated neuronal, dendritic and synaptic plasticity. These changes, which are temporally- and spatially-distinct, are strongly influenced by gonadal and adrenal hormones, such as estrogen and cortisol/corticosterone, which undergo dramatic fluctuations across this period. In this review, we describe our current knowledge regarding these plasticity changes and describe how stress affects such normal adaptations. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms potentially underlying these neuronal, dendritic and synaptic changes and their functional relevance for the mother and her offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Slattery
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katharina M Hillerer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Salzburger Landeskrankenhaus (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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40
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Leuner B, Sabihi S. The birth of new neurons in the maternal brain: Hormonal regulation and functional implications. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 41:99-113. [PMID: 26969795 PMCID: PMC4942360 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The maternal brain is remarkably plastic and exhibits multifaceted neural modifications. Neurogenesis has emerged as one of the mechanisms by which the maternal brain exhibits plasticity. This review highlights what is currently known about peripartum-associated changes in adult neurogenesis and the underlying hormonal mechanisms. We also consider the functional consequences of neurogenesis in the peripartum brain and extent to which this process may play a role in maternal care, cognitive function and postpartum mood. Finally, while most work investigating the effects of parenting on adult neurogenesis has focused on mothers, a few studies have examined fathers and these results are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Leuner
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA; The Ohio State University, Department of Neuroscience, Columbus, OH, USA; The Ohio State University, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Group, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Sara Sabihi
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA
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41
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Brummelte S, Galea LAM. Postpartum depression: Etiology, treatment and consequences for maternal care. Horm Behav 2016; 77:153-66. [PMID: 26319224 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Parental Care". Pregnancy and postpartum are associated with dramatic alterations in steroid and peptide hormones which alter the mothers' hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axes. Dysregulations in these endocrine axes are related to mood disorders and as such it should not come as a major surprise that pregnancy and the postpartum period can have profound effects on maternal mood. Indeed, pregnancy and postpartum are associated with an increased risk for developing depressive symptoms in women. Postpartum depression affects approximately 10-15% of women and impairs mother-infant interactions that in turn are important for child development. Maternal attachment, sensitivity and parenting style are essential for a healthy maturation of an infant's social, cognitive and behavioral skills and depressed mothers often display less attachment, sensitivity and more harsh or disrupted parenting behaviors, which may contribute to reports of adverse child outcomes in children of depressed mothers. Here we review, in honor of the "father of motherhood", Jay Rosenblatt, the literature on postnatal depression in the mother and its effect on mother-infant interactions. We will cover clinical and pre-clinical findings highlighting putative neurobiological mechanisms underlying postpartum depression and how they relate to maternal behaviors and infant outcome. We also review animal models that investigate the neurobiology of maternal mood and disrupted maternal care. In particular, we discuss the implications of endogenous and exogenous manipulations of glucocorticoids on maternal care and mood. Lastly we discuss interventions during gestation and postpartum that may improve maternal symptoms and behavior and thus may alter developmental outcome of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Dept. of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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42
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Weaver SR, Cronick CM, Prichard AP, Laporta J, Benevenga NJ, Hernandez LL. Use of the RatLoft decreases pup mortality in lactating mice. Lab Anim 2015; 50:370-8. [PMID: 26568578 DOI: 10.1177/0023677215617388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Lactating mice in laboratory conditions are thought to be under considerable stress. Dams may manifest this stress through a decrease in milk yield and/or increase in infanticide. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of access to an environmental enrichment device called the RatLoft on milk yield, circulating serotonin, and pup mortality using both wild-type mice and mice genetically deficient in tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1(-/-); the rate-limiting enzyme in the non-neuronal serotonin synthesis pathway). Presence or absence of the RatLoft did not affect milk yield or circulating serotonin concentrations overall, but serotonin concentrations decreased throughout the 21-day lactation period. Serotonin concentrations were increased in TPH1-deficient mice with access to the RatLoft compared with those without the RatLoft on day 21. Pup mortality tended to decrease for dams with access to the RatLoft as compared to no RatLoft. Within the TPH1(-/-) groups, dams with access to the RatLoft tended to kill less pups per dam than dams without the RatLoft. These results demonstrate that access to the RatLoft during lactation decreases pup infanticide by dams. This environmental enrichment may be particularly beneficial to TPH1(-/-) dams that, in addition to decreased infanticide, had increased serotonin concentrations, possibly indicating enhanced well-being. Use of the RatLoft could prove beneficial to researchers working with lactating mouse models to increase the number of pups weaned and positively impact the welfare of the dam.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Weaver
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - C M Cronick
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - A P Prichard
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - J Laporta
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - N J Benevenga
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - L L Hernandez
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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43
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Lawrence AJ, Cryan JF. Found in translation? Commentary on a BJP themed issue about animal models in neuropsychiatry research. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:4521-3. [PMID: 25257223 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This themed issue of Br J Pharmacol is dedicated to the utility and needs of animal models in psychiatry research. The following articles document strengths and weaknesses, indicate areas where better models are sorely needed and provide examples where pharmacological studies may result in mechanistic breakthrough and aid in drug development. In addition, complicating factors both in disease and treatment strategies are canvassed, such as sex differences, genetic and environmental influences. While not exhaustive, the intention was to use a number of exemplars to stimulate discussion around how animal models can aid in improving our understanding and treatment of many devastating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Szabó ÉR, Cservenák M, Lutz TA, Gévai L, Endrényi M, Simon L, Dobolyi Á. Behavioural changes in mothers and maternally sensitised female mice. BEHAVIOUR 2015. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The maternal motivation and depression-like behaviour of primiparous mother and maternally sensitised virgin female mice were investigated. During a 1-h test period, dams and sensitised female mice spent significantly more time in pup-associated than in control cages when they could freely choose between them, while virgin control and ovariectomised females had no such preference. In the forced swim test, the time spent in active (swimming and struggling) and passive (floating) behaviours was measured for 6 min. Mother mice spent more time engaged in active behaviours than virgin and sensitised female mice, while the latter two groups did not differ from each other in the forced swim test. The results suggest that maternal motivation is increased in postpartum mothers and maternally sensitised female mice. We also provide the first demonstration that postpartum mother mice display anti-depression-like behaviours in the forced swim test, while maternally sensitised females do not show such emotional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva R. Szabó
- aMTA-ELTE-NAP B Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- bLaboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Melinda Cservenák
- aMTA-ELTE-NAP B Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- bLaboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Thomas A. Lutz
- cInstitute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lőrinc Gévai
- dSensorimotory Adaptation and Vestibular Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Endrényi
- dSensorimotory Adaptation and Vestibular Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Simon
- dSensorimotory Adaptation and Vestibular Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Árpád Dobolyi
- aMTA-ELTE-NAP B Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- bLaboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Haim A, Sherer M, Leuner B. Gestational stress induces persistent depressive-like behavior and structural modifications within the postpartum nucleus accumbens. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 40:3766-73. [PMID: 25359225 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication following childbirth experienced by one in every five new mothers. Pregnancy stress enhances vulnerability to PPD and has also been shown to increase depressive-like behavior in postpartum rats. Thus, gestational stress may be an important translational risk factor that can be used to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying PPD. Here we examined the effects of gestational stress on depressive-like behavior during the early/mid and late postpartum periods and evaluated whether this was accompanied by altered structural plasticity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region that has been linked to PPD. We show that early/mid (postpartum day 8) postpartum female rats exhibited more depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test as compared with late postpartum females (postpartum day 22). However, 2 weeks of restraint stress during pregnancy increased depressive-like behavior regardless of postpartum timepoint. In addition, dendritic length, branching and spine density on medium spiny neurons in the NAc shell were diminished in postpartum rats that experienced gestational stress although stress-induced reductions in spine density were evident only in early/mid postpartum females. In the NAc core, structural plasticity was not affected by gestational stress but late postpartum females exhibited lower spine density and reduced dendritic length. Overall, these data not only demonstrate structural changes in the NAc across the postpartum period, they also show that postpartum depressive-like behavior following exposure to gestational stress is associated with compromised structural plasticity in the NAc and thus may provide insight into the neural changes that could contribute to PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achikam Haim
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Galea LA, Leuner B, Slattery DA. Hippocampal plasticity during the peripartum period: influence of sex steroids, stress and ageing. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:641-8. [PMID: 25039797 PMCID: PMC4170229 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The peripartum period is accompanied by dramatic changes in hormones and a host of new behaviours in response to experience with offspring. Both maternal experience and maternal hormones can have a significant impact upon the brain and behaviour. This review outlines recent studies demonstrating modifications in hippocampal plasticity across the peripartum period, as well as the putative hormonal mechanisms underlying these changes and their modulation by stress. In addition, the impact of reproductive experience upon the ageing hippocampus is discussed. Finally, we consider how these changes in hippocampal structure may play a role in postpartum cognitive function and mood disorders, as well as age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa A.M. Galea
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CANADA
| | - Benedetta Leuner
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David A. Slattery
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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