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Binder MS, Escobar I, Xu Y, Sokolov AM, Zhang L, Bordey A. Reducing Filamin A Restores Cortical Synaptic Connectivity and Early Social Communication Following Cellular Mosaicism in Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathways. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1245232024. [PMID: 39164108 PMCID: PMC11426378 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1245-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Communication in the form of nonverbal, social vocalization, or crying is evolutionary conserved in mammals and is impaired early in human infants that are later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Defects in infant vocalization have been proposed as an early sign of ASD that may exacerbate ASD development. However, the neural mechanisms associated with early communicative deficits in ASD are not known. Here, we expressed a constitutively active mutant of Rheb (RhebS16H), which is known to upregulate two ASD core pathways, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and ERK1/2, in Layer (L) 2/3 pyramidal neurons of the neocortex of mice of either sex. We found that cellular mosaic expression of RhebS16H in L2/3 pyramidal neurons altered the production of isolation calls from neonatal mice. This was accompanied by an expected misplacement of neurons and dendrite overgrowth, along with an unexpected increase in spine density and length, which was associated with increased excitatory synaptic activity. This contrasted with the known decrease in spine density in RhebS16H neurons of 1-month-old mice. Reducing the levels of the actin cross-linking and adaptor protein filamin A (FLNA), known to be increased downstream of ERK1/2, attenuated dendrite overgrowth and fully restored spine properties, synaptic connectivity, and the production of pup isolation calls. These findings suggest that upper-layer cortical pyramidal neurons contribute to communicative deficits in a condition known to affect two core ASD pathways and that these mechanisms are regulated by FLNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Binder
- Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8082
| | - Iris Escobar
- Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8082
| | - Youfen Xu
- Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8082
| | - Aidan M Sokolov
- Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8082
| | - Longbo Zhang
- Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8082
| | - Angélique Bordey
- Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8082
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Vellucci L, De Simone G, Morley-Fletcher S, Buonaguro EF, Avagliano C, Barone A, Maccari S, Iasevoli F, de Bartolomeis A. Perinatal stress modulates glutamatergic functional connectivity: A post-synaptic density immediate early gene-based network analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111032. [PMID: 38762163 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111032] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Early life stress may induce synaptic changes within brain regions associated with behavioral disorders. Here, we investigated glutamatergic functional connectivity by a postsynaptic density immediate-early gene-based network analysis. Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups: one exposed to stress sessions and the other serving as a stress-free control group. Homer1 expression was evaluated by in situ hybridization technique in eighty-eight brain regions of interest of male rat offspring. Differences between the perinatal stress exposed group (PRS) (n = 5) and the control group (CTR) (n = 5) were assessed by performing the Student's t-test via SPSS 28.0.1.0 with Bonferroni correction. Additionally, all possible pairwise Spearman's correlations were computed as well as correlation matrices and networks for each experimental group were generated via RStudio and Cytoscape. Perinatal stress exposure was associated with Homer1a reduction in several cortical, thalamic, and striatal regions. Furthermore, it was found to affect functional connectivity between: the lateral septal nucleus, the central medial thalamic nucleus, the anterior part of the paraventricular thalamic nucleus, and both retrosplenial granular b cortex and hippocampal regions; the orbitofrontal cortex, amygdaloid nuclei, and hippocampal regions; and lastly, among regions involved in limbic system. Finally, the PRS networks showed a significant reduction in multiple connections for the ventrolateral part of the anteroventral thalamic nucleus after perinatal stress exposure, as well as a decrease in the centrality of ventral anterior thalamic and amygdaloid nuclei suggestive of putative reduced cortical control over these regions. Within the present preclinical setting, perinatal stress exposure is a modifier of glutamatergic early gene-based functional connectivity in neuronal circuits involved in behaviors relevant to model neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licia Vellucci
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Simone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Morley-Fletcher
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, F-59000 Lille, France; International Associated Laboratory (LIA) "Perinatal Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases", Sapienza University of Rome - IRCCS, Neuromed, Rome, Italy and University of Lille - CNRS, UMR 8576, Lille, France
| | - Elisabetta Filomena Buonaguro
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Camilla Avagliano
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Maccari
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, F-59000 Lille, France; International Associated Laboratory (LIA) "Perinatal Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases", Sapienza University of Rome - IRCCS, Neuromed, Rome, Italy and University of Lille - CNRS, UMR 8576, Lille, France; Department of Science and Medical-Surgical Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Iasevoli
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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3
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Sharif A, Matsumoto J, Choijiljav C, Badarch A, Setogawa T, Nishijo H, Nishimaru H. Characterization of Ultrasonic Vocalization-Modulated Neurons in Rat Motor Cortex Based on Their Activity Modulation and Axonal Projection to the Periaqueductal Gray. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0452-23.2024. [PMID: 38490744 PMCID: PMC10988357 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0452-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Vocalization, a means of social communication, is prevalent among many species, including humans. Both rats and mice use ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in various social contexts and affective states. The motor cortex is hypothesized to be involved in precisely controlling USVs through connections with critical regions of the brain for vocalization, such as the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). However, it is unclear how neurons in the motor cortex are modulated during USVs. Moreover, the relationship between USV modulation of neurons and anatomical connections from the motor cortex to PAG is also not clearly understood. In this study, we first characterized the activity patterns of neurons in the primary and secondary motor cortices during emission of USVs in rats using large-scale electrophysiological recordings. We also examined the axonal projection of the motor cortex to PAG using retrograde labeling and identified two clusters of PAG-projecting neurons in the anterior and posterior parts of the motor cortex. The neural activity patterns around the emission of USVs differed between the anterior and posterior regions, which were divided based on the distribution of PAG-projecting neurons in the motor cortex. Furthermore, using optogenetic tagging, we recorded the USV modulation of PAG-projecting neurons in the posterior part of the motor cortex and found that they showed predominantly sustained excitatory responses during USVs. These results contribute to our understanding of the involvement of the motor cortex in the generation of USV at the neuronal and circuit levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Sharif
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Jumpei Matsumoto
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Chinzorig Choijiljav
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Amarbayasgalant Badarch
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Setogawa
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hisao Nishijo
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of East Asia, Shimonoseki 751-0807, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishimaru
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Gan-Or B, London M. Cortical circuits modulate mouse social vocalizations. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade6992. [PMID: 37774030 PMCID: PMC10541007 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade6992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Vocalizations provide a means of communication with high fidelity and information rate for many species. Diencephalon and brainstem neural circuits have been shown to control mouse vocal production; however, the role of cortical circuits in this process is debatable. Using electrical and optogenetic stimulation, we identified a cortical region in the anterior cingulate cortex in which stimulation elicits ultrasonic vocalizations. Moreover, fiber photometry showed an increase in Ca2+ dynamics preceding vocal initiation, whereas optogenetic suppression in this cortical area caused mice to emit fewer vocalizations. Last, electrophysiological recordings indicated a differential increase in neural activity in response to female social exposure dependent on vocal output. Together, these results indicate that the cortex is a key node in the neuronal circuits controlling vocal behavior in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gan-Or
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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5
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Concha-Miranda M, Tang W, Hartmann K, Brecht M. Large-Scale Mapping of Vocalization-Related Activity in the Functionally Diverse Nuclei in Rat Posterior Brainstem. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8252-8261. [PMID: 36113990 PMCID: PMC9653273 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0813-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The identity and location of vocalization pattern generating (VPG) circuits in mammals is debated. Based on physiological experiments, investigators suggested anterior brainstem circuits in the reticular formation, and anatomic evidence suggested the nucleus retroambiguus (NRA) in the posterior brainstem, or combinations of these sites as the putative mammalian VPG. Additionally, vocalization loudness is a critical factor in acoustic communication. However, many of the underlying neuronal mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we evoked calls by stimulation of the periaqueductal gray in anesthetized male rats, performed a large-scale mapping of vocalization-related activity using the activity marker c-fos, and high-density recordings of brainstem circuits using Neuropixels probes. Both c-fos expression and recording of vocalization-related activity point to a participation of the NRA in vocalization. More important, among our recorded structures, we found that the NRA is the only brainstem area showing a strong correlation between unit activity and call intensity. In addition, we observed functionally diverse patterns of vocalization-related activity in a set of regions around NRA. Dorsal to NRA, we observed activity specific to the beginning and end of vocalizations in the posterior level of the medullary reticular nucleus, dorsal part, whereas medial and lateral to the NRA, we observed activity related to call initiation. No clear vocalization-related activity was observed at anterior brainstem sites. Our findings suggest a set of functionally heterogeneous regions around the NRA contribute to vocal pattern generation in rats.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Vocalization patterns are shaped in the mammalian brainstem, but the identity and location of the circuits involved is debated. Additionally, the neuronal mechanisms of vocal intensity control are still unknown. This study consisted of a large-scale mapping of brainstem vocalization circuits based on the activity marker c-fos and high-density recordings with Neuropixels probes. The results confirm the role of nucleus retroambiguus in call production and point to a key role of neurons in this nucleus in loudness control. Dorsal to the nucleus retroambiguus and in the posterior medulla, the authors identify neurons with activity specific to the beginning and end of vocalizations. The results point to specific neural dials for various aspects of rat vocalization control in the posterior brainstem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Concha-Miranda
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wei Tang
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Konstantin Hartmann
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Brecht
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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6
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Berridge CW, Martin AJ, Hupalo S, Nicol SE. Estrus cycle-dependent working memory effects of prefrontal cortex corticotropin-releasing factor neurotransmission. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:2016-2023. [PMID: 35618840 PMCID: PMC9556710 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) supports a diversity of cognitive processes. Impairment in PFC-dependent cognition is associated with multiple psychiatric disorders, including those known to display sex differences. Our ability to treat this impairment is limited, in part due to an incomplete understanding of the neural mechanisms that support PFC-dependent cognition. In previous studies in male rats, we demonstrated that corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors and neurons in caudal dorsomedial PFC (dmPFC) regulate PFC-dependent working memory. Subcortically, CRF can exert sex-specific actions, a subset of which are ovarian steroid dependent. To date, the cognitive actions of dmPFC CRF neurotransmission in females are unknown. To address this gap, the current studies examined the effects of chemogenetic and pharmacological manipulations of CRF receptors and neurons within the dmPFC of female rats tested in a spatial working memory task. Outside of proestrus, activation of both CRF receptors and neurons in the caudal, but not rostral, dmPFC impaired working memory. Meanwhile, blockade of CRF receptors in the caudal dmPFC or globally in the brain, improved working memory performance, similar to that seen in males. In contrast, these effects were not observed during proestrus. These observations demonstrate that while CRF neurotransmission in the PFC regulates working memory similarly in males and females, these actions are not observed in females when ovarian steroids are at peak levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig W Berridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Andrea J Martin
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Sofiya Hupalo
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Shannon E Nicol
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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Berz A, Pasquini de Souza C, Wöhr M, Steinmüller S, Bruntsch M, Schäfer MKH, Schwarting RKW. Contingent Social Interaction Does Not Prevent Habituation towards Playback of Pro-Social 50-kHz Calls: Behavioral Responses and Brain Activation Patterns. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12111474. [PMID: 36358402 PMCID: PMC9688071 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111474] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rats, which are highly social animals, are known to communicate using ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in different frequency ranges. Calls around 50 kHz are related to positive affective states and promote social interactions. Our previous work has shown that the playback of natural 50-kHz USV leads to a strong social approach response toward the sound source, which is related to activation in the nucleus accumbens. In male Wistar rats, the behavioral response habituates, that is, becomes weaker or is even absent, when such playback is repeated several days later, an outcome found to be memory-dependent. Here, we asked whether such habituation is due to the lack of a contingent social consequence after playback in the initial test and whether activation of the nucleus accumbens, as measured by c-fos immunohistochemistry, can still be observed in a retest. To this end, groups of young male Wistar rats underwent an initial 50-kHz USV playback test, immediately after which they were either (1) kept temporarily alone, (2) exposed to a same-sex juvenile, or (3) to their own housing group. One week later, they underwent a retest with playback; this time not followed by social consequences but by brain removal for c-fos immunohistochemistry. Consistent with previous reports, behavioral changes evoked by the initial exposure to 50-kHz USV playback included a strong approach response. In the retest, no such response was found, irrespective of whether rats had experienced a contingent social consequence after the initial test or not. At the neural level, no substantial c-fos activation was found in the nucleus accumbens, but unexpected strong activation was detected in the anterior cingulate cortex, with some of it in GABAergic cells. The c-fos patterns did not differ between groups but cell numbers were individually correlated with behavior, i.e., rats that still approached in response to playback in the retest showed more activation. Together, these data do not provide substantial evidence that the lack of a contingent social consequence after 50-kHz USV playback accounts for approach habituation in the retest. Additionally, there is apparently no substantial activation of the nucleus accumbens in the retest, whereas the exploratory findings in the anterior cingulate cortex indicate that this brain area might be involved when individual rats still approach 50-kHz USV playback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annuska Berz
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Camila Pasquini de Souza
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Building, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastian Steinmüller
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Maria Bruntsch
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin K.-H. Schäfer
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K. W. Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Block CL, Eroglu O, Mague SD, Smith CJ, Ceasrine AM, Sriworarat C, Blount C, Beben KA, Malacon KE, Ndubuizu N, Talbot A, Gallagher NM, Chan Jo Y, Nyangacha T, Carlson DE, Dzirasa K, Eroglu C, Bilbo SD. Prenatal environmental stressors impair postnatal microglia function and adult behavior in males. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111161. [PMID: 35926455 PMCID: PMC9438555 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational exposure to environmental toxins and socioeconomic stressors is epidemiologically linked to neurodevelopmental disorders with strong male bias, such as autism. We model these prenatal risk factors in mice by co-exposing pregnant dams to an environmental pollutant and limited-resource stress, which robustly activates the maternal immune system. Only male offspring display long-lasting behavioral abnormalities and alterations in the activity of brain networks encoding social interactions. Cellularly, prenatal stressors diminish microglial function within the anterior cingulate cortex, a central node of the social coding network, in males during early postnatal development. Precise inhibition of microglial phagocytosis within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of wild-type (WT) mice during the same critical period mimics the impact of prenatal stressors on a male-specific behavior, indicating that environmental stressors alter neural circuit formation in males via impairing microglia function during development. Block et al. show that combined exposure to air pollution and maternal stress during pregnancy activates the maternal immune system and induces male-specific impairments in social behavior and circuit connectivity in offspring. Cellularly, prenatal stressors diminish microglia phagocytic function, and inhibition of microglia phagocytosis phenocopies behavioral deficits from prenatal stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina L Block
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Oznur Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Stephen D Mague
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Caroline J Smith
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alexis M Ceasrine
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Cameron Blount
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kathleen A Beben
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Karen E Malacon
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nkemdilim Ndubuizu
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Austin Talbot
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Neil M Gallagher
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Young Chan Jo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Timothy Nyangacha
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - David E Carlson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kafui Dzirasa
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Staci D Bilbo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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9
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Karigo T. Gaining insights into the internal states of the rodent brain through vocal communications. Neurosci Res 2022; 184:1-8. [PMID: 35908736 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.07.008] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Animals display various behaviors during social interactions. Social behaviors have been proposed to be driven by the internal states of the animals, reflecting their emotional or motivational states. However, the internal states that drive social behaviors are complex and difficult to interpret. Many animals, including mice, use vocalizations for communication in various social contexts. This review provides an overview of current understandings of mouse vocal communications, its underlying neural circuitry, and the potential to use vocal communications as a readout for the animal's internal states during social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Karigo
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering 140-18,TianQiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA; Present address: Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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10
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Ruat J, Genewsky AJ, Heinz DE, Kaltwasser SF, Canteras NS, Czisch M, Chen A, Wotjak CT. Why do mice squeak? Towards a better understanding of defensive vocalization. iScience 2022; 25:104657. [PMID: 35845167 PMCID: PMC9283514 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mice mostly communicate in the ultrasonic range, they also emit audible calls. We demonstrate that mice selectively bred for high anxiety-related behavior (HAB) have a high disposition for emitting sonic calls when caught by the tail. The vocalization was unrelated to pain but sensitive to anxiolytics. As revealed by manganese-enhanced MRI, HAB mice displayed an increased tonic activity of the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Selective inhibition of the dorsolateral PAG not only reduced anxiety-like behavior but also completely abolished sonic vocalization. Calls were emitted at a fundamental frequency of 3.8 kHz, which falls into the hearing range of numerous predators. Indeed, playback of sonic vocalization attracted rats if associated with a stimulus mouse. If played back to HAB mice, sonic calls were repellent in the absence of a conspecific but attractive in their presence. Our data demonstrate that sonic vocalization attracts both predators and conspecifics depending on the context. Sonic vocalization in threatening situations is prominent in highly anxious mice It coincides with increased neuronal activity within the periaqueductal gray (PAG) Pharmacological inhibition of the PAG attenuates sonic vocalization Sonic calls attract both rats and mice in the presence of a stimulus mouse
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11
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Zheng DJ, Okobi DE, Shu R, Agrawal R, Smith SK, Long MA, Phelps SM. Mapping the vocal circuitry of Alston's singing mouse with pseudorabies virus. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:2075-2099. [PMID: 35385140 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Vocalizations are often elaborate, rhythmically structured behaviors. Vocal motor patterns require close coordination of neural circuits governing the muscles of the larynx, jaw, and respiratory system. In the elaborate vocalization of Alston's singing mouse (Scotinomys teguina) each note of its rapid, frequency-modulated trill is accompanied by equally rapid modulation of breath and gape. To elucidate the neural circuitry underlying this behavior, we introduced the polysynaptic retrograde neuronal tracer pseudorabies virus (PRV) into the cricothyroid and digastricus muscles, which control frequency modulation and jaw opening, respectively. Each virus singly labels ipsilateral motoneurons (nucleus ambiguus for cricothyroid, and motor trigeminal nucleus for digastricus). We find that the two isogenic viruses heavily and bilaterally colabel neurons in the gigantocellular reticular formation, a putative central pattern generator. The viruses also show strong colabeling in compartments of the midbrain including the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and the parabrachial nucleus, two structures strongly implicated in vocalizations. In the forebrain, regions important to social cognition and energy balance both exhibit extensive colabeling. This includes the paraventricular and arcuate nuclei of the hypothalamus, the lateral hypothalamus, preoptic area, extended amygdala, central amygdala, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Finally, we find doubly labeled neurons in M1 motor cortex previously described as laryngeal, as well as in the prelimbic cortex, which indicate these cortical regions play a role in vocal production. The progress of both viruses is broadly consistent with vertebrate-general patterns of vocal circuitry, as well as with circuit models derived from primate literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Jiang Zheng
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel E Okobi
- Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ryan Shu
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Rania Agrawal
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Samantha K Smith
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Michael A Long
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Otolaryngology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Steven M Phelps
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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12
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Ultrasonic Vocalizations – Novel Seizure-Related Manifestation in Rats. Epilepsy Res 2022; 183:106927. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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13
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Kitanishi T, Tashiro M, Kitanishi N, Mizuseki K. Intersectional, anterograde transsynaptic targeting of neurons receiving monosynaptic inputs from two upstream regions. Commun Biol 2022; 5:149. [PMID: 35190665 PMCID: PMC8860993 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03096-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A brain region typically receives inputs from multiple upstream areas. However, currently, no method is available to selectively dissect neurons that receive monosynaptic inputs from two upstream regions. Here, we developed a method to genetically label such neurons with a single gene of interest in mice by combining the anterograde transsynaptic spread of adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1) with intersectional gene expression. Injections of AAV1 expressing either Cre or Flpo recombinases and the Cre/Flpo double-dependent AAV into two upstream regions and the downstream region, respectively, were used to label postsynaptic neurons receiving inputs from the two upstream regions. We demonstrated this labelling in two distinct circuits: the retina/primary visual cortex to the superior colliculus and the bilateral motor cortex to the dorsal striatum. Systemic delivery of the intersectional AAV allowed the unbiased detection of the labelled neurons throughout the brain. This strategy may help analyse the interregional integration of information in the brain. In this paper, a method is developed to genetically label neurons that receive monosynaptic inputs from two upstream regions of the brain. This could improve the analysis of interregional integration of information in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Kitanishi
- Department of Physiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan. .,PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
| | - Mariko Tashiro
- Department of Physiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Naomi Kitanishi
- Department of Physiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Mizuseki
- Department of Physiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.
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14
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15
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Zingg B, Dong HW, Tao HW, Zhang LI. Application of AAV1 for Anterograde Transsynaptic Circuit Mapping and Input-Dependent Neuronal Cataloging. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e339. [PMID: 35044725 PMCID: PMC8852298 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Viruses that spread transsynaptically provide a powerful means to study interconnected circuits in the brain. Here we describe the use of adeno-associated virus, serotype 1 (AAV1), as a tool to achieve robust, anterograde transsynaptic spread in a variety of unidirectional pathways. A protocol for performing intracranial AAV1 injections in mice is presented, along with additional guidance for planning experiments, sourcing materials, and optimizing the approach to achieve the most successful outcomes. By following the methods presented here, researchers will be able to reveal postsynaptically connected neurons downstream of a given AAV1 injection site and access these input-defined cells for subsequent mapping, recording, and manipulation to characterize their anatomical and functional properties. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Stereotaxic injection of AAV1 for anterograde transsynaptic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Zingg
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hong-Wei Dong
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Huizhong Whit Tao
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Li I. Zhang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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16
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Zheng DJ, Singh A, Phelps SM. Conservation and dimorphism in androgen receptor distribution in Alston's singing mouse (Scotinomys teguina). J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2539-2557. [PMID: 33576501 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Because of their roles in courtship and intrasexual competition, sexual displays are often sexually dimorphic, but we know little about the mechanisms that produce such dimorphism. Among mammals, one example is the vocalization of Alston's singing mouse (Scotinomys teguina), which consists of a series of rapidly repeated, frequency-modulated notes. The rate and duration of songs is sexually dimorphic and androgen responsive. To understand the neuronal mechanisms underlying this sexual dimorphism, we map the sites of androgen sensitivity throughout the brain, focusing analysis along a pathway that spans from limbic structures to vocal motor regions. We find widespread expression of AR immunoreactivity (AR-ir) throughout limbic structures important for social behavior and vocalization, including the lateral septum, extended amygdala, preoptic area and hypothalamus. We also find extensive AR staining along previously documented vocal motor pathways, including the periaqueductal gray, parabrachial nucleus, and nucleus ambiguus, the last of which innervates intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Lastly, AR-ir is also evident in sensory areas such as the medial geniculate, inferior, and superior colliculi. A quantitative analysis revealed that males exhibited more AR-ir than females, a pattern that was most pronounced in the hypothalamus. Despite the elaboration of vocalization in singing mice, comparison with prior literature suggests that the broad pattern of AR-ir may be conserved across a wide range of rodents. Together these data identify brain nuclei well positioned to shape the sexually dimorphic vocalization of S. teguina and suggest that such androgen modulation of vocalization is evolutionary conserved among rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Jiang Zheng
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Aditi Singh
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Steven M Phelps
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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17
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Karwicka W, Wiatrowska M, Kondrakiewicz K, Knapska E, Kursa MB, Hamed A. Relaying Aversive Ultrasonic Alarm Calls Depends on Previous Experience. Empathy, Social Buffering, or Panic? Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060759. [PMID: 34201037 PMCID: PMC8227955 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalizations are among the oldest evolutionarily forms of animal communication. In order to study the communication patterns in an aversive social situation, we used a behavioral model in which one animal, the observer, is witnessing as his cagemate, the demonstrator, is experiencing a series of mild electrical foot shocks. We studied the effect of the foot shock experience on the observer and the influence of a warning sound (emitted shortly before the shock) on USV communication. These experiments revealed that such a warning seems to increase the arousal level, which differentiates the responses depending on previous experience. This can be identified by the emission of characteristic, short 22 kHz calls of a duration below 100 ms. Two rats emitted calls that overlapped in time. Analysis of these overlaps revealed that in ‘warned’ pairs with a naive observer, 22 kHz calls were mixed with 50 kHz calls. This fact, combined with a high fraction of very high-pitched 50 kHz calls (over 75 kHz), suggests the presence of the phenomenon of social buffering. Pure 22 kHz overlaps were mostly found in ‘warned’ pairs with an experienced observer, suggesting a possible fear contagion with distress sharing. The results show the importance of dividing 22 kHz calls into long and short categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Karwicka
- Laboratory of Spatial Memory, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marta Wiatrowska
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY—Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Kacper Kondrakiewicz
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY—Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Ewelina Knapska
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY—Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Miron Bartosz Kursa
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling, University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Adam Hamed
- Laboratory of Spatial Memory, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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18
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Michael V, Goffinet J, Pearson J, Wang F, Tschida K, Mooney R. Circuit and synaptic organization of forebrain-to-midbrain pathways that promote and suppress vocalization. eLife 2020; 9:e63493. [PMID: 33372655 PMCID: PMC7793624 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals vocalize only in certain behavioral contexts, but the circuits and synapses through which forebrain neurons trigger or suppress vocalization remain unknown. Here, we used transsynaptic tracing to identify two populations of inhibitory neurons that lie upstream of neurons in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) that gate the production of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in mice (i.e. PAG-USV neurons). Activating PAG-projecting neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POAPAG neurons) elicited USV production in the absence of social cues. In contrast, activating PAG-projecting neurons in the central-medial boundary zone of the amygdala (AmgC/M-PAG neurons) transiently suppressed USV production without disrupting non-vocal social behavior. Optogenetics-assisted circuit mapping in brain slices revealed that POAPAG neurons directly inhibit PAG interneurons, which in turn inhibit PAG-USV neurons, whereas AmgC/M-PAG neurons directly inhibit PAG-USV neurons. These experiments identify two major forebrain inputs to the PAG that trigger and suppress vocalization, respectively, while also establishing the synaptic mechanisms through which these neurons exert opposing behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Michael
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Jack Goffinet
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - John Pearson
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | | | - Richard Mooney
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
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19
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Hartmann K, Brecht M. A Functionally and Anatomically Bipartite Vocal Pattern Generator in the Rat Brain Stem. iScience 2020; 23:101804. [PMID: 33299974 PMCID: PMC7702002 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian vocal pattern generator is situated in the brainstem but its exact structure is debated. We mapped these circuits in rats by cooling and microstimulation. Local cooling disrupted call production above an anterior and a posterior brainstem position. Anterior cooling affected predominantly high-frequency calls, whereas posterior cooling affected low-frequency calls. Electrical microstimulation of the anterior part led to modulated high-frequency calls, whereas microstimulation of the posterior part led to flat, low-frequency calls. At intermediate positions cooling did not affect calls and stimulation did not elicit calls. The anterior region corresponds to a subsection of the parvicellular reticular formation that we term the vocalization parvicellular reticular formation (VoPaRt). The posterior vocalization sites coincide with the nucleus retroambiguus (NRA). VoPaRt and NRA neurons were very small and the VoPaRt was highly myelinated, suggestive of high-speed processing. Our data suggest an anatomically and functionally bipartite vocal pattern generator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Hartmann
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 6, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Brecht
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 6, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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20
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Leblanc H, Ramirez S. Linking Social Cognition to Learning and Memory. J Neurosci 2020; 40:8782-8798. [PMID: 33177112 PMCID: PMC7659449 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1280-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many mammals have evolved to be social creatures. In humans, the ability to learn from others' experiences is essential to survival; and from an early age, individuals are surrounded by a social environment that helps them develop a variety of skills, such as walking, talking, and avoiding danger. Similarly, in rodents, behaviors, such as food preference, exploration of novel contexts, and social approach, can be learned through social interaction. Social encounters facilitate new learning and help modify preexisting memories throughout the lifespan of an organism. Moreover, social encounters can help buffer stress or the effects of negative memories, as well as extinguish maladaptive behaviors. Given the importance of such interactions, there has been increasing work studying social learning and applying its concepts in a wide range of fields, including psychotherapy and medical sociology. The process of social learning, including its neural and behavioral mechanisms, has also been a rapidly growing field of interest in neuroscience. However, the term "social learning" has been loosely applied to a variety of psychological phenomena, often without clear definition or delineations. Therefore, this review gives a definition for specific aspects of social learning, provides an overview of previous work at the circuit, systems, and behavioral levels, and finally, introduces new findings on the social modulation of learning. We contextualize such social processes in the brain both through the role of the hippocampus and its capacity to process "social engrams" as well as through the brainwide realization of social experiences. With the integration of new technologies, such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, and calcium imaging, manipulating social engrams will likely offer a novel therapeutic target to enhance the positive buffering effects of social experiences or to inhibit fear-inducing social stimuli in models of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloise Leblanc
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02118
| | - Steve Ramirez
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
- Neurophotonics Center at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
- Center for Systems Neuroscience at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
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21
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Zingg B, Peng B, Huang J, Tao HW, Zhang LI. Synaptic Specificity and Application of Anterograde Transsynaptic AAV for Probing Neural Circuitry. J Neurosci 2020; 40:3250-3267. [PMID: 32198185 PMCID: PMC7159884 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2158-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Revealing the organization and function of neural circuits is greatly facilitated by viral tools that spread transsynaptically. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) exhibits anterograde transneuronal transport, however, the synaptic specificity of this spread and its broad application within a diverse set of circuits remains to be explored. Here, using anatomic, functional, and molecular approaches, we provide evidence for the preferential transport of AAV1 to postsynaptically connected neurons and reveal its spread is strongly dependent on synaptic transmitter release. In addition to glutamatergic pathways, AAV1 also spreads through GABAergic synapses to both excitatory and inhibitory cell types. We observed little or no transport, however, through neuromodulatory projections (e.g., serotonergic, cholinergic, and noradrenergic). In addition, we found that AAV1 can be transported through long-distance descending projections from various brain regions to effectively transduce spinal cord neurons. Combined with newly designed intersectional and sparse labeling strategies, AAV1 can be applied within a wide variety of pathways to categorize neurons according to their input sources, morphology, and molecular identities. These properties make AAV1 a promising anterograde transsynaptic tool for establishing a comprehensive cell-atlas of the brain, although its capacity for retrograde transport currently limits its use to unidirectional circuits.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The discovery of anterograde transneuronal spread of AAV1 generates great promise for its application as a unique tool for manipulating input-defined cell populations and mapping their outputs. However, several outstanding questions remain for anterograde transsynaptic approaches in the field: (1) whether AAV1 spreads exclusively or specifically to synaptically connected neurons, and (2) how broad its application could be in various types of neural circuits in the brain. This study provides several lines of evidence in terms of anatomy, functional innervation, and underlying mechanisms, to strongly support that AAV1 anterograde transneuronal spread is highly synapse specific. In addition, several potentially important applications of transsynaptic AAV1 in probing neural circuits are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Zingg
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| | - Bo Peng
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| | - Junxiang Huang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| | - Huizhong W Tao
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience
| | - Li I Zhang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience
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22
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Mooney R. The neurobiology of innate and learned vocalizations in rodents and songbirds. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 64:24-31. [PMID: 32086177 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Vocalizations are an important medium for sexual and social signaling in mammals and birds. In most mammals other than humans, vocalizations are specified by innate mechanisms and develop normally in the absence of auditory experience. By contrast, juvenile songbirds memorize and copy the songs of adult tutors, a process with many parallels to human speech learning. Despite the centrality of vocal learning to human speech, vocal production in humans as well as in songbirds exploits ancestral circuitry for innate vocalizations, and effective vocal communication depends on the fluent blending of innate and learned elements. This review covers recent advances in our understanding of central mechanisms for learned and innate vocalizations in birds and mice, including brainstem mechanisms that help to 'gate' vocalizations on or off, cortical involvement in learned and innate vocalizations, and the delineation of circuits that evaluate and reinforce song performance to facilitate vocal learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Mooney
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, United States.
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23
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Burgdorf JS, Brudzynski SM, Moskal JR. Using rat ultrasonic vocalization to study the neurobiology of emotion: from basic science to the development of novel therapeutics for affective disorders. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 60:192-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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24
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Riede T, Schaefer C, Stein A. Role of deep breaths in ultrasonic vocal production of Sprague-Dawley rats. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:966-979. [PMID: 31967929 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00590.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep breaths are one of three breathing patterns in rodents characterized by an increased tidal volume. While humans incorporate deep breaths into vocal behavior, it was unknown whether nonhuman mammals use deep breaths for vocal production. We have utilized subglottal pressure recordings in awake, spontaneously behaving male Sprague-Dawley rats in five contexts: sleep, rest, noxious stimulation, exposure to a female in estrus, and exposure to an unknown male. Deep breaths were produced at rates ranging between 17.5 and 90.3 deep breaths per hour. While overall breathing and vocal rates were higher in social and noxious contexts, the rate of deep breaths was only increased during the male's interaction with a female. Results also inform our understanding of vocal-respiratory integration in rats. The rate of deep breaths that were associated with a vocalization during the exhalation phase increased with vocal activity. The proportion of deep breaths that were associated with a vocalization (on average 22%) was similar to the proportion of sniffing or eupnea breaths that contain a vocalization. Therefore, vocal motor patterns appear to be entrained to the prevailing breathing rhythm, i.e., vocalization uses the available breathing pattern rather than recruiting a specific breathing pattern. Furthermore, the pattern of a deep breath was different when it was associated with a vocalization, suggesting that motor planning occurs. Finally, deep breaths are a source for acoustic variation; for example, call duration and fundamental frequency modulation were both larger in 22-kHz calls produced following a deep inhalation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The emission of a long, deep, audible breath can express various emotions. The investigation of deep breaths, also known as sighing, in a nonhuman mammal demonstrated the occasional use of deep breaths for vocal production. Similar to the human equivalent, acoustic features of a deep breath vocalization are characteristic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Riede
- Department of Physiology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona
| | - Charles Schaefer
- Department of Physiology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona
| | - Amy Stein
- Department of Physiology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona
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25
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Bennett PJG, Maier E, Brecht M. Involvement of rat posterior prelimbic and cingulate area 2 in vocalization control. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:3164-3180. [PMID: 31136026 PMCID: PMC6899747 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microstimulation mapping identified vocalization areas in primate anterior cingulate cortex. Rat anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal areas have also been intensely investigated, but we do not know, how these cortical areas contribute to vocalizations and no systematic mapping of stimulation‐evoked vocalizations has been performed. To address this question, we mapped microstimulation‐evoked (ultrasonic) vocalizations in rat cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex. The incidence of evoked vocalizations differed markedly between frontal cortical areas. Vocalizations were most often evoked in posterior prelimbic cortex and cingulate area 2, whereas vocalizations were rarely evoked in dorsal areas (vibrissa motor cortex, secondary motor cortex and cingulate area 1) and anterior areas (anterior prelimbic, medial‐/ventral‐orbital cortex). Vocalizations were observed at intermediate frequencies in ventro‐medial areas (infralimbic and dorsopeduncular cortex). Various complete, naturally occurring calls could be elicited. In prelimbic cortex superficial layer microstimulation evoked mainly fear calls with low efficacy, whereas deep layer microstimulation evoked mainly 50 kHz calls with high efficacy. Vocalization stimulation thresholds were substantial (70–500 μA, the maximum tested; on average ~400 μA) and latencies were long (median 175 ms). Posterior prelimbic cortex projected to numerous targets and innervated brainstem vocalization centers such as the intermediate reticular formation and the nucleus retroambiguus disynaptically via the periaqueductal gray. Anatomical position, stimulation effects and projection targets of posterior prelimbic cortex were similar to that of monkey anterior cingulate vocalization cortex. Our data suggest that posterior prelimbic cortex is more closely involved in control of vocalization initiation than in specifying acoustic details of vocalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Julian Garnett Bennett
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eduard Maier
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Brecht
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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