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Li L, Su Y, Wang S, Wang C, Ruan N, Hu Z, Cheng X, Chen J, Yuan K, Li P, Fan P. Neonatal di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate exposure induces permanent alterations in secretory CRH neuron characteristics in the hypothalamus paraventricular region of adult male rats. Exp Neurol 2024; 372:114616. [PMID: 38007208 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114616] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) play a critical role in the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Early-life exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. The present work was designed to explore the impact of neonatal exposure to DEHP on adult PVN CRH neuronal activity. DEHP or vehicle was given to male rat pups from PND16 to PND22. Then, anxiety-like behaviors, serum corticosterone and testosterone, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, fluorescence in situ hybridization and acute ex vivo slice electrophysiological recordings were used to evaluate the influence of DEHP on adult PVN secretory CRH neurons. Neonatal DEHP-exposed rats exhibited enhanced anxiety-like behaviors in adults, with an increase in CORT. Secretory CRH neurons showed higher spontaneous firing activity but could be inhibited by GABAAR blockers. CRH neurons displayed fewer firing spikes, prolonged first-spike latency, depolarizing shifts in GABA reversal potential and strengthened GABAergic inputs, as indicated by increases in the frequency and amplitude of sIPSCs. Enhancement of GABAergic transmission was accompanied by upregulated expression of GAD67 and downregulated expression of GABABR1, KCC2 and GAT1. These findings suggest that neonatal exposure to DEHP permanently altered the characteristics of secretory CRH neurons in the PVN, which may contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ying Su
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Brain Injury Center, Department of Neurosurgery, RenJi Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chengyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Naqi Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Zhiyan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Kaiming Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Peijun Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Geriatric Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Pei Fan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
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McArdle CJ, Arnone AA, Heaney CF, Raab-Graham KF. A paradoxical switch: the implications of excitatory GABAergic signaling in neurological disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1296527. [PMID: 38268565 PMCID: PMC10805837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1296527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In the mature brain, inhibitory GABAergic signaling is critical in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and vital human behaviors such as cognition, emotion, and motivation. While classically known to inhibit neuronal function under physiological conditions, previous research indicates a paradoxical switch from inhibitory to excitatory GABAergic signaling that is implicated in several neurological disorders. Various mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the excitatory switch such as chloride ion dyshomeostasis, alterations in inhibitory receptor expression, and modifications in GABAergic synaptic plasticity. Of note, the hypothesized mechanisms underlying excitatory GABAergic signaling are highlighted in a number of neurodevelopmental, substance use, stress, and neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we present an updated review discussing the presence of excitatory GABAergic signaling in various neurological disorders, and their potential contributions towards disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Alana A. Arnone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Pace SA, Myers B. Hindbrain Adrenergic/Noradrenergic Control of Integrated Endocrine and Autonomic Stress Responses. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad178. [PMID: 38015813 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Hindbrain adrenergic/noradrenergic nuclei facilitate endocrine and autonomic responses to physical and psychological challenges. Neurons that synthesize adrenaline and noradrenaline target hypothalamic structures to modulate endocrine responses while descending spinal projections regulate sympathetic function. Furthermore, these neurons respond to diverse stress-related metabolic, autonomic, and psychosocial challenges. Accordingly, adrenergic and noradrenergic nuclei are integrative hubs that promote physiological adaptation to maintain homeostasis. However, the precise mechanisms through which adrenaline- and noradrenaline-synthesizing neurons sense interoceptive and exteroceptive cues to coordinate physiological responses have yet to be fully elucidated. Additionally, the regulatory role of these cells in the context of chronic stress has received limited attention. This mini-review consolidates reports from preclinical rodent studies on the organization and function of brainstem adrenaline and noradrenaline cells to provide a framework for how these nuclei coordinate endocrine and autonomic physiology. This includes identification of hindbrain adrenaline- and noradrenaline-producing cell groups and their role in stress responding through neurosecretory and autonomic engagement. Although temporally and mechanistically distinct, the endocrine and autonomic stress axes are complementary and interconnected. Therefore, the interplay between brainstem adrenergic/noradrenergic nuclei and peripheral physiological systems is necessary for integrated stress responses and organismal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian A Pace
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Brent Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Smiley CE, Wood SK. Stress- and drug-induced neuroimmune signaling as a therapeutic target for comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108212. [PMID: 35580690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress and substance use disorders remain two of the most highly prevalent psychiatric conditions and are often comorbid. While individually these conditions have a debilitating impact on the patient and a high cost to society, the symptomology and treatment outcomes are further exacerbated when they occur together. As such, there are few effective treatment options for these patients, and recent investigation has sought to determine the neural processes underlying the co-occurrence of these disorders to identify novel treatment targets. One such mechanism that has been linked to stress- and addiction-related conditions is neuroimmune signaling. Increases in inflammatory factors across the brain have been heavily implicated in the etiology of these disorders, and this review seeks to determine the nature of this relationship. According to the "dual-hit" hypothesis, also referred to as neuroimmune priming, prior exposure to either stress or drugs of abuse can sensitize the neuroimmune system to be hyperresponsive when exposed to these insults in the future. This review completes an examination of the literature surrounding stress-induced increases in inflammation across clinical and preclinical studies along with a summarization of the evidence regarding drug-induced alterations in inflammatory factors. These changes in neuroimmune profiles are also discussed within the context of their impact on the neural circuitry responsible for stress responsiveness and addictive behaviors. Further, this review explores the connection between neuroimmune signaling and susceptibility to these conditions and highlights the anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapies that may be used for the treatment of stress and substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora E Smiley
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America; WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America.
| | - Susan K Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America; WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America.
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Das S, Komnenov D, Newhouse L, Rishi AK, Rossi NF. Paraventricular Nucleus V 1a Receptor Knockdown Blunts Neurocardiovascular Responses to Acute Stress in Male Rats after Chronic Mild Unpredictable Stress. Physiol Behav 2022; 253:113867. [PMID: 35661787 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress and depression impart increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Autonomic dysregulation, particularly sympathoexcitation, has long been associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. Vasopressin (AVP) receptors with the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), known as an integrating locus for hemodynamic and autonomic function, have been implicated in behavior and stress. The present studies were designed to test the hypothesis that knockdown of vasopressin V1aR within the PVN in male Sprague Dawley rats subjected to chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMS) would result in lower resting hemodynamics and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and mitigate the responses to acute stressors. Male rats underwent CMS for 4 weeks; controls were housed in standard caging. Twenty days into the paradigm, the PVN was injected with either small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against V1aR or scrambled RNA (scrRNA). Arterial pressure, heart rate and RSNA were ascertained by telemetry with the animals in their home cages. Pretreatment with siRNA to V1aR prevented the increase in arterial pressure to PVN microinjection with exogenous AVP. Basal mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly higher in scrRNA-treated but not in siRNA-treated CMS rats vs control rats. Paradoxically, basal RSNA was approximately two-fold higher in siRNA-treated CMS rats. Acute emotional stress delivered as 15-sec air-jet resulted in greater peak and duration of the MAP and RSNA responses in scrRNA-treated CMS rats vs control; siRNA treatment inhibited the responses. The 15-sec exposure to ammonia to test the nasopharyngeal reflex, whose circuitry does not include the PVN, produced similar increases in arterial pressure, heart rate, and RSNA in controls and both groups of CMS rats. Thus, CMS increases arterial pressure and predisposes to greater hemodynamic and RSNA responses to acute emotional stress. The higher basal RSNA in siRNA-treated rats may be due to functional and/or anatomical neuroplasticity occurring during more protracted inhibition of V1aR PVN signaling. Vasopressinergic signaling via V1aR in PVN modulates the cardiovascular and sympathetic responses to both the chronic and acute stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibandri Das
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, US
| | - Dragana Komnenov
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, US
| | - Lauren Newhouse
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, US
| | - Arun K Rishi
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, US; John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, US
| | - Noreen F Rossi
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, US; John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, US.
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Bangsumruaj J, Kijtawornrat A, Kalandakanond-Thongsong S. Effects of chronic mild stress on GABAergic system in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus associated with cardiac autonomic activity. Behav Brain Res 2022; 432:113985. [PMID: 35787398 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Stress is associated with cardiovascular diseases. One possible mechanism is the reduction in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission at the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which contributes to the disinhibition of sympathoexcitatory circuits and activates sympathetic outflow. At present, the mechanism of chronic mild stress (CMS) on GABAergic transmission at the PVN and cardiac autonomic activity is not yet fully clarified. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of CMS on the GABAergic system at the PVN and on the cardiac autonomic activity. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control (left undisturbed in their home cage) or CMS (subjected to various mild stressors for 4 weeks). Cardiac autonomic activities were determined by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, and GABAergic alterations at the PVN were determined from GABA levels and mRNA expression of GABA-related activities. Results showed that the CMS group had decreased HRV as determined by the standard deviation of all R-R intervals (SDNN). The low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) powers of the CMS group were higher than those of the control. Hence, the LF/HF ratio was consequently unaffected. These findings indicated that despite the increase in sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, the autonomic balance was preserved at 4 weeks post CMS. For the GABAergic-related parameters, the CMS group had decreased mRNA expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD-65), the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, and increased mRNA expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter-1 (GAT-1). Moreover, the GAD-65 mRNA expression was negatively correlated with LF. In conclusion, 4-week CMS exposure in male rats could attenuate GABAergic transmission at the PVN and alter cardiac autonomic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janpen Bangsumruaj
- Interdisciplinary Program in Physiology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Anusak Kijtawornrat
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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Qin X, Pan HQ, Huang SH, Zou JX, Zheng ZH, Liu XX, You WJ, Liu ZP, Cao JL, Zhang WH, Pan BX. GABA A(δ) receptor hypofunction in the amygdala-hippocampal circuit underlies stress-induced anxiety. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2022; 67:97-110. [PMID: 36545966 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated GABAergic inhibition in the amygdala has long been implicated in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying the dysregulation remain elusive. Here, by using a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), we observed that the dysregulation varied drastically across individual projection neurons (PNs) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), one of the kernel amygdala subregions critical for stress coping. While persistently reducing the extrasynaptic GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated tonic current in the BLA PNs projecting to the ventral hippocampus (BLA → vHPC PNs), CSDS increased the current in those projecting to the anterodorsal bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BLA → adBNST PNs), suggesting projection-based dysregulation of tonic inhibition in BLA PNs by CSDS. Transcriptional and electrophysiological analysis revealed that the opposite CSDS influences were mediated by loss- and gain-of-function of δ-containing GABAARs (GABAA(δ)Rs) in BLA → vHPC and BLA → adBNST PNs, respectively. Importantly, it was the lost inhibition in the former population but not the augmentation in the latter population that correlated with the increased anxiety-like behavior in CSDS mice. Virally mediated maintenance of GABAA(δ)R currents in BLA → vHPC PNs occluded CSDS-induced anxiety-like behavior. These findings clarify the molecular substrate for the dysregulated GABAergic inhibition in amygdala circuits for stress-associated psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Qin
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Han-Qing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Shou-He Huang
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jia-Xin Zou
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhi-Heng Zheng
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Liu
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Wen-Jie You
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Liu
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Wen-Hua Zhang
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Department of Biological Science, School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
| | - Bing-Xing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Department of Biological Science, School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
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Ai Z, He H, Wang T, Chen L, Huang C, Chen C, Xu P, Zhu G, Yang M, Song Y, Su D. Validation of the Thyrotoxicosis-associated Insomnia Model Induced by Thyroxine through Sympathetic Stimulation: Face, Construct and Predictive Perspectives. Exp Neurobiol 2021; 30:387-400. [PMID: 34983880 PMCID: PMC8752319 DOI: 10.5607/en21023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Insomnia has become a common central nervous system disease. At present, the pathogenesis of insomnia is not clear. Animal models can help us understand the pathogenesis of the disease and can be used in transformational medicine. Therefore, it is very necessary to establish an appropriate model of insomnia. Clinical data show that insomnia patients with high levels of thyroxine and often accompanied by cardiovascular problems, a common mechanism underlying all of these physiological disruptions is the sympathetic nervous system. Combined with the characteristics of chronic onset of clinical insomnia, an insomnia model induced by long-term intraperitoneal injection of thyroid hormone has been created in our laboratory. In this paper, the insomnia-like state of the model was evaluated based on three validity criteria. Face validity has been demonstrated in metabolism, the Morris water maze, electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG). Structure validity has been proved by the results of targeted metabolomics. After treatment with diazepam, a commonly used clinical anti-insomnia drug, the above physiological and pathological disorders were reversed. The results of comprehensive analysis show that the established thyrotoxicosis-associated insomnia model meets the validity requirement to establish an appropriate animal model of insomnia. The model presented in this article might help to study pathogenetic mechanisms of clinical insomnia, as well as to test promising methods of insomnia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifu Ai
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
| | - Hongwei He
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
| | - Tingting Wang
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
| | - Liling Chen
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
| | - Chunhua Huang
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
| | - Changlian Chen
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
| | - Genhua Zhu
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
| | - Ming Yang
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese.,Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, State Key Lab of Innovation Drug and Efficient Energy-Saving Pharmaceutical Equipment, Jiangxi University o
| | - Yonggui Song
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
| | - Dan Su
- Key Laboratory of depression animal model based on TCM syndrome, Jiangxi Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of TCM for prevention and treatment of brain diseases with cognitive impairment, Jiangxi University of Chinese
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Basu T, Maguire J, Salpekar JA. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis targets for the treatment of epilepsy. Neurosci Lett 2021; 746:135618. [PMID: 33429002 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a common seizure trigger in persons with epilepsy. The body's physiological response to stress is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and involves a hormonal cascade that includes corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropin releasing hormone (ACTH) and the release of cortisol (in humans and primates) or corticosterone (in rodents). The prolonged exposure to stress hormones may not only exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions including epilepsy, but may also increase the predisposition to psychiatric comorbidities. Hyperactivity of the HPA axis negatively impacts the structure and function of the temporal lobe of the brain, a region that is heavily involved in epilepsy and mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Seizures themselves damage temporal lobe structures, further disinhibiting the HPA axis, setting off a vicious cycle of neuronal damage and increasing susceptibility for subsequent seizures and psychiatric comorbidity. Treatments targeting the HPA axis may be beneficial both for epilepsy and for associated stress-related comorbidities such as anxiety or depression. This paper will highlight the evidence demonstrating dysfunction in the HPA axis associated with epilepsy which may contribute to the comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and epilepsy, and propose treatment strategies that may dually improve seizure control as well as alleviate stress related psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trina Basu
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, United States
| | - Jamie Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, United States
| | - Jay A Salpekar
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University Medical School, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
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Song Y, Meng QX, Wu K, Hua R, Song ZJ, Song Y, Qin X, Cao JL, Zhang YM. Disinhibition of PVN-projecting GABAergic neurons in AV region in BNST participates in visceral hypersensitivity in rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 117:104690. [PMID: 32417623 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ample evidence suggests that early life stress (ELS) is a high-risk factor for the development of visceral pain disorders, whereas the mechanism underlying neuronal circuit remains elusive. Herein, we employed neonatal colorectal distension (CRD) to induce visceral hypersensitivity in rats. A combination of electrophysiology, pharmacology, behavioral test, molecular biology, chemogenetics and optogenetics confirmed that CRD in neonatal rats could predispose the elevated firing frequency of the parvocellular corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) in adulthood, with the CRH neurons activated and the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSC) diminished, both contributing to chronic visceral hypersensitivity. Moreover, following administration of exogenous GABA (300 mM/0.5 μL) and GABAA receptor agonist muscimol (3 mM/0.5 μL) in PVN, visceral hyperalgesia was abrogated. In addition, the PVN-projecting GABAergic neurons were mainly distributed in the anterior ventral (AV) region in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), and the excitability of these GABAergic neurons was weakened in visceral hypersensitivity. Specific depletion of the GABAergic neurons in AV region precipitated visceral hyperalgesia. Moreover, chemogenetic activation of the PVN-projecting neurons alleviated the visceral hypersensitivity. Photoactivation of PVN-projecting GABAergic neurons abated the visceral hypersensitivity in neonatal-CRD rats, whereas photoinhibition evoked visceral hyperalgesia in naïve rats. Our findings demonstrated that disinhibition of the PVN-projecting GABAergic neurons in AV region contributed to the excitation of CRH neurons, thereby mediating visceral hypersensitivity. Our study might provide a novel insight into the neuronal circuits involved in the ELS-induced visceral hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221002, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Qing-Xiang Meng
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221002, China
| | - Zhi-Jing Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Ying Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Xia Qin
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China.
| | - Yong-Mei Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China.
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11
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Wu H, Huang Y, Tian X, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Mao Y, Wang C, Yang S, Liu Y, Zhang W, Ma Z. Preoperative anxiety-induced glucocorticoid signaling reduces GABAergic markers in spinal cord and promotes postoperative hyperalgesia by affecting neuronal PAS domain protein 4. Mol Pain 2020; 15:1744806919850383. [PMID: 31041873 PMCID: PMC6537253 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919850383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Preoperative anxiety is common in patients undergoing elective surgery and is
closely related to postoperative hyperalgesia. In this study, a single prolonged
stress model was used to induce preoperative anxiety-like behavior in rats 24 h
before the surgery. We found that single prolonged stress exacerbated the
postoperative pain and elevated the level of serum corticosterone. Previous
studies have shown that glucocorticoid is associated with synaptic plasticity,
and decreased spinal GABAergic activity can cause hyperalgesia in rodents. Here,
single prolonged stress rats’ lumbar spinal cord showed reduced glutamic acid
decarboxylase-65, glutamic acid decarboxylase-67, GABA type A receptor alpha 1
subunit, and GABA type A receptor gamma 2 subunit, indicating an impairment of
GABAergic system. Furthermore, neuronal PAS domain protein 4 was also reduced in
rats after single prolonged stress stimulation, which has been reported to
promote GABAergic synapse development. Then, intraperitoneal injection of RU486
(a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) rather than spironolactone (a
mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist) was found to relieve single prolonged
stress-induced hyperalgesia and reverse neuronal PAS domain protein 4 reduction
and the impairment of GABAergic system. Furthermore, overexpressing neuronal PAS
domain protein 4 could also restore the damage of GABAergic system caused by
single prolonged stress while interfering with neuronal PAS domain protein 4
caused an opposite effect. Finally, after stimulation of rat primary spinal cord
neurons with exogenous corticosterone in vitro, neuronal PAS domain protein 4
and GABAergic markers were also downregulated, and RU486 reversed that.
Together, our results demonstrated that preoperative anxiety led to GABAergic
system impairment in spinal cord and thus caused hyperalgesia due to
glucocorticoid-induced downregulation of neuronal PAS domain protein 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulin Huang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyu Tian
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zuoxia Zhang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanting Mao
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Liu
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengliang Ma
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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12
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Matovic S, Ichiyama A, Igarashi H, Salter EW, Sunstrum JK, Wang XF, Henry M, Kuebler ES, Vernoux N, Martinez-Trujillo J, Tremblay ME, Inoue W. Neuronal hypertrophy dampens neuronal intrinsic excitability and stress responsiveness during chronic stress. J Physiol 2020; 598:2757-2773. [PMID: 32347541 DOI: 10.1113/jp279666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis habituates to repeated stress exposure. We studied hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons that form the apex of the HPA axis in a mouse model of stress habituation using repeated restraint. The intrinsic excitability of CRH neurons decreased after repeated stress in a time course that coincided with the development of HPA axis habituation. This intrinsic excitability plasticity co-developed with an expansion of surface membrane area, which increased a passive electric load and dampened membrane depolarization in response to the influx of positive charge. We report a novel structure-function relationship for intrinsic excitability plasticity as a neural correlate for HPA axis habituation. ABSTRACT Encountering a stressor immediately activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but this stereotypic stress response also undergoes experience-dependent adaptation. Despite the biological and clinical importance, how the brain adjusts stress responsiveness in the long term remains poorly understood. We studied hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons that form the apex of the HPA axis in a mouse model of stress habituation using repeated restraint. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology in acute slices, we found that the intrinsic excitability of these neurons substantially decreased after daily repeated stress in a time course that coincided with their loss of stress responsiveness in vivo. This intrinsic excitability plasticity co-developed with an expansion of surface membrane area, which increased a passive electric load, and dampened membrane depolarization in response to the influx of positive charge. Multiphoton imaging and electron microscopy revealed that repeated stress augmented ruffling of the plasma membrane, suggesting an ultrastructural plasticity that may efficiently accommodate the membrane area expansion. Overall, we report a novel structure-function relationship for intrinsic excitability plasticity as a neural correlate for adaptation of the neuroendocrine stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Matovic
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario
| | - Aoi Ichiyama
- Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario
| | | | - Eric W Salter
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Current address: University of Toronto
| | | | - Xue Fan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
| | - Mathilde Henry
- Axe Neurosciences, CRCHU de Quebec-Université Laval.,Current address: INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, Nutrineuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, F-33000, France
| | - Eric S Kuebler
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario
| | | | - Julio Martinez-Trujillo
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
| | - Marie-Eve Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, CRCHU de Quebec-Université Laval.,Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria
| | - Wataru Inoue
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
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13
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Pan HQ, Zhang WH, Liao CZ, He Y, Xiao ZM, Qin X, Liu WZ, Wang N, Zou JX, Liu XX, Pan BX. Chronic Stress Oppositely Regulates Tonic Inhibition in Thy1-Expressing and Non-expressing Neurons in Amygdala. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:299. [PMID: 32362809 PMCID: PMC7180173 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic or prolonged exposure to stress ranks among the most important socioenvironmental factors contributing to the development of neuropsychiatric diseases, a process generally associated with loss of inhibitory tone in amygdala. Recent studies have identified distinct neuronal circuits within the basolateral amygdala (BLA) engaged in different emotional processes. However, the potential circuit involved in stress-induced dysregulation of inhibitory tones in BLA remains elusive. Here, a transgenic mouse model expressing yellow fluorescent protein under control of the Thy1 promoter was used to differentiate subpopulations of projection neurons (PNs) within the BLA. We observed that the tonic inhibition in amygdala neurons expressing and not expressing Thy1 (Thy1+/-) was oppositely regulated by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). In unstressed control mice, the tonic inhibitory currents were significantly stronger in Thy1- PNs than their Thy1+ counterparts. CSDS markedly reduced the currents in Thy1- projection neurons (PNs), but increased that in Thy1+ ones. By contrast, CSDS failed to affect both the phasic A-type γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAAR) currents and GABABR currents in these two PN populations. Moreover, chronic corticosterone administration was sufficient to mimic the effect of CSDS on the tonic inhibition of Thy1+ and Thy1- PNs. As a consequence, the suppression of tonic GABAAR currents on the excitability of Thy1- PNs was weakened by CSDS, but enhanced in Thy1+ PNs. The differential regulation of chronic stress on the tonic inhibition in Thy1+ and Thy1- neurons may orchestrate cell-specific adaptation of amygdala neurons to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Qing Pan
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wen-Hua Zhang
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Cai-Zhi Liao
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ye He
- Center for Medical Experiments, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Xiao
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xia Qin
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Zhu Liu
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Physiology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Jia-Xin Zou
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Liu
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bing-Xing Pan
- Department of Biological Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institutes of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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14
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Gorlova AV, Pavlov DA, Ushakova VM, Zubkov EA, Zorkina YA, Morozova AY, Inozemtsev AN, Chekhonin VP. The Induction of a Depression-Like State by Chronic Exposure to Ultrasound in Rats Is Accompanied by a Reduction in Gene Expression of GABAA-Receptor Subunits in the Brain. NEUROCHEM J+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712420010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Meltzer-Brody S, Kanes SJ. Allopregnanolone in postpartum depression: Role in pathophysiology and treatment. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100212. [PMID: 32435663 PMCID: PMC7231991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a unique subtype of major depressive disorder and a substantial contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. In addition to affecting the mother, PPD can have short- and long-term consequences for the infant and partner. The precise etiology of PPD is unknown, but proposed mechanisms include altered regulation of stress response pathways, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and dysfunctional gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling, and functional linkages exist between these pathways. Current PPD pharmacotherapies are not directly related to these proposed pathophysiologies. In this review, we focus on the potential role of GABAergic signaling and the GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator allopregnanolone in PPD. Data implicating GABAergic signaling and allopregnanolone in PPD are discussed in the context of the development of brexanolone injection, an intravenous formulation of allopregnanolone recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult women with PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Meltzer-Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
- Corresponding author.
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16
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Sze Y, Brunton PJ. Sex, stress and steroids. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2487-2515. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sze
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Paula J. Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
- Zhejiang University‐University of Edinburgh Joint Institute Haining Zhejiang China
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17
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Boero G, Porcu P, Morrow AL. Pleiotropic actions of allopregnanolone underlie therapeutic benefits in stress-related disease. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 12:100203. [PMID: 31879693 PMCID: PMC6920111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
For several years, research from around the world has suggested that the neuroactive steroid (3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) may have therapeutic potential for treatment of various stress-related diseases including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, alcohol use disorders (AUDs), as well as neurological and psychiatric conditions that are worsened in the presence of stress, such as multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and seizure disorders. In this review, we make the argument that the pleiotropic actions of allopregnanolone account for its ability to promote recovery in such a wide variety of illnesses. Likewise, the allopregnanolone precursors, pregnenolone and progesterone, share many actions of allopregnanolone. Of course, pregnenolone and progesterone lack direct effects on GABAA receptors, but these compounds are converted to allopregnanolone in vivo. This review presents a theoretical framework for understanding how endogenous neurosteroids that regulate 1) γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors, 2) corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and 3) pro-inflammatory signaling in the innate immune system and brain could play a key role in both the prevention and treatment of stress-related disease. We further discuss cautions and limitations of allopregnanolone or precursor therapy as well as the need for more clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Leslie Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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18
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Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and heterogeneous disorder. Although there are many treatment options for MDD, patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remain prevalent, wherein delayed time to response results in inferior chances of achieving remission. Recently, therapeutics have been developed that depart from the traditional monoamine hypothesis of depression and focus instead on the glutamatergic, GABAergic, opioidergic, and inflammatory systems. The literature suggests that the foregoing systems are implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD and preclinical trials have informed the development of pharmaceuticals using these systems as therapeutic targets. Pharmaceuticals that target the glutamatergic system include ketamine, esketamine, and rapastinel; brexanolone and SAGE-217 target the GABAergic system; minocycline targets the inflammatory system; and the combinatory agent buprenorphine + samidorphan targets the opioidergic system. The aforementioned agents have shown efficacy in treating MDD in clinical trials. Of particular clinical relevance are those agents targeting the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems as they exhibit rapid response relative to conventional antidepressants. Rapid response pharmaceuticals have the potential to transform the treatment of MDD, demonstrating reduction in depressive symptoms within 24 hours, as opposed to weeks noted with conventional antidepressants. Novel therapeutics have the potential to improve both patient mood symptomatology and economical productivity, reducing the debased human capital costs associated with MDD. Furthermore, a selection of therapeutic targets provides diverse treatment options which may be beneficial to the patient considering the heterogeneity of MDD.
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19
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Pham TH, Gardier AM. Fast-acting antidepressant activity of ketamine: highlights on brain serotonin, glutamate, and GABA neurotransmission in preclinical studies. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 199:58-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Shaw JC, Berry MJ, Dyson RM, Crombie GK, Hirst JJ, Palliser HK. Reduced Neurosteroid Exposure Following Preterm Birth and Its' Contribution to Neurological Impairment: A Novel Avenue for Preventative Therapies. Front Physiol 2019; 10:599. [PMID: 31156466 PMCID: PMC6529563 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Children born preterm are at an increased risk of developing cognitive problems and neuro-behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Whilst neonates born at all gestational ages, even at term, can experience poor cognitive outcomes due to birth-complications such as birth asphyxia, it is becoming widely known that children born preterm in particular are at significant risk for learning difficulties with an increased utilization of special education resources, when compared to their healthy term-born peers. Additionally, those born preterm have evidence of altered cerebral myelination with reductions in white matter volumes of the frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum evident on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This disruption to myelination may underlie some of the pathophysiology of preterm-associated brain injury. Compared to a fetus of the same post-conceptional age, the preterm newborn loses access to in utero factors that support and promote healthy brain development. Furthermore, the preterm ex utero environment is hostile to the developing brain with a myriad of environmental, biochemical and excitotoxic stressors. Allopregnanolone is a key neuroprotective fetal neurosteroid which has promyelinating effects in the developing brain. Preterm birth leads to an abrupt loss of the protective effects of allopregnanolone, with a dramatic drop in allopregnanolone concentrations in the preterm neonatal brain compared to the fetal brain. This occurs in conjunction with reduced myelination of the hippocampus, subcortical white matter and cerebellum; thus, damage to neurons, astrocytes and especially oligodendrocytes of the developing nervous system can occur in the vulnerable developmental window prior to term as a consequence reduced allopregnanolone. In an effort to prevent preterm-associated brain injury a number of therapies have been considered, but to date, other than antenatal magnesium sulfate and corticosteroid therapy, none have become part of standard clinical care for vulnerable infants. Therefore, there remains an urgent need for improved therapeutic options to prevent brain injury in preterm neonates. The actions of the placentally derived neurosteroid allopregnanolone on GABAA receptor signaling has a major role in late gestation neurodevelopment. The early loss of this intrauterine neurotrophic support following preterm birth may be pivotal to development of neurodevelopmental morbidity. Thus, restoring the in utero neurosteroid environment for preterm neonates may represent a new and clinically feasible treatment option for promoting better trajectories of myelination and brain development, and therefore reducing neurodevelopmental disorders in children born preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gabrielle K. Crombie
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan J. Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah K. Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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21
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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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22
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Bittar TP, Nair BB, Kim JS, Chandrasekera D, Sherrington A, Iremonger KJ. Corticosterone mediated functional and structural plasticity in corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Neuropharmacology 2019; 154:79-86. [PMID: 30771372 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.017] [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: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Corticosteroid stress hormones drive a multitude of adaptations in the brain. Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons control the circulating levels of corticosteroid stress hormones in the body and are themselves highly sensitive to corticosteroids. CRH neurons have been shown to undergo various adaptions in response to acute stress hormone elevations. However, their structural and physiological changes under chronically elevated corticosterone are less clear. To address this, we determined the structural and functional changes in CRH neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus following 14 days of corticosterone treatment. We find that prolonged corticosterone elevation reduces CRH neuron intrinsic excitability as measured by summation of subthreshold postsynaptic depolarisations and spiking output. We find that under normal conditions, CRH neurons have a relatively compact and simple dendritic arbor, with a low density of somatic and dendritic spines. Interestingly, the axon originated from a proximal dendrite close to the soma in approximately half of the CRH neurons reconstructed. While prolonged elevation in corticosterone levels did not result in any changes to gross dendritic morphology, it induced a significant reduction in both somatic and dendritic spine density. Together these data reveal the morphological features of hypothalamic CRH neurons and highlight their capacity to undergo functional and morphological plasticity in response to chronic corticosterone elevations. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Hypothalamic Control of Homeostasis'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault P Bittar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Betina B Nair
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Joon S Kim
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Dhananjie Chandrasekera
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Aidan Sherrington
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Karl J Iremonger
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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23
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Bao AM, Swaab DF. The human hypothalamus in mood disorders: The HPA axis in the center. IBRO Rep 2018; 6:45-53. [PMID: 31211281 PMCID: PMC6562194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There are no specific structural neuropathological hallmarks found in the brain of mood disorders. Instead, there are molecular, functional and structural alterations reported in many brain areas. The neurodevelopmental underpinning indicated the presence of various genetic and developmental risk factors. The effect of genetic polymorphisms and developmental sequalae, some of which may start in the womb, result in functional changes in a network mediated by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, which make the emotion- and stress-related brain systems more vulnerable to stressful events. This network of stress-related neurocircuits consists of, for instance, brainstem nuclei, the amygdala, habenula, prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus. Various nuclei of the hypothalamus form indeed one of the crucial hubs in this network. This structure concerns not only the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that integrate the neuro-endocrine-immune responses to stress, but also other hypothalamic nuclei and systems that play a key role in the symptoms of depression, such as disordered day-night rhythm, lack of reward feelings, disturbed eating, sex, and disturbed cognitive functions. The present review will focus on the changes in the human hypothalamus in depression, with the HPA axis in the center. We will discuss the inordinate network of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved, with the hope to find the most vulnerable neurobiological systems and the possible development of tailor-made treatments for mood disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Min Bao
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of neuroscience, NHC and CAMS key laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of neuroscience, NHC and CAMS key laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Sunstrum JK, Inoue W. Heterosynaptic modulation in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Neuropharmacology 2018; 154:87-95. [PMID: 30408488 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The stress response-originally described by Hans Selye as "the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it"-is chiefly mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and is activated by diverse sensory stimuli that inform threats to homeostasis. The diversity of signals regulating the HPA axis is partly achieved by the complexity of afferent inputs that converge at the apex of the HPA axis: this apex is formed by a group of neurosecretory neurons that synthesize corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). The afferent synaptic inputs onto these PVN-CRH neurons originate from a number of brain areas, and PVN-CRH neurons respond to a long list of neurotransmitters/neuropeptides. Considering this complexity, an important question is how these diverse afferent signals independently and/or in concert influence the excitability of PVN-CRH neurons. While many of these inputs directly act on the postsynaptic PVN-CRH neurons for the summation of signals, accumulating data indicates that they also modulate each other's transmission in the PVN. This mode of transmission, termed heterosynaptic modulation, points to mechanisms through which the activity of a specific modulatory input (conveying a specific sensory signal) can up- or down-regulate the efficacy of other afferent synapses (mediating other stress modalities) depending on receptor expression for and spatial proximity to the heterosynaptic signals. Here, we review examples of heterosynaptic modulation in the PVN and discuss its potential role in the regulation of PVN-CRH neurons' excitability and resulting HPA axis activity. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Hypothalamic Control of Homeostasis'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Sunstrum
- Neuroscience Program, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wataru Inoue
- Neuroscience Program, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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25
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Godfrey KEM, Gardner AC, Kwon S, Chea W, Muthukumaraswamy SD. Differences in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter levels between depressed patients and healthy controls: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 105:33-44. [PMID: 30144668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and/or glutamate neurotransmitter systems have increasingly been implicated in the aetiology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It has been proposed that alterations in GABA and/or glutamate result in an imbalance of inhibition and excitation. In a review of the current literature, we identified studies using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to examine the neurotransmitters GABA, glutamate, and the composite glutamate/glutamine measure Glx in patients diagnosed with MDD and healthy controls. Results showed patients with MDD had significantly lower GABA levels compared to controls (-0.35 [-0.61,-0.10], p = 0.007). No significant difference was found between levels of glutamate. Sub-analyses were performed, including only studies where the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) was the region of interest. GABA and Glx levels were lower in the ACC of MDD patients (-0.56 [-0.93,-0.18] p = 0.004, and 0.40 [-0.81,0.01] p = 0.05). This review indicates widespread cortical reduction of GABA in MDD, with a trend towards a localised reduction of Glx in the ACC. However, given both GABA and glutamate appear decreased a simple interpretation in terms of an imbalance of overall excitation-inhibition is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E M Godfrey
- The University of Auckland, School of Pharmacy, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Abby C Gardner
- The University of Auckland, School of Pharmacy, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Kwon
- The University of Auckland, School of Pharmacy, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - William Chea
- The University of Auckland, School of Pharmacy, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
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26
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Nagpal J, Herget U, Choi MK, Ryu S. Anatomy, development, and plasticity of the neurosecretory hypothalamus in zebrafish. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:5-22. [PMID: 30109407 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2900-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus harbors diverse neurosecretory cells with critical physiological roles for the homeostasis. Decades of research in rodents have provided a large amount of information on the anatomy, development, and function of this important hypothalamic nucleus. However, since the hypothalamus lies deep within the brain in mammals and is difficult to access, many questions regarding development and plasticity of this nucleus still remain. In particular, how different environmental conditions, including stress exposure, shape the development of this important nucleus has been difficult to address in animals that develop in utero. To address these open questions, the transparent larval zebrafish with its rapid external development and excellent genetic toolbox offers exciting opportunities. In this review, we summarize recent information on the anatomy and development of the neurosecretory preoptic area (NPO), which represents a similar structure to the mammalian PVN in zebrafish. We will then review recent studies on the development of different cell types in the neurosecretory hypothalamus both in mouse and in fish. Lastly, we discuss stress-induced plasticity of the PVN mainly discussing the data obtained in rodents, but pointing out tools and approaches available in zebrafish for future studies. This review serves as a primer for the currently available information relevant for studying the development and plasticity of this important brain region using zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatin Nagpal
- German Resilience Center, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ulrich Herget
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd. Mail Code 156-29, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Min K Choi
- German Resilience Center, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Soojin Ryu
- German Resilience Center, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
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Colmers PLW, Bains JS. Balancing tonic and phasic inhibition in hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons. J Physiol 2018; 596:1919-1929. [PMID: 29419884 DOI: 10.1113/jp275588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS GABA transporter (GAT) blockade recruits extrasynaptic GABAA receptors (GABAA Rs) and amplifies constitutive presynaptic GABAB R activity. Extrasynaptic GABAA Rs contribute to a tonic current. Corticosteroids increase the tonic current mediated by extrasynaptic GABAA Rs. ABSTRACT Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) are integratory hubs that regulate the endocrine response to stress. GABA inputs provide a basal inhibitory tone that constrains this system and circulating glucocorticoids (CORT) are important feedback controllers of CRH output. Surprisingly little is known about the direct effects of CORT on GABA synapses in PVN. Here we used whole-cell patch clamp recordings from CRH neurons in mouse hypothalamic brain slices to examine the effects of CORT on synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA signalling. We show that GABA transporters (GATs) limit constitutive activation of presynaptic GABAB receptors and ensure high release probability at GABA synapses. GATs in combination with GABAB receptors also curtail extrasynaptic GABAA R signalling. CORT has no effect on synaptic GABA signalling, but increases extrasynaptic GABA tone through upregulation of postsynaptic GABAA receptors. These data show that efficient GABA clearance and autoinhibition control the balance between synaptic (phasic) and extrasynaptic (tonic) inhibition in PVN CRH neurons. This balance is shifted towards increased extrasynaptic inhibition by CORT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L W Colmers
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
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Everington EA, Gibbard AG, Swinny JD, Seifi M. Molecular Characterization of GABA-A Receptor Subunit Diversity within Major Peripheral Organs and Their Plasticity in Response to Early Life Psychosocial Stress. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:18. [PMID: 29467616 PMCID: PMC5807923 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) subtype A receptors (GABAARs) are integral membrane ion channels composed of five individual proteins or subunits. Up to 19 different GABAAR subunits (α1–6, β1–3, γ1–3, δ, ε, θ, π, and ρ1–3) have been identified, resulting in anatomically, physiologically, and pharmacologically distinct multiple receptor subtypes, and therefore GABA-mediated inhibition, across the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, GABAAR-modulating drugs are important tools in clinical medicine, although their use is limited by adverse effects. While significant advances have been made in terms of characterizing the GABAAR system within the brain, relatively less is known about the molecular phenotypes within the peripheral nervous system of major organ systems. This represents a potentially missed therapeutic opportunity in terms of utilizing or repurposing clinically available GABAAR drugs, as well as promising research compounds discarded due to their poor CNS penetrance, for the treatment of peripheral disorders. In addition, a broader understanding of the peripheral GABAAR subtype repertoires will contribute to the design of therapies which minimize peripheral side-effects when treating CNS disorders. We have recently provided a high resolution molecular and function characterization of the GABAARs within the enteric nervous system of the mouse colon. In this study, the aim was to determine the constituent GABAAR subunit expression profiles of the mouse bladder, heart, liver, kidney, lung, and stomach, using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting with brain as control. The data indicate that while some subunits are expressed widely across various organs (α3–5), others are restricted to individual organs (γ2, only stomach). Furthermore, we demonstrate complex organ-specific developmental expression plasticity of the transporters which determine the chloride gradient within cells, and therefore whether GABAAR activation has a depolarizing or hyperpolarizing effect. Finally, we demonstrate that prior exposure to early life psychosocial stress induces significant changes in peripheral GABAAR subunit expression and chloride transporters, in an organ- and subunit-specific manner. Collectively, the data demonstrate the molecular diversity of the peripheral GABAAR system and how this changes dynamically in response to life experience. This provides a molecular platform for functional analyses of the GABA–GABAAR system in health, and in diseases affecting various peripheral organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan A Everington
- Institute for Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Adina G Gibbard
- Institute for Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Jerome D Swinny
- Institute for Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Mohsen Seifi
- Institute for Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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Bennett GA, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Palazzi KL, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Maternal stress in pregnancy affects myelination and neurosteroid regulatory pathways in the guinea pig cerebellum. Stress 2017; 20:580-588. [PMID: 28969480 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1378637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress predisposes offspring to behavioral pathologies. These may be attributed to effects on cerebellar neurosteroids and GABAergic inhibitory signaling, which can be linked to hyperactivity disorders. The aims were to determine the effect of prenatal stress on markers of cerebellar development, a key enzyme in neurosteroid synthesis and the expression of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) subunits involved in neurosteroid signaling. We used a model of prenatal stress (strobe light exposure, 2 h on gestational day 50, 55, 60 and 65) in guinea pigs, in which we have characterized anxiety and neophobic behavioral outcomes. The cerebellum and plasma were collected from control and prenatally stressed offspring at term (control fetus: n = 9 male, n = 7 female; stressed fetus: n = 7 male, n = 8 female) and postnatal day (PND) 21 (control: n = 8 male, n = 8 female; stressed: n = 9 male, n = 6 female). We found that term female offspring exposed to prenatal stress showed decreased expression of mature oligodendrocytes (∼40% reduction) and these deficits improved to control levels by PND21. Reactive astrocyte expression was lower (∼40% reduction) following prenatal stress. GABAAR subunit (δ and α6) expression and circulating allopregnanolone concentrations were not affected by prenatal stress. Prenatal stress increased expression (∼150-250% increase) of 5α-reductase type-1 mRNA in the cerebellum, which may be a neuroprotective response to promote GABAergic inhibition and aid in repair. These observations indicate that prenatal stress exposure has marked effects on the development of the cerebellum. These findings suggest cerebellar changes after prenatal stress may contribute to adverse behavioral outcomes after exposure to these stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greer A Bennett
- a Mothers and Babies Research Centre , Hunter Medical Research Institute , Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia
- b School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy , University of Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- a Mothers and Babies Research Centre , Hunter Medical Research Institute , Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia
- b School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy , University of Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- a Mothers and Babies Research Centre , Hunter Medical Research Institute , Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia
- b School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy , University of Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Kerrin L Palazzi
- c Clinical Research Design , Information Technology and Statistical Support (CReDITSS), Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) , Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia
| | - David W Walker
- d School of Health and Biomedical Sciences , RMIT University , Bundoora , Victoria , Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- a Mothers and Babies Research Centre , Hunter Medical Research Institute , Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia
- b School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy , University of Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia
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30
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Gao Y, Zhou JJ, Zhu Y, Wang L, Kosten TA, Zhang X, Li DP. Neuroadaptations of presynaptic and postsynaptic GABA B receptor function in the paraventricular nucleus in response to chronic unpredictable stress. Br J Pharmacol 2017. [PMID: 28635080 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic stress impairs GABAA (GABA type A) receptor-mediated inhibition in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). It is not clear whether GABAB receptor function is also altered. We hypothesize that chronic stress alters GABAB receptor function in PVN corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons to control hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were made of PVN-CRH neurons expressing eGFP driven by CRH promoter in brain slices from unstressed rats and rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). KEY RESULTS CUMS elevated the basal circulating corticosterone levels and increased the basal firing activity of PVN-CRH neurons. Microinjection of GABAB receptor agonist baclofen into the PVN suppressed the increased corticosterone levels in CUMS rats compared with unstressed rats. CUMS blunted the baclofen-induced inhibition on PVN-CRH neurons and outward currents in these neurons. Furthermore, CUMS reduced expression of GABAB1 (GABAB R1) protein in the PVN. Blocking NMDA receptors with AP5 restored the reduced baclofen-induced currents in CUMS rats but had no effect on GABAB1 expression. Furthermore, CUMS treatment augmented the baclofen-induced decrease in the frequency of glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and GABAergic inhibitor postsynaptic currents in PVN-CRH neurons. The GABAB receptor antagonist CGP55845 increased the firing activity of PVN-CRH neurons only in CUMS-treated rats and not in unstressed rats. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that chronic stress impairs postsynaptic GABAB receptor function but augments presynaptic GABAB receptor function in controlling glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic inputs in PVN-CRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Gao
- Department of Critical Care and Anesthesiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, HeBei, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhou
- Department of Critical Care and Anesthesiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Critical Care and Anesthesiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Therese A Kosten
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiangjian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.,Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiocerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - De-Pei Li
- Department of Critical Care and Anesthesiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Locci A, Pinna G. Neurosteroid biosynthesis down-regulation and changes in GABA A receptor subunit composition: a biomarker axis in stress-induced cognitive and emotional impairment. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:3226-3241. [PMID: 28456011 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
By rapidly modulating neuronal excitability, neurosteroids regulate physiological processes, such as responses to stress and development. Excessive stress affects their biosynthesis and causes an imbalance in cognition and emotions. The progesterone derivative, allopregnanolone (Allo) enhances extrasynaptic and postsynaptic inhibition by directly binding at GABAA receptors, and thus, positively and allosterically modulates the function of GABA. Allo levels are decreased in stress-induced psychiatric disorders, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and elevating Allo levels may be a valid therapeutic approach to counteract behavioural dysfunction. While benzodiazepines are inefficient, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) represent the first choice treatment for depression and PTSD. Their mechanisms to improve behaviour in preclinical studies include neurosteroidogenic effects at low non-serotonergic doses. Unfortunately, half of PTSD and depressed patients are resistant to current prescribed 'high' dosage of these drugs that engage serotonergic mechanisms. Unveiling novel biomarkers to develop more efficient treatment strategies is in high demand. Stress-induced down-regulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis and changes in GABAA receptor subunit expression offer a putative biomarker axis to develop new PTSD treatments. The advantage of stimulating Allo biosynthesis relies on the variety of neurosteroidogenic receptors to be targeted, including TSPO and endocannabinoid receptors. Furthermore, stress favours a GABAA receptor subunit composition with higher sensitivity for Allo. The use of synthetic analogues of Allo is a valuable alternative. Pregnenolone or drugs that stimulate its levels increase Allo but also sulphated steroids, including pregnanolone sulphate which, by inhibiting NMDA tonic neurotransmission, provides neuroprotection and cognitive benefits. In this review, we describe current knowledge on the effects of stress on neurosteroid biosynthesis and GABAA receptor neurotransmission and summarize available pharmacological strategies that by enhancing neurosteroidogenesis are relevant for the treatment of SSRI-resistant patients. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of Cognition: a Panacea for Neuropsychiatric Disease? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.19/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Locci
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kusek M, Tokarska A, Siwiec M, Gadek-Michalska A, Szewczyk B, Hess G, Tokarski K. Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor Attenuates the Effects of Repeated Restraint Stress on Synaptic Transmission in the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Rat Hypothalamus. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:127. [PMID: 28515682 PMCID: PMC5413825 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-synthesizing parvocellular neuroendocrine cells (PNCs) of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) play a key role in the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Several studies have demonstrated that synaptic inputs to these cells may undergo stress-related enhancement but, on the other hand, it has been reported that exposition to the same stressor for prolonged time periods may induce a progressive reduction in the response of the HPA axis to homotypic stressors. In the present study rats were subjected to 10 min restraint sessions, repeated twice daily for 3 or 7 days. Miniature excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs and mIPSCs) were then recorded from PNCs in ex vivo hypothalamic slice preparations obtained 24 h after the last restraint. Restraint stress repeated over 3 days resulted in increased mean frequency and decreased rise time and decay time constant of mEPSCs, accompanied by a decrease in the excitability of PNCs, however, no such changes were evident in slices obtained from rats subjected to restraint over 7 days. There were no changes in mIPSCs after repeated restraint. Administration of the unspecific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blocker Nω-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) before each restraint, repeated over 3 days, prevented the occurrence of an increase in mEPSC frequency. However, animals receiving L-NNA and subjected to repeated restraint had similar changes in PNCs membrane excitability and mEPSC kinetics as stressed rats not receiving L-NNA. Comparison of the effects of a single 10 min restraint session followed by either an immediate or delayed (24 h) decapitation revealed an increase in the mean mEPSC frequency and a decrease in the mean mIPSC frequency in slices prepared immediately after restraint, with no apparent effects when slice preparation was delayed by 24 h. These results demonstrate that restraint, lasting 10 min and repeated twice daily for 3 days, induces a selective and long-lasting enhancement of excitatory synaptic input onto PNCs, partially by a NOS-dependent mechanism, and reduces PNC excitability, whereas prolongation of repeated stress for up to 7 days results in an adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kusek
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
| | - Anna Tokarska
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian UniversityKraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Siwiec
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
| | - Anna Gadek-Michalska
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
| | - Bernadeta Szewczyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Hess
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland.,Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian UniversityKraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tokarski
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
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Gao Y, Zhou JJ, Zhu Y, Kosten T, Li DP. Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Induces Loss of GABA Inhibition in Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone-Expressing Neurons through NKCC1 Upregulation. Neuroendocrinology 2017; 104:194-208. [PMID: 27077366 PMCID: PMC5065755 DOI: 10.1159/000446114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prolonged and repeated stresses cause hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) are an essential component of the HPA axis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats. GABA reversal potentials (EGABA) were determined by using gramicidin-perforated recordings in identified PVN-CRH neurons through expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein driven by the CRH promoter. Plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels were measured in rats implanted with a cannula targeting the lateral ventricles and PVN. RESULTS Blocking the GABAA receptor in the PVN with gabazine significantly increased plasma CORT levels in unstressed rats but did not change CORT levels in CUMS rats. CUMS caused a depolarizing shift in EGABA in PVN-CRH neurons compared with EGABA in PVN-CRH neurons in unstressed rats. Furthermore, CUMS induced a long-lasting increase in expression levels of the cation chloride cotransporter Na+-K+-Cl--Cl- (NKCC1) in the PVN but a transient decrease in expression levels of K+-Cl--Cl- in the PVN, which returned to the basal level 5 days after CUMS treatment. The NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide decreased the basal firing activity of PVN-CRH neurons and normalized EGABA and the gabazine-induced excitatory effect on PVN-CRH neurons in CUMS rats. In addition, central administration of bumetanide decreased basal circulating CORT levels in CUMS rats. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that chronic stress impairs GABAergic inhibition, resulting in HPA axis hyperactivity through upregulation of NKCC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Jing-Jing Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | | | - De-Pei Li
- Department of Critical Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Hu P, Liu J, Yasrebi A, Gotthardt JD, Bello NT, Pang ZP, Roepke TA. Gq Protein-Coupled Membrane-Initiated Estrogen Signaling Rapidly Excites Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3604-20. [PMID: 27387482 PMCID: PMC5007888 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CRH neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) play a central role in regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and are directly influenced by 17β-estradiol (E2). Although compelling evidence has suggested the existence of membrane-associated estrogen receptors (mERs) in hypothalamic and other central nervous system neurons, it remains unknown whether E2 impacts CRH neuronal excitability through this mechanism. The purpose of the current study is to examine the existence and function of mER signaling in PVN CRH neurons. Whole-cell recordings were made from CRH neurons identified by Alexa Fluor 594 labeling and post hoc immunostaining in ovariectomized female mice. E2 (100nM) rapidly suppressed the M-current (a voltage-dependent K(+) current) and potentiated glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents. The putative Gq-coupled mER (Gq-mER) characterized in hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin neurons initiates a phospholipase C-protein kinase C-protein kinase A pathway; therefore, we examined the involvement of this pathway using selective inhibitors. Indeed, the ER antagonist ICI 182780 and inhibitors of Gq-phospholipase C-protein kinase C-protein kinase A blocked E2's actions, suggesting dependence on the Gq-mER. Furthermore, STX, a selective ligand for the Gq-mER, mimicked E2's actions. Finally, to examine the in vivo effect of Gq-mER activation, E2 or STX injection increased c-fos expression in CRH neurons in the PVN, suggesting CRH neuronal activation. This corresponded to an increase in plasma corticosterone. We conclude that the Gq-mER plays a critical role in the rapid regulation of CRH neuronal activity and the HPA axis. Our findings provide a potential underlying mechanism for E2's involvement in the pathophysiology of HPA-associated mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Hu
- Department of Animal Sciences (P.H., A.Y., J.D.G., N.T.B., T.A.R.), School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Child Health Institute of New Jersey (J.L., Z.P.P.) and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (J.L., Z.P.P.), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
| | - Ji Liu
- Department of Animal Sciences (P.H., A.Y., J.D.G., N.T.B., T.A.R.), School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Child Health Institute of New Jersey (J.L., Z.P.P.) and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (J.L., Z.P.P.), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
| | - Ali Yasrebi
- Department of Animal Sciences (P.H., A.Y., J.D.G., N.T.B., T.A.R.), School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Child Health Institute of New Jersey (J.L., Z.P.P.) and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (J.L., Z.P.P.), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
| | - Juliet D Gotthardt
- Department of Animal Sciences (P.H., A.Y., J.D.G., N.T.B., T.A.R.), School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Child Health Institute of New Jersey (J.L., Z.P.P.) and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (J.L., Z.P.P.), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
| | - Nicholas T Bello
- Department of Animal Sciences (P.H., A.Y., J.D.G., N.T.B., T.A.R.), School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Child Health Institute of New Jersey (J.L., Z.P.P.) and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (J.L., Z.P.P.), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
| | - Zhiping P Pang
- Department of Animal Sciences (P.H., A.Y., J.D.G., N.T.B., T.A.R.), School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Child Health Institute of New Jersey (J.L., Z.P.P.) and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (J.L., Z.P.P.), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Department of Animal Sciences (P.H., A.Y., J.D.G., N.T.B., T.A.R.), School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Child Health Institute of New Jersey (J.L., Z.P.P.) and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (J.L., Z.P.P.), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
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Osterlund CD, Rodriguez-Santiago M, Woodruff ER, Newsom RJ, Chadayammuri AP, Spencer RL. Glucocorticoid Fast Feedback Inhibition of Stress-Induced ACTH Secretion in the Male Rat: Rate Independence and Stress-State Resistance. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2785-98. [PMID: 27145013 PMCID: PMC4929554 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Normal glucocorticoid secretion is critical for physiological and mental health. Glucocorticoid secretion is dynamically regulated by glucocorticoid-negative feedback; however, the mechanisms of that feedback process are poorly understood. We assessed the temporal characteristics of glucocorticoid-negative feedback in vivo using a procedure for drug infusions and serial blood collection in unanesthetized rats that produced a minimal disruption of basal ACTH plasma levels. We compared the negative feedback effectiveness present when stress onset coincides with corticosterone's (CORT) rapidly rising phase (30 sec pretreatment), high plateau phase (15 min pretreatment), or restored basal phase (60 min pretreatment) as well as effectiveness when CORT infusion occurs after the onset of stress (5 min poststress onset). CORT treatment prior to stress onset acted remarkably fast (within 30 sec) to suppress stress-induced ACTH secretion. Furthermore, fast feedback induction did not require rapid increases in CORT at the time of stress onset (hormone rate independent), and those feedback actions were relatively long lasting (≥15 min). In contrast, CORT elevation after stress onset produced limited and delayed ACTH suppression (stress state resistance). There was a parallel stress-state resistance for CORT inhibition of stress-induced Crh heteronuclear RNA in the paraventricular nucleus but not Pomc heteronuclear RNA in the anterior pituitary. CORT treatment did not suppress stress-induced prolactin secretion, suggesting that CORT feedback is restricted to the control of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis elements of a stress response. These temporal, stress-state, and system-level features of in vivo CORT feedback provide an important physiological context for ex vivo studies of molecular and cellular mechanisms of CORT-negative feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad D Osterlund
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | | | - Elizabeth R Woodruff
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Ryan J Newsom
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Anjali P Chadayammuri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Robert L Spencer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
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Franco AJ, Chen C, Scullen T, Zsombok A, Salahudeen AA, Di S, Herman JP, Tasker JG. Sensitization of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in a Male Rat Chronic Stress Model. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2346-55. [PMID: 27054552 PMCID: PMC4891782 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stress activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is regulated by rapid glucocorticoid negative feedback. Chronic unpredictable stress animal models recapitulate certain aspects of major depression in humans, which have been attributed to impaired glucocorticoid negative feedback. We tested for an attenuated HPA sensitivity to fast glucocorticoid feedback inhibition in male rats exposed to a chronic variable stress (CVS) paradigm. In vitro, parvocellular neuroendocrine cells of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus recorded in slices from CVS rats showed an increase in basal excitatory synaptic inputs and a decrease in basal inhibitory synaptic inputs compared with neurons from control rats. There was no difference between control and CVS-treated rats in the rapid glucocorticoid suppression of excitatory synaptic inputs, a fast feedback mechanism. In vivo, CVS-treated rats showed an increase in ACTH secretion at baseline and after both iv CRH and acute stress and no impairment of the corticosterone suppression of the ACTH response, compared with controls. In an in vitro pituitary preparation, an increase in basal ACTH release, a small increase in CRH-induced ACTH release, and no decrement in the glucocorticoid suppression of ACTH release were seen in pituitaries from CVS rats. Thus, CVS does not suppress rapid glucocorticoid negative feedback at the hypothalamus or pituitary, but increases the synaptic excitability of paraventricular nucleus CRH neurons and the CRH sensitivity of the pituitary. Therefore, increased HPA activity in chronically stressed male rats is due to sensitization of the HPA axis, rather than to desensitization to rapid glucocorticoid feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alier J Franco
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.J.F., C.C., T.S., A.A.S., S.D., J.G.T.) and Neuroscience Program (A.Z., J.G.T.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; Departments of Physiology and Medicine (A.Z.), Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience (J.P.H.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Chun Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.J.F., C.C., T.S., A.A.S., S.D., J.G.T.) and Neuroscience Program (A.Z., J.G.T.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; Departments of Physiology and Medicine (A.Z.), Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience (J.P.H.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Tyler Scullen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.J.F., C.C., T.S., A.A.S., S.D., J.G.T.) and Neuroscience Program (A.Z., J.G.T.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; Departments of Physiology and Medicine (A.Z.), Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience (J.P.H.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Andrea Zsombok
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.J.F., C.C., T.S., A.A.S., S.D., J.G.T.) and Neuroscience Program (A.Z., J.G.T.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; Departments of Physiology and Medicine (A.Z.), Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience (J.P.H.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Ahmed A Salahudeen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.J.F., C.C., T.S., A.A.S., S.D., J.G.T.) and Neuroscience Program (A.Z., J.G.T.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; Departments of Physiology and Medicine (A.Z.), Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience (J.P.H.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Shi Di
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.J.F., C.C., T.S., A.A.S., S.D., J.G.T.) and Neuroscience Program (A.Z., J.G.T.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; Departments of Physiology and Medicine (A.Z.), Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience (J.P.H.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - James P Herman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.J.F., C.C., T.S., A.A.S., S.D., J.G.T.) and Neuroscience Program (A.Z., J.G.T.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; Departments of Physiology and Medicine (A.Z.), Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience (J.P.H.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Jeffrey G Tasker
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.J.F., C.C., T.S., A.A.S., S.D., J.G.T.) and Neuroscience Program (A.Z., J.G.T.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; Departments of Physiology and Medicine (A.Z.), Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience (J.P.H.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
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Abstract
The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is responsible for stimulation of adrenal corticosteroids in response to stress. Negative feedback control by corticosteroids limits pituitary secretion of corticotropin, ACTH, and hypothalamic secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone, CRH, and vasopressin, AVP, resulting in regulation of both basal and stress-induced ACTH secretion. The negative feedback effect of corticosteroids occurs by action of corticosteroids at mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and/or glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) located in multiple sites in the brain and in the pituitary. The mechanisms of negative feedback vary according to the receptor type and location within the brain-hypothalmo-pituitary axis. A very rapid nongenomic action has been demonstrated for GR action on CRH neurons in the hypothalamus, and somewhat slower nongenomic effects are observed in the pituitary or other brain sites mediated by GR and/or MR. Corticosteroids also have genomic actions, including repression of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene in the pituitary and CRH and AVP genes in the hypothalamus. The rapid effect inhibits stimulated secretion, but requires a rapidly rising corticosteroid concentration. The more delayed inhibitory effect on stimulated secretion is dependent on the intensity of the stimulus and the magnitude of the corticosteroid feedback signal, but also the neuroanatomical pathways responsible for activating the HPA. The pathways for activation of some stressors may partially bypass hypothalamic feedback sites at the CRH neuron, whereas others may not involve forebrain sites; therefore, some physiological stressors may override or bypass negative feedback, and other psychological stressors may facilitate responses to subsequent stress.
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Tsutsui R, Shinomiya K, Sendo T, Kitamura Y, Kamei C. Effects of the 5-HT(1A) Receptor Agonist Tandospirone on ACTH-Induced Sleep Disturbance in Rats. Biol Pharm Bull 2016; 38:884-8. [PMID: 26027828 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b14-00887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor agonist tandospirone versus that of the benzodiazepine hypnotic flunitrazepam in a rat model of long-term adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-induced sleep disturbance. Rats implanted with electrodes for recording electroencephalogram and electromyogram were injected with ACTH once daily at a dose of 100 µg/rat. Administration of ACTH for 10 d caused a significant increase in sleep latency, decrease in non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep time, and increase in wake time. Tandospirone caused a significant decrease in sleep latency and increase in non-REM sleep time in rats treated with ACTH. The effect of tandospirone on sleep patterns was antagonized by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635. In contrast, flunitrazepam had no significant effect on sleep parameters in ACTH-treated rats. These results clearly indicate that long-term administration of ACTH causes sleep disturbance, and stimulating the 5-HT1A receptor by tandospirone may be efficacious for improving sleep in cases in which benzodiazepine hypnotics are ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuki Tsutsui
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
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Herman JP, Tasker JG. Paraventricular Hypothalamic Mechanisms of Chronic Stress Adaptation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:137. [PMID: 27843437 PMCID: PMC5086584 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is the primary driver of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) responses. At least part of the role of the PVN is managing the demands of chronic stress exposure. With repeated exposure to stress, hypophysiotrophic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons of the PVN display a remarkable cellular, synaptic, and connectional plasticity that serves to maximize the ability of the HPA axis to maintain response vigor and flexibility. At the cellular level, chronic stress enhances the production of CRH and its co-secretagogue arginine vasopressin and rearranges neurotransmitter receptor expression so as to maximize cellular excitability. There is also evidence to suggest that efficacy of local glucocorticoid feedback is reduced following chronic stress. At the level of the synapse, chronic stress enhances cellular excitability and reduces inhibitory tone. Finally, chronic stress causes a structural enhancement of excitatory innervation, increasing the density of glutamate and noradrenergic/adrenergic terminals on CRH neuronal cell somata and dendrites. Together, these neuroplastic changes favor the ability of the HPA axis to retain responsiveness even under conditions of considerable adversity. Thus, chronic stress appears able to drive PVN neurons via a number of convergent mechanisms, processes that may play a major role in HPA axis dysfunction seen in variety of stress-linked disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P. Herman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- *Correspondence: James P. Herman,
| | - Jeffrey G. Tasker
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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40
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Bains JS, Wamsteeker Cusulin JI, Inoue W. Stress-related synaptic plasticity in the hypothalamus. Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 16:377-88. [PMID: 26087679 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Stress necessitates an immediate engagement of multiple neural and endocrine systems. However, exposure to a single stressor causes adaptive changes that modify responses to subsequent stressors. Recent studies examining synapses onto neuroendocrine cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus demonstrate that stressful experiences leave indelible marks that alter the ability of these synapses to undergo plasticity. These adaptations include a unique form of metaplasticity at glutamatergic synapses, bidirectional changes in endocannabinoid signalling and bidirectional changes in strength at GABAergic synapses that rely on distinct temporal windows following stress. This rich repertoire of plasticity is likely to represent an important building block for dynamic, experience-dependent modulation of neuroendocrine stress adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaideep S Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jaclyn I Wamsteeker Cusulin
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Wataru Inoue
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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Kondo MA, Gray LJ, Pelka GJ, Leang SK, Christodoulou J, Tam PPL, Hannan AJ. Affective dysfunction in a mouse model of Rett syndrome: Therapeutic effects of environmental stimulation and physical activity. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 76:209-24. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mari A. Kondo
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Laura J. Gray
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Gregory J. Pelka
- Embryology Unit; Children's Medical Research Institute; Westmead New South Wales 2145 Australia
| | - Sook-Kwan Leang
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - John Christodoulou
- Western Sydney Genetics Program; Children's Hospital at Westmead; Westmead, New South Wales 2145 Australia
- Disciplines of Paediatrics and Child Health and Genetic Medicine; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Patrick P. L. Tam
- Embryology Unit; Children's Medical Research Institute; Westmead New South Wales 2145 Australia
- Sydney Medical School; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Anthony J. Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
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42
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Gelman PL, Flores-Ramos M, López-Martínez M, Fuentes CC, Grajeda JPR. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function during perinatal depression. Neurosci Bull 2015; 31:338-50. [PMID: 25732527 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-014-1508-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is an important pathological finding in pregnant women exhibiting major depressive disorder. They show high levels of cortisol pro-inflammatory cytokines, hypothalamic-pituitary peptide hormones and catecholamines, along with low dehydroepiandrosterone levels in plasma. During pregnancy, the TH2 balance together with the immune system and placental factors play crucial roles in the development of the fetal allograft to full term. These factors, when altered, may generate a persistent dysfunction of the HPA axis that may lead to an overt transfer of cortisol and toxicity to the fetus at the expense of reduced activity of placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. Epigenetic modifications also may contribute to the dysregulation of the HPA axis. Affective disorders in pregnant women should be taken seriously, and therapies focused on preventing the deleterious effects of stressors should be implemented to promote the welfare of both mother and baby.
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Luscher B, Fuchs T. GABAergic control of depression-related brain states. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2015; 73:97-144. [PMID: 25637439 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The GABAergic deficit hypothesis of major depressive disorders (MDDs) posits that reduced γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration in brain, impaired function of GABAergic interneurons, altered expression and function of GABA(A) receptors, and changes in GABAergic transmission dictated by altered chloride homeostasis can contribute to the etiology of MDD. Conversely, the hypothesis posits that the efficacy of currently used antidepressants is determined by their ability to enhance GABAergic neurotransmission. We here provide an update for corresponding evidence from studies of patients and preclinical animal models of depression. In addition, we propose an explanation for the continued lack of genetic evidence that explains the considerable heritability of MDD. Lastly, we discuss how alterations in GABAergic transmission are integral to other hypotheses of MDD that emphasize (i) the role of monoaminergic deficits, (ii) stress-based etiologies, (iii) neurotrophic deficits, and (iv) the neurotoxic and neural circuit-impairing consequences of chronic excesses of glutamate. We propose that altered GABAergic transmission serves as a common denominator of MDD that can account for all these other hypotheses and that plays a causal and common role in diverse mechanistic etiologies of depressive brain states and in the mechanism of action of current antidepressant drug therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Luscher
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Center for Molecular Investigation of Neurological Disorders, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Thomas Fuchs
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Center for Molecular Investigation of Neurological Disorders, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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44
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Singh-Taylor A, Korosi A, Molet J, Gunn BG, Baram TZ. Synaptic rewiring of stress-sensitive neurons by early-life experience: a mechanism for resilience? Neurobiol Stress 2015; 1:109-115. [PMID: 25530985 PMCID: PMC4267062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes and environment interact to influence cognitive and emotional functions throughout life. Early-life experiences in particular contribute to vulnerability or resilience to a number of emotional and cognitive illnesses in humans. In rodents, early-life experiences directly lead to resilience or vulnerability to stress later in life, and influence the development of cognitive and emotional deficits. The mechanisms for the enduring effects of early-life experiences on cognitive and emotional outcomes are not completely understood. Here, we present emerging information supporting experience-dependent modulation of the number and efficacy of synaptic inputs onto stress-sensitive neurons. This synaptic 'rewiring', in turn, may influence the expression of crucial neuronal genes. The persistent changes in gene expression in resilient versus vulnerable rodent models are likely maintained via epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, early-life experience may generate resilience by altering synaptic input to neurons, which informs them to modulate their epigenetic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Singh-Taylor
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam. The Netherlands
| | - Jenny Molet
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Benjamin G Gunn
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA ; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA ; Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
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45
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Lu J, Wen Y, Zhang L, Zhang C, Zhong W, Zhang L, Yu Y, Chen L, Xu D, Wang H. Prenatal ethanol exposure induces an intrauterine programming of enhanced sensitivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in female offspring rats fed with post-weaning high-fat diet. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5tx00012b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
“Intrauterine programming” involved in the intrauterine origin of prenatal ethanol exposure induced enhanced sensitivity of the HPA axis in female offspring rats fed with high-fat diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lu
- Department of Pharmacology
- Basic Medical School of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
- Department of Pharmacology
| | - Yinxian Wen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology
- Basic Medical School of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology
- Basic Medical School of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
| | - Weihua Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology
- Basic Medical School of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology
- Basic Medical School of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Pharmacology
- Basic Medical School of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology
- Basic Medical School of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology
- Basic Medical School of Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430071
- China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease
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46
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Effect of chronic stress on short and long-term plasticity in dentate gyrus; Study of recovery and adaptation. Neuroscience 2014; 280:121-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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47
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Henckens MJAG, van der Marel K, van der Toorn A, Pillai AG, Fernández G, Dijkhuizen RM, Joëls M. Stress-induced alterations in large-scale functional networks of the rodent brain. Neuroimage 2014; 105:312-22. [PMID: 25462693 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-related psychopathology is associated with altered functioning of large-scale brain networks. Animal research into chronic stress, one of the most prominent environmental risk factors for development of psychopathology, has revealed molecular and cellular mechanisms potentially contributing to human mental disease. However, so far, these studies have not addressed the system-level changes in extended brain networks, thought to critically contribute to mental disorders. We here tested the effects of chronic stress exposure (10 days immobilization) on the structural integrity and functional connectivity patterns in the brain, using high-resolution structural MRI, diffusion kurtosis imaging, and resting-state functional MRI, while confirming the expected changes in neuronal dendritic morphology using Golgi-staining. Stress effectiveness was confirmed by a significantly lower body weight and increased adrenal weight. In line with previous research, stressed animals displayed neuronal dendritic hypertrophy in the amygdala and hypotrophy in the hippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex. Using independent component analysis of resting-state fMRI data, we identified ten functional connectivity networks in the rodent brain. Chronic stress appeared to increase connectivity within the somatosensory, visual, and default mode networks. Moreover, chronic stress exposure was associated with an increased volume and diffusivity of the lateral ventricles, whereas no other volumetric changes were observed. This study shows that chronic stress exposure in rodents induces alterations in functional network connectivity strength which partly resemble those observed in stress-related psychopathology. Moreover, these functional consequences of stress seem to be more prominent than the effects on gross volumetric change, indicating their significance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes J A G Henckens
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Kajo van der Marel
- Biomedical MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group, Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annette van der Toorn
- Biomedical MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group, Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anup G Pillai
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Guillén Fernández
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick M Dijkhuizen
- Biomedical MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group, Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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48
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Altered expression of δGABAA receptors in health and disease. Neuropharmacology 2014; 88:24-35. [PMID: 25128850 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors that contain the δ subunit (δGABAA receptors) are expressed in multiple types of neurons throughout the central nervous system, where they generate a tonic conductance that shapes neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. These receptors regulate a variety of important behavioral functions, including memory, nociception and anxiety, and may also modulate neurogenesis. Given their functional significance, δGABAA receptors are considered to be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of memory dysfunction, pain, insomnia and mood disorders. These receptors are highly responsive to sedative-hypnotic drugs, general anesthetics and neuroactive steroids. A further remarkable feature of δGABAA receptors is that their expression levels are highly dynamic and fluctuate substantially during development and in response to physiological changes including stress and the reproductive cycle. Furthermore, the expression of these receptors varies in pathological conditions such as alcoholism, fragile X syndrome, epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, mood disorders and traumatic brain injury. Such fluctuations in receptor expression have significant consequences for behavior and may alter responsiveness to therapeutic drugs. This review considers the alterations in the expression of δGABAA receptors associated with various states of health and disease and the implications of these changes.
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Alò R, Mele M, Avolio E, Fazzari G, Canonaco M. Distinct Amygdalar AMPAergic/GABAergic Mechanisms Promote Anxiolitic-Like Effects in an Unpredictable Stress Model of the Hamster. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 55:541-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0386-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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50
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Maguire J. Stress-induced plasticity of GABAergic inhibition. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:157. [PMID: 24936173 PMCID: PMC4047962 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic neurotransmission is highly plastic, undergoing dynamic alterations in response to changes in the environment, such as following both acute and chronic stress. Stress-induced plasticity of GABAergic inhibition is thought to contribute to changes in neuronal excitability associated with stress, which is particularly relevant for stress-related disorders and seizure susceptibility. Here we review the literature demonstrating several mechanisms altering GABAergic inhibition associated with stress, including brain region-specific alterations in GABAA receptor (GABAAR) subunit expression, changes in chloride homeostasis, and plasticity at GABAergic synapses. Alterations in the expression of specific GABAAR subunits have been documented in multiple brain regions associated with acute or chronic stress. In addition, recent work demonstrates stress-induced alterations in GABAergic inhibition resulting from plasticity in intracellular chloride levels. Acute and chronic stress-induced dephosphorylation and downregulation of the K+/Cl− co-transporter, KCC2, has been implicated in compromising GABAergic control of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons necessary for mounting the physiological response to stress. Acute stress also unmasks the capacity for both long-term potentiation and long-term depression, in distinct temporal windows, at GABAergic synapses on parvocellular neuroendocrine cells (PNCs) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. This review highlights the complexity in the plasticity of GABAergic neurotransmission associated with stress and the relationship to neuronal excitability, including alterations in GABAAR expression, synaptic plasticity at GABAergic synapses, and changes in chloride homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine Boston, MA, USA
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