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Sun T, Du YY, Zhang YQ, Tian QQ, Li X, Yu JY, Guo YY, Liu QQ, Yang L, Wu YM, Yang Q, Zhao MG. Activation of GPR55 Ameliorates Maternal Separation-Induced Learning and Memory Deficits by Augmenting 5-HT Synthesis in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus of Juvenile Mice. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:21838-21850. [PMID: 38799363 PMCID: PMC11112691 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Maternal separation (MS) represents a profound early life stressor with enduring impacts on neuronal development and adult cognitive function in both humans and rodents. MS is associated with persistent dysregulations in neurotransmitter systems, including the serotonin (5-HT) pathway, which is pivotal for mood stabilization and stress-coping mechanisms. Although the novel cannabinoid receptor, GPR55, is recognized for its influence on learning and memory, its implications on the function and synaptic dynamics of 5-HT neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) remain to be elucidated. In this study, we sought to discern the repercussions of GPR55 activation on 5-HT synthesis within the DRN of adult C57BL/6J mice that experienced MS. Concurrently, we analyzed potential alterations in excitatory synaptic transmission, long-term synaptic plasticity, and relevant learning and memory outcomes. Our behavioral assessments indicated a marked amelioration in MS-induced learning and memory deficits following GPR55 activation. In conjunction with this, we noted a substantial decrease in 5-HT levels in the MS model, while GPR55 activation stimulated tryptophan hydroxylase 2 synthesis and fostered the release of 5-HT. Electrophysiological patch-clamp analyses highlighted the ability of GPR55 activation to alleviate MS-induced cognitive deficits by modulating the frequency and magnitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents within the DRN. Notably, this cognitive enhancement was underpinned by the phosphorylation of both NMDA and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. In summary, our findings underscore the capacity of GPR55 to elevate 5-HT synthesis and modify synaptic transmissions within the DRN of juvenile mice, positing GPR55 as a promising therapeutic avenue for ameliorating MS-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Sun
- Precision
Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical
University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Ya-Ya Du
- Precision
Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical
University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Zhang
- Department
of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Qin-Qin Tian
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Air Force
Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xi Li
- Precision
Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical
University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Jiao-Yan Yu
- Precision
Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical
University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Yan-Yan Guo
- Precision
Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical
University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Qing-Qing Liu
- Precision
Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical
University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Le Yang
- Precision
Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical
University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Yu-Mei Wu
- Department
of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air
Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Precision
Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical
University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Ming-Gao Zhao
- Precision
Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical
University, Xi’an 710038, China
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Parishar P, Rajagopalan M, Iyengar S. Changes in the dopaminergic circuitry and adult neurogenesis linked to reinforcement learning in corvids. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1359874. [PMID: 38808028 PMCID: PMC11130420 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1359874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The caudolateral nidopallium (NCL, an analog of the prefrontal cortex) is known to be involved in learning, memory, and discrimination in corvids (a songbird), whereas the involvement of other brain regions in these phenomena is not well explored. We used house crows (Corvus splendens) to explore the neural correlates of learning and decision-making by initially training them on a shape discrimination task followed by immunohistochemistry to study the immediate early gene expression (Arc), a dopaminoceptive neuronal marker (DARPP-32, Dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr 32 kDa) to understand the involvement of the reward pathway and an immature neuronal marker (DCX, doublecortin) to detect learning-induced changes in adult neurogenesis. We performed neuronal counts and neuronal tracing, followed by morphometric analyses. Our present results have demonstrated that besides NCL, other parts of the caudal nidopallium (NC), avian basal ganglia, and intriguingly, vocal control regions in house crows are involved in visual discrimination. We have also found that training on the visual discrimination task can be correlated with neurite pruning in mature dopaminoceptive neurons and immature DCX-positive neurons in the NC of house crows. Furthermore, there is an increase in the incorporation of new neurons throughout NC and the medial striatum which can also be linked to learning. For the first time, our results demonstrate that a combination of structural changes in mature and immature neurons and adult neurogenesis are linked to learning in corvids.
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Nieder A. Convergent Circuit Computation for Categorization in the Brains of Primates and Songbirds. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:a041526. [PMID: 38040453 PMCID: PMC10691494 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Categorization is crucial for behavioral flexibility because it enables animals to group stimuli into meaningful classes that can easily be generalized to new circumstances. A most abstract quantitative category is set size, the number of elements in a set. This review explores how categorical number representations are realized by the operations of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in associative telencephalic microcircuits in primates and songbirds. Despite the independent evolution of the primate prefrontal cortex and the avian nidopallium caudolaterale, the neuronal computations of these associative pallial circuits show surprising correspondence. Comparing cellular functions in distantly related taxa can inform about the evolutionary principles of circuit computations for cognition in distinctly but convergently realized brain structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Nieder
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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4
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Pusch R, Packheiser J, Azizi AH, Sevincik CS, Rose J, Cheng S, Stüttgen MC, Güntürkün O. Working memory performance is tied to stimulus complexity. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1119. [PMID: 37923920 PMCID: PMC10624839 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05486-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Working memory is the cognitive capability to maintain and process information over short periods. Behavioral and computational studies have shown that visual information is associated with working memory performance. However, the underlying neural correlates remain unknown. To identify how visual information affects working memory performance, we conducted behavioral experiments in pigeons (Columba livia) and single unit recordings in the avian prefrontal analog, the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL). Complex pictures featuring luminance, spatial and color information, were associated with higher working memory performance compared to uniform gray pictures in conjunction with distinct neural coding patterns. For complex pictures, we found a multiplexed neuronal code displaying visual and value-related features that switched to a representation of the upcoming choice during a delay period. When processing gray stimuli, NCL neurons did not multiplex and exclusively represented the choice already during stimulus presentation and throughout the delay period. The prolonged representation possibly resulted in a decay of the memory trace ultimately leading to a decrease in performance. In conclusion, we found that high stimulus complexity is associated with neuronal multiplexing of the working memory representation possibly allowing a facilitated read-out of the neural code resulting in enhancement of working memory performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Pusch
- Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Julian Packheiser
- Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amir Hossein Azizi
- Department of Systems Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Karaj, Iran
| | - Celil Semih Sevincik
- Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jonas Rose
- Neural Basis of Learning, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sen Cheng
- Institute for Neural Computation, Faculty of Computer Science, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Maik C Stüttgen
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, D-55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
- Research Center One Health Ruhr, Research Alliance Ruhr, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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5
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Herold C, Ockermann PN, Amunts K. Behavioral Training Related Neurotransmitter Receptor Expression Dynamics in the Nidopallium Caudolaterale and the Hippocampal Formation of Pigeons. Front Physiol 2022; 13:883029. [PMID: 35600306 PMCID: PMC9114877 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.883029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning and memory are linked to dynamic changes at the level of synapses in brain areas that are involved in cognitive tasks. For example, changes in neurotransmitter receptors are prerequisite for tuning signals along local circuits and long-range networks. However, it is still unclear how a series of learning events promotes plasticity within the system of neurotransmitter receptors and their subunits to shape information processing at the neuronal level. Therefore, we investigated the expression of different glutamatergic NMDA (GRIN) and AMPA (GRIA) receptor subunits, the GABAergic GABARG2 subunit, dopaminergic DRD1, serotonergic 5HTR1A and noradrenergic ADRA1A receptors in the pigeon’s brain. We studied the nidopallium caudolaterale, the avian analogue of the prefrontal cortex, and the hippocampal formation, after training the birds in a rewarded stimulus-response association (SR) task and in a simultaneous-matching-to-sample (SMTS) task. The results show that receptor expression changed differentially after behavioral training compared to an untrained control group. In the nidopallium caudolaterale, GRIN2B, GRIA3, GRIA4, DRD1D, and ADRA1A receptor expression was altered after SR training and remained constantly decreased after the SMTS training protocol, while GRIA2 and DRD1A decreased only under the SR condition. In the hippocampal formation, GRIN2B decreased and GABARG2 receptor expression increased after SR training. After SMTS sessions, GRIN2B remained decreased, GABARG2 remained increased if compared to the control group. None of the investigated receptors differed directly between both conditions, although differentially altered. The changes in both regions mostly occur in favor of the stimulus response task. Thus, the present data provide evidence that neurotransmitter receptor expression dynamics play a role in the avian prefrontal cortex and the hippocampal formation for behavioral training and is uniquely, regionally and functionally associated to cognitive processes including learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Herold
- C. & O. Vogt-Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital and Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp N Ockermann
- C. & O. Vogt-Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital and Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katrin Amunts
- C. & O. Vogt-Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital and Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-1, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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6
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Salman T, Afroz R, Nawaz S, Mahmood K, Haleem DJ, Zarina S. Differential effects of memory enhancing and impairing doses of methylphenidate on serotonin metabolism and 5-HT1A, GABA, glutamate receptor expression in the rat prefrontal cortex. Biochimie 2021; 191:51-61. [PMID: 34454977 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MPD), a psychostimulant, is a prescription medicine for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previously we have shown that moderate doses of MPD enhanced learning and memory while higher doses impaired it. To understand neurochemical mechanisms and receptors involved in memory enhancing and impairing effects of MPD, the present study concerns the effects of these doses of MPD on serotonin, 5-HT1A, GABA, and NMDA receptor mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We found that low doses (2.5 mg/kg) of MPD improved performance in the water-maze test but higher doses (5 mg/kg) impaired memory retention. Animals showing improved performance had high 5-HT metabolism in the PFC while these levels were not affected in the group treated with higher MPD doses and exhibiting impaired memory. There was downregulation of 5-HT1A receptors in the PFC of rats treated with higher dose MPD, which didn't occur in low dose of MPD treated animals. Further, a decrease in GABAAreceptor mRNA expression occurred in low doses of MPD treated animals and GluN2A expression was reduced in higher doses of MPD treated animals. The findings suggest that memory enhancing doses of MPD increase 5-HT and reduce GABAA receptor mRNA expression in the PFC to release excitatory glutamate neurons from the inhibitory influence of GABA. Conversely, higher dose of MPD downregulates 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression to enhance inhibitory GABA influence on glutamate neurons and impair cognitive performance. The findings show an important role of 5-HT1A heteroreceptors in the PFC for improving therapeutic use of MPD and developing novel cognitive enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabinda Salman
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan; Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Rushda Afroz
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Shazia Nawaz
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Khalid Mahmood
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Darakhshan J Haleem
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Shamshad Zarina
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
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7
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Nuclear organization and morphology of catecholaminergic neurons and certain pallial terminal networks in the brain of the Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus. J Chem Neuroanat 2020; 109:101851. [PMID: 32717392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2020.101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In the current study, we use tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry to detail the nuclear parcellation and cellular morphology of neurons belonging to the catecholaminergic system in the brain of the Nile crocodile. In general, our results are similar to that found in another crocodilian (the spectacled caiman) and indeed other vertebrates, but certain differences of both evolutionary and functional significance were noted. TH immunopositive (TH+) neurons forming distinct nuclei were observed in the olfactory bulb (A16), hypothalamus (A11, A13-15), midbrain (A8-A10), pons (A5-A7) and medulla oblongata (area postrema, C1, C2, A1, A2), encompassing the more commonly observed nuclear complexes of this system across vertebrates. In addition, TH + neurons forming distinct nuclei not commonly identified in vertebrates were observed in the anterior olfactory nucleus, the pretectal nuclear complex, adjacent to the posterior commissure, and within nucleus laminaris, nucleus magnocellularis lateralis and the lateral vestibular nucleus. Palely stained TH + neurons were observed in some of the serotonergic nuclei, including the medial and lateral divisions of the superior raphe nucleus and the inferior raphe and inferior reticular nucleus, but not in other serotonergic nuclei. In birds, a high density of TH + fibres and pericellular baskets in the dorsal ventricular ridge marks the location of the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a putative avian analogue of mammalian prefrontal cortex. In the dorsal ventricular ridge (DVR) of the crocodile a small region in the caudolateral anterior DVR (ADVRcl) revealed a slightly higher density of TH + fibres and some pericellular baskets (formed by only few TH + fibres). These results are discussed in an evolutionary and functional framework.
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8
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Rook N, Letzner S, Packheiser J, Güntürkün O, Beste C. Immediate early gene fingerprints of multi-component behaviour. Sci Rep 2020; 10:384. [PMID: 31941919 PMCID: PMC6962395 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56998-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to execute different responses in an expedient temporal order is central for efficient goal-directed actions and often referred to as multi-component behaviour. However, the underlying neural mechanisms on a cellular level remain unclear. Here we establish a link between neural activity at the cellular level within functional neuroanatomical structures to this form of goal-directed behaviour by analyzing immediate early gene (IEG) expression in an animal model, the pigeon (Columba livia). We focus on the group of zif268 IEGs and ZENK in particular. We show that when birds have to cascade separate task goals, ZENK expression is increased in the avian equivalent of the mammalian prefrontal cortex, i.e. the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) as well as in the homologous striatum. Moreover, in the NCL as well as in the medial striatum (MSt), the degree of ZENK expression was highly correlated with the efficiency of multi-component behaviour. The results provide the first link between cellular IEG expression and behavioural outcome in multitasking situations. Moreover, the data suggest that the function of the fronto-striatal circuitry is comparable across species indicating that there is limited flexibility in the implementation of complex cognition such as multi-component behaviour within functional neuroanatomical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Rook
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Sara Letzner
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julian Packheiser
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Bloch S, Froc C, Pontiggia A, Yamamoto K. Existence of working memory in teleosts: Establishment of the delayed matching-to-sample task in adult zebrafish. Behav Brain Res 2019; 370:111924. [PMID: 31028766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Operant conditioning is a powerful tool to study animal perception and cognition. Compared to mammals and birds, there are very few behavioral studies using operant conditioning paradigm in teleosts. Here we aim to establish matching-to-sample task (MTS) in adult zebrafish, using visual cues (colors) as discriminative stimuli. Unlike simple one-to-one color-reward association learning, MTS requires ability for context integration. In this study, zebrafish learned to perform the simultaneous-matching-to-sample (SMTS) within 15 sessions. After the SMTS training, working memory was tested by inserting a delay period (delayed matching-to-sample; DMTS). Zebrafish could perform the DMTS with a delay of at least 3-4 seconds. They could also learn to perform the DMTS even with a delay period from the beginning of the training session. These results strongly suggest that adult zebrafish possess working memory. However, our study also indicates limitations of zebrafish in cognitive flexibility or attention: they could perform SMTS/DMTS only in a certain set-up. The presence of working memory without the mesencephalic dopamine neurons indicates the convergent evolution of this function in amniotes and teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solal Bloch
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI),CNRS UMR9197, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Cynthia Froc
- AMATrace, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), CNRS UMR9197, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anaïs Pontiggia
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI),CNRS UMR9197, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Kei Yamamoto
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI),CNRS UMR9197, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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Neuropsychiatric Phenotypes Produced by GABA Reduction in Mouse Cortex and Hippocampus. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1445-1456. [PMID: 29362511 PMCID: PMC5916365 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Whereas cortical GAD67 reduction and subsequent GABA level decrease are consistently observed in schizophrenia and depression, it remains unclear how these GABAergic abnormalities contribute to specific symptoms. We modeled cortical GAD67 reduction in mice, in which the Gad1 gene is genetically ablated from ~50% of cortical and hippocampal interneurons. Mutant mice showed a reduction of tissue GABA in the hippocampus and cortex including mPFC, and exhibited a cluster of effort-based behavior deficits including decreased home-cage wheel running and increased immobility in both tail suspension and forced swim tests. Since saccharine preference, progressive ratio responding to food, and learned helplessness task were normal, such avolition-like behavior could not be explained by anhedonia or behavioral despair. In line with the prevailing view that dopamine in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a role in evaluating effort cost for engaging in actions, we found that tail-suspension triggered dopamine release in ACC of controls, which was severely attenuated in the mutant mice. Conversely, ACC dopamine release by progressive ratio responding to reward, during which animals were allowed to effortlessly perform the nose-poking, was not affected in mutants. These results suggest that cortical GABA reduction preferentially impairs the effort-based behavior which requires much effort with little benefit, through a deficit of ACC dopamine release triggered by high-effort cost behavior, but not by reward-seeking behavior. Collectively, a subset of negative symptoms with a reduced willingness to expend costly effort, often observed in patients with schizophrenia and depression, may be attributed to cortical GABA level reduction.
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12
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Abstract
AbstractAcross taxonomic subfamilies, variations in intelligence (G) are sometimes related to brain size. However, within species, brain size plays a smaller role in explaining variations in general intelligence (g), and the cause-and-effect relationship may be opposite to what appears intuitive. Instead, individual differences in intelligence may reflect variations in domain-general processes that are only superficially related to brain size.
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13
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Güntürkün O, Bugnyar T. Cognition without Cortex. Trends Cogn Sci 2016; 20:291-303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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14
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Dual role of serotonin in the acquisition and extinction of reward-driven learning: Involvement of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT3 receptors. Behav Brain Res 2015; 277:193-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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15
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Niimi K, Takahashi E. Characterization of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) as an animal model for brain research. Exp Anim 2014; 63:1-9. [PMID: 24521858 PMCID: PMC4160935 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.63.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) was developed by selective breeding of the AKR/J
strain, based on a graded score for senescence, which led to the development of both
senescence-accelerated prone (SAMP), and senescence-accelerated resistant (SAMR) strains.
Among the SAMP strains, SAMP6 is well characterized as a model of senile osteoporosis, but
its brain and neuronal functions have not been well studied. We therefore decided to
characterize the central nervous system of SAMP6, in combination with different behavioral
tests and analysis of its biochemical and pharmacological properties. Multiple behavioral
tests revealed higher motor activity, reduced anxiety, anti-depressant activity, motor
coordination deficits, and enhanced learning and memory in SAMP6 compared with SAMR1.
Biochemical and pharmacological analyses revealed several alterations in the dopamine and
serotonin systems, and in long-term potentiation (LTP)-related molecules. In this review,
we discuss the possibility of using SAMP6 as a model of brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimie Niimi
- Support Unit for Animal Resources Development, Research Resources Center, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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Puig MV, Rose J, Schmidt R, Freund N. Dopamine modulation of learning and memory in the prefrontal cortex: insights from studies in primates, rodents, and birds. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:93. [PMID: 25140130 PMCID: PMC4122189 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we provide a brief overview over the current knowledge about the role of dopamine transmission in the prefrontal cortex during learning and memory. We discuss work in humans, monkeys, rats, and birds in order to provide a basis for comparison across species that might help identify crucial features and constraints of the dopaminergic system in executive function. Computational models of dopamine function are introduced to provide a framework for such a comparison. We also provide a brief evolutionary perspective showing that the dopaminergic system is highly preserved across mammals. Even birds, following a largely independent evolution of higher cognitive abilities, have evolved a comparable dopaminergic system. Finally, we discuss the unique advantages and challenges of using different animal models for advancing our understanding of dopamine function in the healthy and diseased brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Victoria Puig
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonas Rose
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA, USA
- Animal Physiology, Institute of Neurobiology, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Schmidt
- BrainLinks-BrainTools, Department of Biology, Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of FreiburgFreiburg, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
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Wang X, Yan S, Wang A, Li Y, Zhang F. Gastrodin ameliorates memory deficits in 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile-induced rats: possible involvement of dopaminergic system. Neurochem Res 2014; 39:1458-66. [PMID: 24842556 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1335-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
3,3'-Iminodipropionitrile (IDPN), one of the nitrile derivatives, can induce neurotoxicity, and therefore cause motor dysfunction and cognitive deficits. Gastrodin is a main bioactive constituent of a Chinese herbal medicine (Gastrodia elata Blume) widely used for treating various neurological disorders and showed greatly improved mental function. This study was designed to determine whether administration of gastrodin attenuates IDPN-induced working memory deficits in Y-maze task, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results showed that exposure to IDPN (150 mg/kg/day, v.o.) significantly impaired working memory and that long-term gastrodin (200 mg/kg/day, v.o.) could effectively rescue these IDPN-induced memory impairments as indicated by increased spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test. Additionally, gastrodin treatment prevented IDPN-induced reductions of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, as well as elevation of dopamine turnover ratio (DOPAC + HVA)/DA. Gastrodin treatment also prevented alterations in dopamine D2 receptor and dopamine transporter protein levels in the rat hippocampus. Our results suggest that long-term gastrodin treatment may have potential therapeutic values for IDPN-induced cognitive impairments, which was mediated, in part, by normalizing the dopaminergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Institute of Physiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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18
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Starosta S, Güntürkün O, Stüttgen MC. Stimulus-response-outcome coding in the pigeon nidopallium caudolaterale. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57407. [PMID: 23437383 PMCID: PMC3577703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A prerequisite for adaptive goal-directed behavior is that animals constantly evaluate action outcomes and relate them to both their antecedent behavior and to stimuli predictive of reward or non-reward. Here, we investigate whether single neurons in the avian nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a multimodal associative forebrain structure and a presumed analogue of mammalian prefrontal cortex, represent information useful for goal-directed behavior. We subjected pigeons to a go-nogo task, in which responding to one visual stimulus (S+) was partially reinforced, responding to another stimulus (S-) was punished, and responding to test stimuli from the same physical dimension (spatial frequency) was inconsequential. The birds responded most intensely to S+, and their response rates decreased monotonically as stimuli became progressively dissimilar to S+; thereby, response rates provided a behavioral index of reward expectancy. We found that many NCL neurons' responses were modulated in the stimulus discrimination phase, the outcome phase, or both. A substantial fraction of neurons increased firing for cues predicting non-reward or decreased firing for cues predicting reward. Interestingly, the same neurons also responded when reward was expected but not delivered, and could thus provide a negative reward prediction error or, alternatively, signal negative value. In addition, many cells showed motor-related response modulation. In summary, NCL neurons represent information about the reward value of specific stimuli, instrumental actions as well as action outcomes, and therefore provide signals useful for adaptive behavior in dynamically changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Starosta
- Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Maik C. Stüttgen
- Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Herold C, Joshi I, Chehadi O, Hollmann M, Güntürkün O. Plasticity in D1-like receptor expression is associated with different components of cognitive processes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36484. [PMID: 22574169 PMCID: PMC3344878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine D1-like receptors consist of D1 (D1A) and D5 (D1B) receptors and play a key role in working memory. However, their possibly differential contribution to working memory is unclear. We combined a working memory training protocol with a stepwise increase of cognitive subcomponents and real-time RT-PCR analysis of dopamine receptor expression in pigeons to identify molecular changes that accompany training of isolated cognitive subfunctions. In birds, the D1-like receptor family is extended and consists of the D1A, D1B, and D1D receptors. Our data show that D1B receptor plasticity follows a training that includes active mental maintenance of information, whereas D1A and D1D receptor plasticity in addition accompanies learning of stimulus-response associations. Plasticity of D1-like receptors plays no role for processes like response selection and stimulus discrimination. None of the tasks altered D2 receptor expression. Our study shows that different cognitive components of working memory training have distinguishable effects on D1-like receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Herold
- Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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20
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Botha H, Carr J. Attention and visual dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2012; 18:742-7. [PMID: 22503538 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Visual processing extends from the retinal level to the ventral temporal lobe, and is modified by top-down and bottom-up processing. Complex visual hallucinations (VH) are commonly a feature of disorders which affect temporal lobe structures, frequently in association with impairment of ascending monoaminergic pathways. When Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with VH, pathological changes characteristically affect the temporal lobes, a finding which is recapitulated by imaging findings. However, a major association of VH is with cognitive decline, and this is typically linked to deficits in attention and working memory, both of which are modulated by dopamine. Similarly, dopamine plays a crucial role in the function of prefrontal cortex, in addition to controlling access to consciousness via gating mechanisms that are dependent on the basal ganglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Botha
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, Cape Town, South Africa
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21
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Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor binding sites in the brain of the pigeon (Columba livia). Neuroscience 2012; 200:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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22
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Güntürkün O. The convergent evolution of neural substrates for cognition. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2011; 76:212-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00426-011-0377-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Charles PD, Ambigapathy G, Geraldine P, Akbarsha MA, Rajan KE. Bacopa monniera leaf extract up-regulates tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression: implications in memory formation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 134:55-61. [PMID: 21129470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Revised: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY To examine the effect of Bacopa monniera leaf ethanolic extract (BMEE) on the serotonergic system of postnatal rats with reference to learning and memory. MATERIALS AND METHODS From postnatal day (PND)-15-29, rats were treated with BMEE (40 mg/kg BW+0.5% gum acacia) by oral gavage. Behavioural tests (Y-maze, hole-board and passive avoidance) were used to evaluate their learning (PND-32-37) and retention of memory (PND-47-53). Effect of BMEE on neurotransmitter system was analyzed by ELISA and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Oral administration of BMEE improved learning and retention of memory significantly in all behavioural tasks. Following BMEE treatment, the level of serotonin (5-HT) increased while dopamine (DA) decreased significantly. We also found variation in the level of acetylcholine (ACh). However, no significant changes were observed in the level of ACh and glutamate (Glu). The level of 5-HT was significantly elevated up to PND-37 and was then restored to normal level on PND-53. Interestingly, concomitant up-regulation was recorded in the mRNA expression of serotonin synthesizing enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) on PND-29 and PND-37, which was restored on PND-53. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that BMEE treatment significantly enhances the learning and retention of memory in postnatal rats possibly through regulating the expression of TPH2, 5-HT metabolism and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisila Dulcy Charles
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Palkalaiperur, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
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The receptor architecture of the pigeons’ nidopallium caudolaterale: an avian analogue to the mammalian prefrontal cortex. Brain Struct Funct 2011; 216:239-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-011-0301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Meneses A, Perez-Garcia G, Ponce-Lopez T, Tellez R, Castillo C. Serotonin transporter and memory. Neuropharmacology 2011; 61:355-63. [PMID: 21276807 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) has been associated to diverse functions and diseases, though seldom to memory. Therefore, we made an attempt to summarize and discuss the available publications implicating the involvement of the SERT in memory, amnesia and anti-amnesic effects. Evidence indicates that Alzheimer's disease and drugs of abuse like d-methamphetamine (METH) and (+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") have been associated to decrements in the SERT expression and memory deficits. Several reports have indicated that memory formation and amnesia affected the SERT expression. The SERT expression seems to be a reliable neural marker related to memory mechanisms, its alterations and potential treatment. The pharmacological, neural and molecular mechanisms associated to these changes are of great importance for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Meneses
- Depto. de Farmacobiología, CINVESTAV-IPN, Tenorios 235, Granjas Coapa, Mexico City 14330, Mexico.
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Esteban S, Garau C, Aparicio S, Moranta D, Barceló P, Ramis M, Tresguerres JA, Rial R. Improving Effects of Long-Term Growth Hormone Treatment on Monoaminergic Neurotransmission and Related Behavioral Tests in Aged Rats. Rejuvenation Res 2010; 13:707-16. [DOI: 10.1089/rej.2010.1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susana Esteban
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de las Islas Baleares, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Celia Garau
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de las Islas Baleares, Mallorca, Spain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Sara Aparicio
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de las Islas Baleares, Mallorca, Spain
| | - David Moranta
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de las Islas Baleares, Mallorca, Spain
- Fundación Caubet-Cimera, Hospital Joan March, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Pere Barceló
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de las Islas Baleares, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Margarita Ramis
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de las Islas Baleares, Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Rubén Rial
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de las Islas Baleares, Mallorca, Spain
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Rose J, Schiffer AM, Dittrich L, Güntürkün O. The role of dopamine in maintenance and distractability of attention in the “prefrontal cortex” of pigeons. Neuroscience 2010; 167:232-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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28
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Herold C, Diekamp B, Güntürkün O. Stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors in the avian fronto-striatal system adjusts daily cognitive fluctuations. Behav Brain Res 2008; 194:223-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2008.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Revised: 07/08/2008] [Accepted: 07/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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29
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Liy-Salmeron G, Meneses A. Effects of 5-HT drugs in prefrontal cortex during memory formation and the ketamine amnesia-model. Hippocampus 2008; 18:965-74. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Niimi K, Takahashi E, Itakura C. Improved short-term memory and increased expression of NR2B observed in senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) P6. Exp Gerontol 2008; 43:847-52. [PMID: 18647646 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2008.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2008] [Revised: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The increased dopamine and serotonin were suggested [Niimi et al., 2008. Emotional behavior and expression pattern of tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase in senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) P6 mice. Behav. Brain Res. 188, 329-336], and as these monoamines are well known to influence working memory processes, SAMP6 may show improved working memory. We found that spatial Y-maze memory and non-spatial novel object recognition memory of SAMP6 were improved compared with those of senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1). Among molecules known to be related with memory processes other than dopamine and serotonin, we focused on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Animals treated with (+/-)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP), a NMDA receptor antagonist, were subjected to the Y-maze and novel object recognition tests to examine whether NMDA receptors are associated with the improved short-term memory of SAMP6. CPP (10 mg/kg) significantly impaired the spontaneous alternation behavior and the exploratory preference of SAMR1, whereas no significant effect was seen in SAMP6 in either of these behavioral tests. Western blot analyses revealed increased expression of NMDA receptor (NR) subunit 2B in forebrain of SAMP6 compared with SAMR1, while there was no difference in the levels of NR1 and NR2A between SAMR1 and SAMP6. Our results indicate that increased expression of NR2B in forebrain of SAMP6 is one of the causes of the improved short-term memory of SAMP6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimie Niimi
- Brain Science and Life Technology Research Foundation, 1-28-12 Narimasu, Itabashi, Tokyo 175-0094, Japan
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