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Zhu A, Song S, Pei L, Huang Y. Supportive care of female hormones in brain health: what and how? Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1403969. [PMID: 39114348 PMCID: PMC11303335 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1403969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Female hormones, functioning as neuroactive steroids, are utilized beyond menopausal hormone therapy. The rapid onset of allopregnanolone analogs, such as brexanolone and zuranolone, in treating depression, and the effectiveness of megestrol acetate in addressing appetite and weight gain, prompted the Food and Drug Administration to authorize the use of progesterone for treating postpartum depression and cancer-related cachexia. Progesterone has also been found to alleviate neuropathic pain in animal studies. These off-label applications offer a promising option for patients with advanced cancer who often experience various mood disorders such as depression, persistent pain, social isolation, and physical complications like cachexia. These patients have shown low tolerance to opioids and mood-regulating medications. However, the potential risks and uncertainties associated with hormone therapy treatment modalities can be daunting for both patients and medical professionals. This review aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the non-reproductive functions and mechanisms of female hormones in brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lijian Pei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuguang Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Li H, Chen X, Dong J, Liu R, Duan J, Huang M, Hu S, Lu J. A direct estrogenic involvement in the expression of human hypocretin. Life Sci 2024; 344:122581. [PMID: 38514004 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122581] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Hypocretin is synthesized exclusively in the hypothalamus and distributes inputs to several areas of the brain, which may play an important role in depression. Our previous study showed that hypocretin-1 was increased in the lateral hypothalamus in female patients with depression compared to female controls. Estrogen acts through estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ. We studied the possibility of a direct action of estrogen receptors on the expression of human hypocretin. We found that hypocretin-1 plasma levels were significantly higher in female patients with depression than in female controls. Female depression estrogen receptors and hypocretin are colocalized in the human lateral hypothalamus, PC12, and SK-N-SH cells. The estrogen receptor response elements (ERE) that exist in the hypocretin promoter region may directly regulate the gene expression of hypocretin. The synchronicity of change of hypocretin and estradiol both in hypothalamus and plasma was verified in female rats. In the presence of estradiol, specific binding occurs between the recombinant human ER and hypocretin-ERE. Expression of ER combined with estradiol repressed hypocretin promoter activity via the ERE. In conclusion, we found that estradiol may directly affect hypocretin neurons in the human hypothalamus via ER binding to the hypocretin-ERE, which may lead to the sex-specific pathogenesis of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precision Psychiatry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Xinlu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, East Qingchun Road 3#, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Jingyi Dong
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ripeng Liu
- College of First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jinfeng Duan
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precision Psychiatry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Manli Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precision Psychiatry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Shaohua Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precision Psychiatry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China.
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precision Psychiatry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China.
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3
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Eraslan E, Castelhano-Carlos MJ, Amorim L, Soares-Cunha C, Rodrigues AJ, Sousa N. Physiological and behavioral contagion/buffering effects of chronic unpredictable stress in a socially enriched environment: A preliminary study. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100635. [PMID: 38645599 PMCID: PMC11031999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100635] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Rodents are sensitive to the emotional state of conspecifics. While the presence of affiliative social partners mitigates the physiological response to stressors (buffering), the partners of stressed individuals show behavioral and endocrine changes indicating that stress parameters can be transmitted across the group members (contagion). In this study, we investigated the social contagion/buffering phenomena in behavior and neuroendocrine mechanisms after exposure to chronic stress, in groups of rats living in the PhenoWorld (PhW). Three groups were tested (8 stressed rats, 8 unstressed rats, and a mixed group with 4 and 4) and these were analyzed under 4 conditions: stressed (pure stress group, n = 8), unstressed (naive control group, n = 8), stressed from mixed group (stressed companion group, n = 8), unstressed from mixed group (unstressed companion group, n = 8. While naive control animals remained undisturbed, pure stress group animals were all exposed to stress. Half of the animals under the mixed-treatment condition were exposed to stress (stressed companion group) and cohabitated with their unstressed partners (unstressed companion group). We confirmed the well-established chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) effects in physiological, behavioral, and neuroendocrine endpoints; body weight gain, open arm entries and time in EPM, and oxytocin receptor expression levels in the amygdala decreased by stress exposure, whereas adrenal weight was increased by stress. Furthermore, we found that playing, rearing and solitary resting behaviors decreased, whereas huddling behavior increased by CUS. In addition, we detected significant increases (stress-buffering) in body weight gain and huddling behaviors between pure stress and stress companion animals, and significant stress contagion effects in emotional behavior and oxytocin receptor expression levels between naive control and control companion groups. Hence, we demonstrate buffering and contagion effects were evident in physiological parameters, emotional behaviors, and social home-cage behaviors of rats and we suggest a possible mediation of these effects by oxytocin neurotransmission. In conclusion, the results herein suggest that the stress status of animals living in the same housing environment influences the behavior of the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evren Eraslan
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Physiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Magda J. Castelhano-Carlos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Liliana Amorim
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
- P5 Clinical Digital Center, Braga, Portugal
| | - Carina Soares-Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana J. Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
- P5 Clinical Digital Center, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center (2CA), Braga, Portugal
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4
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Hasunuma K, Murakawa T, Takenawa S, Mitsui K, Hatsukano T, Sano K, Nakata M, Ogawa S. Estrogen Receptor β in the Lateral Septum Mediates Estrogen Regulation of Social Anxiety-like Behavior in Male Mice. Neuroscience 2024; 537:126-140. [PMID: 38042251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.11.019] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) regulates various forms of social behavior through the activation of two types of estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ. The lateral septum (LS) is thought to be one of the potential target sites of E2, but the role played by ERα and ERβ in this brain area remains largely unknown. In the present study, we first analyzed the distribution of ERα and ERβ with double fluorescent immunohistochemistry in a transgenic mouse line in which red fluorescent protein (RFP) signal has been a reliable marker of ERβ expression. The overall number of ERβ-RFP-expressing cells was significantly higher (about 2.5 times) compared to ERα-expressing cells. The distribution of the two types of ERs was different, with co-expression only seen in about 1.2% of total ER-positive cells. Given these distinctive distribution patterns, we examined the behavioral effects of site-specific knockdown of each ER using viral vector-mediated small interference RNA (siRNA) techniques in male mice. We found ERβ-specific behavioral alterations during a social interaction test, suggesting involvement of ERβ-expressing LS neurons in the regulation of social anxiety and social interest. Further, we investigated the neuronal projections of ERα- and ERβ-expressing LS cells by injecting an anterograde viral tracer in ERα-Cre and ERβ-iCre mice. Dense expression of green fluorescence protein (GFP) in synaptic terminals was observed in ERβ-iCre mice in areas known to be related to the modulation of anxiety. These findings collectively suggest that ERβ expressed in the LS plays a major role in the estrogenic control of social anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kansuke Hasunuma
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Murakawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takenawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Koshiro Mitsui
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Tetsu Hatsukano
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sano
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Mariko Nakata
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Sonoko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan.
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5
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Hernández-Pérez OR, Hernández VS, Zetter MA, Eiden LE, Zhang L. Nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract: A hub linking the water homeostasis-associated supraoptic nucleus-arginine vasopressin circuit and neocortical regions to promote social behavior under osmotic challenge. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13202. [PMID: 36283814 PMCID: PMC10027625 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Homeostatic challenges may alter the drive for social interaction. The neural activity that prompts this motivation remains poorly understood. In the present study, we identify direct projections from the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus to the cortico-amygdalar nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (NLOT). Dual in situ hybridization with probes for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), as well as vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)1, VGLUT2, V1a and V1b, revealed a population of vasopressin-receptive PACAPergic neurons in NLOT layer 2 (NLOT2). Water deprivation (48 h, WD48) increased sociability compared to euhydrated subjects, as assessed with the three-chamber social interaction test (3CST). Fos expression immunohistochemistry showed NLOT and its main efferent regions had further increases in rats subjected to WD48 + 3CST. These regions strongly expressed PAC1 mRNA. Microinjections of arginine vasopressin (AVP) into the NLOT produced similar changes in sociability to water deprivation, and these were reduced by co-injection of V1a or V1b antagonists along with AVP. We conclude that, during challenge to water homeostasis, there is a recruitment of a glutamatergic-multi-peptidergic cooperative circuit that promotes social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar R. Hernández-Pérez
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
- Authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Vito S. Hernández
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
- Authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Mario A. Zetter
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Lee E. Eiden
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Limei Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
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6
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Guoynes CD, Marler CA. Acute intranasal oxytocin dose enhances social preference for parents over peers in male but not female peri-adolescent California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 335:114230. [PMID: 36781024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Peri-adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by profound changes in the valence of social interactions with parents and peers. We hypothesized that the oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) systems, known for influencing social behavior, would be involved in the maintenance and breaking of bonding behavior expressed by very early peri-adolescent males and females. In rodents, OXT is associated with mother-pup bonding and may promote social attachment to members of the natal territory. AVP, on the other hand, can act in contrasting ways to OXT and has been associated with aggression and territoriality. Specifically, we predicted that in peri-adolescent male and female juveniles of the biparental and territorial California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), a) OXT would increase the social preferences for the parents over unfamiliar age-matched peers (one male and one female), and b) AVP would break the parent-offspring bond and either increase time in the neutral chamber and/or approach to their unfamiliar and novel peers. We examined anxiety and exploratory behavior using an elevated plus maze and a novel object task as a control. Peri-adolescent mice were administered an acute intranasal (IN) treatment of 0.5 IU/kg IN AVP, 0.5 IU/kg IN OXT, or saline control; five minutes later, the behavioral tests were conducted. As predicted, we found that IN OXT enhanced social preference for parents; however, this was only in male and not female peri-adolescent mice. IN AVP did not influence social preference in either sex. These effects appear specific to social behavior and not anxiety, as neither IN OXT nor AVP influenced behavior during the elevated plus maze or novel object tasks. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence indicating that OXT may play a role in promoting peri-adolescent social preferences for parents and delaying weaning in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh D Guoynes
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Catherine A Marler
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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7
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Mota-Rojas D, Marcet-Rius M, Domínguez-Oliva A, Martínez-Burnes J, Lezama-García K, Hernández-Ávalos I, Rodríguez-González D, Bienboire-Frosini C. The Role of Oxytocin in Domestic Animal’s Maternal Care: Parturition, Bonding, and Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071207. [PMID: 37048463 PMCID: PMC10093258 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is one of the essential hormones in the birth process; however, estradiol, prolactin, cortisol, relaxin, connexin, and prostaglandin are also present. In addition to parturition, the functions in which OXT is also involved in mammals include the induction of maternal behavior, including imprinting and maternal care, social cognition, and affiliative behavior, which can affect allo-parental care. The present article aimed to analyze the role of OXT and the neurophysiologic regulation of this hormone during parturition, how it can promote or impair maternal behavior and bonding, and its importance in lactation in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Department of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Daniela Rodríguez-González
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Department of Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
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8
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Rigney N, de Vries GJ, Petrulis A. Modulation of social behavior by distinct vasopressin sources. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1127792. [PMID: 36860367 PMCID: PMC9968743 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1127792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is well known for its peripheral effects on blood pressure and antidiuresis. However, AVP also modulates various social and anxiety-related behaviors by its actions in the brain, often sex-specifically, with effects typically being stronger in males than in females. AVP in the nervous system originates from several distinct sources which are, in turn, regulated by different inputs and regulatory factors. Based on both direct and indirect evidence, we can begin to define the specific role of AVP cell populations in social behavior, such as, social recognition, affiliation, pair bonding, parental behavior, mate competition, aggression, and social stress. Sex differences in function may be apparent in both sexually-dimorphic structures as well as ones without prominent structural differences within the hypothalamus. The understanding of how AVP systems are organized and function may ultimately lead to better therapeutic interventions for psychiatric disorders characterized by social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Donovan M, Mackey CS, Lynch MDJ, Platt GN, Brown AN, Washburn BK, Trickey DJ, Curtis JT, Liu Y, Charles TC, Wang Z, Jones KM. Limosilactobacillus reuteri administration alters the gut-brain-behavior axis in a sex-dependent manner in socially monogamous prairie voles. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1015666. [PMID: 36846764 PMCID: PMC9945313 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1015666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on the role of gut microbiota in behavior has grown dramatically. The probiotic L. reuteri can alter social and stress-related behaviors - yet, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Although traditional laboratory rodents provide a foundation for examining the role of L. reuteri on the gut-brain axis, they do not naturally display a wide variety of social behaviors. Using the highly-social, monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), we examined the effects of L. reuteri administration on behaviors, neurochemical marker expression, and gut-microbiome composition. Females, but not males, treated with live L. reuteri displayed lower levels of social affiliation compared to those treated with heat-killed L. reuteri. Overall, females displayed a lower level of anxiety-like behaviors than males. Live L. reuteri-treated females had lower expression of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and CRF type-2-receptor in the nucleus accumbens, and lower vasopressin 1a-receptor in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), but increased CRF in the PVN. There were both baseline sex differences and sex-by-treatment differences in gut microbiome composition. Live L. reuteri increased the abundance of several taxa, including Enterobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, and Treponema. Interestingly, heat-killed L. reuteri increased abundance of the beneficial taxa Bifidobacteriaceae and Blautia. There were significant correlations between changes in microbiota, brain neurochemical markers, and behaviors. Our data indicate that L. reuteri impacts gut microbiota, gut-brain axis and behaviors in a sex-specific manner in socially-monogamous prairie voles. This demonstrates the utility of the prairie vole model for further examining causal impacts of microbiome on brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Donovan
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Calvin S. Mackey
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Michael D. J. Lynch
- Metagenom Bio Life Science Inc, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Grayson N. Platt
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Amber N. Brown
- Department of Biological Science Core Facilities, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Brian K. Washburn
- Department of Biological Science Core Facilities, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Darryl J. Trickey
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - J. Thomas Curtis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Trevor C. Charles
- Metagenom Bio Life Science Inc, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Kathryn M. Jones
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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10
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Triana-Del Rio R, Ranade S, Guardado J, LeDoux J, Klann E, Shrestha P. The modulation of emotional and social behaviors by oxytocin signaling in limbic network. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1002846. [PMID: 36466805 PMCID: PMC9714608 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1002846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides can exert volume modulation in neuronal networks, which account for a well-calibrated and fine-tuned regulation that depends on the sensory and behavioral contexts. For example, oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) trigger a signaling pattern encompassing intracellular cascades, synaptic plasticity, gene expression, and network regulation, that together function to increase the signal-to-noise ratio for sensory-dependent stress/threat and social responses. Activation of OTRs in emotional circuits within the limbic forebrain is necessary to acquire stress/threat responses. When emotional memories are retrieved, OTR-expressing cells act as gatekeepers of the threat response choice/discrimination. OT signaling has also been implicated in modulating social-exposure elicited responses in the neural circuits within the limbic forebrain. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the neuromodulation by OT, and how OT signaling in specific neural circuits and cell populations mediate stress/threat and social behaviors. OT and downstream signaling cascades are heavily implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by emotional and social dysregulation. Thus, a mechanistic understanding of downstream cellular effects of OT in relevant cell types and neural circuits can help design effective intervention techniques for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sayali Ranade
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Jahel Guardado
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joseph LeDoux
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eric Klann
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Prerana Shrestha
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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11
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Grassi D, Marraudino M, Garcia-Segura LM, Panzica GC. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus as a central hub for the estrogenic modulation of neuroendocrine function and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100974. [PMID: 34995643 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) help coordinate reproduction with body physiology, growth and metabolism. PVN integrates hormonal and neural signals originating in the periphery, generating an output mediated both by its long-distance neuronal projections, and by a variety of neurohormones produced by its magnocellular and parvocellular neurosecretory cells. Here we review the cyto-and chemo-architecture, the connectivity and function of PVN and the sex-specific regulation exerted by estradiol on PVN neurons and on the expression of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neuropeptides and neurohormones in PVN. Classical and non-classical estrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in neuronal afferents to PVN and in specific PVN interneurons, projecting neurons, neurosecretory neurons and glial cells that are involved in the input-output integration and coordination of neurohormonal signals. Indeed, PVN ERs are known to modulate body homeostatic processes such as autonomic functions, stress response, reproduction, and metabolic control. Finally, the functional implications of the estrogenic modulation of the PVN for body homeostasis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Grassi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Marraudino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - G C Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy; Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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12
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Aspesi D, Choleris E. Neuroendocrine underpinning of social recognition in males and females. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13070. [PMID: 34927288 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Social recognition is an essential skill for the expression of appropriate behaviors towards conspecifics in most social species. Several studies point to oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) as key mediators of social recognition in males and females. However, sex differences in social cognitive behaviors highlight an important interplay between OT, AVP and the sex steroids. Estrogens facilitate social recognition by regulating OT action in the hypothalamus and that of OT receptor in the medial amygdala. The role of OT in these brain regions appears to be essential for social recognition in both males and females. Conversely, social recognition in male rats and mice is more dependent on AVP release in the lateral septum than in females. The AVP system comprises a series of highly sexually dimorphic brain nuclei, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the amygdala and the lateral septum. Various studies suggest that testosterone and its metabolites, including estradiol, influence social recognition in males by modulating the activity of the AVP at V1a receptor. Intriguingly, both estrogens and androgens can affect social recognition very rapidly, through non-genomic mechanisms. In addition, the androgen metabolites, namely 3α-diol and 3β-diol, may also have an impact on social behaviors either by interacting with the estrogen receptors or through other mechanisms. Overall, the regulation of OT and AVP by sex steroids fine tunes social recognition and the behaviors that depend upon it (e.g., social bond, hierarchical organization, aggression) in a sex-dependent manner. Elucidating the sex-dependent interaction between sex steroids and neuroendocrine systems is essential for understanding sex differences in the normal and abnormal expression of social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Aspesi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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13
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Paternal stress in rats increased oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, and arginine vasopressin gene expression in the male offspring amygdala with no effect on their social interaction behaviors. Neuroreport 2022; 33:48-54. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Chun EK, Donovan M, Liu Y, Wang Z. Behavioral, neurochemical, and neuroimmune changes associated with social buffering and stress contagion. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 16:100427. [PMID: 35036478 PMCID: PMC8749234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Social buffering can provide protective effects on stress responses and their subsequent negative health outcomes. Although social buffering is beneficial for the recipient, it can also have anxiogenic effects on the provider of the social buffering - a phenomena referred to as stress contagion. Social buffering and stress contagion usually occur together, but they have traditionally been studied independently, thus limiting our understanding of this dyadic social interaction. In the present study, we examined the effects of preventative social buffering and stress contagion in socially monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). We tested the hypothesis that this dynamic social interaction is associated with coordinated alterations in behaviors, neurochemical activation, and neuroimmune responses. To do so, adult male prairie voles were stressed via an acute immobilization restraint tube (IMO) either alone (Alone) or with their previously pair-bonded female partner (Partner) in the cage for 1 h. In contrast, females were placed in a cage containing either an empty IMO tube (Empty) or one that contained their pair-bonded male (Partner). Anxiety-like behavior was tested on the elevated plus maze (EPM) following the 60-mins test and brain sections were processed for neurochemical/neuroimmune marker labeling for all subjects. Our data indicate that females in the Partner group were in contact with and sniffed the IMO tube more, showed fewer anxiety-like behaviors, and had a higher level of oxytocin expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) compared to the Empty group females. Males in the Partner group had lower levels of anxiety-like behavior during the EPM test, greater activation of corticotropin-releasing hormone expressing neurons in the PVN, lower activation of serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe, and lower levels of microgliosis in the nucleus accumbens. Taken together, these data suggest brain region- and neurochemical-specific alterations as well as neuroinflammatory changes that may be involved in the regulation of social buffering and stress contagion behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen K. Chun
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Meghan Donovan
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, 1700 N Wheeling St, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
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15
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Cid-Jofré V, Moreno M, Reyes-Parada M, Renard GM. Role of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Therapeutic Potential of Agonists and Antagonists. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112077. [PMID: 34769501 PMCID: PMC8584779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are hypothalamic neuropeptides classically associated with their regulatory role in reproduction, water homeostasis, and social behaviors. Interestingly, this role has expanded in recent years and has positioned these neuropeptides as therapeutic targets for various neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism, addiction, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. Due to the chemical-physical characteristics of these neuropeptides including short half-life, poor blood-brain barrier penetration, promiscuity for AVP and OT receptors (AVP-R, OT-R), novel ligands have been developed in recent decades. This review summarizes the role of OT and AVP in neuropsychiatric conditions, as well as the findings of different OT-R and AVP-R agonists and antagonists, used both at the preclinical and clinical level. Furthermore, we discuss their possible therapeutic potential for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeska Cid-Jofré
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (V.C.-J.); (M.M.)
| | - Macarena Moreno
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (V.C.-J.); (M.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Bernardo OHiggins, Santiago 8370993, Chile
| | - Miguel Reyes-Parada
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (V.C.-J.); (M.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia 7500912, Chile
- Correspondence: (M.R.-P.); (G.M.R.)
| | - Georgina M. Renard
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (V.C.-J.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.-P.); (G.M.R.)
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16
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Rybicka M, Kaźmierczak M, Pawlicka P, Łada-Maśko AB, Anikiej-Wiczenbach P, Bielawski KP. (Re-)activity in the caregiving situation: Genetic diversity within Oxytocin-Vasopressin Pathway is associated with salivary oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations in response to contact with a crying infant-simulator. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 131:105294. [PMID: 34102428 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) hormones as well as their receptors (OXTR and AVPR1a) have been deemed crucial for caregiving and sensitive responsiveness to infant cues. However, previous research on genetic polymorphisms and OT and AVP levels in the context of caregiving were sparse and have brought contradictory findings. The aim of this reported observational study was to examine the impact of genetic variations within genes related to OT and AVP signaling pathway on hormones levels' changes in response to the caregiving situation. A total of 221 adult intimate couples (110 childless, non-pregnant and 111 expectant couples) participated in three 10 min sessions, during which they were taking care of a crying life-like simulator. 30 min prior to the first session salivary samples to analyze basal OT and AVP, and polymorphisms in OXTR, AVPR1a and CD38 genes were collected. Subsequent OT and AVP levels were measured 15 min after each session. The two most frequently studied OXTR SNPs (rs53576 and rs2254298) had no or a minor impact on higher OT levels, which were linked to rs1042778, rs13316193, rs2228485, rs2268490, rs4686302 genotypes. AVP levels were affected by rs1042778, rs13316193, rs4686302 and rs237887. OT levels varied depending on the OT (rs2770378, rs4813625), CD38 (rs379686), and 5-HTR2A (rs6314) genotype. OT and AVP levels were also associated with rs6314 (5-HTR2A). AVP levels were linked to ESR1 (rs1884051) and SIM1 (rs3734354) variations. Shorter variants of RS3 and RS1 were associated with lower levels of AVP. In conclusion, analyzed polymorphisms were associated with both the level and changes in OT and AVP hormone levels in the standardized situation of caregiving reactions to infant crying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Rybicka
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Maria Kaźmierczak
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Paulina Pawlicka
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Ariadna Beata Łada-Maśko
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Paulina Anikiej-Wiczenbach
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Piotr Bielawski
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland.
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17
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Lambert CT, Lichter JB, Perry AN, Castillo SA, Keane B, Cushing BS, Solomon NG. Medial amygdala ERα expression influences monogamous behaviour of male prairie voles in the field. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210318. [PMID: 34344176 PMCID: PMC8334872 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Formation of long-term pair-bonds is a complex process, involving multiple neural circuits and is context- and experience-dependent. While laboratory studies using prairie voles have identified the involvement of several neural mechanisms, efforts to translate these findings into predictable field outcomes have been inconsistent at best. Here we test the hypothesis that inhibition of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in the medial amygdala of male prairie voles would significantly increase the expression of social monogamy in the field. Prairie vole populations of equal sex ratio were established in outdoor enclosures with males bred for high levels of ERα expression and low levels of prosocial behaviour associated with social monogamy. Medial amygdala ERα expression was knocked down in half the males per population. Knockdown males displayed a greater degree of social monogamy in five of the eight behavioural indices assessed. This study demonstrates the robust nature of ERα in playing a critical role in the expression of male social monogamy in a field setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adam N. Perry
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Samuel A. Castillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Brian Keane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Miami University—Regionals, Hamilton, OH 45011, USA
| | - Bruce S. Cushing
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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18
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Matsumoto Y, Nagayama H, Nakaoka H, Toyoda A, Goto T, Koide T. Combined change of behavioral traits for domestication and gene-networks in mice selectively bred for active tameness. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12721. [PMID: 33314580 PMCID: PMC7988575 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Tameness is a major element of animal domestication and involves two components: motivation to approach humans (active tameness) and reluctance to avoid humans (passive tameness). To understand the behavioral and genetic mechanisms of active tameness in mice, we had previously conducted selective breeding for long durations of contact and heading toward human hands in an active tameness test using a wild-derived heterogeneous stock. Although the study showed a significant increase in contacting and heading with the 12th generation of breeding, the effect on other behavioral indices related to tameness and change of gene expression levels underlying selective breeding was unclear. Here, we analyzed nine tameness-related traits at a later stage of selective breeding and analyzed how gene expression levels were changed by the selective breeding. We found that five traits, including contacting and heading, showed behavioral change in the selective groups comparing to the control through the generations. Furthermore, we conducted cluster analyses to evaluate the relationships among the nine traits and found that contacting and heading combined in an independent cluster in the selected groups, but not in the control groups. RNA-Seq of hippocampal tissue revealed differential expression of 136 genes between the selection and control groups, while the pathway analysis identified the networks associated with these genes. These results suggest that active tameness was hidden in the control groups but became apparent in the selected populations by selective breeding, potentially driven by changes in gene expression networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Matsumoto
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.,Anicom Specialty Medical Institute Inc., Chojamachi, Yokohamashi-Nakaku, Kanagawaken, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Nagayama
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Nakaoka
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.,Division of Human Genetics, Department of Integrated Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Goto
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.,Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Koide
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
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19
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Rigney N, Whylings J, de Vries GJ, Petrulis A. Sex Differences in the Control of Social Investigation and Anxiety by Vasopressin Cells of the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:521-535. [PMID: 32541145 PMCID: PMC7736187 DOI: 10.1159/000509421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) has long been implicated in the regulation of social behavior and communication in diverse taxa, but the source of AVP release relevant for behavior has not been precisely determined. Potential sources include hypothalamic cell populations such as the paraventricular (PVN), supraoptic, and suprachiasmatic nuclei, as well as extrahypothalamic cell groups in the extended amygdala. To address if AVP-expressing cells in the PVN are important for mouse social communication, we deleted PVN AVP-expressing cells using viral-mediated delivery of Cre-dependent caspase-9 cell death construct into the PVN of AVP-Cre-positive mice (expressing Cre-recombinase under the control of the AVP promoter) or AVP-Cre-negative littermate controls, and assessed their levels of social investigation, social communication, anxiety, sex behavior, and aggressive behavior. We found that these lesions increased social investigation in females, but not in males. However, in males but not in females, these lesions increased non-social anxiety-related behaviors in the elevated-plus maze. These results therefore point at differential involvement of PVN AVP-expressing cells in the context of social and emotional behavior in the two sexes, which may contribute to sex differences in social communication and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,
| | - Jack Whylings
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Geert J de Vries
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aras Petrulis
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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20
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Arakawa H. Dynamic regulation of oxytocin neuronal circuits in the sequential processes of prosocial behavior in rodent models. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 2:100011. [PMID: 36246512 PMCID: PMC9559098 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2021.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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21
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Dombret C, Naulé L, Trouillet AC, Parmentier C, Hardin-Pouzet H, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Effects of neural estrogen receptor beta deletion on social and mood-related behaviors and underlying mechanisms in male mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6242. [PMID: 32277160 PMCID: PMC7148327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63427-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol derived from neural aromatization of testosterone plays a key role in the organization and activation of neural structures underlying male behaviors. This study evaluated the contribution of the estrogen receptor (ER) β in estradiol-induced modulation of social and mood-related behaviors by using mice lacking the ERβ gene in the nervous system. Mutant males exhibited reduced social interaction with same-sex congeners and impaired aggressive behavior. They also displayed increased locomotor activity, and reduced or unaffected anxiety-state level in three paradigms. However, when mice were exposed to unescapable stress in the forced swim and tail suspension tests, they spent more time immobile and a reduced time in swimming and climbing. These behavioral alterations were associated with unaffected circadian and restraint stress-induced corticosterone levels, and unchanged number of tryptophan hydroxylase 2-immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal raphe. By contrast, reduced mRNA levels of oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin were observed in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, whereas no changes were detected in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The neural ERβ is thus involved to different extent levels in social and mood-related behaviors, with a particular action on oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin signaling pathways of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, yet the involvement of other brain areas cannot be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Dombret
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Lydie Naulé
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Charlotte Trouillet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Parmentier
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Hardin-Pouzet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France.
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22
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Sandhu KV, Demiray YE, Yanagawa Y, Stork O. Dietary phytoestrogens modulate aggression and activity in social behavior circuits of male mice. Horm Behav 2020; 119:104637. [PMID: 31783026 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens comprise biologically active constituents of human and animal diet that can impact on systemic and local estrogen functions in the brain. Here we report on the importance of dietary phytoestrogens for maintaining activity in a brain circuit controlling aggressive and social behavior of male mice. After six weeks of low-phytoestrogen chronic diet (diadzein plus genistein <20 μg/g) a reduction of intermale aggression and altered territorial marking behavior could be observed, compared to littermates on a standard soy-bean based diet (300 μg/g). Further, mice on low-phyto diet displayed a decrease in sociability and a reduced preference for social odors, indicating a general disturbance of social behavior. Underlying circuits were investigated by analysing the induction of the activity marker c-Fos upon social encounter. Low-phyto diet led to a markedly reduced c-Fos induction in the medial as well as the cortical amygdala, the lateral septum, medial preoptic area and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. No difference between groups was observed in the olfactory bulb. Together our data suggest that dietary phytoestrogens critically modulate social behavior circuits in the male mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Veer Sandhu
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yunus Emre Demiray
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioural Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine and JST, CREST, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioural Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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23
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Bubak AN, Watt MJ, Yaeger JDW, Renner KJ, Swallow JG. The stalk-eyed fly as a model for aggression - is there a conserved role for 5-HT between vertebrates and invertebrates? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/1/jeb132159. [PMID: 31896721 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.132159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) has largely been accepted to be inhibitory to vertebrate aggression, whereas an opposing stimulatory role has been proposed for invertebrates. Herein, we argue that critical gaps in our understanding of the nuanced role of 5-HT in invertebrate systems drove this conclusion prematurely, and that emerging data suggest a previously unrecognized level of phylogenetic conservation with respect to neurochemical mechanisms regulating the expression of aggressive behaviors. This is especially apparent when considering the interplay among factors governing 5-HT activity, many of which share functional homology across taxa. We discuss recent findings using insect models, with an emphasis on the stalk-eyed fly, to demonstrate how particular 5-HT receptor subtypes mediate the intensity of aggression with respect to discrete stages of the interaction (initiation, escalation and termination), which mirrors the complex behavioral regulation currently recognized in vertebrates. Further similarities emerge when considering the contribution of neuropeptides, which interact with 5-HT to ultimately determine contest progression and outcome. Relative to knowledge in vertebrates, much less is known about the function of 5-HT receptors and neuropeptides in invertebrate aggression, particularly with respect to sex, species and context, prompting the need for further studies. Our Commentary highlights the need to consider multiple factors when determining potential taxonomic differences, and raises the possibility of more similarities than differences between vertebrates and invertebrates with regard to the modulatory effect of 5-HT on aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Bubak
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael J Watt
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Jazmine D W Yaeger
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
| | - Kenneth J Renner
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
| | - John G Swallow
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado-Denver, Denver, CO 80217, USA
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Bhandari R, Paliwal JK, Kuhad A. Neuropsychopathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Complex Interplay of Genetic, Epigenetic, and Environmental Factors. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:97-141. [PMID: 32006358 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogeneous consortium of pervasive development disorders (PDD) which ranges from atypical autism, autism, and Asperger syndrome affecting brain in the developmental stage. This debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder results in both core as well as associated symptoms. Core symptoms observed in autistic patients are lack of social interaction, pervasive, stereotyped, and restricted behavior while the associated symptoms include irritability, anxiety, aggression, and several comorbid disorders.ASD is a polygenic disorder and is multifactorial in origin. Copy number variations (CNVs) of several genes that regulate the synaptogenesis and signaling pathways are one of the major factors responsible for the pathogenesis of autism. The complex integration of various CNVs cause mutations in the genes which code for molecules involved in cell adhesion, voltage-gated ion-channels, scaffolding proteins as well as signaling pathways (PTEN and mTOR pathways). These mutated genes are responsible for affecting synaptic transmission by causing plasticity dysfunction responsible, in turn, for the expression of ASD.Epigenetic modifications affecting DNA transcription and various pre-natal and post-natal exposure to a variety of environmental factors are also precipitating factors for the occurrence of ASD. All of these together cause dysregulation of glutamatergic signaling as well as imbalance in excitatory: inhibitory pathways resulting in glial cell activation and release of inflammatory mediators responsible for the aberrant social behavior which is observed in autistic patients.In this chapter we review and provide insight into the intricate integration of various genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors which play a major role in the pathogenesis of this disorder and the mechanistic approach behind this integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjana Bhandari
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jyoti K Paliwal
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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25
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Basaure P, Guardia-Escote L, Biosca-Brull J, Blanco J, Cabré M, Peris-Sampedro F, Sánchez-Santed F, Domingo JL, Colomina MT. Exposure to chlorpyrifos at different ages triggers APOE genotype-specific responses in social behavior, body weight and hypothalamic gene expression. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 178:108684. [PMID: 31472362 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To date, we have shown that apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms differentially modulate the neurobehavioral and metabolic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF), a widely used pesticide, which is detected as residue in food. We previously reported that, after being exposed to CPF, APOE3 subjects exhibit metabolic dysfunctions while APOE4 subjects undergo changes in behavior. In the current study, we investigated the effects of a double exposure to CPF on social behavior and hypothalamic gene expression in apoE-targeted replacement (TR) mice. Male apoE3-and apoE4-TR mice were exposed to CPF at 0 or 1 mg/kg/day on postnatal days 10-15 and then, during adulthood (5 months of age), fed a CPF-supplemented diet (0 or 2 mg/kg/day) for 15 days. During adult exposure to CPF, body weight gain and food intake were monitored. At the end of the adult exposure period, we evaluated social behavior in a three-chamber test, as well as mRNA levels of hypothalamic neuropeptides and receptors related to social behavior and feeding control. Adult CPF exposure increased food intake in general, but only apoE4 mice increased their body weight. Postnatal CPF exposure improved preference for the social contexts in apoE4 mice while adult CPF exposure did the same in apoE3 mice. Anorexigenic-peptide and social-related behavior gene expression decreased as a result of adult CPF exposure in apoE4 mice, and neuropeptide Y was more expressed in apoE4 mice. These results indicate that CPF exposure produces orexigenic and metabolic effects and enlarges individual differences in social behavior, especially in apoE3 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Basaure
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Laia Guardia-Escote
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Judit Biosca-Brull
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Jordi Blanco
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Maria Cabré
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Fiona Peris-Sampedro
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.
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26
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Kompier NF, Keysers C, Gazzola V, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early Life Adversity and Adult Social Behavior: Focus on Arginine Vasopressin and Oxytocin as Potential Mediators. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:143. [PMID: 31404254 PMCID: PMC6676334 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stress during the early postnatal period (i.e., early life stress, ES) can impact brain physiology and modify individual variability in adult social behavior. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) are two centrally released neuropeptides that are involved in shaping essential social behaviors, like aggression, social recognition, and social motivation. AVP and OXT modulate activity in brain regions important for the establishment of social behavior, and may be particularly sensitive to ES. In this review, we discuss whether ES alters the characteristics of the AVP- and OXT- systems in rodents, and whether these changes are associated with later alterations in aggression, social recognition, and social motivation. We have integrated causal studies indicating that (1) ES affects AVP/OXT, and (2) that changing AVP/OXT in affected regions alters social behavior. Although there is encouraging evidence that ES causes AVP- and OXT-system changes, and that these may mediate social behavior, a comprehensive understanding of the exact nature of AVP- and OXT changes and whether they are causal in establishing these behavioral disturbances needs further investigation. As there are indications that ES alters AVP- and OXT characteristics in humans as well, and that these may interact with adult predisposition to psychopathology with social dysfunction, future rodent studies may lay ground for a better understanding of such changes in humans. Ultimately, this may assist in developing therapeutic strategies to target ES effects on social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nine F. Kompier
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christian Keysers
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Valeria Gazzola
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harmen J. Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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27
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Clinical potential of oxytocin in autism spectrum disorder: current issues and future perspectives. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 29:1-12. [PMID: 28857771 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The effects of oxytocin on social cognition and behavior have recently attracted considerable attention. In particular, oxytocin has been proposed as a novel therapeutic for psychiatric disorders with social deficits such as autism spectrum disorders. This review provides a brief overview of behavioral and neural responses to oxytocin manipulations in humans and animal models. Although the differences in findings between human and animal studies should be interpreted carefully, shared behavioral phenotypes have been recognized, such as social bonding, social responses, and recognition and usage of social cues. Previous literature suggests that the neural effects of oxytocin in humans and animals overlap in the prefrontal, limbic, and paralimbic cortices. Oxytocin-induced alterations in these regions may indicate a fundamental basis for how oxytocin modulates social behaviors and facilitate the discovery of new pharmaceutical targets for treating social deficits.
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Maternal and paternal origin differentially affect prosocial behavior and neural mechanisms in prairie voles. Behav Brain Res 2019; 360:94-102. [PMID: 30521929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypotheses that maternal and paternal effects differentially influence expression of their offspring's adult behavior and underlying neural mechanisms. We predicted that maternal influences would be greater than paternal influences on male offspring. We tested these hypotheses by cross-breeding two phenotypically-, behaviorally- and neuroanatomically-distinct populations of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) from Illinois, which are highly prosocial, and Kansas, which are significantly less prosocial. Females from each population were crossed with males from the other population. F1 crosses were tested as adults to determine the effect of parentage on the expression of prosocial behavior and aggression, using a same-sex dyadic encounter and a heterosexual partner preference test, and for the expression of oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). As predicted, all significant differences in males, behavioral, OT and AVP immunoreactivity, were associated exclusively with maternal influences. There was a significant effect of treatment in the OT immunoreactivity of females. The effect of treatment in females' OT was associated with an interaction of population and sex, while same-sex social interactions differences were associated with population. Finally, in females, paternity influenced heterosexual bonds, with females with Illinois sires forming a partner preference. The results indicate that maternal influences dominate in male offspring, suggesting a parent-of-origin effect, while paternal effects are limited to selected prosocial behavioral expression in daughters.
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29
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Wilson LC, Goodson JL, Kingsbury MA. Neural responses to familiar conspecifics are modulated by a nonapeptide receptor in a winter flocking sparrow. Physiol Behav 2018; 196:165-175. [PMID: 30196086 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The social behavior network, a collection of reciprocally connected areas within the basal forebrain and midbrain, plays a conserved role in the regulation of vertebrate social behavior. Specific behaviors are associated with patterns of activity across the network, and these activity profiles vary with species and context. We investigated how the social behavior network responds to familiar social stimuli in a seasonally flocking songbird. Further, we explored how socially-induced neural responses are modulated by endogenous nonapeptide receptor blockade. Winter flocking dark-eyed juncos were exposed to either familiar conspecifics or a familiar empty aviary following a peripheral injection of either saline or [desGly-NH2,d(CH2)5, Tyr(Me)2,Thr4]-ornithine vasotocin, an VT3 receptor antagonist. Socially-exposed animals exhibited greater Fos induction across the social behavior network. Sex and drug effects were site-specific, with females tending to exhibit greater Fos responses to social stimuli and a greater sensitivity to VT3 antagonism. We suggest that in flocking animals, VT3 activation during social interaction may shift the pattern of neural activity towards the dorsocaudal lateral septum and rostral arcopallium and away from the extended amygdala, anterior and ventromedial hypothalamus, and the caudal ventral/ventrolateral lateral septum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah C Wilson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - James L Goodson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Marcy A Kingsbury
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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30
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Dai YC, Zhang HF, Schön M, Böckers TM, Han SP, Han JS, Zhang R. Neonatal Oxytocin Treatment Ameliorates Autistic-Like Behaviors and Oxytocin Deficiency in Valproic Acid-Induced Rat Model of Autism. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:355. [PMID: 30356897 PMCID: PMC6190900 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) plays a critical role in regulating social behaviors in the central nervous system, as indicated in both human and animal studies. We hypothesized that central OXT deficit is one of causes of etiology of ASD, which may be responsible for the social impairments. To test our hypothesis, central OXT system was examined in valproic acid (VPA)-induced rat model of autism (VPA rat). Our results showed that adolescent VPA rats exhibited a lower level of OXT mRNA and fewer OXT-ir cells in the hypothalamus than control rats. Additionally, OXT concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was reduced. The number of OXT-ir cells in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of neonatal VPA rats was also lower. Autistic-like behaviors were observed in these animals as well. We found that an acute intranasal administration of exogenous OXT restored the social preference of adolescent VPA rats. Additionally, early postnatal OXT treatment had long-term effects ameliorating the social impairments and repetitive behaviors of VPA rats until adolescence. This was accompanied by an increase in OXT-ir cells. Taken together, we demonstrated there was central OXT deficiency in the VPA-induced rat model of autism, and showed evidence that early postnatal OXT treatment had a long-term therapeutic effect on the autistic-like behaviors in VPA rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Dai
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Feng Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Michael Schön
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M Böckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Song-Ping Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Wuxi HANS Health Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuxi, China
| | - Ji-Sheng Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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31
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Borrow AP, Bales NJ, Stover SA, Handa RJ. Chronic Variable Stress Induces Sex-Specific Alterations in Social Behavior and Neuropeptide Expression in the Mouse. Endocrinology 2018; 159:2803-2814. [PMID: 29788320 PMCID: PMC6692887 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to stressors impairs the function of multiple organ systems and has been implicated in increased disease risk. In the rodent, the chronic variable stress (CVS) paradigm has successfully modeled several stress-related illnesses. Despite striking disparities between men and women in the prevalence and etiology of disorders associated with chronic stress, most preclinical research examining chronic stressor exposure has focused on male subjects. One potential mediator of the consequences of CVS is oxytocin (OT), a known regulator of stress neurocircuitry and behavior. To ascertain the sex-specific effects of CVS in the C57BL/6 mouse on OT and the structurally similar neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP), the numbers of immunoreactive and mRNA-containing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) were determined using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, respectively. In addition, the mice underwent a battery of behavioral tests to determine whether CVS affects social behaviors known to be regulated by OT and AVP. Six weeks of CVS increased sociability in the female mouse and decreased PVN OT immunoreactivity (ir) and AVP mRNA. In the male mice, CVS decreased PVN OT mRNA but had no effect on social behavior, AVP, or OT-ir. CVS also increased the soma volume for PVN OT neurons. In contrast, OT and AVP neurons in the SON were unaffected by CVS treatment. These findings demonstrate clear sex differences in the effects of CVS on neuropeptides in the mouse, suggest a pathway through which CVS alters sociability and stress-coping responses in females and reveals a vulnerability to CVS in the C57BL/6 mouse strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda P Borrow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Natalie J Bales
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Sally A Stover
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Correspondence: Robert J. Handa, PhD, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1617 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523. E-mail:
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Hodges TE, Baumbach JL, McCormick CM. Predictors of social instability stress effects on social interaction and anxiety in adolescent male rats. Dev Psychobiol 2018; 60:651-663. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cheryl M. McCormick
- Department of Psychology; Brock University; Ontario Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience; Brock University; Ontario Canada
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Ooishi Y. Correlation Between Resting Testosterone/Cortisol Ratio and Sound-Induced Vasoconstriction at Fingertip in Men. Front Physiol 2018; 9:164. [PMID: 29559922 PMCID: PMC5845581 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A sound-induced sympathetic tone has been used as an index for orienting responses to auditory stimuli. The resting testosterone/cortisol ratio is a biomarker of social aggression that drives an approaching behavior in response to environmental stimuli, and a higher testosterone level and a lower cortisol level can facilitate the sympathetic response to environmental stimuli. Therefore, it is possible that the testosterone/cortisol ratio is correlated with the sound-induced sympathetic tone. The current study investigated the relationship between the resting testosterone/cortisol ratio and vasoconstriction induced by listening to sound stimuli. Twenty healthy males aged 29.0 ± 0.53 years (mean ± S.E.M) participated in the study. They came to the laboratory for 3 days and listened to one of three types of sound stimuli for 1 min on each day. Saliva samples were collected for an analysis of salivary testosterone and cortisol levels on the day of each experiment. After the collecting the saliva sample, we measured the blood volume pulse (BVP) amplitude at a fingertip. Since vasoconstriction is mediated by the activation of the sympathetic nerves, the strength of the reduction in BVP amplitude at a fingertip was called the BVP response (finger BVPR). No difference was observed between the sound-induced finger BVPR for the three types of sound stimuli (p = 0.779). The correlation coefficient between the sound-induced finger BVPR and the salivary testosterone/cortisol ratio within participants was significantly different from no correlation (p = 0.011) and there was a trend toward a significance in the correlation between the sound-induced finger BVPR and the salivary testosterone/cortisol ratio between participants (r = 0.39, p = 0.088). These results suggest that the testosterone/cortisol ratio affects the difference in the sound-evoked sympathetic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Ooishi
- NTT Communication Science Laboratories, NTT Corporation, Atsugi, Japan
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Murakami G, Edamura M, Furukawa T, Kawasaki H, Kosugi I, Fukuda A, Iwashita T, Nakahara D. MHC class I in dopaminergic neurons suppresses relapse to reward seeking. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaap7388. [PMID: 29546241 PMCID: PMC5851664 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aap7388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) is an important immune protein that is expressed in various brain regions, with its deficiency leading to extensive synaptic transmission that results in learning and memory deficits. Although MHCI is highly expressed in dopaminergic neurons, its role in these neurons has not been examined. We show that MHCI expressed in dopaminergic neurons plays a key role in suppressing reward-seeking behavior. In wild-type mice, cocaine self-administration caused persistent reduction of MHCI specifically in dopaminergic neurons, which was accompanied by enhanced glutamatergic synaptic transmission and relapse to cocaine seeking. Functional MHCI knockout promoted this addictive phenotype for cocaine and a natural reward, namely, sucrose. In contrast, wild-type mice overexpressing a major MHCI gene (H2D) in dopaminergic neurons showed suppressed cocaine seeking. These results show that persistent cocaine-induced reduction of MHCI in dopaminergic neurons is necessary for relapse to cocaine seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Murakami
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama-machi, Iruma-gun, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Edamura
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tomonori Furukawa
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hideya Kawasaki
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Isao Kosugi
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Toshihide Iwashita
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Daiichiro Nakahara
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
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Cataldo I, Azhari A, Esposito G. A Review of Oxytocin and Arginine-Vasopressin Receptors and Their Modulation of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:27. [PMID: 29487501 PMCID: PMC5816822 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) play a key regulatory part in social and affiliative behaviors; two aspects highly compromised in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Furthermore, variants in the adjacent oxytocin-vasopressin gene regions have been found to be associated with ASD diagnosis and endophenotypes. This review focuses mainly on common OXTr single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), AVPR1a microsatellites and AVPR1b polymorphisms in relation to the development of autism. Although these genes did not surface in genome-wide association studies, evidence supports the hypothesis that these receptors and their polymorphisms are widely involved in the regulation of social behavior, and in modulating neural and physiological pathways contributing to the etiology of ASD. With a specific focus on variants considered to be among the most prevalent in the development of ASD, these issues will be discussed in-depth and suggestions to approach inconsistencies in the present literature will be provided. Translational implications and future directions are deliberated from a short-term and a forward-looking perspective. While the scientific community has made significant progress in enhancing our understanding of ASD, more research is required for the ontology of this disorder to be fully elucidated. By supplementing information related to genetics, highlighting the differences across male and female sexes, this review provides a wider view of the current state of knowledge of OXTr and AVPr mechanisms of functioning, eventually addressing future research in the identification of further risk factors, to build new strategies for early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.,Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Atiqah Azhari
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.,Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Ujjainwala AL, Courtney CD, Rhoads SG, Rhodes JS, Christian CA. Genetic loss of diazepam binding inhibitor in mice impairs social interest. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 17:e12442. [PMID: 29193847 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders in which reduced social interest is a common symptom, such as autism, depression, and anxiety, are frequently associated with genetic mutations affecting γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission. Benzodiazepine treatment, acting via GABA type-A receptors, improves social interaction in male mouse models with autism-like features. The protein diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) can act as an endogenous benzodiazepine, but a role for DBI in social behavior has not been described. Here, we investigated the role of DBI in the social interest and recognition behavior of mice. The responses of DBI wild-type and knockout male and female mice to ovariectomized female wild-type mice (a neutral social stimulus) were evaluated in a habituation/dishabituation task. Both male and female knockout mice exhibited reduced social interest, and DBI knockout mice lacked the sex difference in social interest levels observed in wild-type mice, in which males showed higher social interest levels than females. The ability to discriminate between familiar and novel stimulus mice (social recognition) was not impaired in DBI-deficient mice of either sex. DBI knockouts could learn a rotarod motor task, and could discriminate between social and nonsocial odors. Both sexes of DBI knockout mice showed increased repetitive grooming behavior, but not in a manner that would account for the decrease in social investigation time. Genetic loss of DBI did not alter seminal vesicle weight, indicating that the social interest phenotype of males lacking DBI is not due to reduced circulating testosterone. Together, these studies show a novel role of DBI in driving social interest and motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Ujjainwala
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - C D Courtney
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - S G Rhoads
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - J S Rhodes
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
| | - C A Christian
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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Erhardt S, Pocivavsek A, Repici M, Liu XC, Imbeault S, Maddison DC, Thomas MAR, Smalley JL, Larsson MK, Muchowski PJ, Giorgini F, Schwarcz R. Adaptive and Behavioral Changes in Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase Knockout Mice: Relevance to Psychotic Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:756-765. [PMID: 28187857 PMCID: PMC5812460 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase converts kynurenine to 3-hydroxykynurenine, and its inhibition shunts the kynurenine pathway-which is implicated as dysfunctional in various psychiatric disorders-toward enhanced synthesis of kynurenic acid, an antagonist of both α7 nicotinic acetylcholine and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Possibly as a result of reduced kynurenine 3-monooxygenase activity, elevated central nervous system levels of kynurenic acid have been found in patients with psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. METHODS In the present study, we investigated adaptive-and possibly regulatory-changes in mice with a targeted deletion of Kmo (Kmo-/-) and characterized the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase-deficient mice using six behavioral assays relevant for the study of schizophrenia. RESULTS Genome-wide differential gene expression analyses in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of these mice identified a network of schizophrenia- and psychosis-related genes, with more pronounced alterations in cerebellar tissue. Kynurenic acid levels were also increased in these brain regions in Kmo-/- mice, with significantly higher levels in the cerebellum than in the cerebrum. Kmo-/- mice exhibited impairments in contextual memory and spent less time than did controls interacting with an unfamiliar mouse in a social interaction paradigm. The mutant animals displayed increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and in a light/dark box. After a D-amphetamine challenge (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), Kmo-/- mice showed potentiated horizontal activity in the open field paradigm. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results demonstrate that the elimination of Kmo in mice is associated with multiple gene and functional alterations that appear to duplicate aspects of the psychopathology of several neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Erhardt
- Dept of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ana Pocivavsek
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mariaelena Repici
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Xi-Cong Liu
- Dept of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Imbeault
- Dept of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel C Maddison
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Marian AR Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua L Smalley
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Markus K Larsson
- Dept of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Decreased levels of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor in children with autism spectrum disorders. Psychiatry Res 2017; 257:67-71. [PMID: 28734238 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormones, specially estrogen, and ıt is receptors plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ASD and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), a recently discovered estrogen receptors, and also to study the relation of serum GPER levels with the severity of autistic symptoms. The present study included 45 children with drug naive ASD diagnosed by DSM-V criteria, aged between 3 and 12 years and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The severity of ASD was evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) total score. The GPER levels in the serum were measured using the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. The serum GPER level was significantly lower in the ASD patients than in the controls. There was a negative significant correlation between the GPER level and the CARS score. There were no significant correlations between GPER level with estradiol and age. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the decreased serum GPER levels were associated with ASD and GPER may play an important role in the etiology of ASD.
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Kim OH, Cho HJ, Han E, Hong TI, Ariyasiri K, Choi JH, Hwang KS, Jeong YM, Yang SY, Yu K, Park DS, Oh HW, Davis EE, Schwartz CE, Lee JS, Kim HG, Kim CH. Zebrafish knockout of Down syndrome gene, DYRK1A, shows social impairments relevant to autism. Mol Autism 2017; 8:50. [PMID: 29021890 PMCID: PMC5622473 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0168-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DYRK1A maps to the Down syndrome critical region at 21q22. Mutations in this kinase-encoding gene have been reported to cause microcephaly associated with either intellectual disability or autism in humans. Intellectual disability accompanied by microcephaly was recapitulated in a murine model by overexpressing Dyrk1a which mimicked Down syndrome phenotypes. However, given embryonic lethality in homozygous knockout (KO) mice, no murine model studies could present sufficient evidence to link Dyrk1a dysfunction with autism. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying microcephaly and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), we established an in vivo dyrk1aa KO model using zebrafish. METHODS We identified a patient with a mutation in the DYRK1A gene using microarray analysis. Circumventing the barrier of murine model studies, we generated a dyrk1aa KO zebrafish using transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-mediated genome editing. For social behavioral tests, we have established a social interaction test, shoaling assay, and group behavior assay. For molecular analysis, we examined the neuronal activity in specific brain regions of dyrk1aa KO zebrafish through in situ hybridization with various probes including c-fos and crh which are the molecular markers for stress response. RESULTS Microarray detected an intragenic microdeletion of DYRK1A in an individual with microcephaly and autism. From behavioral tests of social interaction and group behavior, dyrk1aa KO zebrafish exhibited social impairments that reproduce human phenotypes of autism in a vertebrate animal model. Social impairment in dyrk1aa KO zebrafish was further confirmed by molecular analysis of c-fos and crh expression. Transcriptional expression of c-fos and crh was lower than that of wild type fish in specific hypothalamic regions, suggesting that KO fish brains are less activated by social context. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we established a zebrafish model to validate a candidate gene for autism in a vertebrate animal. These results illustrate the functional deficiency of DYRK1A as an underlying disease mechanism for autism. We also propose simple social behavioral assays as a tool for the broader study of autism candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oc-Hee Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Republic of Korea
- Korean Research Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ju Cho
- Korean Research Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113 South Korea
| | - Enna Han
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Republic of Korea
| | - Ted Inpyo Hong
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Republic of Korea
| | - Krishan Ariyasiri
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Seok Hwang
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Mi Jeong
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Yeol Yang
- Korean Research Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113 South Korea
| | - Kweon Yu
- Korean Research Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113 South Korea
| | - Doo-Sang Park
- Korean Research Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Oh
- Korean Research Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Erica E. Davis
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | | | - Jeong-Soo Lee
- Korean Research Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113 South Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792 South Korea
| | - Hyung-Goo Kim
- Department of OB/GYN, Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Cheol-Hee Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Republic of Korea
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Bienboire-Frosini C, Chabaud C, Cozzi A, Codecasa E, Pageat P. Validation of a Commercially Available Enzyme ImmunoAssay for the Determination of Oxytocin in Plasma Samples from Seven Domestic Animal Species. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:524. [PMID: 28983237 PMCID: PMC5613128 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurohormone oxytocin (OT) has a broad range of behavioral effects in mammals. It modulates a multitude of social behaviors, e.g., affiliative and sexual interactions. Consequently, the OT role in various animal species is increasingly explored. However, several issues have been raised regarding the peripheral OT measurement. Indeed, various methods have been described, leading to assay discrepancies and inconsistent results. This highlights the need for a recognized and reliable method to measure peripheral OT. Our aim was to validate a method combining a pre-extraction step, previously demonstrated as essential by several authors, and a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for OT measurement, using plasma from seven domestic species (cat, dog, horse, cow, pig, sheep, and goat). The Oxytocin EIA kit (EnzoLifeSciences) was used to assay the solid-phase extracted samples following the manufacturer's instructions with slight modifications. For all species except dogs and cats, concentration factors were applied to work above the kit's sensitivity (15 pg/ml). To validate the method, the following performance characteristics were evaluated using Validation Samples (VS) at various concentrations in each species: extraction efficiency via spiking tests and intra- and inter-assay precision, allowing for the calculation of total errors. Parallelism studies to assess matrix effects could not be performed because of too low basal concentrations. Quantification ranges and associated precision profiles were established to account for the various OT plasma concentrations in each species. According to guidelines for bioanalytical validation of immunoassays, the measurements were sufficiently precise and accurate in each species to achieve a total error ≤30% in each VS sample. In each species, the inter-assay precision after 3 runs was acceptable, except in low concentration samples. The linearity under dilution of dogs and cats' samples was verified. Although matrix effects assessments are lacking, our results indicate that OT plasma levels can reliably be measured in several domestic animal species by the method described here. Studies involving samples with low OT plasma concentrations should pay attention to reproducibility issues. This work opens new perspectives to reliably study peripheral OT in a substantial number of domestic animal species in various behavioral contexts.
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Direct Involvement of Androgen Receptor in Oxytocin Gene Expression: Possible Relevance for Mood Disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:2064-2071. [PMID: 28447621 PMCID: PMC5561345 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT), synthesized in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and then released into different brain areas, may play a crucial role in various behaviors and neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. Testosterone has been proposed by clinical studies to have the opposite effect of oxytocin in these disorders. We began by studying, in the postmortem hypothalamus of fifteen patients with mood disorders and fifteen matched controls, the expression of OXT in the PVN by means of immunocytochemistry (ICC) and the co-localization of OXT and androgen receptor (AR) by means of double labeling ICC. Subsequently, the regulatory effect of AR on OXT gene expression was studied in vitro. We found a higher expression of PVN OXT in the mood disorder patients than in the control subjects, and observed a clear co-localization of AR in OXT-expressing neurons, both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. In addition, a significant decrease in OXT-mRNA levels was observed after pre-incubation of the SK-N-SH cells with testosterone. A further potential androgen-responsive element in the human OXT gene promotor was revealed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and co-transfections in neuroblastoma cells. Finally, in vitro studies demonstrated that AR mediated the down-regulation of OXT gene expression. These results suggest that the fact that OXT and testosterone appear to have opposite effects in neuropsychiatric disorders might be based upon a direct inhibition of AR on OXT transcription, which may provide a novel target for therapeutic strategies in depression.
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Bodden C, van den Hove D, Lesch KP, Sachser N. Impact of varying social experiences during life history on behaviour, gene expression, and vasopressin receptor gene methylation in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8719. [PMID: 28821809 PMCID: PMC5562890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09292-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Both negative and positive social experiences during sensitive life phases profoundly shape brain and behaviour. Current research is therefore increasingly focusing on mechanisms mediating the interaction between varying life experiences and the epigenome. Here, male mice grew up under either adverse or beneficial conditions until adulthood, when they were subdivided into groups exposed to situations that either matched or mismatched previous conditions. It was investigated whether the resulting four life histories were associated with changes in anxiety-like behaviour, gene expression of selected genes involved in anxiety and stress circuits, and arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a) gene methylation. Varying experiences during life significantly modulated (1) anxiety-like behaviour; (2) hippocampal gene expression of Avpr1a, serotonin receptor 1a (Htr1a), monoamine oxidase A (Maoa), myelin basic protein (Mbp), glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1), growth hormone (Gh); and (3) hippocampal DNA methylation within the Avpr1a gene. Notably, mice experiencing early beneficial and later adverse conditions showed a most pronounced downregulation of Avpr1a expression, accompanied by low anxiety-like behaviour. This decrease in Avpr1a expression may have been, in part, a consequence of increased methylation in the Avpr1a gene. In summary, this study highlights the impact of interactive social experiences throughout life on the hippocampal epigenotype and associated behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Bodden
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. .,Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Norbert Sachser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Weitekamp CA, Nguyen J, Hofmann HA. Neuromolecular Regulation of Aggression Differs by Social Role during Joint Territory Defense. Integr Comp Biol 2017; 57:631-639. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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Youssof AL, Kassim NLA, Rashid SA, De Ley M, Rahman MT. Zinc Content in Cord Blood Is Associated with Maternal Age and Parity. Biol Trace Elem Res 2017; 175:17-26. [PMID: 27250493 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
At childbirth (parturition), zinc (Zn) homeostasis in cord blood (CB) can be affected by a number of factors: Zn in maternal blood, parturition related stress as well as metallothionein (MT). Both Zn and stress are known inducers of MT which is primarily involved in Zn homeostasis. This study analyzed Zn concentration [Zn], in CB components and MT-2A transcription in CB mononuclear cells (MNC) in relation to primiparous and multiparous childbirth. [Zn] in CB (n = 47) plasma, erythrocytes, and MNCs were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (λ = 213.9 nm). The MT-2A transcription in CB-MNC was quantified using real-time PCR. Significant correlations (Pearson r) were found between: plasma-[Zn] and erythrocyte-[Zn] (p = 0.002); [Zn] and MT-2A messenger RNA (mRNA) (p = 0.000) in CB-MNC. Student's t tests showed higher levels of MT-2A mRNA and MNC-[Zn] in CB of older (≥25 years) compared to younger mothers (≤24 years) (p = 0.043 and p = 0.016, respectively). Significantly higher [Zn] was found in CB plasma (p = 0.017) and MNC (p = 0.041) of older primiparous compared to the younger primiparous and older multiparous mothers respectively. MT-2A mRNA in CB-MNC was significantly lower in CB of younger primiparous mothers compared to their older counterparts (p = 0.001). Path analysis showed that MNC-[Zn] (β = 0.83; p = 0.000) had a greater influence on MT-2A mRNA expression, compared to parity (β = -0.14; p = 0.033). Higher [Zn] in CB of primiparous mothers could be linked to higher stress during parturition, however, might be beneficial for the growth and development of the child. Together MNC-[Zn] and parity contributed ~70 % of the MT-2A transcription in CB-MNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Lee Youssof
- Faculty of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Istana, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Noor Lide Abu Kassim
- Faculty of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Istana, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200, Kuantan, Malaysia.
- Faculty of Nursing, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Siti Aishah Rashid
- Faculty of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Istana, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Marc De Ley
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200G, Box 2413, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium
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O’Tuathaigh CMP, Fumagalli F, Desbonnet L, Perez-Branguli F, Moloney G, Loftus S, O’Leary C, Petit E, Cox R, Tighe O, Clarke G, Lai D, Harvey RP, Cryan JF, Mitchell KJ, Dinan TG, Riva MA, Waddington JL. Epistatic and Independent Effects on Schizophrenia-Related Phenotypes Following Co-disruption of the Risk Factors Neuregulin-1 × DISC1. Schizophr Bull 2017; 43:214-225. [PMID: 27613806 PMCID: PMC5216856 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbw120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have addressed likely gene × gene (ie, epistatic) interactions in mediating risk for schizophrenia. Using a preclinical genetic approach, we investigated whether simultaneous disruption of the risk factors Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and Disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) would produce a disease-relevant phenotypic profile different from that observed following disruption to either gene alone. NRG1 heterozygotes exhibited hyperactivity and disruption to prepulse inhibition, both reversed by antipsychotic treatment, and accompanied by reduced striatal dopamine D2 receptor protein expression, impaired social cognition, and altered glutamatergic synaptic protein expression in selected brain areas. Single gene DISC1 mutants demonstrated a disruption in social cognition and nest-building, altered brain 5-hydroxytryptamine levels and hippocampal ErbB4 expression, and decreased cortical expression of the schizophrenia-associated microRNA miR-29b. Co-disruption of DISC1 and NRG1, indicative of epistasis, evoked an impairment in sociability and enhanced self-grooming, accompanied by changes in hypothalamic oxytocin/vasopressin gene expression. The findings indicate specific behavioral correlates and underlying cellular pathways downstream of main effects of DNA variation in the schizophrenia-associated genes NRG1 and DISC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm M. P. O’Tuathaigh
- School of Medicine, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland;,Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2,Ireland;,*To whom correspondence should be addressed; School of Medicine, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland; tel: +353-(0)21-420-5303, fax: +353-(0)21-490-1594, e-mail:
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Universita` degli Studi di Milano, Milan,
Italy
| | - Lieve Desbonnet
- Neurogastroenterology Laboratory, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Francesc Perez-Branguli
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland;,IZKF Junior Research Group and BMBF Research Group Neuroscience, IZKF, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gerard Moloney
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Samim Loftus
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Claire O’Leary
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2,Ireland
| | - Emilie Petit
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2,Ireland
| | - Rachel Cox
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2,Ireland
| | - Orna Tighe
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2,Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Neurogastroenterology Laboratory, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland;,Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Donna Lai
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - John F. Cryan
- Neurogastroenterology Laboratory, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland;,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kevin J. Mitchell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Timothy G. Dinan
- Neurogastroenterology Laboratory, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland;,Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco A. Riva
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Universita` degli Studi di Milano, Milan,
Italy
| | - John L. Waddington
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2,Ireland;,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research & Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Disorders and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Liu C, Wang J, Zhan B, Cheng G. Neuronal activity and the expression of hypothalamic oxytocin and vasopressin in social versus cocaine conditioning. Behav Brain Res 2016; 310:84-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Dumais KM, Alonso AG, Bredewold R, Veenema AH. Role of the oxytocin system in amygdala subregions in the regulation of social interest in male and female rats. Neuroscience 2016; 330:138-49. [PMID: 27235738 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We previously found that oxytocin (OT) receptor (OTR) binding density in the medial amygdala (MeA) correlated positively with social interest (i.e., the motivation to investigate a conspecific) in male rats, while OTR binding density in the central amygdala (CeA) correlated negatively with social interest in female rats. Here, we determined the causal involvement of OTR in the MeA and CeA in the sex-specific regulation of social interest in adult rats by injecting an OTR antagonist (5ng/0.5μl/side) or OT (100pg/0.5μl/side) before the social interest test (4-min same-sex juvenile exposure). OTR blockade in the CeA decreased social interest in males but not females, while all other treatments had no behavioral effect. To further explore the sex-specific involvement of the OT system in the CeA in social interest, we used in vivo microdialysis to determine possible sex differences in endogenous OT release in the CeA during social interest. Interestingly, males and females showed similar levels of extracellular OT release at baseline and during social interest, suggesting that factors other than local OT release mediate the sex-specific role of CeA-OTR in social interest. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between CeA-OT release and social investigation time in females. This was further reflected by reduced CeA-OT release during social interest in females that expressed low compared to high social interest. We discuss the possibility that this reduction in OT release may be a consequence, rather than a cause, of exposure to a social stimulus. Overall, our findings show for the first time that extracellular OT release in the CeA is similar between males and females and that OTR in the CeA plays a causal role in the regulation of social interest toward juvenile conspecifics in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Dumais
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, 300 McGuinn, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
| | - Andrea G Alonso
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, 300 McGuinn, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | - Remco Bredewold
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, 300 McGuinn, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, 300 McGuinn, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
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Murakami G. Distinct Effects of Estrogen on Mouse Maternal Behavior: The Contribution of Estrogen Synthesis in the Brain. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150728. [PMID: 27007402 PMCID: PMC4805179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen surge following progesterone withdrawal at parturition plays an important role in initiating maternal behavior in various rodent species. Systemic estrogen treatment shortens the latency to onset of maternal behavior in nulliparous female rats that have not experienced parturition. In contrast, nulliparous laboratory mice show rapid onset of maternal behavior without estrogen treatment, and the role of estrogen still remains unclear. Here the effect of systemic estrogen treatment (for 2 h, 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days) after progesterone withdrawal was examined on maternal behavior of C57BL/6 mice. This estrogen regimen led to different effects on nursing, pup retrieval, and nest building behaviors. Latency to nursing was shortened by estrogen treatment within 2 h. Moreover, pup retrieval and nest building were decreased. mRNA expression was also investigated for estrogen receptor α (ERα) and for genes involved in regulating maternal behavior, specifically, the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and vasopressin receptor in the medial amygdala (MeA) and medial preoptic area (MPOA). Estrogen treatment led to decreased ERα mRNA in both regions. Although OTR mRNA was increased in the MeA, OTR and vasopressin receptor mRNA were reduced in the MPOA, showing region-dependent transcription regulation. To determine the mechanisms for the actions of estrogen treatment, the contribution of estrogen synthesis in the brain was examined. Blockade of estrogen synthesis in the brain by systemic letrozole treatment in ovariectomized mice interfered with pup retrieval and nest building but not nursing behavior, indicating different contributions of estrogen synthesis to maternal behavior. Furthermore, letrozole treatment led to an increase in ERα mRNA in the MeA but not in the MPOA, suggesting that involvement of estrogen synthesis is brain region dependent. Altogether, these results suggest that region-dependent estrogen synthesis leads to differential transcriptional activation due to exogenous estrogen treatment, and thereby results in different effects on maternal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Murakami
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 275, New York, New York, 10065, United States of America
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431–3192, Japan
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431–3192, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Cushing BS. Estrogen Receptor Alpha Distribution and Expression in the Social Neural Network of Monogamous and Polygynous Peromyscus. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150373. [PMID: 26959827 PMCID: PMC4784910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In microtine and dwarf hamsters low levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and medial amygdala (MeA) play a critical role in the expression of social monogamy in males, which is characterized by high levels of affiliation and low levels of aggression. In contrast, monogamous Peromyscus males display high levels of aggression and affiliative behavior with high levels of testosterone and aromatase activity. Suggesting the hypothesis that in Peromyscus ERα expression will be positively correlated with high levels of male prosocial behavior and aggression. ERα expression was compared within the social neural network, including the posterior medial BST, MeA posterodorsal, medial preoptic area (MPOA), ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), and arcuate nucleus in two monogamous species, P. californicus and P. polionotus, and two polygynous species, P. leucopus and P. maniculatus. The results supported the prediction, with male P. polionotus and P. californicus expressing higher levels of ERα in the BST than their polygynous counter parts, and ERα expression was sexually dimorphic in the polygynous species, with females expressing significantly more than males in the BST in both polygynous species and in the MeA in P. leucopus. Peromyscus ERα expression also differed from rats, mice and microtines as in neither the MPOA nor the VMH was ERα sexually dimorphic. The results supported the hypothesis that higher levels of ERα are associated with monogamy in Peromyscus and that differential expression of ERα occurs in the same regions of the brains regardless of whether high or low expression is associated with social monogamy. Also discussed are possible mechanisms regulating this differential relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce S. Cushing
- Department of Zoology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous, debilitating disorder characterized by three distinct sets of clinical features: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Extant antipsychotic drugs have been most successful at treating the positive symptoms of patients with schizophrenia but have minimal therapeutic effects on negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, which are the symptoms that best predict the poor prognosis of these patients. Therefore, there has been a major effort towards identifying compounds that alleviate these symptoms. Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide that regulates peripheral reproductive-relevant functions, and also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Converging evidence from both preclinical and clinical research suggests that OT may have therapeutic efficacy for the positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. In the majority of the small, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted to date, OT has shown particular promise in its potential to treat the intractable negative symptoms and social cognitive deficits exhibited by most of the patients with this debilitating disorder. In this leading article, we summarize the clinical evidence relevant to (1) endogenous OT and schizophrenia, and (2) the putative therapeutic effects of OT on each of the three clinical domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Shilling
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92103-8218, USA.
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