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Camerino C. The Pivotal Role of Oxytocin's Mechanism of Thermoregulation in Prader-Willi Syndrome, Schaaf-Yang Syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2066. [PMID: 38396741 PMCID: PMC10888953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (Oxt) regulates thermogenesis, and altered thermoregulation results in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS), and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PWS is a genetic disorder caused by the deletion of the paternal allele of 15q11-q13, the maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 15, or defects in the imprinting center of chromosome 15. PWS is characterized by hyperphagia, obesity, low skeletal muscle tone, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Oxt also increases muscle tonicity and decreases proteolysis while PWS infants are hypotonic and require assisted feeding in early infancy. This evidence inspired us to merge the results of almost 20 years of studies and formulate a new hypothesis according to which the disruption of Oxt's mechanism of thermoregulation manifests in PWS, SYS, and ASD through thermosensory abnormalities and skeletal muscle tone. This review will integrate the current literature with new updates on PWS, SYS, and ASD and the recent discoveries on Oxt's regulation of thermogenesis to advance the knowledge on these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Camerino
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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2
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Lee S, Cheong Y, Ryu Y, Kosaka H, Jung M. Vasotocin receptor gene genotypes moderate the relationship between cortical thickness and sensory processing. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:356. [PMID: 37990008 PMCID: PMC10663457 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02657-2] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing is the process by which the central nervous system gathers, interprets, and regulates sensory stimuli in response to environmental cues. However, our understanding of the genetic factors and neuroanatomical correlations that influence sensory processing is limited. The vasotocin system modulates sensory input responsiveness, making it a potential candidate for further investigation. Additionally, human neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that the ability to modulate sensory stimuli is related to neuroanatomical features such as cortical thickness. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between functional polymorphisms in vasotocin receptor (VTR) genes, sensory profiles, and neuroanatomical correlations. We used structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) questionnaire in 98 healthy adult participants to assess sensory processing and identified seven single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found that A-allele carriers of rs1042615 in VTR had higher scores for "sensory sensitivity" and "sensation avoiding". Moreover, higher scores for three AASP subscales were associated with decreased cortical thickness in various regions, including the right precentral, paracentral, and fusiform gyri, as well as bilateral inferior temporal gyri. This study sheds light on the potential role of genetic variations in the VTR in modulating sensory processing and correlation with cortical thickness which has future implications for better understanding sensory abnormalities in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonkyoung Lee
- Cognitive Science Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongjeon Cheong
- Cognitive Science Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeseul Ryu
- Cognitive Science Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Fukui, Japan.
- Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan.
| | - Minyoung Jung
- Cognitive Science Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Bagosi Z, Megyesi K, Ayman J, Rudersdorf H, Ayaz MK, Csabafi K. The Role of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF) and CRF-Related Peptides in the Social Behavior of Rodents. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2217. [PMID: 37626714 PMCID: PMC10452353 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was isolated from an ovine brain, a growing family of CRF-related peptides has been discovered. Today, the mammalian CRF system consists of four ligands (CRF, urocortin 1 (Ucn1), urocortin 2 (Ucn2), and urocortin 3 (Ucn3)); two receptors (CRF receptor type 1 (CRF1) and CRF receptor type 2 (CRF2)); and a CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP). Besides the regulation of the neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to stress, CRF and CRF-related peptides are also involved in different aspects of social behavior. In the present study, we review the experiments that investigated the role of CRF and the urocortins involved in the social behavior of rats, mice, and voles, with a special focus on sociability and preference for social novelty, as well as the ability for social recognition, discrimination, and memory. In general, these experiments demonstrate that CRF, Ucn1, Ucn2, and Ucn3 play important, but distinct roles in the social behavior of rodents, and that they are mediated by CRF1 and/or CRF2. In addition, we suggest the possible brain regions and pathways that express CRF and CRF-related peptides and that might be involved in social interactions. Furthermore, we also emphasize the differences between the species, strains, and sexes that make translation of these roles from rodents to humans difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Bagosi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi School of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (H.R.); (M.K.A.); (K.C.)
| | - Kíra Megyesi
- Interdisciplinary Center for Excellence, Clinical Research Competence Center, Albert Szent-Györgyi School of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Jázmin Ayman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Albert School of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Hanna Rudersdorf
- Department of Pathophysiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi School of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (H.R.); (M.K.A.); (K.C.)
| | - Maieda Khan Ayaz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi School of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (H.R.); (M.K.A.); (K.C.)
| | - Krisztina Csabafi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi School of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (H.R.); (M.K.A.); (K.C.)
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4
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Marazziti D, Diep PT, Carter S, Carbone MG. Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5615-5687. [PMID: 35894453 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220727120646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD". RESULTS Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions. CONCLUSION Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Carter
- Director Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Manuel G Carbone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China. .,Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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6
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Levine AS, Jewett DC, Kotz CM, Olszewski PK. Behavioral plasticity: Role of neuropeptides in shaping feeding responses. Appetite 2022; 174:106031. [PMID: 35395362 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral plasticity refers to changes occurring due to external influences on an organism, including adaptation, learning, memory and enduring influences from early life experience. There are 2 types of behavioral plasticity: "developmental", which refers to gene/environment interactions affecting a phenotype, and "activational" which refers to innate physiology and can involve structural physiological changes of the body. In this review, we focus on feeding behavior, and studies involving neuropeptides that influence behavioral plasticity - primarily opioids, orexin, neuropeptide Y, and oxytocin. In each section of the review, we include examples of behavioral plasticity as it relates to actions of these neuropeptides. It can be concluded from this review that eating behavior is influenced by a number of external factors, including time of day, type of food available, energy balance state, and stressors. The reviewed work underscores that environmental factors play a critical role in feeding behavior and energy balance, but changes in eating behavior also result from a multitude of non-environmental factors, such that there can be no single mechanism or variable that can explain ingestive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen S Levine
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55113, USA.
| | - David C Jewett
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, USA
| | - Catherine M Kotz
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA; Geriatric, Research, Education and Clinical Center, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Pawel K Olszewski
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55113, USA; Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
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7
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Taheri Zadeh Z, Rahmani S, Alidadi F, Joushi S, Esmaeilpour K. Depresssion, anxiety and other cognitive consequences of social isolation: Drug and non-drug treatments. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14949. [PMID: 34614276 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine and staying at home is advised. The social relationship between people has become deficient, and human social isolation (SI) has become the consequence of this situation. It was shown that SI has made changes in hippocampal neuroplasticity, which will lead to poor cognitive function and behavioural abnormalities. There is a connection between SI, learning, and memory impairments. In addition, anxiety-like behaviour and increased aggressive mood in long-term isolation have been revealed during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS Term searches was done in Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and PubMed databases as well as hand searching in key resource journals from 1979 to 2020. RESULTS Studies have shown that some drug administrations may positively affect or even prevent social isolation consequences in animal models. These drug treatments have included opioid drugs, anti-depressants, Antioxidants, and herbal medications. In addition to drug interventions, there are non-drug treatments that include an enriched environment, regular exercise, and music. CONCLUSION This manuscript aims to review improved cognitive impairments induced by SI during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Taheri Zadeh
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shayan Rahmani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sara Joushi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Beta-Carotene derivatives as novel therapy for the prevention and treatment of autistic symptoms. Bioorg Chem 2021; 115:105224. [PMID: 34392174 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction & communication as well as restricted and repetitive behavior. The currently reported incidence of ASD is 1-2%, and it increases dramatically to 10-20% in families predisposed to ASD. To date, there is no effective way to treat or prevent ASD, and only symptomatic treatment with limited efficacy is available. Oxytocin (Oxt) enhances affiliative behavior and improves social cognition. Social deficits characteristic of autism may be related to dysfunctional Oxt neurotransmission. Thus, administration of Oxt may relieve ASD, however it has a short plasma half-life and poor Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability. CD38, a multifunctional ecto-enzyme expressed in brain and immune cells, was found to be critical for social behavior via regulation of Oxt secretion. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a potent inducer of CD38 and improves social behavior, but it is toxic and teratogenic. We have shown that beta-carotene has a similar therapeutic effect. The present study aimed to investigate the activity of novel beta-carotene derivatives in rescuing low sociability found in BTBR mice, providing an in vivo "proof of principle" that beta-carotene derivatives are potential agents to prevent/ameliorate the reappearance of ASD in high-risk populations for ASD. Beta-carotene and its synthetic analogs were administered orally to newborn BTBR mice with ASD associated like behavior. After 2 months, they were tested (at dosages of 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) by cognitive (T-maze spontaneous alteration and neurological score) and behavioral tests (reciprocal social interaction, repetitive grooming / bedding behavior), previously shown as indicators for autistic behavior. The following biochemical and molecular biology parameters were also examined: serum Oxt; gene expression in hippocampus and hypothalamus of CD 38, Oxt, Oxt receptor, BDNF, and retinoic acid receptor. The new compounds were significantly more effective than control. The most effective compounds, both in the behavioral tests and in their biochemical effects, were (3R,3'R)-astaxanthin bis(N-Cbz-l-alanine ester) (3B(and (3S,3'S)-astaxanthin bis(N,N-dimethylglycine ester (5). They did not exert any neurological symptoms. Thus, beta-carotene derivatives may have the potential to prevent and/or ameliorate autistic symptoms when administered orally after birth to newborns of families predisposed to autism.
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Alcohol and oxytocin: Scrutinizing the relationship. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:852-864. [PMID: 34102150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The initial enthusiasm towards oxytocin (OXT) as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder has been recently tempered by recognizing existing gaps in literature and the recent appearance of a relatively small number of clinical studies with negative outcomes. On the other hand, several new studies continue to support the OXT system's potential for such treatment. In this review, we thoroughly analyze existing literature assessing both alcohol's effects on the OXT system and OXT's effects on alcohol-related behaviors. Both rodent and clinical research is discussed. We identify areas that have been studied extensively and those that have been undeservingly understudied. OXT's potential effects on tolerance, withdrawal, craving, anxiety and social behaviors, and how these processes ultimately affect alcohol consumption, are critically explored. We conclude that while OXT can affect alcohol consumption in males and females, more comprehensive studies on OXT's effects on alcohol-related tolerance, withdrawal, craving, anxiety and social affiliations in subjects of both sexes and across several levels of analyses are needed.
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Cataldo I, Bonassi A, Lepri B, Foo JN, Setoh P, Esposito G. Recalled Parental Bonding Interacts with Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Modulating Anxiety and Avoidance in Adult Relationships. Brain Sci 2021; 11:496. [PMID: 33919740 PMCID: PMC8070703 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Early interactions with significant individuals affect social experience throughout the course of a lifetime, as a repeated and prolonged perception of different levels of care, independence, or control influences the modulation of emotional regulatory processes. As many factors play a role in shaping the expectations and features of social interaction, in this study, we considered the influence of parental bonding and genetic allelic variation of oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs53576) over levels of experienced anxiety and avoidance in 313 young adults belonging to two different cultural contexts, namely Italy and Singapore. Results highlighted a major effect of maternal characteristics, care, and overprotection, with differences between the two cultural groups. Additionally, the interaction between rs53576 and maternal overprotection suggested different environmental susceptibility in the Italian sample and the Singaporean one. Implications for clinical work and future steps are described in the Conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (I.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Andrea Bonassi
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (I.C.); (A.B.)
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Peipei Setoh
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (I.C.); (A.B.)
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
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Rae M, Lemos Duarte M, Gomes I, Camarini R, Devi LA. Oxytocin and vasopressin: Signalling, behavioural modulation and potential therapeutic effects. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1544-1564. [PMID: 33817785 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are endogenous ligands for OT and AVP receptors in the brain and in the peripheral system. Several studies demonstrate that OT and AVP have opposite roles in modulating stress, anxiety and social behaviours. Interestingly, both peptides and their receptors exhibit high sequence homology which could account for the biased signalling interaction of the peptides with OT and AVP receptors. However, how and under which conditions this crosstalk occurs in vivo remains unclear. In this review we shed light on the complexity of the roles of OT and AVP, by focusing on their signalling and behavioural differences and exploring the crosstalk between the receptor systems. Moreover, we discuss the potential of OT and AVP receptors as therapeutic targets to treat human disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rae
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mariana Lemos Duarte
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lakshmi A Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Iovino M, Messana T, Tortora A, Giusti C, Lisco G, Giagulli VA, Guastamacchia E, De Pergola G, Triggiani V. Oxytocin Signaling Pathway: From Cell Biology to Clinical Implications. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 21:91-110. [PMID: 32433011 DOI: 10.2174/1871530320666200520093730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to the well-known role played in lactation and parturition, Oxytocin (OT) and OT receptor (OTR) are involved in many other aspects such as the control of maternal and social behavior, the regulation of the growth of the neocortex, the maintenance of blood supply to the cortex, the stimulation of limbic olfactory area to mother-infant recognition bond, and the modulation of the autonomic nervous system via the vagal pathway. Moreover, OT and OTR show antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-pain, anti-diabetic, anti-dyslipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects. OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main data coming from the literature dealing with the role of OT and OTR in physiology and pathologic conditions focusing on the most relevant aspects. METHODS Appropriate keywords and MeSH terms were identified and searched in Pubmed. Finally, references of original articles and reviews were examined. RESULTS We report the most significant and updated data on the role played by OT and OTR in physiology and different clinical contexts. CONCLUSION Emerging evidence indicates the involvement of OT system in several pathophysiological mechanisms influencing brain anatomy, cognition, language, sense of safety and trust and maternal behavior, with the possible use of exogenous administered OT in the treatment of specific neuropsychiatric conditions. Furthermore, it modulates pancreatic β-cell responsiveness and lipid metabolism leading to possible therapeutic use in diabetic and dyslipidemic patients and for limiting and even reversing atherosclerotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iovino
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Tullio Messana
- Infantile Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS - Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Tortora
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Consuelo Giusti
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lisco
- Hospital Unit of Endocrinology, Perrino Hospital, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Vito Angelo Giagulli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Edoardo Guastamacchia
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Pergola
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari, School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Triggiani
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
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13
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Sparapani S, Millet-Boureima C, Oliver J, Mu K, Hadavi P, Kalostian T, Ali N, Avelar CM, Bardies M, Barrow B, Benedikt M, Biancardi G, Bindra R, Bui L, Chihab Z, Cossitt A, Costa J, Daigneault T, Dault J, Davidson I, Dias J, Dufour E, El-Khoury S, Farhangdoost N, Forget A, Fox A, Gebrael M, Gentile MC, Geraci O, Gnanapragasam A, Gomah E, Haber E, Hamel C, Iyanker T, Kalantzis C, Kamali S, Kassardjian E, Kontos HK, Le TBU, LoScerbo D, Low YF, Mac Rae D, Maurer F, Mazhar S, Nguyen A, Nguyen-Duong K, Osborne-Laroche C, Park HW, Parolin E, Paul-Cole K, Peer LS, Philippon M, Plaisir CA, Porras Marroquin J, Prasad S, Ramsarun R, Razzaq S, Rhainds S, Robin D, Scartozzi R, Singh D, Fard SS, Soroko M, Soroori Motlagh N, Stern K, Toro L, Toure MW, Tran-Huynh S, Trépanier-Chicoine S, Waddingham C, Weekes AJ, Wisniewski A, Gamberi C. The Biology of Vasopressin. Biomedicines 2021; 9:89. [PMID: 33477721 PMCID: PMC7832310 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasopressins are evolutionarily conserved peptide hormones. Mammalian vasopressin functions systemically as an antidiuretic and regulator of blood and cardiac flow essential for adapting to terrestrial environments. Moreover, vasopressin acts centrally as a neurohormone involved in social and parental behavior and stress response. Vasopressin synthesis in several cell types, storage in intracellular vesicles, and release in response to physiological stimuli are highly regulated and mediated by three distinct G protein coupled receptors. Other receptors may bind or cross-bind vasopressin. Vasopressin is regulated spatially and temporally through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, sex, tissue, and cell-specific receptor expression. Anomalies of vasopressin signaling have been observed in polycystic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Growing knowledge of the central biological roles of vasopressin has enabled pharmacological advances to treat these conditions by targeting defective systemic or central pathways utilizing specific agonists and antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chiara Gamberi
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; (S.S.); (C.M.-B.); (J.O.); (K.M.); (P.H.); (T.K.); (N.A.); (C.M.A.); (M.B.); (B.B.); (M.B.); (G.B.); (R.B.); (L.B.); (Z.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (T.D.); (J.D.); (I.D.); (J.D.); (E.D.); (S.E.-K.); (N.F.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (M.C.G.); (O.G.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (E.H.); (C.H.); (T.I.); (C.K.); (S.K.); (E.K.); (H.K.K.); (T.B.U.L.); (D.L.); (Y.F.L.); (D.M.R.); (F.M.); (S.M.); (A.N.); (K.N.-D.); (C.O.-L.); (H.W.P.); (E.P.); (K.P.-C.); (L.S.P.); (M.P.); (C.-A.P.); (J.P.M.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (S.R.); (S.R.); (D.R.); (R.S.); (D.S.); (S.S.F.); (M.S.); (N.S.M.); (K.S.); (L.T.); (M.W.T.); (S.T.-H.); (S.T.-C.); (C.W.); (A.J.W.); (A.W.)
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14
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Intranasal oxytocin in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders: A multilevel meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 122:18-27. [PMID: 33400920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin has been shown to promote social functioning and has recently been applied as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The current meta-analysis aims to assess the crucial question of oxytocin's efficacy in the treatment of ASD. We performed a systematic literature search, including randomized, single- or double-blind/open-label and placebo-controlled clinical trials as well as single-arm, non-randomized and uncontrolled studies investigating exogenous oxytocin effect on ASD. A total of 28 studies (N = 726 ASD patients) met our predefined inclusion criteria. We used a multilevel meta-analytic model and found that oxytocin had beneficial effects on social functioning, but did not find strong evidence for symptoms improvement in the non-social domain. Our findings suggest that oxytocin administration can be regarded as an effective treatment for some core aspects of ASD, especially in the domain of social functioning, highlighting the promise of using oxytocin as a new-generation therapeutic to address core social impairments in ASD.
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15
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Lewis EM, Stein-O'Brien GL, Patino AV, Nardou R, Grossman CD, Brown M, Bangamwabo B, Ndiaye N, Giovinazzo D, Dardani I, Jiang C, Goff LA, Dölen G. Parallel Social Information Processing Circuits Are Differentially Impacted in Autism. Neuron 2020; 108:659-675.e6. [PMID: 33113347 PMCID: PMC8033501 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Parallel processing circuits are thought to dramatically expand the network capabilities of the nervous system. Magnocellular and parvocellular oxytocin neurons have been proposed to subserve two parallel streams of social information processing, which allow a single molecule to encode a diverse array of ethologically distinct behaviors. Here we provide the first comprehensive characterization of magnocellular and parvocellular oxytocin neurons in male mice, validated across anatomical, projection target, electrophysiological, and transcriptional criteria. We next use novel multiple feature selection tools in Fmr1-KO mice to provide direct evidence that normal functioning of the parvocellular but not magnocellular oxytocin pathway is required for autism-relevant social reward behavior. Finally, we demonstrate that autism risk genes are enriched in parvocellular compared with magnocellular oxytocin neurons. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that oxytocin-pathway-specific pathogenic mechanisms account for social impairments across a broad range of autism etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eastman M Lewis
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Wendy Klag Institute for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Genevieve L Stein-O'Brien
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205; McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alejandra V Patino
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Wendy Klag Institute for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Romain Nardou
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Wendy Klag Institute for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Cooper D Grossman
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Matthew Brown
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bidii Bangamwabo
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ndeye Ndiaye
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daniel Giovinazzo
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ian Dardani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Connie Jiang
- Cell and Molecular Biology Group, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Loyal A Goff
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Gül Dölen
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Wendy Klag Institute for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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16
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Feng C, Qin L, Luo Y, Xu P. Intranasal vasopressin expedites dishonesty in women. Horm Behav 2020; 126:104843. [PMID: 32827501 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
As an integral ingredient of human sociality, dishonesty can be both egocentric and altruistic, as well as gradually escalate. Here, we examined the influence of arginine vasopressin (AVP), a neuropeptide associated with human prosocial behaviors, on dishonest behaviors in men and women. In this double-blind and placebo-controlled study, 101 participants were randomized to administration of either 20 IU intranasal AVP or placebo. We used a two-party task to manipulate the incentive structure of dishonesty in the way of self-/other-serving repeatedly. For lies that benefit both themselves and others, women receiving intranasal AVP lied more than women receiving intranasal placebo and men receiving intranasal AVP. The dishonest behavior of women treated with AVP gradually escalated with repetition over time. These results suggest that AVP selectively regulates the escalation of dishonesty in women, contingent on the motivation of dishonesty. Our findings provide insight into gender-specific modulations of AVP on human dishonest behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunliang Feng
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, China.
| | - Lili Qin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Neuroscience, Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Center for Emotion and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuejia Luo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Neuroscience, Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Center for Emotion and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Emotion and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China; Great Bay Neuroscience and Technology Research Institute (Hong Kong), Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, China.
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17
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Arginine Vasopressin Modulates Ion and Acid/Base Balance by Regulating Cell Numbers of Sodium Chloride Cotransporter and H +-ATPase Rich Ionocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113957. [PMID: 32486459 PMCID: PMC7312464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (Avp) is a conserved pleiotropic hormone that is known to regulate both water reabsorption and ion balance; however, many of the mechanisms underlying its effects remain unclear. Here, we used zebrafish embryos to investigate how Avp modulates ion and acid–base homeostasis. After incubating embryos in double-deionized water for 24 h, avp mRNA expression levels were significantly upregulated. Knockdown of Avp protein expression by an antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO) reduced the expression of ionocyte-related genes and downregulated whole-body Cl− content and H+ secretion, while Na+ and Ca2+ levels were not affected. Incubation of Avp antagonist SR49059 also downregulated the mRNA expression of sodium chloride cotransporter 2b (ncc2b), which is a transporter responsible for Cl− uptake. Correspondingly, avp morphants showed lower NCC and H+-ATPase rich (HR) cell numbers, but Na+/K+-ATPase rich (NaR) cell numbers remained unchanged. avp MO also downregulated the numbers of foxi3a- and p63-expressing cells. Finally, the mRNA expression levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (cgrp) and its receptor, calcitonin receptor-like 1 (crlr1), were downregulated in avp morphants, suggesting that Avp might affect Cgrp and Crlr1 for modulating Cl− balance. Together, our results reveal a molecular/cellular pathway through which Avp regulates ion and acid–base balance, providing new insights into its function.
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18
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Deibel SH, McDonald RJ, Kolla NJ. Are Owls and Larks Different When it Comes to Aggression? Genetics, Neurobiology, and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:39. [PMID: 32256322 PMCID: PMC7092663 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the contribution of circadian rhythms to aggression with a multifaceted approach incorporating genetics, neural networks, and behavior. We explore the hypothesis that chronic circadian misalignment is contributing to increased aggression. Genes involved in both circadian rhythms and aggression are discussed as a possible mechanism for increased aggression that might be elicited by circadian misalignment. We then discuss the neural networks underlying aggression and how dysregulation in the interaction of these networks evoked by circadian rhythm misalignment could contribute to aggression. The last section of this review will present recent human correlational data demonstrating the association between chronotype and/or circadian misalignment with aggression. With circadian rhythms and aggression being a burgeoning area of study, we hope that this review initiates more interest in this promising and topical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott H Deibel
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Robert J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AL, Canada
| | - Nathan J Kolla
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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19
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Balasco L, Provenzano G, Bozzi Y. Sensory Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Focus on the Tactile Domain, From Genetic Mouse Models to the Clinic. Front Psychiatry 2020; 10:1016. [PMID: 32047448 PMCID: PMC6997554 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory abnormalities are commonly recognized as diagnostic criteria in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as reported in the last edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-V). About 90% of ASD individuals have atypical sensory experiences, described as both hyper- and hypo-reactivity, with abnormal responses to tactile stimulation representing a very frequent finding. In this review, we will address the neurobiological bases of sensory processing in ASD, with a specific focus of tactile sensitivity. In the first part, we will review the most relevant sensory abnormalities detected in ASD, and then focus on tactile processing deficits through the discussion of recent clinical and experimental studies. In the search for the neurobiological bases of ASD, several mouse models have been generated with knockout and humanized knockin mutations in many ASD-associated genes. Here, we will therefore give a brief overview of the anatomical structure of the mouse somatosensory system, and describe the somatosensory abnormalities so far reported in different mouse models of ASD. Understanding the neurobiological bases of sensory processing in ASD mouse models may represent an opportunity for a better comprehension of the mechanisms underlying sensory abnormalities, and for the development of novel effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Balasco
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Giovanni Provenzano
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
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20
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Walcott AT, Ryabinin AE. Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Pair Bond Maintenance and Potential Neural Substrates in Female Prairie Voles. Alcohol Alcohol 2020; 54:353-360. [PMID: 31062856 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agz041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Discordant heavy alcohol use is a risk factor for disruption of intimate partner relationships. Modeling these relationships in prairie voles indicates that biological effects of alcohol can contribute to this risk. In particular, alcohol consumption disrupted an established preference for a female partner in male prairie voles if the partner was drinking water, but not if the partner was drinking alcohol. The current study investigated the effects of alcohol consumption on pair bonds in female prairie voles. METHODS Female and male prairie voles established pair bonds during 1 week of cohabitation. Following cohabitation, females and their partners were put into mesh-divided cages where they were given access to 10% ethanol and water or only water for 1 week. Pair bonds in female prairie voles were tested using the partner preference test (PPT). Following the PPT, we examined oxytocin, vasopressin and FosB immunoreactivity across several brain regions. RESULTS Female prairie voles consumed more alcohol if their male partner was also drinking alcohol, but not if their partner was drinking water. During PPT, females preferred their partner over a stranger, regardless of their partner's drinking status. Alcohol consumption decreased oxytocin immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and increased FosB immunoreactivity in the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus. CONCLUSIONS Established partner preference in female prairie voles is resistant to alcohol consumption. This finding suggests that the risk for disruption of intimate partner relationships in females is not mediated by a decreased motivation to be with their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre T Walcott
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrey E Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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21
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Mulholland MM, Navabpour SV, Mareno MC, Schapiro SJ, Young LJ, Hopkins WD. AVPR1A variation is linked to gray matter covariation in the social brain network of chimpanzees. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12631. [PMID: 31894656 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The vasopressin system has been implicated in the regulation of social behavior and cognition in humans, nonhuman primates and other social mammals. In chimpanzees, polymorphisms in the vasopressin V1a receptor gene (AVPR1A) have been associated with social dimensions of personality, as well as to responses to sociocommunicative cues and mirror self-recognition. Despite evidence of this association with social cognition and behavior, there is little research on the neuroanatomical correlates of AVPR1A variation. In the current study, we tested the association between AVPR1A polymorphisms in the RS3 promotor region and gray matter covariation in chimpanzees using magnetic resonance imaging and source-based morphometry. The analysis identified 13 independent brain components, three of which differed significantly in covariation between the two AVPR1A genotypes (DupB-/- and DupB+/-; P < .05). DupB+/- chimpanzees showed greater covariation in gray matter in the premotor and prefrontal cortex, basal forebrain, lunate and cingulate cortex, and lesser gray matter covariation in the superior temporal sulcus and postcentral sulcus. Some of these regions were previously found to differ in vasopressin and oxytocin neural fibers between nonhuman primates, and in AVPR1A gene expression in humans with different RS3 alleles. This is the first report of an association between AVPR1A and gray matter covariation in nonhuman primates, and specifically links an AVPR1A polymorphism to structural variation in the social brain network. These results further affirm the value of chimpanzees as a model species for investigating the relationship between genetic variation, brain structure and social cognition with relevance to psychiatric disorders, including autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M Mulholland
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas
| | | | - Mary C Mareno
- Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas
| | - Steven J Schapiro
- Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas.,University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Larry J Young
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William D Hopkins
- Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas
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22
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Zhang J, Zhou C, Yu R. Oxytocin amplifies the influence of good intentions on social judgments. Horm Behav 2020; 117:104589. [PMID: 31593697 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) promotes various prosocial behaviors, yet there are few studies of the effect of OT on social judgments, especially on judgments when the actor's intention and the final outcome are incongruent. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment, participants were asked to play the role of the recipient in a dictator game and to make social judgments about the dictator after intranasal OT administration. To isolate the outcome and the intention of the dictator's allocation, we developed a novel social judgment task in which recipients were told that 50% of the dictators' proposals would be reversed. The results showed that the effect of OT on social judgment was modulated by intention: OT increased goodness ratings only towards dictators with hyperfair intention. Our findings support the affiliative-motivation theory which states that OT enhances the affiliative motivation and recognition of positive-valence social stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zhang
- School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application and Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyan Zhou
- School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application and Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongjun Yu
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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23
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Potretzke S, Ryabinin AE. The Prairie Vole Model of Pair-Bonding and Its Sensitivity to Addictive Substances. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2477. [PMID: 31780991 PMCID: PMC6851057 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) is an extensively studied model for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying social affiliations and pair bonds. With clearly observed face and construct validity, this species offers translational insights into mechanisms involved in intimate relationships in humans. Moreover, the prairie vole model promises to advance our understanding – as well as allow for predictions – of the effects of extraneous factors (not normally encountered in nature) on such relationships. This mini review describes some of the neurobiological mechanisms regulating social affiliation in prairie voles, followed by an overview of the effects of alcohol and other drugs of abuse on formation and maintenance of pair-bonds. Based on available literature, we demonstrate that the effects of such extraneous factors on formation and maintenance of pair-bonds are sex-dependent, as well as dependent on the specific nature of the addictive drug. In turn, the lack of similarities in effects of different addictive substances on pair-bond formation suggests that these substances engage different neurocircuits that may or may not overlap with neurocircuits involved in various social behaviors. This lack of consistency of effects across studied drugs of abuse indicates the need to further examine the effects of individual drugs on affiliative behaviors. We highlight the deficiencies in this field of research, particularly the sparsity of studies on effects of drugs of abuse on the maintenance of established bonds. Future investigations in this field could help design strategies to help afflicted individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Potretzke
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Andrey E Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Kucharska K, Kot E, Biernacka K, Zimowski J, Rogoza R, Rybakowski F, Kostecka B, Bednarska-Makaruk M. Interaction between polymorphisms of the oxytocinergic system genes and emotion perception in inpatients with anorexia nervosa. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2019; 27:481-494. [PMID: 31385420 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2698] [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: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The empirical literature describes the role of the oxytocinergic system in emotion perception (EP). Variants in the oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptor genes have been associated with mental disorders, including anorexia nervosa (AN), that are characterized by difficulties in socioemotional functioning. Our study aimed to examine whether variability within the genes related to OXT pathways may play a role in facial EP in inpatients with AN. METHOD Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the following genes: oxytocin receptor (rs2254298, rs53576), OXT (rs6133010), OXT-arginine-vasopressin (rs2740204), CD38 (rs6449197, rs3796863), and human leucyl/cystinylaminopeptidase (rs4869317) were genotyped in 60 AN female inpatients and 60 healthy control females (HCs). Associations between genetic polymorphisms and EP as well as clinical symptoms were examined. RESULTS The AN group showed decreased EP abilities compared with HCs. SNPs of rs2740204, rs6133010, and rs53576 were associated with differences in EP in women with AN and in HCs. The SNP of rs4869317 was associated with the level of eating disorders symptoms in HCs. CONCLUSIONS The OXT system may be involved in EP difficulties in AN. SNPs within genes related to OXT pathways may influence EP abilities. The leucyl/cystinylaminopeptidase rs4869317 SNP may be involved in the development of eating disorders psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emilia Kot
- The Department of Neuroses, Personality Disorders and Eating Disorders, The Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Biernacka
- The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, The Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Poland
| | - Janusz Zimowski
- The Department of Genetics, The Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Poland
| | - Radosław Rogoza
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Poland
| | - Filip Rybakowski
- The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, The Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Poland.,The Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
| | - Barbara Kostecka
- The Department of Neuroses, Personality Disorders and Eating Disorders, The Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Poland
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Kawada A, Nagasawa M, Murata A, Mogi K, Watanabe K, Kikusui T, Kameda T. Vasopressin enhances human preemptive strike in both males and females. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9664. [PMID: 31273244 PMCID: PMC6609689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP), which is known to modulate a wide range of social behaviors in animals, has been identified as a modulator of various negative responses to social stimuli in humans. However, behavioral evidence directly supporting its involvement in human defensive aggression has been rare. We investigated the effect of intranasal AVP on defensive aggression in a laboratory experiment, using an incentivized economic game called the “preemptive strike game” (PSG). Participants played PSG individually (1 on 1) as well as in pairs (2 on 2) under either AVP or saline. We observed that exogenous but not basal AVP modulated the attack rate in PSG for both male and female participants. A model-based analysis of the aggregation of individual attack preferences into pair decisions revealed that the AVP effect on defensive aggression occurred mainly at the individual level and was not amplified at the pair level. Overall, these results present the first evidence that intranasal AVP promotes human defensive aggression for both males and females in a bilateral situation where each party can potentially damage the resources of the other party. These findings also parallel accumulating evidence from non-human animals concerning AVP’s involvement in territorial defense against potential intruders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Kawada
- Department of Social Psychology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miho Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Aiko Murata
- NTT Communication Science Laboratories, NTT Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan.,Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Mogi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Katsumi Watanabe
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Creative Robotics Lab, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kameda
- Department of Social Psychology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. .,Brain Science Institute, Tamagawa University, Tokyo, Japan. .,Center for Experimental Research in Social Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan.
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28
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Beta-carotene as a novel therapy for the treatment of “Autistic like behavior” in animal models of Autism. Behav Brain Res 2019; 364:469-479. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Jones CE, Navis TM, Teutsch P, Opel RA, Lim MM. Acoustic prepulse inhibition in male and female prairie voles: Implications for models of neuropsychiatric illness. Behav Brain Res 2019; 360:298-302. [PMID: 30550951 PMCID: PMC6324994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sensory gating, the ability to suppress sensory information of irrelevant stimuli, is affected in several neuropsychiatric diseases, notably schizophrenia and autism. It is currently unclear how these deficits interact with other hallmark symptoms of these disorders, such as social withdrawal and difficulty with interpersonal relationships. The highly affiliative prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) may be an ideal model organism to study the neurobiology underlying social behavior. In this study, we assessed unimodal acoustic sensory gating in male and female prairie voles using the prepulse inhibition (PPI) paradigm, whereby a lower amplitude sound (prepulse) decreases the startle response to a high amplitude sound (pulse) compared to the high amplitude sound alone. Prairie voles showed evidence of PPI at all prepulse levels compared to pulse alone, with both males and females showing similar levels of inhibition. However, unlike what has been reported in other rodent species, prairie voles did not show a within-session decrease in startle response to the pulse alone, nor did they show a decrease in startle response to the pulse over multiple days, highlighting their inability to habituate to startling stimuli (short- and long-term). When contrasted with a cohort of male wildtype C57Bl/6J mice that underwent a comparable PPI protocol, individual voles showed significantly higher trial-by-trial variability as well as longer latency to startle than mice. The benefits and caveats to using prairie voles in future sensory gating experiments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn E Jones
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR. United States
| | - Tom M Navis
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Peyton Teutsch
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR. United States
| | - Ryan A Opel
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR. United States
| | - Miranda M Lim
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR. United States.
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30
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Chong A, Chew SH, Lai PS, Ebstein RP, Gouin JP. The role of the Oxytocin-Neurophysin I gene in contributing to human personality traits promoting sociality. Int J Psychophysiol 2019; 136:81-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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WU X, FENG C, XU J, HE Z, LUO Y, LUO Y. The Effects of vasopressin on human social behaviors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1042.2019.00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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32
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Stetzik LA, Sullivan AW, Patisaul HB, Cushing BS. Novel unconditioned prosocial behavior in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) as a model for empathy. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:852. [PMID: 30509318 PMCID: PMC6278148 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, empathy is quantified using a novel social test. Empathy and prosocial behavior are linked to the expression of oxytocin in humans and rodent models. Specifically, prosocial behavior in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) has been linked to the expression of oxytocin in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. The animal's behavior was considered empathic if it spends significantly more time attempting to remove a loos fitting restraint (tether) from the stimulus animal than time in contact with a, simultaneously presented, non-social object similar to the tether. The behavioral data was cross-referenced with the number of neurons expressing oxytocin and arginine vasopressin, as well as the density of dopaminergic neurons (identified by the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase), in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. These proteins influence empathic behavior in humans, non-human primates, rats, mice, and prairie voles. RESULTS The consistency between neuroanatomical mechanisms linked to empathy, and the durations of time spent engaging in empathic contact, support the prediction that the empathic contact in this test is a distinct prosocial behavior, lacking prior behavioral training or the naturally occurring ethological relevance of other prosocial behaviors, and is a measure of empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Stetzik
- University of Akron, 302 E. Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH, 44325, USA. .,University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0267, USA.
| | | | | | - Bruce S Cushing
- University of Texas at El Paso, 500W. University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
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33
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Cataldo I, Azhari A, Lepri B, Esposito G. Oxytocin receptors (OXTR) and early parental care: An interaction that modulates psychiatric disorders. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 82:27-38. [PMID: 29033100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin plays an important role in the modulation of social behavior in both typical and atypical contexts. Also, the quality of early parental care sets the foundation for long-term psychosocial development. Here, we review studies that investigated how oxytocin receptor (OXTR) interacts with early parental care experiences to influence the development of psychiatric disorders. Using Pubmed, Scopus and PsycInfo databases, we utilized the keyword "OXTR" before subsequently searching for specific OXTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), generating a list of 598 studies in total. The papers were catalogued in a database and filtered for gene-environment interaction, psychiatric disorders and involvement of parental care. In particular, rs53576 and rs2254298 were found to be significantly involved in gene-environment interactions that modulated risk for psychopathology and the following psychiatric disorders: disruptive behavior, depression, anxiety, eating disorder and borderline personality disorder. These results illustrate the importance of OXTR in mediating the impact of parental care on the emergence of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Italy; Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Atiqah Azhari
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Italy; Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Abstract
Pharmacological strategies for pain management have primarily focused on dampening ascending neurotransmission and on opioid receptor-mediated therapies. Little is known about the contribution of endogenous descending modulatory systems to clinical pain outcomes and why some patients are mildly affected while others suffer debilitating pain-induced dysfunctions. Placebo effects that arise from patients' positive expectancies and the underlying endogenous modulatory mechanisms may in part account for the variability in pain experience and severity, adherence to treatment, distinct coping strategies, and chronicity. Expectancy-induced analgesia and placebo effects in general have emerged as useful models to assess individual endogenous pain modulatory systems. Different systems and mechanisms trigger placebo effects that highly impact pain processing, clinical outcomes, and sense of well-being. This review illustrates critical elements of placebo mechanisms that inform the methodology of clinical trials, the discovery of new therapeutic targets, and the advancement of personalized pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing; Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine; and Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA;
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35
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Cheng CH, Chan PYS, Hsu SC, Liu CY. Meta-analysis of sensorimotor gating in patients with autism spectrum disorders. Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:413-419. [PMID: 28918862 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle response is a well-established neurophysiological marker of sensorimotor gating ability in psychiatric patients including those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). PPI has been utilized as an indicator of the central inhibitory function and is potentially linked to the clinical features of this disease. However, it remains inconclusive whether ASD patients exhibit PPI deficits compared with healthy controls. The present meta-analysis aimed to explore the pooled effect sizes of PPI in ASD patients. We searched major electronic databases from 1990 to January 2017. Seven studies, consisting of 21 individual investigations with 135 healthy controls and 99 ASD patients, were obtained. The effect size, calculated as Hedges's g and 95% confidence interval, were estimated. Overall, we found ASD patients exhibited an impaired PPI compared with healthy controls (p = 0.008). Specifically, significant PPI deficits were observed among ASD children/adolescents, compared with their healthy counterparts (p = 0.019). However, differences in PPI responses were not observed among adults. Conclusively, our results reconciled the previous studies and showed that ASD children/adolescents, but not adults, exhibit reduced sensorimotor gating function compared to healthy controls. We also suggest that the parameters of PPI are particularly important and the results should be interpreted with cautions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsiung Cheng
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Neural Dynamics (BIND Lab), Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Ying S Chan
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yih Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Roach KL, Hershberger PE, Rutherford JN, Molokie RE, Wang ZJ, Wilkie DJ. The AVPR1A Gene and Its Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs10877969: A Literature Review of Associations with Health Conditions and Pain. Pain Manag Nurs 2018; 19:430-444. [PMID: 29503216 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is the quintessential symptom for individuals suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD). Although the degree of suffering and the cost of treatment are staggering, SCD continues to be grossly understudied, including a lack of data for pain-related genes and prevalence of polymorphisms in this population. This lack of data adds to the inadequacy of pain therapy in this population. Pain genetics investigators have recently examined allele frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms from candidate genes in people who have SCD. One of the genes identified was the arginine vasopressin receptor 1A gene (AVPR1A) and its associated single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10877969. Progress in explaining pain-related polymorphisms associated with SCD can be facilitated by understanding the literature. Aim/Design: The purpose of this literature review was to describe mechanisms of the polymorphic gene AVPR1A and the phenotypic variations associated with its SNPs relative to health conditions and pain. METHODS Published studies were included if the research addressed AVPR1A and was a full article in a peer-reviewed journal, in the English language, a human or animal study, and published 2009 to present. Abstracts were included if they were in English and provided information not found in a full article. RESULTS The results of this review revealed that AVPR1A is associated with behavioral phenotypes, which include pair bonding, autism spectrum disorder, musical aptitude, infidelity, altruism, monogamy, mating, substance abuse, and alcohol preference. In addition, there were associations with pain, stress pain by sex, and sickle cell pain. CONCLUSION Summary of this literature could provide insights into future pain research of this SNP in people with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keesha L Roach
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Patricia E Hershberger
- Department of Health Systems Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Julienne N Rutherford
- Department of Women, Child, and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert E Molokie
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Division of Hematology/Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Jessie Brown Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Zaijie Jim Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, Florida
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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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Pohl TT, Young LJ, Bosch OJ. Lost connections: Oxytocin and the neural, physiological, and behavioral consequences of disrupted relationships. Int J Psychophysiol 2018; 136:54-63. [PMID: 29330007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In humans and rodent animal models, the brain oxytocin system is paramount for facilitating social bonds, from the formation and consequences of early-life parent-infant bonds to adult pair bond relationships. In social species, oxytocin also mediates the positive effects of healthy social bonds on the partners' well-being. However, new evidence suggests that the negative consequences of early neglect or partner loss may be mediated by disruptions in the oxytocin system as well. With a focus on oxytocin and its receptor, we review studies from humans and animal models, i.e. mainly from the biparental, socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), on the beneficial effects of positive social relationships both between offspring and parents and in adult partners. The abundance of social bonds and benevolent social relationships, in general, are associated with protective effects against psycho- and physiopathology not only in the developing infant, but also during adulthood. Furthermore, we discuss the negative effects on well-being, emotionality and behavior, when these bonds are diminished in quality or are disrupted, for example through parental neglect of the young or the loss of the partner in adulthood. Strikingly, in prairie voles, oxytocinergic signaling plays an important developmental role in the ability to form bonds later in life in the face of early-life neglect, while disruption of oxytocin signaling following partner loss results in the emergence of depressive-like behavior and physiology. This review demonstrates the translational value of animal models for investigating the oxytocinergic mechanisms that underlie the detrimental effects of developmental parental neglect and pair bond disruption, encouraging future translationally relevant studies on this topic that is so central to our daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias T Pohl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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Thye MD, Bednarz HM, Herringshaw AJ, Sartin EB, Kana RK. The impact of atypical sensory processing on social impairments in autism spectrum disorder. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2018; 29:151-167. [PMID: 28545994 PMCID: PMC6987885 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered sensory processing has been an important feature of the clinical descriptions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is evidence that sensory dysregulation arises early in the progression of ASD and impacts social functioning. This paper reviews behavioral and neurobiological evidence that describes how sensory deficits across multiple modalities (vision, hearing, touch, olfaction, gustation, and multisensory integration) could impact social functions in ASD. Theoretical models of ASD and their implications for the relationship between sensory and social functioning are discussed. Furthermore, neural differences in anatomy, function, and connectivity of different regions underlying sensory and social processing are also discussed. We conclude that there are multiple mechanisms through which early sensory dysregulation in ASD could cascade into social deficits across development. Future research is needed to clarify these mechanisms, and specific focus should be given to distinguish between deficits in primary sensory processing and altered top-down attentional and cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D Thye
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Haley M Bednarz
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Abbey J Herringshaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Emma B Sartin
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Rajesh K Kana
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States.
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40
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Johnson ZV, Young LJ. Oxytocin and vasopressin neural networks: Implications for social behavioral diversity and translational neuroscience. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:87-98. [PMID: 28434591 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin- and vasopressin-related systems are present in invertebrate and vertebrate bilaterian animals, including humans, and exhibit conserved neuroanatomical and functional properties. In vertebrates, these systems innervate conserved neural networks that regulate social learning and behavior, including conspecific recognition, social attachment, and parental behavior. Individual and species-level variation in central organization of oxytocin and vasopressin systems has been linked to individual and species variation in social learning and behavior. In humans, genetic polymorphisms in the genes encoding oxytocin and vasopressin peptides and/or their respective target receptors have been associated with individual variation in social recognition, social attachment phenotypes, parental behavior, and psychiatric phenotypes such as autism. Here we describe both conserved and variable features of central oxytocin and vasopressin systems in the context of social behavioral diversity, with a particular focus on neural networks that modulate social learning, behavior, and salience of sociosensory stimuli during species-typical social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary V Johnson
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
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Cherepanov SM, Akther S, Nishimura T, Shabalova AA, Mizuno A, Ichinose W, Shuto S, Yamamoto Y, Yokoyama S, Higashida H. Effects of Three Lipidated Oxytocin Analogs on Behavioral Deficits in CD38 Knockout Mice. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7100132. [PMID: 29035307 PMCID: PMC5664059 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7100132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide that plays an important role in social behavior. Nasal administration of OT has been shown to improve trust in healthy humans and social interaction in autistic subjects. As is consistent with the nature of a peptide, OT has some unfavorable characteristics: it has a short half-life in plasma and shows poor permeability across the blood-brain barrier. Analogs with long-lasting effects may overcome these drawbacks. To this end, we have synthesized three analogs: lipo-oxytocin-1 (LOT-1), in which two palmitoyl groups are conjugated to the cysteine and tyrosine residues, lipo-oxytocin-2 (LOT-2) and lipo-oxytocin-3 (LOT-3), which include one palmitoyl group conjugated at the cysteine or tyrosine residue, respectively. The following behavioral deficits were observed in CD38 knockout (CD38−/−) mice: a lack of paternal nurturing in CD38−/− sires, decreased ability for social recognition, and decreased sucrose consumption. OT demonstrated the ability to recover these disturbances to the level of wild-type mice for 30 min after injection. LOT-2 and LOT-3 partially recovered the behaviors for a short period. Conversely, LOT-1 restored the behavioral parameters, not for 30 min, but for 24 h. These data suggest that the lipidation of OT has some therapeutic benefits, and LOT-1 would be most useful because of its long-last activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav M Cherepanov
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Shirin Akther
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Nishimura
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Anna A Shabalova
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Akira Mizuno
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Wataru Ichinose
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Shuto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
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Distribution of mesotocin-immunoreactive neurons in the brain of the male native Thai chicken. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:804-811. [PMID: 29055508 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mesotocin (MT), a homolog of oxytocin (OT) in mammals, is a nonapeptide neurohypophysial hormone that is mainly synthesized in specific neuronal groups within the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland in amphibian, reptilian, and avian species. MT is associated with the neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive cycle and maternal behaviors in female native Thai chickens. Male birds exhibit parental behaviors as well. However, there are limited data regarding the role(s) of the MTergic system in males. Thus, the objective of this study was to elucidate the localization of the MT neuronal groups in the brain of male native Thai chickens. The distributions of MT-immunoreactive (-ir) neurons and fibers in the brain were studied utilizing immunohistochemistry technique. The results revealed that MT-ir neurons and fibers were distributed throughout the brain and extensively in the diencephalon. MT-ir neurons and fibers were predominantly located within the nucleus supraopticus, pars ventralis (SOv), nucleus preopticus medialis (POM), nucleus ventrolateralis thalami (VLT), nucleus paraventricularis magnocellularis (PVN), and regio lateralis hypothalami (LHy), suggesting that MT neurons in these nuclei might be involved in the reproductive activities and/or parental behavior in the male chickens. In addition, the numbers of MT-ir neurons within the SOv and POM were significantly higher than those of the VLT, PVN, and LHy. More importantly, the number of MT-ir neurons in the SOv was high in the male brain when compared with the female brain, indicating that the MTergic system in the SOv might play a significant role in male reproductive activities in this equatorial species.
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Fernández M, Mollinedo-Gajate I, Peñagarikano O. Neural Circuits for Social Cognition: Implications for Autism. Neuroscience 2017; 370:148-162. [PMID: 28729065 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Social neuroscience, the study of the neurobiological basis of social behavior, has become a major area of current research in behavioral neuroscience and psychiatry, since many psychiatric disorders are characterized by social deficits. Social behavior refers to the behavioral response with regard to socially relevant information, and requires the perception and integration of social cues through a complex cognition process (i.e. social cognition) that involves attention, memory, motivation and emotion. Neurobiological and molecular mechanisms underlying social behavior are highly conserved across species, and inter- and intra-specific variability observed in social behavior can be explained to large extent by differential activity of this conserved neural network. Human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have greatly informed about the brain structures and their connectivity networks that are important for social cognition. Animal research has been crucial for identifying specific circuits and molecular mechanisms that modulate this structural network. From a molecular neurobiology perspective, activity in these brain structures is coordinated by neuronal circuits modulated by several neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Thus, quantitative variation in the levels, release and/or receptor density of these molecules could affect the observed behavioral response. The present review presents an overall framework of the components of the social brain circuitry and its modulation. By integrating multiple research approaches, from human fMRI studies to animal models we can start shedding light into how dysfunction in these circuits could lead to disorders of social-functioning such as Autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fernández
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Irene Mollinedo-Gajate
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa 48940, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Olga Peñagarikano
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa 48940, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Spain.
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Grosek M, Lučovnik M. Oxytocin for labour induction or augmentation as a risk factor for autism: systematic literature review. OBZORNIK ZDRAVSTVENE NEGE 2017. [DOI: 10.14528/snr.2017.51.2.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Some studies have shown a potential association between oxytocin use during labour and autism spectrum disorder in children (ASD). We performed a systematic review of recent studies examining this association. Methods: Boolean operators (AND/OR) were used to search MEDLINE using the following search criteria: Autistic Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism and Labour Induction or Labour Augmentation. Articles published in English in 2013 or later were considered. Additional studies were identified by reviewing citations. Only studies conducted on people were included. Studies not accounting for potential confounding factors were excluded. Results: Four retrospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. One showed an association between labour induction and augmentation and ASD, one showed a weak association between labour augmentation in boys and ASD, and one showed no association between labour induction or augmentation and ASD. The largest study showed a weak association between labour induction and ASD, which was not significant when siblings were analyzed separately. Discussion and conclusions: Recently published studies do not support the hypothesis of a causal relationship between oxytocin use during labour and ASD. Benefits of medically indicated induction or augmentation of labour outweigh the theoretical risk of ASD.
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Galbusera A, De Felice A, Girardi S, Bassetto G, Maschietto M, Nishimori K, Chini B, Papaleo F, Vassanelli S, Gozzi A. Intranasal Oxytocin and Vasopressin Modulate Divergent Brainwide Functional Substrates. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1420-1434. [PMID: 27995932 PMCID: PMC5436116 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) have been identified as modulators of emotional social behaviors and associated with neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social dysfunction. Experimental and therapeutic use of OXT and AVP via the intranasal route is the subject of extensive clinical research. However, the large-scale functional substrates directly engaged by these peptides and their functional dynamics remain elusive. By using cerebral blood volume (CBV) weighted fMRI in the mouse, we show that intranasal administration of OXT rapidly elicits the transient activation of cortical regions and a sustained activation of hippocampal and forebrain areas characterized by high oxytocin receptor density. By contrast, intranasal administration of AVP produced a robust and sustained deactivation in cortico-parietal, thalamic and mesolimbic regions. Importantly, intravenous administration of OXT and AVP did not recapitulate the patterns of modulation produced by intranasal dosing, supporting a central origin of the observed functional changes. In keeping with this notion, hippocampal local field potential recordings revealed multi-band power increases upon intranasal OXT administration. We also show that the selective OXT-derivative TGOT reproduced the pattern of activation elicited by OXT and that the deletion of OXT receptors does not affect AVP-mediated deactivation. Collectively, our data document divergent modulation of brainwide neural systems by intranasal administration of OXT and AVP, an effect that involves key substrates of social and emotional behavior. The observed divergence calls for a deeper investigation of the systems-level mechanisms by which exogenous OXT and AVP modulate brain function and exert their putative therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - Alessia De Felice
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - Stefano Girardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giacomo Bassetto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Maschietto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Bice Chini
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy,Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto (TN), Italy,Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto (TN) 38068, Italy, Tel: +39 04648028701, E-mail:
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46
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Effects of Oxytocin and Vasopressin on Preferential Brain Responses to Negative Social Feedback. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1409-1419. [PMID: 27796303 PMCID: PMC5436111 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Receiving negative social feedback can be detrimental to emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being, and fear of negative social feedback is a prominent feature of mental illnesses that involve social anxiety. A large body of evidence has implicated the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin in the modulation of human neural activity underlying social cognition, including negative emotion processing; however, the influence of oxytocin and vasopressin on neural activity elicited during negative social evaluation remains unknown. Here 21 healthy men underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design to determine how intranasally administered oxytocin and vasopressin modulated neural activity when receiving negative feedback on task performance from a study investigator. We found that under placebo, a preferential response to negative social feedback compared with positive social feedback was evoked in brain regions putatively involved in theory of mind (temporoparietal junction), pain processing (anterior insula and supplementary motor area), and identification of emotionally important visual cues in social perception (right fusiform). These activations weakened with oxytocin and vasopressin administration such that neural responses to receiving negative social feedback were not significantly greater than positive social feedback. Our results show effects of both oxytocin and vasopressin on the brain network involved in negative social feedback, informing the possible use of a pharmacological approach targeting these regions in multiple disorders with impairments in social information processing.
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Mariath LM, Silva AMD, Kowalski TW, Gattino GS, Araujo GAD, Figueiredo FG, Tagliani-Ribeiro A, Roman T, Vianna FSL, Schuler-Faccini L, Schuch JB. Music genetics research: Association with musicality of a polymorphism in the AVPR1A gene. Genet Mol Biol 2017; 40:421-429. [PMID: 28534928 PMCID: PMC5488451 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2016-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Musicality is defined as a natural tendency, sensibility, knowledge, or talent to
create, perceive, and play music. Musical abilities involve a great range of social
and cognitive behaviors, which are influenced by both environmental and genetic
factors. Although a number of studies have yielded insights into music genetics
research, genes and biological pathways related to these traits are not fully
understood. Our hypothesis in the current study is that genes associated with
different behaviors could also influence the musical phenotype. Our aim was to
investigate whether polymorphisms in six genes (AVPR1A, SLC6A4, ITGB3, COMT, DRD2 and
DRD4) related to social and cognitive traits are associated with musicality in a
sample of children. Musicality was assessed through an individualized music therapy
assessment profile (IMTAP) which has been validated in Brazil to measure musical
ability. We show here that the RS1 microsatellite of the AVPR1A gene is nominally
associated with musicality, corroborating previous results linking AVPR1A with
musical activity. This study is one of the first to investigate musicality in a
comprehensive way, and it contributes to better understand the genetic basis
underlying musical ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Monteavaro Mariath
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Mauat da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Thayne Woycinck Kowalski
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Schulz Gattino
- Programa de Pos-Graduação em Saúde da Criança e Adolescente, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Andrade de Araujo
- Programa de Pos-Graduação em Saúde da Criança e Adolescente, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Felipe Grahl Figueiredo
- Programa de Pos-Graduação em Saúde da Criança e Adolescente, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alice Tagliani-Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Roman
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Sales Luiz Vianna
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lavínia Schuler-Faccini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Bohrer Schuch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Narwade SC, Mallick BN, Deobagkar DD. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Altered Expression of Memory and Neurotransmission Associated Genes in the REM Sleep Deprived Rat Brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:67. [PMID: 28367113 PMCID: PMC5355427 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disorders are associated with cognitive impairment. Selective rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) deprivation (REMSD) alters several physiological processes and behaviors. By employing NGS platform we carried out transcriptomic analysis in brain samples of control rats and those exposed to REMSD. The expression of genes involved in chromatin assembly, methylation, learning, memory, regulation of synaptic transmission, neuronal plasticity and neurohypophysial hormone synthesis were altered. Increased transcription of BMP4, DBH and ATP1B2 genes after REMSD supports our earlier findings and hypothesis. Alteration in the transcripts encoding histone subtypes and important players in chromatin remodeling was observed. The mRNAs which transcribe neurotransmitters such as OXT, AVP, PMCH and LNPEP and two small non-coding RNAs, namely RMRP and BC1 were down regulated. At least some of these changes are likely to regulate REMS and may participate in the consequences of REMS loss. Thus, the findings of this study have identified key epigenetic regulators and neuronal plasticity genes associated to REMS and its loss. This analysis provides a background and opens up avenues for unraveling their specific roles in the complex behavioral network particularly in relation to sustained REMS-loss associated changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh C Narwade
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Center of Advanced Studies, Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University Pune, India
| | | | - Deepti D Deobagkar
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Center of Advanced Studies, Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune UniversityPune, India; Bioinformatics Center, Savitribai Phule Pune UniversityPune, India
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Genes Related to Oxytocin and Arginine-Vasopressin Pathways: Associations with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2017; 33:238-246. [PMID: 28283809 PMCID: PMC5360847 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-017-0120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behavior. Although the mechanisms underlying its etiology and manifestations are poorly understood, several lines of evidence from rodent and human studies suggest involvement of the evolutionarily highly-conserved oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP), as these neuropeptides modulate various aspects of mammalian social behavior. As far as we know, there is no comprehensive review of the roles of the OXT and AVP systems in the development of ASD from the genetic aspect. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding associations between ASD and single-nucleotide variants of the human OXT-AVP pathway genes OXT, AVP, AVP receptor 1a (AVPR1a), OXT receptor (OXTR), the oxytocinase/vasopressinase (LNPEP), and ADP-ribosyl cyclase (CD38).
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50
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Peñagarikano O. Oxytocin in animal models of autism spectrum disorder. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:202-213. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Peñagarikano
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine; University of the Basque Country; Sarriena s/n Leioa 48940 Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), ISCIII; Spain
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