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Wang D, Zhao D, Wang W, Hu F, Cui M, Liu J, Meng F, Liu C, Qiu C, Liu D, Xu Z, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Li W, Li C. How do lateral septum projections to the ventral CA1 influence sociability? Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1789-1801. [PMID: 38103246 PMCID: PMC10960288 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.389304] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202408000-00033/figure1/v/2023-12-16T180322Z/r/image-tiff Social dysfunction is a risk factor for several neuropsychiatric illnesses. Previous studies have shown that the lateral septum (LS)-related pathway plays a critical role in mediating social behaviors. However, the role of the connections between the LS and its downstream brain regions in social behaviors remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a three-chamber test using electrophysiological and chemogenetic approaches in mice to determine how LS projections to ventral CA1 (vCA1) influence sociability. Our results showed that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons were activated following social experience, and that social behaviors were enhanced by chemogenetic modulation of these neurons. Moreover, LS GABAergic neurons extended their functional neural connections via vCA1 glutamatergic pyramidal neurons, and regulating LSGABA→vCA1Glu neural projections affected social behaviors, which were impeded by suppressing LS-projecting vCA1 neuronal activity or inhibiting GABAA receptors in vCA1. These findings support the hypothesis that LS inputs to the vCA1 can control social preferences and social novelty behaviors. These findings provide new insights regarding the neural circuits that regulate sociability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Di Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fengai Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Minghu Cui
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fantao Meng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Cuilan Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Changyun Qiu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dunjiang Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhicheng Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yameng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- College of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
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Zuo X, Zhang S, Bai H, Yu Q, Zhao Q, Sun M, Zhao X, Feng X. Effects of fluorene-9-bisphenol exposure on anxiety-like and social behavior in mice and protective potential of exogenous melatonin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29385-29399. [PMID: 38573577 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF) is widely used in the manufacture of plastic products and potentially disrupts several physiological processes, but its biological effects on social behavior remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of BHPF exposure on anxiety-like and social behavior in female mice and the potential mechanisms, thereby proposing a potential therapy strategy. We exposed female Balb/c mice to BHPF by oral gavage at different doses (0.5, 50 mg/kg bw/2-day) for 28 days, which were found BHPF (50 mg/kg) exposure affected motor activity in the open field test (OFT) and elevated cross maze (EPM), resulting in anxiety-like behaviors, as well as abnormal social behavioral deficits in the Social Interaction Test (SIT). Analysis of histopathological staining results showed that BHPF exposure caused damage to hippocampal neurons in the CA1/CA3/DG region and decreased Nissl pyramidal neurons in the CA1/CA3 regions of the hippocampus, as well as a decrease in parvalbumin neuron expression. In addition, BHPF exposure upregulated the expression of excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) vesicle transporter genes (Vglut1, Vglut2, VGAT, GAD67, Gabra) and axon growth gene (Dcc) in the mouse hippocampus. Interestingly, behavioral disturbances and E/I balance could be alleviated by exogenous melatonin (15 mg/kg bw/2-day) therapy. Our findings suggest that exogenous melatonin may be a potential therapy with protective potential for ameliorating or preventing BHPF-induced hippocampal neuronal damage and behavioral disturbances. This study provided new insight into the neurotoxicological effects on organisms exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and aroused our vigilance in current environmental safety about chemical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zuo
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Shuhui Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Huijuan Bai
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qian Yu
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics & Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Institute of Robotics & Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Robotics & Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xizeng Feng
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Zhang Q, Xue Y, Wei K, Wang H, Ma Y, Wei Y, Fan Y, Gao L, Yao H, Wu F, Ding X, Zhang Q, Ding J, Fan Y, Lu M, Hu G. Locus Coeruleus-Dorsolateral Septum Projections Modulate Depression-Like Behaviors via BDNF But Not Norepinephrine. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2303503. [PMID: 38155473 PMCID: PMC10933643 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Locus coeruleus (LC) dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of depression; however, the neural circuits and specific molecular mechanisms responsible for this dysfunction remain unclear. Here, it is shown that activation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) neurons in the LC alleviates depression-like behaviors in susceptible mice. The dorsolateral septum (dLS) is the most physiologically relevant output from the LC under stress. Stimulation of the LCTH -dLSSST innervation with optogenetic and chemogenetic tools bidirectionally can regulate depression-like behaviors in both male and female mice. Mechanistically, it is found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but not norepinephrine, is required for the circuit to produce antidepressant-like effects. Genetic overexpression of BDNF in the circuit or supplementation with BDNF protein in the dLS is sufficient to produce antidepressant-like effects. Furthermore, viral knockdown of BDNF in this circuit abolishes the antidepressant-like effect of ketamine, but not fluoxetine. Collectively, these findings underscore the notable antidepressant-like role of the LCTH -dLSSST pathway in depression via BDNF-TrkB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - You Xue
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Ke Wei
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Yao Wei
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of NeurologyAffiliated Nanjing Brain HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing210024China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Hang Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of NeurodegenerationDepartment of PharmacologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166China
| | - Fangfang Wu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Xin Ding
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Jianhua Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of NeurodegenerationDepartment of PharmacologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166China
| | - Yi Fan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of NeurodegenerationDepartment of PharmacologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166China
| | - Ming Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of NeurodegenerationDepartment of PharmacologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166China
| | - Gang Hu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of NeurodegenerationDepartment of PharmacologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166China
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Guo B, Xi K, Mao H, Ren K, Xiao H, Hartley ND, Zhang Y, Kang J, Liu Y, Xie Y, Zhou Y, Zhu Y, Zhang X, Fu Z, Chen JF, Hu H, Wang W, Wu S. CB1R dysfunction of inhibitory synapses in the ACC drives chronic social isolation stress-induced social impairments in male mice. Neuron 2024; 112:441-457.e6. [PMID: 37992714 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.027] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation is a risk factor for multiple mood disorders. Specifically, social isolation can remodel the brain, causing behavioral abnormalities, including sociability impairments. Here, we investigated social behavior impairment in mice following chronic social isolation stress (CSIS) and conducted a screening of susceptible brain regions using functional readouts. CSIS enhanced synaptic inhibition in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), particularly at inhibitory synapses of cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing interneurons. This enhanced synaptic inhibition in the ACC was characterized by CSIS-induced loss of presynaptic cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1Rs), resulting in excessive axonal calcium influx. Activation of CCK-expressing interneurons or conditional knockdown of CB1R expression in CCK-expressing interneurons specifically reproduced social impairment. In contrast, optogenetic activation of CB1R or administration of CB1R agonists restored sociability in CSIS mice. These results suggest that the CB1R may be an effective therapeutic target for preventing CSIS-induced social impairments by restoring synaptic inhibition in the ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolin Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Kaiwen Xi
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Honghui Mao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Keke Ren
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Haoxiang Xiao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Nolan D Hartley
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yangming Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Junjun Kang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yuqiao Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhanyan Fu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hailan Hu
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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5
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Cola RB, Roccaro-Waldmeyer DM, Naim S, Babalian A, Seebeck P, Alvarez-Bolado G, Celio MR. Chemo- and optogenetic activation of hypothalamic Foxb1-expressing neurons and their terminal endings in the rostral-dorsolateral PAG leads to tachypnea, bradycardia, and immobility. eLife 2024; 12:RP86737. [PMID: 38300670 PMCID: PMC10945554 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86737] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Foxb1 -expressing neurons occur in the dorsal premammillary nucleus (PMd) and further rostrally in the parvafox nucleus, a longitudinal cluster of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus of rodents. The descending projection of these Foxb1+ neurons end in the dorsolateral part of the periaqueductal gray (dlPAG). The functional role of the Foxb1+ neuronal subpopulation in the PMd and the parvafox nucleus remains elusive. In this study, the activity of the Foxb1+ neurons and of their terminal endings in the dlPAG in mice was selectively altered by employing chemo- and optogenetic tools. Our results show that in whole-body barometric plethysmography, hM3Dq-mediated, global Foxb1+ neuron excitation activates respiration. Time-resolved optogenetic gain-of-function manipulation of the terminal endings of Foxb1+ neurons in the rostral third of the dlPAG leads to abrupt immobility and bradycardia. Chemogenetic activation of Foxb1+ cell bodies and ChR2-mediated excitation of their axonal endings in the dlPAG led to a phenotypical presentation congruent with a 'freezing-like' situation during innate defensive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reto B Cola
- Anatomy and program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
| | - Diana M Roccaro-Waldmeyer
- Anatomy and program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
| | - Samara Naim
- Anatomy and program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
| | - Alexandre Babalian
- Anatomy and program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
| | - Petra Seebeck
- Zurich integrative Rodent Physiology (ZIRP), University of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | | | - Marco R Celio
- Anatomy and program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
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de Almeida AP, Tamais AM, Zerbini C, Melleu FF, Canteras NS, Motta SC. Role of the rostral dorsomedial column of the periaqueductal gray during social defeat in rats. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1530:138-151. [PMID: 37818796 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15073] [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] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that the dorsal premammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus (PMD) is involved in social passive defensive behaviors likely to be meditated by descending projections to the periaqueductal gray (PAG). We focused on the rostral dorsomedial PAG (rPAGdm) to reveal its putative neural mechanisms involved in mediating social defensive responses. By combining retrograde tracing and FOS expression analysis, we showed that in addition to the PMD, the rPAGdm is influenced by several brain sites active during social defeat. Next, we found that cytotoxic lesions of the rPAGdm drastically reduced passive defense and did not affect active defensive responses. We then examined the rPAGdm's projection pattern and found that the PAGdm projections are mostly restricted to midbrain sites, including the precommissural nucleus, different columns of the PAG, and the cuneiform nucleus (CUN). Also, we found decreased FOS expression in the caudal PAGdm, CUN, and PMD after the rPAGdm was lesioned. The results support that the rPAGdm mediates passive social defensive responses through ascending paths to prosencephalic circuits likely mediated by the CUN. This study provides further support for the role of the PAG in the modulation of behavioral responses by working as a unique hub for influencing prosencephalic sites during the mediation of aversive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisson Pinto de Almeida
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alicia Moraes Tamais
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Zerbini
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Newton Sabino Canteras
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone Cristina Motta
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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Ma W, Li L, Kong L, Zhang H, Yuan P, Huang Z, Wang Y. Whole-brain monosynaptic inputs to lateral periaqueductal gray glutamatergic neurons in mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:4147-4159. [PMID: 37424163 PMCID: PMC10651995 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14338] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The lateral periaqueductal gray (LPAG), which mainly contains glutamatergic neurons, plays an important role in social responses, pain, and offensive and defensive behaviors. Currently, the whole-brain monosynaptic inputs to LPAG glutamatergic neurons are unknown. This study aims to explore the structural framework of the underlying neural mechanisms of LPAG glutamatergic neurons. METHODS This study used retrograde tracing systems based on the rabies virus, Cre-LoxP technology, and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS We found that 59 nuclei projected monosynaptic inputs to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons. In addition, seven hypothalamic nuclei, namely the lateral hypothalamic area (LH), lateral preoptic area (LPO), substantia innominata (SI), medial preoptic area, ventral pallidum, posterior hypothalamic area, and lateral globus pallidus, projected most densely to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons. Notably, we discovered through further immunofluorescence analysis that the inputs to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons were colocalized with several markers related to important neurological functions associated with physiological behaviors. CONCLUSION The LPAG glutamatergic neurons received dense projections from the hypothalamus, especially nuclei such as LH, LPO, and SI. The input neurons were colocalized with several markers of physiological behaviors, which show the pivotal role of glutamatergic neurons in the physiological behaviors regulation by LPAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Xiang Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ling‐Xi Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re‐evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, School of PharmacyWannan Medical CollegeWuhuChina
| | - Ping‐Chuan Yuan
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re‐evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, School of PharmacyWannan Medical CollegeWuhuChina
| | - Zhi‐Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Qun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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8
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Fricker BA, Ho D, Seifert AW, Kelly AM. Biased brain and behavioral responses towards kin in males of a communally breeding species. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17040. [PMID: 37813903 PMCID: PMC10562393 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In complex social environments, individuals may interact with not only novel and familiar conspecifics but also kin and non-kin. The ability to distinguish between conspecific identities is crucial for most animals, yet how the brain processes conspecific type and how animals may alter behavior accordingly is not well known. We examined whether the communally breeding spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) responds differently to conspecifics that vary in novelty and kinship. In a group interaction test, we found that males can distinguish novel kin from novel non-kin, and preferentially spend time with novel kin over familiar kin and novel non-kin. To determine whether kinship and novelty status are differentially represented in the brain, we conducted immediate early gene tests, which revealed the dorsal, but not ventral, lateral septum differentially processes kinship. Neither region differentially processes social novelty. Further, males did not exhibit differences in prosocial behavior toward novel and familiar conspecifics but exhibited more prosocial behavior with novel kin than novel non-kin. These results suggest that communally breeding species may have evolved specialized neural circuitry to facilitate a bias to be more affiliative with kin, regardless of whether they are novel or familiar, potentially to promote prosocial behaviors, thereby facilitating group cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A Fricker
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Deborah Ho
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ashley W Seifert
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, 101 Morgan Building, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Aubrey M Kelly
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Liou CW, Cheng SJ, Yao TH, Lai TT, Tsai YH, Chien CW, Kuo YL, Chou SH, Hsu CC, Wu WL. Microbial metabolites regulate social novelty via CaMKII neurons in the BNST. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 113:104-123. [PMID: 37393058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Social novelty is a cognitive process that is essential for animals to interact strategically with conspecifics based on their prior experiences. The commensal microbiome in the gut modulates social behavior through various routes, including microbe-derived metabolite signaling. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolites derived from bacterial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract, have been previously shown to impact host behavior. Herein, we demonstrate that the delivery of SCFAs directly into the brain disrupts social novelty through distinct neuronal populations. We are the first to observe that infusion of SCFAs into the lateral ventricle disrupted social novelty in microbiome-depleted mice without affecting brain inflammatory responses. The deficit in social novelty can be recapitulated by activating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)-labeled neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Conversely, chemogenetic silencing of the CaMKII-labeled neurons and pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid oxidation in the BNST reversed the SCFAs-induced deficit in social novelty. Our findings suggest that microbial metabolites impact social novelty through a distinct neuron population in the BNST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wei Liou
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
| | - Sin-Jhong Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Yao
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ting Lai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Che-Wei Chien
- Leeuwenhoek Laboratories Co. Ltd, Taipei 10672, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lun Kuo
- Biotools Co. Ltd, New Taipei City 22175, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsuan Chou
- Biotools Co. Ltd, New Taipei City 22175, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chih Hsu
- Leeuwenhoek Laboratories Co. Ltd, Taipei 10672, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Li Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
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