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Fritz M, Soravia SM, Dudeck M, Malli L, Fakhoury M. Neurobiology of Aggression-Review of Recent Findings and Relationship with Alcohol and Trauma. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030469. [PMID: 36979161 PMCID: PMC10044835 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Aggression can be conceptualized as any behavior, physical or verbal, that involves attacking another person or animal with the intent of causing harm, pain or injury. Because of its high prevalence worldwide, aggression has remained a central clinical and public safety issue. Aggression can be caused by several risk factors, including biological and psychological, such as genetics and mental health disorders, and socioeconomic such as education, employment, financial status, and neighborhood. Research over the past few decades has also proposed a link between alcohol consumption and aggressive behaviors. Alcohol consumption can escalate aggressive behavior in humans, often leading to domestic violence or serious crimes. Converging lines of evidence have also shown that trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could have a tremendous impact on behavior associated with both alcohol use problems and violence. However, although the link between trauma, alcohol, and aggression is well documented, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and their impact on behavior have not been properly discussed. This article provides an overview of recent advances in understanding the translational neurobiological basis of aggression and its intricate links to alcoholism and trauma, focusing on behavior. It does so by shedding light from several perspectives, including in vivo imaging, genes, receptors, and neurotransmitters and their influence on human and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fritz
- School of Health and Social Sciences, AKAD University of Applied Sciences, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah-Maria Soravia
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Manuela Dudeck
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Layal Malli
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
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Bezenah JC, Tejada AN, Garcia DA, Lopez K, Richie JA, Amodeo DA, Amodeo LR. Early prenatal and late prenatal escitalopram exposure differentially impacts behavioral flexibility and anxiety-related behaviors in adulthood. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 224:173534. [PMID: 36889444 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are medications commonly used by pregnant women. While SSRIs have been considered safe during pregnancy, there is limited understanding of the long-term consequences of prenatal SSRI exposure on adult behavioral processes. Recent human studies have demonstrated prenatal exposure to some SSRIs in humans may increase susceptibility to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delays. While escitalopram is one of the most effective antidepressants, it is also one of the newer available SSRIs, resulting in less information on its safety profile during pregnancy. The current study administered escitalopram (0 or 10 mg/kg, s.c.) to nulliparous female Long-Evans rats for the first (G1-10) or last half (G11-20) of the gestational period. Young adult male and female offspring were subsequently tested on a battery of behavioral tasks consisting of probabilistic reversal learning task, open field conflict, marble burying and social approach tasks. Results demonstrate that escitalopram exposure during the first half of pregnancy resulted in reduced anxiety-like behavior (disinhibition) on the modified open field and enhanced flexibility on the probabilistic reversal learning task. Exposure to escitalopram later in pregnancy resulted in an increase in marble burying behavior, but no differences were found with the other measures. These results suggest that exposure to escitalopram during the first half of prenatal development can have long lasting changes on adult behavior demonstrating better behavioral flexibility and lower anxiety-like behavior compared to non-exposed controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Bezenah
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States of America
| | - Alexandra N Tejada
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States of America
| | - Dominic A Garcia
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States of America
| | - Korina Lopez
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States of America
| | - Johnna A Richie
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States of America
| | - Dionisio A Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States of America
| | - Leslie R Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States of America.
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Serotonin transporter availability in physically aggressive personality disordered patients: associations with trait and state aggression, and response to fluoxetine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:361-371. [PMID: 36640190 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06306-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Characterizing the neuroanatomical basis of serotonergic abnormalities in severe, chronic, impulsive aggression will allow for rational treatment selection, development of novel therapeutics, and biomarkers to identify at-risk individuals. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to identify associations between regional serotonin transporter (5-HTT) availability and trait and state aggression, as well as response to the anti-aggressive effects of fluoxetine. METHODS We examined 5-HTT availability using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with [11C]DASB in personality disordered patients with current physical intermittent explosive disorder (IED; n = 18), and healthy comparison participants (HC; n = 11), in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala (AMY), ventral striatum (VST), and midbrain (MID). After PET imaging, IED patients were treated with fluoxetine 20 mg daily (n = 9) or placebo (n = 6) for 12 weeks. Trait and state aggression, trait callousness, and childhood trauma were assessed. RESULTS In IED patients, trait aggression was positively associated with [11C]DASB binding in the ACC and VST; covarying for trait callousness and childhood trauma enhanced these correlations. Baseline state aggression was positively correlated with ACC [11C]DASB in IED patients. Greater baseline VST [11C]DASB binding predicted greater decreases in state aggression with fluoxetine treatment. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with prior reports, ACC 5-HTT is related to trait aggression, and adjusting for factors related to proactive (callousness) and reactive (childhood trauma) aggression subtypes further resolves this relationship. Novel findings of the study include a better understanding of the association between regional 5-HTT availability and state aggression, and the involvement of VST 5-HTT with trait aggression, and with the anti-aggressive effects of fluoxetine.
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Linhares SSG, Meurer YDSR, de Aquino ACQ, Câmara DDA, Brandão LEM, Fiuza FP, Lima RH, Engelberth RCJG, Cavalcante JS. Prenatal exposure to fluoxetine modulates emotionality and aversive memory in male and female rat offspring. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:575-588. [PMID: 36256730 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, women are prone to depression, for which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, are usually the first-line treatment. However, fluoxetine can cross the placental barrier and affect fetuses, causing changes in serotonin levels early in life. Long-term effects in the brain circuits that control cognitive and emotional behavior are related to early fluoxetine exposure during development. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether fluoxetine exposure (10 mg/kg/day) from the 13th gestational day (GD13) to GD21 may lead to behavioral emotional-cognitive changes in male and female rat offspring approximately 90 days postnatally (~PN90). We have analyzed the performance of individuals in the open field and in the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task, which assesses anxiety and learning/memory processing behaviors. We have found that prenatal (GD13-GD21) exposure to fluoxetine strengthened aversive memory and induced higher anxiety levels in males, and quick extinction of aversive memory in females. Taken together, these results suggest that early exposure to fluoxetine impairs the basal state of anxiety and the cognitive functions of rats during adulthood, which may be in a sex-specific manner because males appear more susceptible than females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sophia G Linhares
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Ywlliane da Silva R Meurer
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Antônio Carlos Queiroz de Aquino
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Diego de Aquino Câmara
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Porto Fiuza
- Graduate Program in Neuroengineering, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, Brazil
| | - Ramón Hypolito Lima
- Graduate Program in Neuroengineering, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, Brazil
| | - Rovena Clara J G Engelberth
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Souza Cavalcante
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
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Meurer YDSR, Linhares SSG, Lima ADC, de Aquino ACQ, Brandão LEM, Nôga DA, Campelo CLDC, Lima RH, Cavalcante JDS, Engelberth RCGJ, Ribeiro AM, Silva RH. Postnatal exposure to fluoxetine led to cognitive-emotional alterations and decreased parvalbumin positive neurons in the hippocampus of juvenile Wistar rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:616-632. [PMID: 34196404 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10139] [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: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during development results in behavioural impairment in adulthood in humans and animal models. Indeed, serotonergic overexpression in early life leads to structural and functional changes in brain circuits that control cognition and emotion. However, the effects of developmental exposure to these substances on the behaviour of adolescent rats are conflicting and remain poorly characterised. We performed a behavioural screening to investigate the effects of postnatal exposure to fluoxetine on memory and behaviours related to anxiety, anhedonia, and depression, as well we evaluate the parvalbumin expression in hippocampus of juvenile (~PND45) female and male rats. Fluoxetine (daily 20 mg/kg s.c. injections from PND7-PND21)- or vehicle-treated adolescent rats went through several behavioural tasks (from PND 38 to PND52) and were subject to transcardial perfusion and brain removal for immunohistochemical analysis (PND53). We found that postnatal exposure to fluoxetine increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviours in the open field and sucrose preference and forced swimming tests, respectively. In addition, this treatment induced working memory and short-term (but not long-term) recognition memory impairments, and reduced parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the hippocampus. In addition, the results revealed developmental sex-dependent effects of fluoxetine postnatal treatment on adolescent rats' behaviour. These outcomes indicate that affective disorders and mnemonic alterations caused by SSRIs perinatal exposure can be present at adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ywlliane da Silva Rodrigues Meurer
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Memory and Cognition Studies Laboratory, Post-graduate Program of Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Sara Sophia Guedes Linhares
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Alvaro da Costa Lima
- Memory and Cognition Studies Laboratory, Post-graduate Program of Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Queiroz de Aquino
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ramon Hypólito Lima
- Graduate Program in Neuroengineering, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, Brazil
| | - Jeferson de Souza Cavalcante
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Alessandra Mussi Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Bioprospecting of Natural Products, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Regina Helena Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Amani M, Houwing DJ, Homberg JR, Salari AA. Perinatal fluoxetine dose-dependently affects prenatal stress-induced neurobehavioural abnormalities, HPA-axis functioning and underlying brain alterations in rat dams and their offspring. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 104:27-43. [PMID: 34186199 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Both untreated and SSRI antidepressant treated maternal depression during the perinatal period can pose both short-and long-term health risks to the offspring. Therefore, it is essential to have an effective SSRI treatment consisting of the lowest effective dose beneficial to the mother, without causing adverse effects on offspring development. The effects of prenatal stress on neurobehavioral outcomes were studied in the pregnant and lactating rat dam, and her offspring. Furthermore, stressed dams were treated with different doses of fluoxetine (FLX; 5, 10and 25 mg/kg) during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We found that prenatal stress-induced anxiety-and depressive-like behaviour and increased HPA-axis function in pregnant and postpartum dams, and in offspring. Maternal stress impaired object recognition but did not affect spatial memory in offspring. Prenatal stress decreased whole-brain serotonin and brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor, and increased interleukin-17 and malondialdehyde, but did not affect oxytocin and interleukin-6 in the brains of offspring. Maternal treatment with 5 mg/kg FLX during the perinatal period did not rescue any stress-induced anxiety/depressive-like behaviour in the pregnant and postpartum dam and had only a few rescuing effects in offspring. Maternal FLX treatment with 10 mg/kg did rescue most stress-induced anxiety-and depressive-like behaviour or HPA-axis-function in dams and offspring. The highest dose tested, 25 mg/kg FLX, had the rescuing properties in dams while having the same, or an even greater, detrimental effect as prenatal stress on offspring behaviour and molecular alterations in the brain. Our results show prenatal stress rescuing properties for FLX treatment in the pregnant and postpartum dam, with dose-dependent effects on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Danielle J Houwing
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ali-Akbar Salari
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran.
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Adjimann TS, Argañaraz CV, Soiza-Reilly M. Serotonin-related rodent models of early-life exposure relevant for neurodevelopmental vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:280. [PMID: 33976122 PMCID: PMC8113523 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental disorders including depression and anxiety are continuously rising their prevalence across the globe. Early-life experience of individuals emerges as a main risk factor contributing to the developmental vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. That is, perturbing environmental conditions during neurodevelopmental stages can have detrimental effects on adult mood and emotional responses. However, the possible maladaptive neural mechanisms contributing to such psychopathological phenomenon still remain poorly understood. In this review, we explore preclinical rodent models of developmental vulnerability to psychiatric disorders, focusing on the impact of early-life environmental perturbations on behavioral aspects relevant to stress-related and psychiatric disorders. We limit our analysis to well-established models in which alterations in the serotonin (5-HT) system appear to have a crucial role in the pathophysiological mechanisms. We analyze long-term behavioral outcomes produced by early-life exposures to stress and psychotropic drugs such as the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants or the anticonvulsant valproic acid (VPA). We perform a comparative analysis, identifying differences and commonalities in the behavioral effects produced in these models. Furthermore, this review discusses recent advances on neurodevelopmental substrates engaged in these behavioral effects, emphasizing the possible existence of maladaptive mechanisms that could be shared by the different models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara S. Adjimann
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla V. Argañaraz
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Soiza-Reilly
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Bashiri H, Houwing DJ, Homberg JR, Salari AA. The combination of fluoxetine and environmental enrichment reduces postpartum stress-related behaviors through the oxytocinergic system and HPA axis in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8518. [PMID: 33875712 PMCID: PMC8055994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87800-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational stress can increase postpartum depression in women. To treat maternal depression, fluoxetine (FLX) is most commonly prescribed. While FLX may be effective for the mother, at high doses it may have adverse effects on the fetus. As environmental enrichment (EE) can reduce maternal stress effects, we hypothesized that a subthreshold dose of FLX increases the impact of EE to reduce anxiety and depression-like behavior in postpartum dams exposed to gestational stress. We evaluated this hypothesis in mice and to assess underlying mechanisms we additionally measured hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and brain levels of the hormone oxytocin, which are thought to be implicated in postpartum depression. Gestational stress increased anxiety- and depression-like behavior in postpartum dams. This was accompanied by an increase in HPA axis function and a decrease in whole-brain oxytocin levels in dams. A combination of FLX and EE remediated the behavioral, HPA axis and oxytocin changes induced by gestational stress. Central administration of an oxytocin receptor antagonist prevented the remediating effect of FLX + EE, indicating that brain oxytocin contributes to the effect of FLX + EE. These findings suggest that oxytocin is causally involved in FLX + EE mediated remediation of postpartum stress-related behaviors, and HPA axis function in postpartum dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Bashiri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Danielle J Houwing
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ali-Akbar Salari
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran.
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Adolescent fluoxetine treatment mediates a persistent anxiety-like outcome in female C57BL/6 mice that is ameliorated by fluoxetine re-exposure in adulthood. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7758. [PMID: 33833356 PMCID: PMC8032660 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether juvenile fluoxetine (FLX) exposure induces long-term changes in baseline responses to anxiety-inducing environments, and if so, whether its re-exposure in adulthood would ameliorate this anxiety-like phenotype. An additional goal was to assess the impact of adolescent FLX pretreatment, and its re-exposure in adulthood, on serotonin transporters (5-HTT) and brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor (BDNF)-related signaling markers (TrkB-ERK1/2-CREB-proBDNF-mBDNF) within the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. To do this, female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to FLX in drinking water during postnatal-days (PD) 35–49. After a 21-day washout-period (PD70), mice were either euthanized (tissue collection) or evaluated on anxiety-related tests (open field, light/dark box, elevated plus-maze). Juvenile FLX history resulted in a persistent avoidance-like profile, along with decreases in BDNF-signaling markers, but not 5-HTTs or TrkB receptors, within both brain regions. Interestingly, FLX re-exposure in adulthood reversed the enduring FLX-induced anxiety-related responses across all behavioral tasks, while restoring ERK2-CREB-proBDNF markers to control levels and increasing mBDNF within the prefrontal cortex, but not the hippocampus. Collectively, these results indicate that adolescent FLX history mediates neurobehavioral adaptations that endure into adulthood, which are indicative of a generalized anxiety-like phenotype, and that this persistent effect is ameliorated by later-life FLX re-exposure, in a prefrontal cortex-specific manner.
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Chen MX, Cheng S, Lei L, Zhang XF, Liu Q, Lin A, Wallis CU, Lukowicz MJ, Sham PC, Li Q, Ao LJ. The effects of maternal SSRI exposure on the serotonin system, prefrontal protein expression and behavioral development in male and female offspring rats. Neurochem Int 2021; 146:105041. [PMID: 33836218 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fluoxetine (FLX), a commonly used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is often used to treat depression during pregnancy. However, prenatal exposure to FLX has been associated with a series of neuropsychiatric illnesses. The use of a rodent model can provide a clear indication as to whether prenatal exposure to SSRIs, independent of maternal psychiatric disorders or genetic syndromes, can cause long-term behavioral abnormalities in offspring. Thus, the present study aimed to explore whether prenatal FLX exposure causes long-term neurobehavioral effects, and identify the underlying mechanism between FLX and abnormal behaviors. In our study, 12/mg/kg/day of FLX or equal normal saline (NS) was administered to pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (FLX = 30, NS = 27) on gestation day 11 till birth. We assessed the physical development and behavior of offspring, and in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was conducted to quantify biochemical alterations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Ex vivo measurements of brain serotonin level and a proteomic analysis were also undertaken. Our results showed that the offspring (male offspring in particular) of fluoxetine exposed mothers showed delayed physical development, increased anxiety-like behavior, and impaired social interaction. Moreover, down-regulation of 5-HT and SERT expression were identified in the PFC. We also found that prenatal FLX exposure significantly decreased NAA/tCr with 1H-MRS in the PFC of offspring. Finally, a proteomic study revealed sex-dependent differential protein expression. These findings may have translational importance suggesting that using SSRI medication alone in pregnant mothers may result in developmental delay in their offspring. Our results also help guide the choice of outcome measures in identifying of molecular and developmental mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Xian Chen
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shu Cheng
- Department of Rehabilitation, China Resources & WISCO General Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Tai Ping Road, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao Fan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Aijin Lin
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | | | | | - Pak C Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Centre for Genomic Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| | - Li Juan Ao
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
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Glazova NY, Manchenko DM, Volodina MA, Merchieva SA, Andreeva LA, Kudrin VS, Myasoedov NF, Levitskaya NG. Semax, synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue, attenuates behavioural and neurochemical alterations following early-life fluvoxamine exposure in white rats. Neuropeptides 2021; 86:102114. [PMID: 33418449 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are commonly used to treat depression during pregnancy. SSRIs cross the placenta and may influence the maturation of the foetal brain. Clinical and preclinical findings suggest long-term consequences of SSRI perinatal exposure for the offspring. The mechanisms of SSRI effects on developing brain remain largely unknown and there are no directional approaches for prevention of the consequences of maternal SSRI treatment during pregnancy. The heptapeptide Semax (MEHFPGP) is a synthetic analogue of ACTH(4-10) which exerts marked nootropic and neuroprotective activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effects of neonatal exposure to the SSRI fluvoxamine (FA) in white rats. Additionally, the study examined the potential for Semax to prevent the negative consequences of neonatal FA exposure. Rat pups received FA or vehicle injections on postnatal days 1-14, a time period equivalent to 27-40 weeks of human foetal age. After FA treatment, rats were administered with Semax or vehicle on postnatal days 15-28. During the 2nd month of life, the rats underwent behavioural testing, and monoamine levels in brain structures were measured. It was shown that neonatal FA exposure leads to the impaired emotional response to stress and novelty and delayed acquisition of food-motivated maze task in adolescent and young adult rats. Furthermore, FA exposure induced alterations in the monoamine levels in brains of 1- and 2- month-old rats. Semax administration reduced the anxiety-like behaviour, improved learning abilities and normalized the levels of brain biogenic amines impaired by the FA exposure. The results demonstrate that early-life FA exposure in rat pups produces long-term disturbances in their anxiety-related behaviour, learning abilities, and brain monoamines content. Semax exerts a favourable effect on behaviour and biogenic amine system of rats exposed to the antidepressant. Thus, peptide Semax can prevent behavioural deficits caused by altered 5-HT levels during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Yu Glazova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, RAS, 2 Akademika Kurchatova square, Moscow 123182, Russia.
| | - Daria M Manchenko
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, 1-12 Leninskie gori, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Maria A Volodina
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, 1-12 Leninskie gori, Moscow 119234, Russia; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Bioelectric Interfaces, NRU HSE, 13-4 Myasnitskaya, Moscow 109028, Russia
| | - Svetlana A Merchieva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, 1-12 Leninskie gori, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Ludmila A Andreeva
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, RAS, 2 Akademika Kurchatova square, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Kudrin
- Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology RAMS, 8 Baltiyskaya, Moscow 125315, Russia
| | - Nikolai F Myasoedov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, RAS, 2 Akademika Kurchatova square, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Natalia G Levitskaya
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, 1-12 Leninskie gori, Moscow 119234, Russia; Institute of Molecular Genetics, RAS, 2 Akademika Kurchatova square, Moscow 123182, Russia
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12
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Pourhamzeh M, Moravej FG, Arabi M, Shahriari E, Mehrabi S, Ward R, Ahadi R, Joghataei MT. The Roles of Serotonin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:1671-1692. [PMID: 33651238 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The serotonergic system extends throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the CNS, serotonin (5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine) modulates a broad spectrum of functions, including mood, cognition, anxiety, learning, memory, reward processing, and sleep. These processes are mediated through 5-HT binding to 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs), are classified into seven distinct groups. Deficits in the serotonergic system can result in various pathological conditions, particularly depression, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and autism. In this review, we outlined the complexity of serotonergic modulation of physiologic and pathologic processes. Moreover, we provided experimental and clinical evidence of 5-HT's involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders and discussed the molecular mechanisms that underlie these illnesses and contribute to the new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Pourhamzeh
- Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ghasemi Moravej
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnoosh Arabi
- Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Radiology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Paramedicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Elahe Shahriari
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraya Mehrabi
- Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Richard Ward
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Reza Ahadi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Hutchison SM, Mâsse LC, Pawluski JL, Oberlander TF. Perinatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and other antidepressant exposure effects on anxiety and depressive behaviors in offspring: A review of findings in humans and rodent models. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 99:80-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Sylte OC, Johansen JS, Heinla I, Houwing DJ, Olivier JDA, Heijkoop R, Snoeren EMS. Effects of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on novelty-induced social and non-social investigation behaviors in a seminatural environment. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3653-3667. [PMID: 34557946 PMCID: PMC8629781 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05984-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are increasingly prescribed as medication for various affective disorders during pregnancy. SSRIs cross the placenta and affect serotonergic neurotransmission in the fetus, but the neurobehavioral consequences for the offspring remain largely unclear. Recent rodent research has linked perinatal SSRI exposure to alterations in both social and non-social aspects of behavior. However, this research has mainly focused on behavior within simplified environments. The current study investigates the effects of perinatal SSRI exposure on social and non-social investigation behaviors of adult rat offspring upon introduction to a novel seminatural environment with unknown conspecifics. During the perinatal period (gestational day 1 until postnatal day 21), rat dams received daily treatment with either an SSRI (fluoxetine, 10 mg/kg) or vehicle. Adult male and female offspring were observed within the first hour after introduction to a seminatural environment. The results showed that perinatal fluoxetine exposure altered aspects of non-social investigation behaviors, while not altering social investigation behaviors. More specifically, both fluoxetine-exposed males and females spent more total time on locomotor activity than controls. Furthermore, fluoxetine-exposed females spent less time exploring objects and specific elements in the environment. The data suggest that perinatal exposure to SSRIs leads to a quicker, less detailed investigation strategy in novel environments and that the alteration is mostly pronounced in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Christian Sylte
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jesper Solheim Johansen
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Indrek Heinla
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Danielle J. Houwing
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway ,grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D. A. Olivier
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roy Heijkoop
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eelke M. S. Snoeren
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway ,Regional Health Authority of North Norway, Bodø, Norway
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15
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Houwing DJ, Schuttel K, Struik EL, Arling C, Ramsteijn AS, Heinla I, Olivier JDA. Perinatal fluoxetine treatment and dams' early life stress history alter affective behavior in rat offspring depending on serotonin transporter genotype and sex. Behav Brain Res 2020; 392:112657. [PMID: 32339551 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Many women diagnosed with a major depression continue or initiate antidepressant treatment during pregnancy. Both maternal stress and selective serotonin inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment during pregnancy have been associated with changes in offspring behavior, including increased anxiety and depressive-like behavior. Our aim was to investigate the effects of the SSRI fluoxetine (FLX), with and without the presence of a maternal depression, on affective behavior in male and female rat offspring. As reduced serotonin transporter (SERT) availability has been associated with altered behavioral outcome, both offspring with normal (SERT+/+) and reduced (SERT+/-) SERT expression were included. For our animal model of maternal depression, SERT+/- dams exposed to early life stress were used. Perinatal FLX treatment and early life stress in dams (ELSD) had sex- and genotype-specific effects on affective behavior in the offspring. In female offspring, perinatal FLX exposure interacted with SERT genotype to increase anxiety and depressive-like behavior in SERT+/+, but not SERT+/-, females. In male offspring, ELSD reduced anxiety and interacted with SERT genotype to decrease depressive-like behavior in SERT+/-, but not SERT+/+, males. Altogether, SERT+/+ female offspring appear to be more sensitive than SERT+/- females to the effects of perinatal FLX exposure, while SERT+/- male offspring appear more sensitive than SERT+/+ males to the effects of ELSD on affective behavior. Our data suggest a role for offspring SERT genotype and sex in FLX and ELSD-induced effects on affective behavior, thereby contributing to our understanding of the effects of perinatal SSRI treatment on offspring behavior later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Houwing
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Schuttel
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eline L Struik
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal Arling
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anouschka S Ramsteijn
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - I Heinla
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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16
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Hanswijk SI, Spoelder M, Shan L, Verheij MMM, Muilwijk OG, Li W, Liu C, Kolk SM, Homberg JR. Gestational Factors throughout Fetal Neurodevelopment: The Serotonin Link. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5850. [PMID: 32824000 PMCID: PMC7461571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is a critical player in brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders. Fetal 5-HT levels can be influenced by several gestational factors, such as maternal genotype, diet, stress, medication, and immune activation. In this review, addressing both human and animal studies, we discuss how these gestational factors affect placental and fetal brain 5-HT levels, leading to changes in brain structure and function and behavior. We conclude that gestational factors are able to interact and thereby amplify or counteract each other's impact on the fetal 5-HT-ergic system. We, therefore, argue that beyond the understanding of how single gestational factors affect 5-HT-ergic brain development and behavior in offspring, it is critical to elucidate the consequences of interacting factors. Moreover, we describe how each gestational factor is able to alter the 5-HT-ergic influence on the thalamocortical- and prefrontal-limbic circuitry and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical-axis. These alterations have been associated with risks to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and/or anxiety. Consequently, the manipulation of gestational factors may be used to combat pregnancy-related risks for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina I. Hanswijk
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Marcia Spoelder
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Ling Shan
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Michel M. M. Verheij
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Otto G. Muilwijk
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Weizhuo Li
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (W.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Chunqing Liu
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (W.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Sharon M. Kolk
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
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17
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Perinatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposure and behavioral outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analyses of animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 114:53-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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18
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Perinatal fluoxetine treatment and dams' early life stress history have opposite effects on aggressive behavior while having little impact on sexual behavior of male rat offspring. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2589-2600. [PMID: 32676774 PMCID: PMC7501125 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05535-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Many depressed women continue antidepressant treatment during pregnancy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment during pregnancy increases the risk for abnormal social development of the child, including increased aggressive or defiant behavior, with unknown effects on sexual behavior. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to investigate the effects of perinatal SSRI treatment and maternal depression, both separately and combined, on aggressive and sexual behavior in male rat offspring. METHODS Heterozygous serotonin transporter (SERT± ) knockout dams exposed to early life stress (ELSD) were used as an animal model of maternal depression. Early life stress consisted of separating litters from their mother for 6 h a day on postnatal day (PND)2-15, resulting in a depressive-like phenotype in adulthood. Depressive-like dams were treated with fluoxetine (FLX, 10 mg/kg) or vehicle throughout pregnancy and lactation (gestational day 1 until PND 21). Male offspring were tested for aggressive and sexual behavior in adulthood. As lifelong reductions in SERT expression are known to alter behavioral outcome, offspring with normal (SERT+/+) and reduced (SERT± ) SERT expression were assessed. RESULTS Perinatal FLX treatment reduced offensive behavior and the number of animals attacking and increased the latency to attack, especially in SERT+/+ offspring. Perinatal FLX treatment reduced the mounting frequency in SERT+/+ offspring. ELSD increased offensive behavior, without affecting sexual behavior in SERT± offspring. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our research demonstrates that perinatal FLX treatment and ELSD have opposite effects on aggressive behavior, with little impact on sexual behavior of male offspring.
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Grieb ZA, Ragan CM. The effects of perinatal SSRI exposure on anxious behavior and neurobiology in rodent and human offspring. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1169-1184. [PMID: 31427116 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.07.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
While the postpartum period is typically associated with increased positive affect, many women will develop a depressive- or anxiety-related disorder during this time, which can degrade the mother-infant bond and lead to detrimental consequences for the infant. Given the potential for negative consequences, effective treatments have been critical, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) being the most commonly-prescribed pharmaceutical agents to treat postpartum depression and anxiety. However, SSRIs can readily cross the placenta and are present in breast milk, so they might, therefore, unintentionally interact with the developing fetus/infant. There is already experimental evidence that perinatal SSRI exposure has a number of long-term effects on offspring, but this review focuses on the current literature examining the timing and consequences of perinatal SSRI exposure specifically on anxiety-like behaviors in rodents and humans, with an emphasis on the anxiety-related brain regions of the amygdala and hippocampus. This review also discusses discrepancies between the rodent and human literatures and how they might inform future studies. Finally, some key factors to consider when examining the role of perinatal SSRIs on offspring anxiety will be discussed, such as the duration of SSRI exposure and the potential neuroprotective effects of SSRIs. Given the extensive prescribing of SSRIs, the potential health consequences of perinatal SSRI exposure, and the discrepancies in the literature, it will be necessary to critically examine the factors underlying offspring anxiety outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z A Grieb
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States.
| | - C M Ragan
- Department of Psychology, Library Student Faculty Building, Room 63, Purdue University Northwest, Westville, IN 46391, United States
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20
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Houwing DJ, Heijkoop R, Olivier JDA, Snoeren EMS. Perinatal fluoxetine exposure changes social and stress-coping behavior in adult rats housed in a seminatural environment. Neuropharmacology 2019; 151:84-97. [PMID: 30959021 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) during pregnancy has increased tremendously, but the consequences for the offspring remain largely unclear. Several studies have described potential effects of perinatal SSRI-exposure on neurobehavioral outcomes using simplified rodent test set-ups, however these set-ups only assess a small fraction of the behavior. For translational purposes it is important to take the environmental influences into account which children are exposed to in real life. By using a seminatural environmental set-up, this study is the first to assess behavioral outcomes in offspring exposed to perinatal SSRI exposure under seminatural circumstances. Mothers received daily the SSRI fluoxetine (FLX, 10 mg/kg p.o.) or vehicle (CTR) from gestational day 1 until postnatal day 21. To assess the effect of FLX exposure during early development, female and male offspring were behaviorally tested in the seminatural environment at adulthood. Baseline behavior was measured in addition to responses during and after stressful white-noise events. Behavior was observed on two days, day 4 on which females were sexually non-receptive, and day 7, on which females were sexual receptive. Perinatal FLX exposure reduced general activity in females and increased behavior related to a social context in both males and females. After a stressful white-noise event some behaviors switched. Whereas FLX-females switch from resting socially to resting more solitarily, FLX-males show an increase in self-grooming behavior after the stressor and showed more freezing behavior in the open area. We conclude that perinatal FLX exposure leads to alterations in social and stress-coping behaviors in adulthood, when observed in a seminatural environment. Whether these adaptations in behavior are advantageous or disadvantageous remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Houwing
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roy Heijkoop
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eelke M S Snoeren
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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21
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Houwing DJ, Staal L, Swart JM, Ramsteijn AS, Wöhr M, de Boer SF, Olivier JDA. Subjecting Dams to Early Life Stress and Perinatal Fluoxetine Treatment Differentially Alters Social Behavior in Young and Adult Rat Offspring. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:229. [PMID: 30914920 PMCID: PMC6423179 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the putative association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure during pregnancy and the development of social disorders in children has gained increased attention. However, clinical studies struggle with the confounding effects of maternal depression typically co-occurring with antidepressant treatment. Furthermore, preclinical studies using an animal model of maternal depression to study effects of perinatal SSRI exposure on offspring social behavior are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate effects of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on juvenile and adult social behavior in male and female rat offspring, using an animal model of maternal vulnerability. We exposed heterozygous serotonin transporter (SERT) deficient female rats to early life maternal separation stress, and used this as a model for maternal vulnerability. Control and early life stressed heterozygous serotonin transporter knockout (SERT) dams were treated with the SSRI fluoxetine or vehicle throughout gestation and lactation. Subsequently, both male and female wildtype (SERT+/+) and heterozygous (SERT+/-) rat offspring were tested for pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), juvenile social play behavior and adult social interaction. Fluoxetine treatment of the dams resulted in a reduced total USV duration in pups at postnatal day 6, especially in SERT+/+ males. Perinatal fluoxetine exposure lowered social play behavior in male offspring from both control and early life stressed dams. However, in females a fluoxetine-induced reduction in juvenile play behavior was only present in offspring from control dams. Offspring genotype did not affect juvenile play behavior. Despite fluoxetine-induced behavioral effects at juvenile age, fluoxetine reduced male adult social behavior in offspring from control dams only. Effects of fluoxetine on female adult social behavior were virtually absent. Interestingly, early life stress in dams increased adult social exploration in vehicle exposed SERT+/+ female offspring and total social behavior in fluoxetine exposed adult SERT+/- male offspring. Furthermore, SERT+/- males appeared less social during adulthood compared to SERT+/+ males. Overall, the present study shows that chronic blockade of the serotonin transporter by fluoxetine during early development has a considerable impact on pup USVs, juvenile social play behavior in both male and female offspring, and to a lesser extent on male social interaction in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J. Houwing
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Laura Staal
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Judith M. Swart
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anouschka S. Ramsteijn
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Experimental and Biological Psychology Department, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sietse F. de Boer
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D. A. Olivier
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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22
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Gemmel M, De Lacalle S, Mort SC, Hill LA, Charlier TD, Pawluski JL. Perinatal fluoxetine has enduring sexually differentiated effects on neurobehavioral outcomes related to social behaviors. Neuropharmacology 2018; 144:70-81. [PMID: 30326241 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) are prescribed to up to 10% of pregnant women to treat maternal mood disorders. Exposure to these medications in-utero has raised concerns about altered neurobehavioral outcomes; most recently those related to peer-to-peer social interactions and play. While clinical data show that both perinatal SSRIs (pSSRI) and maternal stress can contribute to social behavioral changes in children, minimal animal work has investigated the effects of pSSRIs in relevant models of maternal stress or the long-term implications of these effects. Therefore the aim of this work was to investigate the long-term effects of pSSRI exposure to fluoxetine on social behaviors, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal system (HPA) and hippocampal plasticity in adult male and female rat offspring using a model of pre-gestational maternal stress. Adult Sprague-Dawley female and male rat offspring from the following four groups were utilized: 1. Control + Vehicle, 2. Control + Fluoxetine, 3. Pre-gestational Stress + Vehicle, 4. Pre-gestational Stress + Fluoxetine (n = 8-16/female/age groups, n = 8-14/male/age groups). Main findings show pSSRIs increased social investigation in adult females and increased social play (pouncing, nape attacks) in adult males. Perinatal SSRIs also had sexually differentiated effects on hippocampal neurogenesis and GR density. Pre-gestational stress had enduring effects by decreasing social investigation and hippocampal neurogenesis in adult males. Thus pSSRIs, as well as pre-gestational maternal stress, have significant long-term effects on social neurobehavioral outcomes which differ in males and females. This suggests that it would be valuable to consider fetal-sex specific treatments for maternal mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Gemmel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | | | - Sophia C Mort
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Lesley A Hill
- Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Thierry D Charlier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Jodi L Pawluski
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France.
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23
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Walker SE, Papilloud A, Huzard D, Sandi C. The link between aberrant hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity during development and the emergence of aggression—Animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:138-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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24
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Gemmel M, Bögi E, Ragan C, Hazlett M, Dubovicky M, van den Hove DL, Oberlander TF, Charlier TD, Pawluski JL. Perinatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication (SSRI) effects on social behaviors, neurodevelopment and the epigenome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:102-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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25
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Kiryanova V, Smith VM, Antle MC, Dyck RH. Behavior of Adult 5-HT1A Receptor Knockout Mice Exposed to Stress During Prenatal Development. Neuroscience 2018; 371:16-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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26
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Prenatal fluoxetine modifies the behavioral and hormonal responses to stress in male mice: role for glucocorticoid insensitivity. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:345-355. [PMID: 28418941 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Women with major depressive disorder during pregnancy often use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants. These drugs readily cross the placental barrier and impact the developing fetal brain. Recently, we reported that prenatal fluoxetine (FLX), an SSRI antidepressant drug, altered corticosterone and behavioral responses to stress in female mouse offspring. The present study assessed the effects of prenatal FLX on these responses in males. The results showed that prenatal FLX significantly augmented the corticosterone response to acute stress in young prepubescent mice. The corticosterone response to continuous stress was not affected by prenatal FLX irrespective of age. In addition, continuous stress reduced general activity, and anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in adult animals prenatally exposed to FLX, but not in controls. The dexamethasone suppression test showed that prenatal FLX induced a state of glucocorticoid insensitivity in adult males, indicating that the negative feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to stress was disrupted. Together, these findings indicate that prenatal FLX altered hormonal and behavioral responses to stress and suggest a role for the development of glucocorticoid insensitivity in these effects. These findings may aid understanding of the limitations and precautions that should be taken in the use of SSRIs by pregnant women.
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27
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McDonald MD. An AOP analysis of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for fish. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 197:19-31. [PMID: 28288906 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are found in measureable quantities within the aquatic environment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are one class of pharmaceutical compound that has received a lot of attention. Consistent with most PPCPs, the pharmacokinetics and physiological impacts of SSRI treatment have been well-studied in small mammals and humans and this, combined with the evolutionary conservation of the serotonergic system across vertebrates, allows for the read-across of known SSRI effects in mammals to potential SSRI impacts on aquatic organisms. Using an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework, this review examines the similarities and differences between the mammalian and teleost fish SSRI target, the serotonin transporter (SERT; SLC6A4), and the downstream impacts of elevated extracellular serotonin (5-HT; 5-hydroxytryptamine), the consequence of SERT inhibition, on organ systems and physiological processes within teleost fish. This review also intends to reveal potentially understudied endpoints for SSRI toxicity based on what is known to be controlled by 5-HT in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Danielle McDonald
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
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28
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Zucker I. Risk mitigation for children exposed to drugs during gestation: A critical role for animal preclinical behavioral testing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 77:107-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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29
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Behavioural outcomes of adult female offspring following maternal stress and perinatal fluoxetine exposure. Behav Brain Res 2017; 331:84-91. [PMID: 28511978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Depression, anxiety, and stress are common in pregnant women. One of the primary pharmacological treatments for anxiety and depression is the antidepressant fluoxetine (Flx). Maternal stress, depression, and Flx exposure are known to effect neurodevelopment of the offspring, however, their combined effects have been scarcely studied, especially in female offspring. The present study investigated the combined effects of maternal stress during pregnancy and perinatal exposure to Flx on the behaviour of female mice as adults. METHODS Mouse dams were exposed to either chronic unpredictable stress (embryonic (E) day 7 to E18), or FLX (E15- postnatal day 12), or a combination of stress and FLX or left untreated. At two months of age, the female offspring went through a comprehensive behavioural test battery. RESULTS Maternal stress led to increased activity and alterations of prepulse inhibition in the adult female offspring. Maternal treatment with Flx had a potentially beneficial effect on spatial memory. The combination of prenatal stress and perinatal Flx exposure did not interact in their effects. These results suggest that gestational Flx exposure may have a limited negative impact on female offspring.
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Kiryanova V, Smith VM, Dyck RH, Antle MC. Circadian behavior of adult mice exposed to stress and fluoxetine during development. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:793-804. [PMID: 28028599 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4515-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women of child-bearing age are the population at greatest risk for depression. The stress experienced during pregnancy and the associated antidepressant treatments can both affect fetal development. Fluoxetine (FLX) is among the most common antidepressants used by pregnant women. We have previously demonstrated that perinatal exposure to FLX can alter expression of circadian rhythms in adulthood. Here, we examine the combined effects of maternal stress during pregnancy and perinatal exposure to the antidepressant FLX on the circadian behavior of mice as adults. METHODS Mouse dams were exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (embryonic (E) day 7 to E18), FLX (E15 to postnatal day 12), a combination of both stress and FLX, or were left untreated. At 2 months of age, male offspring were placed in recording chambers and circadian organization of wheel running rhythms and phase shifts to photic and non-photic stimuli were assessed. RESULTS Mice exposed to prenatal stress (PS) had smaller light-induced phase delays. Mice exposed to perinatal FLX required more days to re-entrainment to an 8-h phase advance of their light-dark cycle. Mice subjected to either perinatal FLX or to PS had larger light-induced phase advances and smaller phase advances to 8-OH-DPAT. FLX treatment partially reversed the effect of PS on phase shifts to late-night light exposure and to 8-OH-DPAT. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that, in mice, perinatal exposure to either FLX, or PS, or their combination, leads to discernible, persistent changes in their circadian systems as adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Kiryanova
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Victoria M Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Richard H Dyck
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael C Antle
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada. .,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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31
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Salari AA, Fatehi-Gharehlar L, Motayagheni N, Homberg JR. Fluoxetine normalizes the effects of prenatal maternal stress on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mouse dams and male offspring. Behav Brain Res 2016; 311:354-367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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32
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Avitsur R, Grinshpahet R, Goren N, Weinstein I, Kirshenboim O, Chlebowski N. Prenatal SSRI alters the hormonal and behavioral responses to stress in female mice: Possible role for glucocorticoid resistance. Horm Behav 2016; 84:41-9. [PMID: 27283378 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Life time prevalence of major depression disorder (MDD) is higher in women compared to men especially during the period surrounding childbirth. Women suffering from MDD during pregnancy use antidepressant medications, particularly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). These drugs readily cross the placental barrier and impact the developing fetal brain. The present study assessed the effects of prenatal exposure to fluoxetine (FLX), an SSRI antidepressant drug, on corticosterone and behavioral responses to stress in female mice. In young females, prenatal FLX significantly elevated corticosterone response to continuous stress. In adults, prenatal FLX augmented corticosterone response to acute stress and suppressed the response to continuous stress. Additionally, prenatal FLX significantly augmented stress-induced increase in locomotion and reduced anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in adult, but not young mice. The dexamethasone suppression test revealed that prenatal FLX induced a state of glucocorticoid resistance in adult females, indicating that the negative feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to stress was disrupted. These findings provide the first indication of altered hormonal and behavioral responses to continuous stress and suggest a role for the development of glucocorticoid resistance in these effects. According to these findings, prenatal environment may have implications for stress sensitivity and responsiveness to life challenges. Furthermore, this study may assist in understanding the limitations and precautions that should be taken in the use of SSRIs during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Avitsur
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Rachel Grinshpahet
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naama Goren
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ido Weinstein
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Or Kirshenboim
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noa Chlebowski
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
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33
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Early onset of behavioral alterations in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8). Behav Brain Res 2016; 308:187-95. [PMID: 27093926 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) is inbred lines of mice originally developed from AKR/J mice. Among the six SAM prone (SAMP) substrains, 8- to 12-month-old SAMP8 have long been used as a model of age-related cognitive impairments. However, little is still known for younger SAMP8 mice. Here, we examined the phenotypical characteristics of 4-month-old SAMP8 using a battery of behavioral tests. Four-month-old SAMP8 mice failed to recognize spatially displaced object in an object recognition task and performed poorly in the probe test of the Morris water maze task compared to SAMR1, suggesting that SAMP8 have impaired spatial memory. In addition, young SAMP8 exhibited enhanced anxiety-like behavior in an open field test and showed depression-like behavior in the forced-swim test. Their circadian rhythm was also disrupted. These abnormal behaviors of young SAMP8 are similar to behavioral alterations also observed in aged mice. In summary, age-related behavioral alterations occur in SAMP8 as young as 4 months old.
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34
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Kiryanova V, Meunier SJ, Vecchiarelli HA, Hill MN, Dyck RH. Effects of maternal stress and perinatal fluoxetine exposure on behavioral outcomes of adult male offspring. Neuroscience 2016; 320:281-96. [PMID: 26872999 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Women of child-bearing age are the population group at highest risk for depression. In pregnant women, fluoxetine (Flx) is the most widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of depression. While maternal stress, depression, and Flx exposure have been shown to effect neurodevelopment of the offspring, separately, combined effects of maternal stress and Flx exposure have not been extensively examined. The present study investigated the effects of prenatal maternal stress and perinatal exposure to the SSRI Flx on the behavior of male mice as adults. METHODS C57BL/6 dams exposed to chronic unpredictable stress from embryonic (E) day 4 to E18 and non-stressed dams were administered Flx (25 mg/kg/d) in the drinking water from E15 to postnatal day 12. A separate control group consisted of animals that were not exposed to stress or Flx. At 12 days of age, brain levels of serotonin were assessed in the male offspring. At two months of age, the male offspring of mothers exposed to prenatal stress (PS), perinatal Flx, PS and Flx, or neither PS or Flx, went through a comprehensive behavioral test battery. At the end of testing brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels were assessed in the frontal cortex of the offspring. RESULTS Maternal behavior was not altered by either stress or Flx treatment. Treatment of the mother with Flx led to detectible Flx and NorFlx levels and lead to a decrease in serotonin levels in pup brains. In the adult male offspring, while perinatal exposure to Flx increased aggressive behavior, prenatal maternal stress decreased aggressive behavior. Interestingly, the combined effects of stress and Flx normalized aggressive behavior. Furthermore, perinatal Flx treatment led to a decrease in anxiety-like behavior in male offspring. PS led to hyperactivity and a decrease in BDNF levels in the frontal cortex regardless of Flx exposure. Neither maternal stress or Flx altered offspring performance in tests of cognitive abilities, memory, sensorimotor information processing, or risk assessment behaviors. These results demonstrate that maternal exposure to stress and Flx have a number of sustained effects on the male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kiryanova
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - S J Meunier
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - H A Vecchiarelli
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M N Hill
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - R H Dyck
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Gobinath AR, Workman JL, Chow C, Lieblich SE, Galea LA. Maternal postpartum corticosterone and fluoxetine differentially affect adult male and female offspring on anxiety-like behavior, stress reactivity, and hippocampal neurogenesis. Neuropharmacology 2016; 101:165-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Svirsky N, Levy S, Avitsur R. Prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) increases aggression and modulates maternal behavior in offspring mice. Dev Psychobiol 2015; 58:71-82. [PMID: 26336834 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs in pregnant women. SSRIs cross the placental barrier and affect serotonergic neurotransmission in the fetus. Although no gross SSRI-related teratogenic effects were reported, infants born following prenatal exposure to SSRIs are at higher risk for various developmental abnormalities. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of prenatal SSRI on social and maternal behavior in mice. To this end, pregnant female dams were exposed to saline or fluoxetine (FLX) throughout pregnancy, and the behavior of the offspring was examined. The results indicate that in utero FLX increased aggression in adult males and delayed emergence of maternal behavior in adult females. Social exploration and recognition memory were not affected by prenatal FLX exposure. These findings support the notion that alterations in the development of serotonergic pathways following prenatal exposure to SSRIs are associated with changes in social and maternal behavior throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natali Svirsky
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, 68114, Israel
| | - Sigal Levy
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, 68114, Israel
| | - Ronit Avitsur
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, 68114, Israel.
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37
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Abstract
Aggression and violence represent a significant public health concern and a clinical challenge for the mental healthcare provider. A great deal has been revealed regarding the neurobiology of violence and aggression, and an integration of this body of knowledge will ultimately serve to advance clinical diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. We will review here the latest findings regarding the neurobiology of aggression and violence. First, we will introduce the construct of aggression, with a focus on issues related to its heterogeneity, as well as the importance of refining the aggression phenotype in order to reduce pathophysiologic variability. Next we will examine the neuroanatomy of aggression and violence, focusing on regional volumes, functional studies, and interregional connectivity. Significant emphasis will be on the amygdala, as well as amygdala-frontal circuitry. Then we will turn our attention to the neurochemistry and molecular genetics of aggression and violence, examining the extensive findings on the serotonergic system, as well as the growing literature on the dopaminergic and vasopressinergic systems. We will also address the contribution of steroid hormones, namely, cortisol and testosterone. Finally, we will summarize these findings with a focus on reconciling inconsistencies and potential clinical implications; and, then we will suggest areas of focus for future directions in the field.
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38
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Benner S, Endo T, Kakeyama M, Tohyama C. Environmental insults in early life and submissiveness later in life in mouse models. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:91. [PMID: 25873851 PMCID: PMC4379894 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dominant and subordinate dispositions are not only determined genetically but also nurtured by environmental stimuli during neuroendocrine development. However, the relationship between early life environment and dominance behavior remains elusive. Using the IntelliCage-based competition task for group-housed mice, we have previously described two cases in which environmental insults during the developmental period altered the outcome of dominance behavior later in life. First, mice that were repeatedly isolated from their mother and their littermates (early deprivation; ED), and second, mice perinatally exposed to an environmental pollutant, dioxin, both exhibited subordinate phenotypes, defined by decreased occupancy of limited resource sites under highly competitive circumstances. Similar alterations found in the cortex and limbic area of these two models are suggestive of the presence of neural systems shared across generalized dominance behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seico Benner
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Endo
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan ; Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Kakeyama
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan ; Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Nagasaki University Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Chiharu Tohyama
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
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Banlaki Z, Elek Z, Nanasi T, Szekely A, Nemoda Z, Sasvari-Szekely M, Ronai Z. Polymorphism in the serotonin receptor 2a (HTR2A) gene as possible predisposal factor for aggressive traits. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117792. [PMID: 25658328 PMCID: PMC4319849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive manifestations and their consequences are a major issue of mankind, highlighting the need for understanding the contributory factors. Still, aggression-related genetic analyses have so far mainly been conducted on small population subsets such as individuals suffering from a certain psychiatric disorder or a narrow-range age cohort, but no data on the general population is yet available. In the present study, our aim was to identify polymorphisms in genes affecting neurobiological processes that might explain some of the inter-individual variation between aggression levels in the non-clinical Caucasian adult population. 55 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were simultaneously determined in 887 subjects who also filled out the self-report Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Single marker association analyses between genotypes and aggression scores indicated a significant role of rs7322347 located in the HTR2A gene encoding serotonin receptor 2a following Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (p = 0.0007) both for males and females. Taking the four BPAQ subscales individually, scores for Hostility, Anger and Physical Aggression showed significant association with rs7322347 T allele in themselves, while no association was found with Verbal Aggression. Of the subscales, relationship with rs7322347 was strongest in the case of Hostility, where statistical significance virtually equaled that observed with the whole BPAQ. In conclusion, this is the first study to our knowledge analyzing SNPs in a wide variety of genes in terms of aggression in a large sample-size non-clinical adult population, also describing a novel candidate polymorphism as predisposal to aggressive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Banlaki
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Elek
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Nanasi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Szekely
- Institute of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsofia Nemoda
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Sasvari-Szekely
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Ronai
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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