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Laule C, Sayar-Atasoy N, Aklan I, Kim H, Ates T, Davis D, Atasoy D. Stress integration by an ascending adrenergic-melanocortin circuit. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1361-1372. [PMID: 38326456 PMCID: PMC11251172 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01810-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Stress is thought to be an important contributing factor for eating disorders; however, neural substrates underlying the complex relationship between stress and appetite are not fully understood. Using in vivo recordings from awake behaving mice, we show that various acute stressors activate catecholaminergic nucleus tractus solitarius (NTSTH) projections in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH). Remarkably, the resulting adrenergic tone inhibits MC4R-expressing neurons (PVHMC4R), which are known for their role in feeding suppression. We found that PVHMC4R silencing encodes negative valence in sated mice and is required for avoidance induced by visceral malaise. Collectively, these findings establish PVHMC4R neurons as an effector of stress-activated brainstem adrenergic input in addition to the well-established hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Convergent modulation of stress and feeding by PVHMC4R neurons implicates NTSTH → PVHMC4R input in stress-associated appetite disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Laule
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nilufer Sayar-Atasoy
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Iltan Aklan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hyojin Kim
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Tayfun Ates
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Debbie Davis
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Deniz Atasoy
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Yount ST, Wang S, Allen AT, Shapiro LP, Butkovich LM, Gourley SL. A molecularly defined orbitofrontal cortical neuron population controls compulsive-like behavior, but not inflexible choice or habit. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 238:102632. [PMID: 38821345 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Habits are familiar behaviors triggered by cues, not outcome predictability, and are insensitive to changes in the environment. They are adaptive under many circumstances but can be considered antecedent to compulsions and intrusive thoughts that drive persistent, potentially maladaptive behavior. Whether compulsive-like and habit-like behaviors share neural substrates is still being determined. Here, we investigated mice bred to display inflexible reward-seeking behaviors that are insensitive to action consequences. We found that these mice demonstrate habitual response biases and compulsive-like grooming behavior that was reversible by fluoxetine and ketamine. They also suffer dendritic spine attrition on excitatory neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Nevertheless, synaptic melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), a factor implicated in compulsive behavior, is preserved, leading to the hypothesis that Mc4r+ OFC neurons may drive aberrant behaviors. Repeated chemogenetic stimulation of Mc4r+ OFC neurons triggered compulsive and not inflexible or habitual response biases in otherwise typical mice. Thus, Mc4r+ neurons within the OFC appear to drive compulsive-like behavior that is dissociable from habitual behavior. Understanding which neuron populations trigger distinct behaviors may advance efforts to mitigate harmful compulsions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie T Yount
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, USA; Emory National Primate Research Center, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Silu Wang
- Emory National Primate Research Center, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aylet T Allen
- Emory National Primate Research Center, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Lauren P Shapiro
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, USA; Emory National Primate Research Center, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Laura M Butkovich
- Emory National Primate Research Center, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, USA; Emory National Primate Research Center, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Ataka K, Asakawa A, Iwai H, Kato I. Musclin prevents depression-like behavior in male mice by activating urocortin 2 signaling in the hypothalamus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1288282. [PMID: 38116320 PMCID: PMC10728487 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1288282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Physical activity is recommended as an alternative treatment for depression. Myokines, which are secreted from skeletal muscles during physical activity, play an important role in the skeletal muscle-brain axis. Musclin, a newly discovered myokine, exerts physical endurance, however, the effects of musclin on emotional behaviors, such as depression, have not been evaluated. This study aimed to access the anti-depressive effect of musclin and clarify the connection between depression-like behavior and hypothalamic neuropeptides in mice. Methods We measured the immobility time in the forced swim (FS) test, the time spent in open arm in the elevated-plus maze (EPM) test, the mRNA levels of hypothalamic neuropeptides, and enumerated the c-Fos-positive cells in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), arcuate nucleus (ARC), and nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in mice with the intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of musclin. Next, we evaluated the effects of a selective corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) type 1 receptor antagonist, selective CRF type 2 receptor antagonist, melanocortin receptor (MCR) agonist, and selective melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) agonist on changes in behaviors induced by musclin. Finally we evaluated the antidepressant effect of musclin using mice exposed to repeated water immersion (WI) stress. Results We found that the i.p. and i.c.v. administration of musclin decreased the immobility time and relative time in the open arms (open %) in mice and increased urocortin 2 (Ucn 2) levels but decreased proopiomelanocortin levels in the hypothalamus. The numbers of c-Fos-positive cells were increased in the PVN and NTS but decreased in the ARC of mice with i.p. administration of musclin. The c-Fos-positive cells in the PVN were also found to be Ucn 2-positive. The antidepressant and anxiogenic effects of musclin were blocked by central administration of a CRF type 2 receptor antagonist and a melanocortin 4 receptor agonist, respectively. Peripheral administration of musclin also prevented depression-like behavior and the decrease in levels of hypothalamic Ucn 2 induced by repeated WI stress. Discussion These data identify the antidepressant effects of musclin through the activation of central Ucn 2 signaling and suggest that musclin and Ucn 2 can be new therapeutic targets and endogenous peptides mediating the muscle-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Ataka
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akihiro Asakawa
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Haruki Iwai
- Department of Oral Anatomy and Cell Biology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Ikuo Kato
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan
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Cho D, O'Berry K, Possa-Paranhos IC, Butts J, Palanikumar N, Sweeney P. Paraventricular Thalamic MC3R Circuits Link Energy Homeostasis with Anxiety-Related Behavior. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6280-6296. [PMID: 37591737 PMCID: PMC10490510 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0704-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic melanocortin system is critically involved in sensing stored energy and communicating this information throughout the brain, including to brain regions controlling motivation and emotion. This system consists of first-order agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and downstream neurons containing the melanocortin-3 (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). Although extensive work has characterized the function of downstream MC4R neurons, the identity and function of MC3R-containing neurons are poorly understood. Here, we used neuroanatomical and circuit manipulation approaches in mice to identify a novel pathway linking hypothalamic melanocortin neurons to melanocortin-3 receptor neurons located in the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) in male and female mice. MC3R neurons in PVT are innervated by hypothalamic AgRP and POMC neurons and are activated by anorexigenic and aversive stimuli. Consistently, chemogenetic activation of PVT MC3R neurons increases anxiety-related behavior and reduces feeding in hungry mice, whereas inhibition of PVT MC3R neurons reduces anxiety-related behavior. These studies position PVT MC3R neurons as important cellular substrates linking energy status with neural circuitry regulating anxiety-related behavior and represent a promising potential target for diseases at the intersection of metabolism and anxiety-related behavior such as anorexia nervosa.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Animals must constantly adapt their behavior to changing internal and external challenges, and impairments in appropriately responding to these challenges are a hallmark of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we demonstrate that paraventricular thalamic neurons containing the melanocortin-3 receptor respond to energy-state-related information and external challenges to regulate anxiety-related behavior in mice. Thus, these neurons represent a potential target for understanding the neurobiology of disorders at the intersection of metabolism and psychiatry such as anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dajin Cho
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Kyle O'Berry
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Ingrid Camila Possa-Paranhos
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Jared Butts
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Naraen Palanikumar
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Patrick Sweeney
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
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Wekwejt P, Wojda U, Kiryk A. Melanotan-II reverses memory impairment induced by a short-term HF diet. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115129. [PMID: 37478579 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A high-fat (HF) diet has been shown to increase the risk of neurological impairments and neurodegenerative disorders. The melanotropins used in this study have been associated with diet-related disorders; however, there is an absence of studies on their effect on diet-induced neurobehavioral conditions. Here, we investigated the possible relationship among diet, Melanotan-II (MT-II) targeting melanotropin receptors, and the behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Surprisingly, even a short-term HF diet lasting for ∼ 1 % of the zebrafish's life had a strong developmental effect. Zebrafish fed the HF diet showed an impairment in recognition memory, elevated anxiety levels, and reduced exploratory propensity after just three weeks compared to zebrafish fed the control diet. These HF diet-induced abnormalities were reversed by MT-II. Animals fed a HF diet and treated with MT-II demonstrated recognition memory, anxiety, and exploratory behavior similar to the control group. This study provides evidence that even a short-term HF diet has an impact on memory and emotions and is the first study to show that MT-II reverses these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patryk Wekwejt
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Wojda
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Kiryk
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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Zhou SF, Li SJ, Zhao TS, Liu Y, Li CQ, Cui YH, Li F. Female rats prefer to forage food from males, an effect that is not influenced by stress. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114597. [PMID: 37487838 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
As social beings, animals and humans alike make real life decisions that are often influenced by other members. Most current research has focused on the influence of same-sex peers on individual decision-making, with potential opposite sex effect scarcely explored. Here, we developed a behavioral model to observe food foraging decision-making in female rats under various social situations. We found that female rats preferred to forage food from male over female rats or from the no-rat storage side. Female rats were more likely to forage food from familiar males than from unfamiliar. This opposite-sex preference was not altered by the lure of sweet food, or with estrous cycle, nor under stress conditions. These results suggest that the opposite sex influences food foraging decision-making in female rats. The behavioral model established could facilitate future investigation into the underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Fen Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Song-Ji Li
- The International-Joint Lab for Non-invasive Neural Modulation/Key Laboratory for the Brain Research of Henan Province, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Tian-Shu Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chang-Qi Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yan-Hui Cui
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
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Deng Q, Zhang SQ, Yang PF, Dong WT, Wang F, Long LH, Chen JG. α-MSH-catabolic enzyme prolylcarboxypeptidase in nucleus accumbens shell ameliorates stress susceptibility in mice through regulating synaptic plasticity. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1576-1588. [PMID: 37012493 PMCID: PMC10374542 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence demonstrates the vital role of synaptic transmission and structural remodeling in major depressive disorder. Activation of melanocortin receptors facilitates stress-induced emotional behavior. Prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) is a serine protease, which splits the C-terminal amino acid of α-MSH and inactivates it. In this study, we asked whether PRCP, the endogenous enzyme of melanocortin system, might play a role in stress susceptibility via regulating synaptic adaptations. Mice were subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) or subthreshold social defeat stress (SSDS). Depressive-like behavior was assessed in SIT, SPT, TST and FST. Based on to behavioral assessments, mice were divided into the susceptible (SUS) and resilient (RES) groups. After social defeat stress, drug infusion or viral expression and behavioral tests, morphological and electrophysiological analysis were conducted in PFX-fixed and fresh brain slices containing the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcsh). We showed that PRCP was downregulated in NAcsh of susceptible mice. Administration of fluoxetine (20 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p., for 2 weeks) ameliorated the depressive-like behavior, and restored the expression levels of PRCP in NAcsh of susceptible mice. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of PRCP in NAcsh by microinjection of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-prolyl-L-prolinal (ZPP) or LV-shPRCP enhanced the excitatory synaptic transmission in NAcsh, facilitating stress susceptibility via central melanocortin receptors. On the contrary, overexpression of PRCP in NAcsh by microinjection of AAV-PRCP alleviated the depressive-like behavior and reversed the enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission, abnormal dendritogenesis and spinogenesis in NAcsh induced by chronic stress. Furthermore, chronic stress increased the level of CaMKIIα, a kinase closely related to synaptic plasticity, in NAcsh. The elevated level of CaMKIIα was reversed by overexpression of PRCP in NAcsh. Pharmacological inhibition of CaMKIIα in NAcsh alleviated stress susceptibility induced by PRCP knockdown. This study has revealed the essential role of PRCP in relieving stress susceptibility through melanocortin signaling-mediated synaptic plasticity in NAcsh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shao-Qi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ping-Fen Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wan-Ting Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430030, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Li-Hong Long
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Shin MG, Bae Y, Afzal R, Kondoh K, Lee EJ. Olfactory modulation of stress-response neural circuits. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1659-1671. [PMID: 37524867 PMCID: PMC10474124 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01048-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress responses, which are crucial for survival, are evolutionally conserved throughout the animal kingdom. The most common endocrine axis among stress responses is that triggered by corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons (CRHNs) in the hypothalamus. Signals of various stressors are detected by different sensory systems and relayed through individual neural circuits that converge on hypothalamic CRHNs to initiate common stress hormone responses. To investigate the neurocircuitry mechanisms underlying stress hormone responses induced by a variety of stressors, researchers have recently developed new approaches employing retrograde transsynaptic viral tracers, providing a wealth of information about various types of neural circuits that control the activity of CRHNs in response to stress stimuli. Here, we review earlier and more recent findings on the stress neurocircuits that converge on CRHNs, focusing particularly on olfactory systems that excite or suppress the activities of CRHNs and lead to the initiation of stress responses. Because smells are arguably the most important signals that enable animals to properly cope with environmental changes and survive, unveiling the regulatory mechanisms by which smells control stress responses would provide broad insight into how stress-related environmental cues are perceived in the animal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Gi Shin
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea
- AI-Superconvergence KIURI Translational Research Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Yiseul Bae
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Ramsha Afzal
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Kunio Kondoh
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Homeostatic Regulation, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
| | - Eun Jeong Lee
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea.
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9
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Markov DD, Dolotov OV, Grivennikov IA. The Melanocortin System: A Promising Target for the Development of New Antidepressant Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076664. [PMID: 37047638 PMCID: PMC10094937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders, causing significant human suffering and socioeconomic loss. Since conventional antidepressants are not sufficiently effective, there is an urgent need to develop new antidepressant medications. Despite marked advances in the neurobiology of depression, the etiology and pathophysiology of this disease remain poorly understood. Classical and newer hypotheses of depression suggest that an imbalance of brain monoamines, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) and immune system, or impaired hippocampal neurogenesis and neurotrophic factors pathways are cause of depression. It is assumed that conventional antidepressants improve these closely related disturbances. The purpose of this review was to discuss the possibility of affecting these disturbances by targeting the melanocortin system, which includes adrenocorticotropic hormone-activated receptors and their peptide ligands (melanocortins). The melanocortin system is involved in the regulation of various processes in the brain and periphery. Melanocortins, including peripherally administered non-corticotropic agonists, regulate HPAA activity, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, stimulate the levels of neurotrophic factors, and enhance hippocampal neurogenesis and neurotransmission. Therefore, endogenous melanocortins and their analogs are able to complexly affect the functioning of those body’s systems that are closely related to depression and the effects of antidepressants, thereby demonstrating a promising antidepressant potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii D. Markov
- National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kurchatov Sq. 2, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg V. Dolotov
- National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kurchatov Sq. 2, 123182 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor A. Grivennikov
- National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kurchatov Sq. 2, 123182 Moscow, Russia
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10
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Fang X, Chen Y, Wang J, Zhang Z, Bai Y, Denney K, Gan L, Guo M, Weintraub NL, Lei Y, Lu XY. Increased intrinsic and synaptic excitability of hypothalamic POMC neurons underlies chronic stress-induced behavioral deficits. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1365-1382. [PMID: 36473997 PMCID: PMC10005948 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01872-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress exposure induces maladaptive behavioral responses and increases susceptibility to neuropsychiatric conditions. However, specific neuronal populations and circuits that are highly sensitive to stress and trigger maladaptive behavioral responses remain to be identified. Here we investigate the patterns of spontaneous activity of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus following exposure to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) for 10 days, a stress paradigm used to induce behavioral deficits such as anhedonia and behavioral despair [1, 2]. CUS exposure increased spontaneous firing of POMC neurons in both male and female mice, attributable to reduced GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition and increased intrinsic neuronal excitability. While acute activation of POMC neurons failed to induce behavioral changes in non-stressed mice of both sexes, subacute (3 days) and chronic (10 days) repeated activation of POMC neurons was sufficient to induce anhedonia and behavioral despair in males but not females under non-stress conditions. Acute activation of POMC neurons promoted susceptibility to subthreshold unpredictable stress in both male and female mice. Conversely, acute inhibition of POMC neurons was sufficient to reverse CUS-induced anhedonia and behavioral despair in both sexes. Collectively, these results indicate that chronic stress induces both synaptic and intrinsic plasticity of POMC neurons, leading to neuronal hyperactivity. Our findings suggest that POMC neuron dysfunction drives chronic stress-related behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jiangong Wang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ziliang Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Yu Bai
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Kirstyn Denney
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Lin Gan
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Neal L Weintraub
- Department of Medicine, Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Yun Lei
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Xin-Yun Lu
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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11
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Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Botticelli L, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Romano A, Gaetani S, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Cifani C. Investigating the role of the central melanocortin system in stress and stress-related disorders. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106521. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Menon NM, Carr JA. Anxiety-like behavior and tectal gene expression in a foraging/predator avoidance tradeoff task using adult African clawed frogs Xenopus laevis. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03219-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Tan JXM, Ang RJW, Wee CL. Larval Zebrafish as a Model for Mechanistic Discovery in Mental Health. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:900213. [PMID: 35813062 PMCID: PMC9263853 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.900213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are essential for the discovery of mechanisms and treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. However, complex mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are difficult to fully recapitulate in these models. Borrowing from the field of psychiatric genetics, we reiterate the framework of 'endophenotypes' - biological or behavioral markers with cellular, molecular or genetic underpinnings - to reduce complex disorders into measurable behaviors that can be compared across organisms. Zebrafish are popular disease models due to the conserved genetic, physiological and anatomical pathways between zebrafish and humans. Adult zebrafish, which display more sophisticated behaviors and cognition, have long been used to model psychiatric disorders. However, larvae (up to 1 month old) are more numerous and also optically transparent, and hence are particularly suited for high-throughput screening and brain-wide neural circuit imaging. A number of behavioral assays have been developed to quantify neuropsychiatric phenomena in larval zebrafish. Here, we will review these assays and the current knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms of their behavioral readouts. We will also discuss the existing evidence linking larval zebrafish behavior to specific human behavioral traits and how the endophenotype framework can be applied. Importantly, many of the endophenotypes we review do not solely define a diseased state but could manifest as a spectrum across the general population. As such, we make the case for larval zebrafish as a promising model for extending our understanding of population mental health, and for identifying novel therapeutics and interventions with broad impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caroline Lei Wee
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Brix LM, Häusl AS, Toksöz I, Bordes J, van Doeselaar L, Engelhardt C, Narayan S, Springer M, Sterlemann V, Deussing JM, Chen A, Schmidt MV. The co-chaperone FKBP51 modulates HPA axis activity and age-related maladaptation of the stress system in pituitary proopiomelanocortin cells. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 138:105670. [PMID: 35091292 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC)-mediated negative feedback of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's physiological stress response system, is tightly regulated and essential for appropriate termination of this hormonal cascade. Disturbed regulation and maladaptive response of this axis are fundamental components of multiple stress-induced psychiatric and metabolic diseases and aging. The co-chaperone FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is a negative regulator of the GC receptor (GR), is highly stress responsive, and its polymorphisms have been repeatedly associated with stress-related disorders and dysfunctions in humans and rodents. Proopiomelanocortin (Pomc)-expressing corticotropes in the anterior pituitary gland are one of the key cell populations of this closed-loop GC-dependent negative feedback regulation of the HPA axis in the periphery. However, the cell type-specific role of FKBP51 in anterior pituitary corticotrope POMC cells and its impact on age-related HPA axis disturbances are yet to be elucidated. Here, using a combination of endogenous knockout and viral rescue, we show that male mice lacking FKBP51 in Pomc-expressing cells exhibit enhanced GR-mediated negative feedback and are protected from age-related disruption of their diurnal corticosterone (CORT) rhythm. Our study highlights the complexity of tissue- and cell type-specific, but also cross-tissue effects of FKBP51 in the rodent stress response at different ages and extends our understanding of potential targets for pharmacological intervention in stress- and age-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea M Brix
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), 80804 Munich, Germany.
| | - Alexander S Häusl
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Irmak Toksöz
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Joeri Bordes
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Lotte van Doeselaar
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Clara Engelhardt
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Sowmya Narayan
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Margherita Springer
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Vera Sterlemann
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Jan M Deussing
- Research Group Molecular Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany; Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Neurobiology, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mathias V Schmidt
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany.
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15
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Ramírez S, Haddad-Tóvolli R, Radosevic M, Toledo M, Pané A, Alcolea D, Ribas V, Milà-Guasch M, Pozo M, Obri A, Eyre E, Gómez-Valadés AG, Chivite I, Van Eeckhout T, Zalachoras I, Altirriba J, Bauder C, Imbernón M, Garrabou G, Garcia-Ruiz C, Nogueiras R, Soto D, Gasull X, Sandi C, Brüning JC, Fortea J, Jiménez A, Fernández-Checa JC, Claret M. Hypothalamic pregnenolone mediates recognition memory in the context of metabolic disorders. Cell Metab 2022; 34:269-284.e9. [PMID: 35108514 PMCID: PMC8815774 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with cognitive dysfunction. Because the hypothalamus is implicated in energy balance control and memory disorders, we hypothesized that specific neurons in this brain region are at the interface of metabolism and cognition. Acute obesogenic diet administration in mice impaired recognition memory due to defective production of the neurosteroid precursor pregnenolone in the hypothalamus. Genetic interference with pregnenolone synthesis by Star deletion in hypothalamic POMC, but not AgRP neurons, deteriorated recognition memory independently of metabolic disturbances. Our data suggest that pregnenolone's effects on cognitive function were mediated via an autocrine mechanism on POMC neurons, influencing hippocampal long-term potentiation. The relevance of central pregnenolone on cognition was also confirmed in metabolically unhealthy patients with obesity. Our data reveal an unsuspected role for POMC neuron-derived neurosteroids in cognition. These results provide the basis for a framework to investigate new facets of POMC neuron biology with implications for cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ramírez
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Roberta Haddad-Tóvolli
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marija Radosevic
- Neuroimmunology Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Toledo
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Pané
- Obesity Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Alcolea
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicent Ribas
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Milà-Guasch
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Macarena Pozo
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnaud Obri
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Eyre
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alicia G Gómez-Valadés
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iñigo Chivite
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomas Van Eeckhout
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ioannis Zalachoras
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Altirriba
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Corinna Bauder
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mónica Imbernón
- Department of Physiology, Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gloria Garrabou
- Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, CELLEX-IDIBAPS, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Garcia-Ruiz
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain; Center for ALPD, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rubén Nogueiras
- Department of Physiology, Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Soto
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Gasull
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany; National Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEPD), University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Juan Fortea
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Down Medical Center, Fundació Catalana de Síndrome de Down, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amanda Jiménez
- Obesity Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Barcelona, Spain; Translational Research in Diabetes, Lipids and Obesity, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José C Fernández-Checa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain; Center for ALPD, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marc Claret
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism (NeuCoMe) Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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16
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Hong L, Wen L, Niculescu M, Zhou F, Zou Y, Shen G, Wang W, Liu Y, Chen YH, Wang F, Chen L. The Interaction Between POMC rs2071345 Polymorphism and Alcohol Dependence in Anxiety Symptoms Among Chinese Male Problem Drinkers. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:878960. [PMID: 35592377 PMCID: PMC9110641 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.878960] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol dependence can increase the level of anxiety. A growing body of research has identified a link between anxiety symptoms of problem drinkers and their genetic or environment factors, respectively. However, to date few studies have directly examined gene-environment (G × E) interaction on their anxiety symptoms during the acute alcohol withdrawal. The present study aims to examine the interaction between the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) rs2071345 polymorphism and alcohol dependence on anxiety symptoms of male problem drinkers, and further test the exact form of interaction on two competing models: the diathesis-stress model vs. the differential susceptibility model. METHODS A total of 440 male problem drinkers (M age = 44.5 years, SD = 9.45) were recruited from nine main psychiatric hospitals of northern China during acute alcohol withdrawal. Blood samples were collected for genotyping, self-reported anxiety symptoms, and levels of alcohol dependence were assessed. RESULTS Results indicated that the POMC rs2071345 polymorphism significantly moderated anxiety symptoms associated with alcohol dependence. A region of significance (RoS) test showed that male problem drinkers with T allele were more likely to experience more anxiety symptoms than those with CC homozygote when the standardized score of concurrent alcohol dependence was above 0.31. Confirmatory model evaluation indicated that the interaction effect involving POMC gene polymorphism conformed to the diathesis-stress model rather than differential-susceptibility model of person × environment interaction. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that the SNP in POMC rs2071345 was associated with alcohol dependence in anxiety symptoms of male problem drinkers and further provided evidence in support of the diathesis-stress hypothesis of alcohol dependence in terms of anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuzhi Hong
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lutong Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China
| | - Michelle Niculescu
- Department of Social Sciences, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Fan Zhou
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yang Zou
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guanghui Shen
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanlong Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu-Hsin Chen
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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17
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Metz MJ, Daimon CM, King CM, Rau AR, Hentges ST. Individual arcuate nucleus proopiomelanocortin neurons project to select target sites. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R982-R989. [PMID: 34755553 PMCID: PMC8714814 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00169.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) are a diverse group of neurons that project widely to different brain regions. It is unknown how this small population of neurons organizes its efferent projections. In this study, we hypothesized that individual ARH POMC neurons exclusively innervate select target regions. To investigate this hypothesis, we first verified that only a fraction of ARH POMC neurons innervate the lateral hypothalamus (LH), the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), the periaqueductal gray (PAG), or the ventral tegmental area (VTA) using the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B (CTB). Next, two versions of CTB conjugated to distinct fluorophores were injected bilaterally into two of the regions such that PVN and VTA, PAG and VTA, or LH and PVN received tracers simultaneously. These pairs of target sites were chosen based on function and location. Few individual ARH POMC neurons projected to two brain regions at once, suggesting that there are ARH POMC neuron subpopulations organized by their efferent projections. We also investigated whether increasing the activity of POMC neurons could increase the number of ARH POMC neurons labeled with CTB, implying an increase in new synaptic connections to downstream regions. However, chemogenetic enhancement of POMC neuron activity did not increase retrograde tracing of CTB back to ARH POMC neurons from either the LH, PVN, or VTA. Overall, subpopulations of ARH POMC neurons with distinct efferent projections may serve as a way for the POMC population to organize its many functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa J Metz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Caitlin M Daimon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Connie M King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Andrew R Rau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Shane T Hentges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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18
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Boehler NA, Fung SW, Hegazi S, Cheng AH, Cheng HYM. Sox2 Ablation in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Perturbs Anxiety- and Depressive-like Behaviors. Neurol Int 2021; 13:541-554. [PMID: 34842772 PMCID: PMC8628992 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint13040054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mood disorders negatively impact the lives of hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide every year, yet the precise molecular mechanisms by which they manifest remain elusive. Circadian dysregulation is one avenue by which mood disorders are thought to arise. SOX2 is a transcription factor that is highly expressed in the murine suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the circadian master clock, and has been recently found to be an important regulator of Per2, a core component of the molecular clock. Genetic ablation of the Sox2 gene in GABAergic neurons selectively impacts SCN neurons, as they are one of very few, if not the only, GABAergic populations that express Sox2. Here, we show that GABAergic-restricted ablation of Sox2 results in anxio-depressive-like phenotypes in mice as observed in the elevated plus maze, forced swim test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test. We further observe a reduction in basal and/or forced swim-induced c-Fos expression, a marker of neuronal activation, in the nucleus incertus, arcuate nucleus, and dentate gyrus of Sox2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice. Given the restricted disruption of SOX2 expression in the SCN of Sox2 cKO mice, we propose that their mood-associated phenotypes are the consequence of a dysregulated central clock that is unable to communicate appropriately timed signals to other brain nuclei that regulate affective behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Boehler
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (N.A.B.); (S.W.F.); (S.H.); (A.H.C.)
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Samuel W. Fung
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (N.A.B.); (S.W.F.); (S.H.); (A.H.C.)
| | - Sara Hegazi
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (N.A.B.); (S.W.F.); (S.H.); (A.H.C.)
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Arthur H. Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (N.A.B.); (S.W.F.); (S.H.); (A.H.C.)
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Hai-Ying Mary Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (N.A.B.); (S.W.F.); (S.H.); (A.H.C.)
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-905-569-4299
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19
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Li B, Chang L, Peng X. Orexin 2 receptor in the nucleus accumbens is critical for the modulation of acute stress-induced anxiety. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 131:105317. [PMID: 34111776 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Orexin is a neuropeptide mainly synthesized in the lateral hypothalamus/perifornical area and has been traditionally implicated in feeding, sleep-wake cycles, and reward. Intriguingly, patients with anxiety have increased levels of orexin in the cerebrospinal fluid. Pharmacological or genetic manipulation of orexin receptors affects anxiety-like behaviors in rodents, suggesting an involvement of the orexin signaling in the regulation of anxiety. Yet, the neural substrates involved remain largely unknown. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell holds a key position in the modulation of anxiety-related behaviors. Therefore, in the present study, by using neuropharmacology, molecular approaches and behavioral tests in rats, the role of orexin/orexin receptors in the NAc shell on the anxiety-like behaviors was investigated. We found that microinjection of orexin-A into the NAc shell induced an anxiogenic-like effect. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence showed that the orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) is expressed and distributed in the NAc shell neurons. Activation of OX2R mimicked the anxiogenic effect of orexin-A. Moreover, infusion of an OX2R antagonist had no effect on anxiety-like behaviors in normal rats, but reversed anxiogenic effect induced by acute restraint stress. Finally, we found that downregulation of OX2R in the NAc shell caused an anxiolytic-like effect in acute restraint stressed rats, which was consistent with the pharmacological results. Together, this study suggests that OX2R in the NAc shell is involved in the regulation of acute stress-induced anxiety, and raises the possibility that OX2R antagonist may serve as an effective mean to treat anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Women & Children Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Leilei Chang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaochun Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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20
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Haynes SE, Han MH. A Novel Role for Hypothalamic AgRP Neurons in Mediating Depressive Behavior. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:243-246. [PMID: 33674137 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A recent paper by Fang et al. examined the role of Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in mediating depressive-like behavior in mice. Chronic, but not acute stress, led to changes in neuronal excitability in AgRP neurons concomitant with the display of depressive-like behaviors, which were bidirectionally modulated using AgRP-selective chemogenetic manipulations. Together, these findings broaden our understanding of the diverse roles AgRP neurons play in driving motivational states, aside from their influence on hunger and feeding behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherod E Haynes
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School fo Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ming-Hu Han
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School fo Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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21
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Ueda HH, Naitou K, Nakamori H, Horii K, Shiina T, Masatani T, Shiraishi M, Shimizu Y. α-MSH-induced activation of spinal MC1R but not MC4R enhances colorectal motility in anaesthetised rats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:487. [PMID: 33436759 PMCID: PMC7803980 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system is involved in regulation of defaecation. It is generally considered that supraspinal regions control the spinal defaecation centre. However, signal transmission from supraspinal regions to the spinal defaecation centre is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the regulatory role of an anorexigenic neuropeptide, α-MSH, in the spinal defaecation centre in rats. Intrathecal administration of α-MSH to the L6-S1 spinal cord enhanced colorectal motility. The prokinetic effect of α-MSH was abolished by severing the pelvic nerves. In contrast, severing the colonic nerves or thoracic cord transection at the T4 level had no impact on the effect of α-MSH. RT-PCR analysis revealed MC1R mRNA and MC4R mRNA expression in the L6-S1 spinal cord. Intrathecally administered MC1R agonists, BMS470539 and SHU9119, mimicked the α-MSH effect, but a MC4R agonist, THIQ, had no effect. These results demonstrate that α-MSH binds to MC1R in the spinal defaecation centre and activates pelvic nerves, leading to enhancement of colorectal motility. This is, to our knowledge, the first report showing the functional role of α-MSH in the spinal cord. In conclusion, our findings suggest that α-MSH is a candidate for a neurotransmitter from supraspinal regions to the spinal defaecation centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi H Ueda
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kiyotada Naitou
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamori
- Department of Cell Physiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Horii
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Takahiko Shiina
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Masatani
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Mitsuya Shiraishi
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Yasutake Shimizu
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan. .,Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences, Gifu University (G-CHAIN), Gifu, Japan.
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22
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Chronic unpredictable stress induces depression-related behaviors by suppressing AgRP neuron activity. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:2299-2315. [PMID: 33432188 PMCID: PMC8272726 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-01004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) respond to energy deficits and play a key role in the control of feeding behavior and metabolism. Here, we demonstrate that chronic unpredictable stress, an animal model of depression, decreases spontaneous firing rates, increases firing irregularity and alters the firing properties of AgRP neurons in both male and female mice. These changes are associated with enhanced inhibitory synaptic transmission and reduced intrinsic neuronal excitability. Chemogenetic inhibition of AgRP neurons increases susceptibility to subthreshold unpredictable stress. Conversely, chemogenetic activation of AgRP neurons completely reverses anhedonic and despair behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable stress. These results indicate that chronic stress induces maladaptive synaptic and intrinsic plasticity, leading to hypoactivity of AgRP neurons and subsequently causing behavioral changes. Our findings suggest that AgRP neurons in the ARC are a key component of neural circuitry involved in mediating depression-related behaviors and that increasing AgRP neuronal activity coule be a novel and effective treatment for depression.
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23
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Xiao Y, Liu D, Cline MA, Gilbert ER. Chronic stress and adipose tissue in the anorexic state: endocrine and epigenetic mechanisms. Adipocyte 2020; 9:472-483. [PMID: 32772766 PMCID: PMC7480818 DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2020.1803643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although adipose tissue metabolism in obesity has been widely studied, there is limited research on the anorexic state, where the endocrine system is disrupted by reduced adipose tissue mass and there are depot-specific changes in adipocyte type and function. Stress exposure at different stages of life can alter the balance between energy intake and expenditure and thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa. This review integrates information from human clinical trials to describe endocrine, genetic and epigenetic aspects of adipose tissue physiology in the anorexic condition. Changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid, -adrenal, and -gonadal axes and their relationships to appetite regulation and adipocyte function are discussed. Because of the role of stress in triggering or magnifying anorexia, and the dynamic but also persistent nature of environmentally-induced epigenetic modifications, epigenetics is likely the link between stress and long-term changes in the endocrine system that disrupt homoeostatic food intake and adipose tissue metabolism. Herein, we focus on the adipocyte and changes in its function, including alterations reinforced by endocrine disturbance and dysfunctional adipokine regulation. This information is critical because of the poor understanding of anorexic pathophysiology, due to the lack of suitable research models, and the complexity of genetic and environmental interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xiao
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Dongmin Liu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Mark A. Cline
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Gilbert
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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24
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Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Botticelli L, Tomassoni D, Tayebati SK, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Cifani C. The Melanocortin System behind the Dysfunctional Eating Behaviors. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3502. [PMID: 33202557 PMCID: PMC7696960 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction of melanocortin signaling has been associated with obesity, given the important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, food intake, satiety and body weight. In the hypothalamus, the melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) contribute to the stability of these processes, but MC3R and MC4R are also localized in the mesolimbic dopamine system, the region that responds to the reinforcing properties of highly palatable food (HPF) and where these two receptors seem to affect food reward and motivation. Loss of function of the MC4R, resulting from genetic mutations, leads to overeating in humans, but to date, a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms and behaviors that promote overconsumption of caloric foods remains unknown. Moreover, the MC4R demonstrated to be a crucial modulator of the stress response, factor that is known to be strictly related to binge eating behavior. In this review, we will explore the preclinical and clinical studies, and the controversies regarding the involvement of melanocortin system in altered eating patterns, especially binge eating behavior, food reward and motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (E.M.D.B.); (L.B.); (S.K.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (E.M.D.B.); (L.B.); (S.K.T.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (E.M.D.B.); (L.B.); (S.K.T.); (C.C.)
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25
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Kwon E, Jo YH. Activation of the ARC POMC→MeA Projection Reduces Food Intake. Front Neural Circuits 2020; 14:595783. [PMID: 33250721 PMCID: PMC7674918 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2020.595783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) plays an essential role in the control of food intake and energy expenditure. Melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4Rs) are expressed in key areas that are implicated in regulating energy homeostasis. Although the importance of MC4Rs in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) has been well documented, the role of MC4Rs in the medial amygdala (MeA) on feeding remains controversial. In this study, we specifically examine the role of a novel ARCPOMC→MeA neural circuit in the regulation of short-term food intake. To map a local melanocortinergic neural circuit, we use monosynaptic anterograde as well as retrograde viral tracers and perform double immunohistochemistry to determine the identity of the neurons receiving synaptic input from POMC neurons in the ARC. To investigate the role of the ARCPOMC→MeA projection on feeding, we optogenetically stimulate channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-expressing POMC fibers in the MeA. Anterograde viral tracing studies reveal that ARC POMC neurons send axonal projections to estrogen receptor-α (ER-α)- and MC4R-expressing neurons in the MeA. Retrograde viral tracing experiments show that the neurons projecting to the MeA is located mainly in the lateral part of the ARC. Optogenetic stimulation of the ARCPOMC→MeA pathway reduces short-term food intake. This anorectic effect is blocked by treatment with the MC4R antagonist SHU9119. In addition to the melanocortinergic local circuits within the hypothalamus, this extrahypothalamic ARCPOMC→MeA neural circuit would play a role in regulating short-term food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjin Kwon
- The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Bronx, NY, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Young-Hwan Jo
- The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Bronx, NY, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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26
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Herman JP, Nawreen N, Smail MA, Cotella EM. Brain mechanisms of HPA axis regulation: neurocircuitry and feedback in context Richard Kvetnansky lecture. Stress 2020; 23:617-632. [PMID: 33345670 PMCID: PMC8034599 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2020.1859475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of stress reactivity is a fundamental priority of all organisms. Stress responses are critical for survival, yet can also cause physical and psychological damage. This review provides a synopsis of brain mechanisms designed to control physiological responses to stress, focusing primarily on glucocorticoid secretion via the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The literature provides strong support for multi-faceted control of HPA axis responses, involving both direct and indirect actions at paraventricular nucleus (PVN) corticotropin releasing hormone neurons driving the secretory cascade. The PVN is directly excited by afferents from brainstem and hypothalamic circuits, likely relaying information on homeostatic challenge. Amygdala subnuclei drive HPA axis responses indirectly via disinhibition, mediated by GABAergic relays onto PVN-projecting neurons in the hypothalamus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST). Inhibition of stressor-evoked HPA axis responses is mediated by an elaborate network of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-containing circuits, providing a distributed negative feedback signal that inhibits PVN neurons. Prefrontal and hippocampal neurons play a major role in HPA axis inhibition, again mediated by hypothalamic and BST GABAergic relays to the PVN. The complexity of the regulatory process suggests that information on stressors is integrated across functional disparate brain circuits prior to accessing the PVN, with regions such as the BST in prime position to relay contextual information provided by these sources into appropriate HPA activation. Dysregulation of the HPA in disease is likely a product of inappropriate checks and balances between excitatory and inhibitory inputs ultimately impacting PVN output.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Herman
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nawshaba Nawreen
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marissa A Smail
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Evelin M Cotella
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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27
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Zhao F, Zhang T, Shen Q, Yin K, Wang Y, Zhang G. Tak1 in the astrocytes of mediobasal hypothalamus regulates anxiety-like behavior in mice. Glia 2020; 69:609-618. [PMID: 32979244 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear, anxiety, and avoidance of perceived threats in internal to oneself or the environment, however, the underlying mechanisms are less well understood. Here, we show that transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (Tak1) expressed in the astrocytes of mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) plays a crucial role in anxiety-like behavior in mice. Our data demonstrate that deficiency of Tak1 in astrocytes increased anxiety level, but did not impact locomotor activity in mice. Astrocytic activation of Tak1 in the MBH mitigated the anxiety-like behavior, whereas suppression of Tak1 in MBH astrocytes promoted the anxiety-like behavior in mice. Collectively, these data suggest that Tak1 expressed in the MBH astrocytes could modulate the anxiety-like behavior in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faming Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kaili Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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28
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Welcome MO, Mastorakis NE. Stress-induced blood brain barrier disruption: Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Pharmacol Res 2020; 157:104769. [PMID: 32275963 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a nonspecific response to a threat or noxious stimuli with resultant damaging consequences. Stress is believed to be an underlying process that can trigger central nervous system disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Though the pathophysiological basis is not completely understood, data have consistently shown a pivotal role of inflammatory mediators and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation in stress induced disorders. Indeed emerging experimental evidences indicate a concurrent activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and not only the HPA axis, but also, peripheral and central renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Furthermore, recent experimental data indicate that the HPA and RAS are coupled to the signaling of a range of central neuro-transmitter, -mediator and -peptide molecules that are also regulated, at least in part, by inflammatory signaling cascades and vice versa. More recently, experimental evidences suggest a critical role of stress in disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB), a neurovascular unit that regulates the movement of substances and blood-borne immune cells into the brain parenchyma, and prevents peripheral injury to the brain substance. However, the mechanisms underlying stress-induced BBB disruption are not exactly known. In this review, we summarize studies conducted on the effects of stress on the BBB and integrate recent data that suggest possible molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying stress-induced BBB disruption. Key molecular targets and pharmacological candidates for treatment of stress and related illnesses are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menizibeya O Welcome
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
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29
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Lee EJ, Hanchate NK, Kondoh K, Tong APS, Kuang D, Spray A, Ye X, Buck LB. A psychological stressor conveyed by appetite-linked neurons. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay5366. [PMID: 32206712 PMCID: PMC7080447 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay5366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mammals exhibit instinctive reactions to danger critical to survival, including surges in blood stress hormones. Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons (CRHNs) control stress hormones but how diverse stressors converge on CRHNs is poorly understood. We used sRNA profiling to define CRHN receptors for neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and then viral tracing to localize subsets of upstream neurons expressing cognate receptor ligands. Unexpectedly, one subset comprised POMC (proopiomelanocortin)-expressing neurons in the arcuate nucleus, which are linked to appetite suppression. The POMC neurons were activated by one psychological stressor, physical restraint, but not another, a predator odor. Chemogenetic activation of POMC neurons induced a stress hormone response, mimicking a stressor. Moreover, their silencing markedly reduced the stress hormone response to physical restraint, but not predator odor. These findings indicate that POMC neurons involved in appetite suppression also play a major role in the stress hormone response to a specific type of psychological stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Donghui Kuang
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, A3-020, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Andrew Spray
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, A3-020, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Xiaolan Ye
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, A3-020, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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30
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Chaffin ATB, Fang Y, Larson KR, Mul JD, Ryan KK. Sex-dependent effects of MC4R genotype on HPA axis tone: implications for stress-associated cardiometabolic disease. Stress 2019; 22:571-580. [PMID: 31184537 PMCID: PMC6690797 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1610742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) facilitates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis responses to acute stress in male rodents and is a well known to regulator of energy balance. Mutations in the MC4R is the most common monogenic cause of obesity in humans and has been associated with sex-specific effects, but whether stress regulation by the MC4R is sex-dependent, and whether the MC4R facilitates HPA responses to chronic stress, is unknown. We hypothesized that MC4R-signaling contributes to HPA axis dysregulation and metabolic pathophysiology following chronic stress exposure. We measured changes in energy balance, HPA axis tone, and vascular remodeling during chronic variable stress (CVS) in male and female rats with MC4R loss-of-function. Rats were placed into three groups (n = 9-18/genotype/sex) and half of each group was subjected to CVS for 30 days or were non-stressed littermate controls. All rats underwent an acute restraint stress challenge on Day 30. Rats were euthanized on Day 31, adrenals collected for weight, and descending aortas fixed for morphological indices of vascular pathophysiology. We observed a marked interaction between Mc4r genotype and sex for basal HPA axis tone and acute stress responsivity. MC4R loss-of-function blunted both endpoints in males but exaggerated them in females. Contrary to our hypothesis, Mc4r genotype had no effect on either HPA axis responses or metabolic responses to chronic stress. Heightened stress reactivity of females with MC4R mutations suggests a possible mechanism for the sex-dependent effects associated with this mutation in humans and highlights how stress may differentially regulate metabolism in males and females. Lay summary The hypothalamic melanocortin system is an important regulator of energy balance and stress responses. Here, we report a sex-difference in the stress reactivity of rats with a mutation in this system. Our findings highlight how stress may regulate metabolism differently in males and females and may provide insight into sex-differences associated with this mutation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki T-B Chaffin
- a Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Yanbin Fang
- a Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Karlton R Larson
- a Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Joram D Mul
- b Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam , The Netherlands
- c Metabolism and Reward Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Karen K Ryan
- a Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California , Davis , CA , USA
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31
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Takeda M, Ohkubo T. Identification of hypothalamic genes in associating with food intake during incubation behavior in domestic chicken. Anim Sci J 2019; 90:1293-1302. [PMID: 31310043 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism underlying in the onset and maintenance of incubation behavior are not fully understood, and it is still unknown the reason why White Leghorn, a layer strain, hens never display incubation behavior. Therefore, to explore specific hypothalamic genes regulating incubation behavior, cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) were applied to comparison between incubating Silkie and laying White Leghorn hens. In addition, mRNA expression of some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and melanocortinergic appetite genes including agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) was also analyzed on Silkie hens under natural anorexia and starvation. The CAGE identified 217 hypothalamic DEGs in incubating Silkie hens, and that of two, transthyretin (TTR) and prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), suggested as appetite gene, were markedly up- and down-regulated in incubating hens, respectively. In addition, AgRP and POMC expression also increased in incubating bird. mRNA expression of TTR, PrRP, and appetite genes were not differed significantly by starvation, although TTR mRNA expression was relatively high in fasting hens. Consequently, transcriptome by CAGE identified a number of hypothalamic genes differentially expressed by incubation behavior in Silkie hens. Of these, it is suggested that TTR and PrRP may, at least in part, be related to adaptation to natural anorexia in incubating Silkie chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misa Takeda
- College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ohkubo
- College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ibaraki, Japan
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32
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Comeras LB, Herzog H, Tasan RO. Neuropeptides at the crossroad of fear and hunger: a special focus on neuropeptide Y. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1455:59-80. [PMID: 31271235 PMCID: PMC6899945 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Survival in a natural environment forces an individual into constantly adapting purposive behavior. Specified interoceptive neurons monitor metabolic and physiological balance and activate dedicated brain circuits to satisfy essential needs, such as hunger, thirst, thermoregulation, fear, or anxiety. Neuropeptides are multifaceted, central components within such life‐sustaining programs. For instance, nutritional depletion results in a drop in glucose levels, release of hormones, and activation of hypothalamic and brainstem neurons. These neurons, in turn, release several neuropeptides that increase food‐seeking behavior and promote food intake. Similarly, internal and external threats activate neuronal pathways of avoidance and defensive behavior. Interestingly, specific nuclei of the hypothalamus and extended amygdala are activated by both hunger and fear. Here, we introduce the relevant neuropeptides and describe their function in feeding and emotional‐affective behaviors. We further highlight specific pathways and microcircuits, where neuropeptides may interact to identify prevailing homeostatic needs and direct respective compensatory behaviors. A specific focus will be on neuropeptide Y, since it is known for its pivotal role in metabolic and emotional pathways. We hypothesize that the orexigenic and anorexigenic properties of specific neuropeptides are related to their ability to inhibit fear and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas B Comeras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ramon O Tasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Holder MK, Peters NV, Whylings J, Fields CT, Gewirtz AT, Chassaing B, de Vries GJ. Dietary emulsifiers consumption alters anxiety-like and social-related behaviors in mice in a sex-dependent manner. Sci Rep 2019; 9:172. [PMID: 30655577 PMCID: PMC6336787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36890-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary emulsifiers carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC) and polysorbate 80 (P80) alter the composition of the intestinal microbiota and induce chronic low-grade inflammation, ultimately leading to metabolic dysregulations in mice. As both gut microbiota and intestinal health can influence social and anxiety-like behaviors, we investigated whether emulsifier consumption would detrimentally influence behavior. We confirmed that emulsifier exposure induced chronic intestinal inflammation, increased adiposity, and altered gut microbiota composition in both male and female mice, although the specific microboal taxa altered following emulsifier consumption occurred in a sex-dependent manner. Importantly, emulsifier treatment altered anxiety-like behaviors in males and reduced social behavior in females. It also changed expression of neuropeptides implicated in the modulation of feeding as well as social and anxiety-related behaviors. Multivariate analyses revealed that CMC and P80 produced distinct clustering of physiological, neural, and behavioral effects in male and female mice, suggesting that emulsifier treatment leads to a syndrome of sex-dependent changes in microbiota, physiology, and behavior. This study reveals that these commonly used food additives may potentially negatively impact anxiety-related and social behaviors and may do so via different mechanisms in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Holder
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
- School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Nicole V Peters
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Jack Whylings
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | | | - Andrew T Gewirtz
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Benoit Chassaing
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
| | - Geert J de Vries
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
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34
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Ma Q, Li X, Yan Z, Jiao H, Wang T, Hou Y, Jiang Y, Liu Y, Chen J. Xiaoyaosan Ameliorates Chronic Immobilization Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behaviors and Anorexia in Rats: The Role of the Nesfatin-1-Oxytocin-Proopiomelanocortin Neural Pathway in the Hypothalamus. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:910. [PMID: 31920757 PMCID: PMC6914835 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic stress is an important risk factor for depression. The nesfatin-1 (NES1)-oxytocin (OT)-proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neural pathway, which is involved in the stress response, was recently shown to have an anorectic effect in the hypothalamus. Our previous study showed that Xiaoyaosan, a well-known antidepressant used in traditional Chinese medicine, effectively relieved appetite loss induced by chronic immobilization stress (CIS). However, whether Xiaoyaosan ameliorates depression-like behaviors and anorexia by regulating the NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway remains unclear. Objective: To investigate whether the antidepressant-like and anti-anorexia effects of Xiaoyaosan are related to the NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway in the hypothalamus. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into control, CIS, Xiaoyaosan treatment, and fluoxetine treatment groups. The rats in the CIS, Xiaoyaosan treatment, and fluoxetine treatment groups were subjected to CIS for 21 consecutive days, during which they were administered distilled water, a Xiaoyaosan decoction [3.854 g/(kg·d)] or fluoxetine [1.76 mg/(kg·d)], respectively, by gavage, and their body weights and food intake were monitored daily. The rats were subsequently subjected to the open field test and sucrose preference test. Then, the expression levels of corticosterone and NES1 in the serum and the expression levels of NES1, OT, POMC, and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in the hypothalamus were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunochemistry. Furthermore, immunofluorescence double staining was used to determine whether related proteins in the hypothalamic NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway were co-expressed. Results: Compared to control rats, rats exposed to CIS exhibited gradually less food intake and lower body weights and significantly increased concentrations of NES1 in the serum and paraventricular nucleus. Moreover, the expression levels of POMC, OT, and MC4R in the hypothalamus were significantly higher in the CIS group than those in the control group. However, these changes were reversed by pretreatment with Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine. Specifically, the expression levels of members of the NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway were lower in the Xiaoyaosan-treated group than in the CIS group. Conclusion: Xiaoyaosan ameliorates CIS-induced depression-like behaviors and anorexia by regulating the NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway in the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Ma
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Jiao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tingye Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yajing Hou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Youming Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yueyun Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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35
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Adiponectin modulates ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron activity and anxiety-related behavior through AdipoR1. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:126-144. [PMID: 29988086 PMCID: PMC6325675 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adiponectin, a metabolic hormone secreted by adipocytes, can cross the blood-brain barrier to act on neurons in different brain regions, including those involved in stress-related disorders. Here we show that dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) express adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1). Intra-VTA infusion of adiponectin or the adiponectin mimetic AdipoRon in wild-type mice decreases basal dopamine neuron population activity and firing rate and reverses the restraint stress-induced increase in dopamine neuron activity and anxiety behavior. Adiponectin haploinsufficiency leads to increased dopamine neuron firing and anxiety behavior under basal conditions. Ablation of AdipoR1 specifically from dopamine neurons enhances neuronal and anxiogenic responses to restraint stress. The effects of intra-VTA infusion of adiponectin on neuronal activity and behavior were abolished in mice lacking AdipoR1 in dopamine neurons. These observations indicate that adiponectin can directly modulate VTA dopamine neuron activity and anxiety behavior, and that AdipoR1 is required for adiponectin-induced inhibition of dopamine neurons and anxiolytic effects. These results strengthen the idea of adiponectin as a key biological factor that links metabolic syndrome and emotional disorders.
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36
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Divergent associations between ghrelin and neural responsivity to palatable food in hyperphagic and hypophagic depression. J Affect Disord 2019; 242:29-38. [PMID: 30170236 PMCID: PMC6151278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.07.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurobiological mechanisms involved in divergent appetitive phenotypes in major depressive disorder (MDD) are not well understood, although recent data suggest disruption in mesolimbic reward circuitry. Ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone, has been shown to modulate the reward circuitry. We aimed to investigate the relationship between acylated ghrelin levels and the neural response to food stimuli in individuals with hyperphagic and hypophagic MDD in remission. METHODS Women with hyperphagic MDD (n = 10), hypophagic MDD (n = 18), and healthy controls (HC; n = 18) underwent fMRI scanning during which they viewed images of food. The fMRI session was followed by a standardized meal, appetite ratings, and serial blood draws. RESULTS In individuals with hyperphagic MDD, greater change in acylated ghrelin in response to a meal was associated with increased BOLD response to high-calorie food in the bilateral ventral tegmental area and left hypothalamus. In contrast, negative associations were observed between acylated ghrelin AUC and BOLD activity in the right hypothalamus in the hypophagic MDD group. LIMITATIONS Unbalanced group sizes with a relatively small sample in the hyperphagic MDD group. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of differences in absolute ghrelin levels between the hyperphagic MDD and HC groups, results in hyperphagic MDD might suggest a ghrelinergic signaling mechanism for increased appetite during an MDD episode in this group. Our findings shed light on interactions between appetite hormones and mesolimbic circuitry which could contribute to development of therapeutic targets for opposing appetite phenotypes in depression.
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37
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Rowland NE, Atalayer D, Cervantez MR, Minaya DM, Splane EC. Cost-based anorexia: A novel framework to model anorexia nervosa. Appetite 2018; 130:50-58. [PMID: 30075177 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder that is thought to emerge through biological predisposition(s) within sociocultural context(s). Practical and ethical concerns limit study of the etiology of this disorder in humans, and in particular the biological aspects. Laboratory animal models have a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the neurobiological, physiological and behavioral aspects of this disorder, and developing new treatment strategies. One shortcoming of animal models, including activity based anorexia (ABA) in rodents, is that they cannot fully capture the contextual aspects of AN. In this article we discuss the merits of an alternate approach, cost-based anorexia (CBA). CBA is conceptually founded in behavioral economics and its magnitude is influenced by several relevant contextual aspects of feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil E Rowland
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA.
| | - Deniz Atalayer
- Department of Psychology, Sabancı University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melissa R Cervantez
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
| | - Dulce M Minaya
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
| | - Emily C Splane
- Department of Social Sciences, Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL, USA
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38
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Ans AH, Anjum I, Satija V, Inayat A, Asghar Z, Akram I, Shrestha B. Neurohormonal Regulation of Appetite and its Relationship with Stress: A Mini Literature Review. Cureus 2018; 10:e3032. [PMID: 30254821 PMCID: PMC6150743 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress has long been known to affect eating behaviors in humans. Stress-induced hyperphagia is considered a potential cause for the development of obesity. Given the high prevalence of obesity and its association with other cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, the subject of stress-induced eating has become even more important. We reviewed data from past studies to further elucidate the relationship between stress, appetite regulation and eating patterns in humans. Even though it is difficult to say with certainty that a person exposed to stress will undereat or overeat, but certain assumptions can be made. Generally, acute stress results in decreased eating whereas chronic stress results in increased eating. Glucocorticoids, the effector molecules of the stress response, increase the tendency to consume high-calorie, palatable foods. Further studies that can link the biological markers of stress-response with the hormones and neurotransmitters of appetite regulation can broaden our understanding of the subject. These studies can provide a groundwork for the development of effective anti-obesity strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armghan H Ans
- Cardiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Ibrar Anjum
- Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - Vaibhav Satija
- Internal Medicine, Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, USA
| | | | - Zain Asghar
- Internal Medicine, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, PAK
| | - Imran Akram
- Internal Medicine, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, PAK
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39
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Holder MK, Chassaing B. Impact of food additives on the gut-brain axis. Physiol Behav 2018; 192:173-176. [PMID: 29454065 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian intestinal tract is heavily colonized with a complex community of micro-organisms, present at a very high density, and containing an estimated amount of 1014 bacteria. The microbiota generally benefits the host, as it plays a central role in maturing the immune system, protecting against infection by entero-pathogens such as Clostridium difficile, and favoring nutrient digestion/energy extraction in our intestine. An altered microbiota, however, can become detrimental and lead to inflammation, metabolic disorders, and even altered behavior/neuroinflammation. While there are many factors involved in regulating the intestinal microbiota composition and the way it interacts with its host, this review will focus on the role played by food additives on host/microbiota relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Holder
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Benoit Chassaing
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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40
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Péterfi Z, Farkas E, Nagyunyomi-Sényi K, Kádár A, Ottó S, Horváth A, Füzesi T, Lechan RM, Fekete C. Role of TRH/UCN3 neurons of the perifornical area/bed nucleus of stria terminalis region in the regulation of the anorexigenic POMC neurons of the arcuate nucleus in male mice and rats. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 223:1329-1341. [PMID: 29124350 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1553-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Two anorexigenic peptides, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and urocortin 3 (UCN3), are co-expressed in a continuous neuronal group that extends from the perifornical area to the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, raising the possibility that this cell group may be involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis. In this study, therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the TRH/UCN3 neurons regulate food intake by influencing feeding-related neuropeptide Y (NPY) and/or proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Triple-labeled immunofluorescent preparations demonstrated that only very few NPY neurons (4.3 ± 1.3%) were contacted by double-labeled TRH/UCN3 axons in the ARC. In contrast, more than half of the POMC neurons (52.4 ± 8.5%) were contacted by double-labeled axons. Immuno-electron microscopy demonstrated that the UCN3 axons established asymmetric synapses with POMC neurons, indicating the excitatory nature of these synaptic specializations. Patch clamp electrophysiology revealed that TRH and UCN3 have antagonistic effects on the POMC neurons. While UCN3 depolarizes and increases the firing rate of POMC neurons, TRH prevents these effects of UCN3. These data demonstrate that TRH/UCN3 neurons in the perifornical/BNST region establish abundant synaptic associations with the POMC neurons in the ARC and suggest a potentially important role for these neurons in the regulation of food intake through an antagonistic interaction between TRH and UCN3 on the electrophysiological properties of POMC neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Péterfi
- Department of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u. 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Farkas
- Department of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u. 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary.,Multidisciplinary Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Kata Nagyunyomi-Sényi
- Department of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u. 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Andrea Kádár
- Department of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u. 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Szenci Ottó
- Department and Clinic for Production Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Üllő, Dóra Major, Budapest, 2225, Hungary.,BMTA-SZIE Large Animal Clinical Research Group, Dóra Major, Üllő, 2225, Hungary
| | - András Horváth
- Department and Clinic for Production Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Üllő, Dóra Major, Budapest, 2225, Hungary.,BMTA-SZIE Large Animal Clinical Research Group, Dóra Major, Üllő, 2225, Hungary
| | - Tamás Füzesi
- Department of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u. 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Ronald M Lechan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Tupper Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Csaba Fekete
- Department of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u. 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Tupper Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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41
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Kokare DM, Kyzar EJ, Zhang H, Sakharkar AJ, Pandey SC. Adolescent Alcohol Exposure-Induced Changes in Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone and Neuropeptide Y Pathways via Histone Acetylation in the Brain During Adulthood. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:758-768. [PMID: 28575455 PMCID: PMC5581492 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure causes long-lasting alterations in brain epigenetic mechanisms. Melanocortin and neuropeptide Y signaling interact and are affected by ethanol exposure in the brain. Here, the persistent effects of adolescent intermittent ethanol on alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, melanocortin 4 receptor, and neuropeptide Y expression and their regulation by histone acetylation mechanisms were investigated in adulthood. Methods Male rats were exposed to adolescent intermittent ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p.) or volume-matched adolescent intermittent saline from postnatal days 28 to 41 and allowed to grow to postnatal day 92. Anxiety-like behaviors were measured by the elevated plus-maze test. Brain regions from adult rats were used to examine changes in alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, melanocortin 4 receptor, and neuropeptide Y expression and the histone acetylation status of their promoters. Results Adolescent intermittent ethanol-exposed adult rats displayed anxiety-like behaviors and showed increased pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA levels in the hypothalamus and increased melanocortin 4 receptor mRNA levels in both the amygdala and hypothalamus compared with adolescent intermittent saline-exposed adult rats. The alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone and melanocortin 4 receptor protein levels were increased in the central and medial nucleus of the amygdala, paraventricular nucleus, and arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in adolescent intermittent ethanol-exposed compared with adolescent intermittent saline-exposed adult rats. Neuropeptide Y protein levels were decreased in the central and medial nucleus of the amygdala of adolescent intermittent ethanol-exposed compared with adolescent intermittent saline-exposed adult rats. Histone H3K9/14 acetylation was decreased in the neuropeptide Y promoter in the amygdala but increased in the melanocortin 4 receptor gene promoter in the amygdala and the melanocortin 4 receptor and pro-opiomelanocortin promoters in the hypothalamus of adolescent intermittent ethanol-exposed adult rats compared with controls. Conclusions Increased melanocortin and decreased neuropeptide Y activity due to changes in histone acetylation in emotional brain circuitry may play a role in adolescent intermittent ethanol-induced anxiety phenotypes in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
| | - Evan J Kyzar
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
| | - Huaibo Zhang
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
| | - Amul J Sakharkar
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
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42
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Cuesto G, Everaerts C, León LG, Acebes A. Molecular bases of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: shedding light on the darkness. J Neurogenet 2017; 31:266-287. [PMID: 28762842 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2017.1353092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Eating-disorders (EDs) consequences to human health are devastating, involving social, mental, emotional, physical and life-threatening aspects, concluding on impairment and death in cases of extreme anorexia nervosa. It also implies that people suffering an ED need to find psychiatric and psychological help as soon as possible to achieve a fully physical and emotional recovery. Unfortunately, to date, there is a crucial lack of efficient clinical treatment to these disorders. In this review, we present an overview concerning the actual pharmacological and psychological treatments, the knowledge of cells, circuits, neuropeptides, neuromodulators and hormones in the human brain- and other organs- underlying these disorders, the studies in animal models and, finally, the genetic approaches devoted to face this challenge. We will also discuss the need for new perspectives, avenues and strategies to be developed in order to pave the way to novel and more efficient therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Cuesto
- a Centre for Biomedical Research of the Canary Islands , Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna , Tenerife , Spain
| | - Claude Everaerts
- b Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation , UMR 6265 CNRS, UMR 1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Dijon , France
| | - Leticia G León
- c Cancer Pharmacology Lab , AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Angel Acebes
- a Centre for Biomedical Research of the Canary Islands , Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna , Tenerife , Spain
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43
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Libuda L, Antel J, Hebebrand J, Föcker M. [Nutrition and mental diseases : Focus depressive disorders]. DER NERVENARZT 2017; 88:87-101. [PMID: 28005145 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-016-0262-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dietary interventions are currently being discussed as additional treatment options for mental disorders. The pathological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. It is hypothesized that certain nutrients and dietary pattern influence immune and inflammatory processes, the microbiome, the leptin-melanocortinergic axis and hypothalamic-pituitary axis, as well as neurotransmitters of the cholinergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling cascades and neurotrophins. Observational studies have shown that traditional dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet have a protective effect on mental health. Supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids showed small to medium but significant effect sizes in meta-analyses from depression trials. The evidence with respect to the antidepressive effect of vitamin D supplementation is currently inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Libuda
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, LVR-Klinikum Essen, Kliniken und Institut der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland.
| | - J Antel
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, LVR-Klinikum Essen, Kliniken und Institut der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - J Hebebrand
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, LVR-Klinikum Essen, Kliniken und Institut der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - M Föcker
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, LVR-Klinikum Essen, Kliniken und Institut der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
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Soloaga A, Pueta M, Cruz FB, Kembro JM, Marin RH. Chronic stress in Lizards: Studies on the Behavior and Benzodiazepine Receptors in Liolaemus koslowskyi and Cnemidophorus tergolaevigatus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 325:713-725. [PMID: 28198153 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral and physiological adaptive responses of animals facing chronic exposure to a single stressor may allow them to overcome its negative effects for future exposures to similar stressful situations. At chemical level, the GABAA /benzodiazepine complex is considered one of the main receptor systems involved in the modulation of stress-induced responses. Here, we describe the behavioral responses of two different lizard species, Liolaemus koslowskyi and Cnemidophorus tergolaevigatus exposed to three potential chronic stressful treatments: (a) high temperature, (b) forced swimming, and (c) simulated predator. Additionally, we aimed to determine in those lizards whether the central-type benzodiazepine receptor (CBR; an allosteric modulator site of the GABAA receptor) is related to adaptive responses to those stressful stimulations. Our results revealed that the simulated predator was the stress condition that showed the largest difference in behavioral responses between the two species, resembling previously described strategies in nature. The basal affinity of CBRs (obtained from undisturbed animals) showed differences between both species, and the simulated predator was the only stressor that altered the affinity of CBRs. L. koslowskyi CBRs showed a decreased receptor affinity, whereas C. tergolaevigatus showed an increased receptor affinity in comparison to their respective control groups. We show for the first time the effects of different types of stressors upon behavioral responses and CBR biochemical parameters in two lizard species. Our findings suggest a potential GABA/benzodiazepine role in the ability of lizards to cope with a repeated exposure to a stressful (e.g., predator) condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Soloaga
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia Tecnológica, La Rioja (CONICET), Anillaco, La Rioja, Argentina
| | - Mariana Pueta
- Laboratorio de Fotobiología, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (CONICET-UNComa), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina.,Departamento de Biología General, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Félix Benjamín Cruz
- Laboratorio de Fotobiología, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (CONICET-UNComa), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Jackelyn Melissa Kembro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT, CONICET-FCEFyN-UNC) and Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los alimentos (ICTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Raul Hector Marin
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT, CONICET-FCEFyN-UNC) and Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los alimentos (ICTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Gomez F, García-García L. Anxiogenic-like effects of fluoxetine render adult male rats vulnerable to the effects of a novel stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 153:32-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Interoceptive modulation of neuroendocrine, emotional, and hypophagic responses to stress. Physiol Behav 2017; 176:195-206. [PMID: 28095318 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Periods of caloric deficit substantially attenuate many centrally mediated responses to acute stress, including neural drive to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, anxiety-like behavior, and stress-induced suppression of food intake (i.e., stress hypophagia). It is posited that this stress response plasticity supports food foraging and promotes intake during periods of negative energy balance, even in the face of other internal or external threats, thereby increasing the likelihood that energy stores are repleted. The mechanisms by which caloric deficit alters central stress responses, however, remain unclear. The caudal brainstem contains two distinct populations of stress-recruited neurons [i.e., noradrenergic neurons of the A2 cell group that co-express prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP+ A2 neurons), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) neurons] that also are responsive to interoceptive feedback about feeding and metabolic status. A2/PrRP and GLP-1 neurons have been implicated anatomically and functionally in the central control of the HPA axis, anxiety-like behavior, and stress hypophagia. The current review summarizes a growing body of evidence that caloric deficits attenuate physiological and behavioral responses to acute stress as a consequence of reduced recruitment of PrRP+ A2 and hindbrain GLP-1 neurons, accompanied by reduced signaling to their brainstem, hypothalamic, and limbic forebrain targets.
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Bez Y, Ari M, Ozturk OH, Oktar S, Can Y, Sogut S. Plasma Nesfatin-1 Level May Be Associated with Disease Severity in Patients with Panic Disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/10177833.2010.11790674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Bez
- Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Diyarbakir-Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ari
- Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Antakya-Turkey
| | - Oktay Hasan Ozturk
- Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Antakya-Turkey
| | - Suleyman Oktar
- Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Antakya-Turkey
| | - Yesim Can
- Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Antakya-Turkey
| | - Sadik Sogut
- Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Antakya-Turkey
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Jarvie BC, King CM, Hughes AR, Dicken MS, Dennison CS, Hentges ST. Caloric restriction selectively reduces the GABAergic phenotype of mouse hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin neurons. J Physiol 2016; 595:571-582. [PMID: 27531218 DOI: 10.1113/jp273020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons release peptide products that potently inhibit food intake and reduce body weight. These neurons also release the amino acid transmitter GABA, which can inhibit downstream neurons. Although the release of peptide transmitters from POMC neurons is regulated by energy state, whether similar regulation of GABA release might occur had not been examined. The present results show that the GABAergic phenotype of POMC neurons is decreased selectively by caloric deficit and not altered by high-fat diet or stress. The fact the GABAergic phenotype of POMC neurons is sensitive to energy state suggests a dynamic physiological role for this transmitter and highlights the importance of determining the functional consequence of GABA released from POMC neurons in terms of the regulation of normal energy balance. ABSTRACT In addition to peptide transmitters, hypothalamic neurons, including proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons, also release amino acid transmitters that can alter energy balance regulation. While recent studies show that the GABAergic nature of AgRP neurons is increased by caloric restriction, whether the GABAergic phenotype of POMC neurons is also regulated in an energy-state-dependent manner has not been previously examined. The present studies used fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect Gad1 and Gad2 mRNA in POMC neurons, as these encode the glutamate decarboxylase enzymes GAD67 and GAD65, respectively. The results show that both short-term fasting and chronic caloric restriction significantly reduce the percentage of POMC neurons expressing Gad1 mRNA in both male and female mice, with less of an effect on Gad2 expression. Neither acute nor chronic intermittent restraint stress altered Gad1 expression in POMC neurons. Maintenance on a high-fat diet also did not affect the portion POMC neurons expressing Gad1, suggesting that the GABAergic phenotype of POMC neurons is particularly sensitive to energy deficit. Because changes in Gad1 expression have been previously shown to correlate with altered terminal GABA release, fasting is likely to cause a decrease in GABA release from POMC neurons. Altogether, the present results show that the GABAergic nature of POMC neurons can be dynamically regulated by energy state in a manner opposite to that in AgRP neurons and suggest the importance of considering the functional role of GABA release in addition to the peptide transmitters from POMC neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke C Jarvie
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Connie M King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80253, USA
| | - Alexander R Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80253, USA
| | - Matthew S Dicken
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80253, USA
| | - Christina S Dennison
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80253, USA
| | - Shane T Hentges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80253, USA
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Immobilization stress-induced anorexia is mediated independent of MyD88. Neuroreport 2016; 27:974-7. [PMID: 27391428 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
MyD88 is an adaptor protein for the toll-like receptor, which is involved in regulating innate immune function. Lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of toll-like receptor 4 signaling induces hypothalamic signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation and anorexia through MyD88. In the present study, we investigated the possible role of MyD88 in psychological stress-induced anorexia. We found that immobilization stress inhibited food intake in both wild-type mice and MyD88-deficient mice. Immobilization stress slightly increased STAT3 phosphorylation in the hypothalamus, but it was weaker than the lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in STAT3 phosphorylation. These observations suggest that the mechanisms involved in psychological stress-induced anorexia may be regulated differently from those involved in anorexia that is induced by infection.
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Iemolo A, Seiglie M, Blasio A, Cottone P, Sabino V. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the central nucleus of the amygdala induces anxiety via melanocortin receptors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:3269-77. [PMID: 27376948 PMCID: PMC4982769 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4366-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the USA. Characterized by feelings of uncontrollable apprehension, they are accompanied by physical, affective, and behavioral symptoms. The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its receptor PAC1 (PAC1R) are highly expressed in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and they have gained growing attention for their proposed role in mediating the body's response to stress. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiogenic effects of PACAP in the CeA and its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of PACAP in the CeA was investigated. METHODS PACAP was microinfused into the CeA of rats, and its effects in the elevated plus maze (EPM), the defensive withdrawal tests, and plasma corticosterone levels were evaluated. The ability of the melanocortin receptor antagonist SHU9119 to block PACAP effect in the EPM was assessed. RESULTS Intra-CeA PACAP exerted a dose-dependent anxiogenic effect and activated the HPA axis. In contrast, PACAP microinfused into the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BlA) had no effect. Finally, the anxiogenic effect of intra-CeA PACAP was prevented by SHU9119. CONCLUSIONS These data prove an anxiogenic role for the PACAP system of the CeA and reveal that the melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) system of CeA mediates these effects. Our data provide insights into this neuropeptide system as a mechanism for modulating the behavioral and endocrine response to stress and suggest that dysregulations of this system may contribute to the pathophysiology of anxiety-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Iemolo
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, R-612, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Mariel Seiglie
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, R-612, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angelo Blasio
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, R-612, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Pietro Cottone
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, R-612, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Valentina Sabino
- Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, R-612, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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