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Deng J, Chen L, Liu CC, Liu M, Guo GQ, Wei JY, Zhang JB, Fan HT, Zheng ZK, Yan P, Zhang XZ, Zhou F, Huang SX, Zhang JF, Xu T, Xie JD, Xin WJ. Distinct Thalamo-Subcortical Circuits Underlie Painful Behavior and Depression-Like Behavior Following Nerve Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401855. [PMID: 38973158 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Clinically, chronic pain and depression often coexist in multiple diseases and reciprocally reinforce each other, which greatly escalates the difficulty of treatment. The neural circuit mechanism underlying the chronic pain/depression comorbidity remains unclear. The present study reports that two distinct subregions in the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) play different roles in this pathological process. In the first subregion PVT posterior (PVP), glutamatergic neurons (PVPGlu) send signals to GABAergic neurons (VLPAGGABA) in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VLPAG), which mediates painful behavior in comorbidity. Meanwhile, in another subregion PVT anterior (PVA), glutamatergic neurons (PVAGlu) send signals to the nucleus accumbens D1-positive neurons and D2-positive neurons (NAcD1→D2), which is involved in depression-like behavior in comorbidity. This study demonstrates that the distinct thalamo-subcortical circuits PVPGlu→VLPAGGABA and PVAGlu→NAcD1→D2 mediated painful behavior and depression-like behavior following spared nerve injury (SNI), respectively, which provides the circuit-based potential targets for preventing and treating comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Cui-Cui Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Guo-Qing Guo
- Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jia-You Wei
- Department of Physiology and Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jian-Bo Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Hai-Ting Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zi-Kun Zheng
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Pu Yan
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiang-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, First people's hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, 510168, China
| | - Sui-Xiang Huang
- Department of Pain Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Ji-Feng Zhang
- Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jing-Dun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Department of Physiology and Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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Illenberger JM, Flores-Ramirez FJ, Pascasio G, Franco M, Mendonsa B, Martin-Fardon R. Pivotal role of orexin signaling in the posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus during the stress-induced reinstatement of oxycodone-seeking behavior. J Psychopharmacol 2024:2698811241260989. [PMID: 38888086 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241260989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The orexin (OX) system has received increasing interest as a potential target for treating substance use disorder. OX transmission in the posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (pPVT), an area activated by highly salient stimuli that are both reinforcing and aversive, mediates cue- and stress-induced reinstatement of reward-seeking behavior. Oral administration of suvorexant (SUV), a dual OX receptor (OXR) antagonist (DORA), selectively reduced conditioned reinstatement of oxycodone-seeking behavior and stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior in dependent rats. AIMS This study tested whether OXR blockade in the pPVT with SUV reduces oxycodone or sweetened condensed milk (SCM) seeking elicited by conditioned cues or stress. METHODS Male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer oxycodone (0.15 mg/kg, i.v., 8 h/day) or SCM (0.1 ml, 2:1 dilution [v/v], 30 min/day). After extinction, we tested the ability of intra-pPVT SUV (15 µg/0.5 µl) to prevent reinstatement of oxycodone or SCM seeking elicited by conditioned cues or footshock stress. RESULTS The rats acquired oxycodone and SCM self-administration, and oxycodone intake correlated with signs of physical opioid withdrawal, confirming dependence. Following extinction, the presentation of conditioned cues or footshock elicited reinstatement of oxycodone- and SCM-seeking behavior. Intra-pPVT SUV blocked stress-induced reinstatement of oxycodone seeking but not conditioned reinstatement of oxycodone or SCM seeking or stress-induced reinstatement of SCM seeking. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that OXR signaling in the pPVT is critical for stress-induced reinstatement of oxycodone seeking, further corroborating OXRs as treatment targets for opioid use disorder.
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Kikuchi S, Iwasaki Y, Yoshioka M, Hino K, Morita SY, Tada R, Uchimura Y, Kubo Y, Kobayashi T, Kinoshita Y, Hayashi M, Furusho Y, Tamiaki H, Ishiyama H, Kuroda M, Udagawa J. Solitary and Synergistic Effects of Different Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Phospholipid Moieties on Rat Behaviors. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:762. [PMID: 38931883 PMCID: PMC11207216 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycerophospholipids have hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties. Previous studies suggest that phospholipids with different moieties have different effects on rodent behavior; however, the relationship between chemical structures and behavioral effects remains unclear. To clarify the functions of phospholipid moieties, we injected male rats with phospholipids with different moieties and conducted behavioral tests. Exploratory activity was reduced by phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)(18:0/22:6) but not PE(18:0/18:0) or PE(18:0/20:4). Conversely, exploratory activity was increased by plasmanyl PE(16:0/22:6), which harbors an alkyl-ether linkage, but not by phosphatidylcholine (PC)(16:0/22:6) or plasmanyl PC(16:0/22:6). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)(22:6) and an alkyl-ether linkage in PE were thus postulated to be involved in exploratory activity. Anxiety-like behavior was reduced by plasmenyl PC(18:0/20:4), which harbors a vinyl-ether linkage, but not by PC(18:0/20:4) or plasmanyl PC(18:0/20:4), suggesting the anxiolytic effects of vinyl-ether linkage. The activation of social interaction was suppressed by PE(18:0/18:0), PE(18:0/22:6), PC(16:0/22:6), plasmanyl PE(16:0/22:6), and plasmanyl PC(16:0/22:6) but not by PE(18:0/20:4), plasmenyl PE(18:0/20:4), or plasmanyl PC(18:0/22:6). DHA may suppress social interaction, whereas arachidonic acid(20:4) or a combination of alkyl-ether linkage and stearic acid(18:0) may restore social deficits. Our findings indicate the characteristic effects of different phospholipid moieties on rat behavior, and may help to elucidate patterns between chemical structures and their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Kikuchi
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Yugo Iwasaki
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Aichi, Japan;
| | - Mina Yoshioka
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Kodai Hino
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Shin-ya Morita
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan;
| | - Ryu Tada
- Molecular Engineering Institute, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan;
| | - Yasuhiro Uchimura
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Yoshinori Kubo
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Tomoya Kobayashi
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Yusuke Kinoshita
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan; (Y.K.); (H.T.)
| | - Masahiro Hayashi
- Department of Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Miyazaki, Japan;
| | - Yoshio Furusho
- Department of Chemistry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Tamiaki
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan; (Y.K.); (H.T.)
| | - Hiroaki Ishiyama
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Minoru Kuroda
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Jun Udagawa
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.U.); (M.K.)
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Kooiker CL, Chen Y, Birnie MT, Baram TZ. Genetic Tagging Uncovers a Robust, Selective Activation of the Thalamic Paraventricular Nucleus by Adverse Experiences Early in Life. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:746-755. [PMID: 37881549 PMCID: PMC10593902 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early-life adversity (ELA) is associated with increased risk for mood disorders, including depression and substance use disorders. These disorders are characterized by impaired reward-related behaviors, suggesting compromised operations of reward-related brain circuits. However, the brain regions engaged by ELA that mediate these enduring consequences of ELA remain largely unknown. In an animal model of ELA, we identified aberrant reward-seeking behaviors, a discovery that provides a framework for assessing the underlying circuits. Methods Employing TRAP2 (targeted recombination in active populations) male and female mice, in which neurons activated within a defined time frame are permanently tagged, we compared ELA- and control-reared mice, assessing the quantity and distribution of ELA-related neuronal activation. After validating the TRAP2 results using native c-Fos labeling, we defined the molecular identity of this population of activated neurons. Results We uniquely demonstrated that the TRAP2 system is feasible and efficacious in neonatal mice. Surprisingly, the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus was robustly and almost exclusively activated by ELA and was the only region distinguishing ELA from typical rearing. Remarkably, a large proportion of ELA-activated paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus neurons expressed CRF1, the receptor for the stress-related peptide, corticotropin-releasing hormone, but these neurons did not express corticotropin-releasing hormone itself. Conclusions The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, an important component of reward circuits that is known to encode remote, emotionally salient experiences to influence future motivated behaviors, encodes adverse experiences as remote as those occurring during the early postnatal period and is thus poised to contribute to the enduring deficits in reward-related behaviors consequent to ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L. Kooiker
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
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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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Ten-Blanco M, Flores Á, Cristino L, Pereda-Pérez I, Berrendero F. Targeting the orexin/hypocretin system for the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases: from animal to clinical studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101066. [PMID: 37015302 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Orexins (also known as hypocretins) are neuropeptides located exclusively in hypothalamic neurons that have extensive projections throughout the central nervous system and bind two different G protein-coupled receptors (OX1R and OX2R). Since its discovery in 1998, the orexin system has gained the interest of the scientific community as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of different pathological conditions. Considering previous basic science research, a dual orexin receptor antagonist, suvorexant, was the first orexin agent to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat insomnia. In this review, we discuss and update the main preclinical and human studies involving the orexin system with several psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. This system constitutes a nice example of how basic scientific research driven by curiosity can be the best route to the generation of new and powerful pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ten-Blanco
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - África Flores
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Neurosciences Institute, University of Barcelona and Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luigia Cristino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Inmaculada Pereda-Pérez
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Berrendero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.
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Kirouac GJ, Li S, Li S. Convergence of monosynaptic inputs from neurons in the brainstem and forebrain on parabrachial neurons that project to the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:2409-2437. [PMID: 35838792 PMCID: PMC9418111 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02534-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) projects to areas of the forebrain involved in regulating behavior. Homeostatic challenges and salient cues activate the PVT and evidence shows that the PVT regulates appetitive and aversive responses. The brainstem is a source of afferents to the PVT and the present study was done to determine if the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB) is a relay for inputs to the PVT. Retrograde tracing experiments with cholera toxin B (CTB) demonstrate that the LPB contains more PVT projecting neurons than other regions of the brainstem including the catecholamine cell groups. The hypothesis that the LPB is a relay for signals to the PVT was assessed using an intersectional monosynaptic rabies tracing approach. Sources of inputs to LPB included the reticular formation; periaqueductal gray (PAG); nucleus cuneiformis; and superior and inferior colliculi. Distinctive clusters of input cells to LPB-PVT projecting neurons were also found in the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTDL) and the lateral central nucleus of the amygdala (CeL). Anterograde viral tracing demonstrates that LPB-PVT neurons densely innervate all regions of the PVT in addition to providing collateral innervation to the preoptic area, lateral hypothalamus, zona incerta and PAG but not the BSTDL and CeL. The paper discusses the anatomical evidence that suggests that the PVT is part of a network of interconnected neurons involved in arousal, homeostasis, and the regulation of behavioral states with forebrain regions potentially providing descending modulation or gating of signals relayed from the LPB to the PVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert J Kirouac
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada. .,Departments of Psychiatry and Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada.
| | - Sa Li
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Shuanghong Li
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada
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Corbett BF, Luz S, Arner J, Vigderman A, Urban K, Bhatnagar S. Arc-Mediated Plasticity in the Paraventricular Thalamic Nucleus Promotes Habituation to Stress. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:116-126. [PMID: 35527070 PMCID: PMC9246972 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Habituation is defined as a progressive decline in response to repeated exposure to a familiar and predictable stimulus and is highly conserved across species. Disrupted habituation is a signature of posttraumatic stress disorder. In rodents, habituation is observed in neural, neuroendocrine, and behavioral responses to repeated exposure to predictable and moderately intense stress or restraint. We previously demonstrated that lesioning the posterior paraventricular thalamic nucleus (pPVT) impairs habituation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and specific neural connections among the pPVT and other brain regions that underlie habituation are unknown. METHODS Behavioral and neuroendocrine habituation was assessed in adult male Sprague Dawley rats using the repeated restraint paradigm. Pan-neuronal and Cre-dependent DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) were used to chemogenetically inhibit the pPVT and the subpopulation of pPVT neurons that project to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), respectively. Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) expression was knocked down in the pPVT using small interfering RNA. Structural plasticity of pPVT neurons was assessed using Golgi staining. Local field potential recordings were used to assess coherent neural activity between the pPVT and mPFC. The attentional set shifting task was used to assess mPFC-dependent behavior. RESULTS Here, we show that Arc promotes habituation by increasing stress-induced spinogenesis in the pPVT, increasing coherent neural activity with the mPFC, and improving mPFC-mediated cognitive flexibility. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that Arc induction in the pPVT regulates habituation and mPFC function. Therapies that improve synaptic plasticity during posttraumatic stress disorder therapy may enhance habituation and the efficacy of posttraumatic stress disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian F. Corbett
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sandra Luz
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jay Arner
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abigail Vigderman
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kimberly Urban
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Center for Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Seno FZ, Sgobbi RF, Nobre MJ. Contributions of the GABAergic system of the prelimbic cortex and basolateral amygdala to morphine withdrawal-induced contextual fear. Physiol Behav 2022; 254:113868. [PMID: 35724926 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Morphine withdrawal can trigger disruptions in neuronal pathways involved in the modulation and expression of anxiety and fear-related behaviors, particularly those involved in associative learning. When it comes to contextual fear, specific subdivisions of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) regulate the expression of defensive behaviors through projections to specific amygdala (AM) nuclei, such as the prelimbic cortex (PrL). The basolateral nucleus (BLA) of the AM has been shown to be involved in the modulation and expression of associative memories of fear, including those associated with opiate withdrawal-related aversive events. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of GABA mechanisms in the PrL and BLA in startle potentiation and freezing behavior caused by morphine-precipitated withdrawal. Our findings show that morphine withdrawal promotes the emergence of contextual conditioned fear in animals when they are exposed to the same environment where the withdrawal sessions were performed. This suggests that the neural circuits underlying the organism's response to conditioned stressors and the circuits modulating the negative affective states induced by drug withdrawal may overlap. The pharmacological manipulation of GABAergic neurotransmission in the PrL and BLA can reverse contextual fear in morphine-withdrawn rats, an effect that appears to be mediated, at least in part, by GABAA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Z Seno
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - R F Sgobbi
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - M J Nobre
- Departamento de Psicologia, Uni-FACEF, 14401-135, Franca, SP, Brasil; Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
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10
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Dumont C, Li G, Castel J, Luquet S, Gangarossa G. Hindbrain catecholaminergic inputs to the paraventricular thalamus scale feeding and metabolic efficiency in stress-related contexts. J Physiol 2022; 600:2877-2895. [PMID: 35648134 DOI: 10.1113/jp282996] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of food intake and energy balance relies on the dynamic integration of exteroceptive and interoceptive signals monitoring nutritional, metabolic, cognitive, and emotional states. The paraventricular thalamus (PVT) is a central hub that, by integrating sensory, metabolic, and emotional states, may contribute to the regulation of feeding and homeostatic/allostatic processes. However, the underlying PVT circuits still remain elusive. Here, we aimed at unravelling the role of catecholaminergic (CA) inputs to the PVT in scaling feeding and metabolic efficiency. First, using region-specific retrograde disruption of CA projections, we show that PVT CA inputs mainly arise from the hindbrain, notably the locus coeruleus (LC) and the nucleus tractus solitarius. Second, taking advantage of integrative calorimetric measurements of metabolic efficiency, we reveal that CA inputs to the PVT scale adaptive feeding and metabolic responses in environmental, behavioural, physiological, and metabolic stress-like contexts. Third, we show that hindbrainTH →PVT inputs contribute to modulating the activity of PVT as well as lateral and dorsomedial hypothalamic neurons. In conclusion, the present study, by assessing the key role of CA inputs to the PVT in scaling homeostatic/allostatic regulations of feeding patterns, reveals the integrative and converging hindbrainTH →PVT paths that contribute to whole-body metabolic adaptations in stress-like contexts. KEY POINTS: The paraventricular thalamus (PVT) is known to receive projections from the hindbrain. Here, we confirm and further extend current knowledge on the existence of hindbrainTH →PVT catecholaminergic inputs, notably from the locus coeruleus and the nucleus tractus solitarius, with the nucleus tractus solitarius representing the main source. Disruption of hindbrainTH →PVT inputs contributes to the modulation of PVT neuron activity. HindbrainTH →PVT inputs scale feeding strategies in environmental, behavioural, physiological, and metabolic stress-like contexts. HindbrainTH →PVT inputs participate in regulating metabolic efficiency and nutrient partitioning in stress-like contexts. HindbrainTH →PVT inputs, directly and/or indirectly, contribute to modulating the downstream activity of lateral and dorsomedial hypothalamic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Dumont
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Guangping Li
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Julien Castel
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Serge Luquet
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Giuseppe Gangarossa
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
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11
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Viena TD, Rasch GE, Allen TA. Dual medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus projecting neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:1857-1869. [PMID: 35279742 PMCID: PMC11229420 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02478-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus (PVT) of the midline thalamus is a critical higher-order cortico-thalamo-cortical integration site that plays a critical role in various behaviors including reward seeking, cue saliency, and emotional memory. Anatomical studies have shown that PVT projects to both medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HC). However, dual mPFC-HC projecting neurons which could serve a role in synchronizing mPFC and HC activity during PVT-dependent behaviors, have not been explored. Here we used a dual retrograde adenoassociated virus (AAV) tracing approach to characterize the location and proportion of different projection populations that send collaterals to mPFC and/or ventral hippocampus (vHC) in rats. Additionally, we examined the distribution of calcium binding proteins calretinin (CR) and calbindin (CB) with respect to these projection populations in PVT. We found that PVT contains separate populations of cells that project to mPFC, vHC, and those that innervate both regions. Interestingly, dual mPFC-HC projecting cells expressed neither CR nor CB. Topographically, CB+ and CR+ containing cells clustered around dual projecting neurons in PVT. These results are consistent with the features of dual mPFC-vHC projecting cells in the nucleus reuniens (RE) and suggestive of a functional mPFC-PVT-vHC system that may support mPFC-vHC interactions in PVT-dependent behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana D Viena
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience Program, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Gabriela E Rasch
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience Program, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Timothy A Allen
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience Program, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
- Deparment of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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12
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Bu X, Liu C, Fu B. Research progress of the paraventricular thalamus in the regulation of sleep-wake and emotional behaviors. IBRAIN 2022; 8:219-226. [PMID: 37786895 PMCID: PMC10529009 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The paraventricular thalamus (PVT) is a major component of the midline structure of the thalamus. It is one of the nonspecific nuclei of the thalamus, which plays a great role in the regulation of cortical arousal. PVT, an important node in the central nervous system, sends widespread outputs to many brain regions and also accepts plentiful inputs from many brain regions to modulate diverse functions, including sleep-wake state, attention, memory, and pain. Recently, with the increasing prevalence of sleep disorders and mood disorders, people pay great attention to PVT, which was implicated in arousal and emotional behaviors. Therefore, the main purpose of this review is to illustrate the characteristic of PVT to provide a reference for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao‐Li Bu
- Department of Intensive Care MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Cheng‐Xi Liu
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ ProtectionZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Bao Fu
- Department of Intensive Care MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
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13
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Vaseghi S, Zarrabian S, Haghparast A. Reviewing the role of the orexinergic system and stressors in modulating mood and reward-related behaviors. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 133:104516. [PMID: 34973302 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In this review study, we aimed to introduce the orexinergic system as an important signaling pathway involved in a variety of cognitive functions such as memory, motivation, and reward-related behaviors. This study focused on the role of orexinergic system in modulating reward-related behavior, with or without the presence of stressors. Cross-talk between the reward system and orexinergic signaling was also investigated, especially orexinergic signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and the hippocampus. Furthermore, we discussed the role of the orexinergic system in modulating mood states and mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, panic, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, we narrowed down our focus on the orexinergic signaling in three brain regions: the VTA, NAc, and the hippocampus (CA1 region and dentate gyrus) for their prominent role in reward-related behaviors and memory. It was concluded that the orexinergic system is critically involved in reward-related behavior and significantly alters stress responses and stress-related psychiatric and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salar Vaseghi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Shahram Zarrabian
- Department of Anatomical Sciences & Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Fiedler D, Pape HC, Lange MD. Stress-induced impairment of fear extinction recall is associated with changes in neuronal activity patterns in PVT. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110338. [PMID: 33915218 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Treatment resistance of anxiety-related disorders often arises from an inappropriate fear expression, impairment in fear extinction, and spontaneous return of fear. Stress exposure is considered a high risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders, but understanding of the long-term consequences of stress is limited, particularly when it comes to treatment outcome. Therefore, studying the consequences of acute stress would provide critical information on the role of stress in psychopathology. In the present study, we investigated the effect of acute immobilization stress on anxiety-like behavior and on conditioned fear memory. Our results demonstrate that prior stress exposure had no effect on anxiety-related behavior, fear acquisition, as well as fear extinction compared to non-stressed controls, but resulted in significantly higher rates of freezing during recall of extinction, indicating a consolidation failure. Further, immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of the immediate early gene c-Fos after recall of extinction revealed increased neuronal activity in the posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) in previously stressed animals compared to non-stressed controls. These results indicate, firstly, that acute stress affects long-term fear memory even after successful extinction training, and secondly, a strong involvement of the PVT in maladaptive fear responses induced by prior stress. Thus, stress-induced changes in PVT neuronal activity might be of importance for the pathophysiology of stress-sensitive anxiety-related psychiatric disorders, since exposure to an earlier acute stressor could counteract the success of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fiedler
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - H C Pape
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - M D Lange
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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15
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Matzeu A, Martin-Fardon R. Blockade of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 in the central amygdala prevents cocaine-seeking behaviour induced by orexin-A administered to the posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus in male rats. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E459-E471. [PMID: 34318655 PMCID: PMC8519495 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.200213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orexin-A (OrxA) administration in the posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (pPVT) reinstates extinguished cocaine-seeking behaviour following extended access to the drug (a model of dependence). The pPVT receives and integrates information associated with emotionally salient events and sends excitatory inputs to brain regions involved in the expression of emotional states, such as those driving cocaine-seeking behaviour (i.e., the nucleus accumbens, the central nucleus of the amygdala [CeA], the basolateral amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis [BNST] and the prefrontal cortex). METHODS We monitored the activation pattern of these regions (measured by Fos) during cocaine-seeking induced by OrxA administered to the pPVT. The BNST and CeA emerged as being selectively activated. To test whether the functionality of these regions was pivotal during OrxA-induced cocaine-seeking behaviour, we transiently inactivated these regions concomitantly with OrxA administration to the pPVT. We then tested the participation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRF1) in the CeA during OrxA-induced cocaine-seeking using the CRF1 antagonist CP154526. RESULTS We observed selective activation of the CeA and BNST during cocaine-seeking induced by OrxA administered to the pPVT, but only transient inactivation of the CeA prevented cocaine-seeking behaviour. Administration of CP154526 to the CeA prevented OrxAinduced cocaine-seeking behaviour. LIMITATIONS The use of only male rats could have been a limitation. Other limitations could have been the use of an indirect approach to test the hypothesis that administration of OrxA to the pPVT drives cocaine-seeking via CRF1 signalling in the CeA, and a lack of analysis of the participation of CeA subregions. CONCLUSION Cocaine-seeking behaviour induced by OrxA administered to the pPVT is driven by activation of the CeA via CRF1 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Matzeu
- From The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA (Matzeu, Martin-Fardon)
| | - Rémi Martin-Fardon
- From The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA (Matzeu, Martin-Fardon)
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16
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Iglesias AG, Flagel SB. The Paraventricular Thalamus as a Critical Node of Motivated Behavior via the Hypothalamic-Thalamic-Striatal Circuit. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 15:706713. [PMID: 34220458 PMCID: PMC8250420 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.706713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we highlight evidence that supports a role for the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) in motivated behavior. We include a neuroanatomical and neurochemical overview, outlining what is known of the cellular makeup of the region and its most prominent afferent and efferent connections. We discuss how these connections and distinctions across the anterior-posterior axis correspond to the perceived function of the PVT. We then focus on the hypothalamic-thalamic-striatal circuit and the neuroanatomical and functional placement of the PVT within this circuit. In this regard, the PVT is ideally positioned to integrate information regarding internal states and the external environment and translate it into motivated actions. Based on data that has emerged in recent years, including that from our laboratory, we posit that orexinergic (OX) innervation from the lateral hypothalamus (LH) to the PVT encodes the incentive motivational value of reward cues and thereby alters the signaling of the glutamatergic neurons projecting from the PVT to the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcSh). The PVT-NAcSh pathway then modulates dopamine activity and resultant cue-motivated behaviors. As we and others apply novel tools and approaches to studying the PVT we will continue to refine the anatomical, cellular, and functional definitions currently ascribed to this nucleus and further elucidate its role in motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G. Iglesias
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Shelly B. Flagel
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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17
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Extensive divergence of projections to the forebrain from neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:1779-1802. [PMID: 34032911 PMCID: PMC8203552 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) respond to emotionally salient events and project densely to subcortical regions known to mediate adaptive behavioral responses. The areas of the forebrain most densely innervated by the PVT include striatal-like subcortical regions that consist of the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcSh), the dorsolateral region of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTDL) and the lateral-capsular division of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeL). A recent tracing experiment demonstrated that the PVT is composed of two intermixed populations of neurons that primarily project to either the dorsomedial (dmNAcSh) or ventromedial region of the NAcSh (vmNAcSh) with many of the vmNAcSh projecting neurons providing collateral innervation of the BSTDL and CeL. The present study used triple injections of the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B to provide a detailed map of the location of PVT neurons that provide collaterals to the vmNAcSh, BSTDL and CeL. These neurons were intermixed throughout the PVT and did not form uniquely localized subpopulations. An intersectional viral anterograde tracing approach was used to demonstrate that regardless of its presumed target of innervation (dmNAcSh, vmNAcSh, BSTDL, or CeL), most neurons in the PVT provide collateral innervation to a common set of forebrain regions. The paper shows that PVT-dmNAcSh projecting neurons provide the most divergent projection system and that these neurons express the immediate early gene product cFos following an aversive incident. We propose that the PVT may regulate a broad range of responses to physiological and psychological challenges by simultaneously influencing functionally diverse regions of the forebrain that include the cortex, striatal-like regions in the basal forebrain and a number of hypothalamic nuclei.
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18
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Kooiker CL, Birnie MT, Baram TZ. The Paraventricular Thalamus: A Potential Sensor and Integrator of Emotionally Salient Early-Life Experiences. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:673162. [PMID: 34079442 PMCID: PMC8166219 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.673162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life experiences influence a broad spectrum of behaviors throughout the lifespan that contribute to resilience or vulnerability to mental health disorders. Yet, how emotionally salient experiences early in life are encoded, stored, and processed and the mechanisms by which they influence future behaviors remain poorly understood. The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is a key structure in modulating positive and negative experiences and behaviors in adults. However, little is known of the PVT's role in encoding and integrating emotionally salient experiences that occur during neonatal, infancy, and childhood periods. In this review, we (1) describe the functions and connections of the PVT and its regulation of behavior, (2) introduce novel technical approaches to elucidating the role of the PVT in mediating enduring changes in adult behaviors resulting from early-life experiences, and (3) conclude that PVT neurons of neonatal rodents are engaged by both positive and negative emotionally salient experiences, and their activation may enduringly govern future behavior-modulating PVT activity during emotionally salient contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L. Kooiker
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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19
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Hintiryan H, Bowman I, Johnson DL, Korobkova L, Zhu M, Khanjani N, Gou L, Gao L, Yamashita S, Bienkowski MS, Garcia L, Foster NN, Benavidez NL, Song MY, Lo D, Cotter KR, Becerra M, Aquino S, Cao C, Cabeen RP, Stanis J, Fayzullina M, Ustrell SA, Boesen T, Tugangui AJ, Zhang ZG, Peng B, Fanselow MS, Golshani P, Hahn JD, Wickersham IR, Ascoli GA, Zhang LI, Dong HW. Connectivity characterization of the mouse basolateral amygdalar complex. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2859. [PMID: 34001873 PMCID: PMC8129205 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22915-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The basolateral amygdalar complex (BLA) is implicated in behaviors ranging from fear acquisition to addiction. Optogenetic methods have enabled the association of circuit-specific functions to uniquely connected BLA cell types. Thus, a systematic and detailed connectivity profile of BLA projection neurons to inform granular, cell type-specific interrogations is warranted. Here, we apply machine-learning based computational and informatics analysis techniques to the results of circuit-tracing experiments to create a foundational, comprehensive BLA connectivity map. The analyses identify three distinct domains within the anterior BLA (BLAa) that house target-specific projection neurons with distinguishable morphological features. We identify brain-wide targets of projection neurons in the three BLAa domains, as well as in the posterior BLA, ventral BLA, posterior basomedial, and lateral amygdalar nuclei. Inputs to each nucleus also are identified via retrograde tracing. The data suggests that connectionally unique, domain-specific BLAa neurons are associated with distinct behavior networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houri Hintiryan
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Ian Bowman
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David L Johnson
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laura Korobkova
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Muye Zhu
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neda Khanjani
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lin Gou
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lei Gao
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Seita Yamashita
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Bienkowski
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Luis Garcia
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas N Foster
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nora L Benavidez
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Monica Y Song
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Darrick Lo
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kaelan R Cotter
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marlene Becerra
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarvia Aquino
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chunru Cao
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan P Cabeen
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jim Stanis
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marina Fayzullina
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah A Ustrell
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tyler Boesen
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amanda J Tugangui
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zheng-Gang Zhang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Fanselow
- Brain Research Institute, Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peyman Golshani
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joel D Hahn
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ian R Wickersham
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giorgio A Ascoli
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Li I Zhang
- Center for Neural Circuitry & Sensory Processing Disorders, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hong-Wei Dong
- Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- UCLA Brain Research & Artificial Intelligence Nexus, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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20
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Engelke DS, Zhang XO, O'Malley JJ, Fernandez-Leon JA, Li S, Kirouac GJ, Beierlein M, Do-Monte FH. A hypothalamic-thalamostriatal circuit that controls approach-avoidance conflict in rats. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2517. [PMID: 33947849 PMCID: PMC8097010 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival depends on a balance between seeking rewards and avoiding potential threats, but the neural circuits that regulate this motivational conflict remain largely unknown. Using an approach-food vs. avoid-predator threat conflict test in rats, we identified a subpopulation of neurons in the anterior portion of the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (aPVT) which express corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and are preferentially recruited during conflict. Inactivation of aPVTCRF neurons during conflict biases animal's response toward food, whereas activation of these cells recapitulates the food-seeking suppression observed during conflict. aPVTCRF neurons project densely to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and activity in this pathway reduces food seeking and increases avoidance. In addition, we identified the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) as a critical input to aPVTCRF neurons, and demonstrated that VMH-aPVT neurons mediate defensive behaviors exclusively during conflict. Together, our findings describe a hypothalamic-thalamostriatal circuit that suppresses reward-seeking behavior under the competing demands of avoiding threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Engelke
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - X O Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J J O'Malley
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J A Fernandez-Leon
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S Li
- Department of Oral Biol., University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - G J Kirouac
- Department of Oral Biol., University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - M Beierlein
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - F H Do-Monte
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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21
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Kark SM, Birnie MT, Baram TZ, Yassa MA. Functional Connectivity of the Human Paraventricular Thalamic Nucleus: Insights From High Field Functional MRI. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 15:662293. [PMID: 33967711 PMCID: PMC8096909 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.662293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) is a small but highly connected nucleus of the dorsal midline thalamus. The PVT has garnered recent attention as a context-sensitive node within the thalamocortical arousal system that modulates state-dependent motivated behaviors. Once considered related to generalized arousal responses with non-specific impacts on behavior, accumulating evidence bolsters the contemporary view that discrete midline thalamic subnuclei belong to specialized corticolimbic and corticostriatal circuits related to attention, emotions, and cognition. However, the functional connectivity patterns of the human PVT have yet to be mapped. Here, we combined high-quality, high-resolution 7T and 3T resting state MRI data from 121 young adult participants from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and thalamic subnuclei atlas masks to investigate resting state functional connectivity of the human PVT. The 7T results demonstrated extensive positive functional connectivity with the brainstem, midbrain, ventral and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), anterior and posterior cingulate, ventral striatum, hippocampus, and amygdala. These connections persist upon controlling for functional connectivity of the rest of the thalamus. Whole-brain contrasts provided further evidence that, compared to three nearby midline thalamic subnuclei, functional connectivity of the PVT is strong with the hippocampus, amygdala, ventral and dorsal mPFC, and middle temporal gyrus. These findings suggest that, even during rest, the human PVT is functionally coupled with many regions known to be structurally connected to rodent and non-human primate PVT. Further, cosine similarity analysis results suggested the PVT is integrated into the default mode network (DMN), an intrinsic connectivity network associated with episodic memory and self-referential thought. The current work provides a much-needed foundation for ongoing and future work examining the functional roles of the PVT in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Kark
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Michael A. Yassa
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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22
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Rowson SA, Pleil KE. Influences of Stress and Sex on the Paraventricular Thalamus: Implications for Motivated Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:636203. [PMID: 33716683 PMCID: PMC7953143 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.636203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is a critical neural hub for the regulation of a variety of motivated behaviors, integrating stress and reward information from environmental stimuli to guide discrete behaviors via several limbic projections. Neurons in the PVT are activated by acute and chronic stressors, however several roles of the PVT in behavior modulation emerge only following repeated stress exposure, pointing to a role for hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis modulation of PVT function. Further, there may be a reciprocal relationship between the PVT and HPA axis in which chronic stress-induced recruitment of the PVT elicits an additional role for the PVT to regulate motivated behavior by modulating HPA physiology and thus the neuroendocrine response to stress itself. This complex interaction may make the PVT and its role in influencing motivated behavior particularly susceptible to chronic stress-induced plasticity in the PVT, especially in females who display increased susceptibility to stress-induced maladaptive behaviors associated with neuropsychiatric diseases. Though literature is describing the sex-specific effects of acute and chronic stress exposure on HPA axis activation and motivated behaviors, the impact of sex on the role of the PVT in modulating the behavioral and neuroendocrine response to stress is less well established. Here, we review what is currently known regarding the acute and chronic stress-induced activation and behavioral role of the PVT in male and female rodents. We further explore stress hormone and neuropeptide signaling mechanisms by which the HPA axis and PVT interact and discuss the implications for sex-dependent effects of chronic stress on the PVT's role in motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristen E. Pleil
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
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23
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Kirouac GJ. The Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus as an Integrating and Relay Node in the Brain Anxiety Network. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:627633. [PMID: 33732118 PMCID: PMC7959748 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.627633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain anxiety network is composed of a number of interconnected cortical regions that detect threats and execute appropriate defensive responses via projections to the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcSh), dorsolateral region of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTDL) and lateral region of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeL). The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is anatomically positioned to integrate threat- and arousal-related signals from cortex and hypothalamus and then relay these signals to neural circuits in the NAcSh, BSTDL, and CeL that mediate defensive responses. This review describes the anatomical connections of the PVT that support the view that the PVT may be a critical node in the brain anxiety network. Experimental findings are reviewed showing that the arousal peptides orexins (hypocretins) act at the PVT to promote avoidance of potential threats especially following exposure of rats to a single episode of footshocks. Recent anatomical and experimental findings are discussed which show that neurons in the PVT provide divergent projections to subcortical regions that mediate defensive behaviors and that the projection to the NAcSh is critical for the enhanced social avoidance displayed in rats exposed to footshocks. A theoretical model is proposed for how the PVT integrates cortical and hypothalamic signals to modulate the behavioral responses associated with anxiety and other challenging situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert J. Kirouac
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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24
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Pang TY, Yaeger JDW, Summers CH, Mitra R. Cardinal role of the environment in stress induced changes across life stages and generations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:137-150. [PMID: 33549740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The stress response in rodents and humans is exquisitely dependent on the environmental context. The interactive element of the environment is typically studied by creating laboratory models of stress-induced plasticity manifested in behavior or the underlying neuroendocrine mediators of the behavior. Here, we discuss three representative sets of studies where the role of the environment in mediating stress sensitivity or stress resilience is considered across varying windows of time. Collectively, these studies testify that environmental variation at an earlier time point modifies the relationship between stressor and stress response at a later stage. The metaplastic effects of the environment on the stress response remain possible across various endpoints, including behavior, neuroendocrine regulation, region-specific neural plasticity, and regulation of receptors. The timescale of such variation spans adulthood, across stages of life history and generational boundaries. Thus, environmental variables are powerful determinants of the observed diversity in stress response. The predominant role of the environment suggests that it is possible to promote stress resilience through purposeful modification of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Y Pang
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, 3052, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, 3010, VIC, Australia
| | - Jazmine D W Yaeger
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Cliff H Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Rupshi Mitra
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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25
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The lateral hypothalamus and orexinergic transmission in the paraventricular thalamus promote the attribution of incentive salience to reward-associated cues. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3741-3758. [PMID: 32852601 PMCID: PMC7960144 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05651-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Prior research suggests that the neural pathway from the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) to the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) mediates the attribution of incentive salience to Pavlovian reward cues. However, a causal role for the LHA and the neurotransmitters involved have not been demonstrated in this regard. OBJECTIVES To examine (1) the role of LHA in the acquisition of Pavlovian conditioned approach (PavCA) behaviors, and (2) the role of PVT orexin 1 receptors (OX1r) and orexin 2 receptors (OX2r) in the expression of PavCA behaviors and conditioned reinforcement. METHODS Rats received excitotoxic lesions of the LHA prior to Pavlovian training. A separate cohort of rats characterized as sign-trackers (STs) or goal-trackers (GTs) received the OX1r antagonist SB-334867, or the OX2r antagonist TCS-OX2-29, into the PVT, to assess their effects on the expression of PavCA behavior and on the conditioned reinforcing properties of a Pavlovian reward cue. RESULTS LHA lesions attenuated the development of sign-tracking behavior. Administration of either the OX1r or OX2r antagonist into the PVT reduced sign-tracking behavior in STs. Further, OX2r antagonism reduced the conditioned reinforcing properties of a Pavlovian reward cue in STs. CONCLUSIONS The LHA is necessary for the development of sign-tracking behavior; and blockade of orexin signaling in the PVT attenuates the expression of sign-tracking behavior and the conditioned reinforcing properties of a Pavlovian reward cue. Together, these data suggest that LHA orexin inputs to the PVT are a key component of the circuitry that encodes the incentive motivational value of reward cues.
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26
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Yaeger JD, Krupp KT, Gale JJ, Summers CH. Counterbalanced microcircuits for Orx1 and Orx2 regulation of stress reactivity. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2020.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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27
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A projection from the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus to the shell of the nucleus accumbens contributes to footshock stress-induced social avoidance. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100266. [PMID: 33344719 PMCID: PMC7739169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is an area of the dorsal midline thalamus that contributes to footshock induced anxiety. The PVT sends a dense projection to the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcSh) and the present study explored if this projection is involved in the behavioral changes produced by a single exposure of rats to inescapable footshocks. The inhibitory Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) hM4Di was transduced in PVT neurons that project to the NAcSh. Rats were exposed to an episode of moderately intense footshock (1.5 mA × 2 s × 5) and assigned to either high-responder (HR) or low-responder groups (LR) according to their level of fear generalization 24 h later. The effect of chemogenetic inhibition of the PVT-NAcSh projection on anxiety- and fear-like behaviors was assessed at approximately 2 weeks post-footshock. HR showed a higher level of social avoidance compared to non-shocked animals and LR. The elevated level of social avoidance was attenuated in the HR treated with the hM4Di agonist clozapine (0.01 mg/kg, i.p.) or clozapine N-oxide (CNO) administrations in the NAcSh while avoidance of open spaces and contextual fear expression were not affected. Analysis of protein product of the early to immediate gene cfos indicated that these effects were mediated by dynorphin neurons in the NAcSh. This study provides evidence for a role of a projection from the PVT to the NAcSh in stress-induced social avoidance independent of anxiety to non-social stimuli and contextual fear mechanisms.
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28
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Barson JR, Mack NR, Gao WJ. The Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus Is an Important Node in the Emotional Processing Network. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:598469. [PMID: 33192373 PMCID: PMC7658442 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.598469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) has for decades been acknowledged to be an important node in the limbic system, but studies of emotional processing generally fail to incorporate it into their investigational framework. Here, we propose that the PVT should be considered as an integral part of the emotional processing network. Through its distinct subregions, cell populations, and connections with other limbic nuclei, the PVT participates in both major features of emotion: arousal and valence. The PVT, particularly the anterior PVT, can through its neuronal activity promote arousal, both as part of the sleep-wake cycle and in response to novel stimuli. It is also involved in reward, being both responsive to rewarding stimuli and itself affecting behavior reflecting reward, likely via specific populations of cells distributed throughout its subregions. Similarly, neuronal activity in the PVT contributes to depression-like behavior, through yet undefined subregions. The posterior PVT in particular demonstrates a role in anxiety-like behavior, generally promoting but also inhibiting this behavior. This subregion is also especially responsive to stressors, and it functions to suppress the stress response following chronic stress exposure. In addition to participating in unconditioned or primary emotional responses, the PVT also makes major contributions to conditioned emotional behavior. Neuronal activity in response to a reward-predictive cue can be detected throughout the PVT, and endogenous activity in the posterior PVT strongly predicts approach or seeking behavior. Similarly, neuronal activity during conditioned fear retrieval is detected in the posterior PVT and its activation facilitates the expression of conditioned fear. Much of this involvement of the PVT in arousal and valence has been shown to occur through the same general afferents and efferents, including connections with the hypothalamus, prelimbic and infralimbic cortices, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala, although a detailed functional map of the PVT circuits that control emotional responses remains to be delineated. Thus, while caveats exist and more work is required, the PVT, through its extensive connections with other prominent nuclei in the limbic system, appears to be an integral part of the emotional processing network.
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29
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Ahmadi-Soleimani SM, Mianbandi V, Azizi H, Azhdari-Zarmehri H, Ghaemi-Jandabi M, Abbasi-Mazar A, Mohajer Y, Darana SP. Coregulation of sleep-pain physiological interplay by orexin system: An unprecedented review. Behav Brain Res 2020; 391:112650. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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30
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Pan YP, Liu C, Liu MF, Wang Y, Bian K, Xue Y, Chen L. Involvement of orexin-A in the regulation of neuronal activity and emotional behaviors in central amygdala in rats. Neuropeptides 2020; 80:102019. [PMID: 31980205 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The amygdala is a complex structure involved in the regulation of emotional behaviors including fear and anxiety. The central amygdala is the main output of the amygdala and plays an important role in emotional processing. Recent studies indicate that orexin, a kind of neuropeptides responsible for maintaining wakefulness, is also associated with emotion-related behaviors, such as depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. Central amygdala receives orexinergic fibers originating from the lateral hypothalamus and expresses OX1 receptors in rats. To test the electrophysiological and behavioral effects of orexins in the central amygdala, single unit in vivo extracellular recordings, open field and elevated plus maze tests were performed in rats. Micro-pressure administration of orexin-A (0.01 mmol/L) increased the firing rate in 18 out of the 31 central amygdala neurons, while the other 13 neurons were not excited by orexin-A. The excitatory effects of orexin-A on central amygdala neurons were mainly mediated by OX1 receptors rather than OX2 receptors. Orexin-B (0.01 mmol/L) did not change the firing activity in all recorded central amygdala neurons. Selectively blocking OX1 receptors by SB-334867 (0.01 mmol/L) significantly decreased the spontaneous firing rate in 14 out of the 33 central amygdala neurons, leaving the remaining 19 neurons were not affected. However, blocking OX2 receptors by TCS-OX2-29 (0.01 mmol/L) did not change the firing activity. Finally, both open field test and elevated plus maze test showed that bilateral microinjection of orexin-A into the central amygdala induced significantly anxiolytic-like behaviors. The specific OX1 receptor antagonist tended to produce opposite effects although there was no statistical difference. The present electrophysiological and behavioral studies suggested that orexin-A participates in anxiety-like behaviors by modulating the spontaneous firing activity of central amygdala neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Peng Pan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cui Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mei-Fang Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kang Bian
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Xue
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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31
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Li SB, de Lecea L. The hypocretin (orexin) system: from a neural circuitry perspective. Neuropharmacology 2020; 167:107993. [PMID: 32135427 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypocretin/orexin neurons are distributed restrictively in the hypothalamus, a brain region known to orchestrate diverse functions including sleep, reward processing, food intake, thermogenesis, and mood. Since the hypocretins/orexins were discovered more than two decades ago, extensive studies have accumulated concrete evidence showing the pivotal role of hypocretin/orexin in diverse neural modulation. New method of viral-mediated tracing system offers the possibility to map the monosynaptic inputs and detailed anatomical connectivity of Hcrt neurons. With the development of powerful research techniques including optogenetics, fiber-photometry, cell-type/pathway specific manipulation and neuronal activity monitoring, as well as single-cell RNA sequencing, the details of how hypocretinergic system execute functional modulation of various behaviors are coming to light. In this review, we focus on the function of neural pathways from hypocretin neurons to target brain regions. Anatomical and functional inputs to hypocretin neurons are also discussed. We further briefly summarize the development of pharmaceutical compounds targeting hypocretin signaling. This article is part of the special issue on Neuropeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Bin Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Luis de Lecea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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32
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Meffre J, Sicre M, Diarra M, Marchessaux F, Paleressompoulle D, Ambroggi F. Orexin in the Posterior Paraventricular Thalamus Mediates Hunger-Related Signals in the Nucleus Accumbens Core. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3298-3306.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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33
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Grafe LA, Geng E, Corbett B, Urban K, Bhatnagar S. Sex- and Stress-Dependent Effects on Dendritic Morphology and Spine Densities in Putative Orexin Neurons. Neuroscience 2019; 418:266-278. [PMID: 31442567 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We recently found that non-stressed female rats have higher basal prepro-orexin expression and activation of orexinergic neurons compared to non-stressed males, which lead to impaired habituation to repeated restraint stress at the behavioral, neural, and endocrine level. Here, we extended our study of sex differences in the orexin system by examining spine densities and dendritic morphology in putative orexin neurons in adult male and female rats that were exposed to 5 consecutive days of 30-min restraint. Analysis of spine distribution and density indicated that putative orexinergic neurons in control non-stressed females had significantly more dendritic spines than those in control males, and the majority of these were mushroom spines. This morphological finding may suggest more excitatory input onto orexin neurons in female rats. As orexin neurons are known to promote the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response, this morphological change in orexin neurons could underlie the impaired habituation to repeated stress in female rats. Dendritic complexity did not differ between non-stressed males and females, however repeated restraint stress decreased total dendritic length, nodes, and branching primarily in males. Thus, reduced dendritic complexity of putative orexinergic neurons is observed in males but not in females after 5days of repeated restraint stress. This morphological change might be reflective of decreased orexin system function, which may allow males to habituate more fully to repeated restraint than females. These results extend our understanding of the role of orexin neurons in regulating habituation and demonstrate changes in putative orexin cell morphology and spines that may underlie sex differences in habituation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Grafe
- Department of Psychology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, USA
| | - Eric Geng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian Corbett
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kimberly Urban
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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34
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Kinlein SA, Phillips DJ, Keller CR, Karatsoreos IN. Role of corticosterone in altered neurobehavioral responses to acute stress in a model of compromised hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 102:248-255. [PMID: 30594817 PMCID: PMC7649055 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
An organism's capacity to cope with stressful experiences is dependent on its ability to appropriately engage central and peripheral systems, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, to adapt to changing environmental demands. The HPA axis is a primary neuroendocrine mediator of neural and behavioral responses to stress, and dysfunction of this system is linked to increased risk for developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the mechanisms by which dysregulated HPA function results in abnormal behavioral responses to stress are poorly understood. Here, we tested how corticosterone (CORT)-induced HPA axis disruption affects behavioral responses to stress in male C57BL/6 N mice, and probed correlates of these behaviors in the brain. We show that chronic HPA disruption blunts acute stress-induced grooming and rearing behaviors in the open field test, effects which were accompanied by decreased FOS immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) and paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT). Blockade of CORT secretion with metyrapone injection prior to acute stress did not recapitulate the effects of chronic HPA disruption on open field behavior, and acute CORT replacement did not rescue normal behavioral stress responses following chronic HPA disruption. This suggests that under acute conditions, CORT is not necessary for these responses normally, nor sufficient to rescue the deficits of chronic HPA dysregulation. Together, these findings support the hypothesis that chronic HPA dysregulation causes adaptation in stress-related brain circuits and demonstrate that these changes can influence an organism's behavioral response to stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Kinlein
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Derrick J. Phillips
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Chandler R. Keller
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Ilia N. Karatsoreos
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA,Corresponding author: Ilia N. Karatsoreos, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, ., T:509-335-4829
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Zhou K, Zhu Y. The paraventricular thalamic nucleus: A key hub of neural circuits underlying drug addiction. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:70-76. [PMID: 30772461 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive, out-of-control drug use and the appearance of negative somatic and emotional consequences when drug access is prevented. The limited efficacy of treatment urges researchers toward a deeper understanding of the neural mechanism of drug addiction. Brain circuits that regulate reward and motivation are considered to be the neural substrate of drug addiction. An increasing body of literature indicates that the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) could serve as a key node in the neurocircuits that control goal-directed behaviors. In this review, we summarize the anatomical and functional evidence that the PVT regulates drug-related behaviors. The PVT receives extensive inputs from the brainstem and hypothalamus, and is reciprocally connected with the limbic system. Neurons in the PVT are recruited by drug exposure as well as cues and context associated with drug taking. Pathway-specific perturbation studies have begun to decipher the precise role of PVT circuits in drug-related behaviors. We also highlight recent findings about the involvement of neural plasticity of the PVT pathways in drug addiction and provide perspectives on future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuikui Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Ji MJ, Zhang XY, Chen Z, Wang JJ, Zhu JN. Orexin prevents depressive-like behavior by promoting stress resilience. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:282-293. [PMID: 30087452 PMCID: PMC6755988 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic neuropeptide orexin has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and accumulating clinical evidence indicates a potential link between orexin and depression. However, the exact role of orexin in depression, particularly the underlying neural substrates and mechanisms, remains unknown. In this study, we reveal a direct projection from the hypothalamic orexinergic neurons to the ventral pallidum (VP), a structure that receives an increasing attention for its critical position in rewarding processing, stress responses, and depression. We find that orexin directly excites GABAergic VP neurons and prevents depressive-like behaviors in rats. Two orexin receptors, OX1R and OX2R, and their downstream Na+-Ca2+ exchanger and L-type Ca2+ channel co-mediate the effect of orexin. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade or genetic knockdown of orexin receptors in VP increases depressive-like behaviors in forced swim test and sucrose preference test. Intriguingly, blockage of orexinergic inputs in VP has no impact on social proximity in social interaction test between novel partners, but remarkably strengthens social avoidance under an acute psychosocial stress triggered by social rank. Notably, a significantly increased orexin level in VP is accompanied by an increase in serum corticosterone in animals exposed to acute stresses, including forced swimming, food/water deprivation and social rank stress, rather than non-stress situations. These results suggest that endogenous orexinergic modulation on VP is especially critical for protecting against depressive reactions to stressful events. The findings define an indispensable role for the central orexinergic system in preventing depression by promoting stress resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Jin Ji
- 0000 0001 2314 964Xgrid.41156.37State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhang
- 0000 0001 2314 964Xgrid.41156.37State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Zi Chen
- 0000 0001 2314 964Xgrid.41156.37State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Jian-Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jing-Ning Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Tsuchimine S, Hattori K, Ota M, Hidese S, Teraishi T, Sasayama D, Hori H, Noda T, Yoshida S, Yoshida F, Kunugi H. Reduced plasma orexin-A levels in patients with bipolar disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:2221-2230. [PMID: 31496705 PMCID: PMC6689769 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s209023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides involved in the regulation of sleep, appetite and arousal. An altered orexin system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to examine whether plasma orexin-A levels differ in patients with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), or bipolar disorder (BD) compared to in healthy controls. We also examined the possible correlations between plasma orexin-A levels and clinical variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS All participants were Japanese. The sample consisted of 80 patients with schizophrenia (42 women, 52.5%; mean age 36.8 years), 80 patients with MDD (43 women, 53.8%; 43.7 years), and 40 patients with BD (24 women, 60%; 41.1 years), as well as 80 healthy controls (48 women, 60%; 47.0 years). Plasma orexin-A levels were quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Mean orexin-A levels were significantly different across the four diagnostic groups (F=4.09; df=3; p=0.007, η2 =0.06). In particular, the patients with BD showed significantly lower orexin-A levels than did the controls. When the median value of the control group (109.8 pg/ml) was set as a cut-off value, subjects whose orexin-A levels were below the cut-off were more common in all psychiatric groups (schizophrenia: 73.8%, x2 =9.56, df=1, p=0.003, OR=2.81, 95% CI: 1.45 to 5.45, d=0.57; MDD: 78.5%, x2 =14.02, df=1, p<0.001, OR=3.65, 95% CI: 1.82 to 7.29, d=0.72; BD: 87.5%, x2 =16.0, df=1, p<0.001, OR=7.00, 95% CI: 2.49 to 19.70, d=1.07). We found no association between plasma orexin-A levels and any clinical symptoms, depression severity, or medication doses. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that plasma orexin-A levels are reduced in patients with BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Tsuchimine
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kotaro Hattori
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Miho Ota
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Hidese
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Toshiya Teraishi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Daimei Sasayama
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Hori
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Takamasa Noda
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan
| | - Sumiko Yoshida
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan
| | - Fuyuko Yoshida
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
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Eacret D, Grafe LA, Dobkin J, Gotter AL, Renger JJ, Winrow CJ, Bhatnagar S. Orexin signaling during social defeat stress influences subsequent social interaction behaviour and recognition memory. Behav Brain Res 2019; 356:444-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Summers CH, Yaeger JDW, Staton CD, Arendt DH, Summers TR. Orexin/hypocretin receptor modulation of anxiolytic and antidepressive responses during social stress and decision-making: Potential for therapy. Brain Res 2018; 1731:146085. [PMID: 30590027 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalmic orexin/hypocretin (Orx) neurons in the lateral and dorsomedial perifornical region (LH-DMH/PeF) innervate broadly throughout the brain, and receive similar inputs. This wide distribution, as well as two Orx peptides (OrxA and OrxB) and two Orx receptors (Orx1 and Orx2) allow for functionally related but distinctive behavioral outcomes, that include arousal, sleep-wake regulation, food seeking, metabolism, feeding, reward, addiction, and learning. These are all motivational functions, and tie the orexin systems to anxiety and depression as well. We present evidence, that for affective behavior, Orx1 and Orx2 receptors appear to have opposing functions. The majority of research on anxiety- and depression-related outcomes has focused on Orx1 receptors, which appear to have primarily anxiogenic and pro-depressive actions. Although there is significant research suggesting contrary findings, the primary potential for pharmacotherapies linked to the Orx1 receptor is via antagonists to block anxious and depressive behavior. Dual orexin receptor antagonists have been approved for treatment of sleep disorders, and are likely candidates for adaptation for affect disorder treatments. However, we present evidence here that demonstrates the Orx2 receptors are anxiolytic and antidepressive. Using a new experimental pre-clinical model of anxious and depressive behavior stimulated by social stress and decision-making that produces two stable behavioral phenotypes, Escape/Resilient and Stay/Susceptible, we tested the effects of intracerebroventricular injections of Orx2 agonist and antagonist drugs. Over ten behavioral measures, we have demonstrated that Orx2 agonists promote resilience, as well as anxiolytic and antidepressive behavior. In contrast, Orx2 antagonists or knockdown kindle anxious and pro-depressive behavior plus increase susceptibility. The results suggest that the Orx2 receptor may be a useful target for pharmacotherapies to treat anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliff H Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 USA.
| | - Jazmine D W Yaeger
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 USA
| | - Clarissa D Staton
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 USA
| | - David H Arendt
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA
| | - Tangi R Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 USA
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40
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Dustrude ET, Caliman IF, Bernabe CS, Fitz SD, Grafe LA, Bhatnagar S, Bonaventure P, Johnson PL, Molosh AI, Shekhar A. Orexin Depolarizes Central Amygdala Neurons via Orexin Receptor 1, Phospholipase C and Sodium-Calcium Exchanger and Modulates Conditioned Fear. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:934. [PMID: 30618563 PMCID: PMC6305451 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Orexins (OX), also known as hypocretins, are excitatory neuropeptides with well-described roles in regulation of wakefulness, arousal, energy homeostasis, and anxiety. An additional and recently recognized role of OX is modulation of fear responses. We studied the OX neurons of the perifornical hypothalamus (PeF) which send projections to the amygdala, a region critical in fear learning and fear expression. Within the amygdala, the highest density of OX-positive fibers was detected in the central nucleus (CeA). The specific mechanisms underlying OX neurotransmission within the CeA were explored utilizing rat brain slice electrophysiology, pharmacology, and chemogenetic stimulation. We show that OX induces postsynaptic depolarization of medial CeA neurons that is mediated by OX receptor 1 (OXR1) but not OX receptor 2 (OXR2). We further characterized the mechanism of CeA depolarization by OX as phospholipase C (PLC)- and sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX)- dependent. Selective chemogenetic stimulation of OX PeF fibers recapitulated OXR1 dependent depolarization of CeA neurons. We also observed that OXR1 activity modified presynaptic release of glutamate within the CeA. Finally, either systemic or intra-CeA perfusion of OXR1 antagonist reduced the expression of conditioned fear. Together, these data suggest the PeF-CeA orexinergic pathway can modulate conditioned fear through a signal transduction mechanism involving PLC and NCX activity and that selective OXR1 antagonism may be a putative treatment for fear-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik T Dustrude
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Izabela F Caliman
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Cristian S Bernabe
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Program in Medical Neuroscience, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Stephanie D Fitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Laura A Grafe
- Department Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Department Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Philip L Johnson
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Andrei I Molosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Abstract
The neuropeptides orexins are important in regulating the neurobiological systems that respond to stressful stimuli. Furthermore, orexins are known to play a role many of the phenotypes associated with stress-related mental illness such as changes in cognition, sleep-wake states, and appetite. Interestingly, orexins are altered in stress-related psychiatric disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders. Thus, orexins may be a potential target for treatment of these disorders. In this review, we will focus on what is known about the role of orexins in acute and repeated stress, in stress-induced phenotypes relevant to psychiatric illness in preclinical models, and in stress-related psychiatric illness in humans. We will also briefly discuss how orexins may contribute to sex differences in the stress response and subsequent phenotypes relevant to mental health, as many stress-related psychiatric disorders are twice as prevalent in women.
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42
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Sargin D. The role of the orexin system in stress response. Neuropharmacology 2018; 154:68-78. [PMID: 30266600 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Orexins are neuropeptides that are exclusively produced by hypothalamic neurons, which project throughout the entire brain. Orexin, also known as hypocretins, were initially identified to play a fundamental role in food intake, arousal and the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. Recent studies identified orexins to be critical for diverse physiological processes including motivation, reward, attention, emotional regulation, stress and anxiety. Here, I review recent findings that indicate orexin has an important role in acute and chronic stress. I also summarize the recent optogenetic and chemogenetic studies that have advanced our understanding of the orexin system. I will conclude by discussing clinical studies that implicate orexins in mental health disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Hypothalamic Control of Homeostasis'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Sargin
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Abreu AR, Molosh AI, Johnson PL, Shekhar A. Role of medial hypothalamic orexin system in panic, phobia and hypertension. Brain Res 2018; 1731:145942. [PMID: 30205108 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Orexin has been implicated in a number of physiological functions, including arousal, regulation of sleep, energy metabolism, appetitive behaviors, stress, anxiety, fear, panic, and cardiovascular control. In this review, we will highlight research focused on orexin system in the medial hypothalamic regions of perifornical (PeF) and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), and describe the role of this hypothalamic neuropeptide in the behavioral expression of panic and consequent fear and avoidance responses, as well as sympathetic regulation and possible development of chronic hypertension. We will also outline recent data highlighting the clinical potential of single and dual orexin receptor antagonists for neuropsychiatric conditions including panic, phobia, and cardiovascular conditions, such as in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline R Abreu
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrei I Molosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Philip L Johnson
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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44
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Cheng J, Wang J, Ma X, Ullah R, Shen Y, Zhou YD. Anterior Paraventricular Thalamus to Nucleus Accumbens Projection Is Involved in Feeding Behavior in a Novel Environment. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:202. [PMID: 29930498 PMCID: PMC5999750 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Foraging food in a novel environment is essential for survival. Animals coordinate the complex motivated states and decide whether to initiate feeding or escape from unfamiliar scenes. Neurons in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) receive multiple inputs from the hypothalamus, forebrain, and caudal brainstem that are known to regulate feeding behavior. The PVT neurons also project to the forebrain regions that are involved in reward and motivation. Notably, the PVT neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are activated when an incentive stimulus is presented. Optogenetic activation of the PVT-NAc path has been shown to increase the motivation for sucrose-seeking in instrumental tasks. However, how the PVT circuitry regulates the feeding behavior in a novel environment remains largely obscure. In the present study, we found that the activity of glutamatergic neurons in the anterior PVT (aPVT) projecting to the NAc dictates the novelty-suppressed feeding behavior in mice. Optogenetic activation of the aPVT-NAc projection increased the feeding time and food consumption in mice under a moderate food restriction in a novel open field where the food was placed in the central area. The exploratory and anxiety-like behaviors, however, were not altered by the aPVT-NAc activation. Our work reveals that activation of the aPVT-NAc pathway in mice generates a motivation to consume food in a novel environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Cheng
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rahim Ullah
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Sex- and Age-dependent Effects of Orexin 1 Receptor Blockade on Open-Field Behavior and Neuronal Activity. Neuroscience 2018; 381:11-21. [PMID: 29678754 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a sensitive and critical period in brain development where psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are more likely to emerge following a stressful life event. Females are two times more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders than males. Patients with these disorders show alterations in orexins (also called hypocretins), important neuropeptides that regulate arousal, wakefulness and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. Little is known on the role of orexins in mediating arousal behaviors in male and female rats during adolescence or adulthood. Here, we examine the influence of orexin 1 receptor blockade by SB334867 in open-field behavior in male and female rats during early adolescence (PND 31-33) or adulthood (PND 75-77). Animals were injected with 0 (vehicle), 1, 10, or 30 mg/kg SB334867 (i.p.). Thirty minutes later, they were placed in an open field, and behavior and neuronal activity (c-Fos) were assessed. In adolescent males, SB334867 significantly increased immobility in the 10 mg/kg group compared to vehicle. However, this increase in immobility in adolescent males was not observed in adolescent females. In contrast to adolescent males, adult males in the 10 mg/kg dose group showed the opposite effect on immobility compared to vehicle. These results indicate that 10 mg/kg dose of SB334867 has opposing effects in adolescent and adult males, but few effects in adolescent and adult females. Differences in functional networks between limbic regions may underlie these effects of orexin receptor blockade that are sex- and age-dependent in rats.
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Grafe LA, Eacret D, Dobkin J, Bhatnagar S. Reduced Orexin System Function Contributes to Resilience to Repeated Social Stress. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0273-17.2018. [PMID: 29662948 PMCID: PMC5900465 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0273-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stress increases the risk of developing affective disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, these disorders occur in only a subset of individuals, those that are more vulnerable to the effects of stress, whereas others remain resilient. The coping style adopted to deal with the stressor, either passive or active coping, is related to vulnerability or resilience, respectively. Important neural substrates that mediate responses to a stressor are the orexins. These neuropeptides are altered in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with stress-related illnesses such as depression and PTSD. The present experiments used a rodent social defeat model that generates actively coping rats and passively coping rats, which we have previously shown exhibit resilient and vulnerable profiles, respectively, to examine if orexins play a role in these stress-induced phenotypes. In situ radiolabeling and qPCR revealed that actively coping rats expressed significantly lower prepro-orexin mRNA compared with passively coping rats. This led to the hypothesis that lower levels of orexins contribute to resilience to repeated social stress. To test this hypothesis, rats first underwent 5 d of social defeat to establish active and passive coping phenotypes. Then, orexin neurons were inhibited before each social defeat for three additional days using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs). Inhibition of orexins increased social interaction behavior and decreased depressive-like behavior in the vulnerable population of rats. Indeed, these data suggest that lowering orexins promoted resilience to social defeat and may be an important target for treatment of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Grafe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Darrell Eacret
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Jane Dobkin
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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Boosting of Thalamic D2 Dopaminergic Transmission: A Potential Strategy for Drug-Seeking Attenuation. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-COM-0378-17. [PMID: 29279859 PMCID: PMC5738865 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0378-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This commentary focuses on novel findings by Clark et al. (2017) published in eNeuro, which show that dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) are involved in cocaine sensitization. We extend the discussion on how their findings contribute to our understanding of the role of the PVT in drug seeking by providing new insight on the role of the PVT in the regulation of food-seeking and fear responses. We also consider the significance of the neuroanatomical findings reported by Clark et al., that the PVT is reciprocally connected with areas of the brain involved in addiction and discuss the implications associated with the source and type of dopaminergic fibers innervating this area of the thalamus.
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Sharko AC, Fadel JR, Kaigler KF, Wilson MA. Activation of orexin/hypocretin neurons is associated with individual differences in cued fear extinction. Physiol Behav 2017; 178:93-102. [PMID: 27746261 PMCID: PMC5391308 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie differential sensitivity to stress is critical for understanding the development and expression of stress-induced disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Preclinical studies have suggested that rodents display different phenotypes associated with extinction of Pavlovian conditioned fear responses, with some rodent populations being resistant to extinction. An emerging literature also suggests a role for orexins in the consolidation processes associated with fear learning and extinction. To examine the possibility that the orexin system might be involved in individual differences in fear extinction, we used a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm in outbred Long-Evans rats. Rats showed significant variability in the extinction of cue-conditioned freezing and extinction recall, and animals were divided into groups based on their extinction profiles based on a median split of percent freezing behavior during repeated exposure to the conditioned cue. Animals resistant to extinction (high freezers) showed more freezing during repeated cue presentations during the within trial and between trial extinction sessions compared with the group showing significant extinction (low freezers), although there were no differences between these groups in freezing upon return to the conditioned context or during the conditioning session. Following the extinction recall session, activation of orexin neurons was determined using dual label immunohistochemistry for cFos in orexin positive neurons in the hypothalamus. Individual differences in the extinction of cue conditioned fear were associated with differential activation of hypothalamic orexin neurons. Animals showing poor extinction of cue-induced freezing (high freezers) had significantly greater percentage of orexin neurons with Fos in the medial hypothalamus than animals displaying significant extinction and good extinction recall (low freezers). Further, the freezing during extinction learning was positively correlated with the percentage of activated orexin neurons in both the lateral and medial hypothalamic regions. No differences in the overall density of orexin neurons or Fos activation were seen between extinction phenotypes. Although correlative, our results support other studies implicating a role of the orexinergic system in regulating extinction of conditioned responses to threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Sharko
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jim R Fadel
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Kris F Kaigler
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Marlene A Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA.
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Inflammation and vascular remodeling in the ventral hippocampus contributes to vulnerability to stress. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1160. [PMID: 28654094 PMCID: PMC5537643 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During exposure to chronic stress, some individuals engage in active coping behaviors that promote resiliency to stress. Other individuals engage in passive coping that is associated with vulnerability to stress and with anxiety and depression. In an effort to identify novel molecular mechanisms that underlie vulnerability or resilience to stress, we used nonbiased analyses of microRNAs in the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) to identify those miRNAs differentially expressed in active (long-latency (LL)/resilient) or passive (short-latency (SL)/vulnerable) rats following chronic social defeat. In the vHPC of active coping rats, miR-455-3p level was increased, while miR-30e-3p level was increased in the vHPC of passive coping rats. Pathway analyses identified inflammatory and vascular remodeling pathways as enriched by genes targeted by these microRNAs. Utilizing several independent markers for blood vessels, inflammatory processes and neural activity in the vHPC, we found that SL/vulnerable rats exhibit increased neural activity, vascular remodeling and inflammatory processes that include both increased blood-brain barrier permeability and increased number of microglia in the vHPC relative to control and resilient rats. To test the relevance of these changes for the development of the vulnerable phenotype, we used pharmacological approaches to determine the contribution of inflammatory processes in mediating vulnerability and resiliency. Administration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor-164 increased vulnerability to stress, while the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam attenuated vulnerability. Collectively, these results show that vulnerability to stress is determined by a re-designed neurovascular unit characterized by increased neural activity, vascular remodeling and pro-inflammatory mechanisms in the vHPC. These results suggest that dampening inflammatory processes by administering anti-inflammatory agents reduces vulnerability to stress. These results have translational relevance as they suggest that administration of anti-inflammatory agents may reduce the impact of stress or trauma in vulnerable individuals.
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50
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Dong X, Li S, Kirouac GJ. Collateralization of projections from the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus to the nucleus accumbens, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and central nucleus of the amygdala. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:3927-3943. [PMID: 28528379 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1445-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is a midline thalamic nucleus with dense projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsolateral region of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTDL) and the lateral/capsular region of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeL/CeC). Recent experimental evidence indicates that the PVT is involved in both appetitive and aversive behaviors. However, it is unknown if subgroups of neurons in the PVT innervate different subcortical targets or if the same neurons issue collaterals to multiple areas. To address this issue, we injected two different fluorescent retrograde tracers, cholera toxin subunit B conjugated to Alexa Fluor-488 or Alexa Fluor-594, into different pairs of the subcortical targets including different parts of the NAc (shell, core, dorsomedial shell, and ventromedial shell), BSTDL, and amygdala (basolateral amygdala and CeL/CeC). The results indicate a moderate to high level of collateralization of projections from neurons in the PVT to NAc, BSTDL, and CeL/CeC suggesting a potential importance of the PVT in simultaneously coordinating the activity of key regions of the brain involved in mediating emotional and motivational behaviors. We also observed a difference in the subcortical targets innervated by the anterior PVT (aPVT) and posterior PVT (pPVT) showing that more neurons in the aPVT innervate the dorsomedial part of the NAc shell, while more neurons in the pPVT innervate the ventromedial NAc shell, BSTDL, and CeL/CeC. This observation is suggestive of a potential functional difference between the aPVT and pPVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwen Dong
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Sa Li
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Gilbert J Kirouac
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada.
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