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Zheng J, Baimoukhametova D, Lebel C, Bains JS, Kurrasch DM. Hypothalamic vasopressin sex differentiation is observed by embryonic day 15 in mice and is disrupted by the xenoestrogen bisphenol A. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313207121. [PMID: 38753512 PMCID: PMC11126957 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313207121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular region (AVPPVN) mediate sex-biased social behaviors across most species, including mammals. In mice, neural sex differences are thought to be established during a critical window around birth ( embryonic (E) day 18 to postnatal (P) day 2) whereby circulating testosterone from the fetal testis is converted to estrogen in sex-dimorphic brain regions. Here, we found that AVPPVN neurons are sexually dimorphic by E15.5, prior to this critical window, and that gestational bisphenol A (BPA) exposure permanently masculinized female AVPPVN neuronal numbers, projections, and electrophysiological properties, causing them to display male-like phenotypes into adulthood. Moreover, we showed that nearly twice as many neurons that became AVP+ by P0 were born at E11 in males and BPA-exposed females compared to control females, suggesting that AVPPVN neuronal masculinization occurs between E11 and P0. We further narrowed this sensitive period to around the timing of neurogenesis by demonstrating that exogenous estrogen exposure from E14.5 to E15.5 masculinized female AVPPVN neuronal numbers, whereas a pan-estrogen receptor antagonist exposed from E13.5 to E15.5 blocked masculinization of males. Finally, we showed that restricting BPA exposure to E7.5-E15.5 caused adult females to display increased social dominance over control females, consistent with an acquisition of male-like behaviors. Our study reveals an E11.5 to E15.5 window of estrogen sensitivity impacting AVPPVN sex differentiation, which is impacted by prenatal BPA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Dinara Baimoukhametova
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jaideep S. Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Deborah M. Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
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Watanabe M, Sinha AS, Shinmyo Y, Fukuda A. Early establishment of chloride homeostasis in CRH neurons is altered by prenatal stress leading to fetal HPA axis dysregulation. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1373337. [PMID: 38577026 PMCID: PMC10994000 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1373337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons play an important role in the regulation of neuroendocrine responses to stress. The excitability of CRH neurons is regulated by inhibitory GABAergic inputs. However, it is unclear when GABAergic regulation of CRH neurons is established during fetal brain development. Furthermore, the exact progression of the developmental shift of GABA action from depolarization to hyperpolarization remains unelucidated. Considering the importance of CRH neuron function in subsequent hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation during this critical phase of development, we investigated the ontogeny of GABAergic inputs to CRH neurons and consequent development of chloride homeostasis. Both CRH neuron soma in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and axons projecting to the median eminence could be identified at embryonic day 15 (E15). Using acute slices containing the PVN of CRF-VenusΔNeo mice, gramicidin perforated-patch clamp-recordings of CRH neurons at E15, postnatal day 0 (P0), and P7 were performed to evaluate the developmental shift of GABA action. The equilibrium potential of GABA (EGABA) was similar between E15 and P0 and showed a further hyperpolarizing shift between P0 and P7 that was comparable to EGABA values in adult CRH neurons. GABA primarily acted as an inhibitory signal at E15 and KCC2 expression was detected in CRH neurons at this age. Activation of the HPA axis has been proposed as the primary mechanism through which prenatal maternal stress shapes fetal development and subsequent long-term disease risk. We therefore examined the impact of maternal food restriction stress on the development of chloride homeostasis in CRH neurons. We observed a depolarization shift of EGABA in CRH neurons of pups exposed to maternal food restriction stress. These results suggest that Cl- homeostasis in early developmental CRH neurons attains mature intracellular Cl- levels, GABA acts primarily as inhibitory, and CRH neurons mature and function early compared with neurons in other brain regions, such as the cortex and hippocampus. Maternal food restriction stress alters chloride homeostasis in CRH neurons of pups, reducing their inhibitory control by GABA. This may contribute to increased CRH neuron activity and cause activation of the HPA axis in pups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yohei Shinmyo
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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3
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Xu X, Zheng S, Ren J, Li Z, Li J, Xu Z, Yuan F, Yang Q, Margetts AV, Pollock TA, Vilca SJ, Yang C, Chen G, Shen P, Li S, Xia J, Chen C, Zhou T, Zhu Y, Tuesta LM, Wang L, Kenny PJ, Liu XA, Chen Z. Hypothalamic CRF neurons facilitate brain reward function. Curr Biol 2024; 34:389-402.e5. [PMID: 38215742 PMCID: PMC10842365 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.046] [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: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Aversive stimuli activate corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVNCRF neurons) and other brain stress systems to facilitate avoidance behaviors. Appetitive stimuli also engage the brain stress systems, but their contributions to reward-related behaviors are less well understood. Here, we show that mice work vigorously to optically activate PVNCRF neurons in an operant chamber, indicating a reinforcing nature of these neurons. The reinforcing property of these neurons is not mediated by activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We found that PVNCRF neurons send direct projections to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and selective activation of these projections induced robust self-stimulation behaviors, without activation of the HPA axis. Similar to the PVNCRF cell bodies, self-stimulation of PVNCRF-VTA projection was dramatically attenuated by systemic pretreatment of CRF receptor 1 or dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) antagonist and augmented by corticosterone synthesis inhibitor metyrapone, but not altered by dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) antagonist. Furthermore, we found that activation of PVNCRF-VTA projections increased c-Fos expression in the VTA dopamine neurons and rapidly triggered dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and microinfusion of D1R or D2R antagonist into the NAc decreased the self-stimulation of these projections. Together, our findings reveal an unappreciated role of PVNCRF neurons and their VTA projections in driving reward-related behaviors, independent of their core neuroendocrine functions. As activation of PVNCRF neurons is the final common path for many stress systems, our study suggests a novel mechanism underlying the positive reinforcing effect of stressful stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuidiao Zheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510130, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiayan Ren
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zixuan Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinyan Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhibin Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qixing Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Alexander V Margetts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Tate A Pollock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Samara J Vilca
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Canyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gaowei Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Peilei Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shupeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianxun Xia
- Yunkang School of Medicine and Health, Nanfang College, Guangzhou 510970, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuyun Chen
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510130, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Luis M Tuesta
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Liping Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xin-An Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Zuxin Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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4
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Mitchell CS, Campbell EJ, Fisher SD, Stanton LM, Burton NJ, Pearl AJ, McNally GP, Bains JS, Füzesi T, Graham BA, Manning EE, Dayas CV. Optogenetic recruitment of hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing-hormone (CRH) neurons reduces motivational drive. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:8. [PMID: 38191479 PMCID: PMC10774335 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Impaired motivational drive is a key feature of depression. Chronic stress is a known antecedent to the development of depression in humans and depressive-like states in animals. Whilst there is a clear relationship between stress and motivational drive, the mechanisms underpinning this association remain unclear. One hypothesis is that the endocrine system, via corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN; PVNCRH), initiates a hormonal cascade resulting in glucocorticoid release, and that excessive glucocorticoids change brain circuit function to produce depression-related symptoms. Another mostly unexplored hypothesis is that the direct activity of PVNCRH neurons and their input to other stress- and reward-related brain regions drives these behaviors. To further understand the direct involvement of PVNCRH neurons in motivation, we used optogenetic stimulation to activate these neurons 1 h/day for 5 consecutive days and showed increased acute stress-related behaviors and long-lasting deficits in the motivational drive for sucrose. This was associated with increased Fos-protein expression in the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Direct stimulation of the PVNCRH inputs in the LH produced a similar pattern of effects on sucrose motivation. Together, these data suggest that PVNCRH neuronal activity may be directly responsible for changes in motivational drive and that these behavioral changes may, in part, be driven by PVNCRH synaptic projections to the LH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin S Mitchell
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Sydney, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Erin J Campbell
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Sydney, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Simon D Fisher
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Sydney, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Laura M Stanton
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Sydney, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Burton
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Sydney, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Amy J Pearl
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Sydney, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Gavan P McNally
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tamás Füzesi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brett A Graham
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Sydney, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Manning
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Sydney, NSW, 2305, Australia.
| | - Christopher V Dayas
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Sydney, NSW, 2305, Australia.
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5
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Füzesi T, Rasiah NP, Rosenegger DG, Rojas-Carvajal M, Chomiak T, Daviu N, Molina LA, Simone K, Sterley TL, Nicola W, Bains JS. Hypothalamic CRH neurons represent physiological memory of positive and negative experience. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8522. [PMID: 38129411 PMCID: PMC10739955 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44163-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Recalling a salient experience provokes specific behaviors and changes in the physiology or internal state. Relatively little is known about how physiological memories are encoded. We examined the neural substrates of physiological memory by probing CRHPVN neurons of mice, which control the endocrine response to stress. Here we show these cells exhibit contextual memory following exposure to a stimulus with negative or positive valence. Specifically, a negative stimulus invokes a two-factor learning rule that favors an increase in the activity of weak cells during recall. In contrast, the contextual memory of positive valence relies on a one-factor rule to decrease activity of CRHPVN neurons. Finally, the aversive memory in CRHPVN neurons outlasts the behavioral response. These observations provide information about how specific physiological memories of aversive and appetitive experience are represented and demonstrate that behavioral readouts may not accurately reflect physiological changes invoked by the memory of salient experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Füzesi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- CSM Optogenetics Core Facility, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Neilen P Rasiah
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - David G Rosenegger
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mijail Rojas-Carvajal
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Taylor Chomiak
- CSM Optogenetics Core Facility, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Núria Daviu
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Leonardo A Molina
- CSM Optogenetics Core Facility, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Kathryn Simone
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Toni-Lee Sterley
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Wilten Nicola
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
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6
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Sato T, Sugaya T, Talukder AH, Tsushima Y, Sasaki S, Uchida K, Sato T, Ikoma Y, Sakimura K, Fukuda A, Matsui K, Itoi K. Dual action of serotonin on local excitatory and inhibitory neural circuits regulating the corticotropin-releasing factor neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13351. [PMID: 37901949 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Serotonergic neurons originating from the raphe nuclei have been proposed to regulate corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). Since glutamate- and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-containing neurons, constituting the hypothalamic local circuits, innervate PVH CRF neurons, we examined whether they mediate the actions of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) on CRF neurons. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) or spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) were recorded in PVH CRF neurons, under whole cell patch-clamp, using the CRF-modified yellow fluorescent protein (Venus) ΔNeo mouse. Serotonin elicited an increase in the frequency of sEPSCs in 77% of the cells and a decrease in the frequency of sIPSCs in 71% of the cells, tested in normal medium. Neither the amplitude nor decay time of sEPSC and sIPSC was affected, thus the site(s) of action of serotonin may be presynaptic. In the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX), serotonin had no significant effects on either parameter of sEPSC or sIPSC, indicating that the effects of serotonin are action potential-dependent, and that the presynaptic interneurons are largely intact within the slice; distant neurons may exist, though, since some 20%-30% of neurons did not respond to serotonin without TTX. We next examined through what receptor subtype(s) serotonin exerts its effects on presynaptic interneurons. DOI (5-HT2A/2C agonist) mimicked the action of serotonin on the sIPSCs, and the serotonin-induced decrease in sIPSC frequency was inhibited by a selective 5-HT2C antagonist RS102221. 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A/7 agonist) mimicked the action of serotonin on the sEPSCs, and the serotonin-induced increase in sEPSC frequency was inhibited by a selective 5-HT7 antagonist SB269970. Thus, serotonin showed a dual action on PVH CRF neurons, by upregulating glutamatergic- and downregulating GABAergic interneurons; the former may partly be mediated by 5-HT7 receptors, whereas the latter by 5-HT2C receptors. The CRF-Venus ΔNeo mouse was useful for the electrophysiological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Sato
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takuma Sugaya
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ashraf Hossain Talukder
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Tsushima
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shotaro Sasaki
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Katsuya Uchida
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoko Ikoma
- Super-Network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Physiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Ko Matsui
- Super-Network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keiichi Itoi
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Super-Network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Nursing, Tohoku Fukushi University, Sendai, Japan
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7
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Rybka KA, Lafrican JJ, Rosinger ZJ, Ariyibi DO, Brooks MR, Jacobskind JS, Zuloaga DG. Sex differences in androgen receptor, estrogen receptor alpha, and c-Fos co-expression with corticotropin releasing factor expressing neurons in restrained adult mice. Horm Behav 2023; 156:105448. [PMID: 38344954 PMCID: PMC10861933 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Gonadal hormone actions through androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) regulate sex differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responsivity and stress-related behaviors. Here we tested whether corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) expressing neurons, which are widely known to regulate neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses, co-express AR and ERα as a potential mechanism for gonadal hormone regulation of these responses. Using Crh-IRES-Cre::Ai9 reporter mice we report high co-localization of AR in CRF neurons within the medial preoptic area (MPOA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), medial amygdala (MeA), and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), moderate levels within the central amygdala (CeA) and low levels in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVN). Sex differences in CRF/AR co-expression were found in the principal nucleus of the BST (BSTmpl), CeA, MeA, and VMH (males>females). CRF co-localization with ERα was generally lower relative to AR co-localization. However, high co-expression was found within the MPOA, AVPV, and VMH, with moderate co-expression in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), BST, and MeA and low levels in the PVN and CeA. Sex differences in CRF/ERα co-localization were found in the BSTmpl and PVN (males>females). Finally, we assessed neural activation of CRF neurons in restraint-stressed mice and found greater CRF/c-Fos co-expression in females in the BSTmpl and periaqueductal gray, while co-expression was higher in males within the ARC and dorsal CA1. Given the known role of CRF in regulating behavioral stress responses and the HPA axis, AR/ERα co-expression and sex-specific activation of CRF cell groups indicate potential mechanisms for modulating sex differences in these functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna A Rybka
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America
| | - Jennifer J Lafrican
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America
| | - Zachary J Rosinger
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America
| | - Deborah O Ariyibi
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America
| | - Mecca R Brooks
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America
| | - Jason S Jacobskind
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America
| | - Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America.
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8
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Lameu EL, Rasiah NP, Baimoukhametova DV, Loewen SP, Bains JS, Nicola W. Particle-swarm based modelling reveals two distinct classes of CRH PVN neurons. J Physiol 2023; 601:3151-3171. [PMID: 36223200 DOI: 10.1113/jp283133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrophysiological recordings can provide detailed information of single neurons' dynamical features and shed light on their response to stimuli. Unfortunately, rapidly modelling electrophysiological data for inferring network-level behaviours remains challenging. Here, we investigate how modelled single neuron dynamics leads to network-level responses in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), a critical nucleus for the mammalian stress response. Recordings of corticotropin releasing hormone neurons from the PVN (CRHPVN ) were performed using whole-cell current-clamp. These, neurons, which initiate the endocrine response to stress, were rapidly and automatically fit to a modified adaptive exponential integrate-and-fire model (AdEx) with particle swarm optimization (PSO). All CRHPVN neurons were accurately fit by the AdEx model with PSO. Multiple sets of parameters were found that reliably reproduced current-clamp traces for any single neuron. Despite multiple solutions, the dynamical features of the models such as the rheobase, fixed points, and bifurcations, were shown to be stable across fits. We found that CRHPVN neurons can be divided into two subtypes according to their bifurcation at the onset of firing: CRHPVN -integrators and CRHPVN -resonators. The existence of CRHPVN -resonators was then directly confirmed in a follow-up patch-clamp hyperpolarization protocol which readily induced post-inhibitory rebound spiking in 33% of patched neurons. We constructed networks of CRHPVN model neurons to investigate the network level responses of CRHPVN neurons. We found that CRHPVN -resonators maintain baseline firing in networks even when all inputs are inhibitory. The dynamics of a small subset of CRHPVN neurons may be critical to maintaining a baseline firing tone in the PVN. KEY POINTS: Corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons (CRHPVN ) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus act as the final neural controllers of the stress response. We developed a computational modelling platform that uses particle swarm optimization to rapidly and accurately fit biophysical neuron models to patched CRHPVN neurons. A model was fitted to each patched neuron without the use of dynamic clamping, or other procedures requiring sophisticated inputs and fitting algorithms. Any neuron undergoing standard current clamp step protocols for a few minutes can be fitted by this procedure The dynamical analysis of the modelled neurons shows that CRHPVN neurons come in two specific 'flavours': CRHPVN -resonators and CRHPVN -integrators. We directly confirmed the existence of these two classes of CRHPVN neurons in subsequent experiments. Network simulations show that CRHPVN -resonators are critical to retaining the baseline firing rate of the entire network of CRHPVN neurons as these cells can fire rebound spikes and bursts in the presence of strong inhibitory synaptic input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewandson L Lameu
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Department, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Neilen P Rasiah
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dinara V Baimoukhametova
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Spencer P Loewen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wilten Nicola
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Department, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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9
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Horváth K, Juhász B, Kuti D, Ferenczi S, Kovács KJ. Recruitment of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) Neurons in Categorically Distinct Stress Reactions in the Mouse Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11736. [PMID: 37511494 PMCID: PMC10380650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411736] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH) are in the position to integrate stress-related information and initiate adaptive neuroendocrine-, autonomic-, metabolic- and behavioral responses. In addition to hypophyseotropic cells, CRH is widely expressed in the CNS, however its involvement in the organization of the stress response is not fully understood. In these experiments, we took advantage of recently available Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai9 mouse line to study the recruitment of hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic CRH neurons in categorically distinct, acute stress reactions. A total of 95 brain regions in the adult male mouse brain have been identified as containing putative CRH neurons with significant expression of tdTomato marker gene. With comparison of CRH mRNA and tdTomato distribution, we found match and mismatch areas. Reporter mice were then exposed to restraint, ether, high salt, lipopolysaccharide and predator odor stress and neuronal activation was revealed by FOS immunocytochemistry. In addition to a core stress system, stressor-specific areas have been revealed to display activity marker FOS. Finally, activation of CRH neurons was detected by colocalization of FOS in tdTomato expressing cells. All stressors resulted in profound activation of CRH neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus; however, a differential activation of pattern was observed in CRH neurons in extrahypothalamic regions. This comprehensive description of stress-related CRH neurons in the mouse brain provides a starting point for a systematic functional analysis of the brain stress system and its relation to stress-induced psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Horváth
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Juhász
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Kuti
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilamér Ferenczi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina J Kovács
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Rasiah NP, Loewen SP, Bains JS. Windows into stress: a glimpse at emerging roles for CRH PVN neurons. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1667-1691. [PMID: 36395349 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00056.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing hormone cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (CRHPVN) control the slow endocrine response to stress. The synapses on these cells are exquisitely sensitive to acute stress, leveraging local signals to leave a lasting imprint on this system. Additionally, recent work indicates that these cells also play key roles in the control of distinct stress and survival behaviors. Here we review these observations and provide a perspective on the role of CRHPVN neurons as integrative and malleable hubs for behavioral, physiological, and endocrine responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neilen P Rasiah
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Spencer P Loewen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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11
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Lauritano D, Mastrangelo F, D’Ovidio C, Ronconi G, Caraffa A, Gallenga CE, Frydas I, Kritas SK, Trimarchi M, Carinci F, Conti P. Activation of Mast Cells by Neuropeptides: The Role of Pro-Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054811. [PMID: 36902240 PMCID: PMC10002992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are tissue cells that are derived from bone marrow stem cells that contribute to allergic reactions, inflammatory diseases, innate and adaptive immunity, autoimmunity, and mental disorders. MCs located near the meninges communicate with microglia through the production of mediators such as histamine and tryptase, but also through the secretion of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF, which can create pathological effects in the brain. Preformed chemical mediators of inflammation and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are rapidly released from the granules of MCs, the only immune cells capable of storing the cytokine TNF, although it can also be produced later through mRNA. The role of MCs in nervous system diseases has been extensively studied and reported in the scientific literature; it is of great clinical interest. However, many of the published articles concern studies on animals (mainly rats or mice) and not on humans. MCs are known to interact with neuropeptides that mediate endothelial cell activation, resulting in central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disorders. In the brain, MCs interact with neurons causing neuronal excitation with the production of neuropeptides and the release of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines. This article explores the current understanding of MC activation by neuropeptide substance P (SP), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and neurotensin, and the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a therapeutic effect of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-37 and IL-38.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Lauritano
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Filiberto Mastrangelo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Cristian D’Ovidio
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Ronconi
- Clinica dei Pazienti del Territorio, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carla E. Gallenga
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialist Surgery, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilias Frydas
- Department of Parasitology, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spyros K. Kritas
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Macedonia, Greece
| | - Matteo Trimarchi
- Centre of Neuroscience of Milan, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Carinci
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pio Conti
- Immunology Division, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence:
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12
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Power EM, Ganeshan D, Iremonger KJ. Estradiol regulates voltage-gated potassium currents in corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:287072. [PMID: 36805713 PMCID: PMC10038157 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons are the primary neural population controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the secretion of adrenal stress hormones. Previous work has demonstrated that stress hormone secretion can be regulated by circulating levels of estradiol. However, the effect of estradiol on CRH neuron excitability is less clear. Here, we show that chronic estradiol replacement following ovariectomy increases two types of potassium channel currents in CRH neurons: fast inactivating voltage-gated A-type K+ channel currents (IA) and non-inactivating M-type K+ channel currents (IM). Despite the increase in K+ currents following estradiol replacement, there was no overall change in CRH neuron spiking excitability assessed with either frequency-current curves or current ramps. Together, these data reveal a complex picture whereby ovariectomy and estradiol replacement differentially modulate distinct aspects of CRH neuron and HPA axis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmet M Power
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin9016, New Zealand
| | - Dharshini Ganeshan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin9016, New Zealand
| | - Karl J Iremonger
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin9016, New Zealand
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13
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Sobrido‐Cameán D, González‐Llera L, Anadón R, Barreiro‐Iglesias A. Organization of the corticotropin-releasing hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone-binding protein systems in the central nervous system of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:58-88. [PMID: 36150899 PMCID: PMC9826344 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The expression of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (PmCRH) and the CRH-binding protein (PmCRHBP) mRNAs was studied by in situ hybridization in the brain of prolarvae, larvae, and adults of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. We also generated an antibody against the PmCRH mature peptide to study the distribution of PmCRH-immunoreactive cells and fibers. PmCRH immunohistochemistry was combined with antityrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, PmCRHBP in situ hybridization, or neurobiotin transport from the spinal cord. The most numerous PmCRH-expressing cells were observed in the magnocellular preoptic nucleus-paraventricular nucleus and in the superior and medial rhombencephalic reticular formation. PmCRH expression was more extended in adults than in larvae, and some cell populations were mainly (olfactory bulb) or only (striatum, ventral hypothalamus, prethalamus) observed in adults. The preopto-paraventricular fibers form conspicuous tracts coursing toward the neurohypophysis, but many immunoreactive fibers were also observed coursing in many other brain regions. Brain descending fibers in the spinal cord mainly come from cells located in the isthmus and in the medial rhombencephalic reticular nucleus. The distribution of PmCRHBP-expressing neurons was different from that of PmCRH cells, with cells mainly present in the septum, striatum, preoptic region, tuberal hypothalamus, pretectum, pineal complex, isthmus, reticular formation, and spinal cord. Again, expression in adults was more extended than in larvae. PmCRH- and PmCRHBP-expressing cells are different, excluding colocalization of these substances in the same neuron. Present findings reveal a complex CRH/CRHBP system in the brain of the oldest extant vertebrate group, the agnathans, which shows similarities but important divergences with that of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sobrido‐Cameán
- Department of Functional Biology, CIBUS, Faculty of BiologyUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de CompostelaSpain,Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Laura González‐Llera
- Department of Functional Biology, CIBUS, Faculty of BiologyUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de CompostelaSpain
| | - Ramón Anadón
- Department of Functional Biology, CIBUS, Faculty of BiologyUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de CompostelaSpain
| | - Antón Barreiro‐Iglesias
- Department of Functional Biology, CIBUS, Faculty of BiologyUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de CompostelaSpain
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14
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Liu Y, Li S, Zhang X, Wang L, Li Z, Wu W, Qin X, Zhou J, Ma C, Meng W, Kuang X, Yin F, Xia Q, Jiang B, Yang Y. Corticotropin releasing factor neurons in the visual cortex mediate long-term changes in visual function induced by early adversity. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 21:100504. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
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15
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Cole AB, Montgomery K, Bale TL, Thompson SM. What the hippocampus tells the HPA axis: Hippocampal output attenuates acute stress responses via disynaptic inhibition of CRF+ PVN neurons. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 20:100473. [PMID: 35982732 PMCID: PMC9379952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus exerts inhibitory feedback on the release of glucocorticoids. Because the major hippocampal efferent projections are excitatory, it has been hypothesized that this inhibition is mediated by populations of inhibitory neurons in the hypothalamus or elsewhere. These regions would be excited by hippocampal efferents and project to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). A direct demonstration of the synaptic responses elicited by hippocampal outputs in PVN cells or upstream GABAergic interneurons has not been provided previously. Here, we used viral vectors to express channelrhodopsin (ChR) and enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) in pyramidal cells in the ventral hippocampus (vHip) in mice expressing tdTomato in GABA- or CRF-expressing neurons. We observed dense innervation of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) by labeled vHip axons and sparse labeling within the PVN. Using whole-cell voltage-clamp recording in parasagittal brain slices containing the BNST and PVN, photostimulation of vHip terminals elicited rapid excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and longer-latency inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in both CRF+ and GAD + cells. The ratio of synaptic excitation and inhibition was maintained in CRF + cells during 20 Hz stimulus trains. Photostimulation of hippocampal afferents to the BNST and PVN in vivo inhibited the rise in blood glucocorticoid levels produced by acute restraint stress. We thus provide functional evidence suggesting that hippocampal output to the BNST contributes to a net inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, providing further mechanistic insights into this process using methods with enhanced spatial and temporal resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony B. Cole
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Departments of University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Kristen Montgomery
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Tracy L. Bale
- Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Scott M. Thompson
- Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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Islam MT, Rumpf F, Tsuno Y, Kodani S, Sakurai T, Matsui A, Maejima T, Mieda M. Vasopressin neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus promote wakefulness via lateral hypothalamic orexin neurons. Curr Biol 2022; 32:3871-3885.e4. [PMID: 35907397 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The sleep-wakefulness cycle is regulated by complicated neural networks that include many different populations of neurons throughout the brain. Arginine vasopressin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVHAVP) regulate various physiological events and behaviors, such as body-fluid homeostasis, blood pressure, stress response, social interaction, and feeding. Changes in arousal level often accompany these PVHAVP-mediated adaptive responses. However, the contribution of PVHAVP neurons to sleep-wakefulness regulation has remained unknown. Here, we report the involvement of PVHAVP neurons in arousal promotion. Optogenetic stimulation of PVHAVP neurons rapidly induced transitions to wakefulness from both NREM and REM sleep. This arousal effect was dependent on AVP expression in these neurons. Similarly, chemogenetic activation of PVHAVP neurons increased wakefulness and reduced NREM and REM sleep, whereas chemogenetic inhibition of these neurons significantly reduced wakefulness and increased NREM sleep. We observed dense projections of PVHAVP neurons in the lateral hypothalamus with potential connections to orexin/hypocretin (LHOrx) neurons. Optogenetic stimulation of PVHAVP neuronal fibers in the LH immediately induced wakefulness, whereas blocking orexin receptors attenuated the arousal effect of PVHAVP neuronal activation drastically. Monosynaptic rabies-virus tracing revealed that PVHAVP neurons receive inputs from multiple brain regions involved in sleep-wakefulness regulation, as well as those involved in stress response and energy metabolism. Moreover, PVHAVP neurons mediated the arousal induced by novelty stress and a melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan-II. Thus, our data suggested that PVHAVP neurons promote wakefulness via LHOrx neurons in the basal sleep-wakefulness and some stressful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Tarikul Islam
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Florian Rumpf
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan; Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Beatrice-Edgell-Weg 21, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yusuke Tsuno
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Shota Kodani
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakurai
- Faculty of Medicine/WPI-IIIS, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Ayako Matsui
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Takashi Maejima
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Michihiro Mieda
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan.
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17
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Ichiyama A, Mestern S, Benigno GB, Scott KE, Allman BL, Muller L, Inoue W. State-dependent activity dynamics of hypothalamic stress effector neurons. eLife 2022; 11:76832. [PMID: 35770968 PMCID: PMC9278954 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76832] [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: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The stress response necessitates an immediate boost in vital physiological functions from their homeostatic operation to an elevated emergency response. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this state-dependent change remain largely unknown. Using a combination of in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology with computational modeling, we report that corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), the effector neurons of hormonal stress response, rapidly transition between distinct activity states through recurrent inhibition. Specifically, in vivo optrode recording shows that under non-stress conditions, CRHPVN neurons often fire with rhythmic brief bursts (RB), which, somewhat counterintuitively, constrains firing rate due to long (~2 s) interburst intervals. Stressful stimuli rapidly switch RB to continuous single spiking (SS), permitting a large increase in firing rate. A spiking network model shows that recurrent inhibition can control this activity-state switch, and more broadly the gain of spiking responses to excitatory inputs. In biological CRHPVN neurons ex vivo, the injection of whole-cell currents derived from our computational model recreates the in vivo-like switch between RB and SS, providing direct evidence that physiologically relevant network inputs enable state-dependent computation in single neurons. Together, we present a novel mechanism for state-dependent activity dynamics in CRHPVN neurons.
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18
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Islam MT, Maejima T, Matsui A, Mieda M. Paraventricular hypothalamic vasopressin neurons induce self-grooming in mice. Mol Brain 2022; 15:47. [PMID: 35606816 PMCID: PMC9125887 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00932-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-grooming plays an essential role in hygiene maintenance, thermoregulation, and stress response. However, the neural populations involved in self-grooming remain largely unknown. The paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH) has been implicated in the regulation of self-grooming. Arginine vasopressin-producing neurons are among the major neuronal populations in the PVH (PVHAVP), which play important roles in water homeostasis, blood pressure regulation, feeding, and stress response. Here, we report the critical role of PVHAVP neurons in the induction of self-grooming. Optogenetic activation of PVHAVP neurons immediately induced self-grooming in freely moving mice. Chemogenetic activation of these neurons also increased time spent self-grooming. In contrast, their chemogenetic inhibition significantly reduced naturally occurring self-grooming, suggesting that PVHAVP-induced grooming has physiological relevance. Notably, optogenetic activation of PVHAVP neurons triggered self-grooming over other adaptive behaviors, such as voracious feeding induced by fasting and social interaction with female mice. Thus, our study proposes the novel role of PVHAVP neurons in regulating self-grooming behavior and, consequently, hygiene maintenance and stress response. Furthermore, uncontrolled activation of these neurons may be potentially relevant to diseases characterized by compulsive behaviors and impaired social interaction, such as autism, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Tarikul Islam
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Takashi Maejima
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Ayako Matsui
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Michihiro Mieda
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan.
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19
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Jamieson BB, Kim JS, Iremonger KJ. Cannabinoid and vanilloid pathways mediate opposing forms of synaptic plasticity in corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13084. [PMID: 35034400 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Activity-dependent release of retrograde signaling molecules form micro-feedback loops to regulate synaptic function in neural circuits. Single neurons can release multiple forms of these signaling molecules, including endocannabinoids and endovanilloids, which act via cannabinoid (CB) receptors and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors. In hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons, endocannabinoids acting via CB1 receptors have been shown to play an important role in regulating excitability and hence stress hormone secretion. However, the importance of endovanilloid signaling in CRH neurons is currently unclear. Here, we show that, in response to postsynaptic depolarization, CRH neurons release endocannabinoid/endovanilloid molecules that can activate CB1 and TRPV1 receptors. Activation of CB1 receptors suppresses glutamate neurotransmission whereas activation of TRPV1 enhances spontaneous glutamate transmission. However, the excitatory effects of TRPV1 are normally masked by the inhibitory effects of CB1. When the degradation of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was inhibited, this revealed tonic activation of CB1 receptors, suggesting tonic endocannabinoid release. However, we found no evidence for tonic activation of TRPV1 receptors under similar conditions. These findings show that activation of CRH neurons can drive the release of signaling molecules that activate parallel endocannabinoid and endovanilloid receptor pathways to mediate opposing forms of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley B Jamieson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Joon S Kim
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Karl J Iremonger
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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20
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Rybka KA, Sturm KL, De Guzman RM, Bah S, Jacobskind JS, Rosinger ZJ, Taroc EZM, Forni PE, Zuloaga DG. Androgen regulation of corticotropin releasing factor receptor 1 in the mouse brain. Neuroscience 2022; 491:185-199. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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21
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Simmons S, Langlois LD, Oyola MG, Gouty S, Wu TJ, Nugent FS. Blast-Induced Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Alterations of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Neuronal Activity in the Mouse Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 13:804898. [PMID: 35153711 PMCID: PMC8828487 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.804898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury (mbTBI) is the most common cause of TBI in US service members and veterans. Those exposed to TBI are at greater risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depressive disorders, and substance use disorders following TBI. Previously, we have demonstrated that mbTBI increases anxiety-like behaviors in mice and dysregulates stress at the level of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). To expand on how mTBI may dysregulate the stress axis centrally, here PVN CRF neuronal activity was evaluated using whole cell-patch clamp recordings in hypothalamic slices from sham and mbTBI adult male CRF:tdTomato mice 7 days post-injury. We found that mbTBI generally did not affect the neuronal excitability and intrinsic membrane properties of PVN CRF neurons; this injury selectively increased the frequency of spontaneous neuronal firing of PVN CRF neurons localized to the dorsal PVN (dPVN) but not ventral PVN (vPVN). Consistently, mbTBI-induced dPVN CRF hyperactivity was associated with pre- and post-synaptic depression of spontaneous GABAergic transmission onto dPVN CRF neurons suggesting that mbTBI-induced GABAergic synaptic dysfunction may underlie dPVN CRF neuronal hyperactivity and increases in dPVN CRF signaling. The present results provide the first evidence for mbTBI-induced alterations in PVN CRF neuronal activity and GABAergic synaptic function that could mediate hypothalamic CRF dysregulation following mbTBI contributing to stress psychopathology associated with blast injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Simmons
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ludovic D. Langlois
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mario G. Oyola
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Shawn Gouty
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - T. John Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Fereshteh S. Nugent T. John Wu
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Fereshteh S. Nugent T. John Wu
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22
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Short AK, Thai CW, Chen Y, Kamei N, Pham AL, Birnie MT, Bolton JL, Mortazavi A, Baram TZ. Single-Cell Transcriptional Changes in Hypothalamic Corticotropin-Releasing Factor-Expressing Neurons After Early-Life Adversity Inform Enduring Alterations in Vulnerabilities to Stress. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 3:99-109. [PMID: 36712559 PMCID: PMC9874075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health and vulnerabilities to neuropsychiatric disorders involve the interplay of genes and environment, particularly during sensitive developmental periods. Early-life adversity (ELA) and stress promote vulnerabilities to stress-related affective disorders, yet it is unknown how transient ELA dictates lifelong neuroendocrine and behavioral reactions to stress. The population of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-expressing neurons that regulate stress responses is a promising candidate to mediate the long-lasting influences of ELA on stress-related behavioral and hormonal responses via enduring transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Methods Capitalizing on a well-characterized model of ELA, we examined ELA-induced changes in gene expression profiles of CRF-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of developing male mice. We used single-cell RNA sequencing on isolated CRF-expressing neurons. We determined the enduring functional consequences of transcriptional changes on stress reactivity in adult ELA mice, including hormonal responses to acute stress, adrenal weights as a measure of chronic stress, and behaviors in the looming shadow threat task. Results Single-cell transcriptomics identified distinct and novel CRF-expressing neuronal populations, characterized by both their gene expression repertoire and their neurotransmitter profiles. ELA-provoked expression changes were selective to specific subpopulations and affected genes involved in neuronal differentiation, synapse formation, energy metabolism, and cellular responses to stress and injury. Importantly, these expression changes were impactful, apparent from adrenal hypertrophy and augmented behavioral responses to stress in adulthood. Conclusions We uncover a novel repertoire of stress-regulating CRF cell types differentially affected by ELA and resulting in augmented stress vulnerability, with relevance to the origins of stress-related affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel K. Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Christina W. Thai
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Aidan L. Pham
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Jessica L. Bolton
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 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,Address correspondence to Tallie Z. Baram, M.D., Ph.D.
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23
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Garcia DuBar S, Cosio D, Korthas H, Van Batavia JP, Zderic SA, Sahibzada N, Valentino RJ, Vicini S. Somatostatin Neurons in the Mouse Pontine Nucleus Activate GABA A Receptor Mediated Synaptic Currents in Locus Coeruleus Neurons. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:754786. [PMID: 34675794 PMCID: PMC8524133 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.754786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pontine nuclei comprising the locus coeruleus (LC) and Barrington’s nucleus (BRN) amongst others form the neural circuitry(s) that coordinates arousal and voiding behaviors. However, little is known about the synaptic connectivity of neurons within or across these nuclei. These include corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF+) expressing neurons in the BRN that control bladder contraction and somatostatin expressing (SST+) neurons whose role in this region has not been discerned. To determine the synaptic connectivity of these neurons, we employed optogenetic stimulation with recordings from BRN and LC neurons in brain stem slices of channelrhodopsin-2 expressing SST or CRF neurons. Optogenetic stimulation of CRF+ BRN neurons of CrfCre;chr2-yfp mice had little effect on either CRF+ BRN neurons, CRF– BRN neurons, or LC neurons. In contrast, in SstCre;chr2-yfp mice light-activated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were reliably observed in a majority of LC but not BRN neurons. The GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline, completely abolished the light-induced IPSCs. To ascertain if these neurons were part of the neural circuitry that controls the bladder, the trans-synaptic tracer, pseudorabies virus (PRV) was injected into the bladder wall of CrfCre;tdTomato or SstCre;tdTomato mice. At 68–72 h post-viral infection, PRV labeled neurons were present only in the BRN, being preponderant in CRF+ neurons with few SST+ BRN neurons labeled from the bladder. At 76 and 96 h post-virus injection, increased labeling was observed in both BRN and LC neurons. Our results suggest SST+ neurons rather than CRF+ neurons in BRN can regulate the activity of LC neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena Garcia DuBar
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Daniela Cosio
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Holly Korthas
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jason P Van Batavia
- Division of Urology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stephen A Zderic
- Division of Urology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Niaz Sahibzada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Rita J Valentino
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
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24
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Ruat J, Hartmann A, Heinz DE, Nemcova P, Stoffel R, Deussing JM, Chen A, Wotjak CT. CB1 receptors in corticotropin-releasing factor neurons selectively control the acoustic startle response in male mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12775. [PMID: 34672092 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is an important regulator of the hormonal and behavioral stress responses, which critically involve corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors. While it has been shown that CRF and the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor are co-localized in several brain regions, the physiological relevance of this co-expression remains unclear. Using double in situ hybridization, we confirmed co-localization in the piriform cortex, the lateral hypothalamic area, the paraventricular nucleus, and the Barrington's nucleus, albeit at low levels. To study the behavioral and physiological implications of this co-expression, we generated a conditional knockout mouse line that selectively lacks the expression of CB1 receptors in CRF neurons. We found no effects on fear and anxiety-related behaviors under basal conditions nor after a traumatic experience. Additionally, plasma corticosterone levels were unaffected at baseline and after restraint stress. Only acoustic startle responses were significantly enhanced in male, but not female, knockout mice. Taken together, the consequences of depleting CB1 in CRF-positive neurons caused a confined hyperarousal phenotype in a sex-dependent manner. The current results suggest that the important interplay between the central endocannabinoid and CRF systems in regulating the organism's stress response is predominantly taking place at the level of CRF receptor-expressing neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ruat
- Department Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Alice Hartmann
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel E Heinz
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Max Planck School of Cognition, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paulina Nemcova
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Rainer Stoffel
- Department Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan M Deussing
- Research Group Molecular Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Scientific Core Unit Genetically Engineered Mouse Models, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Alon Chen
- Department Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Max Planck School of Cognition, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Central Nervous System Diseases Research (CNSDR), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
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25
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Chaves T, Fazekas CL, Horváth K, Correia P, Szabó A, Török B, Bánrévi K, Zelena D. Stress Adaptation and the Brainstem with Focus on Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169090. [PMID: 34445795 PMCID: PMC8396605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress adaptation is of utmost importance for the maintenance of homeostasis and, therefore, of life itself. The prevalence of stress-related disorders is increasing, emphasizing the importance of exploratory research on stress adaptation. Two major regulatory pathways exist: the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis and the sympathetic adrenomedullary axis. They act in unison, ensured by the enormous bidirectional connection between their centers, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), and the brainstem monoaminergic cell groups, respectively. PVN and especially their corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) producing neurons are considered to be the centrum of stress regulation. However, the brainstem seems to be equally important. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the present knowledge on the role of classical neurotransmitters of the brainstem (GABA, glutamate as well as serotonin, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine) in stress adaptation. Neuropeptides, including CRH, might be co-localized in the brainstem nuclei. Here we focused on CRH as its role in stress regulation is well-known and widely accepted and other CRH neurons scattered along the brain may also complement the function of the PVN. Although CRH-positive cells are present on some parts of the brainstem, sometimes even in comparable amounts as in the PVN, not much is known about their contribution to stress adaptation. Based on the role of the Barrington’s nucleus in micturition and the inferior olivary complex in the regulation of fine motoric—as the main CRH-containing brainstem areas—we might assume that these areas regulate stress-induced urination and locomotion, respectively. Further studies are necessary for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Chaves
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Horváth
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Szabó
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bánrévi
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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26
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Plasticity of intrinsic excitability across the estrous cycle in hypothalamic CRH neurons. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16700. [PMID: 34404890 PMCID: PMC8371084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96341-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress responses are highly plastic and vary across physiological states. The female estrous cycle is associated with a number of physiological changes including changes in stress responses, however, the mechanisms driving these changes are poorly understood. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons are the primary neural population controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and stress-evoked corticosterone secretion. Here we show that CRH neuron intrinsic excitability is regulated over the estrous cycle with a peak in proestrus and a nadir in estrus. Fast inactivating voltage-gated potassium channel (IA) currents showed the opposite relationship, with current density being lowest in proestrus compared to other cycle stages. Blocking IA currents equalized excitability across cycle stages revealing a role for IA in mediating plasticity in stress circuit function over the female estrous cycle.
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27
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Wu WL, Adame MD, Liou CW, Barlow JT, Lai TT, Sharon G, Schretter CE, Needham BD, Wang MI, Tang W, Ousey J, Lin YY, Yao TH, Abdel-Haq R, Beadle K, Gradinaru V, Ismagilov RF, Mazmanian SK. Microbiota regulate social behaviour via stress response neurons in the brain. Nature 2021; 595:409-414. [PMID: 34194038 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Social interactions among animals mediate essential behaviours, including mating, nurturing, and defence1,2. The gut microbiota contribute to social activity in mice3,4, but the gut-brain connections that regulate this complex behaviour and its underlying neural basis are unclear5,6. Here we show that the microbiome modulates neuronal activity in specific brain regions of male mice to regulate canonical stress responses and social behaviours. Social deviation in germ-free and antibiotic-treated mice is associated with elevated levels of the stress hormone corticosterone, which is primarily produced by activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Adrenalectomy, antagonism of glucocorticoid receptors, or pharmacological inhibition of corticosterone synthesis effectively corrects social deficits following microbiome depletion. Genetic ablation of glucocorticoid receptors in specific brain regions or chemogenetic inactivation of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus that produce corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) reverse social impairments in antibiotic-treated mice. Conversely, specific activation of CRH-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus induces social deficits in mice with a normal microbiome. Via microbiome profiling and in vivo selection, we identify a bacterial species, Enterococcus faecalis, that promotes social activity and reduces corticosterone levels in mice following social stress. These studies suggest that specific gut bacteria can restrain the activation of the HPA axis, and show that the microbiome can affect social behaviours through discrete neuronal circuits that mediate stress responses in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Li Wu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA. .,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. .,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Mark D Adame
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Chia-Wei Liou
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jacob T Barlow
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Tzu-Ting Lai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Gil Sharon
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Catherine E Schretter
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Brittany D Needham
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Madelyn I Wang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Weiyi Tang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - James Ousey
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Yuan-Yuan Lin
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Yao
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Reem Abdel-Haq
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Keith Beadle
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Rustem F Ismagilov
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.,Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Sarkis K Mazmanian
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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28
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Strüssmann CA, Yamamoto Y, Hattori RS, Fernandino JI, Somoza GM. Where the Ends Meet: An Overview of Sex Determination in Atheriniform Fishes. Sex Dev 2021; 15:80-92. [PMID: 33951664 DOI: 10.1159/000515191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atheriniform fishes have recently emerged as attractive models for evolutionary, ecological, and molecular/physiological studies on sex determination. Many species in this group have marked temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) and yet many species also have a sex determinant gene that provides a strong drive for male differentiation. Thus, in these species the 2 forms of sex determination that were once considered to be mutually exclusive, environmental (ESD) and genotypic (GSD) sex determination, can coexist at environmentally relevant conditions. Here, we review the current knowledge on sex determination in atheriniform fishes with emphasis on the molecular and physiological mechanisms of ESD and GSD, the coexistence and cross-talk between these 2 mechanisms, the possibility of extragonadal transduction of environmental information and/or extragonadal onset of sex determination, and the results of field studies applying novel tools such as otolith increment analysis and molecular markers of genetic sex developed for selected New World and Old World atheriniform species. We also discuss the existence of molecular and histological mechanisms to prevent the discrepant differentiation in parts of the gonads because of ambiguous or conflicting environmental and genetic signals and particularly the possibility that the female is the default state in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Strüssmann
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoji Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ricardo S Hattori
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Juan I Fernandino
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Gustavo M Somoza
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
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Tsushima H, Zhang Y, Muratsubaki T, Kanazawa M, Fukudo S. Oxytocin antagonist induced visceral pain and corticotropin-releasing hormone neuronal activation in the central nucleus of the amygdala during colorectal distention in mice. Neurosci Res 2021; 168:41-53. [PMID: 33932549 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activation of neurons containing oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) during colorectal distention (CRD) is likely to play a crucial role in animal models of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Earlier studies in rodents showed that the microbiome is involved in social behavior via oxytocin expression in the brain. However, the detailed mechanism of visceral sensation and oxytocin is largely unknown. We tested the following hypotheses: (1) that oxytocin neurons in the PVN are activated by CRD, and (2) that the activation of oxytocin neurons by CRD is related to anxiety-like behavior, visceral perception, and an activation of CRH CeA neurons or ACC neurons. Oxytocin antagonist caused visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behavior. In the PVN, oxytocin neurons were activated by CRD. Noxious CRD activated the CeA, basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA), and ACC. High-dose oxytocin antagonist suppressed ACC activity and activated CRH CeA neurons. These results support our hypotheses. Oxytocin likely regulates CRH CeA neurons in an inhibitory manner and the ACC in an excitatory manner. Further research into the interaction of oxytocin and CRH in visceral pain and anxiety is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Tsushima
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tomohiko Muratsubaki
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Motoyori Kanazawa
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shin Fukudo
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
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30
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Wang Y, Hu P, Shan Q, Huang C, Huang Z, Chen P, Li A, Gong H, Zhou JN. Single-cell morphological characterization of CRH neurons throughout the whole mouse brain. BMC Biol 2021; 19:47. [PMID: 33722214 PMCID: PMC7962243 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00973-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is an important neuromodulator that is widely distributed in the brain and plays a key role in mediating stress responses and autonomic functions. While the distribution pattern of fluorescently labeled CRH-expressing neurons has been studied in different transgenic mouse lines, a full appreciation of the broad diversity of this population and local neural connectivity can only come from integration of single-cell morphological information as a defining feature. However, the morphologies of single CRH neurons and the local circuits formed by these neurons have not been acquired at brain-wide and dendritic-scale levels. RESULTS We screened the EYFP-expressing CRH-IRES-Cre;Ai32 mouse line to reveal the morphologies of individual CRH neurons throughout the whole mouse brain by using a fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST) system. Diverse dendritic morphologies and projection fibers of CRH neurons were found in various brain regions. Follow-up reconstructions showed that hypothalamic CRH neurons had the smallest somatic volumes and simplest dendritic branches and that CRH neurons in several brain regions shared a common bipolar morphology. Further investigations of local CRH neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex unveiled somatic depth-dependent morphologies of CRH neurons that exhibited three types of mutual connections: basal dendrites (upper layer) with apical dendrites (layer 3); dendritic-somatic connections (in layer 2/3); and dendritic-dendritic connections (in layer 4). Moreover, hypothalamic CRH neurons were classified into two types according to their somatic locations and characteristics of dendritic varicosities. Rostral-projecting CRH neurons in the anterior parvicellular area had fewer and smaller dendritic varicosities, whereas CRH neurons in the periventricular area had more and larger varicosities that were present within dendrites projecting to the third ventricle. Arborization-dependent dendritic spines of CRH neurons were detected, among which the most sophisticated types were found in the amygdala and the simplest types were found in the hypothalamus. CONCLUSIONS By using the CRH-IRES-Cre;Ai32 mouse line and fMOST imaging, we obtained region-specific morphological distributions of CRH neurons at the dendrite level in the whole mouse brain. Taken together, our findings provide comprehensive brain-wide morphological information of stress-related CRH neurons and may facilitate further studies of the CRH neuronal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Pu Hu
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Qinghong Shan
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Zhaohuan Huang
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Anan Li
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Hui Gong
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China. .,Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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31
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Yip SH, Liu X, Hessler S, Cheong I, Porteous R, Herbison AE. Indirect Suppression of Pulsatile LH Secretion by CRH Neurons in the Female Mouse. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6128702. [PMID: 33543235 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute stress is a potent suppressor of pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, but the mechanisms through which corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release remain unclear. The activation of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) CRH neurons with Cre-dependent hM3Dq in Crh-Cre female mice resulted in the robust suppression of pulsatile LH secretion. Channelrhodopsin (ChR2)-assisted circuit mapping revealed that PVN CRH neuron projections existed around kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) although many more fibers made close appositions with GnRH neuron distal dendrons in the ventral ARN. Acutely prepared brain slice electrophysiology experiments in GnRH- green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice showed a dose-dependent (30 and 300 nM CRH) activation of firing in ~20% of GnRH neurons in both intact diestrus and ovariectomized mice with inhibitory effects being uncommon (<8%). Confocal GCaMP6 imaging of GnRH neuron distal dendrons in acute para-horizontal brain slices from GnRH-Cre mice injected with Cre-dependent GCaMP6s adeno-associated viruses demonstrated no effects of 30 to 300 nM CRH on GnRH neuron dendron calcium concentrations. Electrophysiological recordings of ARN kisspeptin neurons in Crh-Cre,Kiss1-GFP mice revealed no effects of 30 -300 nM CRH on basal or neurokinin B-stimulated firing rate. Similarly, the optogenetic activation (2-20 Hz) of CRH nerve terminals in the ARN of Crh-Cre,Kiss1-GFP mice injected with Cre-dependent ChR2 had no effect on kisspeptin neuron firing. Together, these studies demonstrate that PVN CRH neurons potently suppress LH pulsatility but do not exert direct inhibitory control over GnRH neurons, at their cell body or dendron, or the ARN kisspeptin neuron pulse generator in the female mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Hoong Yip
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Xinhuai Liu
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sabine Hessler
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Isaiah Cheong
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Robert Porteous
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Allan E Herbison
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
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32
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Sheng JA, Bales NJ, Myers SA, Bautista AI, Roueinfar M, Hale TM, Handa RJ. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Development, Programming Actions of Hormones, and Maternal-Fetal Interactions. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:601939. [PMID: 33519393 PMCID: PMC7838595 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.601939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that function to maintain physiological homeostasis. Abnormal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can further result in long-term alterations in neuropeptide and neurotransmitter synthesis in the central nervous system, as well as glucocorticoid hormone synthesis in the periphery. Together, these changes can potentially lead to a disruption in neuroendocrine, behavioral, autonomic, and metabolic functions in adulthood. In this review, we will discuss the regulation of the HPA axis and its development. We will also examine the maternal-fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and disruption of the normal fetal environment which becomes a major risk factor for many neurodevelopmental pathologies in adulthood, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julietta A. Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Natalie J. Bales
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Sage A. Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Anna I. Bautista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Mina Roueinfar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Taben M. Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Robert J. Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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33
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Sterley TL, Bains JS. Social communication of affective states. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 68:44-51. [PMID: 33434768 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Social interactions promote the communication of explicit and implicit information between individuals. Implicit or subconscious sharing of cues can be useful in conveying affective states. Knowing the affective state of others can guide future interactions, while an inability to decipher another's affective state is a core feature of autism spectrum disorder. The precise neural circuitry and mechanisms involved in communicating affective states are not well understood. Over the past few years, a number of important observations in rodent models have increased our knowledge of the neural processes for social communication of affective state. Here we highlight these contributions by first describing the rodent models used to investigate social communication of affect and then summarising the neural circuitry and processes implicated by these rodent models. We relate these findings to humans as well as to the current global context where social interactions have been modified by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni-Lee Sterley
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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34
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An Angiotensin-Responsive Connection from the Lamina Terminalis to the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus Evokes Vasopressin Secretion to Increase Blood Pressure in Mice. J Neurosci 2020; 41:1429-1442. [PMID: 33328294 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1600-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood pressure is controlled by endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses that maintain blood volume and perfusion pressure at levels optimal for survival. Although it is clear that central angiotensin type 1a receptors (AT1aR; encoded by the Agtr1a gene) influence these processes, the neuronal circuits mediating these effects are incompletely understood. The present studies characterize the structure and function of AT1aR neurons in the lamina terminalis (containing the median preoptic nucleus and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis), thereby evaluating their roles in blood pressure control. Using male Agtr1a-Cre mice, neuroanatomical studies reveal that AT1aR neurons in the area are largely glutamatergic and send projections to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) that appear to synapse onto vasopressin-synthesizing neurons. To evaluate the functionality of these lamina terminalis AT1aR neurons, we virally delivered light-sensitive opsins and then optogenetically excited or inhibited the neurons while evaluating cardiovascular parameters or fluid intake. Optogenetic excitation robustly elevated blood pressure, water intake, and sodium intake, while optogenetic inhibition produced the opposite effects. Intriguingly, optogenetic excitation of these AT1aR neurons of the lamina terminalis also resulted in Fos induction in vasopressin neurons within the PVN and supraoptic nucleus. Further, within the PVN, selective optogenetic stimulation of afferents that arise from these lamina terminalis AT1aR neurons induced glutamate release onto magnocellular neurons and was sufficient to increase blood pressure. These cardiovascular effects were attenuated by systemic pretreatment with a vasopressin-1a-receptor antagonist. Collectively, these data indicate that excitation of lamina terminalis AT1aR neurons induces neuroendocrine and behavioral responses that increase blood pressure.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hypertension is a widespread health problem and risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although treatments exist, a substantial percentage of patients suffer from "drug-resistant" hypertension, a condition associated with increased activation of brain angiotensin receptors, enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity, and elevated vasopressin levels. The present study highlights a role for angiotensin Type 1a receptor expressing neurons located within the lamina terminalis in regulating endocrine and behavioral responses that are involved in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. More specifically, data presented here reveal functional excitatory connections between angiotensin-sensitive neurons in the lamina terminals and vasopressin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and further indicate that activation of this circuit raises blood pressure. These neurons may be a promising target for antihypertensive therapeutics.
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35
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Lv Y, Chen P, Shan QH, Qin XY, Qi XH, Zhou JN. Regulation of Cued Fear Expression via Corticotropin-Releasing-Factor Neurons in the Ventral Anteromedial Thalamic Nucleus. Neurosci Bull 2020; 37:217-228. [PMID: 33052547 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventral part of the anteromedial thalamic nucleus (AMv) is in a position to convey information to the cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit involved in the processing of fear memory. Corticotropin-releasing-factor (CRF) neurons are closely associated with the regulation of stress and fear. However, few studies have focused on the role of thalamic CRF neurons in fear memory. In the present study, using a conditioned fear paradigm in CRF transgenic mice, we found that the c-Fos protein in the AMv CRF neurons was significantly increased after cued fear expression. Chemogenetic activation of AMv CRF neurons enhanced cued fear expression, whereas inhibition had the opposite effect on the cued fear response. Moreover, chemogenetic manipulation of AMv CRF neurons did not affect fear acquisition or contextual fear expression. In addition, anterograde tracing of projections revealed that AMv CRF neurons project to wide areas of the cerebral cortex and the limbic system. These results uncover a critical role of AMv CRF neurons in the regulation of conditioned fear memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Lv
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Qing-Hong Shan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xin-Ya Qin
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Qi
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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36
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Sex-Specific Vasopressin Signaling Buffers Stress-Dependent Synaptic Changes in Female Mice. J Neurosci 2020; 40:8842-8852. [PMID: 33051356 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1026-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In many species, social networks provide benefit for both the individual and the collective. In addition to transmitting information to others, social networks provide an emotional buffer for distressed individuals. Our understanding about the cellular mechanisms that contribute to buffering is poor. Stress has consequences for the entire organism, including a robust change in synaptic plasticity at glutamate synapses onto corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). In females, however, this stress-induced metaplasticity is buffered by the presence of a naive partner. This buffering may be because of discrete behavioral interactions, signals in the context in which the interaction occurs (i.e., olfactory cues), or it may be influenced by local signaling events in the PVN. Here, we show that local vasopressin (VP) signaling in PVN buffers the short-term potentiation (STP) at glutamate synapses after stress. This social buffering of metaplasticity, which requires the presence of another individual, was prevented by pharmacological inhibition of the VP 1a receptor (V1aR) in female mice. Exogenous VP mimicked the effects of social buffering and reduced STP in CRHPVN neurons from females but not males. These findings implicate VP as a potential mediator of social buffering in female mice.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In many organisms, including rodents and humans, social groups are beneficial to overall health and well-being. Moreover, it is through these social interactions that the harmful effects of stress can be mitigated, a phenomenon known as social buffering. In the present study, we describe a critical role for the neuropeptide vasopressin (VP) in social buffering of synaptic metaplasticity in stress-responsive corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in female mice. These effects of VP do not extend to social buffering of stress behaviors, suggesting this is a very precise and local form of sex-specific neuropeptide signaling.
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37
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Mukai Y, Nagayama A, Itoi K, Yamanaka A. Identification of substances which regulate activity of corticotropin-releasing factor-producing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13639. [PMID: 32788592 PMCID: PMC7424526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70481-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The stress response is a physiological system for adapting to various internal and external stimuli. Corticotropin-releasing factor-producing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN-CRF neurons) are known to play an important role in the stress response as initiators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, the mechanism by which activity of PVN-CRF neurons is regulated by other neurons and bioactive substances remains unclear. Here, we developed a screening method using calcium imaging to identify how physiological substances directly affect the activity of PVN-CRF neurons. We used acute brain slices expressing a genetically encoded calcium indicator in PVN-CRF neurons using CRF-Cre recombinase mice and an adeno-associated viral vector under Cre control. PVN-CRF neurons were divided into ventral and dorsal portions. Bath application of candidate substances revealed 12 substances that increased and 3 that decreased intracellular calcium concentrations. Among these substances, angiotensin II and histamine mainly increased calcium in the ventral portion of the PVN-CRF neurons via AT1 and H1 receptors, respectively. Conversely, carbachol mainly increased calcium in the dorsal portion of the PVN-CRF neurons via both nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Our method provides a precise and reliable means of evaluating the effect of a substance on PVN-CRF neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutaka Mukai
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.,Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.,CREST, JST, Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.,JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists, Tokyo, 102-0083, Japan
| | - Ayako Nagayama
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.,Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Keiichi Itoi
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akihiro Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan. .,Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan. .,CREST, JST, Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
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38
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Chin JSR, Loomis CL, Albert LT, Medina-Trenche S, Kowalko J, Keene AC, Duboué ER. Analysis of stress responses in Astyanax larvae reveals heterogeneity among different populations. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2020; 334:486-496. [PMID: 32767504 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Stress responses are conserved physiological and behavioral outcomes as a result of facing potentially harmful stimuli, yet in pathological states, stress becomes debilitating. Stress responses vary considerably throughout the animal kingdom, but how these responses are shaped evolutionarily is unknown. The Mexican cavefish has emerged as a powerful system for examining genetic principles underlying behavioral evolution. Here, we demonstrate that cave Astyanax have reduced behavioral and physiological measures of stress when examined at larval stages. We also find increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor, a repressible element of the neuroendocrine stress pathway. Additionally, we examine stress in three different cave populations, and find that some, but not all, show reduced stress measures. Together, these results reveal a mechanistic system by which cave-dwelling fish reduced stress, presumably to compensate for a predator poor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline S R Chin
- Program in Neurogenetics, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida.,Department of Biological Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Cody L Loomis
- Program in Neurogenetics, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida.,Department of Biological Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Lydia T Albert
- Program in Neurogenetics, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida.,Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Shirley Medina-Trenche
- Program in Neurogenetics, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida.,Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Johanna Kowalko
- Program in Neurogenetics, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida.,Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Alex C Keene
- Program in Neurogenetics, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida.,Department of Biological Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Erik R Duboué
- Program in Neurogenetics, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida.,Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida
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Rajalingam D, Nymoen I, Jacobsen DP, Eriksen MB, Dissen E, Nielsen MB, Einarsen SV, Gjerstad J. Repeated social defeat promotes persistent inflammatory changes in splenic myeloid cells; decreased expression of β-arrestin-2 (ARRB2) and increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6). BMC Neurosci 2020; 21:25. [PMID: 32471349 PMCID: PMC7260804 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-020-00574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies suggest that persistent exposure to social stress in mammals may be associated with multiple physiological effects. Here, we examine the effects of social stress in rats, i.e. repeated social defeat, on behavior, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis and immune system. Methods A resident-intruder paradigm, where an intruder rat was exposed to social stress by a dominant resident rat for 1 hour each day for 7 consecutive days was used. The day after the last stress exposure in the paradigm the data were analyzed. Variation in social interaction was observed manually, whereas locomotion was analyzed off-line by a purpose-made software. Gene expression in the pituitary gland, adrenal gland and myeloid cells isolated from the spleen was measured by qPCR. Results The exposure to social stress induced decreased weight gain and increased locomotion. An increased nuclear receptor subfamily group C number 1 (NR3C1) expression in the pituitary gland was also shown. In myeloid cells harvested from the spleen, we observed decreased expression of the β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and β-arrestin-2 (ARRB2), but increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Subsequent analyses in the same cells showed that ARRB2 was negatively correlated with IL-6 following the stress exposure. Conclusion Our results show that that the experience of social stress in the form of repeated social defeat in rats is a potent stressor that in myeloid cells in the spleen promotes persistent inflammatory changes. Future research is needed to examine whether similar inflammatory changes also can explain the impact of social stress, such as bullying and harassment, among humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erik Dissen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Johannes Gjerstad
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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40
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Zhu C, Xu Y, Jiang Z, Tian JB, Cassidy RM, Cai ZL, Shu G, Xu Y, Xue M, Arenkiel BR, Jiang Q, Tong Q. Disrupted hypothalamic CRH neuron responsiveness contributes to diet-induced obesity. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e49210. [PMID: 32462726 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The current obesity epidemic mainly results from high-fat high-caloric diet (HFD) feeding and may also be contributed by chronic stress; however, the neural basis underlying stress-related diet-induced obesity remains unknown. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH), a known body weight-regulating region, represent one key group of stress-responsive neurons. Here, we found that HFD feeding blunted PVH CRH neuron response to nutritional challenges as well as stress stimuli and dexamethesone, which normally produce rapid activation and inhibition on these neurons, respectively. We generated mouse models with the activity of these neurons clamped at high or low levels, both of which showed HFD-mimicking, blunted PVH CRH neuron responsiveness. Strikingly, both models developed rapid HFD-induced obesity, associated with HFD-mimicking, reduced diurnal rhythmicity in feeding and energy expenditure. Thus, blunted responsiveness of PVH CRH neurons, but not their absolute activity levels, underlies HFD-induced obesity and may also contribute to stress-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canjun Zhu
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuanzhong Xu
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhiying Jiang
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jin Bin Tian
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan M Cassidy
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience of MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhao-Lin Cai
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gang Shu
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mingshan Xue
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qingyan Jiang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience of MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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41
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Chronic alcohol disrupts hypothalamic responses to stress by modifying CRF and NMDA receptor function. Neuropharmacology 2020; 167:107991. [PMID: 32059962 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The chronic inability of alcoholics to effectively cope with relapse-inducing stressors has been linked to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling. However, the cellular mechanisms responsible for this dysregulation are yet to be identified. After exposure of male Sprague Dawley rats to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE; 5-6 g/kg orally for 35 doses over 50 days) or water, followed by 40-60 days of protracted withdrawal, we investigated CIE effects on glutamatergic synaptic transmission, stress-induced plasticity, CRF- and ethanol-induced NMDAR inhibition using electrophysiological recordings in parvocellular neurosecretory cells (PNCs) of the paraventricular nucleus. We also assessed CIE effects on hypothalamic mRNA expression of CRF-related genes using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and on HPA axis function by measuring stress-induced increases in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone, and self-grooming. In control rats, ethanol-mediated inhibition of NMDARs was prevented by CRF1 receptor (CRFR1) blockade with antalarmin, while CRF/CRFR1-mediated NMDAR blockade was prevented by intracellularly-applied inhibitor of phosphatases PP1/PP2A, okadaic acid, but not the selective striatal-enriched tyrosine protein phosphatase inhibitor, TC-2153. CIE exposure increased GluN2B subunit-dependent NMDAR function of PNCs. This was associated with the loss of both ethanol- and CRF-mediated NMDAR inhibition, and loss of stress-induced short-term potentiation of glutamatergic synaptic inputs, which could be reversed by intracellular blockade of NMDARs with MK801. CIE exposure also blunted the hormonal and self-grooming behavioral responses to repeated restraint stress. These findings suggest a cellular mechanism whereby chronic alcohol dysregulates the hormonal and behavioral responses to repetitive stressors by increasing NMDAR function and decreasing CRFR1 function.
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42
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Matovic S, Ichiyama A, Igarashi H, Salter EW, Sunstrum JK, Wang XF, Henry M, Kuebler ES, Vernoux N, Martinez-Trujillo J, Tremblay ME, Inoue W. Neuronal hypertrophy dampens neuronal intrinsic excitability and stress responsiveness during chronic stress. J Physiol 2020; 598:2757-2773. [PMID: 32347541 DOI: 10.1113/jp279666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis habituates to repeated stress exposure. We studied hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons that form the apex of the HPA axis in a mouse model of stress habituation using repeated restraint. The intrinsic excitability of CRH neurons decreased after repeated stress in a time course that coincided with the development of HPA axis habituation. This intrinsic excitability plasticity co-developed with an expansion of surface membrane area, which increased a passive electric load and dampened membrane depolarization in response to the influx of positive charge. We report a novel structure-function relationship for intrinsic excitability plasticity as a neural correlate for HPA axis habituation. ABSTRACT Encountering a stressor immediately activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but this stereotypic stress response also undergoes experience-dependent adaptation. Despite the biological and clinical importance, how the brain adjusts stress responsiveness in the long term remains poorly understood. We studied hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons that form the apex of the HPA axis in a mouse model of stress habituation using repeated restraint. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology in acute slices, we found that the intrinsic excitability of these neurons substantially decreased after daily repeated stress in a time course that coincided with their loss of stress responsiveness in vivo. This intrinsic excitability plasticity co-developed with an expansion of surface membrane area, which increased a passive electric load, and dampened membrane depolarization in response to the influx of positive charge. Multiphoton imaging and electron microscopy revealed that repeated stress augmented ruffling of the plasma membrane, suggesting an ultrastructural plasticity that may efficiently accommodate the membrane area expansion. Overall, we report a novel structure-function relationship for intrinsic excitability plasticity as a neural correlate for adaptation of the neuroendocrine stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Matovic
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario
| | - Aoi Ichiyama
- Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario
| | | | - Eric W Salter
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Current address: University of Toronto
| | | | - Xue Fan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
| | - Mathilde Henry
- Axe Neurosciences, CRCHU de Quebec-Université Laval.,Current address: INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, Nutrineuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, F-33000, France
| | - Eric S Kuebler
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario
| | | | - Julio Martinez-Trujillo
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
| | - Marie-Eve Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, CRCHU de Quebec-Université Laval.,Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria
| | - Wataru Inoue
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
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Pati D, Harden SW, Sheng W, Kelly KB, de Kloet AD, Krause EG, Frazier CJ. Endogenous oxytocin inhibits hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing hormone neurones following acute hypernatraemia. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12839. [PMID: 32133707 PMCID: PMC7384450 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Significant prior evidence indicates that centrally acting oxytocin robustly modulates stress responsiveness and anxiety-like behaviour, although the neural mechanisms behind these effects are not entirely understood. A plausible neural basis for oxytocin-mediated stress reduction is via inhibition of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) that regulate activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Previously, we have shown that, following s.c. injection of 2.0 mol L-1 NaCl, oxytocin synthesising neurones are activated in the rat PVN, an oxytocin receptor (Oxtr)-dependent inhibitory tone develops on a subset of parvocellular neurones and stress-mediated increases in plasma corticosterone levels are blunted. In the present study, we utilised transgenic male CRH-reporter mice to selectively target PVN CRH neurones for whole-cell recordings. These experiments reveal that acute salt loading produces tonic inhibition of PVN CRH neurones through a mechanism that is largely independent of synaptic activity. Further studies reveal that a subset of CRH neurones within the PVN synthesise mRNA for Oxtr(s). Salt induced Oxtr-dependent inhibitory tone was eliminated in individual PVN CRH neurones filled with GDP-β-S. Additional electrophysiological studies suggest that reduced excitability of PVN CRH neurones in salt-loaded animals is associated with increased activation of inwardly rectifying potassium channels. Nevertheless, substantial effort to recapitulate the core effects of salt loading by activating Oxtr(s) with an exogenous agonist produced mixed results. Collectively, these results enhance our understanding of how oxytocin receptor-mediated signalling modulates the function of CRH neurones in the PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipanwita Pati
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
| | - Scott W. Harden
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
| | | | - Kyle B. Kelly
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
| | - Annette D. de Kloet
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College
of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Eric G. Krause
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
| | - Charles J. Frazier
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy,
University of Florida
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University
of Florida
- Corresponding author: Charles J.
Frazier, Ph.D., Associate Professor and University of Florida Term Professor,
Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida,
JHMHC Box 100487, Room P1-20, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA,
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44
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Daviu N, Füzesi T, Rosenegger DG, Rasiah NP, Sterley TL, Peringod G, Bains JS. Paraventricular nucleus CRH neurons encode stress controllability and regulate defensive behavior selection. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:398-410. [PMID: 32066984 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-0591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In humans and rodents, the perception of control during stressful events has lasting behavioral consequences. These consequences are apparent even in situations that are distinct from the stress context, but how the brain links prior stressful experience to subsequent behaviors remains poorly understood. By assessing innate defensive behavior in a looming-shadow task, we show that the initiation of an escape response is preceded by an increase in the activity of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus (CRHPVN neurons). This anticipatory increase is sensitive to stressful stimuli that have high or low levels of outcome control. Specifically, experimental stress with high outcome control increases CRHPVN neuron anticipatory activity, which increases escape behavior in an unrelated context. By contrast, stress with no outcome control prevents the emergence of this anticipatory activity and decreases subsequent escape behavior. These observations indicate that CRHPVN neurons encode stress controllability and contribute to shifts between active and passive innate defensive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Daviu
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tamás Füzesi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,CSM Optogenetics Core Facility, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David G Rosenegger
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Neilen P Rasiah
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Toni-Lee Sterley
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Govind Peringod
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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45
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Connect-seq to superimpose molecular on anatomical neural circuit maps. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:4375-4384. [PMID: 32034095 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1912176117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse brain contains about 75 million neurons interconnected in a vast array of neural circuits. The identities and functions of individual neuronal components of most circuits are undefined. Here we describe a method, termed "Connect-seq," which combines retrograde viral tracing and single-cell transcriptomics to uncover the molecular identities of upstream neurons in a specific circuit and the signaling molecules they use to communicate. Connect-seq can generate a molecular map that can be superimposed on a neuroanatomical map to permit molecular and genetic interrogation of how the neuronal components of a circuit control its function. Application of this method to hypothalamic neurons controlling physiological responses to fear and stress reveals subsets of upstream neurons that express diverse constellations of signaling molecules and can be distinguished by their anatomical locations.
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46
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Melnick I, Krishtal OA, Colmers WF. Integration of energy homeostasis and stress by parvocellular neurons in rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. J Physiol 2020; 598:1073-1092. [PMID: 31952096 DOI: 10.1113/jp279387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Central regulation of energy homeostasis and stress are believed to be reciprocally regulated, i.e. excessive food intake suppresses, while prolonged hunger exacerbates, stress responses in vivo. This relationship may be mediated by neuroendocrine parvocellular corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus that receive both stress- and feeding-related input. We find that hunger strongly and selectively potentiates, while re-feeding suppresses, a cellular analogue of a stress response induced by acute glucopenia in CRH neurons in rat hypothalamic slices. Neuronal activation in response to glucopenia was mediated synaptically, via the relative enhancement of glutamate over GABA input. These results illustrate how acute stress responses may be initiated in vivo and show that it is reciprocally integrated with energy balance via local hypothalamic mechanisms acting at the level of CRH neurons and their afferent terminals. ABSTRACT Increased food intake is a common response to help cope with stress, implying the existence of a previously postulated but imperfectly understood, inverse relationship between the regulation of feeding and stress. We have identified components of the neural circuitry that can integrate these homeostatic responses. Prior fasting (∼24 h) potentiates, and re-feeding suppresses, excitatory responses to acute glucopenia in about half of the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing, putatively neurosecretory, stress-related neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus studied. Glucoprivation stress ex vivo resulted from a preferential relative increase in excitatory (glutamatergic) over inhibitory (GABAergic) inputs. Putative preautonomic cells were less sensitive to fasting, and showed a predominant inhibition to acute glucopenia. We conclude that hunger may sensitize hypothalamic stress responses by acting via local mechanisms, at the level of CRH neurons and their presynaptic inputs. Those mechanisms involve neither presynaptic ATP-sensitive potassium channels nor postsynaptic ATP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Melnick
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Bogomoletz str 4, Kiev, 01024, Ukraine
| | - Oleg A Krishtal
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Bogomoletz str 4, Kiev, 01024, Ukraine
| | - William F Colmers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2H7
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47
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Heck AL, Thompson MK, Uht RM, Handa RJ. Sex-Dependent Mechanisms of Glucocorticoid Regulation of the Mouse Hypothalamic Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqz012. [PMID: 31754709 PMCID: PMC7188085 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
To limit excessive glucocorticoid secretion following hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stimulation, circulating glucocorticoids inhibit corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons. As HPA function differs between sexes and depends on circulating estradiol (E2) levels in females, we investigated sex/estrous stage-dependent glucocorticoid regulation of PVN Crh. Using NanoString nCounter technology, we first demonstrated that adrenalectomized (ADX'd) diestrous female (low E2), but not male or proestrous female (high E2), mice exhibited a robust decrease in PVN CRH mRNA following 2-day treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist RU28362. Immunohistochemical analysis of PVN CRH neurons in Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai14 mice, where TdTomato fluorescence permanently tags CRH-expressing neurons, showed similarly abundant co-expression of GR-immunoreactivity in males, diestrous females, and proestrous females. However, we identified sex/estrous stage-related glucocorticoid regulation or expression of GR transcriptional coregulators. Out of 17 coregulator genes examined using nCounter multiplex analysis, mRNAs that were decreased by RU28362 in ADX'd mice in a sex/estrous stage-dependent fashion included: GR (males = diestrous females > proestrous females), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (males < diestrous = proestrous), and HDAC1 (males < diestrous > proestrous). Steroid receptor coactivator 3 (SRC-3), nuclear corepressor 1 (NCoR1), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnrnpu), CREB binding protein (CBP) and CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 2 (CRTC2) mRNAs were lower in ADX'd diestrous and proestrous females versus males. Additionally, most PVN CRH neurons co-expressed methylated CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2)-immunoreactivity in diestrous female and male Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai14 mice. Our findings collectively suggest that GR's sex-dependent regulation of PVN Crh may depend upon differences in the GR transcriptional machinery and an underlying influence of E2 levels in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Heck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Maranda K Thompson
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Rosalie M Uht
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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48
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Stress experience and hormone feedback tune distinct components of hypothalamic CRH neuron activity. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5696. [PMID: 31836701 PMCID: PMC6911111 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13639-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress leaves a lasting impression on an organism and reshapes future responses. However, the influence of past experience and stress hormones on the activity of neural stress circuits remains unclear. Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons orchestrate behavioral and endocrine responses to stress and are themselves highly sensitive to corticosteroid (CORT) stress hormones. Here, using in vivo optical recordings, we find that CRH neurons are rapidly activated in response to stress. CRH neuron activity robustly habituates to repeated presentations of the same, but not novel stressors. CORT feedback has little effect on CRH neuron responses to acute stress, or on habituation to repeated stressors. Rather, CORT preferentially inhibits tonic CRH neuron activity in the absence of stress stimuli. These findings reveal how stress experience and stress hormones modulate distinct components of CRH neuronal activity to mediate stress-induced adaptations. Stress activates corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the hypothalamus, but how their activity is regulated during and after stress is unclear. Here, the authors show that stress habituation and corticosteroid feedback tune different components of CRH neuron activity.
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49
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Maekawa T, Tsushima H, Kawakami F, Kawashima R, Kodo M, Imai M, Ichikawa T. Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 Is Associated With Activation of the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus and Stress-Related Gastrointestinal Dysmotility. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:905. [PMID: 31555076 PMCID: PMC6727664 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a molecule associated with familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease. It regulates many central neuronal functions, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and axonal extension. Recently, it has been revealed that LRRK2 is related to anxiety/depression-like behavior, implying an association between LRRK2 and stress. In the present study, we investigated for the first time the stress pathway and its relationship to gastrointestinal motility in LRRK2-knockout (KO) mice. The mice were subjected to acute restraint stress, and analyzed for activation of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) using an immunohistochemical approach. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) was assessed by Western blotting. The KO mice showed a lower number of c-Fos-positive cells and disruption of the ERK signaling pathway in the PVN in the presence of restraint stress. Stress responses in terms of both upper and lower gastrointestinal motility were alleviated in the mice, accompanied by lower c-Fos immunoreactivity in enteric excitatory neurons. Our present findings suggest that LRRK2 is a newly recognized molecule regulating the stress pathway in the PVN, playing a role in stress-related gastrointestinal dysmotility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsunori Maekawa
- Department of Regulation Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tsushima
- Department of Regulation Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Kawakami
- Department of Regulation Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Rei Kawashima
- Department of Regulation Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Masaru Kodo
- Department of Regulation Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Motoki Imai
- Department of Regulation Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ichikawa
- Department of Regulation Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
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50
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Aguiniga LM, Yang W, Yaggie RE, Schaeffer AJ, Klumpp DJ. Acyloxyacyl hydrolase modulates depressive-like behaviors through aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2019; 317:R289-R300. [PMID: 31017816 PMCID: PMC6732428 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00029.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) regulates stress responses, and aberrant CRF signals are associated with depressive disorders. Crf expression is responsive to arachidonic acid (AA), where CRF is released from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to initiate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, culminating in glucocorticoid stress hormone release. Despite this biological and clinical significance, Crf regulation is unclear. Here, we report that acyloxyacyl hydrolase, encoded by Aoah, is expressed in the PVN, and Aoah regulates Crf through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). We previously showed that AOAH-deficient mice mimicked interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, a condition frequently associated with comorbid anxiety and depression. With the use of novelty-suppressed feeding and sucrose preference assays to quantify rodent correlates of anxiety/depression, AOAH-deficient mice exhibited depressive behaviors. AOAH-deficient mice also had increased CNS AA, increased Crf expression in the PVN, and elevated serum corticosterone, consistent with dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The human Crf promoter has putative binding sites for AhR and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ). PPARγ did not affect AA-dependent Crf expression in vitro, and conditional Pparγ knockout did not alter the AOAH-deficient depressive phenotype, despite previous studies implicating PPARγ as a therapeutic target for depression. In contrast, Crf induction was mediated by AhR binding sites in vitro and increased by AhR overexpression. Furthermore, conditional Ahr knockout rescued the depressive phenotype of AOAH-deficient mice. Finally, an AhR antagonist rescued the AOAH-deficient depressive phenotype. Together, our results demonstrate that Aoah is a novel genetic regulator of Crf mediated through AhR, and AhR is a therapeutic target for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizath M Aguiniga
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Wenbin Yang
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ryan E Yaggie
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anthony J Schaeffer
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David J Klumpp
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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