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Mouchtouri ET, Konstantinou T, Lekkas P, Lianopoulou A, Kotsaridou Z, Mourouzis I, Pantos C, Kolettis TM. Endothelin Modulates Rhythm Disturbances and Autonomic Responses to Acute Emotional Stress in Rats. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1401. [PMID: 37998000 PMCID: PMC10669295 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous peptide endothelin is currently under investigation as a modulatory factor of autonomic responses to acute emotional stress. Baseline plasma levels of endothelin alter blood pressure responses, but it remains unclear whether autonomic activity and arrhythmogenesis (i.e., brady- or tachyarrhythmias) are affected. We recorded sympathetic and vagal indices (derived from heart rate variability analysis), rhythm disturbances, voluntary motion, and systolic blood pressure after acute emotional stress in conscious rats with implanted telemetry devices. Two strains were compared, namely wild-type and ETB-deficient rats, the latter displaying elevated plasma endothelin. No differences in heart rate or blood pressure were evident, but sympathetic responses were blunted in ETB-deficient rats, contrasting prompt activation in wild-type rats. Vagal withdrawal was observed in both strains at the onset of stress, but vagal activity was subsequently restored in ETB-deficient rats, accompanied by low voluntary motion during recovery. Reflecting such distinct autonomic patterns, frequent premature ventricular contractions were recorded in wild-type rats, as opposed to sinus pauses in ETB-deficient rats. Thus, chronically elevated plasma endothelin levels blunt autonomic responses to acute emotional stress, resulting in vagal dominance and bradyarrhythmias. Our study provides further insights into the pathophysiology of stress-induced tachyarrhythmias and syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni-Taxiarchia Mouchtouri
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.-T.M.); (T.K.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Thomas Konstantinou
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.-T.M.); (T.K.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | | | - Alexandra Lianopoulou
- School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 10447 Athens, Greece; (A.L.); (Z.K.)
| | - Zoi Kotsaridou
- School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 10447 Athens, Greece; (A.L.); (Z.K.)
| | - Iordanis Mourouzis
- Department of Pharmacology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Constantinos Pantos
- Department of Pharmacology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Theofilos M. Kolettis
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.-T.M.); (T.K.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
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Kirby AK, Pancholi S, Anderson Z, Chesler C, Everett TH, Duerstock BS. Time and frequency domain analysis of physiological features during autonomic dysreflexia after spinal cord injury. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1210815. [PMID: 37700754 PMCID: PMC10493396 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1210815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) affects about 70% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and can have severe consequences, including death if not promptly detected and managed. The current gold standard for AD detection involves continuous blood pressure monitoring, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, a non-invasive detection device would be valuable for rapid and continuous AD detection. Methods Implanted rodent models were used to analyze autonomic dysreflexia after spinal cord injury. Skin nerve activity (SKNA) features were extracted from ECG signals recorded non-invasively, using ECG electrodes. At the same time, blood pressure and ECG data sampled was collected using an implanted telemetry device. Heart rate variability (HRV) features were extracted from these ECG signals. SKNA and HRV parameters were analyzed in both the time and frequency domain. Results We found that SKNA features showed an increase approximately 18 seconds before the typical rise in systolic blood pressure, indicating the onset of AD in a rat model with upper thoracic SCI. Additionally, low-frequency components of SKNA in the frequency domain were dominant during AD, suggesting their potential inclusion in an AD detection system for improved accuracy. Discussion Utilizing SKNA measurements could enable early alerts to individuals with SCI, allowing timely intervention and mitigation of the adverse effects of AD, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Karina Kirby
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sidharth Pancholi
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Zada Anderson
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Caroline Chesler
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Thomas H. Everett
- Krannert Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Bradley S. Duerstock
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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3
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Carnevali L, Barbetti M, Statello R, Williams DP, Thayer JF, Sgoifo A. Sex differences in heart rate and heart rate variability in rats: Implications for translational research. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1170320. [PMID: 37035663 PMCID: PMC10080026 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1170320] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate sex differences in measures of cardiac chronotropy and heart rate variability (HRV) in 132 young adult wild-type Groningen rats (n = 45 females). Electrocardiographic signals were recorded for 48 h in freely moving rats to quantify heart rate (HR) and inter-beat interval (IBI) as measures of cardiac chronotropy, and time- and frequency-domain HRV parameters as physiological readouts of cardiac vagal modulation. Females showed greater vagally-mediated HRV despite having higher HR and shorter IBI than males during undisturbed conditions. Such differences were evident i) at any given level of HRV, and ii) both during the 12-h light/inactive and 12-h dark/active phase of the daily cycle. These findings replicate the paradoxical cardiac chronotropic control reported by human meta-analytic findings, since one would expect greater vagally-mediated HRV to be associated with lower HR and longer IBI. Lastly, the association between some HRV measures and HR was stronger in female than male rats. Overall, the current study in young adult rats provides data illustrating a sex-dependent association between vagally-mediated HRV and indexes of cardiac chronotropy. The current results i) are in line with human findings, ii) suggest to always consider biological sex in the analysis and interpretation of HRV data in rats, and iii) warrant the use of rats for investigating the neuro-hormonal basis and temporal evolution of the impact of sex on the association between vagally-mediated HRV and cardiac chronotropy, which could inform the human condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luca Carnevali,
| | - Margherita Barbetti
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rosario Statello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - DeWayne P. Williams
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States
| | - Julian F. Thayer
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Radley JJ, Herman JP. Preclinical Models of Chronic Stress: Adaptation or Pathology? Biol Psychiatry 2022:S0006-3223(22)01717-6. [PMID: 36631383 PMCID: PMC10166771 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The experience of prolonged stress changes how individuals interact with their environment and process interoceptive cues, with the end goal of optimizing survival and well-being in the face of a now-hostile world. The chronic stress response includes numerous changes consistent with limiting further damage to the organism, including development of passive or active behavioral strategies and metabolic adjustments to alter energy mobilization. These changes are consistent with symptoms of pathology in humans, and as a result, chronic stress has been used as a translational model for diseases such as depression. While it is of heuristic value to understand symptoms of pathology, we argue that the chronic stress response represents a defense mechanism that is, at its core, adaptive in nature. Transition to pathology occurs only after the adaptive capacity of an organism is exhausted. We offer this perspective as a means of framing interpretations of chronic stress studies in animal models and how these data relate to adaptation as opposed to pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Radley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - James P Herman
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Agarwal V, Kaushik AS, Rehman M, Chaudhary R, Jawaid T, Kamal M, Mishra V. Interleukin-6 expression and its modulation by diacerein in a rat model of chronic stress induced cardiac dysfunction. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08522. [PMID: 34917808 PMCID: PMC8665349 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
People with chronic stress have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which enhance their susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Diacerein has ability to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6; however, its efficacy in chronic stress associated cardiovascular diseases is not yet assessed. In this study, we standardized a rat model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) demonstrating cardiovascular dysfunctions and further assessed the effect of IL-6 modulator, diacerein, on cardiovascular functions in CUS exposed rats. The CUS procedure consisted of exposing male albino Wistar rats to random stressors, everyday for 8 weeks. The binding affinity of diacerein with IL-6 was ascertained using Docking tools viz AutoDock and SwissDock. Moreover, diacerein was administered (50 mg/kg/day x 20 days P.O) post CUS exposure to rats and the serum IL-6 levels and heart functions of CUS rats were determined by ELISA and ECG-HRV analysis, respectively. 8 weeks of CUS exposure resulted in two-fold increase in serum corticosterone and IL-6 levels in rats. The ECG and HRV analysis of CUS rats showed altered sinus rhythm, elevated heart rate, systolic blood pressure and sympathetic tone. Molecular docking studies revealed diacerein high binding affinity towards IL-6 receptor. The post-treatment of diacerein in CUS rats prevented these cardiovascular dysfunctions. Our findings thus suggests that IL-6 may have a prominent role in chronic stress induced cardiovascular dysfunctions and diacerein, could be used as a preventive measure for such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India
| | - Arjun Singh Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India
| | - Mujeeba Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India
| | - Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India
| | - Talha Jawaid
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box- 173, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vikas Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India
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De Maria B, Bari V, Sgoifo A, Carnevali L, Cairo B, Vaini E, Catai AM, de Medeiros Takahashi AC, Dalla Vecchia LA, Porta A. Concomitant Evaluation of Heart Period and QT Interval Variability Spectral Markers to Typify Cardiac Control in Humans and Rats. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1478. [PMID: 31849718 PMCID: PMC6897045 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The variability of heart period, measured as the time distance between two consecutive QRS complexes from the electrocardiogram (RR), was exploited to infer cardiac vagal control, while the variability of the duration of the electrical activity of the heart, measured as the time interval from Q-wave onset to T-wave end (QT), was proposed as an indirect index of cardiac sympathetic modulation. This study tests the utility of the concomitant evaluation of RR variability (RRV) and QT variability (QTV) markers in typifying cardiac autonomic control of humans under different experimental conditions and of rat groups featuring documented differences in resting sympatho-vagal balance. We considered: (i) 23 healthy young subjects in resting supine position (REST) undergoing head-up tilt at 45° (T45) and 90° (T90) followed by recovery to the supine position; (ii) 9 Wistar (WI) and 14 wild-type Groningen (WT) rats in unstressed conditions, where the WT animals were classified as non-aggressive (non-AGG, n = 9) and aggressive (AGG, n = 5) according to the resident intruder test. In humans, spectral analysis of RRV and QTV was performed over a single stationary sequence of 250 consecutive values. In rats, spectral analysis was iterated over 10-min recordings with a frame length of 250 beats with 80% overlap and the median of the distribution of the spectral markers was extracted. Over RRV and QTV we computed the power in the low frequency (LF, from 0.04 to 0.15 Hz in humans and from 0.2 to 0.75 Hz in rats) band (LFRR and LFQT) and the power in the high frequency (HF, from 0.15 to 0.5 Hz in humans and from 0.75 to 2.5 Hz in rats) band (HFRR and HFQT). In humans the HFRR power was lower during T90 and higher during recovery compared to REST, while the LFQT power was higher during T90. In rats the HFRR power was lower in WT rats compared to WI rats and the LFQT power was higher in AGG than in non-AGG animals. We concluded that RRV and QTV provide complementary information in describing the functioning of vagal and sympathetic limbs of the autonomic nervous system in humans and rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vlasta Bari
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Beatrice Cairo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Vaini
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Alberto Porta
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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7
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Carnevali L, Statello R, Sgoifo A. Resting Heart Rate Variability Predicts Vulnerability to Pharmacologically-Induced Ventricular Arrhythmias in Male Rats. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050655. [PMID: 31083474 PMCID: PMC6572182 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrical stability of the myocardium is dependent on the dynamic balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on the heart, which is reflected by heart rate variability (HRV). Reduced HRV is a proposed predictor of sudden death caused by ventricular tachyarrhythmias in cardiac patients. However, the link between individual differences in HRV and ventricular tachyarrhythmic risk in populations without known pre-existing cardiac conditions is less well explored. In this study we investigated the extent to which individual differences in resting state HRV predict susceptibility to spontaneous and pharmacologically-induced ventricular arrhythmias in healthy rats. Radiotelemetric transmitters were implanted in 42 adult male Wild-type Groningen rats. ECG signals were recorded during 24-h resting conditions and under β-adrenoceptor pharmacological stimulation with isoproterenol and analyzed by means of time- and frequency-domain indexes of HRV. No significant association was found between individual differences in resting measures of HRV and spontaneous incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. However, lower resting values of HRV predicted a higher number of ventricular ectopic beats following β-adrenergic pharmacological stimulation with isoproterenol (0.02 mg/kg). Moreover, after isoproterenol administration, one rat with low resting HRV developed sustained ventricular tachycardia that led to death. The present results might be indicative of the potential utility of HRV measures of resting cardiac autonomic function for the prediction of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly during conditions of strong sympathetic activation, in populations without known cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy.
| | - Rosario Statello
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy.
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8
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Huzard D, Ghosal S, Grosse J, Carnevali L, Sgoifo A, Sandi C. Low vagal tone in two rat models of psychopathology involving high or low corticosterone stress responses. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:101-110. [PMID: 30448728 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The two stress-responsive physiological systems, autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis exert complementary and interrelated actions in the organism. Individuals that suffer stress-related psychopathologies frequently present simultaneous alterations -i.e., either low or high- responsiveness- in both systems. However, there is scarce evidence establishing whether a priori alterations in these systems -i.e., independent of previous stress exposure- may predispose to the development of psychopathologies possibly due to the lack of animal models simultaneously involving aberrant HPA and SNS responses. In this study, we describe two animal models selectively bred according to their differential (either high, 'High', or low, 'Low') glucocorticoid responsiveness to stress, in comparison to a third line of rats that displays intermediate ('Inter') glucocorticoid responses. The two extreme lines may be considered distinct models of psychopathology; the High line representing a model of constitutive mood alterations while the Low line a model of vulnerability to develop stress-induced psychopathologies. We recorded the electrocardiogram in rats from the three lines and quantified heart rate variability and vagal tone indexes during rest and stress challenges. Rats from both High and Low lines displayed higher heart rate and lower basal vagal tone than the Inter group, both at resting and following stress exposure. Specific pharmacological manipulations probing the relative contribution of sympathetic and parasympathetic components on HR modulation confirmed a relative lower vagal tone in High and Low lines and discarded differences in the sympathetic regulation of heart rate between the lines. Therefore, the two genetically-selected High and Low glucocorticoid rat lines emerge as two valuable preclinical models of psychopathology involving two key risk factors for psychiatric and cardiovascular disorders, namely dysregulations in the HPA axis and cardiac vagal functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Huzard
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sriparna Ghosal
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn Grosse
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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9
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Distinct effects of early-life experience and trait aggression on cardiovascular reactivity and recovery. Physiol Behav 2019; 199:375-385. [PMID: 30529343 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated independent effects of early-life experience (ELE) and trait aggression (TA) on resting heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in rats. The present study examined the effects of TA and ELE on stress-evoked cardiovascular reactivity and recovery. Pups born to Wistar-Kyoto dams were exposed to daily 180-min periods of maternal separation (MS) during the first two weeks of life, and aggression was assessed in adult offspring using the resident-intruder test. Radiotelemetry was then used to record stress-evoked HR and MAP responses in response to: strobe light, novel environment, intruder rat, or restraint. Maximal HR and MAP responses were quantified as indices of reactivity, and exponential decay curves were fitted to determine decay constants as a measure of recovery. Strobe light was the weakest stressor, evoking the lowest increases in MAP and HR, which were significantly greater in MS-exposed rats irrespective of TA. In contrast, reactivity to and recovery from exposure to a novel environment or an intruder were significantly influenced by TA, but not ELE. TA animals exhibited greater reactivity in both of these paradigms, with either decreased (novel environment) or increased (intruder) recovery. Restraint stress induced the largest changes in HR and MAP with the slowest recovery, and these responses were shaped by a significant ELE x TA interaction. These data indicate that cardiovascular reactivity and recovery are influenced by ELE, TA, or ELE x TA interaction depending on stressor aversiveness as well as its physical and psychological dimensions.
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10
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A time to fight: Circadian control of aggression and associated autonomic support. Auton Neurosci 2018; 217:35-40. [PMID: 30704973 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The central circadian clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the mammalian hypothalamus (SCN), regulates daily behavioral rhythms including the temporal propensity for aggressive behavior. Such aggression propensity rhythms are regulated by a functional circuit from the SCN to neurons that drive attack behavior in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), via a relay in the subparaventricular zone (SPZ). In addition to this pathway, the SCN also regulates sleep-wake and locomotor activity rhythms, via the SPZ, in a circuit to the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), a structure that is also known to play a key role in autonomic function and the sympathetic "fight-or-flight" response (which prepares the body for action in stressful situations such as an agonistic encounter). While the autonomic nervous system is known to be under pronounced circadian control, it is less apparent how such autonomic rhythms and their underlying circuitry may support the temporal propensity for aggressive behavior. Additionally, it is unclear how circadian and autonomic dysfunction may contribute to aberrant social and emotional behavior, such as agitation and aggression. Here we review the literature concerning interactions between the circadian and autonomic systems and aggression, and we discuss the implications of these relationships for human neural and behavioral pathologies.
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11
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Finnell JE, Muniz BL, Padi AR, Lombard CM, Moffitt CM, Wood CS, Wilson LB, Reagan LP, Wilson MA, Wood SK. Essential Role of Ovarian Hormones in Susceptibility to the Consequences of Witnessing Social Defeat in Female Rats. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:372-382. [PMID: 29544773 PMCID: PMC6067999 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are at greater risk than men of developing depression and comorbid disorders such as cardiovascular disease. This enhanced risk begins at puberty and ends following menopause, suggesting a role for ovarian hormones in this sensitivity. Here we used a model of psychosocial witness stress in female rats to determine the stress-induced neurobiological adaptations that underlie stress susceptibility in an ovarian hormone-dependent manner. METHODS Intact or ovariectomized (OVX) female rats were exposed to five daily 15-minute witness-stress exposures. Witness-stress-evoked burying, behavioral despair, and anhedonia were measured. Cardiovascular telemetry was combined with plasma measurements of inflammation, epinephrine, and corticosterone as indices of cardiovascular dysfunction. Finally, levels of interleukin-1β and corticotropin-releasing factor were assessed in the central amygdala. RESULTS Witness stress produced anxiety-like burying, depressive-like anhedonia, and behavioral despair selectively in intact female rats, which was associated with enhanced sympathetic responses during stress, including increased blood pressure, heart rate, and arrhythmias. Moreover, intact female rats exhibited increases in 12-hour resting systolic pressure and heart rate and reductions in heart rate variability. Notably, OVX female rats remained resilient. Moreover, intact, but not OVX, female rats exposed to witness stress exhibited a sensitized cytokine and epinephrine response to stress and distinct increases in levels of corticotropin-releasing factor and interleukin-1β in the central amygdala. CONCLUSIONS Together these data suggest that ovarian hormones play a critical role in the behavioral, inflammatory, and cardiovascular susceptibility to social stress in female rats and reveal putative systems that are sensitized to stress in an ovarian hormone-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie E. Finnell
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Brandon L. Muniz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Akhila R. Padi
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Calliandra M. Lombard
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Casey M. Moffitt
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Christopher S. Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - L. Britt Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Lawrence P. Reagan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209,WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Marlene A. Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209,WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Susan K. Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209,WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209
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12
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Barbiero S, Aimo A, Castiglione V, Giannoni A, Vergaro G, Passino C, Emdin M. Healthy hearts at hectic pace: From daily life stress to abnormal cardiomyocyte function and arrhythmias. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2018; 25:1419-1430. [PMID: 30052067 DOI: 10.1177/2047487318790614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The hectic pace of contemporary life is a major source of acute and chronic stress, which may have a deleterious impact on body health . In the field of cardiovascular disease, acute emotional stress has been associated with coronary spasm and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, whereas the manifestations of chronic stress have been overlooked, and most underlying pathophysiology remains to be elucidated. Chronic stress affects the neuronal circuitry composed of cortico-limbic structures and the nuclei regulating autonomic function, eliciting a sympatho-vagal imbalance, characterised by adrenergic activation and vagal withdrawal. Sympathetic terminals are connected to cardiomyocytes in a quasi-synaptic way, producing the so called 'neuro-cardiac junction'. During chronic stress, norepinephrine release is increased, leading to overstimulation of cardiomyocytes via β1-adrenergic receptors, influencing mainly calcium dynamics, and β2-adrenergic receptors, which control housekeeping functions. The circadian rhythm of cardiomyocytes is then impaired, with elongation of the catabolic ('light' phase) over the anabolic ('nocturnal') phase. This leads to a depletion of cell energy storage, and a decreased turnover of cell constituents. Even cell interactions are affected, as coupling between cardiomyocytes decreases while coupling between cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts increases. The ultimate results are changes in the shape and velocity of action potential, fibroblast activation and deposition of extracellular matrix. These alterations may predispose to arrhythmias and may favour the development of a stress-related cardiomyopathy. A better comprehension of this cascade of events may allow us to identify screening protocols and treatment strategies (meditation, yoga, physical activity, psychological assistance, β-blockers) to prevent or relieve ongoing cardiac damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Barbiero
- 1 Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy
| | - Alberto Aimo
- 1 Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy.,2 Cardiology Division, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Giannoni
- 1 Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy.,3 Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vergaro
- 1 Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy.,3 Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Italy
| | - Claudio Passino
- 1 Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy.,3 Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- 1 Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy.,3 Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Italy
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13
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Corsetti S, Borruso S, Di Traglia M, Lai O, Alfieri L, Villavecchia A, Cariola G, Spaziani A, Natoli E. Bold personality makes domestic dogs entering a shelter less vulnerable to diseases. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193794. [PMID: 29596432 PMCID: PMC5875777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely recognised that for vertebrate species, personalities vary along an axis with extremes represented by ‘proactive’ and ‘reactive‘ individuals. The aim of this study was to verify whether there is a relationship between personality and disease vulnerability in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) exposed to an intensely stressful situation such as entering a shelter. Twenty-eight shelter dogs participated in the study. The ethogram consisted of approximately 100 behavioural patterns. Behavioural observations of dogs in their new environment, a Novel Object and a T-maze test were used to evaluate the personality of the dogs captured as strays and entering the shelter. A blood sample from each dog was obtained at admission into the shelter and after a month to evaluate their immunological state. Based on PCA analyses of observational combined with experimental data, the dogs were ordered along the boldness-shyness axis, with the first being the boldest. Excluding one (the 6th), the first 10 dogs showed an improved health status: absence of disease symptoms during the 30 days of monitoring and improved immunological parameters; the opposite was found for shy dogs. The results of this research seem to confirm findings in other vertebrate species, i.e., bold and shy dog vulnerability to diseases might be different, especially when they must cope with a stressful and highly infectious environment such as a dog shelter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Corsetti
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Borruso
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Di Traglia
- Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Olga Lai
- Experimental Zoo-prophylactic Institute Latium and Tuscany, Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Alfieri
- Experimental Zoo-prophylactic Institute Latium and Tuscany, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Eugenia Natoli
- Interzonal Dog Shelter, Local Health Unit Rome 3, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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14
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Zajączkowski S, Ziółkowski W, Badtke P, Zajączkowski MA, Flis DJ, Figarski A, Smolińska-Bylańska M, Wierzba TH. Promising effects of xanthine oxidase inhibition by allopurinol on autonomic heart regulation estimated by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in rats exposed to hypoxia and hyperoxia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192781. [PMID: 29432445 PMCID: PMC5809044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has long been suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in oxygen sensing via peripheral chemoreceptors, which would imply their involvement in chemoreflex activation and autonomic regulation of heart rate. We hypothesize that antioxidant affect neurogenic cardiovascular regulation through activation of chemoreflex which results in increased control of sympathetic mechanism regulating heart rhythm. Activity of xanthine oxidase (XO), which is among the major endogenous sources of ROS in the rat has been shown to increase during hypoxia promote oxidative stress. However, the mechanism of how XO inhibition affects neurogenic regulation of heart rhythm is still unclear. Aim The study aimed to evaluate effects of allopurinol-driven inhibition of XO on autonomic heart regulation in rats exposed to hypoxia followed by hyperoxia, using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Material and methods 16 conscious male Wistar rats (350 g): control-untreated (N = 8) and pretreated with Allopurinol-XO inhibitor (5 mg/kg, followed by 50 mg/kg), administered intraperitoneally (N = 8), were exposed to controlled hypobaric hypoxia (1h) in order to activate chemoreflex. The treatment was followed by 1h hyperoxia (chemoreflex suppression). Time-series of 1024 RR-intervals were extracted from 4kHz ECG recording for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in order to calculate the following time-domain parameters: mean RR interval (RRi), SDNN (standard deviation of all normal NN intervals), rMSSD (square root of the mean of the squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals), frequency-domain parameters (FFT method): TSP (total spectral power) as well as low and high frequency band powers (LF and HF). At the end of experiment we used rat plasma to evaluate enzymatic activity of XO and markers of oxidative stress: protein carbonyl group and 8-isoprostane concentrations. Enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measures in erythrocyte lysates. Results Allopurinol reduced oxidative stress which was the result of hypoxia/hyperoxia, as shown by decreased 8-isoprostane plasma concentration. XO inhibition did not markedly influence HRV parameters in standard normoxia. However, during hypoxia, as well as hyperoxia, allopurinol administration resulted in a significant increase of autonomic control upon the heart as shown by increased SDNN and TSP, with an increased vagal contribution (increased rMSSD and HF), whereas sympathovagal indexes (LF/HF, SDNN/rMSSD) remained unchanged. Conclusions Observed regulatory effects of XO inhibition did not confirm preliminary hypothesis which suggested that an antioxidant such as allopurinol might activate chemoreflex resulting in augmented sympathetic discharge to the heart. The HRV regulatory profile of XO inhibition observed during hypoxia as well as post-hypoxic hyperoxia corresponds to reported reduced risk of sudden cardiovascular events. Therefore our data provide a new argument for therapeutical use of allopurinol in hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wiesław Ziółkowski
- Department of Bioenergetics and Nutrition, Faculty of Rehabilitation and Kinesiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Piotr Badtke
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Damian J. Flis
- Department of Bioenergetics and Nutrition, Faculty of Rehabilitation and Kinesiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Adam Figarski
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz H. Wierzba
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- * E-mail:
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15
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Carnevali L, Montano N, Statello R, Coudé G, Vacondio F, Rivara S, Ferrari PF, Sgoifo A. Social stress contagion in rats: Behavioural, autonomic and neuroendocrine correlates. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 82:155-163. [PMID: 28550792 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The negative emotional consequences associated with life stress exposure in an individual can affect the emotional state of social partners. In this study, we describe an experimental rat model of social stress contagion and its effects on social behaviour and cardiac autonomic and neuroendocrine functions. Adult male Wistar rats were pair-housed and one animal (designated as "demonstrator" (DEM)) was submitted to either social defeat stress (STR) by an aggressive male Wild-type rat in a separate room or just exposed to an unfamiliar empty cage (control condition, CTR), once a day for 4 consecutive days. We evaluated the influence of cohabitation with a STR DEM on behavioural, cardiac autonomic and neuroendocrine outcomes in the cagemate (defined "observer" (OBS)). After repeated social stress, STR DEM rats showed clear signs of social avoidance when tested in a new social context compared to CTR DEM rats. Interestingly, also their cagemate STR OBSs showed higher levels of social avoidance compared to CTR OBSs. Moreover, STR OBS rats exhibited a higher heart rate and a larger shift of cardiac autonomic balance toward sympathetic prevalence (as indexed by heart rate variability analysis) immediately after the first reunification with their STR DEMs, compared to the control condition. This heightened cardiac autonomic responsiveness habituated over time. Finally, STR OBSs showed elevated plasma corticosterone levels at the end of the experimental protocol compared to CTR OBSs. These findings demonstrate that cohabitation with a DEM rat, which has experienced repeated social defeat stress, substantially disrupts social behaviour and induces short-lasting cardiac autonomic activation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity in the OBS rat, thus suggesting emotional state-matching between the OBS and the DEM rats. We conclude that this rodent model may be further exploited for investigating the neurobiological bases of negative affective sharing between social partners under chronic social stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Carnevali
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Stress Physiology Lab, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Rosario Statello
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Stress Physiology Lab, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Gino Coudé
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod UMR 5229, CNRS-Université de Lyon, Bron Cedex, France
| | | | - Silvia Rivara
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Pier Francesco Ferrari
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod UMR 5229, CNRS-Université de Lyon, Bron Cedex, France
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Stress Physiology Lab, University of Parma, Italy.
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16
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Craig L, Meyers-Manor JE, Anders K, Sütterlin S, Miller H. The relationship between heart rate variability and canine aggression. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Park SE, Park D, Song KI, Seong JK, Chung S, Youn I. Differential heart rate variability and physiological responses associated with accumulated short- and long-term stress in rodents. Physiol Behav 2017; 171:21-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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18
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Adolescent vulnerability to cardiovascular consequences of chronic emotional stress: Review and perspectives for future research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:466-475. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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19
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de Boer SF, Buwalda B, Koolhaas JM. Untangling the neurobiology of coping styles in rodents: Towards neural mechanisms underlying individual differences in disease susceptibility. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:401-422. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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20
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Statello R, Carnevali L, Paterlini S, Gioiosa L, Bertocchi I, Oberto A, Eva C, Palanza P, Sgoifo A. Reduced NPY Y1 receptor hippocampal expression and signs of decreased vagal modulation of heart rate in mice. Physiol Behav 2016; 172:31-39. [PMID: 27474416 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Central neuropeptide Y (NPY) signaling participates in the regulation of cardiac autonomic outflow, particularly via activation of NPY-Y1 receptors (Y1Rs). However, the specific brain areas and neural pathways involved have not been completely identified yet. Here, we evaluate the role of hippocampal Y1Rs in the modulation of the autonomic control of cardiac function using a conditional knockout mouse model. Radiotelemetric transmitters were implanted in 4-month-old male mice exhibiting reduced forebrain expression (rfb) of the Y1R (Npy1rrfb, n=10) and their corresponding controls (Npy1r2lox, n=8). ECG signals were recorded (i) during resting conditions, (ii) under selective pharmacological manipulation of cardiac vagal activity, and (iii) during acute and chronic psychosocial stress challenges, and analyzed via time- and frequency-domain analysis of heart rate variability. Npy1rrfb mice showed a lower Npy1r mRNA density in the dentate gyrus and in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Under resting undisturbed conditions, Npy1rrfb mice exhibited (i) a higher heart rate, (ii) a reduced overall heart rate variability, and (iii) lower values of the indices of vagal modulation compared to Npy1r2lox counterparts. Following pharmacological vagal inhibition, heart rate was higher in control but not in Npy1rrfb mice compared to their respective baseline values, suggesting that tonic vagal influences on heart rate were reduced in Npy1rrfb mice. The magnitude of the heart rate response to acute stressors was smaller in Npy1rrfb mice compared to Npy1r2lox counterparts, likely due to a concurrent lower vagal withdrawal. These findings suggest that reduced Y1R expression leads to a decrease in resting vagal modulation and heart rate variability, which, in turn, may determine a reduced cardiac autonomic responsiveness to acute stress challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laura Gioiosa
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bertocchi
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Oberto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Carola Eva
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Palanza
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Italy.
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21
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Wood CS, Valentino RJ, Wood SK. Individual differences in the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system: Relevance to stress-induced cardiovascular vulnerability. Physiol Behav 2016; 172:40-48. [PMID: 27423323 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress is a robust sympathomimetic stressor and as such has adverse effects on cardiovascular health. While the neurocircuitry involved remains unclear, the physiological and anatomical characteristics of the locus coeruleus (LC)-norepinephrine (NE) system suggest that it is poised to contribute to stress-induced cardiovascular vulnerability. A major theme throughout is to review studies that shed light on the role that the LC may play in individual differences in vulnerability to social stress-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Recent findings are discussed that support a unique plasticity in afferent regulation of the LC, resulting in either excitatory or inhibitory input to the LC during establishment of different stress coping strategies. This contrasting regulation of the LC by either afferent regulation, or distinct differences in stress-induced neuroinflammation would translate to differences in cardiovascular regulation and may serve as the basis for individual differences in the cardiopathological consequences of social stress. The goal of this review is to highlight recent developments in the interplay between the LC-NE and cardiovascular systems during repeated stress in an effort to advance therapeutic treatments for the development of stress-induced cardiovascular vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Wood
- Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States
| | - Rita J Valentino
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4399, United States
| | - Susan K Wood
- Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States.
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22
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Crestani CC. Emotional Stress and Cardiovascular Complications in Animal Models: A Review of the Influence of Stress Type. Front Physiol 2016; 7:251. [PMID: 27445843 PMCID: PMC4919347 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Emotional stress has been recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The impact of stress on physiological and psychological processes is determined by characteristics of the stress stimulus. For example, distinct responses are induced by acute vs. chronic aversive stimuli. Additionally, the magnitude of stress responses has been reported to be inversely related to the degree of predictability of the aversive stimulus. Therefore, the purpose of the present review was to discuss experimental research in animal models describing the influence of stressor stimulus characteristics, such as chronicity and predictability, in cardiovascular dysfunctions induced by emotional stress. Regarding chronicity, the importance of cardiovascular and autonomic adjustments during acute stress sessions and cardiovascular consequences of frequent stress response activation during repeated exposure to aversive threats (i.e., chronic stress) is discussed. Evidence of the cardiovascular and autonomic changes induced by chronic stressors involving daily exposure to the same stressor (predictable) vs. different stressors (unpredictable) is reviewed and discussed in terms of the impact of predictability in cardiovascular dysfunctions induced by stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos C Crestani
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Araraquara, Brasil
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23
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Rana S, Pugh PC, Katz E, Stringfellow SA, Lin CP, Wyss JM, Stauss HM, White CR, Clinton SM, Kerman IA. Independent effects of early-life experience and trait aggression on cardiovascular function. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 311:R272-86. [PMID: 27280432 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00505.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Early-life experience (ELE) can significantly affect life-long health and disease, including cardiovascular function. Specific dimensions of emotionality also modify risk of disease, and aggressive traits along with social inhibition have been established as independent vulnerability factors for the progression of cardiovascular disease. Yet, the biological mechanisms mediating these associations remain poorly understood. The present study utilized the inherently stress-susceptible and socially inhibited Wistar-Kyoto rats to determine the potential influences of ELE and trait aggression (TA) on cardiovascular parameters throughout the lifespan. Pups were exposed to maternal separation (MS), consisting of daily 3-h separations of the entire litter from postnatal day (P)1 to P14. The rats were weaned at P21, and as adults were instrumented for chronic radiotelemetry recordings of blood pressure and heart rate (HR). Adult aggressive behavior was assessed using the resident-intruder test, which demonstrated that TA was independent of MS exposure. MS-exposed animals (irrespective of TA) had significantly lower resting HR accompanied by increases in HR variability. No effects of MS on resting blood pressure were detected. In contrast, TA correlated with increased resting mean, systolic, and diastolic arterial pressures but had no effect on HR. TA rats (relative to nonaggressive animals) also manifested increased wall-to-lumen ratio in the thoracic aorta, increased sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced vascular contractility, and increased norepinephrine content in the heart. Together these data suggest that ELE and TA are independent factors that impact baseline cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Rana
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, Graduate Biomedical Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Phyllis C Pugh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Erin Katz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sara A Stringfellow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Chee Paul Lin
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - J Michael Wyss
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Harald M Stauss
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - C Roger White
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sarah M Clinton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia; and
| | - Ilan A Kerman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia
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24
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Wood SK, Valentino RJ. The brain norepinephrine system, stress and cardiovascular vulnerability. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 74:393-400. [PMID: 27131968 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to psychosocial stress has adverse effects on cardiovascular health, however the stress-sensitive neurocircuitry involved remains to be elucidated. The anatomical and physiological characteristics of the locus coeruleus (LC)-norepinephrine (NE) system position it to contribute to stress-induced cardiovascular disease. This review focuses on cardiovascular dysfunction produced by social stress and a major theme highlighted is that differences in coping strategy determine individual differences in social stress-induced cardiovascular vulnerability. The establishment of different coping strategies and cardiovascular vulnerability during repeated social stress has recently been shown to parallel a unique plasticity in LC afferent regulation, resulting in either excitatory or inhibitory input to the LC. This contrasting regulation of the LC would translate to differences in cardiovascular regulation and may serve as the basis for individual differences in the cardiopathological consequences of social stress. The advances described suggest new directions for developing treatments and/or strategies for decreasing stress-induced cardiovascular vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States.
| | - Rita J Valentino
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4399, United States
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25
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Schläger C, Körner H, Krueger M, Vidoli S, Haberl M, Mielke D, Brylla E, Issekutz T, Cabañas C, Nelson PJ, Ziemssen T, Rohde V, Bechmann I, Lodygin D, Odoardi F, Flügel A. Effector T-cell trafficking between the leptomeninges and the cerebrospinal fluid. Nature 2016; 530:349-53. [PMID: 26863192 DOI: 10.1038/nature16939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis, brain-reactive T cells invade the central nervous system (CNS) and induce a self-destructive inflammatory process. T-cell infiltrates are not only found within the parenchyma and the meninges, but also in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes the entire CNS tissue. How the T cells reach the CSF, their functionality, and whether they traffic between the CSF and other CNS compartments remains hypothetical. Here we show that effector T cells enter the CSF from the leptomeninges during Lewis rat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis. While moving through the three-dimensional leptomeningeal network of collagen fibres in a random Brownian walk, T cells were flushed from the surface by the flow of the CSF. The detached cells displayed significantly lower activation levels compared to T cells from the leptomeninges and CNS parenchyma. However, they did not represent a specialized non-pathogenic cellular sub-fraction, as their gene expression profile strongly resembled that of tissue-derived T cells and they fully retained their encephalitogenic potential. T-cell detachment from the leptomeninges was counteracted by integrins VLA-4 and LFA-1 binding to their respective ligands produced by resident macrophages. Chemokine signalling via CCR5/CXCR3 and antigenic stimulation of T cells in contact with the leptomeningeal macrophages enforced their adhesiveness. T cells floating in the CSF were able to reattach to the leptomeninges through steps reminiscent of vascular adhesion in CNS blood vessels, and invade the parenchyma. The molecular/cellular conditions for T-cell reattachment were the same as the requirements for detachment from the leptomeningeal milieu. Our data indicate that the leptomeninges represent a checkpoint at which activated T cells are licensed to enter the CNS parenchyma and non-activated T cells are preferentially released into the CSF, from where they can reach areas of antigen availability and tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schläger
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henrike Körner
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Krueger
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefano Vidoli
- Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Haberl
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dorothee Mielke
- Department Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elke Brylla
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Issekutz
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pediatrics Dalhousie University, Halifax B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Carlos Cabañas
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Inmunología, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Rohde
- Department Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ingo Bechmann
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dmitri Lodygin
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Francesca Odoardi
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Flügel
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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26
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Carnevali L, Vacondio F, Rossi S, Macchi E, Spadoni G, Bedini A, Neumann ID, Rivara S, Mor M, Sgoifo A. Cardioprotective effects of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB694, in a rodent model of trait anxiety. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18218. [PMID: 26656183 PMCID: PMC4677398 DOI: 10.1038/srep18218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, chronic anxiety represents an independent risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Here we evaluate in male Wistar rats bred for high (HAB) and low (LAB) anxiety-related behavior, as well as non-selected (NAB) animals, the relationship between trait anxiety and cardiac electrical instability and investigate whether pharmacological augmentation of endocannabinoid anandamide-mediated signaling exerts anxiolytic-like and cardioprotective effects. HAB rats displayed (i) a higher incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias induced by isoproterenol, and (ii) a larger spatial dispersion of ventricular refractoriness assessed by means of an epicardial mapping protocol. In HAB rats, acute pharmacological inhibition of the anandamide-degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), with URB694 (0.3 mg/kg), (i) decreased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze, (ii) increased anandamide levels in the heart, (iii) reduced isoproterenol-induced occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and (iv) corrected alterations of ventricular refractoriness. The anti-arrhythmic effect of URB694 was prevented by pharmacological blockade of the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1), but not of the CB2, receptor. These findings suggest that URB694 exerts anxiolytic-like and cardioprotective effects in HAB rats, the latter via anandamide-mediated activation of CB1 receptors. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of FAAH might be a viable pharmacological strategy for the treatment of anxiety-related cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefano Rossi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Emilio Macchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Gilberto Spadoni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Italy
| | - Annalida Bedini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Italy
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Marco Mor
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Italy
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27
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Abstract
Depression occurs in people of all ages across all world regions; it is the second leading cause of disability and its global burden increased by 37.5% between 1990 and 2010. Autonomic changes are often found in altered mood states and appear to be a central biological substrate linking depression to a number of physical dysfunctions. Alterations of autonomic nervous system functioning that promotes vagal withdrawal are reflected in reductions of heart rate variability (HRV) indexes. Reduced HRV characterizes emotional dysregulation, decreased psychological flexibility and defective social engagement, which in turn are linked to prefrontal cortex hypoactivity. Altogether, these pieces of evidence support the idea that HRV might represent a useful endophenotype for psychological/physical comorbidities, and its routine application should be advised to assess the efficacy of prevention/intervention therapies in a number of psychosomatic and psychiatric dysfunctions. Further research, also making use of appropriate animal models, could provide a significant support to this point of view and possibly help to identify appropriate antidepressant therapies that do not interefere with physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sgoifo
- a Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience , University of Parma , Parma , Italy and
| | - Luca Carnevali
- a Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience , University of Parma , Parma , Italy and
| | | | - Mario Amore
- b Department of Neuroscience , Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genova , Genova , Italy
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28
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Enhanced Aggressive Behaviour in a Mouse Model of Depression. Neurotox Res 2014; 27:129-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-014-9498-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Revised: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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29
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Carnevali L, Nalivaiko E, Sgoifo A. Respiratory patterns reflect different levels of aggressiveness and emotionality in Wild-type Groningen rats. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2014; 204:28-35. [PMID: 25016179 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory patterns represent a promising physiological index for assessing emotional states in preclinical studies. Since disturbed emotional regulation may lead to forms of excessive aggressiveness, in this study we investigated the hypothesis that rats that differ largely in their level of aggressive behavior display matching alterations in respiration. Respiration was recorded in male high-aggressive (HA, n = 8) and non-aggressive (NA, n = 8) Wild-type Groningen rats using whole-body plethysmography. Subsequently, anxiety-related behaviors were evaluated in the elevated plus maze and social avoidance-approach tests. During respiratory testing, HA rats showed elevated basal respiratory rate, reduced sniffing, exaggerated tachypnoeic response to an acoustic stimulus and a larger incidence of sighs. In addition, HA rats spent less time in the open arms of the plus maze and displayed higher levels of social avoidance behavior compared to NA rats. These findings indicate that HA rats are characterized by alterations in respiratory functioning and behavior that are overall indicative of an anxiety-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Eugene Nalivaiko
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, 2308 Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
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30
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Carnevali L, Sgoifo A. Vagal modulation of resting heart rate in rats: the role of stress, psychosocial factors, and physical exercise. Front Physiol 2014; 5:118. [PMID: 24715877 PMCID: PMC3970013 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, there are large individual differences in the levels of vagal modulation of resting heart rate (HR). High levels are a recognized index of cardiac health, whereas low levels are considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Several factors are thought to contribute significantly to this inter-individual variability. While regular physical exercise seems to induce an increase in resting vagal tone, chronic life stress, and psychosocial factors such as negative moods and personality traits appear associated with vagal withdrawal. Preclinical research has been attempting to clarify such relationships and to provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying vagal tone impairment/enhancement. This paper focuses on rat studies that have explored the effects of stress, psychosocial factors and physical exercise on vagal modulation of resting HR. Results are discussed with regard to: (i) individual differences in resting vagal tone, cardiac stress reactivity and arrhythmia vulnerability; (ii) elucidation of the neurobiological determinants of resting vagal tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma Parma, Italy
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31
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Carnevali L, Trombini M, Graiani G, Madeddu D, Quaini F, Landgraf R, Neumann ID, Nalivaiko E, Sgoifo A. Low vagally-mediated heart rate variability and increased susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in rats bred for high anxiety. Physiol Behav 2014; 128:16-25. [PMID: 24518868 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In humans, there is a documented association between anxiety disorders and cardiovascular disease. Putative underlying mechanisms may include an impairment of the autonomic nervous system control of cardiac function. The primary objective of the present study was to characterize cardiac autonomic modulation and susceptibility to arrhythmias in genetic lines of rats that differ largely in their anxiety level. To reach this goal, electrocardiographic recordings were performed in high-anxiety behavior (HAB, n=10) and low-anxiety behavior (LAB, n=10) rats at rest, during stressful stimuli and under autonomic pharmacological manipulations, and analyzed by means of time- and frequency-domain indexes of heart rate variability. During resting conditions, HAB rats displayed a reduced heart rate variability, mostly in terms of lower parasympathetic (vagal) modulation compared to LAB rats. In HAB rats, this relatively low cardiac vagal control was associated with smaller heart rate responsiveness to acute stressors compared to LAB counterparts. In addition, beta-adrenergic pharmacological stimulation induced a larger incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in HABs compared to LABs. At sacrifice, a moderate increase in heart-body weight ratio was observed in HAB rats. We conclude that high levels of anxiety-related behavior in rats are associated with signs of i) impaired autonomic modulation of heart rate (low vagally-mediated heart rate variability), ii) poor adaptive heart rate responsiveness to stressful stimuli, iii) increased arrhythmia susceptibility, and iv) cardiac hypertrophy. These results highlight the utility of the HAB/LAB model for investigating the mechanistic basis of the comorbidity between anxiety disorders and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gallia Graiani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Denise Madeddu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Quaini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Italy
| | | | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Eugene Nalivaiko
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Italy
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32
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The socially stressed heart. Insights from studies in rodents. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 39:51-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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