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Fritz M, Soravia SM, Dudeck M, Malli L, Fakhoury M. Neurobiology of Aggression-Review of Recent Findings and Relationship with Alcohol and Trauma. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030469. [PMID: 36979161 PMCID: PMC10044835 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Aggression can be conceptualized as any behavior, physical or verbal, that involves attacking another person or animal with the intent of causing harm, pain or injury. Because of its high prevalence worldwide, aggression has remained a central clinical and public safety issue. Aggression can be caused by several risk factors, including biological and psychological, such as genetics and mental health disorders, and socioeconomic such as education, employment, financial status, and neighborhood. Research over the past few decades has also proposed a link between alcohol consumption and aggressive behaviors. Alcohol consumption can escalate aggressive behavior in humans, often leading to domestic violence or serious crimes. Converging lines of evidence have also shown that trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could have a tremendous impact on behavior associated with both alcohol use problems and violence. However, although the link between trauma, alcohol, and aggression is well documented, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and their impact on behavior have not been properly discussed. This article provides an overview of recent advances in understanding the translational neurobiological basis of aggression and its intricate links to alcoholism and trauma, focusing on behavior. It does so by shedding light from several perspectives, including in vivo imaging, genes, receptors, and neurotransmitters and their influence on human and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fritz
- School of Health and Social Sciences, AKAD University of Applied Sciences, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah-Maria Soravia
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Manuela Dudeck
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Layal Malli
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
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Kukuia KK, Appiah F, Dugbartey GJ, Takyi YF, Amoateng P, Amponsah SK, Adi-Dako O, Koomson AE, Ayertey F, Adutwum-Ofosu KK. Extract of Mallotus oppositifolius (Geiseler) Müll. Arg. increased prefrontal cortex dendritic spine density and serotonin and attenuated para-chlorophenylalanine-aggravated aggressive and depressive behaviors in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962549. [PMID: 36386158 PMCID: PMC9649488 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim: Depression-related aggression is linked to serotonin (5-HT) and dendritic spine alterations. Although Mallotus oppositifolius extract (MOE) has potential for reducing this effect, its specific role remains uncertain. Herein, we evaluated this potential and associated alterations in the brain. Methods: A standard resident-intruder model of para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA)-induced depression-associated aggression in male ICR mice was used. The resident mice received pCPA (300 mg/kg, i. p.) for 3 consecutive days while saline-treated mice served as negative control. The pCPA aggressive mice were subsequently treated orally with either MOE (30, 100, 300 mg/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), tryptophan (20 mg/kg) or saline (untreated pCPA group) for 28 days. Locomotor activity was assessed using open field test. Serotonin (5-HT) levels in mice brain and phytochemical fingerprint of MOE were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify constituents of MOE. Dendritic spine density and morphology were evaluated using Golgi-Cox staining technique and analyzed with ImageJ and Reconstruct software. Results: Administration of pCPA induced aggressive behavior in mice, evidenced by increased attack behaviors (increased number and duration of attacks), which positively correlated with squeaking and tail rattling. MOE treatment significantly reduced these characteristics of aggression in comparison with vehicle (non-aggressive) and untreated pCPA groups (p < 0.001), and also reduced social exploration behavior. Although the behavioral effects of MOE were comparable to those of fluoxetine and tryptophan, these effects were quicker compared to fluoxetine and tryptophan. Additionally, MOE also markedly increased 5-HT concentration and dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex relative to vehicle and untreated pCPA groups (p < 0.05). Interestingly, these behavioral effects were produced without compromising locomotor activity. GC-MS analysis of the MOE identified 17 known compounds from different chemical classes with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective and antidepressant activities, which may have contributed to its anti-aggressive effect. Conclusion: MOE decreased depression-associated aggressive behavior in mice via increased 5-HT concentration and dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex. The MOE-mediated effects were faster than those of fluoxetine and tryptophan. Our finding suggests that MOE may have clinical promise in decreasing aggressive and depressive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy K.E. Kukuia
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- *Correspondence: Kennedy K.E. Kukuia, ; Kevin K. Adutwum-Ofosu,
| | - Frimpong Appiah
- Department of Community Health and Medicine, School of Food and Health Sciences, Anglican University College of Technology, Nkoranza, Ghana
| | - George J. Dugbartey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw F. Takyi
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth K. Amponsah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ofosua Adi-Dako
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Awo E. Koomson
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Frederick Ayertey
- Department of Phytochemistry, Center for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana
| | - Kevin K. Adutwum-Ofosu
- Department of Anatomy, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- *Correspondence: Kennedy K.E. Kukuia, ; Kevin K. Adutwum-Ofosu,
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Burrows E, Koyama L, May C, Hill-Yardin E, Hannan A. Environmental enrichment modulates affiliative and aggressive social behaviour in the neuroligin-3 R451C mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 195:172955. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Exogenous testosterone and the monoamine-oxidase A polymorphism influence anger, aggression and neural responses to provocation in males. Neuropharmacology 2019; 156:107491. [PMID: 30639342 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone and the monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA) polymorphism are potential neuromodulators for aggression. By acting on similar brain circuits, they might interactively influence human behavior. The current study investigates the causal role of testosterone on aggression-related brain activity and the potential interaction with the MAOA polymorphism. In a double-blind process, 93 healthy males received a testosterone or placebo gel. In an fMRI session, participants performed a Taylor aggression paradigm in which they received provoking feedback and could afterwards decide how aggressively they would react. Testosterone and cortisol levels as well as subjective anger were assessed prior and after the task. Circulating testosterone levels were higher in carriers of the long compared to the short MAOA allele. An interaction of the MAOA polymorphism and testosterone administration was identified in the cuneus, where short allele carriers in the placebo group showed diminished activity in the decision period. Task-related anger was significantly higher in this group. Overall, a mesocorticolimbic network was implicated in processing of high versus low provoking feedback, and core hubs of the default mode network were implicated in the subsequent decision after high versus low provocation. Testosterone administration increased activation in this network. The data provides evidence for an interaction of the MAOA polymorphism and exogenous testosterone on anger and suggests that interactive effects on the brain signal could underlie differential emotional reactivity. The increased default mode activation in the testosterone group suggests an enhanced engagement of social cognition related regions possibly supporting responsivity towards social provocation. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Current status of the neurobiology of aggression and impulsivity'.
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Silva EF, Silva AI, Asth L, Souza LS, Zaveri NT, Guerrini R, Calo' G, Ruzza C, Gavioli EC. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor agonists increase aggressiveness in the mouse resident-intruder test. Behav Brain Res 2019; 356:120-126. [PMID: 30142397 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behaviors can be considered symptoms of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress, intermittent explosive, and personality disorders. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a peptide acting as endogenous ligand of the NOP receptor. Preclinical and clinical findings suggest the NOP receptor as an innovative target for the treatment of psychopathologies, such as anxiety, depression, and drug abuse. This study investigated the effects of NOP ligands and the behavioral phenotype of mice lacking the NOP receptor in an animal model of aggressiveness, the resident-intruder test. Mood stabilizers, such as valproate, lithium, and carbamazepine reduced aggressive behaviors of resident mice, while diazepam was inactive. In contrast, para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), an inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis, increased aggressiveness in mice. Similar to PCPA, the treatment with the NOP agonists Ro 65-6570 and AT-090 also increased aggressive behaviors. The systemic administration of the NOP antagonist SB-612111 did not modify the behavior of resident mice, but it prevented the aggressive behavior of Ro 65-6570. NOP receptor knockout mice did not display any behavioral difference compared to wild-type animals in the resident-intruder test. None of the treatments affected non-agonistic behaviors and spontaneous locomotion. In conclusion, NOP receptor agonists increased aggressiveness, while the pharmacological and genetic blockade of NOP receptor signaling did not modify agonistic behaviors. Ultimately, the aggressive profile of action of NOP agonists should be taken into account in the development of innovative psychiatric drugs targeting the NOP receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epifanio F Silva
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Aldemara I Silva
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Laila Asth
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Lisiane S Souza
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC., 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, CA, 94043, United States
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
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Berkel S, Eltokhi A, Fröhlich H, Porras-Gonzalez D, Rafiullah R, Sprengel R, Rappold GA. Sex Hormones Regulate SHANK Expression. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:337. [PMID: 30319350 PMCID: PMC6167484 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a higher prevalence in male individuals compared to females, with a ratio of affected boys compared to girls of 4:1 for ASD and 11:1 for Asperger syndrome. Mutations in the SHANK genes (comprising SHANK1, SHANK2 and SHANK3) coding for postsynaptic scaffolding proteins have been tightly associated with ASD. As early brain development is strongly influenced by sex hormones, we investigated the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 17β-estradiol on SHANK expression in a human neuroblastoma cell model. Both sex hormones had a significant impact on the expression of all three SHANK genes, which could be effectively blocked by androgen and estrogen receptor antagonists. In neuron-specific androgen receptor knock-out mice (ArNesCre), we found a nominal significant reduction of all Shank genes at postnatal day 7.5 in the cortex. In the developing cortex of wild-type (WT) CD1 mice, a sex-differential protein expression was identified for all Shanks at embryonic day 17.5 and postnatal day 7.5 with significantly higher protein levels in male compared to female mice. Together, we could show that SHANK expression is influenced by sex hormones leading to a sex-differential expression, thus providing novel insights into the sex bias in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berkel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Eltokhi
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Research Group of the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research at the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henning Fröhlich
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana Porras-Gonzalez
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rafiullah Rafiullah
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- Research Group of the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research at the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gudrun A Rappold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Hoxha E, Marcinnò A, Montarolo F, Masante L, Balbo I, Ravera F, Laezza F, Tempia F. Emerging roles of Fgf14 in behavioral control. Behav Brain Res 2018; 356:257-265. [PMID: 30189289 PMCID: PMC10082543 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sexual disturbances, and aggressivity are a major social problem. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the control of these behaviors are largely unknown. FGF14, which is an intracellular protein controlling neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, has been implied in neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Mice with Fgf14 deletion show blunted responses to drugs of abuse. By behavioral tests we show that male Fgf14 knockout mice have a marked reduction of several behaviors including aggressivity and sexual behavior. Other behaviors driven by spontaneous initiative like burying novel objects and spontaneous digging and climbing are also reduced in Fgf14 knockout mice. These deficits cannot be attributed to a generalized decrease of activity levels, because in the open field test Fgf14 knockout mice have the same spontaneous locomotion as wild types and increased rearing. Our results show that Fgf14 is important to preserve a set of behaviors and suggest that fine tuning of neuronal function by Fgf14 is an important mechanism of control for such behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriola Hoxha
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy.
| | - Andrea Marcinnò
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Francesca Montarolo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Linda Masante
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Balbo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy.
| | - Francesco Ravera
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy.
| | - Fernanda Laezza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Filippo Tempia
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy; National Neuroscience Institute (Italy), Corso Massimo D'Azeglio 52, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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Mhaouty-Kodja S. Role of the androgen receptor in the central nervous system. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 465:103-112. [PMID: 28826929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of gonadal androgens in functions of the central nervous system was suggested for the first time about half a century ago. Since then, the number of functions attributed to androgens has steadily increased, ranging from regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive behaviors to modulation of cognition, anxiety and other non-reproductive functions. This review focuses on the implication of the neural androgen receptor in these androgen-sensitive functions and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 7 Quai St Bernard, 75005 Paris, France.
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Holschbach MA, Vitale EM, Lonstein JS. Serotonin-specific lesions of the dorsal raphe disrupt maternal aggression and caregiving in postpartum rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 348:53-64. [PMID: 29653128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The behavioral modifications associated with early motherhood, which include high aggression, caring for the young, and low anxiety, are all affected by acute pharmacological manipulation of serotonin signaling. However, the effects on all these behaviors of permanently disrupting serotonin signaling from one of its primary sources, the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), have not been examined in detail. To address this, serotonin-specific lesions centered on the dorsomedial DR (DRdm; DR subregion strongly implicated in emotional behaviors) were induced at mid-pregnancy (day 15) or early postpartum (day 2) in rats using a saporin-conjugated neurotoxin targeting the serotonin transporter (Anti-SERT-SAP). Prepartum or postpartum Anti-SERT-SAP reduced DRdm serotonin immunoreactivity by ∼40-65%, and postpartum Anti-SERT-SAP also reduced it in the ventromedial and lateral wings of the DR, as well as in the median raphe. Serotonin-immunoreactive fibers were significantly reduced in the anterior hypothalamus, but not medial preoptic area, of lesioned dams. Pre- or postpartum lesions both greatly reduced maternal aggression, but while prepartum lesions did not affect later undisturbed maternal caregiving, the larger postpartum lesions prevented the postpartum decline in kyphotic nursing and reduced pup licking. Serotonin lesions did not affect pup retrieval, but the prepartum lesions temporarily increased maternal hovering over and licking the pups observed immediately after the disruptive retrieval tests. Dams' anxiety-like behaviors and litter weight gains were unaffected by the lesions. These findings suggest that DRdm serotonin projecting to the AH is particularly critical for maternal aggression, but that more widespread disruption of midbrain raphe serotonin is necessary to greatly impair maternal caregiving. Postpartum anxiety may rely more on other neurochemical systems or different midbrain serotonergic cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Allie Holschbach
- Neuroscience Program, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Erika M Vitale
- Department of Psychology, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Psychology, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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Näslund J, Studer E, Johansson E, Eriksson E. Effects of gonadectomy and serotonin depletion on inter-individual differences in anxiety-like behaviour in male Wistar rats. Behav Brain Res 2016; 308:160-5. [PMID: 27083304 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.04.015] [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: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies in Wistar rats suggest inter-individual differences in anxiety-like behaviour as assessed using the elevated plus maze (EPM), both between sexes and among males, to be abolished by serotonin depletion. To shed further light on the influence of sex steroids and serotonin - and on the interplay between the two - on proneness for EPM-assessed anxiety in males, outbred Wistar rats were divided into those with high and low anxiety, respectively, and exposed to gonadectomy or sham operation followed by administration of a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, para-chlorophenylalanine, or saline. Whereas gonadectomy enhanced anxiety-like behaviour in low anxiety rats so that these no longer differed in this regard from the high anxiety group, serotonin depletion reversed this effect, and also reduced anxiety in the low anxiety group regardless of gonadal state. A previously observed association between high anxiety-like behaviour and high expression of the serotonin-synthesizing enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) in the raphe was confirmed in sham-operated animals but absent in gonadectomised rats, an ANCOVA revealing a significant interactive effect of baseline anxiety and gonadal state on Tph2 expression. It is suggested that androgens may contribute to upholding inter-individual differences in anxiety-like behaviour in male rats by interacting with serotonergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Näslund
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, POB 431, SE 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Erik Studer
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, POB 431, SE 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Johansson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, POB 431, SE 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elias Eriksson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, POB 431, SE 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Karlsson SA, Studer E, Kettunen P, Westberg L. Neural Androgen Receptors Modulate Gene Expression and Social Recognition But Not Social Investigation. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:41. [PMID: 27014003 PMCID: PMC4792870 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of sex and androgen receptors (ARs) for social preference and social memory is rather unknown. In this study of mice we compared males, females and males lacking ARs specifically in the nervous system, ARNesDel, with respect to social preference, assessed with the three-chambered apparatus test, and social recognition, assessed with the social discrimination procedure. In the social discrimination test we also evaluated the tentative importance of the sex of the stimulus animal. Novel object recognition and olfaction were investigated to complement the results from the social tests. Gene expression analysis was performed to reveal molecules involved in the effects of sex and androgens on social behaviors. All three test groups showed social preference in the three-chambered apparatus test. In both social tests an AR-independent sexual dimorphism was seen in the persistence of social investigation of female conspecifics, whereas the social interest toward male stimuli mice was similar in all groups. Male and female controls recognized conspecifics independent of their sex, whereas ARNesDel males recognized female but not male stimuli mice. Moreover, the non-social behaviors were not affected by AR deficiency. The gene expression analyses of hypothalamus and amygdala indicated that Oxtr, Cd38, Esr1, Cyp19a1, Ucn3, Crh, and Gtf2i were differentially expressed between the three groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that ARs are required for recognition of male but not female conspecifics, while being dispensable for social investigation toward both sexes. In addition, the AR seems to regulate genes related to oxytocin, estrogen and William’s syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Karlsson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Studer
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Petronella Kettunen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
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