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Fu X, Tasker JG. Neuromodulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the basolateral amygdala during fear and anxiety. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1421617. [PMID: 38994327 PMCID: PMC11236696 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1421617] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala plays pivotal roles in the regulation of fear and anxiety and these processes are profoundly modulated by different neuromodulatory systems that are recruited during emotional arousal. Recent studies suggest activities of BLA interneurons and inhibitory synaptic transmission in BLA principal cells are regulated by neuromodulators to influence the output and oscillatory network states of the BLA, and ultimately the behavioral expression of fear and anxiety. In this review, we first summarize a cellular mechanism of stress-induced anxiogenesis mediated by the interaction of glucocorticoid and endocannabinoid signaling at inhibitory synapses in the BLA. Then we discuss cell type-specific activity patterns induced by neuromodulators converging on the Gq signaling pathway in BLA perisomatic parvalbumin-expressing (PV) and cholecystokinin-expressing (CCK) basket cells and their effects on BLA network oscillations and fear learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fu
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jeffrey G. Tasker
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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2
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Ozsvár A, Sieburg MC, Sietam MD, Hou WH, Capogna M. A combinatory genetic strategy for targeting neurogliaform neurons in the mouse basolateral amygdala. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1254460. [PMID: 38362542 PMCID: PMC10867116 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1254460] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The mouse basolateral amygdala (BLA) contains various GABAergic interneuron subpopulations, which have distinctive roles in the neuronal microcircuit controlling numerous behavioral functions. In mice, roughly 15% of the BLA GABAergic interneurons express neuropeptide Y (NPY), a reasonably characteristic marker for neurogliaform cells (NGFCs) in cortical-like brain structures. However, genetically labeled putative NPY-expressing interneurons in the BLA yield a mixture of interneuron subtypes besides NGFCs. Thus, selective molecular markers are lacking for genetically accessing NGFCs in the BLA. Here, we validated the NGFC-specific labeling with a molecular marker, neuron-derived neurotrophic factor (NDNF), in the mouse BLA, as such specificity has been demonstrated in the neocortex and hippocampus. We characterized genetically defined NDNF-expressing (NDNF+) GABAergic interneurons in the mouse BLA by combining the Ndnf-IRES2-dgCre-D transgenic mouse line with viral labeling, immunohistochemical staining, and in vitro electrophysiology. We found that BLA NDNF+ GABAergic cells mainly expressed NGFC neurochemical markers NPY and reelin (Reln) and exhibited small round soma and dense axonal arborization. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings indicated that most NDNF+ interneurons showed late spiking and moderate firing adaptation. Moreover, ∼81% of BLA NDNF+ cells generated retroaxonal action potential after current injections or optogenetic stimulations, frequently developing into persistent barrage firing. Optogenetic activation of the BLA NDNF+ cell population yielded both GABAA- and GABAB receptor-mediated currents onto BLA pyramidal neurons (PNs). We demonstrate a combinatory strategy combining the NDNF-cre mouse line with viral transfection to specifically target adult mouse BLA NGFCs and further explore their functional and behavioral roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Ozsvár
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Meike Claudia Sieburg
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Monica Dahlstrup Sietam
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wen-Hsien Hou
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marco Capogna
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Proteins in Memory (PROMEMO), Danish National Research Foundation, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Sartori SB, Keil TMV, Kummer KK, Murphy CP, Gunduz-Cinar O, Kress M, Ebner K, Holmes A, Singewald N. Fear extinction rescuing effects of dopamine and L-DOPA in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:11. [PMID: 38191458 PMCID: PMC10774374 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02708-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC; rodent infralimbic cortex (IL)), is posited to be an important locus of fear extinction-facilitating effects of the dopamine (DA) bio-precursor, L-DOPA, but this hypothesis remains to be formally tested. Here, in a model of impaired fear extinction (the 129S1/SvImJ inbred mouse strain; S1), we monitored extracellular DA dynamics via in vivo microdialysis in IL during fear extinction and following L-DOPA administration. Systemic L-DOPA caused sustained elevation of extracellular DA levels in IL and increased neuronal activation in a subpopulation of IL neurons. Systemic L-DOPA enabled extinction learning and promoted extinction retention at one but not ten days after training. Conversely, direct microinfusion of DA into IL produced long-term fear extinction (an effect that was insensitive to ɑ-/ß-adrenoreceptor antagonism). However, intra-IL delivery of a D1-like or D2 receptor agonist did not facilitate extinction. Using ex vivo multi-electrode array IL neuronal recordings, along with ex vivo quantification of immediate early genes and DA receptor signalling markers in mPFC, we found evidence of reduced DA-evoked mPFC network responses in S1 as compared with extinction-competent C57BL/6J mice that were partially driven by D1 receptor activation. Together, our data demonstrate that locally increasing DA in IL is sufficient to produce lasting rescue of impaired extinction. The finding that systemic L-DOPA increased IL DA levels, but had only transient effects on extinction, suggests L-DOPA failed to reach a threshold level of IL DA or produced opposing behavioural effects in other brain regions. Collectively, our findings provide further insight into the neural basis of the extinction-promoting effects of DA and L-DOPA in a clinically relevant animal model, with possible implications for therapeutically targeting the DA system in anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone B Sartori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas M V Keil
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kai K Kummer
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Conor P Murphy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ozge Gunduz-Cinar
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, NIH/NIAAA, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Michaela Kress
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Karl Ebner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, NIH/NIAAA, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Grieco SF, Johnston KG, Gao P, Garduño BM, Tang B, Yi E, Sun Y, Horwitz GD, Yu Z, Holmes TC, Xu X. Anatomical and molecular characterization of parvalbumin-cholecystokinin co-expressing inhibitory interneurons: implications for neuropsychiatric conditions. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5293-5308. [PMID: 37443194 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02153-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitory interneurons are crucial to brain function and their dysfunction is implicated in neuropsychiatric conditions. Emerging evidence indicates that cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing interneurons (CCK+) are highly heterogenous. We find that a large subset of parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons express CCK strongly; between 40 and 56% of PV+ interneurons in mouse hippocampal CA1 express CCK. Primate interneurons also exhibit substantial PV/CCK co-expression. Mouse PV+/CCK+ and PV+/CCK- cells show distinguishable electrophysiological and molecular characteristics. Analysis of single nuclei RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data shows that PV+/CCK+ cells are a subset of PV+ cells, not of synuclein gamma positive (SNCG+) cells, and that they strongly express oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes. We find that mitochondrial complex I and IV-associated OXPHOS gene expression is strongly correlated with CCK expression in PV+ interneurons at both the transcriptomic and protein levels. Both PV+ interneurons and dysregulation of OXPHOS processes are implicated in neuropsychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum (ASD) disorder and schizophrenia (SCZ). Analysis of human brain samples from patients with these conditions shows alterations in OXPHOS gene expression. Together these data reveal important molecular characteristics of PV-CCK co-expressing interneurons and support their implication in neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Grieco
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Kevin G Johnston
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Mathematics, School of Physical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Pan Gao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - B Maximiliano Garduño
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Bryan Tang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Elsie Yi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Yanjun Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Gregory D Horwitz
- Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Yu
- Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Statistics, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Todd C Holmes
- Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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5
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Nagy-Pál P, Veres JM, Fekete Z, Karlócai MR, Weisz F, Barabás B, Reéb Z, Hájos N. Structural Organization of Perisomatic Inhibition in the Mouse Medial Prefrontal Cortex. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6972-6987. [PMID: 37640552 PMCID: PMC10586541 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0432-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Perisomatic inhibition profoundly controls neural function. However, the structural organization of inhibitory circuits giving rise to the perisomatic inhibition in the higher-order cortices is not completely known. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of those GABAergic cells in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) that provide inputs onto the somata and proximal dendrites of pyramidal neurons. Our results show that most GABAergic axonal varicosities contacting the perisomatic region of superficial (layer 2/3) and deep (layer 5) pyramidal cells express parvalbumin (PV) or cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). Further, we found that the ratio of PV/CB1 GABAergic inputs is larger on the somatic membrane surface of pyramidal tract neurons in comparison with those projecting to the contralateral hemisphere. Our morphologic analysis of in vitro labeled PV+ basket cells (PVBC) and CCK/CB1+ basket cells (CCKBC) revealed differences in many features. PVBC dendrites and axons arborized preferentially within the layer where their soma was located. In contrast, the axons of CCKBCs expanded throughout layers, although their dendrites were found preferentially either in superficial or deep layers. Finally, using anterograde trans-synaptic tracing we observed that PVBCs are preferentially innervated by thalamic and basal amygdala afferents in layers 5a and 5b, respectively. Thus, our results suggest that PVBCs can control the local circuit operation in a layer-specific manner via their characteristic arborization, whereas CCKBCs rather provide cross-layer inhibition in the mPFC.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Inhibitory cells in cortical circuits are crucial for the precise control of local network activity. Nevertheless, in higher-order cortical areas that are involved in cognitive functions like decision-making, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, the structural organization of inhibitory cell circuits is not completely understood. In this study we show that perisomatic inhibitory control of excitatory cells in the medial prefrontal cortex is performed by two types of basket cells endowed with different morphologic properties that provide inhibitory inputs with distinct layer specificity on cells projecting to disparate areas. Revealing this difference in innervation strategy of the two basket cell types is a key step toward understanding how they fulfill their distinct roles in cortical network operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Nagy-Pál
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit M Veres
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Fekete
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária R Karlócai
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Filippo Weisz
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bence Barabás
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Reéb
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Hájos
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Linda and Jack Gill Center for Molecular Bioscience, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
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Gunduz-Cinar O, Castillo LI, Xia M, Van Leer E, Brockway ET, Pollack GA, Yasmin F, Bukalo O, Limoges A, Oreizi-Esfahani S, Kondev V, Báldi R, Dong A, Harvey-White J, Cinar R, Kunos G, Li Y, Zweifel LS, Patel S, Holmes A. A cortico-amygdala neural substrate for endocannabinoid modulation of fear extinction. Neuron 2023; 111:3053-3067.e10. [PMID: 37480845 PMCID: PMC10592324 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies implicate endocannabinoids (eCBs) in fear extinction, but the underlying neural circuit basis of these actions is unclear. Here, we employed in vivo optogenetics, eCB biosensor imaging, ex vivo electrophysiology, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in mice to examine whether basolateral amygdala (BLA)-projecting medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) neurons represent a neural substrate for the effects of eCBs on extinction. We found that photoexcitation of mPFC axons in BLA during extinction mobilizes BLA eCBs. eCB biosensor imaging showed that eCBs exhibit a dynamic stimulus-specific pattern of activity at mPFC→BLA neurons that tracks extinction learning. Furthermore, using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing, we demonstrated that extinction memory formation involves eCB activity at cannabinoid CB1 receptors expressed at vmPFC→BLA synapses. Our findings reveal the temporal characteristics and a neural circuit basis of eCBs' effects on fear extinction and inform efforts to target the eCB system as a therapeutic approach in extinction-deficient neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Gunduz-Cinar
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Laura I Castillo
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maya Xia
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Elise Van Leer
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emma T Brockway
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gabrielle A Pollack
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Farhana Yasmin
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Olena Bukalo
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aaron Limoges
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sarvar Oreizi-Esfahani
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Veronika Kondev
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rita Báldi
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ao Dong
- Peking University School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Judy Harvey-White
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Resat Cinar
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Section on Fibrotic Disorders, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - George Kunos
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yulong Li
- Peking University School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Limoges A, Yarur HE, Tejeda HA. Dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor system regulation on amygdaloid circuitry: Implications for neuropsychiatric disorders. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:963691. [PMID: 36276608 PMCID: PMC9579273 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.963691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amygdaloid circuits are involved in a variety of emotional and motivation-related behaviors and are impacted by stress. The amygdala expresses several neuromodulatory systems, including opioid peptides and their receptors. The Dynorphin (Dyn)/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system has been implicated in the processing of emotional and stress-related information and is expressed in brain areas involved in stress and motivation. Dysregulation of the Dyn/KOR system has also been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, there is limited information about the role of the Dyn/KOR system in regulating amygdala circuitry. Here, we review the literature on the (1) basic anatomy of the amygdala, (2) functional regulation of synaptic transmission by the Dyn/KOR system, (3) anatomical architecture and function of the Dyn/KOR system in the amygdala, (4) regulation of amygdala-dependent behaviors by the Dyn/KOR system, and (5) future directions for the field. Future work investigating how the Dyn/KOR system shapes a wide range of amygdala-related behaviors will be required to increase our understanding of underlying circuitry modulation by the Dyn/KOR system. We anticipate that continued focus on the amygdala Dyn/KOR system will also elucidate novel ways to target the Dyn/KOR system to treat neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Limoges
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, Bethesda, MD, United States
- NIH-Columbia University Individual Graduate Partnership Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hector E. Yarur
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hugo A. Tejeda
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Hugo A. Tejeda,
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Abstract
Given historical focus on the roles for cholecystokinin (CCK) as a peripheral hormone controlling gastrointestinal processes and a brainstem peptide regulating food intake, the study of CCK as a limbic neuromodulator coordinating reward-seeking and emotional behavior remains underappreciated. Furthermore, localization of CCK to specialized interneurons throughout the hippocampus and cortex relegated CCK to being examined primarily as a static cell type marker rather than a dynamic functional neuromodulator. Yet, over three decades of literature have been generated by efforts to delineate the central mechanisms of addiction-related behaviors mediated by the CCK system across the striatum, amygdala, hypothalamus, and midbrain. Here, we cover fundamental findings that implicate CCK neuron activity and CCK receptor signaling in modulating drug intake and drug-seeking (focusing on psychostimulants, opioids, and alcohol). In doing so, we highlight the few studies that indicate sex differences in CCK expression and corresponding drug effects, emphasizing the importance of examining hormonal influences and sex as a biological variable in translating basic science discoveries to effective treatments for substance use disorders in human patients. Finally, we point toward understudied subcortical sources of endogenous CCK and describe how continued neurotechnology advancements can be leveraged to modernize understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms underlying CCK release and signaling in addiction-relevant behaviors.
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Cholecystokinin B receptor gene polymorphism (rs2941026) is associated with anxious personality and suicidal thoughts in a longitudinal study. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2022; 34:201-211. [PMID: 34924075 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2021.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cholecystokinin is a neuropeptide with a role in the neurobiology of adaptive behaviour that is implicated in anxiety disorders, while the underlying mechanisms currently remain insufficiently explained. The rs2941026 variation in the cholecystokinin B receptor gene has previously been associated with trait anxiety. Our aim was to investigate associations between the CCKB receptor gene polymorphism rs2941026 with anxiety, personality, depressiveness and suicidality in a longitudinal study of late adolescence and early adulthood. METHODS We used reports on trait and state anxiety, depressiveness and suicidal thoughts, as well as Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales, from the two birth cohorts of the Estonian Children Personality, Behaviour and Health Study. We measured associations between the CCKBR gene rs2941026 and anxiety-related phenotypes both longitudinally and cross-sectionally at ages 15, 18, 25 and 33. RESULTS Homozygosity for both alleles of the CCKBR rs2941026 was associated with higher trait and state anxiety in the longitudinal analysis. Cross-sectional comparisons were statistically significant at ages 18 and 25 for trait anxiety and at ages 25 and 33 for state anxiety. Higher depressiveness and suicidal thoughts were associated with the A/A genotype at age 18. Additionally, homozygosity for the A-allele was related to higher FEAR and SADNESS in the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales. The genotype effects were more apparent in females, who displayed higher levels of negative affect overall. CONCLUSIONS CCKBR genotype is persistently associated with negative affect in adolescence and young adulthood. The association of the CCKBR rs2941026 genotype with anxiety-related phenotypes is more pronounced in females.
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Miller DS, Wright KM. Neuronal Dystroglycan regulates postnatal development of CCK/cannabinoid receptor-1 interneurons. Neural Dev 2021; 16:4. [PMID: 34362433 PMCID: PMC8349015 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-021-00153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of functional neural circuits requires the precise formation of synaptic connections between diverse neuronal populations. The molecular pathways that allow GABAergic interneuron subtypes in the mammalian brain to initially recognize their postsynaptic partners remain largely unknown. The transmembrane glycoprotein Dystroglycan is localized to inhibitory synapses in pyramidal neurons, where it is required for the proper function of CCK+ interneurons. However, the precise temporal requirement for Dystroglycan during inhibitory synapse development has not been examined. Methods In this study, we use NEXCre or Camk2aCreERT2 to conditionally delete Dystroglycan from newly-born or adult pyramidal neurons, respectively. We then analyze forebrain development from postnatal day 3 through adulthood, with a particular focus on CCK+ interneurons. Results In the absence of postsynaptic Dystroglycan in developing pyramidal neurons, presynaptic CCK+ interneurons fail to elaborate their axons and largely disappear from the cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and olfactory bulb during the first two postnatal weeks. Other interneuron subtypes are unaffected, indicating that CCK+ interneurons are unique in their requirement for postsynaptic Dystroglycan. Dystroglycan does not appear to be required in adult pyramidal neurons to maintain CCK+ interneurons. Bax deletion did not rescue CCK+ interneurons in Dystroglycan mutants during development, suggesting that they are not eliminated by canonical apoptosis. Rather, we observed increased innervation of the striatum, suggesting that the few remaining CCK+ interneurons re-directed their axons to neighboring areas where Dystroglycan expression remained intact. Conclusion Together these findings show that Dystroglycan functions as part of a synaptic partner recognition complex that is required early for CCK+ interneuron development in the forebrain. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13064-021-00153-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Miller
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kevin M Wright
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, VIB 3435A, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L474, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA.
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11
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Hájos N. Interneuron Types and Their Circuits in the Basolateral Amygdala. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:687257. [PMID: 34177472 PMCID: PMC8222668 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.687257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a cortical structure based on its cell types, connectivity features, and developmental characteristics. This part of the amygdala is considered to be the main entry site of processed and multisensory information delivered via cortical and thalamic afferents. Although GABAergic inhibitory cells in the BLA comprise only 20% of the entire neuronal population, they provide essential control over proper network operation. Previous studies have uncovered that GABAergic cells in the basolateral amygdala are as diverse as those present in other cortical regions, including the hippocampus and neocortex. To understand the role of inhibitory cells in various amygdala functions, we need to reveal the connectivity and input-output features of the different types of GABAergic cells. Here, I review the recent achievements in uncovering the diversity of GABAergic cells in the basolateral amygdala with a specific focus on the microcircuit organization of these inhibitory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Hájos
- Laboratory of Network Neurophysiology, ELRN Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Mizuno I, Matsuda S. The role of endocannabinoids in consolidation, retrieval, reconsolidation, and extinction of fear memory. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:984-1003. [PMID: 33954935 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are involved in various physiological functions, including synaptic plasticity and memory, and some psychiatric disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), through the activation of cannabinoid (CB) receptors. Patients with PTSD often show excessive fear memory and impairment of fear extinction (FE). It has been reported that the stability of acquired fear memory is altered through multiple memory stages, such as consolidation and reconsolidation. FE also affects the stability of fear memory. Each stage of fear memory formation and FE are regulated by different molecular mechanisms, including the CB system. However, to the best of our knowledge, no review summarizes the role of the CB system during each stage of fear memory formation and FE. In this review, we summarize the roles of endocannabinoids in fear memory formation and FE. Moreover, based on the summary, we propose a new hypothesis for the role of endocannabinoids in fear regulation, and discuss treatment for PTSD using CB system-related drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikumi Mizuno
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Showa Pharmaceutical University, 3-3165, Higashi-Tamagawagakuen, Machida, Tokyo, 194-8543, Japan
| | - Shingo Matsuda
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Showa Pharmaceutical University, 3-3165, Higashi-Tamagawagakuen, Machida, Tokyo, 194-8543, Japan. .,Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan. .,Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.
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13
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Total Number and Ratio of GABAergic Neuron Types in the Mouse Lateral and Basal Amygdala. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4575-4595. [PMID: 33837051 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2700-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic neurons are key circuit elements in cortical networks. Despite growing evidence showing that inhibitory cells play a critical role in the lateral (LA) and basal (BA) amygdala functions, neither the number of GABAergic neurons nor the ratio of their distinct types has been determined in these amygdalar nuclei. Using unbiased stereology, we found that the ratio of GABAergic neurons in the BA (22%) is significantly higher than in the LA (16%) in both male and female mice. No difference was observed between the right and left hemispheres in either sex. In addition, we assessed the ratio of the major inhibitory cell types in both amygdalar nuclei. Using transgenic mice and a viral strategy for visualizing inhibitory cells combined with immunocytochemistry, we estimated that the following cell types together compose the vast majority of GABAergic cells in the LA and BA: axo-axonic cells (5.5%-6%), basket cells expressing parvalbumin (17%-20%) or cholecystokinin (7%-9%), dendrite-targeting inhibitory cells expressing somatostatin (10%-16%), NPY-containing neurogliaform cells (14%-15%), VIP and/or calretinin-expressing interneuron-selective interneurons (29%-38%), and GABAergic projection neurons expressing somatostatin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (5.5%-8%). Our results show that these amygdalar nuclei contain all major GABAergic neuron types as found in other cortical regions. Furthermore, our data offer an essential reference for future studies aiming to reveal changes in GABAergic cell number and in inhibitory cell types typically observed under different pathologic conditions, and to model functioning amygdalar networks in health and disease.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT GABAergic cells in cortical structures, as in the lateral and basal nucleus of the amygdala, have a determinant role in controlling circuit operation. In this study, we provide the first estimate for the total number of inhibitory cells in these two amygdalar nuclei. In addition, our study is the first to define the ratio of the major GABAergic cell types present in these cortical networks. Taking into account that hyperexcitability in the amygdala, arising from the imbalance between excitation and inhibition typifies many altered brain functions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and autism, uncovering the number and ratio of distinct amygdalar inhibitory cell types offers a solid base for comparing the changes in inhibition in pathologic brain states.
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14
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Song CG, Kang X, Yang F, Du WQ, Zhang JJ, Liu L, Kang JJ, Jia N, Yue H, Fan LY, Wu SX, Jiang W, Gao F. Endocannabinoid system in the neurodevelopment of GABAergic interneurons: implications for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:803-831. [PMID: 33781002 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In mature mammalian brains, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and the functioning of neural networks. Besides, the ECS also contributes to the neurodevelopment of the central nervous system. Due to the increase in the medical and recreational use of cannabis, it is inevitable and essential to elaborate the roles of the ECS on neurodevelopment. GABAergic interneurons represent a group of inhibitory neurons that are vital in controlling neural network activity. However, the role of the ECS in the neurodevelopment of GABAergic interneurons remains to be fully elucidated. In this review, we provide a brief introduction of the ECS and interneuron diversity. We focus on the process of interneuron development and the role of ECS in the modulation of interneuron development, from the expansion of the neural stem/progenitor cells to the migration, specification and maturation of interneurons. We further discuss the potential implications of the ECS and interneurons in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Geng Song
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Kang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wan-Qing Du
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Jia Zhang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun-Jun Kang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ning Jia
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Yue
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lu-Yu Fan
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sheng-Xi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
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15
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Dudok B, Klein PM, Hwaun E, Lee BR, Yao Z, Fong O, Bowler JC, Terada S, Sparks FT, Szabo GG, Farrell JS, Berg J, Daigle TL, Tasic B, Dimidschstein J, Fishell G, Losonczy A, Zeng H, Soltesz I. Alternating sources of perisomatic inhibition during behavior. Neuron 2021; 109:997-1012.e9. [PMID: 33529646 PMCID: PMC7979482 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Interneurons expressing cholecystokinin (CCK) and parvalbumin (PV) constitute two key GABAergic controllers of hippocampal pyramidal cell output. Although the temporally precise and millisecond-scale inhibitory regulation of neuronal ensembles delivered by PV interneurons is well established, the in vivo recruitment patterns of CCK-expressing basket cell (BC) populations has remained unknown. We show in the CA1 of the mouse hippocampus that the activity of CCK BCs inversely scales with both PV and pyramidal cell activity at the behaviorally relevant timescales of seconds. Intervention experiments indicated that the inverse coupling of CCK and PV GABAergic systems arises through a mechanism involving powerful inhibitory control of CCK BCs by PV cells. The tightly coupled complementarity of two key microcircuit regulatory modules demonstrates a novel form of brain-state-specific segregation of inhibition during spontaneous behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barna Dudok
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Peter M Klein
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ernie Hwaun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brian R Lee
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Zizhen Yao
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Olivia Fong
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - John C Bowler
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Satoshi Terada
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Fraser T Sparks
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Gergely G Szabo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jordan S Farrell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jim Berg
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tanya L Daigle
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Bosiljka Tasic
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jordane Dimidschstein
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gord Fishell
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Medical School, Blavatnik Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Attila Losonczy
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ivan Soltesz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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16
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Gunduz-Cinar O. The endocannabinoid system in the amygdala and modulation of fear. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110116. [PMID: 32976951 PMCID: PMC7511205 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a persistent, trauma induced psychiatric condition characterized by lifelong complex cognitive, emotional and behavioral phenotype. Although many individuals that experience trauma are able to gradually diminish their emotional responding to trauma-related stimuli over time, known as extinction learning, individuals suffering from PTSD are impaired in this capacity. An inability to decline this initially normal and adaptive fear response, can be confronted with exposure-based therapies, often in combination with pharmacological treatments. Due to the complexity of PTSD, currently available pharmacotherapeutics are inadequate in treating the deficient extinction observed in many PTSD patients. To develop novel therapeutics, researchers have exploited the conserved nature of fear and stress-associated behavioral responses and neurocircuits across species in an attempt to translate knowledge gained from preclinical studies into the clinic. There is growing evidence on the endocannabinoid modulation of fear and stress due to their 'on demand' synthesis and degradation. Involvement of the endocannabinoids in fear extinction makes the endocannabinoid system very attractive for finding effective therapeutics for trauma and stress related disorders. In this review, a brief introduction on neuroanatomy and circuitry of fear extinction will be provided as a model to study PTSD. Then, the endocannabinoid system will be discussed as an important component of extinction modulation. In this regard, anandamide degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) will be exemplified as a target identified and validated strongly from preclinical to clinical translational studies of enhancing extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Gunduz-Cinar
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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17
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Maturation of amygdala inputs regulate shifts in social and fear behaviors: A substrate for developmental effects of stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:11-25. [PMID: 33581221 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Stress can negatively impact brain function and behaviors across the lifespan. However, stressors during adolescence have particularly harmful effects on brain maturation, and on fear and social behaviors that extend beyond adolescence. Throughout development, social behaviors are refined and the ability to suppress fear increases, both of which are dependent on amygdala activity. We review rodent literature focusing on developmental changes in social and fear behaviors, cortico-amygdala circuits underlying these changes, and how this circuitry is altered by stress. We first describe changes in fear and social behaviors from adolescence to adulthood and parallel developmental changes in cortico-amygdala circuitry. We propose a framework in which maturation of cortical inputs to the amygdala promote changes in social drive and fear regulation, and the particularly damaging effects of stress during adolescence may occur through lasting changes in this circuit. This framework may explain why anxiety and social pathologies commonly co-occur, adolescents are especially vulnerable to stressors impacting social and fear behaviors, and predisposed towards psychiatric disorders related to abnormal cortico-amygdala circuits.
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18
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Miczán V, Kelemen K, Glavinics JR, László ZI, Barti B, Kenesei K, Kisfali M, Katona I. NECAB1 and NECAB2 are Prevalent Calcium-Binding Proteins of CB1/CCK-Positive GABAergic Interneurons. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:1786-1806. [PMID: 33230531 PMCID: PMC7869086 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular repertoire of the "Ca2+-signaling toolkit" supports the specific kinetic requirements of Ca2+-dependent processes in different neuronal types. A well-known example is the unique expression pattern of calcium-binding proteins, such as parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin. These cytosolic Ca2+-buffers control presynaptic and somatodendritic processes in a cell-type-specific manner and have been used as neurochemical markers of GABAergic interneuron types for decades. Surprisingly, to date no typifying calcium-binding proteins have been found in CB1 cannabinoid receptor/cholecystokinin (CB1/CCK)-positive interneurons that represent a large population of GABAergic cells in cortical circuits. Because CB1/CCK-positive interneurons display disparate presynaptic and somatodendritic Ca2+-transients compared with other interneurons, we tested the hypothesis that they express alternative calcium-binding proteins. By in silico data mining in mouse single-cell RNA-seq databases, we identified high expression of Necab1 and Necab2 genes encoding N-terminal EF-hand calcium-binding proteins 1 and 2, respectively, in CB1/CCK-positive interneurons. Fluorescent in situ hybridization and immunostaining revealed cell-type-specific distribution of NECAB1 and NECAB2 throughout the isocortex, hippocampal formation, and basolateral amygdala complex. Combination of patch-clamp electrophysiology, confocal, and STORM super-resolution microscopy uncovered subcellular nanoscale differences indicating functional division of labor between the two calcium-binding proteins. These findings highlight NECAB1 and NECAB2 as predominant calcium-binding proteins in CB1/CCK-positive interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Miczán
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest 1083, Hungary
- Roska Tamás Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Kelemen
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest 1083, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș 540142, Romania
| | - Judit R Glavinics
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Zsófia I László
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest 1083, Hungary
- Szentágothai János Doctoral School of Neuroscience, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Benjámin Barti
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest 1083, Hungary
- Szentágothai János Doctoral School of Neuroscience, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Kata Kenesei
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Máté Kisfali
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - István Katona
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest 1083, Hungary
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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19
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Blazon M, LaCarubba B, Bunda A, Czepiel N, Mallat S, Londrigan L, Andrade A. N-type calcium channels control GABAergic transmission in brain areas related to fear and anxiety. OBM NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 5:10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2101083. [PMID: 33521586 PMCID: PMC7845927 DOI: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2101083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
N-type (CaV2.2) calcium channels are key for action potential-evoked transmitter release in the peripheral and central nervous system. Previous studies have highlighted the functional relevance of N-type calcium channels at both the peripheral and central level. In the periphery, the N-type calcium channels regulate nociceptive and sympathetic responses. At the central level, N-type calcium channels have been linked to aggression, hyperlocomotion, and anxiety. Among the areas of the brain that are involved in anxiety are the basolateral amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and ventral hippocampus. These three areas share similar characteristics in their neuronal circuitry, where pyramidal projection neurons are under the inhibitory control of a wide array of interneurons including those that express the peptide cholecystokinin. This type of interneuron is well-known to rely on N-type calcium channels to release GABA in the hippocampus, however, whether these channels control GABA release from cholecystokinin-expressing interneurons in the basolateral amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex is not known. Here, using mouse models to genetically label cholecystokinin-expressing interneurons and electrophysiology, we found that in the basolateral amygdala, N-type calcium channels control ~50% of GABA release from these neurons onto pyramidal cells. By contrast, in the medial prefrontal cortex N-type calcium channels are functionally absent in synapses of cholecystokinin-expressing interneurons, but control ~40% of GABA release from other types of interneurons. Our findings provide insights into the precise localization of N-type calcium channels in interneurons of brain areas related to anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Blazon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire. 46 College Road, 245 Rudman Hall. Durham, NH, USA
| | - Brianna LaCarubba
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire. 46 College Road, 245 Rudman Hall. Durham, NH, USA
| | - Alexandra Bunda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire. 46 College Road, 245 Rudman Hall. Durham, NH, USA
| | - Natalie Czepiel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire. 46 College Road, 245 Rudman Hall. Durham, NH, USA
| | - Shayna Mallat
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire. 46 College Road, 245 Rudman Hall. Durham, NH, USA
| | - Laura Londrigan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire. 46 College Road, 245 Rudman Hall. Durham, NH, USA
| | - Arturo Andrade
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire. 46 College Road, 245 Rudman Hall. Durham, NH, USA
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20
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Distributed coding in auditory thalamus and basolateral amygdala upon associative fear learning. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 67:183-189. [PMID: 33373858 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Associative fear learning is a fundamental learning mechanism that is crucial for an animal's survival. The amygdala's role in fear memory formation has been studied extensively and molecular, cell type and circuit-specific learning mechanisms as well as population level encoding of threatful stimuli within the amygdala are at the core of fear learning. Nevertheless, increasing evidence suggests that fear memories are acquired, stored and modulated by a distributed neuronal network across many brain areas. Here we review recent studies that particularly re-assessed the role of auditory/lateral thalamus, which is one synapse upstream of the lateral amygdala, required for fear learning and exhibits a striking functional resemblance and plasticity pattern to downstream amygdala neurons on the single cell level, yet distinct population level coding.
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21
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Effects of optogenetic photoexcitation of infralimbic cortex inputs to the basolateral amygdala on conditioned fear and extinction. Behav Brain Res 2020; 396:112913. [PMID: 32950607 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Deficiencies in the ability to extinguish fear is a hallmark of Trauma- and stressor-related disorders, Anxiety disorders, and certain other neuropsychiatric conditions. Hence, a greater understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in the inhibition of fear is of significant translational relevance. Previous studies in rodents have shown that glutamatergic projections from the infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL) to basolateral amygdala (BLA) play a crucial instructional role in the formation of extinction memories, and also indicate that variation in the strength of this input correlates with extinction efficacy. To further examine the relationship between the IL→BLA pathway and extinction we expressed three different titers of the excitatory opsin, channelrhodopsin (ChR2), in IL neurons and photostimulated their projections in the BLA during partial extinction training. The behavioral effects of photoexcitation differed across the titer groups: the low titer had no effect, the medium titer selectively facilitated extinction memory formation, and the high titer produced both an acute suppression of fear and a decrease in fear during (light-free) extinction retrieval. We discuss various possible explanations for these titer-specific effects, including the possibility of IL-mediated inhibition of BLA fear-encoding neurons under conditions of sufficiently strong photoexcitation. These findings further support the role of IL→BLA pathway in regulating fear and highlight the importance of methodological factors in optogenetic studies of neural circuits underling behavior.
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Manzano Nieves G, Bravo M, Baskoylu S, Bath KG. Early life adversity decreases pre-adolescent fear expression by accelerating amygdala PV cell development. eLife 2020; 9:55263. [PMID: 32692310 PMCID: PMC7413666 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) is associated with increased risk for stress-related disorders later in life. The link between ELA and risk for psychopathology is well established but the developmental mechanisms remain unclear. Using a mouse model of resource insecurity, limited bedding (LB), we tested the effects of LB on the development of fear learning and neuronal structures involved in emotional regulation, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). LB delayed the ability of peri-weanling (21 days old) mice to express, but not form, an auditory conditioned fear memory. LB accelerated the developmental emergence of parvalbumin (PV)-positive cells in the BLA and increased anatomical connections between PL and BLA. Fear expression in LB mice was rescued through optogenetic inactivation of PV-positive cells in the BLA. The current results provide a model of transiently blunted emotional reactivity in early development, with latent fear-associated memories emerging later in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marilyn Bravo
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Saba Baskoylu
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Kevin G Bath
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, United States
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Developmental differences in the effects of CB1/2R agonist WIN55212-2 on extinction of learned fear. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 99:109834. [PMID: 31830508 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is characterised by substantial changes in emotion regulation and, in particular, impaired extinction consolidation and retention. In this study, we replicated the well-established finding that increasing the activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) via the agonist WIN55212-2 improves fear extinction in adult rodents before examining whether this adjunct would also rescue the extinction retention deficit seen in adolescent rodents. Contrary to the effects in adults, we found that WIN55212-2 impaired within-session acquisition of extinction in adolescent rats with no effect on extinction retention. The same effects of WIN55212-2 were observed for juvenile rats, and did not vary as a function of drug dose. Increased fear expression observed during extinction training was not a result of altered locomotor or anxiety-like behaviour in adolescent rats, as assessed by the open field test. Lastly, we observed a linear decrease in CB1R protein expression across age (i.e., from juveniles, to adolescents, and adults) in both the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala, two regions implicated in fear expression and extinction, suggesting that there is continued refinement of the endocannabinoid system across development in two regions involved in extinction. Our findings suggest that the expression and extinction of fear in developing rats is differentially affected by CB1R agonism due to an immature endocannabinoid system.
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