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Johnson MC, Zweig JA, Zhang Y, Nunez L, Ryabinina OP, Hibert M, Ryabinin AE. Effects of oxytocin receptor agonism on acquisition and expression of pair bonding in male prairie voles. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:286. [PMID: 39009600 PMCID: PMC11251033 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02993-x] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
There is much interest in targeting the activity in the oxytocin system to regulate social bonding. However, studies with exogenous administration of oxytocin face the caveats of its low stability, poor brain permeability and insufficient receptor specificity. The use of a small-molecule oxytocin receptor-specific agonist could overcome these caveats. Prior to testing the potential effects of a brain-penetrant oxytocin receptor agonist in clinical settings, it is important to assess how such an agonist would affect social bonds in animal models. The facultatively monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), capable of forming long-term social attachments between adult individuals, are an ideal rodent model for such testing. Therefore, in a series of experiments we investigated the effects of the recently developed oxytocin receptor-specific agonist LIT-001 on the acquisition and expression of partner preference, a well-established model of pair bonding, in prairie voles. LIT-001 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), as expected, facilitated the acquisition of partner preference when administered prior to a 4hr cohabitation. In contrast, while animals injected with vehicle after the 4hr cohabitation exhibited significant partner preference, animals that were injected with LIT-001 did not show such partner preference. This result suggests that OXTR activation during expression of pair bonding can inhibit partner preference. The difference in effects of LIT-001 on acquisition versus expression was not due to basal differences in partner preference between the experiments, as LIT-001 had no significant effects on expression of partner preference if administered following a shorter (2hr-long) cohabitation. Instead, this difference agrees with the hypothesis that the activation of oxytocin receptors acts as a signal of presence of a social partner. Our results indicate that the effects of pharmacological activation of oxytocin receptors crucially depend on the phase of social attachments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Johnson
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jonathan A Zweig
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Yangmiao Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Louis Nunez
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Olga P Ryabinina
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marcel Hibert
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR7200 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, IL, France
| | - Andrey E Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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2
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Ryabinin A, Johnson M, Zweig J, Zhang Y, Nunez L, Ryabinina O, Hibert M. Effects of Oxytocin Receptor Agonism on Acquisition and Expression of Pair Bonding in Male Prairie Voles. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4351761. [PMID: 38798348 PMCID: PMC11118693 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4351761/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
There is much interest in targeting the activity in the oxytocin system to regulate social bonding. However, studies with exogenous administration of oxytocin face the caveats of its low stability, poor brain permeability and insufficient receptor specificity. The use of a small-molecule oxytocin receptor-specific agonist could overcome these caveats. Prior to testing the potential effects of a brain-penetrant oxytocin receptor agonist in clinical settings, it is important to assess how such an agonist would affect social bonds in animal models. The facultatively monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), capable of forming long-term social attachments between adult individuals, are an ideal rodent model for such testing. Therefore, in a series of experiments we investigated the effects of the recently developed oxytocin receptor-specific agonist LIT-001 on the acquisition and expression of partner preference, a well-established model of pair bonding, in prairie voles. LIT-001 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), as expected, facilitated the acquisition of partner preference when administered prior to a 4-hour cohabitation. In contrast, while animals injected with vehicle after the 4-hour cohabitation exhibited significant partner preference, animals that were injected with LIT-001 did not show such partner preference. This result suggests that OXTR activation during expression of pair bonding can inhibit partner preference. The difference in effects of LIT-001 on acquisition versus expression was not due to basal differences in partner preference between the experiments, as LIT-001 had no significant effects on expression of partner preference if administered following a shorter (2 hour-long) cohabitation. Instead, this difference agrees with the hypothesis that the activation of oxytocin receptors acts as a signal of presence of a social partner. Our results indicate that the effects of pharmacological activation of oxytocin receptors crucially depend on the phase of social attachments.
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3
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Faraji M, Viera-Resto OA, Berrios BJ, Bizon JL, Setlow B. Effects of systemic oxytocin receptor activation and blockade on risky decision making in female and male rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.593981. [PMID: 38798601 PMCID: PMC11118492 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.593981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin is traditionally known for its roles in parturition, lactation, and social behavior. Other data, however, show that oxytocin can modulate behaviors outside of these contexts, including drug self-administration and some aspects of cost-benefit decision making. Here we used a pharmacological approach to investigate the contributions of oxytocin signaling to decision making under risk of explicit punishment. Female and male Long-Evans rats were trained on a risky decision-making task in which they chose between a small, "safe" food reward and a large, "risky" food reward that was accompanied by varying probabilities of mild footshock. Once stable choice behavior emerged, rats were tested in the task following acute intraperitoneal injections of oxytocin or the oxytocin receptor antagonist L-368,899. Neither drug affected task performance in males. In females, however, both oxytocin and L-368,899 caused a dose-dependent reduction in preference for large risky reward. Control experiments showed that these effects could not be accounted for by alterations in food motivation or shock sensitivity. Together, these results reveal a sex-dependent effect of oxytocin signaling on risky decision making in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojdeh Faraji
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida
| | | | | | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida
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Ford CL, McDonough AA, Horie K, Young LJ. Melanocortin agonism in a social context selectively activates nucleus accumbens in an oxytocin-dependent manner. Neuropharmacology 2024; 247:109848. [PMID: 38253222 PMCID: PMC10923148 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Social deficits are debilitating features of many psychiatric disorders, including autism. While time-intensive behavioral therapy is moderately effective, there are no pharmacological interventions for social deficits in autism. Many studies have attempted to treat social deficits using the neuropeptide oxytocin for its powerful neuromodulatory abilities and influence on social behaviors and cognition. However, clinical trials utilizing supplementation paradigms in which exogenous oxytocin is chronically administered independent of context have failed. An alternative treatment paradigm suggests pharmacologically activating the endogenous oxytocin system during behavioral therapy to enhance the efficacy of therapy by facilitating social learning. To this end, melanocortin receptor agonists like Melanotan II (MTII), which induces central oxytocin release and accelerates formation of partner preference, a form of social learning, in prairie voles, are promising pharmacological tools. To model pharmacological activation of the endogenous oxytocin system during behavioral therapy, we administered MTII prior to social interactions between male and female voles. We assessed its effect on oxytocin-dependent activity in brain regions subserving social learning using Fos expression as a proxy for neuronal activation. In non-social contexts, MTII only activated hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, a primary site of oxytocin synthesis. However, during social interactions, MTII selectively increased oxytocin-dependent activation of nucleus accumbens, a site critical for social learning. These results suggest a mechanism for the MTII-induced acceleration of partner preference formation observed in previous studies. Moreover, they are consistent with the hypothesis that pharmacologically activating the endogenous oxytocin system with a melanocortin agonist during behavioral therapy has potential to facilitate social learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L Ford
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Anna A McDonough
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Kengo Horie
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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5
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Baska F, Bozó É, Szeleczky Z, Szántó G, Vukics K, Szakács Z, Domány-Kovács K, Kurkó D, Vass E, Thán M, Vastag M, Temesvári K, Lévai S, Halász AS, Szondiné Kordás K, Román V, Greiner I, Bata I. Discovery and Characterization of RGH-122, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable V1a Receptor Antagonist. J Med Chem 2024; 67:643-673. [PMID: 38165765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The V1a receptor is a major contributor in mediating the social and emotional effects of arginine-vasopressin (AVP); therefore it represents a promising target in the treatment of several neuropsychiatric conditions. The aim of this research was to design and synthesize novel and selective V1a antagonists with improved in vitro and in vivo profiles. Through optimization and detailed SAR studies, we developed low nanomolar antagonists, and further characterizations led to the discovery of the clinical candidate compound 43 (RGH-122). The CNS activity of the compound was determined in a 3-chamber social preference test of autism in which RGH-122 successfully enhanced social preference with the lowest effective dose of 1.5 mg/kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Baska
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Éva Bozó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | - Gábor Szántó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Dalma Kurkó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Elemér Vass
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Márta Thán
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Mónika Vastag
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | - Sándor Lévai
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | | | - Viktor Román
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | - Imre Bata
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
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6
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Boada MD, Gutierrez S, Eisenach JC. Effects of systemic oxytocin administration on ultraviolet B-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity and tactile hyposensitivity in mice. Mol Pain 2024; 20:17448069241226553. [PMID: 38172079 PMCID: PMC10846038 DOI: 10.1177/17448069241226553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces cutaneous inflammation, leading to thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity. Here, we examine the mechanical properties and profile of tactile and nociceptive peripheral afferents functionally disrupted by this injury and the role of oxytocin (OXT) as a modulator of this disruption. We recorded intracellularly from L4 afferents innervating the irradiated area (5.1 J/cm2) in 4-6 old week male mice (C57BL/6J) after administering OXT intraperitoneally, 6 mg/Kg. The distribution of recorded neurons was shifted by UVB radiation to a pattern observed after acute and chronic injuries and reduced mechanical thresholds of A and C- high threshold mechanoreceptors while reducing tactile sensitivity. UVB radiation did not change somatic membrane electrical properties or fiber conduction velocity. OXT systemic administration rapidly reversed these peripheral changes toward normal in both low and high-threshold mechanoreceptors and shifted recorded neuron distribution toward normal. OXT and V1aR receptors were present on the terminals of myelinated and unmyelinated afferents innervating the skin. We conclude that UVB radiation, similar to local tissue surgical injury, cancer metastasis, and peripheral nerve injury, alters the distribution of low and high threshold mechanoreceptors afferents and sensitizes nociceptors while desensitizing tactile units. Acute systemic OXT administration partially returns all of those effects to normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Danilo Boada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Silvia Gutierrez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - James C Eisenach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Lançon K, Séguéla P. Dysregulated neuromodulation in the anterior cingulate cortex in chronic pain. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1289218. [PMID: 37954846 PMCID: PMC10634228 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1289218] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a significant global socioeconomic burden with limited long-term treatment options. The intractable nature of chronic pain stems from two primary factors: the multifaceted nature of pain itself and an insufficient understanding of the diverse physiological mechanisms that underlie its initiation and maintenance, in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. The development of novel non-opioidergic analgesic approaches is contingent on our ability to normalize the dysregulated nociceptive pathways involved in pathological pain processing. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) stands out due to its involvement in top-down modulation of pain perception, its abnormal activity in chronic pain conditions, and its contribution to cognitive functions frequently impaired in chronic pain states. Here, we review the roles of the monoamines dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), and other neuromodulators in controlling the activity of the ACC and how chronic pain alters their signaling in ACC circuits to promote pathological hyperexcitability. Additionally, we discuss the potential of targeting these monoaminergic pathways as a therapeutic strategy for treating the cognitive and affective symptoms associated with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philippe Séguéla
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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8
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Yang G, Wang XD, Chen LY, Wu ZY, Xi EP, Li H. Oxytocin increases itch sensitivity of mice in late pregnancy and its peripheral receptor mechanism of itch-promoting effect. Brain Res Bull 2023; 202:110749. [PMID: 37633617 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is secreted in a large amount during the middle and late pregnancy. Except for the regulation of functions related to childbirth, OXT is involved in the regulation of cognition, social behavior, addiction, pain and so on. Our aim is to confirm the increase of OXT content in mice in late pregnancy is the main cause of itch during pregnancy and observe whether exogenously administered OXT can induce or increase itch sensitivity. The research shows that itch sensitivity of mice increased significantly in late pregnancy and basically returned to normal one day after delivery. The number of OXT-positive neurons in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the content of OXT in serum of the late pregnant mice increased significantly, and decreased sharply after delivery. Intradermal injection of low concentration of OXT (0.2 nmol/L) could not induce scratching behavior in mice, but high concentration of OXT (5 nmol/L, 10 nmol/L) could do this in a dose-dependent manner. Low concentration of OXT significantly increased the itch sensitivity to histamine. Intradermal injection of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) or arginine vasopressin-1a receptor (AVPR1A) antagonist did not affect histamine-induced scratching behavior, but both reversed the increase of itch sensitivity in late pregnant mice or the facilitated itch sensitivity by OXT. Study suggests that both endogenous and exogenous increases in OXT can increase the body's sensitivity to itch, and even induce itch directly. Pruritus during pregnancy is closely related to the increase of OXT content in vivo. In the periphery, the itch-promoting effect of OXT is mediated by OXTR and AVPR1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Theater Command General Hospital, WuHan, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Emergency Medicine, Inner Mongolia Armed Police Corps Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Lu-Ying Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Wu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Er-Ping Xi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Theater Command General Hospital, WuHan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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László K, Vörös D, Correia P, Fazekas CL, Török B, Plangár I, Zelena D. Vasopressin as Possible Treatment Option in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2603. [PMID: 37892977 PMCID: PMC10603886 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rather common, presenting with prevalent early problems in social communication and accompanied by repetitive behavior. As vasopressin was implicated not only in salt-water homeostasis and stress-axis regulation, but also in social behavior, its role in the development of ASD might be suggested. In this review, we summarized a wide range of problems associated with ASD to which vasopressin might contribute, from social skills to communication, motor function problems, autonomous nervous system alterations as well as sleep disturbances, and altered sensory information processing. Beside functional connections between vasopressin and ASD, we draw attention to the anatomical background, highlighting several brain areas, including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, medial preoptic area, lateral septum, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, amygdala, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and even the cerebellum, either producing vasopressin or containing vasopressinergic receptors (presumably V1a). Sex differences in the vasopressinergic system might underline the male prevalence of ASD. Moreover, vasopressin might contribute to the effectiveness of available off-label therapies as well as serve as a possible target for intervention. In this sense, vasopressin, but paradoxically also V1a receptor antagonist, were found to be effective in some clinical trials. We concluded that although vasopressin might be an effective candidate for ASD treatment, we might assume that only a subgroup (e.g., with stress-axis disturbances), a certain sex (most probably males) and a certain brain area (targeting by means of virus vectors) would benefit from this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Vörös
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Imola Plangár
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Xu JP, Ding XY, Guo SQ, Wang HY, Liu WJ, Jiang HM, Li YD, Fu P, Chen P, Mei YS, Zhang G, Zhou HB, Jing J. Characterization of an Aplysia vasotocin signaling system and actions of posttranslational modifications and individual residues of the ligand on receptor activity. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1132066. [PMID: 37021048 PMCID: PMC10067623 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1132066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vasopressin/oxytocin signaling system is present in both protostomes and deuterostomes and plays various physiological roles. Although there were reports for both vasopressin-like peptides and receptors in mollusc Lymnaea and Octopus, no precursor or receptors have been described in mollusc Aplysia. Here, through bioinformatics, molecular and cellular biology, we identified both the precursor and two receptors for Aplysia vasopressin-like peptide, which we named Aplysia vasotocin (apVT). The precursor provides evidence for the exact sequence of apVT, which is identical to conopressin G from cone snail venom, and contains 9 amino acids, with two cysteines at position 1 and 6, similar to nearly all vasopressin-like peptides. Through inositol monophosphate (IP1) accumulation assay, we demonstrated that two of the three putative receptors we cloned from Aplysia cDNA are true receptors for apVT. We named the two receptors as apVTR1 and apVTR2. We then determined the roles of post-translational modifications (PTMs) of apVT, i.e., the disulfide bond between two cysteines and the C-terminal amidation on receptor activity. Both the disulfide bond and amidation were critical for the activation of the two receptors. Cross-activity with conopressin S, annetocin from an annelid, and vertebrate oxytocin showed that although all three ligands can activate both receptors, the potency of these peptides differed depending on their residue variations from apVT. We, therefore, tested the roles of each residue through alanine substitution and found that each substitution could reduce the potency of the peptide analog, and substitution of the residues within the disulfide bond tended to have a larger impact on receptor activity than the substitution of those outside the bond. Moreover, the two receptors had different sensitivities to the PTMs and single residue substitutions. Thus, we have characterized the Aplysia vasotocin signaling system and showed how the PTMs and individual residues in the ligand contributed to receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue-Ying Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shi-Qi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui-Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei-Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui-Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya-Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Shuo Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai-Bo Zhou
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Institute for Brain Sciences, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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11
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Li L, Li P, Guo J, Wu Y, Zeng Q, Li N, Huang X, He Y, Ai W, Sun W, Liu T, Xiong D, Xiao L, Sun Y, Zhou Q, Kuang H, Wang Z, Jiang C. Up-regulation of oxytocin receptors on peripheral sensory neurons mediates analgesia in chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36702458 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) currently has limited effective treatment. Although the roles of oxytocin (OXT) and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in central analgesia have been well documented, the expression and function of OXTR in the peripheral nervous system remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the peripheral antinociceptive profiles of OXTR in CINP. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Paclitaxel (PTX) was used to establish CINP. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry were used to observe OXTR expression in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The antinociceptive effects of OXT were assessed by hot-plate and von Frey tests. Whole-cell patch clamp was performed to record sodium currents, excitability of DRG neurons, and excitatory synapse transmission. KEY RESULTS Expression of OXTR in DRG neurons was enhanced significantly after PTX treatment. Activation of OXTR exhibited antinociceptive effects, by decreasing the hyperexcitability of DRG neurons in PTX-treated mice. Additionally, OXTR activation up-regulated the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (pPKC) and, in turn, impaired voltage-gated sodium currents, particularly the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (NaV 1.7) current, that plays an indispensable role in PTX-induced neuropathic pain. OXT suppressed excitatory transmission in the spinal dorsal horn as well as excitatory inputs from primary afferents in PTX-treated mice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The OXTR in small-sized DRG neurons is up-regulated in CINP and its activation relieved CINP by inhibiting the neural excitability by impairment of NaV 1.7 currents via pPKC. Our results suggest that OXTR on peripheral sensory neurons is a potential therapeutic target to relieve CINP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixuan Li
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Pupu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Academy of Clinical Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, SUSTech Center for Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Zeng
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- Medical Research Center, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongshen He
- Medical Research Center, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Ai
- Medical Research Center, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wuping Sun
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Donglin Xiong
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lizu Xiao
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Academy of Clinical Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiming Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Haixia Kuang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, SUSTech Center for Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Changyu Jiang
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Medical Research Center, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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12
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Lopes S, Osório FDL. Effects of intranasal oxytocin on pain perception among human subjects: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105282. [PMID: 36463692 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oxytocin (OXT) is a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus that plays a neuromodulatory role in emotion, stress, and anxiety. Due to its multidimensional role, OXT is a promising target for therapeutic interventions to treat pain. OBJECTIVE Perform a systematic literature review, followed by a meta-analysis to identify the effects of intranasal OXT on the self-perception of clinical and experimental pain among human subjects. METHOD A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases, using the keywords Oxytocin, Pain, Analgesia, and Nociception. RESULTS Fifteen papers were included in the meta-analysis. None of the outcomes presented statistical significance in terms of the interventions' effect size: pain intensity (SMD = -0.02 (CI 95 %: -0.14 to 0.10; p = 0.76)) and pain unpleasantness (SMD = -0.15 (CI 95 %: -0.34 to 0.04; p = 0.12)). No meta-analysis was performed for pain threshold or tolerance because few papers address these outcomes. CONCLUSION There was no statistically significant effect of intranasal OXT administration on pain perception, considering equivalence limits between (-0.2 and 0.2). However, it must be considered that the study designs may not have been sensitive enough to detect minor analgesic effects of OXT, which, being weak, may also not be perceived at a conscious level. Additionally, OXT effects possibly depend on specific characteristics of the painful condition, such as pain complexity, intensity, and duration, contextual variables like the presence of social and affective support, and individual characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lopes
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia de Lima Osório
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil; National Institute for Science and Technology (INCT-TM, CNPq), Brazil.
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13
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Nishimura H, Yoshimura M, Shimizu M, Sanada K, Sonoda S, Nishimura K, Baba K, Ikeda N, Motojima Y, Maruyama T, Nonaka Y, Baba R, Onaka T, Horishita T, Morimoto H, Yoshida Y, Kawasaki M, Sakai A, Muratani M, Conway-Campbell B, Lightman S, Ueta Y. Endogenous oxytocin exerts anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in rats. Commun Biol 2022; 5:907. [PMID: 36064593 PMCID: PMC9445084 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03879-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is involved in pain transmission, although the detailed mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we generate a transgenic rat line that expresses human muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (hM3Dq) and mCherry in oxytocin neurons. We report that clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) treatment of our oxytocin-hM3Dq-mCherry rats exclusively activates oxytocin neurons within the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, leading to activation of neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), and differential gene expression in GABA-ergic neurons in the L5 spinal dorsal horn. Hyperalgesia, which is robustly exacerbated in experimental pain models, is significantly attenuated after CNO injection. The analgesic effects of CNO are ablated by co-treatment with oxytocin receptor antagonist. Endogenous oxytocin also exerts anti-inflammatory effects via activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Moreover, inhibition of mast cell degranulation is found to be involved in the response. Taken together, our results suggest that oxytocin may exert anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects via both neuronal and humoral pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Nishimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Yoshimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan. .,Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Makiko Shimizu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kenya Sanada
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Satomi Sonoda
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nishimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Baba
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Naofumi Ikeda
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Motojima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Takashi Maruyama
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yuki Nonaka
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Ryoko Baba
- Department of Anatomy (II), School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Onaka
- Division of Brain and Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Takafumi Horishita
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Morimoto
- Department of Anatomy (II), School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshida
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Makoto Kawasaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Akinori Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Becky Conway-Campbell
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Stafford Lightman
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
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14
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Noguri T, Hatakeyama D, Kitahashi T, Oka K, Ito E. Profile of dorsal root ganglion neurons: study of oxytocin expression. Mol Brain 2022; 15:44. [PMID: 35534837 PMCID: PMC9082903 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00927-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons have been so far classified according to the difference in their fibers (Aβ, Aδ, and C), this classification should be further subdivided according to gene expression patterns. We focused on oxytocin (OXT) and its related receptors, because OXT plays a local role in DRG neurons. We measured the mRNA levels of OXT, OXT receptor (OXTR), vasopressin V1a receptor (V1aR), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), and piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2 (Piezo2) in single DRG neurons by using real-time PCR, and then performed a cluster analysis. According to the gene expression patterns, DRG neurons were classified into 4 clusters: Cluster 1 was characterized mainly by Piezo2, Cluster 2 by TRPV1, Cluster 4 by OXTR, and neurons in Cluster 3 did not express any of the target genes. The cell body diameter of OXT-expressing neurons was significantly larger in Cluster 1 than in Cluster 2. These results suggest that OXT-expressing DRG neurons with small cell bodies (Cluster 2) and large cell bodies (Cluster 1) probably correspond to C-fiber neurons and Aβ-fiber neurons, respectively. Furthermore, the OXT-expressing neurons contained not only TRPV1 but also Piezo2, suggesting that OXT may be released by mechanical stimulation regardless of nociception. Thus, mechanoreception and nociception themselves may induce the autocrine/paracrine function of OXT in the DRG, contributing to alleviation of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisei Noguri
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Dai Hatakeyama
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan
| | - Takashi Kitahashi
- Kushiro Nature Conservation Office, Ministry of the Environment, Kushiro, 085-8639, Japan
| | - Kotaro Oka
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Etsuro Ito
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan.
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
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15
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Higuchi Y, Arakawa H. Contrasting central and systemic effects of arginine-vasopressin on urinary marking behavior as a social signal in male mice. Horm Behav 2022; 141:105128. [PMID: 35180615 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohypophyseal peptide that plays a critical role in the regulation of social behavior in mammals. Neuronal AVP regulates male-specific social signaling processes, such as exocrine urinary scent deposition and marking behavior in mice. In the periphery, AVP is transported to the portal bloodstream and acts as an antidiuretic hormone. These AVP dynamics imply that the central role of AVP in the stimulation of urinary marking is dissociated with the peripheral role of AVP in the retention of osmotic conditions. Using male BALB/c mice as subjects, peripheral injection of AVP decreased urinary marking and urination. In contrast, a central infusion of AVP facilitated urinary marking with no effect on urination, while an antagonist of the AVP 1a receptor inhibited marking. Centrally AVP-injected mice also exhibited typical behaviors, such as hiccough/sneeze-like reactions and flash scratching, particularly when confronted with a stimulus mouse through a wire mesh screen. Significant expression of these typical reactions in these mice resulted in the disruption of marking deposition. Further analysis of AVP synthesis illustrated that AVP levels increased in the midbrain but not in the circulation immediately after the test, particularly when confronted with a stimulus mouse. The central AVP regulates urinary marking and other typical behaviors in a dose- and situation-dependent manner. The sequential process implies that centrally synthesized AVP may be secreted into the circulation following immediate neuronal processes, and then peripheral AVP acts as an antidiuretic hormone on urinary marking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Higuchi
- Department of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan.
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16
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Arakawa H, Higuchi Y. Exocrine scent marking: Coordinative role of arginine vasopressin in the systemic regulation of social signaling behaviors. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104597. [PMID: 35248677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohypophysial hormone that coordinatively regulates central socio-emotional behavior and peripheral control of antidiuretic fluid homeostasis. Most mammals, including rodents, utilize exocrine or urine-contained scent marking as a social signaling tool that facilitates social adaptation. The exocrine scent marking behavior is postulated to fine-tune sensory and cognitive abilities to recognize key social features via exocrine/urinary olfactory cues and subsequently control exocrine deposition or urinary marking through the mediation of osmotic fluid balance. AVP is implicated as a major player in controlling both recognition and signaling responses. This review provides constructive hypotheses on the coordinative processes of the AVP neurohypophysial circuits in the systemic regulations of fluid control and social-communicative behavior, via the expression of exocrine scent marking, and further emphasizes a potential role of AVP in a common mechanism underlying social communication in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Depertment of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Yuki Higuchi
- Depertment of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan
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17
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Carter CS. Oxytocin and love: Myths, metaphors and mysteries. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100107. [PMID: 35755926 PMCID: PMC9216351 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide molecule with a multitude of physiological and behavioral functions. Based on its association with reproduction - including social bonding, sexual behavior, birth and maternal behavior - oxytocin also has been called "the love hormone." This essay specifically examines association and parallels between oxytocin and love. However, many myths and gaps in knowledge remain concerning both. A few of these are described here and we hypothesize that the potential benefits of both love and oxytocin may be better understood in light of interactions with more ancient systems, including specifically vasopressin and the immune system. Oxytocin is anti-inflammatory and is associated with recently evolved, social solutions to a variety of challenges necessary for mammalian survival and reproduction. The shared functions of oxytocin and love have profound implications for health and longevity, including the prevention and treatment of excess inflammation and related disorders, especially those occurring in early life and during periods of chronic threat or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
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18
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Ito E, Oka K, Koshikawa F. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex sensing analgesia. Biophys Physicobiol 2022; 19:1-10. [PMID: 35797407 PMCID: PMC9173858 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v19.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain often has an unknown cause, and many patients with chronic pain learn to accept that their pain is incurable and pharmacologic treatments are only temporarily effective. Complementary and integrative health approaches for pain are thus in high demand. One such approach is soft touch, e.g., adhesion of pyramidal thorn patches in a pain region. The effects of patch adhesion on pain relief have been confirmed in patients with various types of pain. A recent study using near-infrared spectroscopy revealed that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), especially the left side, is likely to be inactivated in patients experiencing pain relief during patch treatment. Mindfulness meditation is another well-known complementary and integrative approach for achieving pain relief. The relation between pain relief due to mindfulness meditation and changes in brain regions, including the DLPFC, has long been examined. In the present review article, we survey the literature describing the effects of the above-mentioned complementary and integrative treatments on pain relief, and outline the important brain regions, including the DLPFC, that are involved in analgesia. We hope that the present article will provide clues to researchers who hope to advance neurosensory treatments for pain relief without medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etsuro Ito
- Department of Biology, Waseda University
| | - Kotaro Oka
- Department of Bioscience and Informatics, Keio University
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19
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Leng G, Leng RI. Oxytocin: A citation network analysis of 10 000 papers. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13014. [PMID: 34328668 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the oxytocin system has been built over the last 70 years by the work of hundreds of scientists, reported in thousands of papers. Here, we construct a map to that literature, using citation network analysis in conjunction with bibliometrics. The map identifies ten major 'clusters' of papers on oxytocin that differ in their particular research focus and that densely cite papers from the same cluster. We identify highly cited papers within each cluster and in each decade, not because citations are a good indicator of quality, but as a guide to recognising what questions were of wide interest at particular times. The clusters differ in their temporal profiles and bibliometric features; here, we attempt to understand the origins of these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Leng
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rhodri I Leng
- Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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20
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Oxytocin Is a Positive Allosteric Modulator of κ-Opioid Receptors but Not δ-Opioid Receptors in the G Protein Signaling Pathway. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102651. [PMID: 34685631 PMCID: PMC8534029 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) influences various physiological functions such as uterine contractions, maternal/social behavior, and analgesia. Opioid signaling pathways are involved in one of the analgesic mechanisms of OT. We previously showed that OT acts as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) and enhances μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activity. In this study, which focused on other opioid receptor (OR) subtypes, we investigated whether OT influences opioid signaling pathways as a PAM for δ-OR (DOR) or κ-OR (KOR) using human embryonic kidney-293 cells expressing human DOR or KOR, respectively. The CellKeyTM results showed that OT enhanced impedance induced by endogenous/exogenous KOR agonists on KOR-expressing cells. OT did not affect DOR activity induced by endogenous/exogenous DOR agonists. OT potentiated the KOR agonist-induced Gi/o protein-mediated decrease in intracellular cAMP, but did not affect the increase in KOR internalization caused by the KOR agonists dynorphin A and (-)-U-50488 hydrochloride (U50488). OT did not bind to KOR orthosteric binding sites and did not affect the binding affinities of dynorphin A and U50488 for KOR. These results suggest that OT is a PAM of KOR and MOR and enhances G protein signaling without affecting β-arrestin signaling. Thus, OT has potential as a specific signaling-biased PAM of KOR.
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21
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Zheng H, Lim JY, Kim Y, Jung ST, Hwang SW. The role of oxytocin, vasopressin, and their receptors at nociceptors in peripheral pain modulation. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 63:100942. [PMID: 34437871 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin are neurohypophyseal hormones with sequence similarity and play a central role in bodily homeostatic regulation. Pain is currently understood to be an important phenotype that those two neurohormones strongly downregulate. Nociceptors, the first component of the ascending neural circuit for pain signals, have constantly been shown to be modulated by those peptides. The nociceptor modulation appears to be critical in pain attenuation, which has led to a gradual increase in scientific interest about their physiological processes and also drawn attention to their translational potentials. This review focused on what are recently understood and stay under investigation in the functional modulation of nociceptors by oxytocin and vasopressin. Effort to produce a nociceptor-specific view could help to construct a more systematic picture of the peripheral pain modulation by oxytocin and vasopressin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yerin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Sang Taek Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Sun Wook Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
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22
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Fill Malfertheiner S, Bataiosu-Zimmer E, Michel H, Fouzas S, Bernasconi L, Bührer C, Wellmann S. Vasopressin but Not Oxytocin Responds to Birth Stress in Infants. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:718056. [PMID: 34512251 PMCID: PMC8430205 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.718056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Birth triggers a large fetal neuroendocrine response, which is more pronounced in infants born vaginally than in those born by elective cesarean section (ECS). The two related peptides arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) play an essential role in peripheral and central stress adaptation and have a shared receptor mediating their function. Elevated cord blood levels of AVP and its surrogate marker copeptin, the C-terminal part of AVP prohormone, have been found after vaginal delivery (VD) as compared to ECS, while release of OT in response to birth is controversial. Moreover, AVP, copeptin and OT have not yet been measured simultaneously at birth. Objective To test the hypothesis that AVP but not OT levels are increased in infants arterial umbilical cord blood in response to birth stress and to characterize AVP secretion in direct comparison with plasma copeptin. Methods In a prospective single-center cross-sectional study, we recruited healthy women with a singleton pregnancy and more than 36 completed weeks of gestation delivering via VD or ECS (cesarean without prior uterine contractions or rupture of membranes). Arterial umbilical cord blood samples were collected directly after birth, centrifuged immediately and plasma samples were frozen. Concentrations of AVP and OT were determined by radioimmunoassay and that of copeptin by ultrasensitive immunofluorescence assay. Results A total of 53 arterial umbilical cord blood samples were collected, n = 29 from VD and n = 24 from ECS. Ten venous blood samples from pregnant women without stress were collected as controls. AVP and copeptin concentrations were significantly higher in the VD group than in the ECS group (both p < 0.001), median (range) AVP 4.78 (2.38–8.66) vs. 2.38 (1.79–3.88) (pmol/L), copeptin 1692 (72.1–4094) vs. 5.78 (3.14–17.97), respectively, (pmol/L). In contrast, there was no difference in OT concentrations (pmol/L) between VD and ECS, 6.00 (2.71–7.69) vs. 6.14 (4.26–9.93), respectively. AVP and copeptin concentrations were closely related (Rs = 0.700, p < 0.001) while OT did not show any correlation to either AVP or copeptin. In linear regression models, vaginal delivery and biochemical stress indicators, base deficit and pH, were independent predictors for both AVP and copeptin. OT was not linked to base deficit or pH. Conclusion Vaginal birth causes a profound secretion of AVP and copeptin in infants. Whereas AVP indicates acute stress events, copeptin provides information on cumulative stress events over a longer period. In contrast, fetal OT is unaffected by birth stress. Thus, AVP signaling but not OT mediates birth stress response in infants. This unique hormonal activation in early life may impact neurobehavioral development in whole life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fill Malfertheiner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Bataiosu-Zimmer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Holger Michel
- Department of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sotirios Fouzas
- Paediatric Respiratory Unit and Department of Neonatology, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Luca Bernasconi
- Kantonsspital Aarau, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Bührer
- Department of Neonatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Wellmann
- Department of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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23
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Fujiwara T, Kofuji T, Akagawa K. Disturbance of the reciprocal-interaction between the OXTergic and DAergic systems in the CNS causes atypical social behavior in syntaxin 1A knockout mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 413:113447. [PMID: 34224763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that oxytocin (OXT) modulates social behavior. Similarly, monoamines such as dopamine (DA) play a role in regulating social behavior. Previous studies have demonstrated that the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein syntaxin 1A (STX1A) regulates the secretion of OXT and monoamines, and that STX1A gene knockout (STX1A KO) mice exhibit atypical social behavior, such as deficient social recognition, due to reduced OXT release. In this study, we analyzed the neural mechanism regulating social behavior by OXT and/or DA using STX1A KO mice as a model animal. We found that OXT directly induced DA release from cultured DA neurons through OXT and V1a receptors. In STX1A KO mice, the atypical social behavior was partially improved by OXT administration, which was inhibited by D1 receptor blockade. In addition, the atypical social behavior in STX1A KO mice was partially improved by facilitation of DAergic signaling with the DA reuptake inhibitor GBR12909. Moreover, the amelioration by GBR12909 was inhibited by OXTR blockade. These results suggest that the reciprocal interaction between the DAergic and OXTergic neuronal systems in the CNS may be important in regulating social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Fujiwara
- Faculty of Health and Medical Care, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama, Japan; Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takefumi Kofuji
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan; Radioisotope Laboratory, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimio Akagawa
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
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24
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Li XH, Matsuura T, Xue M, Chen QY, Liu RH, Lu JS, Shi W, Fan K, Zhou Z, Miao Z, Yang J, Wei S, Wei F, Chen T, Zhuo M. Oxytocin in the anterior cingulate cortex attenuates neuropathic pain and emotional anxiety by inhibiting presynaptic long-term potentiation. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109411. [PMID: 34289348 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a well-known neurohypophysial hormone that plays an important role in behavioral anxiety and nociception. Two major forms of long-term potentiation, presynaptic LTP (pre-LTP) and postsynaptic LTP (post-LTP), have been characterized in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Both pre-LTP and post-LTP contribute to chronic-pain-related anxiety and behavioral sensitization. The roles of oxytocin in the ACC have not been studied. Here, we find that microinjections of oxytocin into the ACC attenuate nociceptive responses and anxiety-like behavioral responses in animals with neuropathic pain. Application of oxytocin selectively blocks the maintenance of pre-LTP but not post-LTP. In addition, oxytocin enhances inhibitory transmission and excites ACC interneurons. Similar results are obtained by using selective optical stimulation of oxytocin-containing projecting terminals in the ACC in animals with neuropathic pain. Our results demonstrate that oxytocin acts on central synapses and reduces chronic-pain-induced anxiety by reducing pre-LTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Hui Li
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Takanori Matsuura
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Man Xue
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Qi-Yu Chen
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ren-Hao Liu
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Jing-Shan Lu
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wantong Shi
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Kexin Fan
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Zhou
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jiale Yang
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 20201, USA
| | - Sara Wei
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 20201, USA
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 20201, USA
| | - Tao Chen
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; Department of Anatomy, Histology, Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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25
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Abstract
Oxytocin regulates parturition, lactation, parental nurturing, and many other social behaviors in both sexes. The circuit mechanisms by which oxytocin modulates social behavior are receiving increasing attention. Here, we review recent studies on oxytocin modulation of neural circuit function and social behavior, largely enabled by new methods of monitoring and manipulating oxytocin or oxytocin receptor neurons in vivo. These studies indicate that oxytocin can enhance the salience of social stimuli and increase signal-to-noise ratios by modulating spiking and synaptic plasticity in the context of circuits and networks. We highlight oxytocin effects on social behavior in nontraditional organisms such as prairie voles and discuss opportunities to enhance the utility of these organisms for studying circuit-level modulation of social behaviors. We then discuss recent insights into oxytocin neuron activity during social interactions. We conclude by discussing some of the major questions and opportunities in the field ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Froemke
- Skirball Institute, Neuroscience Institute, and Departments of Otolaryngology and Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; .,Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, and Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA.,Center for Social Neural Networks, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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26
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Maldonado PP, Nuno-Perez A, Kirchner JH, Hammock E, Gjorgjieva J, Lohmann C. Oxytocin Shapes Spontaneous Activity Patterns in the Developing Visual Cortex by Activating Somatostatin Interneurons. Curr Biol 2021; 31:322-333.e5. [PMID: 33157028 PMCID: PMC7846278 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous network activity shapes emerging neuronal circuits during early brain development prior to sensory perception. However, how neuromodulation influences this activity is not fully understood. Here, we report that the neuromodulator oxytocin differentially shapes spontaneous activity patterns across sensory cortices. In vivo, oxytocin strongly decreased the frequency and pairwise correlations of spontaneous activity events in the primary visual cortex (V1), but it did not affect the frequency of spontaneous network events in the somatosensory cortex (S1). Patch-clamp recordings in slices and RNAscope showed that oxytocin affects S1 excitatory and inhibitory neurons similarly, whereas in V1, oxytocin targets only inhibitory neurons. Somatostatin-positive (SST+) interneurons expressed the oxytocin receptor and were activated by oxytocin in V1. Accordingly, pharmacogenetic silencing of V1 SST+ interneurons fully blocked oxytocin's effect on inhibition in vitro as well its effect on spontaneous activity patterns in vivo. Thus, oxytocin decreases the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) ratio by recruiting SST+ interneurons and modulates specific features of V1 spontaneous activity patterns that are crucial for the wiring and refining of developing sensory circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma P Maldonado
- Department of Synapse and Network Development, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Alvaro Nuno-Perez
- Department of Synapse and Network Development, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jan H Kirchner
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Computation in Neural Circuits, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany.
| | - Elizabeth Hammock
- Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Department of Psychology, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Julijana Gjorgjieva
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Computation in Neural Circuits, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany.
| | - Christian Lohmann
- Department of Synapse and Network Development, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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27
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Kenkel W. Birth signalling hormones and the developmental consequences of caesarean delivery. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12912. [PMID: 33145818 PMCID: PMC10590550 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rates of delivery by caesarean section (CS) are increasing around the globe and, although several epidemiological associations have already been observed between CS and health outcomes in later life, more are sure to be discovered as this practice continues to gain popularity. The components of vaginal delivery that protect offspring from the negative consequences of CS delivery in later life are currently unknown, although much attention to date has focused on differences in microbial colonisation. Here, we present the case that differing hormonal experiences at birth may also contribute to the neurodevelopmental consequences of CS delivery. Levels of each of the 'birth signalling hormones' (oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and the glucocorticoids) are lower following CS compared to vaginal delivery, and there is substantial evidence for each that manipulations in early life results in long-term neurodevelopmental consequences. We draw from the research traditions of neuroendocrinology and developmental psychobiology to suggest that the perinatal period is a sensitive period, during which hormones achieve organisational effects. Furthermore, there is much to be learned from research on developmental programming by early-life stress that may inform research on CS, as a result of shared neuroendocrine mechanisms at work. We compare and contrast the effects of early-life stress with those of CS delivery and propose new avenues of research based on the links between the two bodies of literature. The research conducted to date suggests that the differences in hormone signalling seen in CS neonates may produce long-term neurodevelopmental consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kenkel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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28
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Oxytocin-Dependent Regulation of TRPs Expression in Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons Attenuates Orofacial Neuropathic Pain Following Infraorbital Nerve Injury in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239173. [PMID: 33271955 PMCID: PMC7731199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the mechanisms underlying the oxytocin (OXT)-induced analgesic effect on orofacial neuropathic pain following infraorbital nerve injury (IONI). IONI was established through tight ligation of one-third of the infraorbital nerve thickness. Subsequently, the head withdrawal threshold for mechanical stimulation (MHWT) of the whisker pad skin was measured using a von Frey filament. Trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervating the whisker pad skin were identified using a retrograde labeling technique. OXT receptor-immunoreactive (IR), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-IR, and TRPV4-IR TG neurons innervating the whisker pad skin were examined on post-IONI day 5. The MHWT remarkably decreased from post-IONI day 1 onward. OXT application to the nerve-injured site attenuated the decrease in MHWT from day 5 onward. TRPV1 or TRPV4 antagonism significantly suppressed the decrement of MHWT following IONI. OXT receptors were expressed in the uninjured and Fluoro-Gold (FG)-labeled TG neurons. Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of FG-labeled TRPV1-IR and TRPV4-IR TG neurons, which was inhibited by administering OXT. This inhibition was suppressed by co-administration with an OXT receptor antagonist. These findings suggest that OXT application inhibits the increase in TRPV1-IR and TRPV4-IR TG neurons innervating the whisker pad skin, which attenuates post-IONI orofacial mechanical allodynia.
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29
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Yokoyama H, Hirai T, Nagata T, Enomoto M, Kaburagi H, Leiyo L, Motoyoshi T, Yoshii T, Okawa A, Yokota T. DNA Microarray Analysis of Differential Gene Expression in the Dorsal Root Ganglia of Four Different Neuropathic Pain Mouse Models. J Pain Res 2020; 13:3031-3043. [PMID: 33244261 PMCID: PMC7685567 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s272952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pathological stimuli or injury to the peripheral nervous system can trigger neuropathic pain with common clinical features such as allodynia and hypersensitivity. Although various studies have identified molecules or genes related to neuropathic pain, the essential components are still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the molecular and genetic factors related to neuropathic pain. Methods We extracted candidate genes in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) from three nerve injury mouse models and a sham-operated model (sciatic nerve ligation and resection, sural nerve resection, spared nerve injury [SNI], and sham) using DNA microarray to elucidate the genes responsible for the neuropathic pain mechanism in the SNI model, which exhibits hypersensitivity in the hindpaw of the preserved sural nerve area. We eliminated as many biases as possible. We then focused on an upregulated endogenous vasopressin receptor and clarified whether it is closely associated with traumatic neuropathic pain using a knockout mouse and drug-mediated suppression of the gene. Results Algorithm analysis of DNA microarray results identified 50 genes significantly upregulated in the DRG of the SNI model. Two independent genes—cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (CDK-1) and arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (V1a)—were subsequently identified as candidate SNI-specific genes in the DRG by quantitative PCR analysis. Administration of V1a agonist to wild-type SNI mice significantly alleviated neuropathic pain. However, V1a knockout mice did not exhibit higher hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation than wild-type mice. In addition, V1a knockout mice showed similar pain behaviors after SNI to wild-type mice. Conclusion Through the DNA microarray analysis of several neuropathic models, we detected specific genes related to chronic pain. In particular, our results suggest that V1a in the DRG may partially contribute to the mechanism of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Yokoyama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Takashi Hirai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Enomoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kaburagi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Li Leiyo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Takayuki Motoyoshi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Yoshii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Atsushi Okawa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
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30
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Baska F, Szántó G, Bozó É, Szakács Z, Dékány M, Szondiné Kordás K, Domány-Kovács K, Kurkó D, Hodoscsek B, Magdó I, Krámos B, Béni Z, Vastag M, Bata I. Discovery of New Heterocyclic Ring Systems as Novel and Potent V 1A Receptor Antagonists. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3532-3540. [PMID: 33084311 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disease with increasing occurrence. Recent studies focus on the development of novel V1A receptor antagonists which can influence the core symptoms of autism through the AVP pathway. In this study, we describe the synthesis of new heterocyclic ring systems. These are a novel class of brain-penetrating V1A antagonists with improved metabolic stability and in vivo potency. The efficacy of the compounds was strongly influenced by the position of the chlorine atom, suggesting halogen bond formation between the ligands and the V1A receptor.
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Key Words
- ASD
- CNS
- V1A receptor
- halogen bonding
- imidazo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c][1,3]diazepine
- imidazo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c][1,3]diazocine
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Baska
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szántó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Éva Bozó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szakács
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Miklós Dékány
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | | | - Dalma Kurkó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Barbara Hodoscsek
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Magdó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Balázs Krámos
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Béni
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Mónika Vastag
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Imre Bata
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
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31
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Wong JC, Shapiro L, Thelin JT, Heaton EC, Zaman RU, D'Souza MJ, Murnane KS, Escayg A. Nanoparticle encapsulated oxytocin increases resistance to induced seizures and restores social behavior in Scn1a-derived epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 147:105147. [PMID: 33189882 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) has broad effects in the brain and plays an important role in cognitive, social, and neuroendocrine function. OT has also been identified as potentially therapeutic in neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and depression, which are often comorbid with epilepsy, raising the possibility that it might confer protection against the behavioral and seizure phenotypes in epilepsy. Dravet syndrome (DS) is an early-life encephalopathy associated with prolonged and recurrent early-life febrile seizures (FSs), treatment-resistant afebrile epilepsy, and cognitive and behavioral deficits. De novo loss-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel SCN1A are the main cause of DS, while genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), also characterized by early-life FSs and afebrile epilepsy, is typically caused by inherited mutations that alter the biophysical properties of SCN1A. Despite the wide range of available antiepileptic drugs, many patients with SCN1A mutations do not achieve adequate seizure control or the amelioration of associated behavioral comorbidities. In the current study, we demonstrate that nanoparticle encapsulation of OT conferred robust and sustained protection against induced seizures and restored more normal social behavior in a mouse model of Scn1a-derived epilepsy. These results demonstrate the ability of a nanotechnology formulation to significantly enhance the efficacy of OT. This approach will provide a general strategy to enhance the therapeutic potential of additional neuropeptides in epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Wong
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Lindsey Shapiro
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jacquelyn T Thelin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth C Heaton
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Rokon U Zaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Martin J D'Souza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Kevin S Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Andrew Escayg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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Guo J, Ba X, Matsuda M, Wei P, Jiang C, Sun W, Xiao L, Xiong D, Liao X, Hao Y. Oxytocin Elicits Itch Scratching Behavior via Spinal GRP/GRPR System. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:581977. [PMID: 33071749 PMCID: PMC7538669 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.581977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide involved in the regulation of complex social and sexual behavior in mammals, has been proposed as a treatment for a number of psychiatric disorders including pain. It has been well documented that central administration of OT elicits strong scratching and grooming behaviors in rodents. However, these behaviors were only described as symptoms, few studies have investigated their underlying neural mechanisms. Thus, we readdressed this question and undertook an analysis of spinal circuits underlying OT-induced scratching behavior in the present study. We demonstrated that intrathecal OT induced robust but transient hindpaw scratching behaviors by activating spinal OT receptors (OTRs). Combining the pre-clinical and clinical evidence, we speculated that OT-induced scratching may be an itch symptom. Further RNAscope studies revealed that near 80% spinal GRP neurons expressed OTRs. OT activated the expression of c-fos mRNA in spinal GRP neurons. Chemical ablation of GRPR neurons significantly reduced intrathecal OT-induced scratching behaviors. Given GRP/GRPR pathway plays an important role in spinal itch transmission, we proposed that OT binds to the OTRs expressed on the GRP neurons, and activates GRP/GRPR pathway to trigger itch-scratching behaviors in mice. These findings provide novel evidence relevant for advancing understanding of OT-induced behavioral changes, which will be important for the development of OT-based drugs to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiyuan Ba
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and the 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Megumi Matsuda
- Research Unit for the Neurobiology of Pain, Department of Anesthesiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Pengfei Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changyu Jiang
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and the 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wuping Sun
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and the 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lizu Xiao
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and the 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Donglin Xiong
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and the 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiang Liao
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and the 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Day KR, Coleman A, Greenwood MA, Hammock EAD. AVPR1A distribution in the whole C57BL/6J mouse neonate. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14512. [PMID: 32884025 PMCID: PMC7471960 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) plays significant roles in maintaining homeostasis and regulating social behavior. In vaginally delivered neonates, a surge of AVP is released into the bloodstream at levels exceeding release during life-threatening conditions such as hemorrhagic shock. It is currently unknown where the potential sites of action are in the neonate for these robust levels of circulating AVP at birth. The purpose of this study is to identify the location of AVP receptor 1a (AVPR1A) sites as potential peripheral targets of AVP in the neonatal mouse. RT-qPCR analysis of a sampling of tissues from the head demonstrated the presence of Avpr1a mRNA, suggesting local peripheral translation. Using competitive autoradiography in wildtype (WT) and AVPR1A knockout (KO) postnatal day 0 (P0) male and female mice on a C57BL/6J background, specific AVPR1A ligand binding was observed in the neonatal mouse periphery in sensory tissues of the head (eyes, ears, various oronasal regions), bone, spinal cord, adrenal cortex, and the uro-anogenital region in the neonatal AVPR1A WT mouse, as it was significantly reduced or absent in the control samples (AVPR1A KO and competition). AVPR1A throughout the neonatal periphery suggest roles for AVP in modulating peripheral physiology and development of the neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Day
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Alexis Coleman
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Maria A Greenwood
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Elizabeth A D Hammock
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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Johnson KVA, Burnet PWJ. Opposing effects of antibiotics and germ-free status on neuropeptide systems involved in social behaviour and pain regulation. BMC Neurosci 2020; 21:32. [PMID: 32698770 PMCID: PMC7374917 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-020-00583-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent research has revealed that the community of microorganisms inhabiting the gut affects brain development, function and behaviour. In particular, disruption of the gut microbiome during critical developmental windows can have lasting effects on host physiology. Both antibiotic exposure and germ-free conditions impact the central nervous system and can alter multiple aspects of behaviour. Social impairments are typically displayed by antibiotic-treated and germ-free animals, yet there is a lack of understanding of the underlying neurobiological changes. Since the μ-opioid, oxytocin and vasopressin systems are key modulators of mammalian social behaviour, here we investigate the effect of experimentally manipulating the gut microbiome on the expression of these pathways. Results We show that social neuropeptide signalling is disrupted in germ-free and antibiotic-treated mice, which may contribute to the behavioural deficits observed in these animal models. The most notable finding is the reduction in neuroreceptor gene expression in the frontal cortex of mice administered an antibiotic cocktail post-weaning. Additionally, the changes observed in germ-free mice were generally in the opposite direction to the antibiotic-treated mice. Conclusions Antibiotic treatment when young can impact brain signalling pathways underpinning social behaviour and pain regulation. Since antibiotic administration is common in childhood and adolescence, our findings highlight the potential adverse effects that antibiotic exposure during these key neurodevelopmental periods may have on the human brain, including the possible increased risk of neuropsychiatric conditions later in life. In addition, since antibiotics are often considered a more amenable alternative to germ-free conditions, our contrasting results for these two treatments suggest that they should be viewed as distinct models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina V A Johnson
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK. .,Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
| | - Philip W J Burnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
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Tan O, Martin LJ, Bowen MT. Divergent pathways mediate 5-HT 1A receptor agonist effects on close social interaction, grooming and aggressive behaviour in mice: Exploring the involvement of the oxytocin and vasopressin systems. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:795-805. [PMID: 32312154 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120913150] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) abnormalities are implicated in aggression, and there has been considerable interest in developing 5-HT1AR agonists for treating aggression. Endogenous oxytocin (OXT) released upon stimulation of 5-HT1ARs in the hypothalamus mediates at least some of the effects of 5-HT1AR agonists on social behaviour. AIMS Given 5-HT1AR, OXT receptor (OXTR) and vasopressin V1a receptor (V1aR) agonists can all reduce aggression, the current study aimed to determine whether the anti-aggressive effects of 5-HT1AR stimulation can also be explained by downstream actions at OXTRs and/or V1aRs in a mouse model of non-territorial, hyper-aggressive behaviour. METHODS Male Swiss mice (N=80) were socially isolated or group housed for six weeks prior to the start of testing. Testing involved placing two unfamiliar weight- and condition-matched mice together in a neutral context for 10 minutes. RESULTS Social isolation led to a pronounced increase in aggressive behaviour, which was dose-dependently inhibited by the 5-HT1AR agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)), with accompanying increases in close social contact (huddling) and grooming. The effects of 8-OH-DPAT on aggression, huddling and grooming were blocked by pretreatment with a selective 5-HT1AR antagonist (WAY-100635; 0.1 mg/kg i.p.). The anti-aggressive effects of 8-OH-DPAT were unaffected by an OXTR antagonist (L-368,899; 10 mg/kg i.p.), whereas the effects on huddling and grooming were inhibited. Pretreatment with a V1aR antagonist (SR49059; 20 mg/kg i.p.) had no effect. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that stimulation of endogenous oxytocin is involved in the effects of 5-HT1AR activation on close social contact and grooming but not aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Tan
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lewis J Martin
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, Australia
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Tsuchiya H, Fujimura S, Fujiwara Y, Koshimizu TA. Critical role of V1a vasopressin receptor in murine parturition†. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:923-934. [PMID: 31836900 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise mechanisms of the reproductive physiological processes, such as labor initiation, are poorly understood. Oxytocin (OT) is one of the well-known uterotonics and is clinically adopted as a medication to facilitate childbirth. Vasopressin (VP), a posterior pituitary hormone similar to OT, has also been proposed to be involved in the reproductive physiology. In this study, we found that a total deficiency of V1a receptor subtype (V1aR) in mice resulted in a reduced number of pups, delayed labor initiation, and increased post-delivery hemorrhage compared with those in wild-type mice. Among the VP receptor subtypes, only V1aR was found to be expressed in the murine uterus, and its distribution pattern was different from that of the oxytocin receptor (OTR); V1aR expression was mainly distributed in the circular myometrium, whereas OTR was strongly expressed in both the circular and longitudinal myometrium. The maximum contractile force of the circular myometrium, induced by VP or OT, was attenuated in the pregnant uterus of Avpr1a-deficient mice. Contrarily, while OT expression was decreased in the Avpr1a-deficient uterus, OTR expression was significantly increased. These results suggest that V1aR deficiency not only reduces the uterine contractile force but also perturbs the expression of genes responsible for the reproductive physiology. Therefore, V1aR is necessary to exert the maximum contraction of the circular myometrium to deliver pups. This study revealed an important role of V1aR in physiological contraction and term parturition in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Tsuchiya
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Shyota Fujimura
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoko Fujiwara
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Taka-Aki Koshimizu
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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Mou X, Fang J, Yang A, Du G. Oxytocin ameliorates bone cancer pain by suppressing toll-like receptor 4 and proinflammatory cytokines in rat spinal cord. J Neurogenet 2020; 34:216-222. [PMID: 32116108 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2019.1711077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaping Mou
- Department of Orthopedics, the People's Hospital of Jianyang, Jianyang, China
| | - Ji Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Jianyang, Jianyang, China
| | - An Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the People's Hospital of Jianyang, Jianyang, China
| | - Gang Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, China
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Li YX, An H, Wen Z, Tao ZY, Cao DY. Can oxytocin inhibit stress-induced hyperalgesia? Neuropeptides 2020; 79:101996. [PMID: 31776011 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Stress-induced hyperalgesia is a problematic condition that lacks an effective therapeutic measure, and hence impairs health-related quality of life. The regulation of stress by oxytocin (OT) has overlapping effects on pain. OT can alleviate pain directly mainly at the spinal level and the peripheral tissues. Additionally, OT plays an analgesic role by dealing with stress and fear learning. When OT relieves stress by targeting the prefrontal brain regions and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the body's sensitivity to pain is attenuated. Meanwhile, OT facilitates fear learning and may, in turn, enhance the anticipatory actions to painful stimulation. The unique therapeutic value of OT in patients suffering from stress and stress-related hyperalgesia conditions is worth considering. We reviewed recent advances in animal and human studies involving the effects of OT on stress and pain, and discussed the possible targets of OT within the descending and ascending pathways in the central nervous system. This review provides an overview of the evidence on the role of OT in alleviating stress-induced hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China; Department of Special Dental Care, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Hong An
- Department of Special Dental Care, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China.
| | - Zhuo Wen
- Department of Special Dental Care, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Zhuo-Ying Tao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Dong-Yuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China.
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Madrid JE, Parker KJ, Ophir AG. Variation, plasticity, and alternative mating tactics: Revisiting what we know about the socially monogamous prairie vole. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.asb.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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40
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Li R, Sun H, Zheng H, Zong Z, Li S, Meng T, Li J, Liu Y, Wang C, Li J. Intradermal Injection of Oxytocin Aggravates Chloroquine-Induced Itch Responses via Activating the Vasopressin-1a Receptor/Nitric Oxide Pathway in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1380. [PMID: 31824317 PMCID: PMC6881818 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a hormone synthesized within the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus, when given intracerebroventricularly, induces strong scratching behaviors. However, it is not clear whether intradermal injection (ID) of OT elicits itch sensation. Herein, we found that OT (0.02 mg/ml) did not elicit an itch-scratching response in mice but aggravated chloroquine (CQ, 3 mmol/L)-elicited scratching behavior. Similar to OT, arginine vasopressin (AVP, 0.02 mg/ml), which is structurally related to OT, also enhanced CQ-induced scratching behavior but did not directly induce scratching behavior in mice. Mechanistically, OT-mediated enhancement of CQ-induced scratching behavior was significantly suppressed by conivaptan (0.05 mg/ml), a vasopressin-1a receptor (V1AR) antagonist and 1,400 W (3 mg/kg), inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), but not OT receptor (OTR) antagonist L-368,899 (0.05 mg/ml). Notably, conivaptan also directly decreased CQ-induced scratching. In conclusion, OT plays a role in CQ-induced scratching behavior via V1AR binding events. V1AR antagonists could be used as possible treatments for CQ-induced itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Sun
- Department of the Sixth Internal Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Haotian Zheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Jinan, China
| | - Zhihua Zong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Jinan, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Jinan, China
| | - Tingting Meng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, China
| | - Yunfang Liu
- Center for Strategic Studies, Chinese Academy of Engineering, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingxin Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Jinan, China
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Cellular Mechanisms for Antinociception Produced by Oxytocin and Orexins in the Rat Spinal Lamina II-Comparison with Those of Other Endogenous Pain Modulators. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12030136. [PMID: 31527474 PMCID: PMC6789548 DOI: 10.3390/ph12030136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Much evidence indicates that hypothalamus-derived neuropeptides, oxytocin, orexins A and B, inhibit nociceptive transmission in the rat spinal dorsal horn. In order to unveil cellular mechanisms for this antinociception, the effects of the neuropeptides on synaptic transmission were examined in spinal lamina II neurons that play a crucial role in antinociception produced by various analgesics by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and adult rat spinal cord slices. Oxytocin had no effect on glutamatergic excitatory transmission while producing a membrane depolarization, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic and glycinergic spontaneous inhibitory transmission enhancement. On the other hand, orexins A and B produced a membrane depolarization and/or a presynaptic spontaneous excitatory transmission enhancement. Like oxytocin, orexin A enhanced both GABAergic and glycinergic transmission, whereas orexin B facilitated glycinergic but not GABAergic transmission. These inhibitory transmission enhancements were due to action potential production. Oxytocin, orexins A and B activities were mediated by oxytocin, orexin-1 and orexin-2 receptors, respectively. This review article will mention cellular mechanisms for antinociception produced by oxytocin, orexins A and B, and discuss similarity and difference in antinociceptive mechanisms among the hypothalamic neuropeptides and other endogenous pain modulators (opioids, nociceptin, adenosine, adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP), noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, somatostatin, cannabinoids, galanin, substance P, bradykinin, neuropeptide Y and acetylcholine) exhibiting a change in membrane potential, excitatory or inhibitory transmission in the spinal lamina II neurons.
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Farley D, Piszczek Ł, Bąbel P. Why is running a marathon like giving birth? The possible role of oxytocin in the underestimation of the memory of pain induced by labor and intense exercise. Med Hypotheses 2019; 128:86-90. [PMID: 31203917 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pain can be overestimated, underestimated or reported accurately at recall. The way pain is remembered seems to depend on certain factors, including the type of pain or, in other words, its cause, the context, and the meaning it has for the person suffering from it. For instance, episodes of chronic pain, as well as pain related to surgery, are often overestimated at recall. Interestingly, research shows that pain induced by parturition or marathon running is often underestimated at recall despite the fact that both are not only physically grueling but also emotionally intense experiences. However, both processes can likewise be considered positive events, as opposed to most that involve pain. On the neurophysiological level, one of the similarities between giving birth and running a marathon is the particular involvement of the oxytocin system. Oxytocin is involved both in parturition and intense exercise, for various reasons. During labor, oxytocin mediates uterine contractions, while in the case of extensive running it might be involved in the maintenance of fluid balance. It also has well-documented analgesic properties and plays an important role in memory formation and recall. It has been suggested that oxytocin modulates the output of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) during the fear recall. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that oxytocin can impair fear learning and influence the memory of both positive and negative emotionally salient stimuli. We propose that the reason for pain to be remembered in a more favorable light is the central action of oxytocin in the central nucleus of the amygdala, first and foremost during the encoding phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Farley
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Poland.
| | | | - Przemysław Bąbel
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Poland
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Filippa M, Poisbeau P, Mairesse J, Monaci MG, Baud O, Hüppi P, Grandjean D, Kuhn P. Pain, Parental Involvement, and Oxytocin in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Front Psychol 2019; 10:715. [PMID: 31001173 PMCID: PMC6454868 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm infants (PTI) typically experience many painful and stressful procedures or events during their first weeks of life in a neonatal intensive care unit, and these can profoundly impact subsequent brain development and function. Several protective interventions during this sensitive period stimulate the oxytocin system, reduce pain and stress, and improve brain development. This review provides an overview of the environmental risk factors experienced by PTI during hospitalization, with a focus on the effects of pain, and early maternal separation. We also describe the long-term adverse effects of the simultaneous experiences of pain and maternal separation, and the potential beneficial effects of maternal vocalizations, parental contact, and several related processes, which appear to be mediated by the oxytocin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Filippa
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Neuroscience of Emotion and Affective Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Social Sciences, University of Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
| | - Pierrick Poisbeau
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérôme Mairesse
- INSERM U1141 Protect, Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France.,Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universtiy of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Olivier Baud
- INSERM U1141 Protect, Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France.,Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universtiy of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Service de Médecine et Réanimation Néonatale, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Petra Hüppi
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universtiy of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Didier Grandjean
- Neuroscience of Emotion and Affective Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Kuhn
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Service de Médecine et Réanimation Néonatale, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Comparing vasopressin and oxytocin fiber and receptor density patterns in the social behavior neural network: Implications for cross-system signaling. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 53:100737. [PMID: 30753840 PMCID: PMC7469073 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) regulate social behavior by binding to their canonical receptors, the vasopressin V1a receptor (V1aR) and oxytocin receptor (OTR), respectively. Recent studies suggest that these neuropeptides may also signal via each other's receptors. The extent to which such cross-system signaling occurs likely depends on anatomical overlap between AVP/OXT fibers and V1aR/OTR expression. By comparing AVP/OXT fiber densities with V1aR/OTR binding densities throughout the rat social behavior neural network (SBNN), we propose the potential for cross-system signaling in four regions: the medial amygdala (MeA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTp), medial preoptic area, and periaqueductal grey. We also discuss possible implications of corresponding sex (higher in males versus females) and age (higher in adults versus juveniles) differences in AVP fiber and OTR binding densities in the MeA and BNSTp. Overall, this review reveals the need to unravel the consequences of potential cross-system signaling between AVP and OXT systems in the SBNN for the regulation of social behavior.
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Tan O, Musullulu H, Raymond JS, Wilson B, Langguth M, Bowen MT. Oxytocin and vasopressin inhibit hyper-aggressive behaviour in socially isolated mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 156:107573. [PMID: 30885607 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of aggression across a wide range of disorders, there is a severe lack of pharmacological treatments. Recent rodent studies have shown both centrally and peripherally administered oxytocin is effective in reducing territorial aggression, an adaptive form of aggression not reflective of pathological hyper-aggression. The current study tested i.p. administered oxytocin and vasopressin in a model of non-territorial hyper-aggression and examined the involvement of oxytocin receptors (OXTR) and vasopressin V1a receptors (V1aR). Male Swiss mice (N = 160) were either socially isolated or group housed for 6 weeks prior to the commencement of testing; wherein two unfamiliar weight and condition matched mice were placed into a neutral context for 10 min. Socially isolated mice exhibited heightened aggression that was powerfully and dose-dependently inhibited by oxytocin and vasopressin and that was accompanied by dose-dependent increases in close social contact (huddling) and grooming. These anti-aggressive effects of oxytocin were blocked by pre-treatment with a higher dose of selective V1aR antagonist SR49059 (20 mg/kg i.p.), but not a lower dose of SR49059 (5 mg/kg i.p.) or selective OXTR antagonist L-368,899 (10 mg/kg i.p.). This is consistent with a growing number of studies linking a range of effects of exogenous oxytocin to actions at the V1a receptor. Interestingly, the highest dose of the OXTR agonist TGOT (10 mg/kg) also reduced isolation-induced aggression. These results suggest that while activation of the V1a receptor appears critical for the anti-aggressive effects of oxytocin, activation of the oxytocin receptor cannot be excluded. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Current status of the neurobiology of aggression and impulsivity.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Tan
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hande Musullulu
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joel S Raymond
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bianca Wilson
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mia Langguth
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Birth experience in newborn infants is associated with changes in nociceptive sensitivity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4117. [PMID: 30858561 PMCID: PMC6412011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal birth prepares the fetus for postnatal life. It confers respiratory, cardiovascular and homeostatic advantages to the newborn infant compared with elective cesarean section, and is reported to provide neonatal analgesia. We hypothesize that infants born by vaginal delivery will show lower noxious-evoked brain activity a few hours after birth compared to those born by elective cesarean section. In the first few hours of neonatal life, we record electrophysiological measures of noxious-evoked brain activity following the application of a mildly noxious experimental stimulus in 41 infants born by either vaginal delivery or by elective cesarean section. We demonstrate that noxious-evoked brain activity is related to the mode of delivery and significantly lower in infants born by vaginal delivery compared with those born by elective cesarean section. Furthermore, we found that the magnitude of noxious-evoked brain activity is inversely correlated with fetal copeptin production, a surrogate marker of vasopressin, and dependent on the experience of birth-related distress. This suggests that nociceptive sensitivity in the first few hours of postnatal life is influenced by birth experience and endogenous hormonal production.
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Onaka T, Takayanagi Y. Role of oxytocin in the control of stress and food intake. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12700. [PMID: 30786104 PMCID: PMC7217012 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin neurones in the hypothalamus are activated by stressful stimuli and food intake. The oxytocin receptor is located in various brain regions, including the sensory information-processing cerebral cortex; the cognitive information-processing prefrontal cortex; reward-related regions such as the ventral tegmental areas, nucleus accumbens and raphe nucleus; stress-related areas such as the amygdala, hippocampus, ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray; homeostasis-controlling hypothalamus; and the dorsal motor complex controlling intestinal functions. Oxytocin affects behavioural and neuroendocrine stress responses and terminates food intake by acting on the metabolic or nutritional homeostasis system, modulating emotional processing, reducing reward values of food intake, and facilitating sensory and cognitive processing via multiple brain regions. Oxytocin also plays a role in interactive actions between stress and food intake and contributes to adaptive active coping behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsushi Onaka
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsuke‐shiJapan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsuke‐shiJapan
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48
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Pharmacological rescue of nociceptive hypersensitivity and oxytocin analgesia impairment in a rat model of neonatal maternal separation. Pain 2019; 159:2630-2640. [PMID: 30169420 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), known for its neurohormonal effects around birth, has recently been suggested for being a critical determinant in neurodevelopmental disorders. This hypothalamic neuropeptide exerts a potent analgesic effect through an action on the nociceptive system. This endogenous control of pain has an important adaptive value but might be altered by early life stress, possibly contributing to its long-term consequences on pain responses and associated comorbidities. We tested this hypothesis using a rat model of neonatal maternal separation (NMS) known to induce long-term consequences on several brain functions including chronic stress, anxiety, altered social behavior, and visceral hypersensitivity. We found that adult rats with a history of NMS were hypersensitive to noxious mechanical/thermal hot stimuli and to inflammatory pain. We failed to observe OT receptor-mediated stress-induced analgesia and OT antihyperalgesia after carrageenan inflammation. These alterations were partially rescued if NMS pups were treated by intraperitoneal daily injection during NMS with OT or its downstream second messenger allopregnanolone. The involvement of epigenetic changes in these alterations was confirmed since neonatal treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA, not only normalized nociceptive sensitivities but also restored OT receptor-mediated stress-induced analgesia and the endogenous antihyperalgesia in inflamed NMS rats. There is growing evidence in the literature that early life stress might impair the nociceptive system ontogeny and function. This study suggests that these alterations might be restored while stimulating OT receptor signaling or histone deacetylase inhibitors, using molecules that are currently available or part of clinical trials for other pathologies.
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49
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Peripheral oxytocin restores light touch and nociceptor sensory afferents towards normal after nerve injury. Pain 2019; 160:1146-1155. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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50
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Borland JM, Rilling JK, Frantz KJ, Albers HE. Sex-dependent regulation of social reward by oxytocin: an inverted U hypothesis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:97-110. [PMID: 29968846 PMCID: PMC6235847 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0129-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The rewarding properties of social interactions are essential for the expression of social behavior and the development of adaptive social relationships. Here, we review sex differences in social reward, and more specifically, how oxytocin (OT) acts in the mesolimbic dopamine system (MDS) to mediate the rewarding properties of social interactions in a sex-dependent manner. Evidence from rodents and humans suggests that same-sex social interactions may be more rewarding in females than in males. We propose that there is an inverted U relationship between OT dose, social reward, and neural activity within structures of the MDS in both males and females, and that this dose-response relationship is initiated at lower doses in females than males. As a result, depending on the dose of OT administered, OT could reduce social reward in females, while enhancing it in males. Sex differences in the neural mechanisms regulating social reward may contribute to sex differences in the incidence of a large number of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. This review addresses the potential significance of a sex-dependent inverted U dose-response function for OT's effects on social reward and in the development of gender-specific therapies for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan M Borland
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James K Rilling
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Translational and Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kyle J Frantz
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Elliott Albers
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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