Involvement of brain dopaminergic structures in neuroimmunomodulation

Immune reactivity in rats selected for the enhancement or elimination of aggressiveness towards humans

This study analyzes immune reactivity in two lines of rats selected for the enhancement or elimination of aggressiveness toward humans. Compared to nonaggressive line, aggressive rats showed increased blood ratio of CD4(+) and CD8(+)T lymphocytes, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 level both before and after immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), enhanced IgM-immune response, as well as decreased level of interleukin (IL)-1α before immunization. However, antigen administration produced IL-1α increase in aggressive rats and its decrease in nonaggressive rats compared to non-immunized rats of the same lines. In addition, line-dependent alterations of T lymphocyte distribution in response to immune activation have been found only in the spleen. It is suggested that genetic differences in aggressive behavior may contribute to differences in immune function.

Effects of electrolytic lesion of medial septum on some immune responses in rats

BACKGROUND/AIM

Considering the modulatory role of medial septum (MS) on behavioral and autonomic activities, and its neural connections with other brain areas having effects on the immune system, the role of MS on some immune responses has been investigated.

METHODS

Hyperreactivity scores, total count and differential count of WBC, phagocytic activity of blood WBC, leukocyte adhesive inhibition index (LAI), delayed type of hypersensitive (DTH) reaction and serum corticosterone (CORT) concentration were measured in MS-lesioned, sham-operated and control rats after 2 and 3 weeks of operation. The results of MS-lesioned rats were compared to those in the control and sham-operated rats.

RESULTS

The hyperreactivity score was not changed in the MS-lesioned rats. The phagocytic activity of blood WBC was increased but the DTH reaction and percentage of LAI were decreased in the MS-lesioned rats compared to the control and sham-operated rats 2 weeks after surgery. The serum CORT concentration was increased in the MS-lesioned rats compared to the control and sham-operated rats 2 weeks after surgery. After 3 weeks of MS lesion these immunological parameters and CORT concentration returned back to the normal values indicating a transient change of these parameters.

CONCLUSION

This study concludes a complex and differential regulatory role of MS in the immune functions which are not linked with the hyperreactive behavior in rats. This immunoregulation of MS appears to be different from that of the lateral septum like their dissimilar modulatory roles in some behaviors.

Evidence for the nucleus accumbens as a neural substrate of heroin-induced immune alterations

Administration of opioid drugs such as heroin produces several immunosuppressive effects, including decreases in natural killer (NK) cell activity, lymphocyte proliferative responses, and nitric oxide production. Interestingly, opioids have been shown to alter many immune parameters indirectly by modulating the immunoregulatory actions of the central nervous system. Recently, it has been demonstrated that morphine inhibits NK cell activity through a neural pathway that requires the activation of dopamine D(1) receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell. The present study examined whether the nucleus accumbens also mediates the effects of heroin, a more commonly abused opioid, on several parameters of immune status in Lewis rats. The results showed that bilateral administration of the dopamine D(1) receptor antagonist R-(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride (SCH-23390; 0.015 and 0.15 microg/side) into the nucleus accumbens shell blocked decreases in splenic NK activity produced by heroin (3 mg/kg s.c.) but did not attenuate the suppression of splenocyte proliferative responses to concanavalin-A or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A subsequent experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of D(1) receptor antagonism on LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) in vivo. These results showed that intra-accumbens SCH-23390 administration prevented heroin-induced reductions of iNOS mRNA expression in spleen, liver, and lung tissues and attenuated the suppression of nitric oxide levels in plasma. Collectively, these findings indicate that nucleus accumbens dopamine D(1) receptors are critically involved in heroin-induced immune alterations.

Effect of unilateral and bilateral lesions of caudate-putamen on immune response in the rat

In the present study we investigated the effect of selectivity destroyed dopaminergic neurons of the caudate-putamen (CP) on immune reactivity in the rat. Unilateral and bilateral lesioning of CP was performed by one direct stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine solution. Sham-lesioned and intact rats served as controls. Two weeks after the operation, the animals were immunized with sheep red blood cells or bovine serum albumin for determination of plaque forming cell-response and Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions, respectively. Unilateral and bilateral lesions of CP considerably suppressed PFC-response and Arthus and delayed the hypersensitivity reactions in comparison to control rats, while no differences were observed between unilaterally and bilaterally lesioned animals.

Effects of activation and blockade of dopamine D2 receptors on the immune response in mice with different types of behavior

Activation of dopamine D(2) receptors by the selective agonist quinpirole was found to lead to immunostimulation in control (no experience of confrontations) C57BL/6J mice and in mice subjected to psychoemotional tension (aggression and submission). The most marked increase in the immune response was seen on formation of the aggressive and submissive behavioral strategies. The effects of blockade of D(2) dopamine receptors by haloperidol-immunosuppression-were seen only in control and aggressive animals, but were not seen in animals with submissive behavior. The question of the significance of the initial psychoemotional state, which is linked with particular neurotransmitter patterns in the brain (levels of dopamine, serotonin, their metabolites; dopamine receptor activity in subcortical structures), for the effects of agents altering the activity of dopamine D(2) receptors on the immune response is discussed.

Involvement of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the rat nucleus accumbens in immunostimulation

Analysis of the nature of changes in the immune response in operated Wistar rats showed that electrolytic lesioning of the nucleus accumbens, the site of the greatest density of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, led to suppression of the immune response in animals immunized with sheep erythrocytes. Administration of SKF 38393 (20 mg/kg) and quinpirol (1 mg/kg), selective agonists of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors respectively, to sham-operated rats induced significant increases in immune responses. However, no immunostimulation was seen on administration of the selective dopamine D2 agonist quinpirol to animals with lesions to the nucleus accumbens as compared with controls. At the same time, treatment of animals with nucleus accumbens lesions using the dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF 38393 had no effect on the immune response as compared with that in sham-operated animals given the D1 receptor agonist. These data provide evidence that dopamine D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens have a role in the mechanisms of immunostimulation, though D2 receptors in other brain structures may also make some contribution to this process; D1 receptors in the nucleus accumbens make no significant contribution to controlling the immune response.

Suppression of natural killer cell activity by morphine is mediated by the nucleus accumbens shell

Despite a wealth of data indicating that morphine modulates immune status by acting at mu-opioid receptors in the brain, there is little known about how the opioid system interacts with other neurotransmitter systems to modulate specific immune parameters. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether dopaminergic projections to the nucleus accumbens are involved in morphine-induced suppression of splenic natural killer (NK) cell activity. The results indicate that administration of the dopamine D1 antagonist SCH-23390 into the nucleus accumbens shell, but not core, blocked morphine's suppressive effect on NK activity in male Lewis rats. In support of these findings, the effect of morphine was also prevented by intra-accumbens microinfusions of the dopaminergic immunotoxin anti-DAT-saporin. Additionally, administration of the D1 agonist SKF-38393 into the nucleus accumbens shell produced reductions in splenic NK activity comparable to morphine, suggesting a critical role for D1 receptors in the modulation of NK activity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that dopaminergic inputs to the nucleus accumbens are critically involved in opioid-induced immunosuppression and suggest that opioid-induced increases in D1 receptor activation may have adverse consequences on immune status.

The expression of an intraspecific aggressive reaction in the face of a stressor agent alters the immune response in rats

The repercussion on the immune response of the expression of intraspecific aggressiveness in the face of a stressor agent was investigated in rats. Ninety-day-old animals were divided into three groups: the control group (only immunological measurements were performed), the foot-shock (FS) (animals individually receiving FS), and the intraspecific aggressive response (IAR) group (animals receiving FS and presenting IAR). For immunological measurements, blood samples were collected promptly at 7 and 15 days after FS or IAR. The FS reduced the total leukocyte amount presented. However, aggressiveness triggered not only reduction of the leukocytes, but also lymphocyte decrease and neutrophil increase. Moreover, an elevation in total leukocytes associated with an increase in the humoral immune response was also observed one week after IAR. In this study, the expression of intraspecific aggressiveness in the face of a stressor seemed to activate the immune system and to potentiate the antigen specific humoral response.

Morphine-induced alterations of immune status are blocked by the dopamine D2-like receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT

Morphine administration produces profound effects on the immune system, including reductions in natural killer cell activity, mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine production. Although it has been established that the activation of central nervous system (CNS) micro-opioid receptors by morphine induces immunomodulation, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying such processes. Interestingly, it has been shown that the dopamine (DA) D2-like receptor agonist 7-hydroxy-N,N-di-n-propyl-2-aminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) blocks the effect of morphine on a number of behaviors that are mediated by central dopamine pathways. The present study examined whether dopamine is involved in the immunomodulatory effects of morphine. In separate experiments, 7-OH-DPAT was administered either systemically (subcutaneous, s.c.) or centrally (intracerebroventricularly, i.c.v.) prior to morphine treatment in male Lewis rats. The results demonstrate that both systemic and central administration of 7-OH-DPAT attenuate the suppressive effect of morphine on several measures of immune status. Overall, these findings provide the first evidence that CNS dopaminergic mechanisms are directly involved in morphine-induced immunomodulation.

Central catecholamine depletion inhibits peripheral lymphocyte responsiveness in spleen and blood

Experimental and clinical evidence has demonstrated extensive communication between the CNS and the immune system. To analyse the role of central catecholamines in modulating peripheral immune functions, we injected the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) i.c.v. in rats. This treatment significantly reduced brain catecholamine content 2, 4 and 7 days after injection, and in the periphery splenic catecholamine levels were reduced 4 days after treatment. Central catecholamine depletion induced an inhibition of splenic and blood lymphocyte proliferation and splenic cytokine production and expression (interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma) 7 days after injection. In addition, central treatment with 6-OHDA reduced the percentage of spleen and peripheral blood natural killer (CD161 +) cells, and T-cytotoxic (CD8 +) cells in peripheral blood. The reduction in splenocyte proliferation was not associated with a glucocorticoid alteration but was completely abolished by prior peripheral sympathectomy. These data demonstrate a crucial role of central and peripheral catecholamines in modulating immune function.

Nature of the distribution of serotonin and a serotonin metabolite in brain structures and the development of immunosuppression in submissive mice

Studies of C57BL/6J mice with acquired submissive behavior in a sensory contact model demonstrated increases in serotonin (5-HT) levels in the amygdaloid complex, hippocampus, the dopaminergic nuclei A11, A10, and A9, and in the caudate nucleus and hypothalamus, compared with controls, after 10 and 20 days of confrontations. Levels of the 5-HT metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in most structures were significantly higher after 20 days of confrontations than after 10 days. Increases in the 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in the cervical nuclei of the midbrain, nucleus accumbens, A9, and hypothalamus as compared with controls were seen in mice with 10 and 20 days of confrontations. Immunization of mice on days 10 and 20 of confrontations showed suppression of immune responses as compared with controls, while immune measures reached control values by 40 days of experience of defeat. Thus, experience of 10 days of defeat led to immunosuppression on a background of activation of the 5-HT system in a series of brain structures: the cervical nuclei of the midbrain, the nucleus accumbens, and A9. As confrontations continued, there were decreases in the 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio on these structures, along with a tendency for immune responses to increase.

Immunological consequences of the reversal of social status in C57BL/6J mice

The present study has shown that the immune response can be influenced by the reversal of animal's social status. For this purpose testing of agonistic interactions under the sensory contact conditions was performed for pairs of either aggressive or submissive C57BL/6J male mice with preliminary experience of 10 or 20 daily confrontations. Tests continued for 10 or 20 days, respectively. The reversal of aggressive behavior into submissive one in C57BL/6J mice resulted in immunosuppression only following 20 daily confrontations compared to the controls as well as to aggressive males which did not change their behavior and showed the increased immune response. Despite the fact that previous experience of defeat was associated with a reduced immune reaction, the occurrence of aggressive behavior in formerly submissive mice during 10 or 20 tests of daily confrontations produced immunostimulation. It is suggested that changes in the neurochemical pattern of the brain can be considered as an underlying basis for the linkage between the immune response and specific behavioral profile.

Peripheral protein immunization induces rapid activation of the CNS, as measured by c-Fos expression

To investigate immune-to-brain communication, we challenged rats intraperitoneally with a protein antigen (keyhole limpet hemocyanin, KLH), and measured c-Fos expression in different brain structures. We found a rapid c-Fos expression 120 min after immunization in brain stem and forebrain structures, using a dose of KLH not inducing fever or malaise. Using proper controls, we found that this central response is related to the immunogenicity of the antigen and the magnitude of the immune response. Our results suggest that different interconnected brain cell groups respond rapidly to an immune challenge in the periphery, constituting an afferent pathway of neuroimmune communication.

Involvement of the nucleus accumbens in stimulation of the immune response in rats after activation of opioid mu receptors with DAGO

The involvement of the nucleus accumbens in neuroimmunostimulation was demonstrated during activation of opioid mu receptors with the selective agonist DAGO (100 microg/kg); single doses of this agent to sham-operated (control) Wistar rats induced significant increases in the numbers of direct IgM antibody-forming and total rosette-forming cells after immunization with sheep erythrocytes. Bilateral electrolytic lesioning of the nucleus accumbens in rats led to sharp decreases in the intensity of immune responses; there was no immunostimulation after administration of DAGO to these animals. These data provide evidence for the involvement of the nucleus accumbens in the process of immunomodulation and for the importance of opioid mu receptors in the nucleus accumbens in the stimulation of immunogenesis.

Involvement of the rat caudate nucleus in the immunostimulatory effect of DAGO

The involvement of the caudate nucleus, i.e., the terminal zone of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, in neuroimmunostimulation during the activation of mu opioid receptors by the highly specific agonist DAGO. Single doses of DAGO (100 microg/kg) in sham-operated control Wistar rats induced significant increases in the numbers of direct IgM-antibody-forming and total rosette-forming cells at the peak of the immune response after immunization with sheet red blood cells. The experiments showed that bilateral electrolytic lesioning of the caudate nucleus in rats suppressed the immune response, demonstrating its involvement in neuroimmunomodulation. Since the effect of immunostimulation induced by DAGO disappeared when given to animals with caudate nucleus lesions, it was concluded that this structure is involved in activatory immunogenesis via mu opioid mechanisms.