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Marti-Prats L, Giuliano C, Domi A, Puaud M, Peña-Oliver Y, Fouyssac M, McKenzie C, Everitt BJ, Belin D. The development of compulsive coping behavior depends on dorsolateral striatum dopamine-dependent mechanisms. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4666-4678. [PMID: 37770577 PMCID: PMC10914627 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02256-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Humans greatly differ in how they cope with stress, a natural behavior learnt through negative reinforcement. Some individuals engage in displacement activities, others in exercise or comfort eating, and others still in alcohol use. Across species, adjunctive behaviors, such as polydipsic drinking, are used as a form of displacement activity that reduces stress. Some individuals, in particular those that use alcohol to self-medicate, tend to lose control over such coping behaviors, which become excessive and compulsive. However, the psychological and neural mechanisms underlying this individual vulnerability have not been elucidated. Here we tested the hypothesis that the development of compulsive adjunctive behaviors stems from the functional engagement of the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) dopamine-dependent habit system after a prolonged history of adjunctive responding. We measured in longitudinal studies in male Sprague Dawley rats the sensitivity of early established vs compulsive polydipsic water or alcohol drinking to a bilateral infusion into the anterior DLS (aDLS) of the dopamine receptor antagonist α-flupentixol. While most rats acquired a polydipsic drinking response with water, others only did so with alcohol. Whether drinking water or alcohol, the acquisition of this coping response was insensitive to aDLS dopamine receptor blockade. In contrast, after prolonged experience, adjunctive drinking became dependent on aDLS dopamine at a time when it was compulsive in vulnerable individuals. These data suggest that habits may develop out of negative reinforcement and that the engagement of their underlying striatal system is necessary for the manifestation of compulsive adjunctive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Marti-Prats
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Chiara Giuliano
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
- Astra Zeneca, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, Fleming Building (B623), Babraham Research Park, Babraham, Cambridgeshire, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Ana Domi
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg, Box 410, Gothenburg, 405 30, Sweden
| | - Mickaël Puaud
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Yolanda Peña-Oliver
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
- Research and Enterprise Services, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Maxime Fouyssac
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Colin McKenzie
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Barry J Everitt
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - David Belin
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK.
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Hidalgo V, Almela M, Villada C, van der Meij L, Salvador A. Verbal performance during stress in healthy older people: Influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol reactivity. Biol Psychol 2019; 149:107786. [PMID: 31639406 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.107786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The impact of stress on the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) response in older population is understudied. This study investigated, in healthy older people, whether the DHEA and cortisol responses to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was related to performance on this task. Both speech (rated by committee and self-rated) and arithmetic (number of mistakes) performance were assessed. Sixty-five participants (55-77 years old) were exposed to the TSST. Increases in negative affect, state anxiety, and cortisol levels could be observed, but there were no significant changes in positive affect or DHEA levels. Interestingly, a larger DHEA response was related to better verbal performance after controlling for the cortisol's reactivity. No relationships were found between hormonal responses and the arithmetic task performance. Our results suggest that, in healthy older people, an increase in DHEA levels in response to acute psychosocial stress may help them to cope with this stressor by increasing verbal performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Hidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain; Aragon Health Research Institute, Zaragoza, Spain; Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Mercedes Almela
- Health Department, Valencian International University (VIU), Valencia, Spain
| | - Carolina Villada
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, UNAM, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Leander van der Meij
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Raper J, De Biasio JC, Murphy KL, Alvarado MC, Baxter MG. Persistent alteration in behavioural reactivity to a mild social stressor in rhesus monkeys repeatedly exposed to sevoflurane in infancy. Br J Anaesth 2018; 120:761-767. [PMID: 29576116 PMCID: PMC6200105 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socio-emotional development is the expression and management of emotions, which in non-human primates can be examined using responses toward increasing levels of threat. Damage to the limbic system alters socio-emotional development in primates. Thus, neuronal and glial cell loss caused by exposure to general anaesthesia early in infancy might also impact socio-emotional development. We recently reported that repeated sevoflurane exposure in the first month of life alters emotional behaviours at 6 months of age and impairs visual recognition memory after the first year of life in rhesus monkeys. The present study evaluated socio-emotional behaviour at 1 and 2 yr of age in those same monkeys to determine the persistence of altered emotional behaviour. METHODS Rhesus monkeys of both sexes were exposed to sevoflurane anaesthesia three times for 4 h each time in the first 6 weeks of life. At 1 and 2 yr of age, they were tested on the human intruder task, a well-established mild acute social stressor. RESULTS Monkeys exposed to sevoflurane as infants exhibited normal fear and hostile responses, but exaggerated self-directed (displacement) behaviours, a general indicator of stress and anxiety in non-human primates. CONCLUSIONS Early repeated sevoflurane exposure in infant non-human primates results in an anxious phenotype that was first detected at 6 months, and persists for at least 2 yr of age. This is the first demonstration of such a prolonged impact of early anaesthesia exposure on emotional reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Raper
- Division of Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - J C De Biasio
- Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - K L Murphy
- Comparative Biology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - M C Alvarado
- Division of Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M G Baxter
- Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Allen AP, Kennedy PJ, Dockray S, Cryan JF, Dinan TG, Clarke G. The Trier Social Stress Test: Principles and practice. Neurobiol Stress 2016; 6:113-126. [PMID: 28229114 PMCID: PMC5314443 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Researchers interested in the neurobiology of the acute stress response in humans require a valid and reliable acute stressor that can be used under experimental conditions. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) provides such a testing platform. It induces stress by requiring participants to make an interview-style presentation, followed by a surprise mental arithmetic test, in front of an interview panel who do not provide feedback or encouragement. In this review, we outline the methodology of the TSST, and discuss key findings under conditions of health and stress-related disorder. The TSST has unveiled differences in males and females, as well as different age groups, in their neurobiological response to acute stress. The TSST has also deepened our understanding of how genotype may moderate the cognitive neurobiology of acute stress, and exciting new inroads have been made in understanding epigenetic contributions to the biological regulation of the acute stress response using the TSST. A number of innovative adaptations have been developed which allow for the TSST to be used in group settings, with children, in combination with brain imaging, and with virtual committees. Future applications may incorporate the emerging links between the gut microbiome and the stress response. Future research should also maximise use of behavioural data generated by the TSST. Alternative acute stress paradigms may have utility over the TSST in certain situations, such as those that require repeat testing. Nonetheless, we expect that the TSST remains the gold standard for examining the cognitive neurobiology of acute stress in humans. The TSST is the human experimental gold standard for evaluating the neurobiology of acute stress. The HPA axis response to the TSST is higher in males and lower in older adults. Genotype and epigenetic factors moderate the neurobiological response to the TSST. Multiple adaptations of the TSST are available for different testing contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Allen
- APC Microbiome Institute, Biosciences Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul J Kennedy
- APC Microbiome Institute, Biosciences Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Samantha Dockray
- School of Applied Psychology, Enterprise Centre, University College Cork, North Mall, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Institute, Biosciences Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Institute, Biosciences Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Institute, Biosciences Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Wang B, Ru W, Yang X, Yang L, Fang P, Zhu X, Shen G, Gao X, Gong P. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene modulates private self-consciousness and self-flexibility. Conscious Cogn 2016; 44:186-192. [PMID: 27522491 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine levels in the brain influence human consciousness. Inspired by the role of Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in inactivating dopamine in the brain, we investigated to what extent COMT could modulate individual's self-consciousness dispositions and self-consistency by genotyping the COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism and measuring self-consciousness and self-consistency and congruence in a college student population. The results indicated that COMT Val158Met polymorphism significantly modulated the private self-consciousness. The individuals with Val/Val genotype, corresponding to lower dopamine levels in the brain, were more likely to be aware of their feelings and beliefs. The results also indicated that this polymorphism modulated one's self-flexibility. The individuals with Val/Val genotype showed higher levels of stereotype in self-concept compared with those with Met/Met genotype. These findings suggest that COMT is a predictor of the individual differences in self-consciousness and self-flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Wenzhao Ru
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Pengpeng Fang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xu Zhu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Guomin Shen
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Xiaocai Gao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China.
| | - Pingyuan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China.
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Mohiyeddini C, Bauer S, Semple S. Neuroticism and stress: the role of displacement behavior. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2015; 28:391-407. [PMID: 25599405 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2014.1000878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Neuroticism is linked with an impaired ability to cope with stress and is an important risk factor for stress-related disorders. Hence, there is interest in exploring the behavioral correlates of neuroticism and how such behaviors may moderate the link between neuroticism and the response to stress. Displacement behavior - activity such as face touching and scratching - is important to investigate in this respect, as recent studies indicate that such behavior is linked to negative emotional states and has an important stress coping function. Here, we explored the relationship between neuroticism, displacement behavior, and stress in a healthy population of men. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional, quasiexperimentally controlled study. METHODS We assessed participants' levels of neuroticism, and then during a Trier Social Stress Test quantified displacement behavior, physiological, and cognitive indices of the stress response; after the test we measured the self-reported experience of stress. RESULTS Displacement behavior was negatively correlated with self-reported experience, physiological, and cognitive measures of stress and moderated the relationships between neuroticism, self-reported experience, and cognitive index of stress. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest displacement behavior plays an important role in shaping the link between neuroticism and the response to stress.
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Villada C, Hidalgo V, Almela M, Mastorci F, Sgoifo A, Salvador A. Coping with an acute psychosocial challenge: behavioral and physiological responses in young women. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114640. [PMID: 25489730 PMCID: PMC4260883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the relevance of behavior in understanding individual differences in the strategies used to cope with stressors, behavioral responses and their relationships with psychobiological changes have received little attention. In this study on young women, we aimed at analyzing the associations among different components of the stress response and behavioral coping using a laboratory psychosocial stressor. The Ethological Coding System for Interviews, as well as neuroendocrine, autonomic and mood parameters, were used to measure the stress response in 34 young women (17 free-cycling women in their early follicular phase and 17 oral contraceptive users) subjected to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and a control condition in a crossover design. No significant differences in cardiac autonomic, negative mood and anxiety responses to the stressor were observed between the two groups of women. However, women in the follicular phase showed a higher cortisol response and a larger decrease in positive mood during the social stress episode, as well as greater anxiety overall. Interestingly, the amount of displacement behavior exhibited during the speaking task of the TSST was positively related to anxiety levels preceding the test, but negatively related to baseline and stress response values of heart rate. Moreover, the amount of submissive behavior was negatively related to basal cortisol levels. Finally, eye contact and low-aggressiveness behaviors were associated with a worsening in mood. Overall, these findings emphasize the close relationship between coping behavior and psychobiological reactions, as well as the role of individual variations in the strategy of coping with a psychosocial stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Villada
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Almela
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francesca Mastorci
- Extreme Centre, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Pecora G, Addessi E, Schino G, Bellagamba F. Do displacement activities help preschool children to inhibit a forbidden action? J Exp Child Psychol 2014; 126:80-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Allen AP, Kennedy PJ, Cryan JF, Dinan TG, Clarke G. Biological and psychological markers of stress in humans: focus on the Trier Social Stress Test. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 38:94-124. [PMID: 24239854 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Validated biological and psychological markers of acute stress in humans are an important tool in translational research. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), involving public interview and mental arithmetic performance, is among the most popular methods of inducing acute stress in experimental settings, and reliably increases hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation. However, although much research has focused on HPA axis activity, the TSST also affects the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system, the immune system, cardiovascular outputs, gastric function and cognition. We critically assess the utility of different biological and psychological markers, with guidance for future research, and discuss factors which can moderate TSST effects. We outline the effects of the TSST in stress-related disorders, and if these responses can be abrogated by pharmacological and psychological treatments. Modified TSST protocols are discussed, and the TSST is compared to alternative methods of inducing acute stress. Our analysis suggests that multiple readouts are necessary to derive maximum information; this strategy will enhance our understanding of the psychobiology of stress and provide the means to assess novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Allen
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul J Kennedy
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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