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Demaestri C, Pisciotta M, Altunkeser N, Berry G, Hyland H, Breton J, Darling A, Williams B, Bath KG. Central amygdala CRF+ neurons promote heightened threat reactivity following early life adversity in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5522. [PMID: 38951506 PMCID: PMC11217353 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49828-3] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Failure to appropriately predict and titrate reactivity to threat is a core feature of fear and anxiety-related disorders and is common following early life adversity (ELA). A population of neurons in the lateral central amygdala (CeAL) expressing corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) have been proposed to be key in processing threat of different intensities to mediate active fear expression. Here, we use in vivo fiber photometry to show that ELA results in sex-specific changes in the activity of CeAL CRF+ neurons, yielding divergent mechanisms underlying the augmented startle in ELA mice, a translationally relevant behavior indicative of heightened threat reactivity and hypervigilance. Further, chemogenic inhibition of CeAL CRF+ neurons selectively diminishes startle and produces a long-lasting suppression of threat reactivity. These findings identify a mechanism for sex-differences in susceptibility for anxiety following ELA and have broad implications for understanding the neural circuitry that encodes and gates the behavioral expression of fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Demaestri
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Margaux Pisciotta
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Naira Altunkeser
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Georgia Berry
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Hyland
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jocelyn Breton
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna Darling
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brenna Williams
- Doctoral Program in Cellular and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin G Bath
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Yi L, Lin X, She X, Gao W, Wu M. Chronic stress as an emerging risk factor for the development and progression of glioma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:394-407. [PMID: 38238191 PMCID: PMC10876262 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002976] [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: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Gliomas tend to have a poor prognosis and are the most common primary malignant tumors of the central nervous system. Compared with patients with other cancers, glioma patients often suffer from increased levels of psychological stress, such as anxiety and fear. Chronic stress (CS) is thought to impact glioma profoundly. However, because of the complex mechanisms underlying CS and variability in individual tolerance, the role of CS in glioma remains unclear. This review suggests a new proposal to redivide the stress system into two parts. Neuronal activity is dominant upstream. Stress-signaling molecules produced by the neuroendocrine system are dominant downstream. We discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms by which CS impacts glioma. Potential pharmacological treatments are also summarized from the therapeutic perspective of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yi
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xiaoling She
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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Csabafi K, Ibos KE, Bodnár É, Filkor K, Szakács J, Bagosi Z. A Brain Region-Dependent Alteration in the Expression of Vasopressin, Corticotropin-Releasing Factor, and Their Receptors Might Be in the Background of Kisspeptin-13-Induced Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activation and Anxiety in Rats. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2446. [PMID: 37760887 PMCID: PMC10525110 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092446] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we reported that intracerebroventricularly administered kisspeptin-13 (KP-13) induces anxiety-like behavior and activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in rats. In the present study, we aimed to shed light on the mediation of KP-13's stress-evoking actions. The relative gene expressions of the corticotropin-releasing factor (Crf, Crfr1, and Crfr2) and arginine vasopressin (Avp, Avpr1a, and Avpr1b) systems were measured in the amygdala and hippocampus of male Wistar rats after icv KP-13 treatment. CRF and AVP protein content were also determined. A different set of animals received CRF or V1 receptor antagonist pretreatment before the KP-13 challenge, after which either an open-field test or plasma corticosterone levels measurement was performed. In the amygdala, KP-13 induced an upregulation of Avp and Avpr1b expression, and a downregulation of Crf. In the hippocampus, the mRNA level of Crf increased and the level of Avpr1a decreased. A significant rise in AVP protein content was also detected in the amygdala. KP-13 also evoked anxiety-like behavior in the open field test, which the V1 receptor blocker antagonized. Both CRF and V1 receptor blockers reduced the KP-13-evoked rise in the plasma corticosterone level. This suggests that KP-13 alters the AVP and CRF signaling and that might be responsible for its effect on the HPA axis and anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Csabafi
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, P.O. Box 427, H-6701 Szeged, Hungary (K.F.)
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Kaushik S, Ahmad F, Choudhary S, Mathkor DM, Mishra BN, Singh V, Haque S. Critical appraisal and systematic review of genes linked with cocaine addiction, depression and anxiety. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105270. [PMID: 37271299 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105270] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent lifestyle changes have resulted in tremendous peer pressure and mental stress, and increased the incidences of chronic psychological disorders; like addiction, depression and anxiety (ADA). In this context, the stress-tolerance levels vary amongst individuals and genetic factors play prominent roles. Vulnerable individuals may often be drawn towards drug-addiction to combat stress. This systematic review critically appraises the relationship of various genetic factors linked with the incidences of ADA development. For coherence, we focused solely on cocaine as a substance of abuse in this study. Online scholarly databases were used to screen pertinent literature using apt keywords; and the final retrieval included 42 primary-research articles. The major conclusion drawn from this systematic analysis states that there are 51 genes linked with the development of ADA; and 3 (BDNF, PERIOD2 and SLC6A4) of them are common to all the three aspects of ADA. Further, inter-connectivity analyses of the 51 genes further endorsed the central presence of BDNF and SLC6A4 genes in the development of ADA disorders. The conclusions derived from this systematic study pave the way for future studies for the identification of diagnostic biomarkers and drug targets; and for the development of novel and effective therapeutic regimens against ADA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradhha Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India
| | - Sunita Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Darin Mansor Mathkor
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhartendu Nath Mishra
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon; Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, the United Arab Emirates.
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Chudoba R, Dabrowska J. Distinct populations of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons mediate divergent yet complementary defensive behaviors in response to a threat. Neuropharmacology 2023; 228:109461. [PMID: 36775096 PMCID: PMC10055972 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Defensive behaviors in response to a threat are shared across the animal kingdom. Active (fleeing, sheltering) or passive (freezing, avoiding) defensive responses are adaptive and facilitate survival. Selecting appropriate defensive strategy depends on intensity, proximity, temporal threat threshold, and past experiences. Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a major driver of an acute stress response, whereas extrahypothalamic CRF mediates stress-related affective behaviors. In this review, we shift the focus from a monolithic role of CRF as an anxiogenic peptide to comprehensively dissecting contributions of distinct populations of CRF neurons in mediating defensive behaviors. Direct interrogation of CRF neurons of the central amygdala (CeA) or the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) show they drive unconditioned defensive responses, such as vigilance and avoidance of open spaces. Although both populations also contribute to learned fear responses in familiar, threatening contexts, CeA-CRF neurons are particularly attuned to the ever-changing environment. Depending on threat intensities, they facilitate discrimination of salient stimuli predicting manageable threats, and prevent their generalization. Finally, hypothalamic CRF neurons mediate initial threat assessment and active defense such as escape to shelter. Overall, these three major populations of CRF neurons demonstrate divergent, yet complementary contributions to the versatile defense system: heightened vigilance, discriminating salient threats, and active escape, representing three legs of the defense tripod. Despite the 'CRF exhaustion' in the field of affective neuroscience, understanding contributions of specific CRF neurons during adaptive defensive behaviors is needed in order to understand the implications of their dysregulation in fear- and anxiety-related psychiatric disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Fear, Anxiety and PTSD".
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Chudoba
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States; School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joanna Dabrowska
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States; School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States.
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Montanez-Miranda C, Bramlett SN, Hepler JR. RGS14 expression in CA2 hippocampus, amygdala, and basal ganglia: Implications for human brain physiology and disease. Hippocampus 2023; 33:166-181. [PMID: 36541898 PMCID: PMC9974931 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RGS14 is a multifunctional scaffolding protein that is highly expressed within postsynaptic spines of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal area CA2. Known roles of RGS14 in CA2 include regulating G protein, H-Ras/ERK, and calcium signaling pathways to serve as a natural suppressor of synaptic plasticity and postsynaptic signaling. RGS14 also shows marked postsynaptic expression in major structures of the limbic system and basal ganglia, including the amygdala and both the ventral and dorsal subdivisions of the striatum. In this review, we discuss the signaling functions of RGS14 and its role in postsynaptic strength (long-term potentiation) and spine structural plasticity in CA2 hippocampal neurons, and how RGS14 suppression of plasticity impacts linked behaviors such as spatial learning, object memory, and fear conditioning. We also review RGS14 expression in the limbic system and basal ganglia and speculate on its possible roles in regulating plasticity in these regions, with a focus on behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Finally, we explore the functional implications of RGS14 in various brain circuits and speculate on its possible roles in certain disease states such as hippocampal seizures, addiction, and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John R. Hepler
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322-3090
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Smiley CE, Pate BS, Bouknight SJ, Francis MJ, Nowicki AV, Harrington EN, Wood SK. Estrogen receptor beta in the central amygdala regulates the deleterious behavioral and neuronal consequences of repeated social stress in female rats. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 23:100531. [PMID: 36879670 PMCID: PMC9984877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
While over 95% of the population has reported experiencing extreme stress or trauma, females of reproductive age develop stress-induced neuropsychiatric disorders at twice the rate of males. This suggests that ovarian hormones may facilitate neural processes that increase stress susceptibility and underlie the heightened rates of these disorders, like depression and anxiety, that result from stress exposure in females. However, there is contradicting evidence in the literature regarding estrogen's role in stress-related behavioral outcomes. Estrogen signaling through estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) has been traditionally thought of as anxiolytic, but recent studies suggest estrogen exhibits distinct effects in the context of stress. Furthermore, ERβ is found abundantly in many stress-sensitive brain loci, including the central amygdala (CeA), in which transcription of the vital stress hormone, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), can be regulated by an estrogen response element. Therefore, these experiments sought to identify the role of CeA ERβ activity during stress on behavioral outcomes in naturally cycling, adult, female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were exposed to an ethological model of vicarious social stress, witness stress (WS), in which they experienced the sensory and psychological aspects of an aggressive social defeat encounter between two males. Following WS, rats exhibited stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors in the marble burying taskand brain analysis revealed increased ERβ and CRF specifically within the CeA following exposure to stress cues. Subsequent experiments were designed to target this receptor in the CeA using microinjections of the ERβ antagonist, PHTPP, prior to each stress session. During WS, estrogen signaling through ERβ was responsible for the behavioral sensitization to repeated social stress. Sucrose preference, acoustic startle, and marble burying tasks determined that blocking ERβ in the CeA during WS prevented the development of depressive-, anxiety-like, and hypervigilant behaviors. Additionally, brain analysis revealed a long-term decrease of intra-CeA CRF expression in PHTPP-treated rats. These experiments indicate that ERβ signaling in the CeA, likely through its effects on CRF, contributes to the development of negative valence behaviors that result from exposure to repeated social stress in female rats.
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Key Words
- ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone
- ASR, acoustic startle responding
- Anxiety
- BCA, bicinchoninic acid
- CON, control handing
- CORT, corticosterone
- CRF, corticotropin releasing factor
- CeA, central amygdala
- Central amygdala
- Corticotropin releasing factor
- EPM, elevated plus maze
- ERβ, estrogen receptor beta
- Estrogen receptor beta
- HPA, hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis
- LC, locus coeruleus
- MB, marble burying
- PHTPP, 4-[2-Phenyl-5: 7-bis (trifluoromethyl) pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidine-3- yl] phenol
- SPT, sucrose preference testing
- Social stress
- WS, witness stress
- dB, decibels
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora E. Smiley
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, USA
- Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Brittany S. Pate
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, USA
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Exercise Science, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Samantha J. Bouknight
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Megan J. Francis
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Alexandria V. Nowicki
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Evelynn N. Harrington
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Susan K. Wood
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, USA
- Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
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Ronan PJ, Korzan WJ, Johnson PL, Lowry CA, Renner KJ, Summers CH. Prior stress and vasopressin promote corticotropin-releasing factor inhibition of serotonin release in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1148292. [PMID: 37064300 PMCID: PMC10098171 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1148292] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is essential for coordinating endocrine and neural responses to stress, frequently facilitated by vasopressin (AVP). Previous work has linked CRF hypersecretion, binding site changes, and dysfunctional serotonergic transmission with anxiety and affective disorders, including clinical depression. Crucially, CRF can alter serotonergic activity. In the dorsal raphé nucleus and serotonin (5-HT) terminal regions, CRF effects can be stimulatory or inhibitory, depending on the dose, site, and receptor type activated. Prior stress alters CRF neurotransmission and CRF-mediated behaviors. Lateral, medial, and ventral subdivisions of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) produce CRF and coordinate stress responsiveness. The purpose of these experiments was to determine the effect of intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of CRF and AVP on extracellular 5-HT as an index of 5-HT release in the CeA, using in vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. We also examined the effect of prior stress (1 h restraint, 24 h prior) on CRF- and AVP-mediated release of 5-HT within the CeA. Our results show that icv CRF infusion in unstressed animals had no effect on 5-HT release in the CeA. Conversely, in rats with prior stress, CRF caused a profound dose-dependent decrease in 5-HT release within the CeA. This effect was long-lasting (240 min) and was mimicked by CRF plus AVP infusion without stress. Thus, prior stress and AVP functionally alter CRF-mediated neurotransmission and sensitize CRF-induced inhibition of 5-HT release, suggesting that this is a potential mechanism underlying stress-induced affective reactivity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Ronan
- Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Research in Psychiatry, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Kenneth J. Renner,
| | - Wayne J. Korzan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, United States
| | - Philip L. Johnson
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
| | - Christopher A. Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Kenneth J. Renner
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Patrick J. Ronan,
| | - Cliff H. Summers
- Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- *Correspondence: Cliff H. Summers,
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Li JN, Chen K, Sheets PL. Topographic organization underlies intrinsic and morphological heterogeneity of central amygdala neurons expressing corticotropin-releasing hormone. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:2286-2303. [PMID: 35579999 PMCID: PMC9283236 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) network consists of a heterogeneous population of inhibitory GABAergic neurons distributed across distinct subregions. While the specific roles for molecularly defined CeA neurons have been extensively studied, our understanding of functional heterogeneity within classes of molecularly distinct CeA neurons remains incomplete. In addition, manipulation of genetically defined CeA neurons has produced inconsistent behavioral results potentially due to broad targeting across CeA subregions. Therefore, elucidating heterogeneity within molecularly defined neurons in subdivisions of the CeA is pivotal for gaining a complete understanding of how CeA circuits function. Here, we used a multifaceted approach involving transgenic reporter mice, brain slice electrophysiology, and neuronal morphology to dissect the heterogeneity of corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in topographically distinct subregions of the CeA. Our results revealed that intrinsic and morphological properties of CRH‐expressing (CRH+) neurons in the lateral (CeL) and medial (CeM) subdivisions of the CeA were significantly different. We found that CeL‐CRH+ neurons are relatively homogeneous in morphology and firing profile. Conversely, CeM‐CRH+ neurons displayed heterogeneous electrophysiological and morphological phenotypes. Overall, these results show phenotypic differences between CRH+ neurons in CeL and CeM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Nan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kevin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Zionsville Community High School, Zionsville, Indiana, USA
| | - Patrick L Sheets
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Rybka KA, Sturm KL, De Guzman RM, Bah S, Jacobskind JS, Rosinger ZJ, Taroc EZM, Forni PE, Zuloaga DG. Androgen regulation of corticotropin releasing factor receptor 1 in the mouse brain. Neuroscience 2022; 491:185-199. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Lyubashina OA, Sivachenko IB, Busygina II. Amygdalofugal Modulation of Visceral Nociceptive Transmission in the Rat Caudal Ventrolateral Medulla under Normal Conditions and Intestinal Inflammation. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021050161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Amygdalar corticotropin-releasing factor mediates stress-induced anxiety. Brain Res 2019; 1729:146622. [PMID: 31881185 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The extended amygdala, including the Central nucleus of the Amygdala (CeA) and the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST), is a complex structure that plays a pivotal role in emotional behavior. The CeA and the BNST are highly interconnected, being the amygdala traditionally more associated with fear and the BNST with anxiety. Yet, studies using excitotoxic lesions also show the involvement of the CeA in the development of stress-induced anxiety. Likewise, others have also highlighted the role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a neuropeptide highly expressed in CeA, as an anxiogenic factor and, consequently, important for in anxiety disorders. Here, we used an inducible RNAi lentiviral system to assess the effects of reducing CRF expression in CeA in the development of anxiety-like behavior in a model of Chronic Unpredictable Stress. In addition, we evaluated CRF RNAi-mediated alterations in the stress-triggered molecular signature in the BNST. Knockdown of CRF in the CeA decreased stress-induced anxiety levels. No differences were found in a fear-potentiated startle paradigm. Additionally, we observed that stress-induced alterations in the expression of CRF receptors within the BNST are attenuated by CRF knockdown in the CeA. These results emphasize the importance of the role that amygdalar CRF plays in the modulation of anxiety-like behavior and in the molecular signature of stress in the BNST.
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Calcineurin signaling as a target for the treatment of alcohol abuse and neuroinflammatory disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019. [PMID: 31601401 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Converging lines of evidence point to a significant role of neuroinflammation in a host of psychiatric conditions, including alcohol use disorder, TBI, and PTSD. A complex interaction of both peripheral and central signaling underlies processes involved in neuroinflammation. Calcineurin is a molecule that sits at the nexus of these processes and has been clearly linked to a number of psychiatric disorders including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Like its role in regulating peripheral immune cells, calcineurin (CN) plays an integral role in processes regulating neuroimmune function and neuroinflammatory processes. Targeting CN or elements of its signaling pathways at critical points may aid in the functional recovery from neuroinflammatory related disorders. In this review we will highlight the role of neuroinflammation and calcineurin signaling in AUD, TBI and stress-induced disorders and discuss recent findings demonstrating a therapeutic effect of immunosuppressant-induced calcineurin inhibition in a pre-clinical model of binge alcohol drinking.
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Kovács LÁ, Schiessl JA, Nafz AE, Csernus V, Gaszner B. Both Basal and Acute Restraint Stress-Induced c-Fos Expression Is Influenced by Age in the Extended Amygdala and Brainstem Stress Centers in Male Rats. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:248. [PMID: 30186150 PMCID: PMC6113579 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is the main regulator of the stress response. The key of the HPA is the parvocellular paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (pPVN) controlled by higher-order limbic stress centers. The reactivity of the HPA axis is considered to be a function of age, but to date, little is known about the background of this age-dependency. Sporadic literature data suggest that the stress sensitivity as assessed by semi-quantitation of the neuronal activity marker c-Fos may also be influenced by age. Here, we aimed at investigating the HPA activity and c-Fos immunoreactivity 2 h after the beginning of a single 60 min acute restraint stress in eight age groups of male Wistar rats. We hypothesized that the function of the HPA axis (i.e., pPVN c-Fos and blood corticosterone (CORT) level), the neuronal activity of nine stress-related limbic areas (i.e., magnocellular PVN (mPVN), medial (MeA), central (CeA), basolateral nuclei of the amygdala, the oval (ovBNST), dorsolateral (dlBNST), dorsomedial (dmBNST), ventral and fusiform (fuBNST) divisions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST)), and two brainstem stress centers such as the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (cpEW) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) show age dependency in their c-Fos response. The somatosensory barrel cortex area (S1) was evaluated to test whether the age dependency is specific for stress-centers. Our results indicate that the stress-induced rise in blood CORT titer was lower in young age reflecting relatively low HPA activity. All 12 stress-related brain areas showed c-Fos response that peaked at 2 months of age. The magnitude of c-Fos immunoreactivity correlated negatively with age in seven regions (MeA, CeA, ovBNST, dlBNST, dmBNST, fuBNST and pPVN). Unexpectedly, the CeA, ovBNST and cpEW showed a considerable basal c-Fos expression in 1-month-old rats which decreased with age. The S1 showed a U-shaped age-related dynamics in contrast to the decline observed in stress centers. We conclude that the age- and brain area dependent dynamics in stress-induced neuronal activity pattern may contribute to the age dependance of the stress reactivity. Further studies are in progress to determine the neurochemical identity of neurons showing age-dependent basal and/or stress-induced c-Fos expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Ákos Kovács
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Center for Neuroscience, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | | | - Valér Csernus
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Center for Neuroscience, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
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15
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Zhang X, Ge TT, Yin G, Cui R, Zhao G, Yang W. Stress-Induced Functional Alterations in Amygdala: Implications for Neuropsychiatric Diseases. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:367. [PMID: 29896088 PMCID: PMC5987037 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala plays a major role in the processing of physiologic and behavioral responses to stress and is characterized by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated high inhibitory tone under resting state. Human and animal studies showed that stress lead to a hyperactivity of amygdala, which was accompanied by the removal of inhibitory control. However, the contribution of hyperactivity of amygdala to stress-induced neuropsychiatric diseases, such as anxiety and mood disorders, is still dubious. In this review, we will summarize stress-induced various structural and functional alterations in amygdala, including the GABA receptors expression, GABAergic transmission and synaptic plasticity. It may provide new insight on the neuropathologic and neurophysiological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tong Tong Ge
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guanghao Yin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guoqing Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Boutros N, Der-Avakian A, Kesby JP, Lee S, Markou A, Semenova S. Effects of adolescent alcohol exposure on stress-induced reward deficits, brain CRF, monoamines and glutamate in adult rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:737-747. [PMID: 29181815 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent alcohol exposure may increase depression vulnerability in adulthood by increasing the anhedonic response to stress. METHODS Male Wistar rats (postnatal days 28-53) were exposed to binge-like adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) or water. In adulthood, rats were exposed to social defeat, consisting of daily confrontations with an aggressive conspecific, followed by testing of brain reward function in a discrete-trial current-intensity intracranial self-stimulation procedure for 10 consecutive days. Neurochemistry and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) mRNA levels were assessed in corticolimbic brain areas on day 11 of social defeat stress. RESULTS Social defeat elevated reward thresholds in both AIE- and water-exposed rats indicating stress-induced anhedonia. However, AIE-exposed rats were more likely to show threshold elevations after repeated stress compared to water-exposed rats. AIE exposure decreased CRF mRNA levels in the nucleus accumbens and increased CRFR1 mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex, while stress increased CRF mRNA levels in the central amygdala. In the caudate putamen, AIE exposure decreased dopamine turnover, while stress increased glutamate and serotonin metabolism and turnover. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate increased risk of repeated stress-induced anhedonia after AIE exposure, an effect that may be due to alterations in brain CRF and dopamine systems. These results suggest that the increased rates of depression reported in people with a history of adolescent alcohol exposure may be related to alterations in brain reward and stress systems that may contribute to increased stress-induced anhedonia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James P Kesby
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Soon Lee
- The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Athina Markou
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Svetlana Semenova
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,PAREXEL International, 1560 E Chevy Chase Dr, Glendale, CA, 91206, USA.
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17
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Prater CM, Garcia C, McGuire LP, Carr JA. Tectal corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons respond to fasting and a reactive stressor in the African Clawed Frog, Xenopus laevis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 258:91-98. [PMID: 28774755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that hypothalamic neurons producing the peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) play a key role in stress adaptation, including reduction of food intake when a threat or stressor is present. We have previously reported on the presence of an intrinsic CRF signaling system within the optic tectum (OT), a brain area that plays a key role in visually guided prey capture/predator avoidance decisions. To better understand the potential role of tectal CRF neurons in regulating adaptive behavior and energy balance during stress we examined evidence for modulation of tectal CRF neuronal activity after stressor exposure and food deprivation in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. We tested two predictions, 1) that exposure to categorically distinct stressors (ether vapors and shaking) will reduce food intake and modulate the activity of tectal CRF cells, and 2) that food deprivation will modulate the activity of tectal CRF cells. Exposure to ether increased tectal content of CRF and CRF transcript, but lowed CRFR1 transcript abundance. Two weeks of food deprivation reduced total fat stores in frogs and decreased tectal content of CRF content while having no effect on CRF and CRFR1 transcript abundance. Our data are consistent with a role for tectal CRF neurons in modulating food intake in response to certain stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Garcia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, United States
| | - Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, United States
| | - James A Carr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, United States.
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18
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Ronan PJ, Strait SA, Palmer GM, Beresford TP. Central Administration of Cyclosporine A Decreases Ethanol Drinking. Alcohol Alcohol 2018; 53:193-199. [PMID: 29281037 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agx102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Abstinence among alcohol dependent liver graft recipients is remarkably high. The routine use of anti-immune agents in these patients led to rodent studies showing that immunosuppressants acting through inhibition of calcineurin (CLN) are highly effective in decreasing alcohol consumption. It remained unclear, however, whether the decreased alcohol consumption in rodent models is mediated through peripheral suppression of immune response or centrally through direct inhibition of cyclophilin-CLN in the brain. We tested the hypothesis that direct brain inhibition of CLN with intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of the immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CsA) is sufficient to decrease ethanol consumption in a rodent model of binge-like drinking. Methods Male C57BL/6NHsd mice were put through a modified 'drinking in the dark' (DID) paradigm. Effects of both peripheral (IP) and central (ICV) injections of CsA on ethanol consumption were assessed. Results Here, as in earlier work, IP CsA administration significantly decreased alcohol consumption. Supporting our hypothesis, central administration of CsA was sufficient to decrease alcohol consumption in a dose-dependent manner. There was no significant effect of CsA on water or sucrose consumption. Conclusions These results clearly implicate a CLN-mediated mechanism in brain in the inhibitory effects of CsA on ethanol consumption and provide novel targets for investigation of treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). These results also add to the growing body of literature implicating neuroimmune mechanisms in the etiology, pathophysiology and behaviors driving AUD. Short Summary The unusually high abstinence rate and routine use of immunosuppressants in AUD liver graft recipients led us to rodent studies showing that immunosuppressants acting through inhibition of calcineurin (CLN) are highly effective in decreasing drinking. Here we demonstrate that this effect is mediated by brain rather than peripheral immune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Ronan
- Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Research in Psychiatry, Research Service and Psychiatry, Denver VA Medical Center, 1050 Clermont Street, Denver, CO 80220-0116, USA.,Sioux Falls VA Research Service, 2501 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford USD School of Medicine, MC151, 2501 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
| | - Sydney A Strait
- Sioux Falls VA Research Service, 2501 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
| | - Geralyn M Palmer
- Sioux Falls VA Research Service, 2501 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
| | - Thomas P Beresford
- Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Research in Psychiatry, Research Service and Psychiatry, Denver VA Medical Center, 1050 Clermont Street, Denver, CO 80220-0116, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Behavior of Rats in an Open Field Test as a Prognostic Indicator of Corticosterone Levels Before and After Stress. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-017-0421-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Social stress during lactation, depressed maternal care, and neuropeptidergic gene expression. Behav Pharmacol 2016; 26:642-53. [PMID: 26061353 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety can be severely detrimental to the health of both the affected woman and her offspring. In a rodent model of postpartum depression and anxiety, chronic social stress exposure during lactation induces deficits in maternal care and increases anxiety. Here, we extend previous findings by expanding the behavioral analyses, assessing lactation, and examining several neural systems within amygdalar and hypothalamic regions involved in the control of the stress response and expression of maternal care that may be mediating the behavioral changes in stressed dams. Compared with control dams, those exposed to chronic social stress beginning on day 2 of lactation show impaired maternal care and lactation and increased maternal anxiety on day 9 of lactation. Saccharin-based anhedonia and maternal aggression were increased and lactation was also impaired on day 16 of lactation. These behavioral changes were correlated with a decrease in oxytocin mRNA expression in the medial amygdala, and increases in the expressions of corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA in the central nucleus of the amygdala, glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus, and orexin 2 receptor mRNA in the supraoptic nucleus of stressed compared with control dams. The increase in glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus was negatively correlated with methylation of a CpG site in the promoter region. In conclusion, the data support the hypothesis that social stress during lactation can have profound effects on maternal care, lactation, and anxiety, and that these behavioral effects are mediated by central changes in stress and maternally relevant neuropeptide systems.
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Early life adversity and serotonin transporter gene variation interact to affect DNA methylation of the corticotropin-releasing factor gene promoter region in the adult rat brain. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 27:123-35. [PMID: 25640835 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579414001345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between childhood maltreatment and the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene linked polymorphic region has been associated with increased risk to develop major depression. This Gene × Environment interaction has furthermore been linked with increased levels of anxiety and glucocorticoid release upon exposure to stress. Both endophenotypes are regulated by the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or hormone, which is expressed by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the central amygdala (CeA). Therefore, we hypothesized that altered regulation of the expression of CRF in these areas represents a major neurobiological mechanism underlying the interaction of early life stress and 5-HTT gene variation. The programming of gene transcription by Gene × Environment interactions has been proposed to involve epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. In this study, we report that early life stress and 5-HTT genotype interact to affect DNA methylation of the Crf gene promoter in the CeA of adult male rats. Furthermore, we found that DNA methylation of a specific site in the Crf promoter significantly correlated with CRF mRNA levels in the CeA. Moreover, CeA CRF mRNA levels correlated with stress coping behavior in a learned helplessness paradigm. Together, our findings warrant further investigation of the link of Crf promoter methylation and CRF expression in the CeA with behavioral changes that are relevant for psychopathology.
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Molecular Mechanisms of Cannabis Signaling in the Brain. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 137:123-47. [PMID: 26810000 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis has been cultivated and used by humans for thousands of years. Research for decades was focused on understanding the mechanisms of an illegal/addictive drug. This led to the discovery of the vast endocannabinoid system. Research has now shifted to understanding fundamental biological questions related to one of the most widespread signaling systems in both the brain and the body. Our understanding of cannabinoid signaling has advanced significantly in the last two decades. In this review, we discuss the state of knowledge on mechanisms of Cannabis signaling in the brain and the modulation of key brain neurotransmitter systems involved in both brain reward/addiction and psychiatric disorders. It is highly probable that various cannabinoids will be found to be efficacious in the treatment of a number of psychiatric disorders. However, while there is clearly much potential, marijuana has not been properly vetted by the medical-scientific evaluation process and there are clearly a range of potentially adverse side-effects-including addiction. We are at crossroads for research on endocannabinoid function and therapeutics (including the use of exogenous treatments such as Cannabis). With over 100 cannabinoid constituents, the majority of which have not been studied, there is much Cannabis research yet to be done. With more states legalizing both the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana the rigorous scientific investigation into cannabinoid signaling is imperative.
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Gafford GM, Ressler KJ. GABA and NMDA receptors in CRF neurons have opposing effects in fear acquisition and anxiety in central amygdala vs. bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Horm Behav 2015; 76:136-42. [PMID: 25888455 PMCID: PMC4844457 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "SBN 2014". Beginning with Vale and Colleagues in 1981, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) also called corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) has repeatedly been identified as an important contributor to fear and anxiety behavior. These findings have proven useful to further our understanding of disorders that have significant fear-dysregulation, such as post-traumatic stress, as well as other stress- and anxiety-related disorders. Unfortunately, the data are not all in agreement. In particular the role of CRF in fear learning is controversial, with studies pointing to contradictory effects from CRF manipulation even within the same brain structure. Further, very few studies address the potentially promising role of CRF manipulation in fear extinction behavior. Here, we briefly review the role of CRF in anxiety, fear learning and extinction, focusing on recent cell-type and neurotransmitter-specific studies in the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) that may help to synthesize the available data on the role of CRF in fear and anxiety-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgette M Gafford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Browning KN, Travagli RA. Central nervous system control of gastrointestinal motility and secretion and modulation of gastrointestinal functions. Compr Physiol 2015; 4:1339-68. [PMID: 25428846 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c130055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the gastrointestinal (GI) tract possesses intrinsic neural plexuses that allow a significant degree of autonomy over GI functions, the central nervous system (CNS) provides extrinsic neural inputs that regulate, modulate, and control these functions. While the intestines are capable of functioning in the absence of extrinsic inputs, the stomach and esophagus are much more dependent upon extrinsic neural inputs, particularly from parasympathetic and sympathetic pathways. The sympathetic nervous system exerts a predominantly inhibitory effect upon GI muscle and provides a tonic inhibitory influence over mucosal secretion while, at the same time, regulates GI blood flow via neurally mediated vasoconstriction. The parasympathetic nervous system, in contrast, exerts both excitatory and inhibitory control over gastric and intestinal tone and motility. Although GI functions are controlled by the autonomic nervous system and occur, by and large, independently of conscious perception, it is clear that the higher CNS centers influence homeostatic control as well as cognitive and behavioral functions. This review will describe the basic neural circuitry of extrinsic inputs to the GI tract as well as the major CNS nuclei that innervate and modulate the activity of these pathways. The role of CNS-centered reflexes in the regulation of GI functions will be discussed as will modulation of these reflexes under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Finally, future directions within the field will be discussed in terms of important questions that remain to be resolved and advances in technology that may help provide these answers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsteen N Browning
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Carr JA, Lovejoy DA. Energy metabolism and behavior in the corticotropin-releasing factor family of peptides. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:122. [PMID: 25918498 PMCID: PMC4394690 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James A Carr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - David A Lovejoy
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
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