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Kotah JM, Kater MSJ, Brosens N, Lesuis SL, Tandari R, Blok TM, Marchetto L, Yusaf E, Koopmans FTW, Smit AB, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ, Verheijen MHG, Korosi A. Early-life stress and amyloidosis in mice share pathogenic pathways involving synaptic mitochondria and lipid metabolism. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1637-1655. [PMID: 38055782 PMCID: PMC10984508 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early-life stress (ES) increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We and others have shown that ES aggravates amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology and promotes cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. METHODS We studied how ES affects the hippocampal synaptic proteome in wild-type (WT) and APP/PS1 mice at early and late pathological stages, and validated hits using electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. RESULTS The hippocampal synaptosomes of both ES-exposed WT and early-stage APP/PS1 mice showed a relative decrease in actin dynamics-related proteins and a relative increase in mitochondrial proteins. ES had minimal effects on older WT mice, while strongly affecting the synaptic proteome of advanced stage APP/PS1 mice, particularly the expression of astrocytic and mitochondrial proteins. DISCUSSION Our data show that ES and amyloidosis share pathogenic pathways involving synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid metabolism, which may underlie the observed impact of ES on the trajectory of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janssen M. Kotah
- Brain Plasticity GroupSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences – Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Mandy S. J. Kater
- Department of Molecular and Cellular NeurobiologyCenter for Neurogenomics and Cognitive ResearchAmsterdam NeuroscienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Niek Brosens
- Brain Plasticity GroupSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences – Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Sylvie L. Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity GroupSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences – Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Roberta Tandari
- Brain Plasticity GroupSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences – Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Thomas M. Blok
- Department of Molecular and Cellular NeurobiologyCenter for Neurogenomics and Cognitive ResearchAmsterdam NeuroscienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Luca Marchetto
- Brain Plasticity GroupSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences – Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ella Yusaf
- Brain Plasticity GroupSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences – Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Frank T. W. Koopmans
- Department of Molecular and Cellular NeurobiologyCenter for Neurogenomics and Cognitive ResearchAmsterdam NeuroscienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular NeurobiologyCenter for Neurogenomics and Cognitive ResearchAmsterdam NeuroscienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity GroupSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences – Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Brain Plasticity GroupSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences – Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Mark H. G. Verheijen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular NeurobiologyCenter for Neurogenomics and Cognitive ResearchAmsterdam NeuroscienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Brain Plasticity GroupSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences – Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Brosens N, Simon C, Kessels HW, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early life stress lastingly alters the function and AMPA-receptor composition of glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus of male mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13346. [PMID: 37901923 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Early postnatal life is a sensitive period of development that shapes brain structure and function later in life. Exposure to stress during this critical time window can alter brain development and may enhance the susceptibility to psychopathology and neurodegenerative disorders later in life. The developmental effects of early life stress (ELS) on synaptic function are not fully understood, but could provide mechanistic insights into how ELS modifies later brain function and disease risk. We here assessed the effects of ELS on synaptic function and composition in the hippocampus of male mice. Mice were subjected to ELS by housing dams and pups with limited bedding and nesting material from postnatal days (P) 2-9. Synaptic strength was measured in terms of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus at three different developmental stages: the early postnatal phase (P9), preadolescence (P21, at weaning) and adulthood at 3 months of age (3MO). Hippocampal synaptosome fractions were isolated from P9 and 3MO tissue and analyzed for protein content to assess postsynaptic composition. Finally, dendritic spine density was assessed in the DG at 3MO. At P9, ELS increased mEPSC frequency and amplitude. In parallel, synaptic composition was altered as PSD-95, GluA3 and GluN2B content were significantly decreased. The increased mEPSC frequency was sustained up to 3MO, at which age, GluA3 content was significantly increased. No differences were found in dendritic spine density. These findings highlight how ELS affects the development of hippocampal synapses, which could provide valuable insight into mechanisms how ELS alters brain function later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niek Brosens
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Simon
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paul J Lucassen
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Brosens N, Lesuis SL, Rao-Ruiz P, van den Oever MC, Krugers HJ. Shaping Memories Via Stress: A Synaptic Engram Perspective. Biol Psychiatry 2023:S0006-3223(23)01720-1. [PMID: 37977215 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Stress modulates the activity of various memory systems and can thereby guide behavioral interaction with the environment in an adaptive or maladaptive manner. At the cellular level, a large body of evidence indicates that (nor)adrenaline and glucocorticoid release induced by acute stress exposure affects synapse function and synaptic plasticity, which are critical substrates for learning and memory. Recent evidence suggests that memories are supported in the brain by sparsely distributed neurons within networks, termed engram cell ensembles. While the physiological and molecular effects of stress on the synapse are increasingly well characterized, how these synaptic modifications shape the multiscale dynamics of engram cell ensembles is still poorly understood. In this review, we discuss and integrate recent information on how acute stress affects synapse function and how this may alter engram cell ensembles and their synaptic connectivity to shape memory strength and memory precision. We provide a mechanistic framework of a synaptic engram under stress and put forward outstanding questions that address knowledge gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie stress-induced memory modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niek Brosens
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cellular and Cognitive Neuroscience group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Priyanka Rao-Ruiz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michel C van den Oever
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Brinkhof LP, Murre JMJ, de Wit S, Krugers HJ, Ridderinkhof KR. Changes in perceived ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic: impact on quality of life and mental well-being among Dutch adults aged 55 and older. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:2490-2498. [PMID: 37116186 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2205832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic brought ageism to the forefront of public discourse. Negative ageism incurs more negative self-perceptions of aging, which affects physical and mental functioning. Whether negative ageism as perceived and experienced by older adults has worsened as the pandemic lingered, and how such changes impact quality of life (QoL) and mental well-being (MWB), remain urgent questions.Method: In a sample of adults aged 55 or older (n = 500), we aimed to address this by administering the Perceived Ageism Questionnaire twice during the pandemic (T1: between October 2020 and May 2021; T2: on average 45 wk after T1).Results: Higher levels of perceived negative ageism were associated with lower QoL and MWB, at least partially through its unfavorable effects on self-perceptions of aging, even after controlling for ageism experiences in the preceding year (at T2, corrected for T1). Furthermore, we found that perceived negative ageism increased from T1 to T2, which had negative implications for QoL/MWB. Opposite effects were found for perceived positive ageism, although less consistently.Conclusion: These patterns reveal that ageism as perceived and experienced by adults of 55 or older became stronger and more negative throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which had detrimental implications for individuals' QoL and MWB. These disconcerting findings emphasize the importance of combatting negative ageism in our society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte P Brinkhof
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J M J Murre
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - S de Wit
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - H J Krugers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - K R Ridderinkhof
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Brinkhof LP, Huth KBS, Murre JMJ, de Wit S, Krugers HJ, Ridderinkhof KR. Corrigendum: The interplay between quality of life and resilience factors in later life: a network analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1264753. [PMID: 37614492 PMCID: PMC10443218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1264753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.752564.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte P. Brinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karoline B. S. Huth
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap M. J. Murre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Wit
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - K. Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Brinkhof LP, Ridderinkhof KR, Murre JMJ, Krugers HJ, de Wit S. Improving goal striving and resilience in older adults through a personalized metacognitive self-help intervention: a protocol paper. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:223. [PMID: 37542308 PMCID: PMC10403928 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01259-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful aging is often linked to individual's ability to demonstrate resilience: the maintenance or quick recovery of functional ability, well-being, and quality of life despite losses or adversity. A crucial element of resilience is behavioral adaptability, which refers to the adaptive changes in behavior in accordance with internal or external demands. Age-related degradation of executive functions can, however, lead to volition problems that compromise flexible adjustment of behavior. In contrast, the reliance on habitual control has been shown to remain relatively intact in later life and may therefore provide an expedient route to goal attainment among older adults. In the current study, we examine whether a metacognitive self-help intervention (MCSI), aimed at facilitating goal striving through the gradual automatization of efficient routines, could effectively support behavioral adaptability in favor of resilience among older adults with and without (sub-clinical) mental health problems. METHODS This metacognitive strategy draws on principles from health and social psychology, as well as clinical psychology, and incorporates elements of established behavioral change and activation techniques from both fields. Additionally, the intervention will be tailored to personal needs and challenges, recognizing the significant diversity that exist among aging individuals. DISCUSSION Despite some challenges that may limit the generalizability of the results, our MCSI program offers a promising means to empower older adults with tools and strategies to take control of their goals and challenges. This can promote autonomy and independent functioning, and thereby contribute to adaptability and resilience in later life. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pre-registered, partly retrospectively. This study was pre-registered before the major part of the data was collected, created, and realized. Only a small part of the data of some participants (comprising the baseline and other pre-intervention measures), and the full dataset of the first few participants, was collected prior to registration, but it was not accessed yet. See: https://osf.io/5b9xz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte P Brinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - K Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J Murre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Wit
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Brosens N, Lesuis SL, Bassie I, Reyes L, Gajadien P, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Elevated corticosterone after fear learning impairs remote auditory memory retrieval and alters brain network connectivity. Learn Mem 2023; 30:125-132. [PMID: 37487708 PMCID: PMC10519398 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053836.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are potent memory modulators that can modify behavior in an adaptive or maladaptive manner. Elevated glucocorticoid levels after learning promote memory consolidation at recent time points, but their effects on remote time points are not well established. Here we set out to assess whether corticosterone (CORT) given after learning modifies remote fear memory. To that end, mice were exposed to a mild auditory fear conditioning paradigm followed by a single 2 mg/kg CORT injection, and after 28 d, auditory memory was assessed. Neuronal activation was investigated using immunohistochemistry for the immediate early gene c-Fos, and coactivation of brain regions was determined using a correlation matrix analysis. CORT-treated mice displayed significantly less remote auditory memory retrieval. While the net activity of studied brain regions was similar compared with the control condition, CORT-induced remote memory impairment was associated with altered correlated activity between brain regions. Specifically, connectivity of the lateral amygdala with the basal amygdala and the dorsal dentate gyrus was significantly reduced in CORT-treated mice, suggesting disrupted network connectivity that may underlie diminished remote memory retrieval. Elucidating the pathways underlying these effects could help provide mechanistic insight into the effects of stress on memory and possibly provide therapeutic targets for psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niek Brosens
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvie L Lesuis
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Ilse Bassie
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Lara Reyes
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Priya Gajadien
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)-Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CNS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
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Brinkhof LP, Ridderinkhof KR, Krugers HJ, Murre JMJ, de Wit S. Assessing the degree of urbanisation using a single-item self-report measure: a validation study. Int J Environ Health Res 2023; 33:508-517. [PMID: 35180828 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2036331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The differential impact of rural versus urban residence on mental health remains a controversial topic that requires more in-depth investigations. This calls for a valid and easy measure to assess the degree of urbanisation. The purpose of the present study was to determine the utility of a single-item self-report measure (SIDU) as a tool to classify areas along the rural-urban continuum. The validity of the SIDU was assessed by comparing its scores (1-7) to a commonly used objective surrogate measure of the degree of urbanisation (i.e. surrounding address density, SAD) in two independent older adult samples (A: N = 36, 65+; B: N = 121, 55+). SIDU scores approximated SAD scores, with r = .77 to 0.82, (A), and r = .79 to 0.83 (B). A SIDU threshold score of 6 most accurately distinguished extremely urbanised areas from other areas. Altogether, our findings suggest that SIDU scores could be used as proxy of SAD. Since self-report leaves room for the consideration of additional aspects that confer an urban settlement, this single-item scale may be even more comprehensive, and circumvents the collection and handling of highly sensitive location data when the primary goal is solely to distinguish urbanisation subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte P Brinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - K Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J Murre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Wit
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Brosens N, Samouil D, Stolker S, Katsika EV, Weggen S, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early Life Stress Enhances Cognitive Decline and Alters Synapse Function and Interneuron Numbers in Young Male APP/PS1 Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1097-1113. [PMID: 37980670 PMCID: PMC10741326 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to stress early in life increases the susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in aged AD mouse models. So far, the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. OBJECTIVE To investigate 1) effects of early life stress (ELS) on early functional signs that precede the advanced neuropathological changes, and 2) correlate synaptosomal protein content with cognition to identify neural correlates of AD. METHODS APPswe/PS1dE9 mice and littermates were subjected to ELS by housing dams and pups with limited bedding and nesting material from postnatal days 2-9. At 3 months of age, an age where no cognitive loss or amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology is typically reported in this model, we assessed hippocampal Aβ pathology, synaptic strength and synapse composition and interneuron populations. Moreover, cognitive flexibility was assessed and correlated with synaptosomal protein content. RESULTS While ELS did not affect Aβ pathology, it increased synaptic strength and decreased the number of calretinin+ interneurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Both genotype and condition further affected the level of postsynaptic glutamatergic protein content. Finally, APP/PS1 mice were significantly impaired in cognitive flexibility at 3 months of age, and ELS exacerbated this impairment, but only at relatively high learning criteria. CONCLUSIONS ELS reduced cognitive flexibility in young APP/PS1 mice and altered markers for synapse and network function. These findings at an early disease stage provide novel insights in AD etiology and in how ELS could increase AD susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niek Brosens
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dimitris Samouil
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Stolker
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sascha Weggen
- Department of Neuropathology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Buurstede JC, Umeoka EHL, da Silva MS, Krugers HJ, Joëls M, Meijer OC. Application of a pharmacological transcriptome filter identifies a shortlist of mouse glucocorticoid receptor target genes associated with memory consolidation. Neuropharmacology 2022; 216:109186. [PMID: 35835211 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids regulate memory consolidation, facilitating long-term storage of relevant information to adequately respond to future stressors in similar conditions. This effect of glucocorticoids is well-established and is observed in multiple types of behaviour that depend on various brain regions. By and large, higher glucocorticoid levels strengthen event-related memory, while inhibition of glucocorticoid signalling impairs consolidation. The mechanism underlying this glucocorticoid effect remains unclear, but it likely involves the transcriptional effects of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We here used a powerful paradigm to investigate the transcriptional effects of GR in the dorsal hippocampus of mice after training in an auditory fear conditioning task, aiming to identify a shortlist of GR target genes associated to memory consolidation. Therefore, we utilized in an explorative study the properties of selective GR modulators (CORT108297 and CORT118335), alongside the endogenous agonist corticosterone and the classical GR antagonist RU486, to pinpoint GR-dependent transcriptional changes. First, we confirmed that glucocorticoids can modulate memory strength via GR activation. Subsequently, by assessing the specific effects of the available GR-ligands on memory strength, we established a pharmacological filter which we imposed on the hippocampal transcriptome data. This identified a manageable shortlist of eight genes by which glucocorticoids may modulate memory consolidation, warranting in-depth follow-up. Overall, we showcase the strength of the concept of pharmacological transcriptome filtering, which can be readily applied to other research topics with an established role of glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobus C Buurstede
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Eduardo H L Umeoka
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Neuroscience and Behavioural Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcia Santos da Silva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Brinkhof LP, de Wit S, Murre JMJ, Krugers HJ, Ridderinkhof KR. The Subjective Experience of Ageism: The Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ). IJERPH 2022; 19:ijerph19148792. [PMID: 35886644 PMCID: PMC9319588 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ageism as perceived by older individuals has been recognized as a potential risk factor for physical and mental health. We aimed to develop a comprehensive scale that can quantify perceived ageism among aging individuals (55+), including both positive and negative stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminations. This effort resulted in an 8-item Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ-8), with good psychometric properties and a two-factor structure distinguishing a positive (3 items) and negative (5 items) subscale (Analysis 1; n = 500). This dimensionality was confirmed in a separate cross-validation sample (Analysis 2; n = 500). The subscales’ correlation patterns with individuals’ self-perceptions of aging and mental health variables (i.e., quality of life, mental well-being, depression, anxiety, loneliness and perceived stress) accorded with theoretical hypotheses and existing knowledge of the concept of ageism. The PAQ-8 can help to gather more standardized data of the level, role and impact of perceived ageism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte P. Brinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.d.W.); (J.M.J.M.); (K.R.R.)
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Sanne de Wit
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.d.W.); (J.M.J.M.); (K.R.R.)
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap M. J. Murre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.d.W.); (J.M.J.M.); (K.R.R.)
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K. Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.d.W.); (J.M.J.M.); (K.R.R.)
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Ridderinkhof KR, Krugers HJ. Horizons in Human Aging Neuroscience: From Normal Neural Aging to Mental (Fr)Agility. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:815759. [PMID: 35845248 PMCID: PMC9277589 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.815759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While aging is an important risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, age-related cognitive decline can also manifest without apparent neurodegenerative changes. In this review, we discuss molecular, cellular, and network changes that occur during normal aging in the absence of neurodegenerative disease. Emerging findings reveal that these changes include metabolic alterations, oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, calcium dyshomeostasis, and several other hallmarks of age-related neural changes that do not act on their own, but are often interconnected and together may underlie age-related alterations in brain plasticity and cognitive function. Importantly, age-related cognitive decline may not be reduced to a single neurobiological cause, but should instead be considered in terms of a densely connected system that underlies age-related cognitive alterations. We speculate that a decline in one hallmark of neural aging may trigger a decline in other, otherwise thus far stable subsystems, thereby triggering a cascade that may at some point also incur a decline of cognitive functions and mental well-being. Beyond studying the effects of these factors in isolation, considerable insight may be gained by studying the larger picture that entails a representative collection of such factors and their interactions, ranging from molecules to neural networks. Finally, we discuss some potential interventions that may help to prevent these alterations, thereby reducing cognitive decline and mental fragility, and enhancing mental well-being, and healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Center for Brain and Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Amsterdam Center for Brain and Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- SILS-CNS, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Brinkhof LP, Ridderinkhof KR, van de Vijver I, Murre JMJ, Krugers HJ, de Wit S. Psychological Coping and Behavioral Adjustment Among Older Adults in Times of COVID-19: Exploring the Protective Role of Working Memory and Habit Propensity. J Adult Dev 2022; 29:240-254. [PMID: 35637691 PMCID: PMC9132676 DOI: 10.1007/s10804-022-09404-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, well-being, and behavior is likely influenced by individual characteristics that determine one’s capacity for resilience. In this exploratory study, we examined whether individual differences in working memory (WM) capacity and habit propensity (HP), measured before the outbreak, could predict variation in subsequent psychological coping efficacy (as operationalized by measures of depression, mental well-being, perceived stress, and loneliness) and behavioral adjustment (by evaluating compliance and self-reported automaticity of four COVID-19 guidelines) among Dutch older adults (n = 36) during the pandemic (measured April 25 to May 6, 2020). While we found elevated levels of depression and emotional loneliness, overall mental well-being, and perceived stress were not affected by the pandemic. Contrary to our expectations, we found no robust evidence for a protective role of WM in predicting these outcomes, although our findings hint at a positive relationship with perceived change in mental well-being. Interestingly, WM and HP were found to affect the self-reported automaticity levels of adherence to behavioral COVID-19 guidelines (i.e., washing hands, physical distancing), where a strong HP appeared beneficial when deliberate resources were less available (e.g., low WM capacity). These novel and preliminary findings offer new potential avenues for investigating individual differences in resilience in times of major life events or challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte P Brinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irene van de Vijver
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J Murre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Wit
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Brinkhof LP, Huth KBS, Murre JMJ, de Wit S, Krugers HJ, Ridderinkhof KR. The Interplay Between Quality of Life and Resilience Factors in Later Life: A Network Analysis. Front Psychol 2021; 12:752564. [PMID: 34867644 PMCID: PMC8634099 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.752564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related challenges and transitions can have considerable social, psychological, and physical consequences that may lead to significant changes in quality of life (QoL). As such, maintaining high levels of QoL in later life may crucially depend on the ability to demonstrate resilience (i.e., successful adaptation to late-life challenges). The current study set out to explore the interplay between several resilience factors, and how these contribute to the realization and maintenance of (different facets of) QoL. Based on the previous work, we identified behavioral coping, positive appraisal, self-management ability, and physical activity as key resilience factors. Their interplay with (various facets of) QoL, as measured with the WHOQOL-OLD, was established through network analysis. In a sample of community-dwelling older adults (55+; N=1,392), we found that QoL was most strongly (and directly) related to positive appraisal style and self-management ability. Among those, taking care of multifunctional resources (i.e., yielding various benefits at the same time) seemed to be crucial. It connected directly to "satisfaction with past, present, and future activities," a key facet of QoL with strong interconnections to other QoL facets. Our analysis also identified resilience factor(s) with the potential to promote QoL when targeted by training, intervention, or other experimental manipulation. The appropriate set of resilience factors to manipulate may depend on the goal and/or facet of QoL that one aims to improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte P. Brinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karoline B. S. Huth
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap M. J. Murre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Wit
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - K. Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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15
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Lesuis SL, Brosens N, Immerzeel N, van der Loo RJ, Mitrić M, Bielefeld P, Fitzsimons CP, Lucassen PJ, Kushner SA, van den Oever MC, Krugers HJ. Glucocorticoids Promote Fear Generalization by Increasing the Size of a Dentate Gyrus Engram Cell Population. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:494-504. [PMID: 34503674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic experiences, such as conditioned threat, are coded as enduring memories that are frequently subject to generalization, which is characterized by (re-) expression of fear in safe environments. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying threat generalization after a traumatic experience and the role of stress hormones in this process remain poorly understood. METHODS We examined the influence of glucocorticoid hormones on the strength and specificity of conditioned fear memory at the level of sparsely distributed dentate gyrus (DG) engram cells in male mice. RESULTS We found that elevating glucocorticoid hormones after fear conditioning induces a generalized contextual fear response. This was accompanied by a selective and persistent increase in the excitability and number of activated DG granule cells. Selective chemogenetic suppression of these sparse cells in the DG prevented glucocorticoid-induced fear generalization and restored contextual memory specificity, while leaving expression of auditory fear memory unaffected. CONCLUSIONS These results implicate the sparse ensemble of DG engram cells as a critical cellular substrate underlying fear generalization induced by glucocorticoid stress hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Niek Brosens
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Immerzeel
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rolinka J van der Loo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Miodrag Mitrić
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Bielefeld
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michel C van den Oever
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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16
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Philippens IHCHM, Draaisma L, Baarends G, Krugers HJ, Vermetten E. Ketamine treatment upon memory retrieval reduces fear memory in marmoset monkeys. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 50:1-11. [PMID: 33915317 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Emotionally arousing experiences are retained very well as seen in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Various lines of evidence indicate that reactivation of these memories renders them labile which offers a potential time-window for intervention. We tested in non-human primates whether ketamine, administered during fear memory reactivation, affected passive (inhibitory) avoidance learning. For the consolidation of contextual emotional memory, the unescapable foot-shock paradigm in a passive avoidance task with two compartments (dark vs illuminated) was used. After entering the dark compartment, marmoset monkeys received four random foot-shocks (1 mA, 4 s) within 15-min. This stressful exposure increased the saliva cortisol and heart rate and impaired REM-sleep (p<0.05). One week later the monkeys were re-exposed to the stressful situation for the reconsolidation of the fearful experience. During the re-exposure the monkeys were treated with ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or saline. In week 3, the monkeys were placed in the experimental setting to test their memory for the fearful experience. In contrast to the vehicle-treated monkeys, who avoided the dark compartment, the ketamine-treated monkeys entered the dark compartment that was previously associated with the fearful experience (p<0.05). Post-mortem analysis of the hippocampus showed that ketamine-treated animals exhibited less doublecortin positive neurons and BrdU-labeled cells in the dentate gyrus. This study reveals that a single low dose of ketamine, administered upon fear retrieval in monkeys, reduce contextual fear memory and attenuate neurogenesis in the hippocampus. These are important findings for considering ketamine as a potential candidate to target traumatic memories in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid H C H M Philippens
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Animal Science Department, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, the Netherlands.
| | - Laurijn Draaisma
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Animal Science Department, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Guus Baarends
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Animal Science Department, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Diemen, the Netherlands
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17
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Sanguino‐Gómez J, Buurstede JC, Abiega O, Fitzsimons CP, Lucassen PJ, Eggen BJL, Lesuis SL, Meijer OC, Krugers HJ. An emerging role for microglia in stress‐effects on memory. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2491-2518. [PMID: 33724565 PMCID: PMC9373920 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stressful experiences evoke, among others, a rapid increase in brain (nor)epinephrine (NE) levels and a slower increase in glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) in the brain. Microglia are key regulators of neuronal function and contain receptors for NE and GCs. These brain cells may therefore potentially be involved in modulating stress effects on neuronal function and learning and memory. In this review, we discuss that stress induces (1) an increase in microglial numbers as well as (2) a shift toward a pro‐inflammatory profile. These microglia have (3) impaired crosstalk with neurons and (4) disrupted glutamate signaling. Moreover, microglial immune responses after stress (5) alter the kynurenine pathway through metabolites that impair glutamatergic transmission. All these effects could be involved in the impairments in memory and in synaptic plasticity caused by (prolonged) stress, implicating microglia as a potential novel target in stress‐related memory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacobus C. Buurstede
- Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Oihane Abiega
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Carlos P. Fitzsimons
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Bart J. L. Eggen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems Section Molecular Neurobiology University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Sylvie L. Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health Hospital for Sick Children Toronto ON Canada
| | - Onno C. Meijer
- Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group SILS‐CNS University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
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18
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Genzel L, Adan R, Berns A, van den Beucken JJJP, Blokland A, Boddeke EHWGM, Bogers WM, Bontrop R, Bulthuis R, Bousema T, Clevers H, Coenen TCJJ, van Dam AM, Deen PMT, van Dijk KW, Eggen BJL, Elgersma Y, Erdogan I, Englitz B, Fentener van Vlissingen JM, la Fleur S, Fouchier R, Fitzsimons CP, Frieling W, Haagmans B, Heesters BA, Henckens MJAG, Herfst S, Hol E, van den Hove D, de Jonge MI, Jonkers J, Joosten LAB, Kalsbeek A, Kamermans M, Kampinga HH, Kas MJ, Keijer J, Kersten S, Kiliaan AJ, Kooij TWA, Kooijman S, Koopman WJH, Korosi A, Krugers HJ, Kuiken T, Kushner SA, Langermans JAM, Lesscher HMB, Lucassen PJ, Lutgens E, Netea MG, Noldus LPJJ, van der Meer JWM, Meye FJ, Mul JD, van Oers K, Olivier JDA, Pasterkamp RJ, Philippens IHCHM, Prickaerts J, Pollux BJA, Rensen PCN, van Rheenen J, van Rij RP, Ritsma L, Rockx BHG, Roozendaal B, van Schothorst EM, Stittelaar K, Stockhofe N, Swaab DF, de Swart RL, Vanderschuren LJMJ, de Vries TJ, de Vrij F, van Wezel R, Wierenga CJ, Wiesmann M, Willuhn I, de Zeeuw CI, Homberg JR. How the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the necessity of animal research. Curr Biol 2020; 30:4328. [PMID: 33142090 PMCID: PMC7605800 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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19
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Genzel L, Adan R, Berns A, van den Beucken JJJP, Blokland A, Boddeke EHWGM, Bogers WM, Bontrop R, Bulthuis R, Bousema T, Clevers H, Coenen TCJJ, van Dam AM, Deen PMT, van Dijk KW, Eggen BJL, Elgersma Y, Erdogan I, Englitz B, Fentener van Vlissingen JM, la Fleur S, Fouchier R, Fitzsimons CP, Frieling W, Haagmans B, Heesters BA, Henckens MJAG, Herfst S, Hol E, van den Hove D, de Jonge MI, Jonkers J, Joosten LAB, Kalsbeek A, Kamermans M, Kampinga HH, Kas MJ, Keijer JA, Kersten S, Kiliaan AJ, Kooij TWA, Kooijman S, Koopman WJH, Korosi A, Krugers HJ, Kuiken T, Kushner SA, Langermans JAM, Lesscher HMB, Lucassen PJ, Lutgens E, Netea MG, Noldus LPJJ, van der Meer JWM, Meye FJ, Mul JD, van Oers K, Olivier JDA, Pasterkamp RJ, Philippens IHCHM, Prickaerts J, Pollux BJA, Rensen PCN, van Rheenen J, van Rij RP, Ritsma L, Rockx BHG, Roozendaal B, van Schothorst EM, Stittelaar K, Stockhofe N, Swaab DF, de Swart RL, Vanderschuren LJMJ, de Vries TJ, de Vrij F, van Wezel R, Wierenga CJ, Wiesmann M, Willuhn I, de Zeeuw CI, Homberg JR. How the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the necessity of animal research. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R1014-R1018. [PMID: 32961149 PMCID: PMC7416712 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a petition was offered to the European Commission calling for an immediate ban on animal testing. Although a Europe-wide moratorium on the use of animals in science is not yet possible, there has been a push by the non-scientific community and politicians for a rapid transition to animal-free innovations. Although there are benefits for both animal welfare and researchers, advances on alternative methods have not progressed enough to be able to replace animal research in the foreseeable future. This trend has led first and foremost to a substantial increase in the administrative burden and hurdles required to make timely advances in research and treatments for human and animal diseases. The current COVID-19 pandemic clearly highlights how much we actually rely on animal research. COVID-19 affects several organs and systems, and the various animal-free alternatives currently available do not come close to this complexity. In this Essay, we therefore argue that the use of animals is essential for the advancement of human and veterinary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Genzel
- Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Roger Adan
- University Medical Center, Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Berns
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan Blokland
- Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H W G M Boddeke
- University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willy M Bogers
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Bontrop
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - R Bulthuis
- Metris BV, 2132 NG Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Teun Bousema
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- University Medical Center, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anne-Marie van Dam
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - K W van Dijk
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J L Eggen
- University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Izel Erdogan
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Susanne la Fleur
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Fouchier
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bart Haagmans
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Balthasar A Heesters
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sander Herfst
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elly Hol
- University Medical Center, Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marien I de Jonge
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Jonkers
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andries Kalsbeek
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm H Kampinga
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martien J Kas
- University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Aap Keijer
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kersten
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda J Kiliaan
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Taco W A Kooij
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kooijman
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Aniko Korosi
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A M Langermans
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands; Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paul J Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Frank J Meye
- University Medical Center, Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joram D Mul
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kees van Oers
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute of Ecology(NIOO-KNAW), 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- University Medical Center, Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jos Prickaerts
- Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B J A Pollux
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ronald P van Rij
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laila Ritsma
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Barry H G Rockx
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - K Stittelaar
- Viroclinics Xplore, 5374 RE Schaijk, The Netherlands
| | - Norbert Stockhofe
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rik L de Swart
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Taco J de Vries
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke de Vrij
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Ingo Willuhn
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris I de Zeeuw
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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20
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Lesuis SL, Timmermans W, Lucassen PJ, Hoogenraad CC, Krugers HJ. Glucocorticoid and β-adrenergic regulation of hippocampal dendritic spines. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12811. [PMID: 31715030 PMCID: PMC7003927 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones are particularly potent with respect to enhancing memory formation. Notably, this occurs in close synergy with arousal (i.e., when norepinephrine levels are enhanced). In the present study, we examined whether glucocorticoid and norepinephrine hormones regulate the number of spines in hippocampal primary neurons. We report that brief administration of corticosterone or the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol alone increases spine number. This effect becomes particularly prominent when corticosterone and isoproterenol are administered together. In parallel, corticosterone and isoproterenol alone increased the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, an effect that is not amplified when both hormones are administered together. The effects of co-application of corticosterone and isoproterenol on spines could be prevented by blocking the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486. Taken together, both corticosterone and β-adrenergic receptor activation increase spine number, and they exert additive effects on spine number for which activation of glucocorticoid receptors is permissive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L. Lesuis
- SILS‐CNSUniversiteit van AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Neurosciences and Mental HealthHospital for Sick Children Research InstituteUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | | | | | - Casper C. Hoogenraad
- Cell BiologyDepartment of BiologyFaculty of ScienceUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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21
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Lesuis SL, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early life stress amplifies fear responses and hippocampal synaptic potentiation in the APPswe/PS1dE9 Alzheimer mouse model. Neuroscience 2019; 454:151-161. [PMID: 31302265 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits and alterations in emotional behaviour are typical features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, exposure to stress or adversity during the early life period has been associated with an acceleration of cognitive deficits and increased AD pathology in transgenic AD mouse models. Whether and how early life adversity affects fear memory in AD mice remains elusive. We therefore investigated whether exposure to early life stress (ELS) alters fear learning in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, a classic mouse model for AD, and whether this is accompanied by alterations in hippocampal synaptic potentiation, an important cellular substrate for learning and memory. Transgenic APPswe/PS1dE9 mice were subjected to ELS by housing the dams and her pups with limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal days 2-9. Following a fear conditioning paradigm, 12-month-old ELS-exposed APPswe/PS1dE9 mice displayed enhanced contextual freezing behaviour, both in the conditioning context and in a novel context. ELS-exposed APPswe/PS1dE9 mice also displayed enhanced hippocampal synaptic potentiation, even in the presence of the GluN2B antagonist Ro25-6981 (which prevented synaptic potentiation in control mice). No differences in the level of PSD-95 or synaptophysin were observed between the groups. We conclude that in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, ELS increases fear memory in the conditioning context as well as a novel context, which is accompanied by aberrant hippocampal synaptic potentiation. These results may help to understand how individual differences in the vulnerability to develop AD arise and emphasise the importance of the early postnatal time window in these differences. This article is part of Special Issue entitled: Lifestyle and Brain Metaplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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22
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Lesuis SL, Kaplick PM, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Treatment with the glutamate modulator riluzole prevents early life stress-induced cognitive deficits and impairments in synaptic plasticity in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 150:175-183. [PMID: 30794835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental factors like stress affect age-related cognitive deficits and promote Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related pathology in mice. Excess glutamate has been proposed as a possible mediator underlying these effects in the hippocampus, a vulnerable brain region implicated in learning and memory. METHODS Here, we examined a) whether stress applied during a sensitive developmental period early in life affects later synaptic plasticity, learning and memory and plaque load in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model for Alzheimer's disease and b) whether these effects could be rescued using long-term treatment with the glutamate modulator riluzole. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that ELS impairs synaptic plasticity in 6-month-old mice and increases plaque load in 12-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, while impairing flexible spatial learning in the Barnes maze at this age. Notably, spatial learning correlated well with hippocampal expression of the transporter EAAT2, which is important for extracellular glutamate uptake. The changes in LTP, plaque load and cognition after ELS were all prevented by riluzole treatment that started from post-weaning. CONCLUSION These results suggest that normalising glutamate signalling may be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating vulnerable individuals at risk of developing stress-aggravated AD, particularly in relation to adverse early life experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Paul M Kaplick
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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23
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Lesuis SL, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early life stress impairs fear memory and synaptic plasticity; a potential role for GluN2B. Neuropharmacology 2019; 149:195-203. [PMID: 30641077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Programming of the brain by early life stress has been associated with alterations in structure and function of the dorsal hippocampus. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. In this study, we examined the effects of early life stress (ELS) - by housing mouse dams with limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal days 2-9 and examined in 6 month old offspring; 1) auditory fear conditioning, 2) expression of the hippocampal N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) subunits 2A and 2B (GluN2A, GluN2B), and expression of PSD-95 and synaptophysin, and 3) short- and long-term (LTP) synaptic plasticity. Given its critical role in NMDA receptor function and synaptic plasticity, we further examined the role of GluN2B in effects of ELS on synaptic plasticity and fear memory formation. We demonstrate that ELS impaired fear memory in 6 month old mice and decreased hippocampal LTP as well as the paired-pulse ratio (PPR). ELS also reduced hippocampal GluN2B expression. Interestingly, pharmacological blockade of GluN2B with the selective antagonist Ro25 6981 was less effective to reduce synaptic plasticity in ELS mice, and was also ineffective to impair memory retrieval in ELS mice. These studies suggest that ELS reduces hippocampal synaptic plasticity and fear memory formation and hampers GluN2B receptor function. As such, GluN2B may provide an important target for future strategies to prevent lasting ELS effects on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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24
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Lesuis SL, Hoeijmakers L, Korosi A, de Rooij SR, Swaab DF, Kessels HW, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Vulnerability and resilience to Alzheimer's disease: early life conditions modulate neuropathology and determine cognitive reserve. Alzheimers Res Ther 2018; 10:95. [PMID: 30227888 PMCID: PMC6145191 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-018-0422-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a high prevalence among the elderly and a huge personal and societal impact. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated that the incidence and age of onset of sporadic AD can be modified by lifestyle factors such as education, exercise, and (early) stress exposure. Early life adversity is known to promote cognitive decline at a later age and to accelerate aging, which are both primary risk factors for AD. In rodent models, exposure to 'negative' or 'positive' early life experiences was recently found to modulate various measures of AD neuropathology, such as amyloid-beta levels and cognition at later ages. Although there is emerging interest in understanding whether experiences during early postnatal life also modulate AD risk in humans, the mechanisms and possible substrates underlying these long-lasting effects remain elusive. METHODS We review literature and discuss the role of early life experiences in determining later age and AD-related processes from a brain and cognitive 'reserve' perspective. We focus on rodent studies and the identification of possible early determinants of later AD vulnerability or resilience in relation to early life adversity/enrichment. RESULTS Potential substrates and mediators of early life experiences that may influence the development of AD pathology and cognitive decline are: programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, priming of the neuroinflammatory response, dendritic and synaptic complexity and function, overall brain plasticity, and proteins such as early growth response protein 1 (EGR1), activity regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), and repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST). CONCLUSIONS We conclude from these rodent studies that the early postnatal period is an important and sensitive phase that influences the vulnerability to develop AD pathology. Yet translational studies are required to investigate whether early life experiences also modify AD development in human studies, and whether similar molecular mediators can be identified in the sensitivity to develop AD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L. Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne Hoeijmakers
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne R. de Rooij
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Bio informatics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dick F. Swaab
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, KNAW, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helmut W. Kessels
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, KNAW, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cellular and Computational Neuroscience, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Lesuis SL, Catsburg LAE, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Effects of corticosterone on mild auditory fear conditioning and extinction; role of sex and training paradigm. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:544-549. [PMID: 30224557 PMCID: PMC6149954 DOI: 10.1101/lm.047811.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that glucocorticoid hormones enhance memory consolidation of fearful events. However, most of these studies involve male individuals. Since anxiety, fear, and fear-associated disorders present differently in male and female subjects we investigated in mice whether male and female mice perform differently in a mild, auditory fear conditioning task and tested the modulatory role of glucocorticoid hormones. Using an auditory fear conditioning paradigm with different footshock intensities (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mA) and frequencies (1× or 3×), we find that intraperitoneal injections with corticosterone (2 mg/kg) immediately after training, altered freezing behavior when repeated footshocks were applied, and that the direction of the effects were opposite in male and female mice. Effects were independent of footshock intensity. In male mice, corticosterone consistently increased freezing behavior in response to the tone, whereas in female mice, corticosterone reduced freezing behavior 24 h after training. These effects were not related to the phase of the oestrous cycle. In addition, corticosterone enhanced extinction learning for all tones, in both male and female mice. These results emphasize that glucocorticoid hormones influence memory consolidation and retrieval, and underscore sex-specific effects of glucocorticoid hormones in modulating conditioned fear responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa A E Catsburg
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Pillai AG, Arp M, Velzing E, Lesuis SL, Schmidt MV, Holsboer F, Joëls M, Krugers HJ. Early life stress determines the effects of glucocorticoids and stress on hippocampal function: Electrophysiological and behavioral evidence respectively. Neuropharmacology 2018; 133:307-318. [PMID: 29412144 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to early-life adversity may program brain function to prepare individuals for adaptation to matching environmental contexts. In this study we tested this hypothesis in more detail by examining the effects of early-life stress - induced by raising offspring with limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal days 2-9 - in various behavioral tasks and on synaptic function in adult mice. Early-life stress impaired adult performance in the hippocampal dependent low-arousing object-in-context recognition memory task. This effect was absent when animals were exposed to a single stressor before training. Early-life stress did not alter high-arousing context and auditory fear conditioning. Early-life stress-induced behavioral modifications were not associated with alterations in the dendritic architecture of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons or principal neurons of the basolateral amygdala. However, early-life stress reduced the ratio of NMDA to AMPA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents and glutamate release probability specifically in hippocampal CA1 neurons, but not in the basolateral amygdala. These ex vivo effects in the hippocampus were abolished by acute glucocorticoid treatment. Our findings support that early-life stress can hamper object-in-context learning via pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms that affect hippocampal function but these effects are counteracted by acute stress or elevated glucocorticoid levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup G Pillai
- Dept. Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Arp
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Els Velzing
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvie L Lesuis
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias V Schmidt
- Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, Department Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Holsboer
- Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, Department Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Munich, Germany
| | - Marian Joëls
- Dept. Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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27
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Mikasova L, Xiong H, Kerkhofs A, Bouchet D, Krugers HJ, Groc L. Stress hormone rapidly tunes synaptic NMDA receptor through membrane dynamics and mineralocorticoid signalling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8053. [PMID: 28808323 PMCID: PMC5556050 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08695-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress hormones, such as corticosteroids, modulate the transmission of hippocampal glutamatergic synapses and NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent synaptic plasticity, favouring salient behavioural responses to the environment. The corticosterone-induced synaptic adaptations partly rely on changes in NMDAR signalling, although the cellular pathway underlying this effect remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate, using single molecule imaging and electrophysiological approaches in hippocampal neurons, that corticosterone specifically controls GluN2B-NMDAR surface dynamics and synaptic content through mineralocorticoid signalling. Strikingly, extracellular corticosterone was sufficient to increase the trapping of GluN2B-NMDAR within synapses. Functionally, corticosterone-induced potentiation of AMPA receptor content in synapses required the changes in NMDAR surface dynamics. These high-resolution imaging data unveiled that, in hippocampal networks, corticosterone is a natural, potent, fast and specific regulator of GluN2B-NMDAR membrane trafficking, tuning NMDAR-dependent synaptic adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Mikasova
- University de Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.,University de Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, CNRS, IINS UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hui Xiong
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amber Kerkhofs
- University de Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.,University de Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, CNRS, IINS UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Delphine Bouchet
- University de Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.,University de Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, CNRS, IINS UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laurent Groc
- University de Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, F-33000, Bordeaux, France. .,University de Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, CNRS, IINS UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.
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28
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Lucassen PJ, Lesuis SL, Weggen S, Baches S, Krugers HJ. [P4–395]: EARLY LIFE STRESS ACCELERATES AMYLOID PATHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN APPSWE/PS1DE9 MICE, BUT CAN BE RESCUED BY BRIEFLY BLOCKING GLUCOCORTICOID RECEPTORS AT MIDDLE AGE. Alzheimers Dement 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.07.555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Lucassen
- University of AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
- Heinrich‐Heine‐UniversityDusseldorfGermany
- University DuesseldorfDuesseldorfGermany
- Heinrich Heine UniversityDuesseldorfGermany
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29
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Kanatsou S, Karst H, Kortesidou D, van den Akker RA, den Blaauwen J, Harris AP, Seckl JR, Krugers HJ, Joels M. Overexpression of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in the Mouse Forebrain Partly Alleviates the Effects of Chronic Early Life Stress on Spatial Memory, Neurogenesis and Synaptic Function in the Dentate Gyrus. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:132. [PMID: 28611594 PMCID: PMC5447008 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from human studies suggests that high expression of brain mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) may promote resilience against negative consequences of stress exposure, including childhood trauma. We examined, in mice, whether brain MR overexpression can alleviate the effects of chronic early life stress (ELS) on contextual memory formation under low and high stress conditions, and neurogenesis and synaptic function of dentate gyrus granular cells. Male mice were exposed to ELS by housing the dam with limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 9. We investigated the moderating role of MRs by using forebrain-specific transgenic MR overexpression (MR-tg) mice. Low-stress contextual (i.e., object relocation) memory formation was hampered by ELS in wildtype but not MR-tg mice. Anxiety like behavior and high-stress contextual (i.e., fear) memory formation were unaffected by ELS and/or MR expression level. At the cellular level, an interaction effect was observed between ELS and MR overexpression on the number of doublecortin-positive cells, with a significant difference between the wildtype ELS and MR-tg ELS groups. No interaction was found regarding Ki-67 and BrdU staining. A significant interaction between ELS and MR expression was further observed with regard to mEPSCs and mIPSC frequency. The ratio of evoked EPSC/IPSC or NMDA/AMPA responses was unaffected. Overall, these results suggest that ELS affects contextual memory formation under low stress conditions as well as neurogenesis and synaptic transmission in dentate granule cells, an effect that can be alleviated by MR-overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Kanatsou
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands.,Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henk Karst
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Despoina Kortesidou
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rachelle A van den Akker
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan den Blaauwen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anjanette P Harris
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of EdinburghEdinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan R Seckl
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of EdinburghEdinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
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Krugers HJ, Arp JM, Xiong H, Kanatsou S, Lesuis SL, Korosi A, Joels M, Lucassen PJ. Early life adversity: Lasting consequences for emotional learning. Neurobiol Stress 2016; 6:14-21. [PMID: 28229105 PMCID: PMC5314442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The early postnatal period is a highly sensitive time period for the developing brain, both in humans and rodents. During this time window, exposure to adverse experiences can lastingly impact cognitive and emotional development. In this review, we briefly discuss human and rodent studies investigating how exposure to adverse early life conditions – mainly related to quality of parental care - affects brain activity, brain structure, cognition and emotional responses later in life. We discuss the evidence that early life adversity hampers later hippocampal and prefrontal cortex functions, while increasing amygdala activity, and the sensitivity to stressors and emotional behavior later in life. Exposure to early life stress may thus on the one hand promote behavioral adaptation to potentially threatening conditions later in life –at the cost of contextual memory formation in less threatening situations- but may on the other hand also increase the sensitivity to develop stress-related and anxiety disorders in vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harm J Krugers
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Marit Arp
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hui Xiong
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Kanatsou
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Dept. Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvie L Lesuis
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- Dept. Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Derks NAV, Krugers HJ, Hoogenraad CC, Joëls M, Sarabdjitsingh RA. Effects of Early Life Stress on Synaptic Plasticity in the Developing Hippocampus of Male and Female Rats. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164551. [PMID: 27723771 PMCID: PMC5056718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early life stress (ELS) increases the risk for developing psychopathology in adulthood. When these effects occur is largely unknown. We here studied at which time during development ELS affects hippocampal synaptic plasticity, from early life to adulthood, in a rodent ELS model. Moreover, we investigated whether the sensitivity of synaptic plasticity to the stress-hormone corticosterone is altered by exposure to ELS. MATERIALS & METHODS Male and female Wistar rats were exposed to maternal deprivation (MD) for 24h on postnatal day (P)3 or left undisturbed with their mother (control). On P8-9, 22-24 and P85-95, plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels, body weight, and thymus and adrenal weights were determined to validate the neuroendocrine effects of MD. Field potentials in the CA1 hippocampus were recorded in vitro before and after high frequency stimulation. Brain slices were incubated for 20 min with 100nM CORT or vehicle 1-4h prior to high frequency stimulation, to mimic high-stress conditions in vitro. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Body weight was decreased by MD only at P4 (p = 0.02). There were minimal effects on P8-9, 22-24 or 85-95 thymus and adrenal weight and basal CORT levels. Glutamate transmission underwent strong developmental changes: half-maximal signal size strongly increased (p<0.0001) while the required half-maximal stimulation intensity concomitantly decreased with age (p = 0.04). Synaptic plasticity developed from long-term depression at P8-9 to increasing levels of long-term potentiation at later ages (p = 0.0001). MD caused a significant increase in long-term potentiation of P22-24 males (p = 0.03) and P85-95 females (p = 0.04). Bayesian modeling strongly supported the age-dependent development, with some evidence for accelerated maturation after MD in males (Bayes factor 1.23). CORT suppressed LTP in adult males; synaptic plasticity at other ages and in females remained unaffected. Thus, MD affects the development of synaptic plasticity in the CA1 hippocampus in a sex-dependent manner, with some support for the notion that maturation is accelerated in MD males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke A. V. Derks
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Casper C. Hoogenraad
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R. Angela Sarabdjitsingh
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Lesuis SL, Maurin H, Borghgraef P, Lucassen PJ, Leuven FV, Krugers HJ. Positive and negative early life experiences differentially modulate long term survival and amyloid protein levels in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Oncotarget 2016; 7:39118-39135. [PMID: 27259247 PMCID: PMC5129918 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress has been implicated as a risk factor for the severity and progression of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Early life experiences determine stress responsivity in later life, and modulate age-dependent cognitive decline. Therefore, we examined whether early life experiences influence AD outcome in a bigenic mouse model which progressively develops combined tau and amyloid pathology (biAT mice).Mice were subjected to either early life stress (ELS) or to 'positive' early handling (EH) postnatally (from day 2 to 9). In biAT mice, ELS significantly compromised long term survival, in contrast to EH which increased life expectancy. In 4 month old mice, ELS-reared biAT mice displayed increased hippocampal Aβ levels, while these levels were reduced in EH-reared biAT mice. No effects of ELS or EH were observed on the brain levels of APP, protein tau, or PSD-95. Dendritic morphology was moderately affected after ELS and EH in the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex, while object recognition memory and open field performance were not affected. We conclude that despite the strong transgenic background, early life experiences significantly modulate the life expectancy of biAT mice. Parallel changes in hippocampal Aβ levels were evident, without affecting cognition of young adult biAT mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie L. Lesuis
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Herve Maurin
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Borghgraef
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fred Van Leuven
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Arp JM, Ter Horst JP, Loi M, den Blaauwen J, Bangert E, Fernández G, Joëls M, Oitzl MS, Krugers HJ. Blocking glucocorticoid receptors at adolescent age prevents enhanced freezing between repeated cue-exposures after conditioned fear in adult mice raised under chronic early life stress. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2016; 133:30-38. [PMID: 27246249 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversity can have long-lasting impact on learning and memory processes and increase the risk to develop stress-related psychopathologies later in life. In this study we investigated (i) how chronic early life stress (ELS) - elicited by limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal day 2 to 9 - affects conditioned fear in adult mice and (ii) whether these effects can be prevented by blocking glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) at adolescent age. In adult male and female mice, ELS did not affect freezing behavior to the first tone 24h after training in an auditory fear-conditioning paradigm. Exposure to repeated tones 24h after training also resulted in comparable freezing behavior in ELS and control mice, both in males and females. However, male (but not female) ELS compared to control mice showed significantly more freezing behavior between the tone-exposures, i.e. during the cue-off periods. Intraperitoneal administration of the GR antagonist RU38486 during adolescence (on postnatal days 28-30) fully prevented enhanced freezing behavior during the cue-off period in adult ELS males. Western blot analysis revealed no effects of ELS on hippocampal expression of glucocorticoid receptors, neither at postnatal day 28 nor at adult age, when mice were behaviorally tested. We conclude that ELS enhances freezing behavior in adult mice in a potentially safe context after cue-exposure, which can be normalized by brief blockade of glucocorticoid receptors during the critical developmental window of adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Marit Arp
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Manila Loi
- Dept. Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan den Blaauwen
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline Bangert
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guillén Fernández
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Dept. Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Melly S Oitzl
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Xiong H, Cassé F, Zhou M, Xiong ZQ, Joels M, Martin S, Krugers HJ. Interactions between N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor and GluA2 contribute to effects of glucocorticoid hormones on AMPA receptor function in the rodent hippocampus. Hippocampus 2016; 26:848-56. [PMID: 26766634 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones, via activation of their receptors, promote memory consolidation, but the exact underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We examined how corticosterone regulates AMPA receptor (AMPAR) availability in the synapse, which is important for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Peptides which specifically block the interaction between N-Ethylmaleimide-Sensitive Factor (NSF) and the AMPAR-subunit GluA2 prevented the increase in synaptic transmission and surface expression of AMPARs known to occur after corticosterone application to hippocampal neurons. Combining a live imaging Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) approach with the use of the pH-sensitive GFP-AMPAR tagging revealed that this NSF/GluA2 interaction was also essential for the increase of the mobile fraction and reduction of the diffusion of AMPARs after treating hippocampal neurons with corticosterone. We conclude that the interaction between NSF and GluA2 contributes to the effects of corticosterone on AMPAR function. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Cassé
- Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique, University of Nice - Sophia-Antipolis Institut De Pharmacologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire, UMR7275, Valbonne, 06560, France
| | - Ming Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 20031, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Stéphane Martin
- Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique, University of Nice - Sophia-Antipolis Institut De Pharmacologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire, UMR7275, Valbonne, 06560, France
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
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Vogel S, Klumpers F, Kroes MCW, Oplaat KT, Krugers HJ, Oitzl MS, Joëls M, Fernández G. A Stress-Induced Shift From Trace to Delay Conditioning Depends on the Mineralocorticoid Receptor. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 78:830-9. [PMID: 25823790 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear learning in stressful situations is highly adaptive for survival by steering behavior in subsequent situations, but fear learning can become disproportionate in vulnerable individuals. Despite the potential clinical significance, the mechanism by which stress modulates fear learning is poorly understood. Memory theories state that stress can cause a shift away from more controlled processing depending on the hippocampus toward more reflexive processing supported by the amygdala and striatum. This shift may be mediated by activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) for cortisol. We investigated how stress shifts processes underlying cognitively demanding learning versus less demanding fear learning using a combined trace and delay fear conditioning paradigm. METHODS In a pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we tested 101 healthy men probing the effects of stress (socially evaluated cold pressor vs. control procedure) and MR-availability (400 mg spironolactone vs. placebo) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, full-factorial, between-subjects design. RESULTS Effective stress induction and successful conditioning were confirmed by subjective, physiologic, and somatic data. In line with a stress-induced shift, stress enhanced later recall of delay compared with trace conditioning in the MR-available groups as indexed by skin conductance responses. During learning, this was accompanied by a stress-induced reduction of learning-related hippocampal activity for trace conditioning. The stress-induced shift in fear and neural processing was absent in the MR-blocked groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results are in line with a stress-induced shift in fear learning, mediated by the MR, resulting in a dominance of cognitively less demanding amygdala-based learning, which might be particularly prominent in individuals with high MR sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Vogel
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen.
| | - Floris Klumpers
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen
| | | | | | | | - Melly S Oitzl
- Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
| | - Marian Joëls
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Guillén Fernández
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen
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Xiong H, Cassé F, Zhou Y, Zhou M, Xiong ZQ, Joëls M, Martin S, Krugers HJ. mTOR is essential for corticosteroid effects on hippocampal AMPA receptor function and fear memory. Learn Mem 2015; 22:577-83. [PMID: 26572647 PMCID: PMC4749735 DOI: 10.1101/lm.039420.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones, via activation of their receptors, promote memory consolidation, but the exact underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We examined how corticosterone regulates AMPA receptors (AMPARs), which are crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Combining a live imaging fluorescent recovery after photobleaching approach with the use of the pH-sensitive GFP-AMPAR tagging revealed that corticosterone enhances the AMPAR mobile fraction and increases synaptic trapping of AMPARs in hippocampal cells. In parallel, corticosterone-enhanced AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission. Blocking the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway prevented the effects of corticosterone on both AMPAR trapping—but not on the mobile fraction—and synaptic transmission. Blocking the mTOR pathway also prevented the memory enhancing effects of corticosterone in a contextual fear-conditioning paradigm. We conclude that activation of the mTOR pathway is essential for the effects of corticosterone on synaptic trapping of AMPARs and, possibly as a consequence, fearful memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Cassé
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR-7275, University of Nice, Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne 06560, France
| | - Yang Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Stéphane Martin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR-7275, University of Nice, Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne 06560, France
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
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Kanatsou S, Kuil LE, Arp M, Oitzl MS, Harris AP, Seckl JR, Krugers HJ, Joels M. Overexpression of mineralocorticoid receptors does not affect memory and anxiety-like behavior in female mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:182. [PMID: 26236208 PMCID: PMC4501076 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) have been implicated in behavioral adaptation and learning and memory. Since-at least in humans-MR function seems to be sex-dependent, we examined the behavioral relevance of MR in female mice exhibiting transgenic MR overexpression in the forebrain. Transgenic MR overexpression did not affect contextual fear memory or cued fear learning and memory. Moreover, MR overexpressing and control mice discriminated equally well between fear responses in a combined cue and context fear conditioning paradigm. Also context-memory in an object recognition task was unaffected in MR overexpressing mice. We conclude that MR overexpression in female animals does not affect fear conditioned responses and object recognition memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Kanatsou
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Laura E Kuil
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marit Arp
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Melly S Oitzl
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anjanette P Harris
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jonathan R Seckl
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht, Netherlands
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Xiong H, Krugers HJ. Tuning hippocampal synapses by stress-hormones: Relevance for emotional memory formation. Brain Res 2015; 1621:114-20. [PMID: 25907153 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
While stress is often associated with an increased risk to develop (psycho) pathology, the initial response after exposure to stressors is often highly beneficial and allows individuals to optimally cope with challenging situations. Various neurotransmitters and neuromodulators - such as catecholamines and glucocorticoids - are released upon exposure to stressors and regulate behavioural adaptation to stress and enhance the storage of salient information. Studies over the past years have revealed that catecholamines and glucocorticoids regulate synaptic function and synaptic plasticity - which underlie memory formation - in a highly dynamic manner. In this brief review we will summarise how catecholamines and glucocorticoids regulate synaptic function and discuss how these effects may contribute to acquisition and storage of emotional information. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Maccari S, Krugers HJ, Morley-Fletcher S, Szyf M, Brunton PJ. The consequences of early-life adversity: neurobiological, behavioural and epigenetic adaptations. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:707-23. [PMID: 25039443 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During the perinatal period, the brain is particularly sensitive to remodelling by environmental factors. Adverse early-life experiences, such as stress exposure or suboptimal maternal care, can have long-lasting detrimental consequences for an individual. This phenomenon is often referred to as 'early-life programming' and is associated with an increased risk of disease. Typically, rodents exposed to prenatal stress or postnatal maternal deprivation display enhanced neuroendocrine responses to stress, increased levels of anxiety and depressive-like behaviours, and cognitive impairments. Some of the phenotypes observed in these models of early-life adversity are likely to share common neurobiological mechanisms. For example, there is evidence for impaired glucocorticoid negative-feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, altered glutamate neurotransmission and reduced hippocampal neurogenesis in both prenatally stressed rats and rats that experienced deficient maternal care. The possible mechanisms through which maternal stress during pregnancy may be transmitted to the offspring are reviewed, with special consideration given to altered maternal behaviour postpartum. We also discuss what is known about the neurobiological and epigenetic mechanisms that underpin early-life programming of the neonatal brain in the first generation and subsequent generations, with a view to abrogating programming effects and potentially identifying new therapeutic targets for the treatment of stress-related disorders and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Maccari
- LIA, International Laboratory Associated, UMR 8576 CNRS Neural plasticity Team, University of Lille 1, France and Sapienza University of Rome, IRCCS NEUROMED, Italy
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Abstract
Several lines of research have demonstrated that memories for fearful events become transiently labile upon re-exposure. Activation of molecular mechanisms is required in order to maintain retrieved information. This process is called reconsolidation. Targeting reconsolidation - as in exposure-based psychotherapy - offers therefore a potentially interesting tool to manipulate fear memories, and subsequently to treat disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this paper we discuss the evidence for reconsolidation in rodents and humans and highlight recent studies in which clinical research on normal and abnormal fear extinction reduction of the expression of fear was obtained by targeting the process of reconsolidation. We conclude that reconsolidation presents an interesting opportunity to modify or alter fear and fear-related memories. More clinical research on normal and abnormal fear extinction is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vermetten
- Department Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center Utrecht, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands,
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Sarabdjitsingh RA, Zhou M, Yau JL, Webster SP, Walker BR, Seckl JR, Joëls M, Krugers HJ. Inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 prevents stress effects on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and impairs contextual fear conditioning. Neuropharmacology 2014; 81:231-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Abstract
During the perinatal period, the brain undergoes substantial structural changes, synaptic rearrangements, and development of neuronal circuits which ultimately determine brain function and behavior. Environmental factors-such as exposure to adverse experiences-have major impact on brain function and structure during this sensitive period. These alterations can be long-lasting, and have been implicated in psychopathology such as cognitive decline and emotional dysfunction. Here we briefly review how early postnatal adversity determines structure and function of the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) areas, which are crucial for proper cognitive and emotional function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harm J Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
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van Hasselt FN, de Visser L, Tieskens JM, Cornelisse S, Baars AM, Lavrijsen M, Krugers HJ, van den Bos R, Joëls M. Individual variations in maternal care early in life correlate with later life decision-making and c-fos expression in prefrontal subregions of rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37820. [PMID: 22693577 PMCID: PMC3365050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity affects hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, alters cognitive functioning and in humans is thought to increase the vulnerability to psychopathology--e.g. depression, anxiety and schizophrenia--later in life. Here we investigated whether subtle natural variations among individual rat pups in the amount of maternal care received, i.e. differences in the amount of licking and grooming (LG), correlate with anxiety and prefrontal cortex-dependent behavior in young adulthood. Therefore, we examined the correlation between LG received during the first postnatal week and later behavior in the elevated plus maze and in decision-making processes using a rodent version of the Iowa Gambling Task (rIGT). In our cohort of male and female animals a high degree of LG correlated with less anxiety in the elevated plus maze and more advantageous choices during the last 10 trials of the rIGT. In tissue collected 2 hrs after completion of the task, the correlation between LG and c-fos expression (a marker of neuronal activity) was established in structures important for IGT performance. Negative correlations existed between rIGT performance and c-fos expression in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, prelimbic cortex, infralimbic cortex and insular cortex. The insular cortex correlations between c-fos expression and decision-making performance depended on LG background; this was also true for the lateral orbitofrontal cortex in female rats. Dendritic complexity of insular or infralimbic pyramidal neurons did not or weakly correlate with LG background. We conclude that natural variations in maternal care received by pups may significantly contribute to later-life decision-making and activity of underlying brain structures.
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Krugers HJ, Karst H, Joels M. Interactions between noradrenaline and corticosteroids in the brain: from electrical activity to cognitive performance. Front Cell Neurosci 2012; 6:15. [PMID: 22509154 PMCID: PMC3321636 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2012.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the core reactions in response to a stressful situation is the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis which increases the release of glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal glands. In concert with other neuro-modulators, such as (nor)adrenaline, these hormones enable and promote cognitive adaptation to stressful events. Recent studies have demonstrated that glucocorticoid hormones and noradrenaline, via their receptors, can both rapidly and persistently regulate the function of excitatory synapses which are critical for storage of information. Here we will review how glucocorticoids and noradrenaline alone and in synergy dynamically tune these synapses in the hippocampus and amygdala, and discuss how these hormones interact to promote behavioral adaptation to stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harm J Krugers
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Zhou M, Hoogenraad CC, Joëls M, Krugers HJ. Combined β-adrenergic and corticosteroid receptor activation regulates AMPA receptor function in hippocampal neurons. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:516-24. [PMID: 21965192 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111424930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Shortly after stress, limbic neurons are exposed to high levels of noradrenaline and corticosterone. These hormones are necessary for optimal behavioural adaptation. Behavioural effects critically depend on noradrenaline acting via β-adrenergic receptors, but these effects are strongly modulated by corticosterone, indicating putative interactions between the two hormones. Since both noradrenaline and corticosterone are known to quickly affect properties of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPAR), we here examined - in hippocampal neurons - three parameters which give insight in the functionality of AMPARs: phosphorylation, surface expression and spontaneous synaptic transmission. In homogenates of adult hippocampal slices, application of corticosterone (30 nM for 15 min) by itself did not affect phosphorylation of the AMPAR GluA1 subunit at S845 or S831. Co-application of the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (10 µM) largely increased S845 (but not S831) phosphorylation. Corticosterone also did not change GluA1 and GluA2 surface expression in hippocampal primary cultures. However, combined administration of corticosterone and 1 µM isoproterenol - which by itself was ineffective - enhanced surface expression. Interestingly, 10 µM isoproterenol alone enhanced GluA1 surface expression, but this was decreased by corticosterone. Finally, in hippocampal primary cultures, the inter-event interval of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) was decreased by the combination of 1 µM isoproterenol and corticosterone (which were ineffective by themselves) while the same combination did not affect the amplitude. We conclude that AMPAR phosphorylation, surface expression and mEPSC inter-event interval respond most strongly to a combination of corticosterone and β-adrenergic receptors. These combined hormonal effects on glutamate transmission might contribute to their memory-enhancing effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhou
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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van Hasselt FN, Boudewijns ZSRM, van der Knaap NJF, Krugers HJ, Joëls M. Maternal care received by individual pups correlates with adult CA1 dendritic morphology and synaptic plasticity in a sex-dependent manner. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:331-40. [PMID: 21981114 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Maternal care is an important environmental factor for rats early in life. Adult offspring from dams exhibiting extremely high versus low maternal care differ remarkably in dendritic complexity and long-term synaptic potentiation in the CA1 area. However, >70% of the pups do not belong to these extreme categories of maternal care, questioning the general relevance of these observations. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the influence of maternal care is discernable over its entire range and can serve as an index predicting later CA1 structure and function. The amount of licking and grooming (%LG) received was determined for each pup during the first postnatal week. In males, both total apical branch length and dendritic complexity correlated significantly and positively with %LG. In females, we observed a nonsignificant negative correlation, also when controlled for variations in oestradiol and progesterone levels. The correlation in females was significantly different from that in males. No significant correlation was observed between the %LG and the amount of synaptic potentiation, either in male or in female offspring, regardless of whether slices had been treated with corticosterone or vehicle. However, in male rats, the degree of potentiation seen after corticosterone compared to vehicle treatment was almost significantly related to the %LG received early in life; this differed significantly from that observed in females. The data from the present study suggest that %LG received early in life results in mild, yet sex-dependent effects on adult CA1 structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- F N van Hasselt
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neurosciences, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Krugers HJ, Oomen CA, Gumbs M, Li M, Velzing EH, Joels M, Lucassen PJ. Maternal deprivation and dendritic complexity in the basolateral amygdala. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:534-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Zhou M, Kindt M, Joëls M, Krugers HJ. Blocking mineralocorticoid receptors prior to retrieval reduces contextual fear memory in mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26220. [PMID: 22022574 PMCID: PMC3192177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Corticosteroid hormones regulate appraisal and consolidation of information via mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) respectively. How activation of these receptors modulates retrieval of fearful information and the subsequent expression of fear is largely unknown. We tested here whether blockade of MRs or GRs during retrieval also affects subsequent expression of fear memory. Methodology/Principal Findings Mice were trained in contextual or tone cue fear conditioning paradigms, by pairing mild foot shocks with a particular context or tone respectively. Twenty-four hours after training, context-conditioned animals were re-exposed to the context for 3 or 30 minutes (day 2); tone-conditioned animals were placed in a different context and re-exposed to one or six tones. Twenty-four hours (day 3) and one month later, freezing behavior to the aversive context/tone was scored again. MR or GR blockade was achieved by giving spironolactone or RU486 subcutaneously one hour before retrieval on day 2. Spironolactone administered prior to brief context re-exposure reduced freezing behavior during retrieval and 24 hours later, but not one month later. Administration of spironolactone without retrieval of the context or immediately after retrieval on day 2 did not reduce freezing on day 3. Re-exposure to the context for 30 minutes on day 2 significantly reduced freezing on day 3 and one month later, but freezing was not further reduced by spironolactone. Administration of spironolactone prior to tone-cue re-exposure on day 2 did not affect freezing behavior. Treatment with RU486 prior to re-exposure did not affect context or tone-cue fear memories at any time point. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that MR blockade prior to retrieval strongly reduces the expression of contextual fear, implying that MRs, rather than GRs, play an important role in retrieval of emotional information and subsequent fear expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhou
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Merel Kindt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Krugers HJ, Zhou M, Joëls M, Kindt M. Regulation of excitatory synapses and fearful memories by stress hormones. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:62. [PMID: 22013419 PMCID: PMC3190121 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Memories for emotionally arousing and fearful events are generally well retained. From the evolutionary point of view this is a highly adaptive behavioral response aimed to remember relevant information. However, fearful memories can also be inappropriately and vividly (re)expressed, such as in posttraumatic stress disorder. The memory formation of emotionally arousing events is largely modulated by hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters which are released during and after exposure to these conditions. One of the core reactions in response to a stressful situation is the rapid activation of the autonomic nervous system, which results in the release of norepinephrine in the brain. In addition, stressful events stimulate the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis which slowly increases the release of glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal glands. Here we will review how glucocorticoids and norepinephrine regulate the formation of fearful memories in rodents and humans and how these hormones can facilitate the storage of information by regulating excitatory synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harm J Krugers
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Ramakers GJA, Wolfer D, Rosenberger G, Kuchenbecker K, Kreienkamp HJ, Prange-Kiel J, Rune G, Richter K, Langnaese K, Masneuf S, Bösl MR, Fischer KD, Krugers HJ, Lipp HP, van Galen E, Kutsche K. Dysregulation of Rho GTPases in the αPix/Arhgef6 mouse model of X-linked intellectual disability is paralleled by impaired structural and synaptic plasticity and cognitive deficits. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 21:268-86. [PMID: 21989057 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the ARHGEF6 gene, encoding the guanine nucleotide exchange factor αPIX/Cool-2 for the Rho GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42, cause X-linked intellectual disability (ID) in humans. We show here that αPix/Arhgef6 is primarily expressed in neuropil regions of the hippocampus. To study the role of αPix/Arhgef6 in neuronal development and plasticity and gain insight into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying ID, we generated αPix/Arhgef6-deficient mice. Gross brain structure in these mice appeared to be normal; however, analysis of Golgi-Cox-stained pyramidal neurons revealed an increase in both dendritic length and spine density in the hippocampus, accompanied by an overall loss in spine synapses. Early-phase long-term potentiation was reduced and long-term depression was increased in the CA1 hippocampal area of αPix/Arhgef6-deficient animals. Knockout animals exhibited impaired spatial and complex learning and less behavioral control in mildly stressful situations, suggesting that this model mimics the human ID phenotype. The structural and electrophysiological alterations in the hippocampus were accompanied by a significant reduction in active Rac1 and Cdc42, but not RhoA. In conclusion, we suggest that imbalance in activity of different Rho GTPases may underlie altered neuronal connectivity and impaired synaptic function and cognition in αPix/Arhgef6 knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ger J A Ramakers
- Department of Neurons and Networks, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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