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Staal L, Plösch T, Kunovac Kallak T, Sundström Poromaa I, Wertheim B, Olivier JDA. Sex-Specific Transcriptomic Changes in the Villous Tissue of Placentas of Pregnant Women Using a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1074-1083. [PMID: 38421943 PMCID: PMC10958514 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00621] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
About 5% of pregnant women are treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants to treat their depression. SSRIs influence serotonin levels, a key factor in neural embryonic development, and their use during pregnancy has been associated with adverse effects on the developing embryo. However, the role of the placenta in transmitting these negative effects is not well understood. In this study, we aim to elucidate how disturbances in the maternal serotonergic system affect the villous tissue of the placenta by assessing whole transcriptomes in the placentas of women with healthy pregnancies and women with depression and treated with the SSRI fluoxetine during pregnancy. Twelve placentas of the Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging and Cognition in Pregnancy and the Puerperium (BASIC) project were selected for RNA sequencing to examine differentially expressed genes: six male infants and six female infants, equally distributed over women treated with SSRI and without SSRI treatment. Our results show that more genes in the placenta of male infants show changed expression associated with fluoxetine treatment than in placentas of female infants, stressing the importance of sex-specific analyses. In addition, we identified genes related to extracellular matrix organization to be significantly enriched in placentas of male infants born to women treated with fluoxetine. It remains to be established whether the differentially expressed genes that we found to be associated with SSRI treatment are the result of the SSRI treatment itself, the underlying depression, or a combination of the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Staal
- Neurobiology,
Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department
of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Departments
of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Perinatal
Neurobiology, Department of Human Medicine, School of Medicine and
Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University
Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Bregje Wertheim
- Evolutionary
Genetics, Development & Behaviour, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary
Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D. A. Olivier
- Neurobiology,
Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
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2
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Olivier JDA, Janssen JA, Esquivel-Franco DC, de Prêtre S, Olivier B. A new approach to 'on-demand' treatment of lifelong premature ejaculation by treatment with a combination of a 5-HT 1A receptor antagonist and SSRI in rats. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1224959. [PMID: 37781259 PMCID: PMC10534979 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1224959] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lifelong premature ejaculation (PE) in men lacks an adequate on-demand pharmacological treatment. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used for PE they only work after chronic treatment, or if used on-demand, less adequately than chronic SSRI treatment. It has been shown that the addition of a behaviorally silent 5-HT1A-receptor antagonist to an SSRI can generate acute inhibitory effects on male rat sexual behavior. Atlas987 is a selective 5-HT1A-receptor antagonist with equal potency to displace agonist and antagonist binding to pre- and post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors in rat and human brain. To investigate whether Atlas987 together with the SSRI paroxetine, a combination called Enduro, induces acute inhibitory effects on male rat sexual behavior, we tested Enduro in Wistar rats in a dose-dependent manner. We first tested the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist Atlas987 in 8-OH-DPAT induced serotonergic behavior in rats. Second, we tested Enduro in a dose-dependent manner in male sexual behavior. Third, we tested the effective time window of Enduro's action, and lastly, we measured the plasma levels of Atlas987 and paroxetine over an 8-h period. Results showed that Enduro acutely and dose-dependently reduced the number of ejaculations and increased the ejaculation latencies. The behavioral pattern induced reflected a specific effect on sexual behavior excluding non-specific effects like sedation or sensoric-motoric disturbances. The time-window of activity of Enduro showed that this sexual inhibitory activity was at least found in a 1-4 h' time window after administration. Plasma levels showed that in this time frame both Atlas987 and paroxetine are present. In conclusion, in rats, Enduro is successful in acutely inhibiting sexual behavior. These results may be therapeutically attractive as "on demand" treatment for life-long premature ejaculation in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelien D. A. Olivier
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Josien A. Janssen
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Diana C. Esquivel-Franco
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Berend Olivier
- Atlas Pharmaceuticals BV, Bruges, Belgium
- Psychopharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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3
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Ramsteijn AS, Verkaik-Schakel RN, Houwing DJ, Plösch T, Olivier JDA. Perinatal exposure to fluoxetine and maternal adversity affect myelin-related gene expression and epigenetic regulation in the corticolimbic circuit of juvenile rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1620-1632. [PMID: 35102259 PMCID: PMC9283398 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01270-z] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Many pregnant women experience symptoms of depression, and are often treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as fluoxetine. In utero exposure to SSRIs and maternal depressive symptoms is associated with sex-specific effects on the brain and behavior. However, knowledge about the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these sex differences is limited. In addition, most animal research into developmental SSRI exposure neglects the influence of maternal adversity. Therefore, we used a rat model relevant to depression to investigate the molecular effects of perinatal fluoxetine exposure in male and female juvenile offspring. We performed RNA sequencing and targeted DNA methylation analyses on the prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala; key regions of the corticolimbic circuit. Perinatal fluoxetine enhanced myelin-related gene expression in the prefrontal cortex, while inhibiting it in the basolateral amygdala. SSRI exposure and maternal adversity interacted to affect expression of genes such as myelin-associated glycoprotein (Mag) and myelin basic protein (Mbp). We speculate that altered myelination reflects altered brain maturation. In addition, these effects are stronger in males than in females, resembling known behavioral outcomes. Finally, Mag and Mbp expression correlated with DNA methylation, highlighting epigenetic regulation as a potential mechanism for developmental fluoxetine-induced changes in myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouschka S. Ramsteijn
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.7107.10000 0004 1936 7291Present Address: Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle J. Houwing
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Present Address: Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D. A. Olivier
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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4
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Homberg JR, Adan RAH, Alenina N, Asiminas A, Bader M, Beckers T, Begg DP, Blokland A, Burger ME, van Dijk G, Eisel ULM, Elgersma Y, Englitz B, Fernandez-Ruiz A, Fitzsimons CP, van Dam AM, Gass P, Grandjean J, Havekes R, Henckens MJAG, Herden C, Hut RA, Jarrett W, Jeffrey K, Jezova D, Kalsbeek A, Kamermans M, Kas MJ, Kasri NN, Kiliaan AJ, Kolk SM, Korosi A, Korte SM, Kozicz T, Kushner SA, Leech K, Lesch KP, Lesscher H, Lucassen PJ, Luthi A, Ma L, Mallien AS, Meerlo P, Mejias JF, Meye FJ, Mitchell AS, Mul JD, Olcese U, González AO, Olivier JDA, Pasqualetti M, Pennartz CMA, Popik P, Prickaerts J, de la Prida LM, Ribeiro S, Roozendaal B, Rossato JI, Salari AA, Schoemaker RG, Smit AB, Vanderschuren LJMJ, Takeuchi T, van der Veen R, Smidt MP, Vyazovskiy VV, Wiesmann M, Wierenga CJ, Williams B, Willuhn I, Wöhr M, Wolvekamp M, van der Zee EA, Genzel L. The continued need for animals to advance brain research. Neuron 2021; 109:2374-2379. [PMID: 34352213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Policymakers aim to move toward animal-free alternatives for scientific research and have introduced very strict regulations for animal research. We argue that, for neuroscience research, until viable and translational alternatives become available and the value of these alternatives has been proven, the use of animals should not be compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roger A H Adan
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Natalia Alenina
- The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonis Asiminas
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Bader
- The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tom Beckers
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute and Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Denovan P Begg
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Gertjan van Dijk
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich L M Eisel
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie van Dam
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, Free University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Gass
- Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim Faculty, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Robbert Havekes
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Christiane Herden
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Gießen, Gießen, Germany; Center of Mind Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University of Marburg and Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roelof A Hut
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kate Jeffrey
- Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, University College London, London WC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Daniela Jezova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andries Kalsbeek
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martien J Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Aniko Korosi
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Mechiel Korte
- Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Kirk Leech
- European Animal Research Association, London, UK
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Department of Neuropsychology and Psychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Heidi Lesscher
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anita Luthi
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Liya Ma
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anne S Mallien
- Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim Faculty, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Meerlo
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jorge F Mejias
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J Meye
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joram D Mul
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Umberto Olcese
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Cyriel M A Pennartz
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Piotr Popik
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków 31-343, Poland
| | | | - Liset M de la Prida
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Janine I Rossato
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Ali-Akbar Salari
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Regien G Schoemaker
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tomonori Takeuchi
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rixt van der Veen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Corette J Wierenga
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Ingo Willuhn
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Center of Mind Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University of Marburg and Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Marburg, Germany; Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Marburg, Germany; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute and Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Genzel
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Huijgens PT, Guarraci FA, Olivier JDA, Snoeren EMS. Male rat sexual behavior: Insights from inter-copulatory intervals. Behav Processes 2021; 190:104458. [PMID: 34252565 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of sexual behavior in male rats with the aim of unraveling underlying neurobiological mechanisms has in the recent decades been reduced to the annotation of mounts, intromissions and ejaculations. To provide a better understanding of the structure and patterns of copulation, it is necessary to extend and tailor the analysis to the natural organization of male rat copulation. This will lead to better formulation of hypotheses about neurobiological underpinnings of behavior. Mounts and intromissions are naturally organized in mount bouts consisting of one or more copulatory behaviors and are interspersed with time outs. We hypothesized that time outs and the post-ejaculatory interval (inter-copulatory intervals) are related and possibly under the control of a common copulatory inhibition mechanism that is the result of penile sensory stimulation. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed sexual behavior in male rats of three different cohorts from three different laboratories. Results showed that the post-ejaculatory interval and mean time out duration are strongly correlated in all cohorts analyzed. In addition, we showed that individual time out duration is at least partially predicted by the sum of sensory stimulation of copulatory components in the preceding mount bout, with more penile stimulation associated with longer time outs. These findings suggest that both time out and post-ejaculatory interval duration may be determined by the magnitude of sensory stimulation, which inhibits copulation. Whether the same neural pathways are involved in the central orchestration of both time outs and the post-ejaculatory interval should be subject to future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patty T Huijgens
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Fay A Guarraci
- Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eelke M S Snoeren
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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Sylte OC, Johansen JS, Heinla I, Houwing DJ, Olivier JDA, Heijkoop R, Snoeren EMS. Effects of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on novelty-induced social and non-social investigation behaviors in a seminatural environment. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3653-3667. [PMID: 34557946 PMCID: PMC8629781 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05984-8] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are increasingly prescribed as medication for various affective disorders during pregnancy. SSRIs cross the placenta and affect serotonergic neurotransmission in the fetus, but the neurobehavioral consequences for the offspring remain largely unclear. Recent rodent research has linked perinatal SSRI exposure to alterations in both social and non-social aspects of behavior. However, this research has mainly focused on behavior within simplified environments. The current study investigates the effects of perinatal SSRI exposure on social and non-social investigation behaviors of adult rat offspring upon introduction to a novel seminatural environment with unknown conspecifics. During the perinatal period (gestational day 1 until postnatal day 21), rat dams received daily treatment with either an SSRI (fluoxetine, 10 mg/kg) or vehicle. Adult male and female offspring were observed within the first hour after introduction to a seminatural environment. The results showed that perinatal fluoxetine exposure altered aspects of non-social investigation behaviors, while not altering social investigation behaviors. More specifically, both fluoxetine-exposed males and females spent more total time on locomotor activity than controls. Furthermore, fluoxetine-exposed females spent less time exploring objects and specific elements in the environment. The data suggest that perinatal exposure to SSRIs leads to a quicker, less detailed investigation strategy in novel environments and that the alteration is mostly pronounced in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Christian Sylte
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jesper Solheim Johansen
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Indrek Heinla
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Danielle J. Houwing
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway ,grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D. A. Olivier
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roy Heijkoop
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eelke M. S. Snoeren
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway ,Regional Health Authority of North Norway, Bodø, Norway
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7
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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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8
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Hegstad J, Huijgens PT, Houwing DJ, Olivier JDA, Heijkoop R, Snoeren EMS. Female rat sexual behavior is unaffected by perinatal fluoxetine exposure. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 120:104796. [PMID: 32711369 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin plays an important role in adult female sexual behavior, however little is known about the influence of serotonin during early development on sexual functioning in adulthood. During early development, serotonin acts as neurotrophic factor, while it functions as a modulatory neurotransmitter in adulthood. The occurrence of serotonin release, could thus have different effects on behavioral outcomes, depending on the developmental period in which serotonin is released. Because serotonin is involved in the development of the HPG axis which is required for puberty establishment, serotonin could also alter expression patterns of for instance the estrogen receptor ɑ (ERɑ). The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of increased serotonin levels during early development on adult female rat sexual behavior during the full behavioral estrus in a seminatural environment. To do so, rats were perinatally exposed with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (10 mg/kg FLX) and sexual performance was tested during adulthood. All facets of female sexual behavior between the first and last lordosis (behavioral estrus), and within each copulation bout of the behavioral estrus were analyzed. Besides the length and onset of the behavioral estrus and the sexual behaviors patterns, other social and conflict behavior were also investigated. In addition, we studied the effects of perinatal FLX exposure on ERɑ expression patterns in the medial preoptic nucleus, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, medial amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the dorsal raphé nucleus. The results showed that perinatal fluoxetine exposure has no effect on adult female sexual behavior. The behavioral estrus of FLX-females had the same length and pattern as CTR-females. In addition, FLX- and CTR-females showed the same amount of paracopulatory behavior and lordosis, both during the full behavioral estrus and the "most active bout". Furthermore, no differences were found in the display of social and conflict behaviors, nor in ERɑ expression patterns in the brain. We conclude that increases in serotonin levels during early development do not have long-term consequences for female sexual behavior in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Hegstad
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Patty T Huijgens
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Danielle J Houwing
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roy Heijkoop
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eelke M S Snoeren
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Regional Health Authority of North Norway, Norway.
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9
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Houwing DJ, Schuttel K, Struik EL, Arling C, Ramsteijn AS, Heinla I, Olivier JDA. Perinatal fluoxetine treatment and dams' early life stress history alter affective behavior in rat offspring depending on serotonin transporter genotype and sex. Behav Brain Res 2020; 392:112657. [PMID: 32339551 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Many women diagnosed with a major depression continue or initiate antidepressant treatment during pregnancy. Both maternal stress and selective serotonin inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment during pregnancy have been associated with changes in offspring behavior, including increased anxiety and depressive-like behavior. Our aim was to investigate the effects of the SSRI fluoxetine (FLX), with and without the presence of a maternal depression, on affective behavior in male and female rat offspring. As reduced serotonin transporter (SERT) availability has been associated with altered behavioral outcome, both offspring with normal (SERT+/+) and reduced (SERT+/-) SERT expression were included. For our animal model of maternal depression, SERT+/- dams exposed to early life stress were used. Perinatal FLX treatment and early life stress in dams (ELSD) had sex- and genotype-specific effects on affective behavior in the offspring. In female offspring, perinatal FLX exposure interacted with SERT genotype to increase anxiety and depressive-like behavior in SERT+/+, but not SERT+/-, females. In male offspring, ELSD reduced anxiety and interacted with SERT genotype to decrease depressive-like behavior in SERT+/-, but not SERT+/+, males. Altogether, SERT+/+ female offspring appear to be more sensitive than SERT+/- females to the effects of perinatal FLX exposure, while SERT+/- male offspring appear more sensitive than SERT+/+ males to the effects of ELSD on affective behavior. Our data suggest a role for offspring SERT genotype and sex in FLX and ELSD-induced effects on affective behavior, thereby contributing to our understanding of the effects of perinatal SSRI treatment on offspring behavior later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Houwing
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Schuttel
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eline L Struik
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal Arling
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anouschka S Ramsteijn
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - I Heinla
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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10
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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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Heinla I, Heijkoop R, Houwing DJ, Olivier JDA, Snoeren EMS. Third-party prosocial behavior in adult female rats is impaired after perinatal fluoxetine exposure. Physiol Behav 2020; 222:112899. [PMID: 32348809 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
SSRIs are commonly used to treat pregnant women with depression. However, SSRIs can cross the placenta and affect the development of the fetus. The effects of perinatal SSRI exposure, and especially the effects on social behavior, are still incompletely documented. This study first aims to investigate whether rats show prosocial behavior in the form of consolation behavior. Secondly, it aims to investigate whether perinatal SSRI exposure affects this prosocial behavior. At last, we investigate whether the behavior changed after the rats had been exposed to an additional white-noise stressor. Rat dams received 10 mg/kg/d fluoxetine (FLX) or vehicle (CTR) via oral gavage from gestational day 1 until postnatal day 21. At adulthood, the rat offspring were housed in four cohorts of 4 females and 4 males in a seminatural environment. As prosocial behaviors are more prominent after stressful situations, we investigated the behavioral response of rats immediately after natural aggressive encounters (fights). Additionally, we studied whether a stressful white-noise exposure would alter this response to the aggressive encounters. Our study indicates that CTR-female rats are able to show third party prosocial behavior in response to witnessing aggressive encounters between conspecifics in a seminatural environment. In addition, we showed that perinatal FLX exposure impairs the display of prosocial behavior in female rats. Moreover, we found no signs of prosocial behavior in CTR- and FLX-males after natural aggressive encounters. After white-noise exposure the effects in third party prosocial behavior of CTR-females ceased to exist. We conclude that female rats are able to show prosocial behavior, possibly in the form of consolation behavior. In addition, the negative effects of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on prosocial behavior could provide additional evidence that SSRI treatment during pregnancy could contribute to the risk for social impairments in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrek Heinla
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Roy Heijkoop
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Danielle J Houwing
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eelke M S Snoeren
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway; Regional Health Authority of North Norway.
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12
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Esquivel-Franco DC, de Boer SF, Waldinger M, Olivier B, Olivier JDA. Pharmacological Studies on the Role of 5-HT 1 A Receptors in Male Sexual Behavior of Wildtype and Serotonin Transporter Knockout Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:40. [PMID: 32296313 PMCID: PMC7136541 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission plays an important role in male sexual behavior and it is well established that activating 5-HT1 A receptors in rats facilitate ejaculatory behavior. However, the relative contribution of 5-HT1 A somatodendritic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors in this pro-sexual behavior is unclear. Moreover, it is unclear whether the contribution of somatodendritic 5-HT1 A autoreceptors and postsynaptic 5-HT1 A heteroreceptors alter when extracellular 5-HT levels are chronically increased. Serotonin transporter knockout (SERT-/-) rats exhibit enhanced extracellular 5-HT levels and desensitized 5-HT1 A receptors. These rats model neurochemical changes underlying chronic SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. We want to determine the role of presynaptic versus postsynaptic 5-HT1 A receptors in the pro-sexual effects of 5-HT1 A receptor agonists in SERT+/+ and in SERT-/- rats. Therefore, acute effects of the biased 5-HT1 A receptor agonists F-13714, a preferential 5-HT1 A autoreceptor agonist, or F-15599, a preferential 5-HT1 A heteroreceptor agonist, and S15535 a mixed 5-HT1 A autoreceptor agonist/heteroreceptor antagonist, on male sexual behavior were assessed. A clear and stable genotype effect was found after training where SERT+/+ performed sexual behavior at a higher level than SERT-/- rats. Both F-15599 and F-13714 induced pro-sexual activity in SERT+/+ and SERT-/- animals. Compared to SERT+/+, the F13714-dose-response curve in SERT-/- rats was shifted to the right. SERT+/+ and SERT-/- rats responded similar to F15599. Within both SERT+/+ and SERT-/- rats the potency of F-13714 was much stronger compared to F-15599. S15535 had no effect on sexual behavior in either genotype. In SERT+/+ and SERT-/- rats that were selected on comparable low sexual activity (SERT+/+ 3 or less ejaculations and SERT-/- 5 or less ejaculations in 10 weeks) S15535 also did not influence sexual behavior. The two biased compounds with differential effects on 5-HT1 A auto- and hetero-receptors, exerted pro-sexual activity in both SERT+/+ and SERT-/- rats. Applying these specific pharmacological tools has not solved whether pre- or post-synaptic 5-HT1 A receptors are involved in pro-sexual activity. Moreover, the inactivity of S15535 in male sexual behavior in either genotype was unexpected. The question is whether the in vivo pharmacological profile of the different 5-HT1 A receptor ligands used, is sufficient to differentiate pre- and/or post-synaptic 5-HT1 A receptor contributions in male rat sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Carolina Esquivel-Franco
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sietse F de Boer
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Marcel Waldinger
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Berend Olivier
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychopharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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13
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Houwing DJ, de Waard J, Ramsteijn AS, Woelders T, de Boer SF, Wams EJ, Olivier JDA. Perinatal fluoxetine exposure disrupts the circadian response to a phase-shifting challenge in female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2555-2568. [PMID: 32533210 PMCID: PMC7351858 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05556-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are increasingly prescribed during pregnancy. Changes in serotonergic signaling during human fetal development have been associated with changes in brain development and with changes in affective behavior in adulthood. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is known to be modulated by serotonin and it is therefore assumed that SSRIs may affect circadian rhythms. However, effects of perinatal SSRI treatment on circadian system functioning in the offspring are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to investigate the effects of perinatal exposure to the SSRI fluoxetine (FLX) on circadian behavior, affective behavior, and 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity in female rats. In addition, we studied the expression of clock genes and the 5-HT1A receptor in the SCN, as they are potentially involved in underlying mechanisms contributing to changes in circadian rhythms. RESULTS Perinatal FLX exposure shortened the free-running tau in response to the 5-HT1A/7 agonist 8-OH-DPAT. However, FLX exposure did not alter anxiety, stress coping, and 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity. No differences were found in 5-HT1A receptor and clock genes Per1, Per2, Cry1, and Cry2 SCN gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Perinatal FLX exposure altered the response to a phase-shifting challenge in female rats, whether this may pose health risks remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Houwing
- Department of Neurobiology, unit Behavioral Neuroscience, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jolien de Waard
- Department of Neurobiology, unit Behavioral Neuroscience, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anouschka S Ramsteijn
- Department of Neurobiology, unit Behavioral Neuroscience, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Woelders
- Department of Neurobiology, unit Chronobiology, GELIFES, Univ. Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sietse F de Boer
- Department of Neurobiology, unit Behavioral Neuroscience, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Emma J Wams
- Department of Neurobiology, unit Behavioral Neuroscience, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of Neurobiology, unit Behavioral Neuroscience, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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14
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Comasco E, Schijven D, de Maeyer H, Vrettou M, Nylander I, Sundström-Poromaa I, Olivier JDA. Constitutive Serotonin Transporter Reduction Resembles Maternal Separation with Regard to Stress-Related Gene Expression. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3132-3142. [PMID: 30614673 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00595] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactive effects between allelic variants of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) promoter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and stressors on depression symptoms have been documented, as well as questioned, by meta-analyses. Translational models of constitutive 5-htt reduction and experimentally controlled stressors often led to inconsistent behavioral and molecular findings and often did not include females. The present study sought to investigate the effect of 5-htt genotype, maternal separation, and sex on the expression of stress-related candidate genes in the rat hippocampus and frontal cortex. The mRNA expression levels of Avp, Pomc, Crh, Crhbp, Crhr1, Bdnf, Ntrk2, Maoa, Maob, and Comt were assessed in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of 5-htt ± and 5-htt +/+ male and female adult rats exposed, or not, to daily maternal separation for 180 min during the first 2 postnatal weeks. Gene- and brain region-dependent, but sex-independent, interactions between 5-htt genotype and maternal separation were found. Gene expression levels were higher in 5-htt +/+ rats not exposed to maternal separation compared with the other experimental groups. Maternal separation and 5-htt +/- genotype did not yield additive effects on gene expression. Correlative relationships, mainly positive, were observed within, but not across, brain regions in all groups except in non-maternally separated 5-htt +/+ rats. Gene expression patterns in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of rats exposed to maternal separation resembled the ones observed in rats with reduced 5-htt expression regardless of sex. These results suggest that floor effects of 5-htt reduction and maternal separation might explain inconsistent findings in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jocelien D. A. Olivier
- Department Neurobiology, Unit Behavioural Neuroscience, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9712 CP, The Netherlands
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16
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Houwing DJ, Heijkoop R, Olivier JDA, Snoeren EMS. Perinatal fluoxetine exposure changes social and stress-coping behavior in adult rats housed in a seminatural environment. Neuropharmacology 2019; 151:84-97. [PMID: 30959021 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) during pregnancy has increased tremendously, but the consequences for the offspring remain largely unclear. Several studies have described potential effects of perinatal SSRI-exposure on neurobehavioral outcomes using simplified rodent test set-ups, however these set-ups only assess a small fraction of the behavior. For translational purposes it is important to take the environmental influences into account which children are exposed to in real life. By using a seminatural environmental set-up, this study is the first to assess behavioral outcomes in offspring exposed to perinatal SSRI exposure under seminatural circumstances. Mothers received daily the SSRI fluoxetine (FLX, 10 mg/kg p.o.) or vehicle (CTR) from gestational day 1 until postnatal day 21. To assess the effect of FLX exposure during early development, female and male offspring were behaviorally tested in the seminatural environment at adulthood. Baseline behavior was measured in addition to responses during and after stressful white-noise events. Behavior was observed on two days, day 4 on which females were sexually non-receptive, and day 7, on which females were sexual receptive. Perinatal FLX exposure reduced general activity in females and increased behavior related to a social context in both males and females. After a stressful white-noise event some behaviors switched. Whereas FLX-females switch from resting socially to resting more solitarily, FLX-males show an increase in self-grooming behavior after the stressor and showed more freezing behavior in the open area. We conclude that perinatal FLX exposure leads to alterations in social and stress-coping behaviors in adulthood, when observed in a seminatural environment. Whether these adaptations in behavior are advantageous or disadvantageous remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Houwing
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roy Heijkoop
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eelke M S Snoeren
- Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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Houwing DJ, Staal L, Swart JM, Ramsteijn AS, Wöhr M, de Boer SF, Olivier JDA. Subjecting Dams to Early Life Stress and Perinatal Fluoxetine Treatment Differentially Alters Social Behavior in Young and Adult Rat Offspring. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:229. [PMID: 30914920 PMCID: PMC6423179 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the putative association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure during pregnancy and the development of social disorders in children has gained increased attention. However, clinical studies struggle with the confounding effects of maternal depression typically co-occurring with antidepressant treatment. Furthermore, preclinical studies using an animal model of maternal depression to study effects of perinatal SSRI exposure on offspring social behavior are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate effects of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on juvenile and adult social behavior in male and female rat offspring, using an animal model of maternal vulnerability. We exposed heterozygous serotonin transporter (SERT) deficient female rats to early life maternal separation stress, and used this as a model for maternal vulnerability. Control and early life stressed heterozygous serotonin transporter knockout (SERT) dams were treated with the SSRI fluoxetine or vehicle throughout gestation and lactation. Subsequently, both male and female wildtype (SERT+/+) and heterozygous (SERT+/-) rat offspring were tested for pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), juvenile social play behavior and adult social interaction. Fluoxetine treatment of the dams resulted in a reduced total USV duration in pups at postnatal day 6, especially in SERT+/+ males. Perinatal fluoxetine exposure lowered social play behavior in male offspring from both control and early life stressed dams. However, in females a fluoxetine-induced reduction in juvenile play behavior was only present in offspring from control dams. Offspring genotype did not affect juvenile play behavior. Despite fluoxetine-induced behavioral effects at juvenile age, fluoxetine reduced male adult social behavior in offspring from control dams only. Effects of fluoxetine on female adult social behavior were virtually absent. Interestingly, early life stress in dams increased adult social exploration in vehicle exposed SERT+/+ female offspring and total social behavior in fluoxetine exposed adult SERT+/- male offspring. Furthermore, SERT+/- males appeared less social during adulthood compared to SERT+/+ males. Overall, the present study shows that chronic blockade of the serotonin transporter by fluoxetine during early development has a considerable impact on pup USVs, juvenile social play behavior in both male and female offspring, and to a lesser extent on male social interaction in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J. Houwing
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Laura Staal
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Judith M. Swart
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anouschka S. Ramsteijn
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Experimental and Biological Psychology Department, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sietse F. de Boer
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D. A. Olivier
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Department, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Esquivel-Franco DC, Olivier B, Waldinger MD, Gutiérrez-Ospina G, Olivier JDA. Tramadol's Inhibitory Effects on Sexual Behavior: Pharmacological Studies in Serotonin Transporter Knockout Rats. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:676. [PMID: 29997507 PMCID: PMC6030355 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tramadol is an effective pharmacological intervention in human premature ejaculation (PE). To investigate whether the inhibitory action of tramadol is primarily caused by its selective serotonin reuptake inhibitory (SSRI) effects we tested the dose–response effects of tramadol on sexual behavior in serotonin transporter wild type (SERT+/+), heterozygous (SERT+/-), and knockout (SERT-/-) rats. To investigate whether other mechanisms contribute to the inhibitory effects, WAY100,635, a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist and naloxone, a μ-opioid receptor antagonist, were tested on sexual behavior together with tramadol. Tramadol dose-dependently decreases sexual activity in all genotypes. In all studies, SERT+/- rats did not respond differently from SERT+/+ rats. WAY100,635 did not affect sexual activity in SERT+/+, but dose-dependently reduced sexual activity in SERT-/- rats. WAY100,635 (0.3 mg/kg) combined with tramadol (20 mg/kg) significantly reduced sexual activity in SERT+/+ and even stronger in SERT-/- rats. Naloxone did not affect sexual behavior consistently in SERT+/+ rats, while in SERT-/- rats all doses reduced ejaculation frequency mildly. Combining naloxone (20 mg/kg) and tramadol (20 mg/kg) decreased ejaculation frequencies in both genotypes. Interestingly, combining tramadol (20 mg/kg), WAY100,635 (0.3 mg/kg) and naloxone (20 mg/kg) led to complete elimination of all sexual activity in both SERT+/+ and SERT-/- rats. These findings suggest that the inhibitory effects of tramadol on male sexual behavior in SERT+/+ rats is mainly, if not exclusively, due to SERT inhibition, with an important role for 5-HT1A receptors, although influence of other systems (e.g., noradrenergic) cannot be excluded. As SSRIs exert their sexual inhibition after chronic administration, tramadol may be therapeutically attractive as “on demand” therapy for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Esquivel-Franco
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Berend Olivier
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychopharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Marcel D Waldinger
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gabriel Gutiérrez-Ospina
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Coordinación de Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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El Aidy S, Ramsteijn AS, Dini-Andreote F, van Eijk R, Houwing DJ, Salles JF, Olivier JDA. Serotonin Transporter Genotype Modulates the Gut Microbiota Composition in Young Rats, an Effect Augmented by Early Life Stress. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:222. [PMID: 28824378 PMCID: PMC5540888 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [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: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) plays a vital regulatory role in both the brain and gut. 5-HT is crucial for regulating mood in the brain as well as gastrointestinal motility and secretion peripherally. Alterations in 5-HT transmission have been linked to pathological symptoms in both intestinal and psychiatric disorders and selective 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) inhibitors, affecting the 5-HT system by blocking the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) have been successfully used to treat CNS- and intestinal disorders. Humans that carry the short allele of the 5-HTT-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) are more vulnerable to adverse environmental stressors, in particular early life stress. Although, early life stress has been shown to alter the composition of the gut microbiota, it is not known whether a lower 5-HTT expression is also associated with an altered microbiome composition. To investigate this, male and female wild type (5-HTT+/+), heterozygous (5-HTT+/-), and knockout (5-HTT-/-) 5-HT transporter rats were maternally separated for 6 h a day from postnatal day 2 till 15. On postnatal day 21, fecal samples were collected and the impact of 5-HTT genotype and maternal separation (MS) on the microbiome was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. MS showed a shift in the ratio between the two main bacterial phyla characterized by a decrease in Bacteroidetes and an increase in Firmicutes. Interestingly, the 5-HTT genotype caused a greater microbal dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) compared with MS. A significant difference in microbiota composition was found segregating 5-HTT-/- apart from 5-HTT+/- and 5-HTT+/+ rats. Moreover, exposure of rats with 5-HTT diminished expression to MS swayed the balance of their microbiota away from homeostasis to 'inflammatory' type microbiota characterized by higher abundance of members of the gut microbiome including Desulfovibrio, Mucispirillum, and Fusobacterium, all of which are previously reported to be associated with a state of intestinal inflammation, including inflammation associated with MS and brain disorders like multiple depressive disorders. Overall, our data show for the first time that altered expression of 5-HTT induces disruptions in male and female rat gut microbes and these 5-HTT genotype-related disruptions are augmented when combined with early life stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar El Aidy
- Microbial Physiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Anouschka S Ramsteijn
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Francisco Dini-Andreote
- Microbial Ecology Cluster, Genomics Research in Ecology and Evolution in Nature, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Roel van Eijk
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Danielle J Houwing
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Joana F Salles
- Microbial Ecology Cluster, Genomics Research in Ecology and Evolution in Nature, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
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Houwing DJ, Buwalda B, van der Zee EA, de Boer SF, Olivier JDA. The Serotonin Transporter and Early Life Stress: Translational Perspectives. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:117. [PMID: 28491024 PMCID: PMC5405142 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [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: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the serotonin transporter (SERT) linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and adverse early life stressing (ELS) events is associated with enhanced stress susceptibility and risk to develop mental disorders like major depression, anxiety, and aggressiveness. In particular, human short allele carriers are at increased risk. This 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is absent in the rodent SERT gene, but heterozygous SERT knockout rodents (SERT+/−) show several similarities to the human S-allele carrier, therefore creating an animal model of the human situation. Many rodent studies investigated ELS interactions in SERT knockout rodents combined with ELS. However, underlying neuromolecular mechanisms of the (mal)adaptive responses to adversity displayed by SERT rodents remain to be elucidated. Here, we provide a comprehensive review including studies describing mechanisms underlying SERT variation × ELS interactions in rodents. Alterations at the level of translation and transcription but also epigenetic alterations considerably contribute to underlying mechanisms of SERT variation × ELS interactions. In particular, SERT+/− rodents exposed to adverse early rearing environment may be of high translational and predictive value to the more stress sensitive human short-allele carrier, considering the similarity in neurochemical alterations. Therefore, SERT+/− rodents are highly relevant in research that aims to unravel the complex psychopathology of mental disorders. So far, most studies fail to show solid evidence for increased vulnerability to develop affective-like behavior after ELS in SERT+/− rodents. Several reasons may underlie these failures, e.g., (1) stressors used might not be optimal or severe enough to induce maladaptations, (2) effects in females are not sufficiently studied, and (3) few studies include both behavioral manifestations and molecular correlates of ELS-induced effects in SERT+/− rodents. Of course, one should not exclude the (although unlikely) possibility of SERT+/− rodents not being sensitive to ELS. In conclusion, future studies addressing ELS-induced effects in the SERT+/− rodents should extensively study both long-term behavioral and (epi)genetic aspects in both sexes. Finally, further research is warranted using more severe stressors in animal models. From there on, we should be able to draw solid conclusions whether the SERT+/− exposed to ELS is a suitable translational animal model for studying 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and stress interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Houwing
- Unit Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Bauke Buwalda
- Unit Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Unit Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Sietse F de Boer
- Unit Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Unit Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
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21
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Kaihola H, Yaldir FG, Hreinsson J, Hörnaeus K, Bergquist J, Olivier JDA, Åkerud H, Sundström-Poromaa I. Effects of Fluoxetine on Human Embryo Development. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:160. [PMID: 27378857 PMCID: PMC4909759 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of antidepressant treatment during pregnancy is increasing, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in pregnant women. Serotonin plays a role in embryogenesis, and serotonin transporters are expressed in two-cell mouse embryos. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether fluoxetine, one of the most prescribed SSRI antidepressant world-wide, exposure influences the timing of different embryo developmental stages, and furthermore, to analyze what protein, and protein networks, are affected by fluoxetine in the early embryo development. Human embryos (n = 48) were randomly assigned to treatment with 0.25 or 0.5 μM fluoxetine in culture medium. Embryo development was evaluated by time-lapse monitoring. The fluoxetine-induced human embryo proteome was analyzed by shotgun mass spectrometry. Protein secretion from fluoxetine-exposed human embryos was analyzed by use of high-multiplex immunoassay. The lower dose of fluoxetine had no influence on embryo development. A trend toward reduced time between thawing and start of cavitation was noted in embryos treated with 0.5 μM fluoxetine (p = 0.065). Protein analysis by shotgun mass spectrometry detected 45 proteins that were uniquely expressed in fluoxetine-treated embryos. These proteins are involved in cell growth, survival, proliferation, and inflammatory response. Culturing with 0.5 μM, but not 0.25 μM fluoxetine, caused a significant increase in urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in the culture medium. In conclusion, fluoxetine has marginal effects on the timing of developmental stages in embryos, but induces expression and secretion of several proteins in a manner that depends on dose. For these reasons, and in line with current guidelines, the lowest possible dose of SSRI should be used in pregnant women who need to continue treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Kaihola
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fatma G Yaldir
- Centre of Reproduction, Uppsala University Hospital Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Katarina Hörnaeus
- Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - BMC and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - BMC and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Unit Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Helena Åkerud
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Homberg JR, Olivier JDA, VandenBroeke M, Youn J, Ellenbroek AK, Karel P, Shan L, van Boxtel R, Ooms S, Balemans M, Langedijk J, Muller M, Vriend G, Cools AR, Cuppen E, Ellenbroek BA. The role of the dopamine D1 receptor in social cognition: studies using a novel genetic rat model. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:1147-1158. [PMID: 27483345 PMCID: PMC5087833 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.024752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Social cognition is an endophenotype that is impaired in schizophrenia and several other (comorbid) psychiatric disorders. One of the modulators of social cognition is dopamine, but its role is not clear. The effects of dopamine are mediated through dopamine receptors, including the dopamine D1 receptor (Drd1). Because current Drd1 receptor agonists are not Drd1 selective, pharmacological tools are not sufficient to delineate the role of the Drd1. Here, we describe a novel rat model with a genetic mutation in Drd1 in which we measured basic behavioural phenotypes and social cognition. The I116S mutation was predicted to render the receptor less stable. In line with this computational prediction, this Drd1 mutation led to a decreased transmembrane insertion of Drd1, whereas Drd1 expression, as measured by Drd1 mRNA levels, remained unaffected. Owing to decreased transmembrane Drd1 insertion, the mutant rats displayed normal basic motoric and neurological parameters, as well as locomotor activity and anxiety-like behaviour. However, measures of social cognition like social interaction, scent marking, pup ultrasonic vocalizations and sociability, were strongly reduced in the mutant rats. This profile of the Drd1 mutant rat offers the field of neuroscience a novel genetic rat model to study a series of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, autism, depression, bipolar disorder and drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith R Homberg
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of Neurobiology, Unit Behavioural Neuroscience, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9700 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Marie VandenBroeke
- Victoria University of Wellington, School of Psychology, PO Box 600, Wellington 6040, New Zealand
| | - Jiun Youn
- Victoria University of Wellington, School of Psychology, PO Box 600, Wellington 6040, New Zealand
| | - Arabella K Ellenbroek
- Victoria University of Wellington, School of Psychology, PO Box 600, Wellington 6040, New Zealand
| | - Peter Karel
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Ling Shan
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben van Boxtel
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW and University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Sharon Ooms
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Balemans
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Langedijk
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Mareike Muller
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Vriend
- CMBI, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 26-28, Nijmegen 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander R Cools
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin Cuppen
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW and University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Bart A Ellenbroek
- Victoria University of Wellington, School of Psychology, PO Box 600, Wellington 6040, New Zealand
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Olivier JDA, Åkerud H, Skalkidou A, Kaihola H, Sundström-Poromaa I. The effects of antenatal depression and antidepressant treatment on placental gene expression. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 8:465. [PMID: 25628539 PMCID: PMC4292720 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of antenatal depression and antidepressant treatment during pregnancy on both mother and child are vigorously studied, but the underlying biology for these effects is largely unknown. The placenta plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the fetus. We performed a gene expression study on the fetal side of the placenta to investigate gene expression patterns in mothers with antenatal depression and in mothers using antidepressant treatment during pregnancy. Placental samples from mothers with normal pregnancies, from mothers with antenatal depression, and from mothers using antidepressants were collected. We performed a pilot microarray study to investigate alterations in the gene expression and selected several genes from the microarray for biological validation with qPCR in a larger sample. In mothers with antenatal depression 108 genes were differentially expressed, whereas 109 genes were differentially expressed in those using antidepressants. Validation of the microarray revealed more robust gene expression differences in the seven genes picked for confirmation in antidepressant-treated women than in depressed women. Among the genes that were validated ROCK2 and C12orf39 were differentially expressed in both depressed and antidepressant-treated women, whereas ROCK1, GCC2, KTN1, and DNM1L were only differentially expressed in the antidepressant-treated women. In conclusion, antenatal depression and antidepressant exposure during pregnancy are associated with altered gene expression in the placenta. Findings on those genes picked for validation were more robust among antidepressant-treated women than in depressed women, possibly due to the fact that depression is a multifactorial condition with varying degrees of endocrine disruption. It remains to be established whether the alterations found in the gene expression of the placenta are found in the fetus as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden ; Department of Behavioral Physiology, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands ; Department of Medicine, Centre for Gender Medicine, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Åkerud
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Kaihola
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
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Olivier JDA, Vinkers CH, Olivier B. The role of the serotonergic and GABA system in translational approaches in drug discovery for anxiety disorders. Front Pharmacol 2013; 4:74. [PMID: 23781201 PMCID: PMC3677985 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is ample evidence that genetic factors play an important role in anxiety disorders. In support, human genome-wide association studies have implicated several novel candidate genes. However, illumination of such genetic factors involved in anxiety disorders has not resulted in novel drugs over the past decades. A complicating factor is the heterogeneous classification of anxiety disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and diverging operationalization of anxiety used in preclinical and clinical studies. Currently, there is an increasing focus on the gene × environment (G × E) interaction in anxiety as genes do not operate in isolation and environmental factors have been found to significantly contribute to the development of anxiety disorders in at-risk individuals. Nevertheless, extensive research on G × E mechanisms in anxiety has not resulted in major breakthroughs in drug discovery. Modification of individual genes in rodent models has enabled the specific study of anxiety in preclinical studies. In this context, two extensively studied neurotransmitters involved in anxiety are the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) system. In this review, we illustrate the complex interplay between genes and environment in anxiety processes by reviewing preclinical and clinical studies on the serotonin transporter (5-HTT), 5-HT1A receptor, 5-HT2 receptor, and GABAA receptor. Even though targets from the serotonin and GABA system have yielded drugs with known anxiolytic efficacy, the relation between the genetic background of these targets and anxiety symptoms and development of anxiety disorders is largely unknown. The aim of this review is to show the vast complexity of genetic and environmental factors in anxiety disorders. In light of the difficulty with which common genetic variants are identified in anxiety disorders, animal models with translational validity may aid in elucidating the neurobiological background of these genes and their possible role in anxiety. We argue that, in addition to human genetic studies, translational models are essential to map anxiety-related genes and to enhance our understanding of anxiety disorders in order to develop potentially novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelien D A Olivier
- Department of, Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden ; Center for Gender Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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Olivier JDA, Akerud H, Kaihola H, Pawluski JL, Skalkidou A, Högberg U, Sundström-Poromaa I. The effects of maternal depression and maternal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposure on offspring. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:73. [PMID: 23734100 PMCID: PMC3659337 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been estimated that 20% of pregnant women suffer from depression and it is well-documented that maternal depression can have long-lasting effects on the child. Currently, common treatment for maternal depression has been the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) which are used by 2–3% of pregnant women in the Nordic countries and by up to 10% of pregnant women in the United States. Antidepressants cross the placenta and are transferred to the fetus, thus, the question arises as to whether children of women taking antidepressants are at risk for altered neurodevelopmental outcomes and, if so, whether the risks are due to SSRI medication exposure or to the underlying maternal depression. This review considers the effects of maternal depression and SSRI exposure on offspring development in both clinical and preclinical populations. As it is impossible in humans to study the effects of SSRIs without taking into account the possible underlying effects of maternal depression (healthy pregnant women do not take SSRIs), animal models are of great value. For example, rodents can be used to determine the effects of maternal depression and/or perinatal SSRI exposure on offspring outcomes. Unraveling the joint (or separate) effects of maternal depression and SSRI exposure will provide more insights into the risks or benefits of SSRI exposure during gestation and will help women make informed decisions about using SSRIs during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D A Olivier
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden ; Center for Gender Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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Olivier JDA, Vallès A, van Heesch F, Afrasiab-Middelman A, Roelofs JJPM, Jonkers M, Peeters EJ, Korte-Bouws GAH, Dederen JP, Kiliaan AJ, Martens GJ, Schubert D, Homberg JR. Fluoxetine administration to pregnant rats increases anxiety-related behavior in the offspring. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 217:419-32. [PMID: 21487650 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2299-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [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] [Received: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Fluoxetine (Prozac®) is the most frequently prescribed drug to battle depression in pregnant women, but its safety in the unborn child has not yet been established. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, crosses the placenta, leading to increased extracellular serotonin levels and potentially neurodevelopmental changes in the fetus. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to elucidate the long-term consequences of prenatal fluoxetine in rats. METHODS Pregnant rats were injected daily with 12 mg/kg fluoxetine or vehicle from gestational day 11 until birth, and the behavior of the offspring was monitored. RESULTS Plasma fluoxetine transfer from mother to pup was 83%, and high levels of fluoxetine (13.0 μg/g) were detected in the pup brain 5 h after the last injection. Fluoxetine-treated dams gave birth to litters 15% smaller than usual and to pups of reduced weight (until postnatal day 7). Furthermore, prenatal fluoxetine exposure significantly increased anxiety in the novelty-suppressed feeding test, the footshock-induced conditioned place aversion test, and the elevated plus maze test (following footshock pre-exposure) during adulthood, and also significantly decreased components of social play behavior at 4 weeks of age, and a strong tendency for increased self-grooming and making less contact in adults. Behavioral despair, anhedonia, and sexual behavior were not different between treatment groups. Finally, the hypothermic response to the 5-HT(1A) agonist flesinoxan was observed at a lower dose in prenatally fluoxetine-exposed rats than in controls. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal fluoxetine exposure in rats leads to detrimental behavioral outcomes in later life, which may partly be due to altered 5-HT(1A) receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelien D A Olivier
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 126), 6525, EZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Olivier JDA, Blom T, Arentsen T, Homberg JR. The age-dependent effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in humans and rodents: A review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:1400-8. [PMID: 20883714 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [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] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 08/07/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Prozac® (fluoxetine) is widely prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety-related disorders. While extensive research has established that fluoxetine is safe for adults, safety is not guaranteed for (unborn) children and adolescents. Some clinical studies have reported adverse outcomes, such as premature birth, neonatal cardiovascular abnormalities, and pulmonary hypertension in children whose mothers used SSRIs during pregnancy. In addition, several reports show that adolescent fluoxetine treatment increases risk for suicidal behavior. Despite these studies, fluoxetine is not contraindicated in the treatment of depressed pregnant women and adolescents. Longitudinal research in humans is limited because of ethical reasons and time constraints, and to overcome these limitations, rodents are used to increase insight in the age-dependent effects of fluoxetine exposure. It has been established that neonatal and adolescent fluoxetine exposure leads to paradoxical anxiety- and depression-like features in later life of rats and mice, although in some studies adolescent fluoxetine exposure was without effects. These age-dependent outcomes of fluoxetine may be explained by serotonin's neurotrophic effects, which may vary according to the developmental stage of the brain due to epigenetic modifications. Here we review the existing evidence for the age-dependent effects of fluoxetine in humans and rodents, address the gaps in our current knowledge and propose directions for future research. Given the overlap between human and rodent findings, rodents provide heuristic value in further research on the age-dependent effects of SSRIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D A Olivier
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Dept. of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 21, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Neumann ID, Wegener G, Homberg JR, Cohen H, Slattery DA, Zohar J, Olivier JDA, Mathé AA. Animal models of depression and anxiety: What do they tell us about human condition? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:1357-75. [PMID: 21129431 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [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] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Revised: 10/24/2010] [Accepted: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
While modern neurobiology methods are necessary they are not sufficient to elucidate etiology and pathophysiology of affective disorders and develop new treatments. Achievement of these goals is contingent on applying cutting edge methods on appropriate disease models. In this review, the authors present four rodent models with good face-, construct-, and predictive-validity: the Flinders Sensitive rat line (FSL); the genetically "anxious" High Anxiety-like Behavior (HAB) line; the serotonin transporter knockout 5-HTT(-/-) rat and mouse lines; and the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) model induced by exposure to predator scent, that they have employed to investigate the nature of depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D Neumann
- Dept of Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Biology and Preclinical Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Homberg JR, Olivier JDA, Blom T, Arentsen T, van Brunschot C, Schipper P, Korte-Bouws G, van Luijtelaar G, Reneman L. Fluoxetine exerts age-dependent effects on behavior and amygdala neuroplasticity in the rat. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16646. [PMID: 21304948 PMCID: PMC3031607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [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: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Prozac® (fluoxetine) is the only registered antidepressant to treat depression in children and adolescents. Yet, while the safety of SSRIs has been well established in adults, serotonin exerts neurotrophic actions in the developing brain and thereby may have harmful effects in adolescents. Here we treated adolescent and adult rats chronically with fluoxetine (12 mg/kg) at postnatal day (PND) 25 to 46 and from PND 67 to 88, respectively, and tested the animals 7–14 days after the last injection when (nor)fluoxetine in blood plasma had been washed out, as determined by HPLC. Plasma (nor)fluoxetine levels were also measured 5 hrs after the last fluoxetine injection, and matched clinical levels. Adolescent rats displayed increased behavioral despair in the forced swim test, which was not seen in adult fluoxetine treated rats. In addition, beneficial effects of fluoxetine on wakefulness as measured by electroencephalography in adults was not seen in adolescent rats, and age-dependent effects on the acoustic startle response and prepulse inhibition were observed. On the other hand, adolescent rats showed resilience to the anorexic effects of fluoxetine. Exploratory behavior in the open field test was not affected by fluoxetine treatment, but anxiety levels in the elevated plus maze test were increased in both adolescent and adult fluoxetine treated rats. Finally, in the amygdala, but not the dorsal raphe nucleus and medial prefrontal cortex, the number of PSA-NCAM (marker for synaptic remodeling) immunoreactive neurons was increased in adolescent rats, and decreased in adult rats, as a consequence of chronic fluoxetine treatment. No fluoxetine-induced changes in 5-HT1A receptor immunoreactivity were observed. In conclusion, we show that fluoxetine exerts both harmful and beneficial age-dependent effects on depressive behavior, body weight and wakefulness, which may relate, in part, to differential fluoxetine-induced neuroplasticity in the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Olivier B, Chan JSW, Snoeren EM, Olivier JDA, Veening JG, Vinkers CH, Waldinger MD, Oosting RS. Differences in sexual behaviour in male and female rodents: role of serotonin. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2011; 8:15-36. [PMID: 21374021 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2010_116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin plays an important role in both male and female sexual behaviour. In general, reduction of 5-HT function facilitates, whereas enhancement inhibits sexual behaviour. Most fundamental research on the involvement of 5-HT in sex has been performed in rats. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have comparable effects on male and female sexual behaviour in rats; they inhibit it but only after chronic administration. Activation of the 5-HT(1A) receptor facilitates sexual behaviour in male rats but inhibits sexual behaviour in female rats, suggesting a differential role for 5-HT(1A) receptors in male and female rats. Research on sexual behaviour in rats with null mutations in the serotonin transporter (SERT) indicated also a differential role for 5-HT(1A) receptors in male and female sexual behaviour. Evidence exists that different pools of 5-HT(1A) receptors have differential roles in various parts of the cascade of sexual events occurring during sexual interactions. Roles for other 5-HT receptors are less well defined although 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(2A/B) and 5-HT(7) receptors seem to be involved. Identification of putative differential or comparable roles in female and male sexual activities requires more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berend Olivier
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584, CA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Olivier JDA, Cools AR, Deen PMT, Olivier B, Ellenbroek BA. Blockade of dopamine, but not noradrenaline, transporters produces hyperthermia in rats that lack serotonin transporters. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 629:7-11. [PMID: 20004658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Revised: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 11/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To investigate whether life-long disturbed serotonin neurotransmission may result in adaptive changes of dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems, effects of drugs on stress-induced hyperthermia were studied in serotonin transporter knockout rats. The noradrenalin transporter blocker atomoxetine was more effective in reducing stress-induced hyperthermia, induced by an injection, in serotonin transporter (SERT) knockout (SERT(-/-)) rats compared to SERT(+/+) rats. The dopamine transporter blocker GBR12909 increased the core body temperature in SERT(-/-) rats, and had no effect on the SERT(+/+) rats. Finally, the noradrenalin transporter together with dopamine transporter blocker bupropion was more effective in decreasing the stress of an injection in SERT(-/-) rats than in SERT(+/+) rats. These data suggest that the sensitivity of dopamine and noradrenalin receptors is changed in serotonin transporter knockout rats. The lack of the serotonin transporter in SERT(-/-) rats might reflect humans with a life-long disturbed serotonin system, making this rat a good model to study possible changes in dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelien D A Olivier
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour: Department of Cognitive Neuroscience: Molecular Neurobiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Molteni R, Calabrese F, Maj PF, Olivier JDA, Racagni G, Ellenbroek BA, Riva MA. Altered expression and modulation of activity-regulated cytoskeletal associated protein (Arc) in serotonin transporter knockout rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2009; 19:898-904. [PMID: 19576731 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Revised: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A gene variant in the human serotonin transporter (SERT) can increase the vulnerability to mood disorders. SERT knockout animals show similarities to the human condition and represent an important tool to investigate the mechanisms underlying the pathologic condition in humans. Along this line of thinking, we used SERT KO rats (SERT(+/-) and SERT(-/-)) to investigate abnormalities in the expression and function of the activity-regulated gene Arc (Activity-regulated cytoskeletal associated protein) and the early inducible gene Zif-268, (zinc finger binding protein clone 268), which are important players in neuronal plasticity. We found lower basal Arc mRNA levels in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mutant rats in comparison with wild-type animals. Moreover SERT mutant rats show altered stress responsiveness. Indeed an acute swim stress significantly up-regulated the levels of Arc mRNA in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as of Zif-268 in frontal cortex, only in SERT(+/-) and SERT(-/-) rats. These alterations may be associated to behavioral traits linked to SERT and may contribute to the neuroplastic and morphological changes observed in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Molteni
- Center of Neuropharmacology, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Universita' di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Kalueff AV, Olivier JDA, Nonkes LJP, Homberg JR. Conserved role for the serotonin transporter gene in rat and mouse neurobehavioral endophenotypes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2009; 34:373-86. [PMID: 19698744 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2009] [Revised: 08/12/2009] [Accepted: 08/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The serotonin transporter knockout (SERT(-/-)) mouse, generated in 1998, was followed by the SERT(-/-) rat, developed in 2006. The availability of SERT(-/-) rodents creates the unique possibility to study the conservation of gene function across species. Here we summarize SERT(-/-) mouse and rat data, and discuss species (dis)similarities in neurobehavioral endophenotypes. Both SERT(-/-) rodent models show a disturbed serotonergic system, altered nociception, higher anxiety, decreased social behavior, as well as increased negative emotionality, behavioral inhibition and decision making. Used to model a wide range of psychiatric disorders, SERT(-/-) rodents may be particularly valuable in research on neurodevelopmental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and possibly autism. We conclude that SERT function is conserved across mice and rats and that their behavioral profile arises from common neurodevelopmental alterations. Because mice and rats have species-specific characteristics that confer differential research advantages, a comparison of the two models has heuristic value in understanding the mechanisms and behavioral outcome of SERT genetic variation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Kalueff
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Olivier JDA, Jans LAW, Korte-Bouws GAH, Korte SM, Deen PMT, Cools AR, Ellenbroek BA, Blokland A. Acute tryptophan depletion dose dependently impairs object memory in serotonin transporter knockout rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 200:243-54. [PMID: 18542930 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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] [Received: 02/18/2008] [Accepted: 05/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) transiently lowers central serotonin levels and can induce depressive mood states and cognitive defects. Previous studies have shown that ATD impairs object recognition in rats. OBJECTIVES As individual differences exist in central serotonin neurotransmission, the impact of ATD may vary accordingly. In this experiment, we investigated the hypothesis that male serotonin transporter knockout (SERT(-/-)), rats marked by a lower SERT function, are more vulnerable to the effects of ATD in an object recognition task than male wildtype (SERT(+/+)) and heterozygous (SERT(+/-)) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve male SERT(+/+), SERT(+/-), and SERT(-/-) rats were treated with standard dose and low-dose ATD using a gelatine-based protein-carbohydrate mixture lacking tryptophan. In the control treatment, L: -tryptophan was added to the mixture. Four hours after treatment, the rats were subjected to the object recognition task. In addition, the effects of ATD on plasma amino acid concentrations were measured, and concentrations of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were measured in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of these rats. RESULTS Plasma TRP levels and central 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels were decreased in all genotypes after ATD, but effects were stronger in SERT(-/-) rats. The standard dose of ATD impaired object recognition in all genotypes. SERT(-/-) and SERT(+/-) rats were more vulnerable to low dose of ATD in the object recognition task compared to SERT(+/+) rats. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate a greater sensitivity to ATD in SERT(-/-) and SERT(+/-) rats, which may be related to stronger central depletion effects in these rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D A Olivier
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience: Psychoneuropharmacology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Olivier JDA, Van Der Hart MGC, Van Swelm RPL, Dederen PJ, Homberg JR, Cremers T, Deen PMT, Cuppen E, Cools AR, Ellenbroek BA. A study in male and female 5-HT transporter knockout rats: an animal model for anxiety and depression disorders. Neuroscience 2008; 152:573-84. [PMID: 18295409 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2007] [Revised: 12/24/2007] [Accepted: 12/28/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human studies have shown that a reduction of 5-HT transporter (SERT) increases the vulnerability for anxiety and depression. Moreover, women are more vulnerable to develop depression and anxiety disorders than men. For that reason we hypothesized that homozygous 5-HT transporter knockout rat (SERT(-/-)) models, especially female, are valuable and reliable animal models for humans with an increased vulnerability for anxiety- and depression-related disorders. As rats are extensively used in neuroscience research, we used the unique 5-HT transporter knockout rat, that was recently generated using N-ethyl-N-nitrosurea (ENU) -driven mutagenesis, to test this hypothesis. Behavioral testing revealed that male and female SERT(-/-) rats spent less time in the center of the open field and spent less time on the open arm of the elevated plus maze compared with wild-type 5-HT transporter knockout rats (SERT(+/+)). In the novelty suppressed feeding test, only male SERT(-/-) rats showed a higher latency before starting to eat in a bright novel arena compared with SERT(+/+) controls. Both male and female SERT(-/-) rats showed a higher escape latency from their home cage than SERT(+/+) littermates. Moreover, SERT(-/-) rats were less mobile in the forced swim test, and sucrose consumption was reduced in SERT(-/-) rats relative to SERT(+/+) rats. Both effects were sex-independent. Neurochemically, basal extracellular 5-HT levels were elevated to a similar extent in male and female SERT(-/-) rats, which was not influenced by the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor citalopram. 5-HT immunostaining revealed no difference between SERT(+/+) and SERT(-/-) rats in the dorsal raphe nuclei, in both males and females. These findings demonstrate that SERT(-/-) rats show anxiety and depression-related behavior, independent of sex. Genetic inactivation of the SERT has apparently such a great impact on behavior, that hardly any differences are found between male and female rats. This knockout rat model may provide a valuable model to study anxiety- and depression-related disorders in male and female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D A Olivier
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience: Psychoneuropharmacology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Olivier JDA, de Jong TR, Jos Dederen P, van Oorschot R, Heeren D, Pattij T, Waldinger MD, Coolen LM, Cools AR, Olivier B, Veening JG. Effects of acute and chronic apomorphine on sex behavior and copulation-induced neural activation in the male rat. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 576:61-76. [PMID: 17826765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Revised: 08/13/2007] [Accepted: 08/15/2007] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Apomorphine is a non-selective dopaminergic receptor agonist. Because of its pro-erectile effects, apomorphine is clinically used for treatment of erectile dysfunction. We investigated the effects of subcutaneous apomorphine administration (0.4 mg/kg rat) on sexual behavior and mating-induced Fos-expression following acute (day 1) or chronic apomorphine treatment (days 8 and 15) in sexually experienced male rats. Consistent facilitatory effects of apomorphine were observed in the reduced numbers of mounts and intromissions over time and an increased ejaculation frequency on day 1. The first post-ejaculatory interval, however, was lengthened, while other behavioral parameters were unaffected. Fos-immunoreactivity induced by acute apomorphine administration (barrel cortex, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, central amygdala and locus coeruleus) was strongly reduced after chronic administration. After mating, induction of Fos-immunoreactivity was observed in well-known areas like medial preoptic nucleus and the posterodorsal medial amygdaloid area. Apomorphine, however, reduced mating-induced Fos-immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens shell and prevented its occurrence in its core area. This remarkable apomorphine effect was not observed in any other brain area. We conclude that the behavioral (pro-erectile) effects of apomorphine are consistent over time, and that the diminished accumbens-Fos-immunoreactivity and the elongated post-ejaculatory interval may reflect a decreased response to remote cues from the estrus female.
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Homberg JR, Olivier JDA, Smits BMG, Mul JD, Mudde J, Verheul M, Nieuwenhuizen OFM, Cools AR, Ronken E, Cremers T, Schoffelmeer ANM, Ellenbroek BA, Cuppen E. Characterization of the serotonin transporter knockout rat: a selective change in the functioning of the serotonergic system. Neuroscience 2007; 146:1662-76. [PMID: 17467186 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2006] [Revised: 03/14/2007] [Accepted: 03/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Serotonergic signaling is involved in many neurobiological processes and disturbed 5-HT homeostasis is implicated in a variety of psychiatric and addictive disorders. Here, we describe the functional characterization of the serotonin transporter (SERT) knockout rat model, that is generated by N-ethyl-N-nitrosurea (ENU)-driven target-selected mutagenesis. Biochemical characterization revealed that SERT mRNA and functional protein are completely absent in homozygous knockout (SERT-/-) rats, and that there is a gene dose-dependent reduction in the expression and function of the SERT in heterozygous knockout rats. As a result, 5-HT homeostasis was found to be severely affected in SERT-/- rats: 5-HT tissue levels and depolarization-induced 5-HT release were significantly reduced, and basal extracellular 5-HT levels in the hippocampus were ninefold increased. Interestingly, we found no compensatory changes in in vitro activity of tryptophan hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase, the primary enzymes involved in 5-HT synthesis and degradation, respectively. Similarly, no major adaptations in non-serotonergic systems were found, as determined by dopamine and noradrenaline transporter binding, monoamine tissue levels, and depolarization-induced release of dopamine, noradrenaline, glutamate and GABA. In conclusion, neurochemical changes in the SERT knockout rat are primarily limited to the serotonergic system, making this novel rat model potentially very useful for studying the behavioral and neurobiological consequences of disturbed 5-HT homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Homberg
- Hubrecht Laboratory, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Dirks A, Groenink L, Westphal KGC, Olivier JDA, Verdouw PM, van der Gugten J, Geyer MA, Olivier B. Reversal of startle gating deficits in transgenic mice overexpressing corticotropin-releasing factor by antipsychotic drugs. Neuropsychopharmacology 2003; 28:1790-8. [PMID: 12865891 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chronically elevated levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in transgenic mice overexpressing CRF in the brain (CRF-OE) appear to be associated with alterations commonly associated with major depressive disorder, as well as with sensorimotor gating deficits commonly associated with schizophrenia. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that antipsychotics may be effective in normalizing prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle in CRF-OE mice, which display impaired sensorimotor gating compared to wild-type (WT) mice. The typical antipsychotic haloperidol and atypical antipsychotic risperidone improved PPI in the CRF-OE mice, but were ineffective in WT mice. The atypical antipsychotic clozapine did not influence PPI in CRF-OE mice, but reduced gating in WT mice. This effect of clozapine in the CRF-OE mice may thus be regarded as a relative improvement, consistent with the observed effect of haloperidol and risperidone. As expected, the anxiolytic, nonantipsychotic chlordiazepoxide was devoid of any effect. All four compounds dose-dependently reduced the acoustic startle response irrespective of genotype. These results indicate that antipsychotic drugs are effective in improving startle gating deficits in the CRF-OE mice. Hence, the CRF-OE mouse model may represent an animal model for certain aspects of psychotic depression, and could be a valuable tool for research addressing the impact of chronically elevated levels of CRF on information processing.
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MESH Headings
- Acoustic Stimulation
- Animals
- Antipsychotic Agents/pharmacology
- Behavior, Animal
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/biosynthesis
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Depression
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Inhibition, Psychological
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Transgenic
- Reflex, Acoustic/drug effects
- Reflex, Startle/drug effects
- Reflex, Startle/physiology
- Stimulation, Chemical
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneloes Dirks
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Barrot M, Olivier JDA, Perrotti LI, DiLeone RJ, Berton O, Eisch AJ, Impey S, Storm DR, Neve RL, Yin JC, Zachariou V, Nestler EJ. CREB activity in the nucleus accumbens shell controls gating of behavioral responses to emotional stimuli. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002; 99:11435-40. [PMID: 12165570 PMCID: PMC123274 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.172091899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 414] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor cAMP response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) has been shown to regulate neural plasticity. Drugs of abuse activate CREB in the nucleus accumbens, an important part of the brain's reward pathways, and local manipulations of CREB activity have been shown to affect cocaine reward, suggesting an active role of CREB in adaptive processes that follow exposure to drugs of abuse. Using CRE-LacZ reporter mice, we show that not only rewarding stimuli such as morphine, but also aversive stimuli such as stress, activate CRE-mediated transcription in the nucleus accumbens shell. Using viral-mediated gene transfer to locally alter the activity of CREB, we show that this manipulation affects morphine reward, as well as the preference for sucrose, a more natural reward. We then show that local changes in CREB activity induce a more general syndrome, by altering reactions to anxiogenic, aversive, and nociceptive stimuli as well. Increased CREB activity in the nucleus accumbens shell decreases an animal's responses to each of these stimuli, whereas decreased CREB activity induces an opposite phenotype. These results show that environmental stimuli regulate CRE-mediated transcription within the nucleus accumbens shell, and that changes in CREB activity within this brain area subsequently alter gating between emotional stimuli and their behavioral responses. This control appears to be independent of the intrinsic appetitive or aversive value of the stimulus. The potential relevance of these data to addiction and mood disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Barrot
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Basic Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9070, USA.
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