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Gomes-de-Souza L, Busnardo C, Santos A, Paz HS, Resstel LB, Planeta CS, Nunes-de-Souza RL, Crestani CC. Functional lateralization in the medial prefrontal cortex control of contextual conditioned emotional responses in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111015. [PMID: 38653363 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
A functional lateralization has been reported in control of emotional responses by the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, a hemisphere asymmetry in involvement of the mPFC in expression of fear conditioning responses has never been reported. Therefore, we investigated whether control by mPFC of freezing and cardiovascular responses during re-exposure to an aversively conditioned context is lateralized. For this, rats had guide cannulas directed to the mPFC implanted bilaterally or unilaterally in the right or left hemispheres. Vehicle or the non-selective synaptic inhibitor CoCl2 was microinjected into the mPFC 10 min before re-exposure to a chamber where the animals had previously received footshocks. A catheter was implanted into the femoral artery before the fear retrieval test for cardiovascular recordings. We observed that bilateral microinjection of CoCl2 into the mPFC reduced both the freezing behavior (enhancing locomotion and rearing) and arterial pressure and heart rate increases during re-exposure to the aversively conditioned context. Unilateral microinjection of CoCl2 into the right hemisphere of the mPFC also decreased the freezing behavior (enhancing locomotion and rearing), but without affecting the cardiovascular changes. Conversely, unilateral synaptic inhibition in the left mPFC did not affect either behavioral or cardiovascular responses during fear retrieval test. Taken together, these results suggest that the right hemisphere of the mPFC is necessary and sufficient for expression of freezing behavior to contextual fear conditioning. However, the control of cardiovascular responses and freezing behavior during fear retrieval test is somehow dissociated in the mPFC, being the former bilaterally processed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Busnardo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Adrielly Santos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Higor S Paz
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo B Resstel
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cleopatra S Planeta
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo L Nunes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Santana FG, Duarte JO, Barretto-de-Souza L, Crestani CC. Angiotensinergic neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is involved in cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:517-526. [PMID: 36715761 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02791-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The brain angiotensin II acting via AT1 receptors is a prominent mechanism involved in physiological and behavioral responses during aversive situations. The AT2 receptor has also been implicated in stress responses, but its role was less explored. Despite these pieces of evidence, the brain sites related to control of the changes during aversive threats by the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are poorly understood. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a limbic structure related to the cardiovascular responses by stress, and components of the RAS system were identified in this forebrain region. Therefore, we investigated the role of angiotensinergic neurotransmission present within the BNST acting via local AT1 and AT2 receptors in cardiovascular responses evoked by an acute session of restraint stress in rats. For this, rats were subjected to bilateral microinjection of either the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, the selective AT1 receptor antagonist losartan, or the selective AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319 before they underwent the restraint stress session. We observed that BNST treatment with captopril reduced the decrease in tail skin temperature evoked by restraint stress, without affecting the pressor and tachycardic responses. Local AT2 receptor antagonism within the BNST reduced both the tachycardia and the drop in tail skin temperature during restraint. Bilateral microinjection of losartan into the BNST did not affect the restraint-evoked cardiovascular changes. Taken together, these data indicate an involvement of BNST angiotensinergic neurotransmission acting via local AT2 receptors in cardiovascular responses during stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia G Santana
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josiane O Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Barretto-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Vitorio AS, Reis-Silva LL, Barretto-de-Souza L, Gomes-de-Souza L, Crestani CC. Evaluation of the posterior insular cortex involvement in anxiogenic response to emotional stress in male rats: Functional topography along the rostrocaudal axis. Physiol Behav 2023; 258:114006. [PMID: 36341833 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.114006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The insular cortex (IC) is engaged in behavioral and physiological responses to emotional stress. Control of physiological functions and behavioral responses has been reported to occur in a site-specific manner along the rostrocaudal axis of the IC. However, a functional topography of the IC regulation of anxiogenic responses caused by stress has never been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated the role of rostrocaudal subregions in the posterior IC in anxiogenic-like effect caused by exposure to acute restraint stress in male rats. For this, rats received bilateral microinjection of the non-selective synaptic inhibitor CoCl2 or vehicle into either the rostral, intermediate or caudal portions of the posterior IC before exposure to acute restraint stress. Then, behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM) was evaluated immediately after restraint stress. The behavior of non-stressed animals in the EPM was also investigated. We observed that acute restraint stress decreased the exploration of the EPM open arms in animals treated with vehicle in all regions of the posterior IC, thus indicating an anxiogenic-like effect. The avoidance of the EPM open arms was completely inhibited in animals subjected to microinjection of CoCl2 into the intermediate posterior IC. Nevertheless, the same pharmacological treatment into either the rostral or caudal subregions of the posterior IC did not affect the restraint-evoked behavioral changes in the EPM. Taken together, these results suggest that regulation of anxiogenic-like effect to emotional stress along the rostrocaudal axis of the posterior IC might occur in a site-specific manner, indicating a role of the intermediate subregion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Vitorio
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lilian L Reis-Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Barretto-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Tomeo RA, Gomes-de-Souza L, Benini R, Reis-Silva LL, Crestani CC. Site-Specific Regulation of Stress Responses Along the Rostrocaudal Axis of the Insular Cortex in Rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:878927. [PMID: 35620667 PMCID: PMC9127339 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.878927] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The insular cortex (IC) has been described as a part of the central network implicated in the integration and processing of limbic information, being related to the behavioral and physiological responses to stressful events. Besides, a site-specific control of physiological functions has been reported along the rostrocaudal axis of the IC. However, a functional topography of the IC in the regulation of stress responses has never been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of acute restraint stress in neuronal activation at different sites along the rostrocaudal axis of the IC. Furthermore, we evaluated the involvement of IC rostrocaudal subregions in the cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress. We observed that an acute session of restraint stress increased the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells in the rostral posterior region of the IC, while fewer activated cells were identified in the anterior and caudal posterior regions. Bilateral injection of the non-selective synaptic inhibitor CoCl2 into the anterior region of the IC did not affect the blood pressure and heart rate increases and the sympathetically mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction to acute restraint stress. However, synaptic ablation of the rostral posterior IC decreased the restraint-evoked arterial pressure increase, whereas tachycardia was reduced in animals in which the caudal posterior IC was inhibited. Taken together, these pieces of evidence indicate a site-specific regulation of cardiovascular stress response along the rostrocaudal axis of the IC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carlos C. Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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Morais-Silva G, Gomes-de-Souza L, Costa-Ferreira W, Pavan JC, Crestani CC, Marin MT. Cardiovascular Reactivity to a Novel Stressor: Differences on Susceptible and Resilient Rats to Social Defeat Stress. Front Physiol 2022; 12:781447. [PMID: 35250603 PMCID: PMC8889071 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.781447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged and heightened responses to stress are known factors that influence the development of mood disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the coping strategies related to the experience of adverse events, i.e., resilience or the susceptibility to stress, are determinants for the individual risk of developing such diseases. Susceptible rats to the social defeat stress (SDS), identified by the social interaction test (SIT), show behavioral and cardiovascular alterations after SDS exposure that are not found in resilient rats. However, it is not elucidated yet how the cardiovascular system of susceptible and resilient phenotypes responds to a new stressor after SDS exposure. Thus, using the SDS exposure followed by the SIT, we evaluated heart rate, blood pressure (BP), tail skin temperature, and circulating corticosterone responses to an acute session of restraint stress in susceptible and resilient rats to SDS. Susceptible rats showed resting tachycardia and exaggerated BP response to restraint stress, while resilient rats did not present such alterations. In contrast, both phenotypes showed increased plasma corticosterone and a drop in tail skin temperature to restraint stress, which was similar to that observed in control animals. Our results revealed an increased cardiovascular reactivity in response to a new stressful stimulus in susceptible rats, which might be related to a greater risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gessynger Morais-Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline C. Pavan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Carlos C. Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marcelo T. Marin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Marcelo T. Marin,
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Bianchi PC, Costa-Ferreira W, Tomeo RA, Cruz FC, Crestani CC. CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis differently modulate anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 110:110284. [PMID: 33609604 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is implicated in anxiety, but the brain sites involved are not completely understood. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been related to anxiety and responses to aversive threats. Besides, endocannabinoid neurotransmission acting via CB1 receptors was identified in the BNST. However, the presence of CB2 receptors and the role of BNST endocannabinoid system in anxiety-like behaviors have never been reported. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the BNST and their role in anxiety-like behaviors. For this, gene expression of the endocannabinoid receptors was evaluated in samples from anterior and posterior BNST. Besides, behaviors were evaluated in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) in unstressed rats (trait anxiety-like behavior) and after exposure to restraint stress (restraint-evoked anxiety-like behavior) in rats treated with either the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 or the CB2 receptor antagonist JTE907 into the anterior BNST. The presence of CB1 and CB2 receptors gene expression was identified in anterior and posterior divisions of the BNST. Bilateral microinjection of AM251 into the anterior BNST dose-dependently increased EPM open arms exploration in unstressed animals and inhibited the anxiety-like behavior in the EPM evoked by restraint. Conversely, intra-BNST microinjection of JTE907 decreased EPM open arms exploration in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited restraint-evoked behavioral changes in the EPM. Taken together, these results indicate that CB1 and CB2 receptors present in the BNST are involved in control of anxiety-like behaviors, and control by the latter is affected by previous stress experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula C Bianchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Paulista Medicine School, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A Tomeo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio C Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Paulista Medicine School, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Costa-Ferreira W, Mendonça MM, Xavier CH, Crestani CC. Lateral hypothalamus involvement in control of stress response by bed nucleus of the stria terminalis endocannabinoid neurotransmission in male rats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16133. [PMID: 34373508 PMCID: PMC8352993 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95401-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid neurotransmission acting via local CB1 receptor in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in behavioral and physiological responses to emotional stress. However, the neural network related to this control is poorly understood. In this sense, the lateral hypothalamus (LH) is involved in stress responses, and BNST GABAergic neurons densely innervate this hypothalamic nucleus. However, a role of BNST projections to the LH in physiological responses to stress is unknown. Therefore, using male rats, we investigated the role of LH GABAergic neurotransmission in the regulation of cardiovascular responses to stress by CB1 receptors within the BNST. We observed that microinjection of the selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 into the BNST decreased the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells within the LH of rats submitted to acute restraint stress. Treatment of the BNST with AM251 also enhanced restraint-evoked tachycardia. Nevertheless, arterial pressure increase and sympathetically-mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction to restraint was not affected by CB1 receptor antagonism within the BNST. The effect of AM251 in the BNST on restraint-evoked tachycardia was abolished in animals pretreated with the selective GABAA receptor antagonist SR95531 in the LH. These results indicate that regulation of cardiovascular responses to stress by CB1 receptors in the BNST is mediated by GABAergic neurotransmission in the LH. Present data also provide evidence of the BNST endocannabinoid neurotransmission as a mechanism involved in LH neuronal activation during stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle M Mendonça
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Carlos H Xavier
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, Araraquara, SP, 14800-903, Brazil.
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Bianchi PC, Gomes-de-Souza L, Costa-Ferreira W, Palombo P, Carneiro de Oliveira PE, Engi SA, Leão RM, Planeta CS, Crestani CC, Cruz FC. Chronic ethanol vapor exposure potentiates cardiovascular responses to acute stress in male but not in female rats. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:27. [PMID: 33726842 PMCID: PMC7962247 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00371-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol use is related to a wide variety of negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases. Stress is also involved in numerous pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases and psychiatric disorders. Sexual dimorphism is an important factor affecting cardiovascular response and has been proposed as a potential risk factor for sex-specific health problems in humans. Here, we evaluated the effect of prolonged ethanol vapor inhalation on arterial pressure, heart rate, and tail skin temperature responses to acute restraint stress, investigating differences between male and female rats. METHODS We exposed male and female Long-Evans rats to ethanol vapor for 14 h, followed by ethanol withdrawal for 10 h, for 30 consecutive days, or to room air (control groups). The animals underwent surgical implantation of a cannula into the femoral artery for assessment of arterial pressure and heart rate values. The tail skin temperature was measured as an indirect measurement of sympathetic vasomotor response. RESULTS Chronic ethanol vapor inhalation reduced basal heart rate in both female and male rats. Sex-related difference was observed in the decrease of tail cutaneous temperature evoked by stress, but not in the pressor and tachycardiac responses. Furthermore, prolonged ethanol inhalation enhanced the blood pressure and heart rate increase caused by acute restraint stress in male, but not in female rats. However, no effect of chronic ethanol vapor was observed in the tail cutaneous temperature response to restraint in either sex. CONCLUSION Chronic ethanol vapor exposure increased the cardiovascular reactivity to stress in male, but not in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C. Bianchi
- Laboratory of Neuropsypharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú km 1, Araraquara, SP 14801-902 Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences UFSCar/UNESP, Rod. Washington Luís km 235, São Carlos, SP 13565-905 Brazil
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Paulista Medicine School, Universidade Federal de São Paulo – UNIFESP, Leal Prado Building, Botucatu 862 Street, 04024-002, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuropsypharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú km 1, Araraquara, SP 14801-902 Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences UFSCar/UNESP, Rod. Washington Luís km 235, São Carlos, SP 13565-905 Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Neuropsypharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú km 1, Araraquara, SP 14801-902 Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences UFSCar/UNESP, Rod. Washington Luís km 235, São Carlos, SP 13565-905 Brazil
| | - Paola Palombo
- Laboratory of Neuropsypharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú km 1, Araraquara, SP 14801-902 Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences UFSCar/UNESP, Rod. Washington Luís km 235, São Carlos, SP 13565-905 Brazil
| | - Paulo E. Carneiro de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Psychology, Psychology Department, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Rod. Washington Luís km 235, São Carlos, SP 13565-905 Brazil
| | - Sheila A. Engi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Paulista Medicine School, Universidade Federal de São Paulo – UNIFESP, Leal Prado Building, Botucatu 862 Street, 04024-002, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Pharmacology and Molecular Biology Institute - INFAR, Três de Maio 100 Street, 04044-020, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M. Leão
- Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Cleopatra S. Planeta
- Laboratory of Neuropsypharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú km 1, Araraquara, SP 14801-902 Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences UFSCar/UNESP, Rod. Washington Luís km 235, São Carlos, SP 13565-905 Brazil
| | - Carlos C. Crestani
- Laboratory of Neuropsypharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú km 1, Araraquara, SP 14801-902 Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences UFSCar/UNESP, Rod. Washington Luís km 235, São Carlos, SP 13565-905 Brazil
| | - Fabio C. Cruz
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Paulista Medicine School, Universidade Federal de São Paulo – UNIFESP, Leal Prado Building, Botucatu 862 Street, 04024-002, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Pharmacology and Molecular Biology Institute - INFAR, Três de Maio 100 Street, 04044-020, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP Brazil
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Oliveira LA, Gomes-de-Souza L, Benini R, Wood SK, Crestani CC. Both CRF 1 and CRF 2 receptors in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis are involved in baroreflex impairment evoked by chronic stress in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110009. [PMID: 32535028 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to adverse events has been proposed as a prominent factor involved in etiology and progression of cardiovascular dysfunctions in humans and animals. However, the neurobiological mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. In this sense, chronic stress has been reported to evoke neuroplasticity in corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurotransmission in several limbic structures, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. However, a possible involvement of BNST CRF neurotransmission in cardiovascular dysfunctions evoked by chronic stress has never been reported. Thus, this study investigated the involvement of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors within the BNST in cardiovascular changes evoked by chronic stress in rats. We identified that exposure to a 10-day chronic variable stress (CVS) protocol decreased expression of both CRF1 and CRF2 receptors within the BNST. These effects were followed by increased arterial pressure and impairment of baroreflex function, but without changes on heart rate. Bilateral microinjection of either the selective CRF1 receptor antagonist CP376395 or the selective CRF2 receptor antagonist antisauvagine-30 into the BNST did not affect CVS-evoked arterial pressure increase. Nevertheless, BNST treatment with CP376395 decreased both tachycardic and bradycardic responses of the baroreflex in non-stressed rats; but these effects were not identified in chronically stressed animals. BNST pharmacological treatment with antisauvagine-30 decreased the reflex tachycardia in control animals, whereas reflex bradycardic response was increased in CVS animals. Altogether, the results reported in the present study indicate that down regulation of both CRF1 and CRF2 receptors within the BNST is involved in baroreflex impairment evoked by chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Brazil
| | - Susan K Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Brazil.
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Costa-Ferreira W, Gomes-de-Souza L, Crestani CC. Role of angiotensin receptors in the medial amygdaloid nucleus in autonomic, baroreflex and cardiovascular changes evoked by chronic stress in rats. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:763-777. [PMID: 33372338 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the role of AT1 , AT2 and Mas angiotensinergic receptors within the MeA in autonomic, cardiovascular and baroreflex changes evoked by a 10-day (1 hr daily) repeated restraint stress (RRS) protocol. Analysis of cardiovascular function after the end of the RRS protocol indicated increased values of arterial pressure, without heart rate changes. Arterial pressure increase was not affected by acute MeA treatment after the RRS with either the selective AT1 receptor antagonist losartan, the selective AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319 or the selective Mas receptor antagonist A-779. Analysis of heart rate variability indicated that RRS increased the sympathetic tone to the heart, which was inhibited by MeA treatment with either losartan, PD123319 or A-779. Baroreflex function assessed using the pharmacological approach via intravenous infusion of vasoactive agents revealed a facilitation of tachycardia evoked by blood pressure decrease in chronically stressed animals, which was inhibited by MeA treatment with losartan. Conversely, baroreflex responses during spontaneous fluctuations of blood pressure were impaired by RRS, and this effect was not affected by injection of the angiotensinergic receptor antagonists into the MeA. Altogether, the data reported in the present study suggest an involvement of both angiotensinergic receptors present in the MeA in autonomic imbalance evoked by RRS, as well as an involvement of MeA AT1 receptor in the enhanced baroreflex responses during full range of blood pressure changes. Results also indicate that RRS-evoked increase in arterial pressure and impairment of baroreflex responses during spontaneous variations of arterial pressure are independent of MeA angiotensinergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Costa-Ferreira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
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Benini R, Oliveira LA, Gomes-de-Souza L, Rodrigues B, Crestani CC. Habituation of the cardiovascular response to restraint stress is inhibited by exposure to other stressor stimuli and exercise training. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb219501. [PMID: 32205360 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.219501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of exposure to either a chronic variable stress (CVS) protocol or social isolation, as well as treadmill exercise training, in the habituation of the cardiovascular response upon repeated exposure to restraint stress in rats. The habituation of the corticosterone response to repeated restraint stress was also evaluated. For this, animals were subjected to either acute or 10 daily sessions of 60 min of restraint stress. CVS and social isolation protocols lasted for 10 consecutive days, whereas treadmill training was performed for 1 h per day, 5 days per week for 8 weeks. We observed that the increase in serum corticosterone was reduced during both the stress and the recovery period of the 10th session of restraint. Habituation of the cardiovascular response was identified in terms of a faster return of heart rate to baseline values during the recovery period of the 10th session of restraint. The increase in blood pressure and the decrease in tail skin temperature were similar at the 1st and 10th session of restraint. Exposure to CVS, social isolation or treadmill exercise training inhibited the habituation of the restraint-evoked tachycardia. Additionally, CVS increased the blood pressure response at the 10th session of restraint, whereas social isolation enhanced both the tachycardia during the first session and the drop in skin temperature at the 10th session of restraint. Taken together, these findings provide new evidence that pathologies evoked by stress might be related to impairment in the habituation process to homotypic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP 14800-903, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP 14800-903, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP 14800-903, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Bruno Rodrigues
- Department of Adapted Physical Activity, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-851, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP 14800-903, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
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12
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Costa-Ferreira W, Oliveira LA, Benini R, Crestani CC. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulates cardiovascular responses to stress via local N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor/neuronal nitric oxide synthase/soluble guanylate cyclase/protein kinase G signaling. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:429-440. [PMID: 31913077 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119897556] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocannabinoid neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is involved in the control of cardiovascular responses to stress. However, the local mechanisms involved is this regulation are not known. AIMS The purpose of this study was to assess an interaction of bed nucleus of the stria terminalis endocannabinoid neurotransmission with local nitrergic signaling, as well as to investigate the involvement of local N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor and nitric oxide signaling in the control of cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress by bed nucleus of the stria terminalis endocannabinoid neurotransmission in rats. METHODS The first protocol evaluated the effect of intra-bed nucleus of the stria terminalis microinjection of the selective cannabinoid receptor type 1 receptor antagonist AM251 in nitrite/nitrate content in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis following restraint stress. The other protocols evaluated the impact of local pretreatment with the selective N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959, the selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω-propyl-L-arginine, the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, or the protein kinase G inhibitor KT5823 in restraint-evoked cardiovascular changes following bed nucleus of the stria terminalis treatment with AM251. RESULTS Bilateral microinjection of AM251 into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis increased local nitric oxide release during restraint stress. Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis treatment with the cannabinoid receptor type 1 receptor antagonist also enhanced the tachycardia caused by restraint stress, but without affecting arterial pressure increase and sympathetic-mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction. The facilitation of restraint-evoked tachycardia following bed nucleus of the stria terminalis treatment with the cannabinoid receptor type 1 receptor antagonist was completely inhibited by local pretreatment with LY235959, Nω-propyl-L-arginine, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, or KT5823. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence that bed nucleus of the stria terminalis endocannabinoid neurotransmission inhibits local N-methyl-D-aspartate/neuronal nitric oxide synthase/soluble guanylate cyclase/protein kinase G signaling, and this mechanism is involved in the control of the cardiovascular responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
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Costa-Ferreira W, Gomes-de-Souza L, Crestani CC. AT2 and MAS (but not AT1) angiotensinergic receptors in the medial amygdaloid nucleus modulate the baroreflex activity in rats. Pflugers Arch 2019; 471:1173-1182. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-019-02301-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Costa-Ferreira W, Morais-Silva G, Gomes-de-Souza L, Marin MT, Crestani CC. The AT1 Receptor Antagonist Losartan Does Not Affect Depressive-Like State and Memory Impairment Evoked by Chronic Stressors in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:705. [PMID: 31293424 PMCID: PMC6598205 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of the treatment with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) antagonist losartan in the depressive-like state and memory impairment evoked by exposure to either homotypic (i.e., repeated exposure to the same type of stressor) or heterotypic (i.e., exposure to different aversive stimuli) chronic stressors in rats. For this, male Wistar rats were subjected to a 10 days regimen of repeated restraint stress (RRS, homotypic stressor) or chronic variable stress (CVS, heterotypic stressor) while being concurrently treated daily with losartan (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Depressive-like state was evaluated by analysis of the alterations considered as markers of depression (decreased sucrose preference and body weight and coat state deterioration), whereas cognitive non-emotional performance was tested using the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Locomotor activity was also evaluated in the open field test. Both RRS and CVS impaired sucrose preference and caused coat state deterioration, whereas only CVS impaired body weight gain. Besides, RRS impaired short-term memory (but not long-term memory) in the NOR test. Neither depressive-like state nor memory impairment evoked by the chronic stressors was affected by the treatment with losartan. Nevertheless, CVS increased the locomotion, which was inhibited by losartan. Taken together, these results provide evidence that the chronic treatment with losartan does not affect the depressive-like state and memory impairment evoked by either homotypic or heterotypic chronic stress regimens in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Costa-Ferreira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Gessynger Morais-Silva
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Marcelo T Marin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
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Morais-Silva G, Costa-Ferreira W, Gomes-de-Souza L, Pavan JC, Crestani CC, Marin MT. Cardiovascular outcomes related to social defeat stress: New insights from resilient and susceptible rats. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 11:100181. [PMID: 31236438 PMCID: PMC6582241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress exposure is an important risk factor for psychiatric and cardiovascular disorders. Two phenotypes related to coping with stress can be observed in rodents that experience chronic social defeat stress (SDS): susceptible, showing social avoidance and behavioral changes related to depression, and resilient, showing none of these alterations. Moreover, a strong correlation exists between depression and the development of or mortality due to cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, little is known about cardiovascular alterations related to SDS exposure in those phenotypes or their correlation with depressive-like behaviors. Using a chronic SDS protocol followed by the social interaction test, we identified Wistar rats as resilient or susceptible to SDS. Susceptible animals showed increased depressive-like behaviors with resting tachycardia and decreased heart rate variability (HRV) due to increased sympathetic tone in the heart and a less effective baroreflex. In contrast, resilient rats were protected from these alterations by increased vagal tone, resulting in greater HRV values. To our knowledge, our study is the first to indicate that harmful cardiovascular outcomes are related to depressive-like behaviors in susceptible rats and to suggest a mechanism by which resilient rats are protected from these changes. Also, our results suggest that enhanced HRV and vagal tone may be an important trait in resilient individuals. Cardiovascular alterations are correlated to depressive-like behaviors. Susceptible rats show increased sympathetic tone to the heart and lower HRV. Baroreflex effectiveness in susceptible rats is impaired. Resilient rats show an increased vagal tone to the heart and greater values of HRV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gessynger Morais-Silva
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, São Carlos/Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, São Carlos/Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, São Carlos/Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline C Pavan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, São Carlos/Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo T Marin
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PIPGCF), UFSCar/UNESP, São Carlos/Araraquara, SP, Brazil
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16
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Benini R, Costa-Ferreira W, Crestani CC. GABA A but not GABA B receptors in the lateral hypothalamus modulate the tachycardic response to emotional stress in rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:672-680. [PMID: 30878320 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The lateral hypothalamus (LH) has been described as one of the hypothalamic areas involved in the behavioral and physiological responses triggered by aversive stimuli. Previous studies indicated involvement of the LH in cardiovascular responses to stress. Despite this evidence, the local neurochemical mechanisms involved in LH control of stress responses is still poorly understood. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the role of GABAergic neurotransmission within the LH in cardiovascular responses induced by an acute session of restraint stress in rats. For this, we evaluated the effect of bilateral microinjection of selective antagonists of either GABAA or GABAB receptors into the LH on arterial pressure increase, heart rate (HR) increase and reduction in tail skin temperature induced by restraint stress. We found that microinjection of the selective GABAA receptor antagonist SR95531 into the LH decreased the increase in HR caused by restraint stress, but without affecting the increase in arterial pressure increase or the reduction in tail skin temperature. Conversely, LH treatment with the selective GABAB receptor antagonist CGP35348 did not affect the restraint-evoked cardiovascular changes. These findings indicate that GABAergic neurotransmission in the LH, acting through activation of local GABAA receptors, plays a facilitatory role in the tachycardic response observed during aversive threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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17
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Benini R, Oliveira LA, Gomes-de-Souza L, Crestani CC. Habituation of the cardiovascular responses to restraint stress in male rats: influence of length, frequency and number of aversive sessions. Stress 2019; 22:151-161. [PMID: 30632936 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2018.1532992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Habituation of cardiovascular responses upon repeated exposure to stress is controversial. Hence, we hypothesized that habituation of cardiovascular stress responses is influenced by length, frequency, and number of stress sessions in male Wistar rats. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded via femoral artery catheterization and the tail cutaneous temperature was evaluated using a thermal imager. We observed a faster return of heart rate to baseline values during the post-stress period of the 10th daily session in rats subjected to either 60 (n = 8) or 120 min (n = 7), but not 30 min (n = 7), of restraint. Daily sessions of 120 min also decreased blood pressure during the recovery of the 10th session. The faster return of heart rate to baseline values during the post-stress period at the 10th session in rats exposed to daily 60 min sessions (n = 9) was not identified at the 5th (n = 9) and 20th (n = 9) sessions. Regarding frequency, the tachycardia during the 10th session was enhanced in rats subjected to 60 min of restraint presented every other day (n = 9) and decreased in rats subjected to a protocol of five daily sessions followed by two resting days (n = 9). Thirty-minute sessions of restraint presented twice a day (n = 9) and a protocol of three daily sessions followed by a resting day (n = 9) did not affect the restraint-evoked cardiovascular responses at the 10th session. These results provide evidence of habituation of the cardiovascular responses upon repeated exposure to restraint stress, which is dependent on length, frequency, and number of trials. Lay summary Cardiovascular responses decrease upon repeated exposure to restraint stress. The decrease in cardiovascular stress responses is observed as a faster return to basal values during the post-stress period. The cardiovascular stress response decrease (habituation to stress) is dependent on the length, frequency, and number of stress sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Benini
- a a Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Araraquara , SP, Brazil
- b b Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences , São Carlos , SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro A Oliveira
- a a Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Araraquara , SP, Brazil
- b b Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences , São Carlos , SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- a a Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Araraquara , SP, Brazil
- b b Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences , São Carlos , SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- a a Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Araraquara , SP, Brazil
- b b Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences , São Carlos , SP, Brazil
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18
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Oliveira LA, Gomes-de-Souza L, Benini R, Crestani CC. Control of cardiovascular responses to stress by CRF in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis is mediated by local NMDA/nNOS/sGC/PKG signaling. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 89:168-176. [PMID: 29414029 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to assess an interaction of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurotransmission within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) with local nitrergic signaling, as well as to investigate an involvement of activation of local NMDA glutamate receptor and nitric oxide (NO) signaling in control of cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress by BNST CRF neurotransmission in rats. We observed that CRF microinjection into the BNST increased local NO release during restraint stress. Furthermore, bilateral microinjection of CRF into the BNST enhanced both the arterial pressure and heart rate increases evoked by restraint stress, but without affecting the sympathetically-mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction. The facilitation of both pressor and tachycardiac responses to restraint stress evoked by BNST treatment with CRF were completely inhibited by local pretreatment with either the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959, the selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor Nω-Propyl-l-arginine (NPLA), the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) or the protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor KT5823. Taken together, these results provide evidence that BNST CRF neurotransmission facilitates local NMDA-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission and activates nitrergic signaling, and this pathway is involved in control of cardiovascular responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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19
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Barretto-de-Souza L, Adami MB, Oliveira LA, Gomes-de-Souza L, Duarte JO, Almeida J, Crestani CC. Nitric oxide-cGMP-PKG signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulates the cardiovascular responses to stress in male rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 28:75-84. [PMID: 29169825 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) constitutes an important component of neural substrates of physiological and behavioral responses to aversive stimuli, and it has been implicated on cardiovascular responses evoked by stress. Nevertheless, the local neurochemical mechanisms involved in BNST control of cardiovascular responses during aversive threats are still poorly understood. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the involvement of activation in the BNST of the neuronal isoform of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), as well as of signaling mechanisms related to nitric oxide effects such as soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and protein kinase G (PKG) on cardiovascular responses induced by an acute session of restraint stress in male rats. We observed that bilateral microinjection of either the nonselective NOS inhibitor Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), the selective nNOS inhibitor Nω-Propyl-L-arginine (NPLA) or the sGC inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) into the BNST enhanced the tachycardic response and decreased the drop in tail cutaneous temperature evoked by acute restraint stress, but without affecting the increase on blood pressure. Bilateral BNST treatment with the selective PKG inhibitor KT5823 also facilitated the heart rate increase and decreased the drop in cutaneous temperature, in addition to enhancing the blood pressure increase. Taken together, these results provide evidence that NO released from nNOS and activation of sGC and PKG within the BNST play an inhibitory influence on tachycardia to stress, whereas this signaling mechanism mediates the sympathetic-mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Barretto-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariane B Adami
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Josiane O Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Almeida
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Oliveira LA, Almeida J, Gomes-de-Souza L, Benini R, Crestani CC. CRF1and CRF2receptors in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis differently modulate the baroreflex function in unanesthetized rats. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 46:1805-1812. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A. Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Natural Active Principles and Toxicology; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário) 14800-903 Araraquara SP Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences; PIPGCF; São Carlos SP Brazil
| | - Jeferson Almeida
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Natural Active Principles and Toxicology; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário) 14800-903 Araraquara SP Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences; PIPGCF; São Carlos SP Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Natural Active Principles and Toxicology; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário) 14800-903 Araraquara SP Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences; PIPGCF; São Carlos SP Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Natural Active Principles and Toxicology; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário) 14800-903 Araraquara SP Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences; PIPGCF; São Carlos SP Brazil
| | - Carlos C. Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Natural Active Principles and Toxicology; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário) 14800-903 Araraquara SP Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences; PIPGCF; São Carlos SP Brazil
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Oliveira LA, Benini R, Rodella P, Costa-Ferreira W, Crestani CC. Involvement of endocannabinoid neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis in cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:2833-44. [PMID: 27441413 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endocannabinoid signalling has been reported as an important neurochemical mechanism involved in responses to stress. Previous studies provided evidence of endocannabinoid release in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) during aversive stimuli. Nevertheless, a possible involvement of this neurochemical mechanism in stress responses has never been evaluated. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the involvement of BNST endocannabinoid neurotransmission, acting via local CB1 receptors, in the cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (1, 30 and 100 pmol 100 nL(-1) ) and/or the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme inhibitor URB597 (30 pmol 100 nL(-1) ) or the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) enzyme inhibitor JZL184 (30 pmol 100 nL(-1) ) was microinjected into the BNST before the acute restraint stress. KEY RESULTS Microinjection of AM251 into the BNST enhanced the tachycardia caused by restraint stress, without affecting the increase in arterial pressure and the sympathetic-mediated cutaneous vasoconstrictor response. Conversely, the increased endogenous levels of AEA in the BNST evoked by local treatment with the FAAH enzyme inhibitor URB597 decreased restraint-evoked tachycardia. Inhibition of the hydrolysis of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the BNST by local microinjection of the MAGL enzyme inhibitor JZL184 also decreased the HR response. These effects of URB597 and JZL184 were abolished by BNST pretreatment with AM251. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings indicate an involvement of BNST endocannabinoid neurotransmission, acting via CB1 receptors, in cardiovascular adjustments during emotional stress, which may be mediated by the local release of either AEA or 2-AG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Rodella
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil. .,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Costa-Ferreira W, Vieira JO, Almeida J, Gomes-de-Souza L, Crestani CC. Involvement of Type 1 Angiontensin II Receptor (AT1) in Cardiovascular Changes Induced by Chronic Emotional Stress: Comparison between Homotypic and Heterotypic Stressors. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:262. [PMID: 27588004 PMCID: PMC4988975 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00262] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Consistent evidence has shown an important role of emotional stress in pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, studies in animal models have demonstrated that daily exposure to different stressor (heterotypic stressor) evokes more severe changes than those resulting from repeated exposure to the same aversive stimulus (homotypic stressor), possibly due to the habituation process upon repeated exposure to the same stressor. Despite these pieces of evidence, the mechanisms involved in the stress-evoked cardiovascular dysfunction are poorly understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II) acting on the type 1 Ang II receptor (AT1) in the cardiovascular dysfunctions evoked by both homotypic and heterotypic chronic emotional stresses in rats. For this purpose, we compared the effect of the chronic treatment with the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) on the cardiovascular and autonomic changes evoked by the heterotypic stressor chronic variable stress (CVS) and the homotypic stressor repeated restraint stress (RRS). RRS increased the sympathetic tone to the heart and decreased the cardiac parasympathetic activity, whereas CVS decreased the cardiac parasympathetic activity. Additionally, both stressors impaired the baroreflex function. Alterations in the autonomic activity and the baroreflex impairment were inhibited by losartan treatment. Additionally, CVS reduced the body weight and increased the circulating corticosterone; however, these effects were not affected by losartan. In conclusion, these findings indicate the involvement of angiotensin II/AT1 receptors in the autonomic changes evoked by both homotypic and heterotypic chronic stressors. Moreover, the present results provide evidence that the increase in the circulating corticosterone and body weight reduction evoked by heterotypic stressors are independent of AT1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP-Universidade Estadual PaulistaAraraquara, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar-UNESPSão Carlos, Brazil
| | - Jonas O Vieira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP-Universidade Estadual PaulistaAraraquara, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar-UNESPSão Carlos, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Almeida
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP-Universidade Estadual PaulistaAraraquara, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar-UNESPSão Carlos, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP-Universidade Estadual PaulistaAraraquara, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar-UNESPSão Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP-Universidade Estadual PaulistaAraraquara, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, UFSCar-UNESPSão Carlos, Brazil
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