Alterations in the social-conditioned place preference and density of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area in Clsnt2-KO mice

The incidence of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) constantly increases in the world. Studying the mechanisms underlying ASD as well as searching for new therapeutic targets are crucial tasks. Many researchers agree that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Clstn2-KO mouse strain with a knockout of calsyntenin 2 gene (Clstn2) is model for investigating ASD. This study aims to evaluate the social-conditioned place preference as well as density of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which belongs to the brain reward system, in the males of the Clstn2-KO strain using wild type C57BL/6J males as controls. Social-conditioned place preference test evaluates a reward-dependent component of social behavior. The results of this test revealed differences between the Clstn2-KO and the control males, as the former did not value socializing with the familiar partner, spending equal time in the isolation- and socializing-associated compartments. The Clstn2-KO group entered both compartments more frequently, but spent less time in the socializing-associated compartment compared to the controls. By contrast, the control males of the C57BL/6J strain spent more time in socializing-associated compartment and less time in the compartment that was associated with loneness. At the same time, an increased number of DA and possibly GABA neurons labeled with antibodies against the type 2 dopamine receptor as well as against tyrosine hydroxylase were detected in the VTA of the Clstn2-KO mice. Thus, a change in social-conditioned place preference in Clstn2-KO mice as well as a higher number of neurons expressing type 2 dopamine receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase in the VTA, the key structure of the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway, were observed.

Neuronal density in the brain cortex and hippocampus in Clsnt2-KO mouse strain modeling autistic spectrum disorder

Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) represent conditions starting in childhood, which are characterized by diff iculties with social interaction and communication, as well as non-typical and stereotyping models of behavior. The mechanisms and the origin of these disorders are not yet understood and thus far there is a lack of prophylactic measures for these disorders. The current study aims to estimate neuronal density in the prefrontal cortex and four hippocampal subf ields, i. e. СA1, СA2, СA3, and DG in Clstn2-KO mice as a genetic model of ASD. In addition, the level of neurogenesis was measured in the DG area of the hippocampus. This mouse strain was obtained by a knockout of the calsinthenin-2 gene (Clsnt2) in C57BL/6J mice; the latter (wild type) was used as controls. To estimate neuronal density, serial sections were prepared on a cryotome for the above-mentioned brain structures with the subsequent immunohistochemical labeling and confocal microscopy; the neuronal marker (anti-NeuN) was used as the primary antibody. In addition, neurogenesis was estimated in the DG region of the hippocampus; for this purpose, a primary antibody against doublecortin (anti-DCX) was used. In all cases Goat anti-rabbit IgG was used as the secondary antibody. The density of neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus was lower in Clstn2-KO mice of both sexes as compared with controls. Moreover, in males of both strains, neuronal density in this region was lower as compared to females. Besides, the differences between males and females were revealed in two other hippocampal regions. In the CA2 region, a lower density of neurons was observed in males of both strains, and in the CA3 region, a lower density of neurons was also observed in males as compared to females but only in C57BL/6J mice. No difference between the studied groups was revealed in neurogenesis, nor was it in neuronal density in the prefrontal cortex or DG hippocampal region. Our new f indings indicate that calsyntenin-2 regulates neuronal hippocampal density in subf ield-specif ic manner, suggesting that the CA1 neuronal subpopulation may represent a cellular target for early-life preventive therapy of ASD.

The composition of peripheral immunocompetent cell subpopulations and cytokine content in the brain structures of mutant Disc1-Q31L mice

The DISC1 (disrupted in sсhizophrenia 1) gene is associated with brain dysfunctions, which are involved in a variety of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. This is the first study to examine the immune parameters in Disc1-Q31L mice with a point mutation in the second exon of the DISC1 gene compared to mice of the C57BL/6NCrl strain (WT, wild type). A flow cytometry assay has shown that intact Disc1- Q31L mice differ from the WT strain by an increase in the percentage of CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ Т helper cells and CD3+CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells and a decrease in CD3+CD8+ T cytotoxic/suppressor cells in the peripheral blood. A multiplex analysis revealed differences in the content of cytokines in the brain structures of Disc1-Q31L mice compared to WT mice. The content of pro-inflammatory cytokines was increased in the frontal cortex (IL-6, IL- 17 and IFNγ) and striatum (IFNγ), and decreased in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. At the same time, the levels of IL-1β were decreased in all structures being examined. In addition, the content of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 was increased in the frontal cortex, while IL-10 amount was decreased in the hippocampus. Immune response to sheep red blood cells analyzed by the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen was higher in Disc1-Q31L mice at the peak of the reaction than in WT mice. Thus, Disc1-Q31L mice are characterized by changes in the pattern of cytokines in the brain structures, an amplification of the peripheral T-cell link with an increase in the content of the subpopulations of CD3+CD4+ T helpers and CD3+CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells, as well as elevated immune reactivity to antigen in the spleen.

Regenerative Potential of a Suspension and Spheroids of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Human Umbilical Cord on the Model of Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Regenerative potential of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from the human umbilical cord (MMSC-UC) in the suspension and spheroid form was revealed during the progression of experimental small focal myocardial infarction in rats. In isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction, foci of necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate and at later terms fibrosis foci were found mainly in the left ventricle of rat heart. In rats receiving MMSC-UC, destructive changes in the myocardium, fibrous scars, and inflammatory process were less pronounced. MMSC-UC also contributed to normalization of the morphofunctional parameters of the heart. Spheroids exhibited higher efficiency in comparison with cell suspension.

Age-related adaptive responses of mitochondria of the retinal pigment epithelium to the everyday blue LED lighting

The effect of everyday blue light (λ = 440-460 nm) on mitochondria of the retinal pigment epithelium of different age groups of Japanese quail was studied using electron microscopy, morphometric methods, and biochemical analysis. We have found a significant increase in the number of mitochondria, including those modified, mainly in young birds. In addition, cell metabolic activity increased in response to blue lighting. These changes are assumed to reflect an adaptive response of mitochondria aimed at neutralizing the phototoxic effect of blue light caused by accumulation of lipofuscin granules.

[Electron microscope analysis of cardiomyocytes in the rat left ventricle under simulation of weightlessness effects and artificial gravitation]

Electron microscopic study of left ventricle cardiomyocytes and quantitative analysis of their mitochondriom was performed in rats exposed to tail-suspension, as a model of weightlessness effects, to artificial gravity produced by intermittent 2G centrifugation and a combination of these effects. It was found that the cardiomyocytes ultrastructure changed slightly after tail-suspension and after intermittent 2G influence, as well as under a combination of these effects. However, the number of intermitochondrial junctions increased significantly in the interfibrillar zone of cardiomyocytes under a combination of tail-suspension and intermittent 2G influence, which agrees with the cell hypertrophy described earlier.

Enhanced dopamine function in DISC1-L100P mutant mice: implications for schizophrenia

Significant advances have been made in understanding the role of disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) in the brain and accumulating findings suggest the possible implication of DISC1 in the regulation of dopamine (DA) function. A mutation in the second exon of DISC1 at L100P leads to the development of schizophrenia-related behavior in mutant mice (DISC1-L100P). We investigated here the role of DA in the expression of schizophrenia-related endophenotypes in the DISC1-L100P genetic mouse model. The mutated DISC1 resulted in facilitation of the psychostimulant effect of amphetamine in DISC1-L100P mutant mice assessed in the open field and prepulse inhibition (PPI) tests. Biochemical studies detected a 2.1-fold increase in the proportion of striatal D receptors without significant changes in DA release in vivo in the striatum of DISC1-L100P mutants in response to the low dose of amphetamine. The D(2) receptor antagonist haloperidol reversed the hyperactivity, PPI and latent inhibition (LI) deficits and blocked the psychostimulant effect of amphetamine in DISC1-L100P mutants. Taken together, our findings show the role of DISC1 in D(2) -related pathophysiological mechanism of schizophrenia, linking DISC1 with well-established DA hypothesis of schizophrenia.

[Effect of sulpiride on immobility reflex and pinch-induced catalepsy in CBA/Lac male mice with various social status]

This study was aimed to determine the effect of D2/D3 receptor antagonist sulpiride on the expression of immobility reflex ("pinch-test") and pinch-induced catalepsy ("bar-test") of CBA/Lac male mice depending on their social status ("aggressors" with repeated experience of victories or a "losers" with repeated experience of social defeats). Sulpiride (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was acutely administered to "aggressors" and "losers" after 10 and 20 daily social contacts (victories or social defeats) and to a control group of male mice. Repeated experience of social victories and defeats altered the immobility duration in both tests and modified the expression of the sulpiride effect. In the pinch-tets, the duration of immobility was longer in "loosers" than in "aggressors". In the bar-test, the pinch-induced catalepsy was more expressed in "losers" and "aggressors" as compared to control. Sulpiride was more effective in increasing immobility of"aggressors" and had a weaker effect on the control and "losers". Therefore, the effect of sulpiride is affected by the social status of the animals.

[The study of exploratory behavior in CBA/Lac male mice under influence of positive and negative social interactions]

The exploratory activity towards a new object placed in the home cage was studied in CBA/Lac male mice after their repeated daily social victories and defeats. After 10 daily social defeats, submissive mice displayed a significantly declined exploration of a new object, whereas aggressive mice with experience of 10 daily victories expressed only a mild decrease in exploratory activity (as compared to control). Twenty daily social defeats almost completely abolished exploratory behavior in submissive mice, whereas 20 daily victories resulted in the increased exploration of a new object in aggressive mice. It is suggested that repeated social defeats associated with the negative psychoemotional state lead to the development of a pronounced exploratory motivational deficit. On the other hand, the experience of repeated daily aggression forms the enhanced motivational excitement that prevents a relevant response to a neutral stimulus.

[Protective effect of lornoxicam on development of myocardial infarction in rats under conditions of ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion]

Activation of inflammation and enzyme cyclooxygenase with formation of proinflammatory prostaglandins is a key element of development of myocardial infarction in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Basing on literature data and own experience we suggested that single intravenous injection of 230 mg/kg of nonselective inhibitor of type 1 and 2 cyclooxygenase lornaxicam in the phase of initialization of inflammation 20 min after onset of ischemia would lead to reduction of myocardial infarction volume in rats in irreversible ischemia and ischemia with subsequent reperfusion. The conducted study allowed to reveal that administration of lornoxicam in recommended for human use dose lowered mortality of animals and increased number of capillaries per one cardiomyocyte in case of irreversible coronary artery occlusion. In ischemia-reperfusion as in irreversible myocardial ischemia lornoxicam reduced volume of necrosis and degree of thinning of left ventricular wall in the region of infarction, and lowered volume of connective tissue in periinfarction zone of the myocardium in remote period.

[Protective effect of peptide semax (ACTH(4-7)Pro-Gly-Pro) on the rat heart rate after myocardial infarction]

Semax, a member of ACTH-derived peptides family, was used in treatment of ischemic stroke in patients. It decreased neurological deficiency and reduced NO hyperproduction in the rat brain caused by acute cerebral hypoperfusion. We suggest that semax is also capable of protecting the rat heart from ischemic damage 28 days after myocardial infarction (MI) induced by left descendent coronary artery occlusion. Semax (150 microg/kg) was given i. p. in the operating day twice: 15 min and 2 hours after coronary occlusion, and once a day for the following 6 days. In 28 days after infarction, the MI group developed cardiac hypertrophy, cell growth was caused mainly by the increase of contractile filaments not supported by the appropriate mitochondrial growth that indicated an impaired energy supply of the cells. Moreover, cardiac hypertrophy was accompanied by decreased mean arterial blood pressure and cardiac contractile function and increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Pharmacological change of cardiac afterload revealed that, in 28 days after MI, the rat heart was not able to change its contractile performance in response to either increase or decrease of systemic blood pressure, and as a result could not maintain its diastolic pressure. All these changes obviously reflect development of heart failure. Semax did not affect cardiac work but partially prevented end-diastolic pressure growth in left ventricle as well as ameliorated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and disproportionate growth of contractile and mitochondrial apparatus, thus exerting beneficial effect on the left ventricular remodeling and heart failure development late after myocardial infarction.

[Protective effect of peptide semax the rat heart in acute myocardial infarction]

Semax, a member of ACTH-derived peptides family, has been employed in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in patients. It decreased neurological deficit and reduced NO hyperproduction in the rat brain, caused by acute cerebral hypoperfusion. We suggested that semax is also able to protect rat heart from ischemic damage in acute myocardial infaction (AMI). AMI was induced by left coronary artery occlusion, myocardial ischemic area averaged 30 % of left ventricle. In 2 hours after coronary occlusion, the AMI group developed 11 % reduced mean arterial blood pressure and 48 % increased diastolic blood pressure in left ventricle in comparison with sham-operated control group. However, infusion of either dobutamine, which directly stimulates myocardial contractility, or sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine, that change vascular resistance and thus cardiac afterload, did not reveal distinctions in hemodynamic parameters between groups. These data indicate absense or only moderate cardiac dysfunction in rats with AMI and are consistent wih morphometrical and histochemical studies that did not detect any necrotic or apoptotic (TUNEL-test) changes in left ventricular cardiomyocytes in spite of development of distinct ischemic disturbances of mitochondria and nuclear in about 50 % of cardiomyocytes in 2 hours after AMI. Semax (150 microg/kg), given i. p. 15 min and 2 hours after coronary occlusion, caused no effect on cardiac function, but completely prevented ischemia-induced ultrastructural changes of cardiomyocytes. This protective effect was accompanied by the ability of peptide to blunt the increase in plasma concentrations of nitrates, observed in AMI group.

[Dynamic changes of brain serotonergic and dopaminergic activities during development of anxious depression: experimental study]

Chronic psychoemotional stress of social defeats produces development of experimental anxious depression in male mice similar to this disorder in humans. 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels, TPH and MAO A activities, 5-HT1A-receptors in different brain areas were investigated at different stages of development of experimental disorder. It has been shown that initial stage (3 days of social stress) is accompanied by increase of 5-HT level in some brain areas. Decreased 5-HIAA levels in the hippocampus, amygdala and nucleus accumbens were discovered at the stage of forming depression (10 days of social stress). Pharmacological desensitisation and decreased number of 5-HT1A-receptors were shown in frontal cortex and amygdala. At the stage of pronounced depression (20 days of stress), there were no differences in 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in all brain areas (excluding hypothalamus) of depressive animals. However increased number of 5-HT1A-receptors and decreased affinity in amygdala and decreased TPH and MAOA activities in hippocampus were found in depressive mice. Hypofunction of serotonergic system is suggested at the stage of pronounced depression state in animals. Similar processes had place in brain dopaminergic systems. It is concluded that dynamic changes of brain monoaminergic activities accompany the development of anxious depression in animals. Various parameters of monoaminergic systems are differently changed depending on brain area, mediator system and stage of disorder.

Electron microscopic study of left ventricular cardiomyocyte mitochondriom in rats subjected to head-down tilt

The mitochondriom of left-ventricular cardiomyocytes in rats subjected to head-down tilt was studied at the electron microscopic level. The ultrastructure of individual mitochondria was disturbed and the number of intermitochondrial contacts in the perinuclear zone increased after 30-day head-down tilt. These parameters did not return to normal over 30 days after 30-day tilt. Repeated 14-day head-down tilt led to a more pronounced increase in the number of intermitochondrial contacts, mitochondria with abnormal ultrastructure were still observed.

[Morphometric and ultrastructural characteristics of cardiomyocyte mitochondriome of the left ventricle in rats exposed to hypergravity]

For the first time, electron-microscopic morphometric analysis of the mitochondrial system in cardiomyocytes of the left ventricle was performed in rats exposed to hypergravity (2G) After five days of exposure, the number of long mitochondria sharply increased in the interfibrillar zone of cardiomyocytes. The numbers of inter-mitochondrial junctions (IMJ) were increased in all zones of mitochondria localization. The ultrastructure and numerical density of mitochondria remained within the normal range. Similar changes were also revealed on day 19 (the end of exposure), but the numbers of IMJ in the perinuclear and subsarcolemmal perivascular zones were lower than on day 5. One months after the end of 19-day exposure at 2G, the test parameters of the mitochondrial system did not return to the norm. Apparently, this is why the repeated exposure to hypergravity (2G for five days after 30-day rest) failed to evoke a similar response from the mitochondrial system of cardiomyocytes.

Antibodies to delta sleep-inducing peptide in ultralow doses: effect on the behavior of male mice with anxiety and depressive syndrome

We studied the effect of antibodies to delta sleep-inducing peptide in ultralow doses on the behavior of male mice with anxiety and depressive syndrome resulting from competitive interactions. The behavior of animals was studied in the elevated plus-maze, partition, and forced swimming tests. The preparation produced a strong anxiolytic effect, which was especially pronounced in animals with anxiety and depressive syndrome.

[The development of catatonic reactions in male mice of CBA/Lac strain: the effect of repeated experience of aggression and submission]

The development of catatonic reactions with rigid muscle tension due to stimulation of the skin at the scruff (catatonia-"pinch" test) and wax muscle plasticity (repeated pinch-induced catalepsy displayed on the parallel bars--BAR-test) was investigated in aggressive and submissive CBA/Lac male mice with repeated experiences of social victories (winners) or defeats (losers), accordingly. The expression of catatonic-like state in "pinch" test was significantly more in the losers after 20 daily agonistic confrontations in comparison with the winners. The catalepsy in the BAR-test was increased in animals with experience of agonistic confrontation in comparison with the controls, however expression of catalepsy reaction depended on kind and duration of agonistic interactions. The pronounced freezing predominated in the free behavior of the losers and, on the contrary, the winners demonstrated the abnormal undirected jumping. It was suggested that two contrast forms of catatonic syndrome accompanying by development of akinesia- or hiperkinesia-like states, are developed in the defeated and victorious (accordingly) mice of cataleptic CBA/Lac strain.

[Ultrastructural and morphometric characteristics of cardiomyocyte mitochondriomes of several invertebrate species. II. Heart ventricle cardiomyocyte mitochondriome of several gastropod mollusks]

The mitochondrial ultrastructure in ventricle cardiomyocytes of three gastropod molluscs (Clione limacina, Helix pomatia, Lymnaea stagnalis) has been studied. Mitochondria in cardiomyocytes of these molluscs are connected by intermitochondrial contacts of the same morphology as intermitochondrial contacts in vertebrate cardiomyocytes. Their numbers in cardiomyocytes of the above molluscs being, respectively, 61, 35.1 and 29.2 contacts per 100 mitochondria. In Clione limacina cardiomyocyte contractile elements located on the periphery of cell occupy 21.1% of the cytoplasm volume. Mitochondria form a core making large dense central accumulations taking up 54.9% of the cytoplasm volume. Numerous mitochondria have vesicular or tubular cristae and light matrix. Unlike cardiomyocytes of Clione limacina, in Helix pomatia and Lymnaea stagnalis contractile material predominates in cardiomyocytes occupying 43.7% and 49.2% of the cytoplasm volume, respectively. Mitochondria located on the periphery and in the center of cardiomyocytes in Lymnaea stagnalis and Helix pomatia occupy 31 and 32.5% of the cytoplasma volume, respectively. Mitochondria in cardiomyocytes of both these molluscs have plastic cristae and dense matrix. The differences in cardiomyocyte mitochondriom organization in the studied molluscs can be explained by different functional heart loading in these due to different levels of their locomotor activity.

Responses of rat left ventricle cardiomyocytes to constant 2G-hypergravity

2G-hypergravity during 33-days led to hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes (CMC) in rat left ventricle accompanied by capillary number and diameter growth. CMC ultrastructure was normal at all experimental stages. Number of intermitochondrial junctions (IMJ) rose after 33 days of 2G in subsarcolemmal pericapillary zone of CMC, indicating probably to enlarged CMC energy needs. Changes in myocardium achieved during 33 days of 2G were reversible at 39 days of 1G (except IMJ number). Repeated 5-days 2G influence (after 33 days of primary 2G influence followed by 39 days of 1G) led again to CMC hypertrophy and to IMJ number rise in all zones of mitochondria localisation. Primary 5-days 2G influence didn't result in CMC hypertrophy, IMJ number rose only in subsarcolemmal pericapillary zone.

[Ultrastructure and morphology of the mitochondriome of cardiomyocytes from invertebrates. I. The mitochondriome of cardiomyocytes from insects]

The cardiomyocyte mitochondrial ultrastructure of two insect species (the American cockroach Periplaneta americana, and a dragonfly Aeschna sp.) has been studied. Mitochondria in cardiomyocytes of these insects are connected by intermitochondrial contacts, similar in morphology to vertebrate intermitochondrial contacts. The number of intermitochondrial contacts differs in cardiomyocytes of the studied insects, numbering 12 and 18 per 100 mitochondria in cardiomyocytes of the cockroach and dragonfly, respectively, which is due presumably to differences in activity of these insects. Cardiomyocytes of both species have several features in common. It was shown that cross-striated myofibrils oriented in different directions occupy 50-58% of the cytoplasmic volume, while mitochondria cover only 16-18%. The pattern of mitochondrial localization differs in cardiomyocytes of the two studied insects. In the cockroach, cardiomyocyte mitochondria are seen both in the center of the cell and on its periphery, in protrusions; whereas in the dragonfly, mitochondria of cardiomyocytes are confined to the protrusions of the abluminal cell side. Mitochondrial profiles are small, their packing is not dense. Mitochondria in cardiomyocytes of these insects have few plastic cristae and dense matrix.

[Is dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate an anxiolytic agent?]

Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS, 30 mg/kg, i.p., 4 and 28 hours after the injection) were studied in CBA/Lac male mice different in the level of anxiety resulting from repeated social victories (winners) or social defeats (losers) in 10 daily agonistic confrontations. The losers demonstrated high level of anxiety estimated by the "partition" test. The DHEAS and saline injections had different effects on winners, losers, and intact mice. DHEAS prevented the development of anxiety in losers 28 hours after the injection. In these experimental conditions DHEAS exerted no effect on winners. It was concluded that the DHEAS effect depends on the psychoemotional state of an animal. The anxiolytic effect of the exogenous DHEAS may be also characteristic of the endogenous hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and in the central nervous system.

[Response of the serotoninergic brain system to social stress of various duration in male mice C57BL/6J and CBA/Lac]

The effects of social stress caused by experience of defeats in mice during 3 or 10 consecutive days of intermale confrontations on serotonergic brain activity (5-HT, 5-HIAA levels and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio) in some brain regions of CBA/Lac (CBA) and C57BL/6J (C57) inbred mice have been studied. It was revealed the significant changes in 5-HT methabolism in the brain regions of defeated mice (losers) of CBA strain after 3 intermale confrontations. However, after 10 days of social stress these changes (excluded amygdala) turned to the control measures testifying to the adaptive mechanisms of serotonergic system in CBA losers. In C57 strain, the three-day social stress produced the mild changes in the brain serotonergic activity both quantitatively as well as qualitatively. Nevertheless, losers subjected to ten-day intermale confrontations had more expressed changes in 5-HT, 5-HIAA levels of 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios in the brain regions studied. It seems that long lasting social stress induced the development of disbalance of the brain serotonergic activity in C57 losers: it was shown the hyperactivity in the hypothalamus and hypoactivity in the amygdala and nucl. accumbens. Apparently, this cause leads to the development of the pronounced anxiety shown earlier in this mouse strain.

[Modifying effect of the repeated experience of agonistic confrontations on effect of naltrexone in male mice]

In mice with different experience of agonistic confrontations: victories or social defeats during 3 and 10 days (T3 and T10 winners and T3 and T10 losers, resp.), T10 winners displayed a lesser aggression and a more hostile behaviour than T3 winners. Naltrexone dose-dependently decreased attacks in the T3 winners and did not affect aggressive grooming, diggings, autogrooming, and exploratory activity. Naltrexone was ineffective in T10 winners. The naltrexone effects were similar in T3 and T10 losers and its high and low doses contrarily affected different parameters of submissive behaviour. The repeated experience of agonistic confrontations seems to modify the naltrexone effects depending on a neurochemical background, differing in winners and losers.

Features of the genetically defined anxiety in mice

The behaviors of male mice of the C57BL/6J (C57), CBA/Lac (CBA) and BALB/c (BALB) strains have been studied in the plus-maze and open field tests for estimation of state anxiety in the stressful novel conditions, and in the cubic box test (exploration of novel cubic box) and the partition test (behavioral reactivity to the unfamiliar partner in the neighboring compartment) for estimation of trait anxiety in the unstressful familiar conditions of the home cage. Plus-maze data suggest that C57 mice are the more anxious than CBA and BALB ones. However, it was revealed the opposite rank order in the open field. The study on the effect of pre-testing in the one of test on the behavior in the other test revealed active behavioral strategy in C57 mice in any situations. The plus-maze behavior of CBA mice was affected to a much lesser extent than in C57 ones after pre-testing in the open field, but expressed changes were observed in open field behavior of CBA mice after pre-testing in the plus-maze. BALB mice displayed low-reactive behavior after any pre-testing exposure under the state anxiety-provoking conditions. Familiar environment revealed a higher level of trait anxiety in C57 than males of other two strains: CBA and BALB mice willingly explore unfamiliar partner and cubic box while C57 mice avoid its. Mainly genetically inherent state anxiety in CBA mice and trait anxiety in C57 mice has been suggested. Lowest state and trait indices of anxiety were revealed in BALB mice in these conditions.

[The characteristics of the manifestation of hereditarily induced anxiety in male C57Bl/6J and CBA/Lac mice]

Behavior of male mice of C57Bl/6J and CBA/Lac strains was tested in the elevated plus-maze and open field in order to estimate state anxiety in novel conditions. The cube and partition tests were used to reveal trait anxiety in the familiar conditions of the home cage. It is concluded that genetically defined state anxiety is more pronounced in CBA/Lac mice and trait anxiety in C57Bl/6J strain.

Effects of haloperidol on communicative and aggressive behavior in male mice with different experiences of aggression

Effects of two doses of haloperidol (0.1 and 0.4 mg/kg, 30 min and 24 h, IP) on communicative and aggressive behavior in C57BL/6J male mice have been studied. Some of the mice were without prior experience of aggression ("recruits"); the others had been victorious in 20 daily aggressive confrontations ("experienced winners"). Communicative behavior was estimated as the behavioral reaction to a standard tester (loser) in the partition test. Haloperidol in either dose significantly reduced communicative behavior in the "recruits." but not in the "experienced winners." Significantly fewer attacks, less total attacking time, and total time of aggressive behavior (aggressive grooming + attacks) were demonstrated by the "experiences winners," than by the "recruits," while the latency of the first attack, the number, the total and average duration of aggressive grooming events were significantly higher. In the "recruits," haloperidol dose dependently increased the latency and decreased the number of attacks, the total attacking time, and the total time of aggressive behavior 30 min and 24 h after injection. However, haloperidol did not affect the average or total time of aggressive grooming. Neither dose significantly affected any measure of aggressive behavior in the "experienced winners." It has been concluded that repeated aggression experience reduces the pharmacological sensitivity of the dopamine receptors.

[The participation of the brain dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the process of the development of depression induced by social confrontations in mice]

Brain D1 and D2 receptors were studied in male mice with repeated experience of social defeats in daily intermale aggressive confrontations inducing development of experimental depression. Groups of animals were studied after 10 (T10 losers) and 20 (T20 losers) days of agonistic confrontations. Mice after 5 days of individual housing were used as a control group. In the experimental groups D1/D2 antagonist cisfluphentixol (0.2 mg/kg) did not affect the communicative behavior in the partition test that estimated behavioral reactivity of a male to another one. Selective D2 antagonist sulpiride (20 mg/kg), however, decreased these reactions in the control group and, in particular, in T10 losers but was ineffective in T20 losers. Both antagonists changed behavior in Porsolt's test of the control mice and, to a greater extent, of T10 losers but failed to change it in T20 losers. Decrease in Bmax in nucleus accumbens and increase in Kd in amygdala were revealed in T20 losers with [3H]-SCH 23390 binding assay. The obtained evidence shows that development of DISC is accompanied by D1 and D2 receptor sensitivity changes. Analysis of data suggests the specific participation of D1 receptors of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system at the stage of developed DISC.

[Differences in the effects of naltrexone on the communicative and aggressive behaviors of subjects with different experiences of social conquests]

The authors studied the effect of naltrexone (0.25 and 1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) on the communicative and aggressive behavior of male C57BL/6J mice with experience in triumphs in 20 tests (victors) and of mice without such experience (novices). The level of communicativeness and aggression at the first confrontation was more marked in novices than in victors. In the novices 0.25 mg/kg naltrexone selectively reduced communicativeness and in a dose of 1.0 mg/kg shortened the sum time of the aggressive attacks, increasing in this case the time of aggressive grooming. In the victors naltrexone in both doses had no effect on the communicative behavior and period of aggressive grooming but increased the duration of the attacks depending on the dose. In both groups naltrexone increased the number of subjects which demonstrated aggressive attacks and reduced the frequency of aggressive grooming. It is concluded that the state of opiate receptors changes under the effect of repeated experience in the triumph of social confrontations.

[The characteristics of the functional activity of the brain serotoninergic system in the manifestation of natural and pathological anxiety in mice: the effect of the genotype]

Anxiety was estimated in intact male mice of C57BL/6J (C57) and (CBA) and CBA/Lac (CBA) strains and in males of both strains after the repeated experience of social defeats (losers) in 10 daily aggressive confrontations. A plus-maze test for behavior in a novel situation and a partition test for communicative activity were applied. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) activity, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels were measured in the midbrain, hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, and striatum in losers and controls (5 days of individual housing of intact animals). Intact C57 mice which demonstrated active avoidance in the maze had reduced TPH activity in the all studied brain regions compared to the intact CBA mice with passive behavior. The 5-HT catabolism in intact C57 was lower in the midbrain and hypothalamus and higher in amygdala, hippocampus, and striatum than in CBA mice. Chronic social stress led to expressed anxiety revealed by both tests in C57 losers in contrast to CBA ones. This anxiety was accompanied by an increase in 5-HIAA level and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in the midbrain as well as by an increase in 5-HT level and decrease in 5-HIAA level and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in the hippocampus of C57 losers in comparison with the controls. Flesinoxan (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), 5-HT1A receptor agonist, changed the communicative behavior of controls but was ineffective in losers. Thus, a decrease in sensitivity of 5-HT1A receptors was suggested in stress-induced anxiety of C57 losers. The less expressed anxiety in CBA losers was associated with less expressed changes in serotonergic metabolism. It is concluded that serotonergic mechanisms of pathological anxiety induced by the long-term social stress and those of natural anxiety in intact mice are different.

[The effect of the repeated experience of victories and defeats in social conflicts on the function of the brain serotoninergic system in male mice]

Serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) activity, and 5-HT1A receptor binding were studied in brain areas of male mice after repeated experience of victories (winners) and defeats (losers) in daily male confrontations. A decrease in the TPH activity in midbrain and its decrease in hypothalamus were shown in winners in comparison with controls. The victory experiences were accompanied by a pronounced increase of Bmax of 5-HT1A receptors in the frontal cortex and decrease of Kd in the hypothalamus. Repeated defeats in social confrontations were accompanied by an increase in 5-HT level in the amygdala and increase of 5-HIAA/5-HT index in the hippocampus in comparison with controls. A decrease of Bmax in the hypothalamus and of Kd of 5-HT1A receptors both in the frontal cortex and hypothalamus was shown in losers as compared to controls. An increase in TPH activity under the influence of repeated defeats was shown in striatum and hypothalamus. The obtained evidence point to specific changes in serotonergic activity which characterize aggressive or submissive types of social behaviour, and unspecific changes which are similar in winners and losers and are likely to be induced by social stress.

[The participation of serotonin S1A and S2 receptors in the formation of different levels of anxiety in male mice under the influence of the experience of social victories and defeats]

Influence of repeated experience of victories or defeats in daily social confrontations on formation of different levels of anxiety was studied in male mice (winners and losers). Repeated experience of defeats in losers produced the pronounced anxiety evaluated in the plus-maze and in the partition test (by the low-expressed behavioural reaction to another conspecific). Flezinoxan (0.5 mg/kg, i. p. 30 min), 5-HT1A receptor agonist, produced changes in the partition test behaviour in winners and controls and was not effective in losers. Ritanserin (2.0 mg/kg, i. p. 30 min), 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, decreased reactivity to a conspecific in losers and winners and was not effective in control. It has been supposed that development of pronounced anxiety in losers is accompanied by a decrease in 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity.