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Thomou C, Nussbaumer M, Grammenou E, Komini C, Vlaikou AM, Papageorgiou MP, Filiou MD. Early Handling Exerts Anxiolytic Effects and Alters Brain Mitochondrial Dynamics in Adult High Anxiety Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04116-5. [PMID: 38761326 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Early handling (EH), the brief separation of pups from their mother during early life, has been shown to exert beneficial effects. However, the impact of EH in a high anxiety background as well as the role of brain mitochondria in shaping EH-driven responses remain elusive.Here, we used a high (HAB) vs. normal (NAB) anxiety-related behavior mouse model to study how EH affects pup and dam behavior in divergent anxiety backgrounds. We also investigated EH-induced effects at the protein and mRNA levels in adult male HAB mice in the hypothalamus, the prefrontal cortex, and the hippocampus by examining the same mitochondrial/energy pathways and mitochondrial dynamics mechanisms (fission, fusion, biogenesis, and mitophagy) in all three brain regions.EH exerts anxiolytic effects in adult HAB but not NAB male mice and does not affect HAB or NAB maternal behavior, although basal HAB vs. NAB maternal behaviors differ. In adult HAB male mice, EH does not impact oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and oxidative stress in any of the brain regions studied but leads to increased protein expression of glycolysis enzymes and a correlation of anxiety-related behavior with Krebs cycle enzymes in HAB mice in the hypothalamus. Intriguingly, EH alters mitochondrial dynamics by increasing hypothalamic DRP1, OPA1, and PGC1a protein levels. At the mRNA level, we observe altered, EH-driven mitochondrial dynamics mRNA signatures which predominantly affect the prefrontal cortex.Taken together, our results show that EH exerts anxiolytic effects in adulthood in high anxiety and modulates mitochondrial dynamics pathways in a brain region-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Thomou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Markus Nussbaumer
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Grammenou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Komini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki-Maria Vlaikou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria P Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michaela D Filiou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece.
- Institute of Biosciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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Hendry E, McCallister B, Elman DJ, Freeman R, Borsook D, Elman I. Validity of mental and physical stress models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105566. [PMID: 38307304 PMCID: PMC11082879 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Different stress models are employed to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and explore potential interventions. However, the utility of these models remains a critical concern, as their validities may be limited by the complexity of stress processes. Literature review revealed that both mental and physical stress models possess reasonable construct and criterion validities, respectively reflected in psychometrically assessed stress ratings and in activation of the sympathoadrenal system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The findings are less robust, though, in the pharmacological perturbations' domain, including such agents as adenosine or dobutamine. Likewise, stress models' convergent- and discriminant validity vary depending on the stressors' nature. Stress models share similarities, but also have important differences regarding their validities. Specific traits defined by the nature of the stressor stimulus should be taken into consideration when selecting stress models. Doing so can personalize prevention and treatment of stress-related antecedents, its acute processing, and chronic sequelae. Further work is warranted to refine stress models' validity and customize them so they commensurate diverse populations and circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hendry
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brady McCallister
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dan J Elman
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roy Freeman
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Borsook
- Departments of Psychiatry and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Day F, O’Sullivan J, Pook C. 4-Ethylphenol-fluxes, metabolism and excretion of a gut microbiome derived neuromodulator implicated in autism. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1267754. [PMID: 37900921 PMCID: PMC10602680 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1267754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut-microbiome-derived metabolites, such as 4-Ethylphenol [4EP], have been shown to modulate neurological health and function. Although the source of such metabolites is becoming better understood, knowledge gaps remain as to the mechanisms by which they enter host circulation, how they are transported in the body, how they are metabolised and excreted, and the way they exert their effects. High blood concentrations of host-modified 4EP, 4-ethylphenol sulfate [4EPS], are associated with an anxiety phenotype in autistic individuals. We have reviewed the existing literature and discuss mechanisms that are proposed to contribute influx from the gut microbiome, metabolism, and excretion of 4EP. We note that increased intestinal permeability is common in autistic individuals, potentially explaining increased flux of 4EP and/or 4EPS across the gut epithelium and the Blood Brain Barrier [BBB]. Similarly, kidney dysfunction, another complication observed in autistic individuals, impacts clearance of 4EP and its derivatives from circulation. Evidence indicates that accumulation of 4EPS in the brain of mice affects connectivity between subregions, particularly those linked to anxiety. However, we found no data on the presence or quantity of 4EP and/or 4EPS in human brains, irrespective of neurological status, likely due to challenges sampling this organ. We argue that the penetrative ability of 4EP is dependent on its form at the BBB and its physicochemical similarity to endogenous metabolites with dedicated active transport mechanisms across the BBB. We conclude that future research should focus on physical (e.g., ingestion of sorbents) or metabolic mechanisms (e.g., conversion to 4EP-glucuronide) that are capable of being used as interventions to reduce the flux of 4EP from the gut into the body, increase the efflux of 4EP and/or 4EPS from the brain, or increase excretion from the kidneys as a means of addressing the neurological impacts of 4EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Day
- Liggins Institute, Waipapa Taumata Rau—The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Justin O’Sullivan
- Liggins Institute, Waipapa Taumata Rau—The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- The Maurice Wilkins Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Australian Parkinson’s Mission, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- A*STAR Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chris Pook
- Liggins Institute, Waipapa Taumata Rau—The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Flook EA, Feola B, Benningfield MM, Silveri MM, Winder DG, Blackford JU. Alterations in BNST Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in Early Abstinence from Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Alcohol 2023; 58:298-307. [PMID: 36847484 PMCID: PMC10168710 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Maintaining abstinence from alcohol use disorder (AUD) is extremely challenging, partially due to increased symptoms of anxiety and stress that trigger relapse. Rodent models of AUD have identified that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) contributes to symptoms of anxiety-like behavior and drug-seeking during abstinence. In humans, however, the BNST's role in abstinence remains poorly understood. The aims of this study were to assess BNST network intrinsic functional connectivity in individuals during abstinence from AUD compared to healthy controls and examine associations between BNST intrinsic functional connectivity, anxiety and alcohol use severity during abstinence. METHODS The study included resting state fMRI scans from participants aged 21-40 years: 20 participants with AUD in abstinence and 20 healthy controls. Analyses were restricted to five pre-selected brain regions with known BNST structural connections. Linear mixed models were used to test for group differences, with sex as a fixed factor given previously shown sex differences. RESULTS BNST-hypothalamus intrinsic connectivity was lower in the abstinent group relative to the control group. There were also pronounced sex differences in both the group and individual analyses; many of the findings were specific to men. Within the abstinent group, anxiety was positively associated with BNST-amygdala and BNST-hypothalamus connectivity, and men, not women, showed a negative relationship between alcohol use severity and BNST-hypothalamus connectivity. CONCLUSIONS Understanding differences in connectivity during abstinence may help explain the clinically observed anxiety and depression symptoms during abstinence and may inform the development of individualized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Flook
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S # D3300, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brandee Feola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Margaret M Benningfield
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S # D3300, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Marisa M Silveri
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Jennifer Urbano Blackford
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 6902 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
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Wang G, Liu YF, Yang Z, Yu CX, Tong Q, Tang YL, Shao YQ, Wang LQ, Xu X, Cao H, Zhang YQ, Zhong YM, Weng SJ, Yang XL. Short-term acute bright light exposure induces a prolonged anxiogenic effect in mice via a retinal ipRGC-CeA circuit. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf4651. [PMID: 36947616 PMCID: PMC10032603 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf4651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Light modulates mood through various retina-brain pathways. We showed that mice treated with short-term acute bright light exposure displayed anxiety-related phenotypes in a prolonged manner even after the termination of the exposure. Such a postexposure anxiogenic effect depended upon melanopsin-based intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) activities rather than rod/cone photoreceptor inputs. Chemogenetic manipulation of specific central nuclei demonstrated that the ipRGC-central amygdala (CeA) visual circuit played a key role in this effect. The corticosterone system was likely to be involved in this effect, as evidenced by enhanced expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein in the CeA and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and by the absence of this effect in animals treated with the GR antagonist. Together, our findings reveal a non-image forming visual circuit specifically designed for "the delayed" extinction of anxiety against potential threats, thus conferring a survival advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Xi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Long Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Qi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Mei Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Jun Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong-Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Identification of Hypothalamic Long Noncoding RNAs Associated with Hypertension and the Behavior/Neurological Phenotype of Hypertensive ISIAH Rats. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091598. [PMID: 36140769 PMCID: PMC9498762 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the control of many physiological and pathophysiological processes, including the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Nonetheless, the understanding of the regulatory function of many lncRNAs is still incomplete. This work is a continuation of our earlier study on the sequencing of hypothalamic transcriptomes of hypertensive ISIAH rats and control normotensive WAG rats. It aims to identify lncRNAs that may be involved in the formation of the hypertensive state and the associated behavioral features of ISIAH rats. Interstrain differences in the expression of seven lncRNAs were validated by quantitative PCR. Differential hypothalamic expression of lncRNAs LOC100910237 and RGD1562890 between hypertensive and normotensive rats was shown for the first time. Expression of four lncRNAs (Snhg4, LOC100910237, RGD1562890, and Tnxa-ps1) correlated with transcription levels of many hypothalamic genes differentially expressed between ISIAH and WAG rats (DEGs), including genes associated with the behavior/neurological phenotype and hypertension. After functional annotation of these DEGs, it was concluded that lncRNAs Snhg4, LOC100910237, RGD1562890, and Tnxa-ps1 may be involved in the hypothalamic processes related to immune-system functioning and in the response to various exogenous and endogenous factors, including hormonal stimuli. Based on the functional enrichment analysis of the networks, an association of lncRNAs LOC100910237 and Tnxa-ps1 with retinol metabolism and an association of lncRNAs RGD1562890 and Tnxa-ps1 with type 1 diabetes mellitus are proposed for the first time. Based on a discussion, it is hypothesized that previously functionally uncharacterized lncRNA LOC100910237 is implicated in the regulation of hypothalamic processes associated with dopaminergic synaptic signaling, which may contribute to the formation of the behavioral/neurological phenotype and hypertensive state of ISIAH rats.
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Carboni L, El Khoury A, Beiderbeck DI, Neumann ID, Mathé AA. Neuropeptide Y, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and neurokinin A in brain regions of HAB rats correlate with anxiety-like behaviours. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 57:1-14. [PMID: 35008014 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are pervasive psychiatric disorders causing great suffering. The high (HAB) and low (LAB) anxiety-related behaviour rats were selectively bred to investigate neurobiological correlates of anxiety. We compared the level of neuropeptides relevant for anxiety- and depression-related behaviours in selected brain regions of HAB and LAB rats. Increased anxiety and depression-like behaviours of male and female HAB rats in the elevated plus-maze and forced swim tests were accompanied by elevated levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the prefrontal (PFC), frontal (FC) and cingulate cortex (CCx), the striatum, and periaqueductal grey (PAG). Moreover, HAB rats displayed sex-dependent, elevated levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in PFC, FC, CCx, hippocampus, and PAG. Higher neurokinin A (NKA) levels were detected in CCx, striatum, and PAG in HAB males and in CCx and hypothalamus in HAB females. Increased neurotensin was detected in CCx and PAG in HAB males and in hypothalamus in HAB females. Elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) levels appeared in female HAB hypothalamus. Significant correlations were found between anxiety-like behaviour and NPY, CGRP, NKA, and neurotensin, particularly with NPY in CCx and striatum, CGRP in FC and hippocampus, and NKA in entorhinal cortex. This is the first report of NPY, CGRP, NKA, Neurotensin, and CRH measurements in brain regions of HAB and LAB rats, which showed widespread NPY and CGRP alterations in cortical regions, with NKA and neurotensin changes localised in sub-cortical areas. The results may contribute to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying anxiety and depression and should facilitate identifying novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Aram El Khoury
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela I Beiderbeck
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Aleksander A Mathé
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
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