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Arora I, Mal P, Arora P, Paul A, Kumar M. GABAergic implications in anxiety and related disorders. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 724:150218. [PMID: 38865810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that anxiety disorders arise from an imbalance in the functioning of brain circuits that govern the modulation of emotional responses to possibly threatening stimuli. The circuits under consideration in this context include the amygdala's bottom-up activity, which signifies the existence of stimuli that may be seen as dangerous. Moreover, these circuits encompass top-down regulatory processes that originate in the prefrontal cortex, facilitating the communication of the emotional significance associated with the inputs. Diverse databases (e.g., Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for literature using a combination of different terms e.g., "anxiety", "stress", "neuroanatomy", and "neural circuits", etc. A decrease in GABAergic activity is present in both anxiety disorders and severe depression. Research on cerebral functional imaging in depressive individuals has shown reduced levels of GABA within the cortical regions. Additionally, animal studies demonstrated that a reduction in the expression of GABAA/B receptors results in a behavioral pattern resembling anxiety. The amygdala consists of inhibitory networks composed of GABAergic interneurons, responsible for modulating anxiety responses in both normal and pathological conditions. The GABAA receptor has allosteric sites (e.g., α/γ, γ/β, and α/β) which enable regulation of neuronal inhibition in the amygdala. These sites serve as molecular targets for anxiolytic medications such as benzodiazepine and barbiturates. Alterations in the levels of naturally occurring regulators of these allosteric sites, along with alterations to the composition of the GABAA receptor subunits, could potentially act as mechanisms via which the extent of neuronal inhibition is diminished in pathological anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Mal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Poonam Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Anushka Paul
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
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2
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Scott E, Brewer MS, Peralta AL, Issa FA. The Effects of Social Experience on Host Gut Microbiome in Male Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2023; 244:177-189. [PMID: 38457676 DOI: 10.1086/729377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
AbstractAlthough the gut and the brain vastly differ in physiological function, they have been interlinked in a variety of different neurological and behavioral disorders. The bacteria that comprise the gut microbiome communicate and influence the function of various physiological processes within the body, including nervous system function. However, the effects of social experience in the context of dominance and social stress on gut microbiome remain poorly understood. Here, we examined whether social experience impacts the host zebrafish (Danio rerio) gut microbiome. We studied how social dominance during the first 2 weeks of social interactions changed the composition of zebrafish gut microbiome by comparing gut bacterial composition, diversity, and relative abundance between socially dominant, submissive, social isolates and control group-housed communal fish. Using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we report that social dominance significantly affects host gut bacterial community composition but not bacterial diversity. At the genus level, Aeromonas and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae relative abundance decreased in dominant individuals while commensal bacteria (e.g., Exiguobacterium and Cetobacterium) increased in relative abundance. Conversely, the relative abundance of Psychrobacter and Acinetobacter was increased in subordinates, isolates, and communal fish compared to dominant fish. The shift in commensal and pathogenic bacteria highlights the impact of social experience and the accompanying stress on gut microbiome, with potentially similar effects in other social organisms.
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Bredewold R, Washington C, Veenema AH. Vasopressin regulates social play behavior in sex-specific ways through glutamate modulation in the lateral septum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.31.535148. [PMID: 37034639 PMCID: PMC10081315 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.31.535148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Social play is a highly rewarding behavior that is essential for the development of social skills. Social play is impaired in children diagnosed with autism, a disorder with a strong sex bias in prevalence. We recently showed that the arginine vasopressin (AVP) system in the lateral septum (LS) regulates social play behavior sex-specifically in juvenile rats: Administration of a AVP 1a receptor (V1aR) antagonist increased social play behavior in males and decreased it in females. Here, we demonstrate that glutamate, but not GABA, is involved in the sex-specific regulation of social play by the LS-AVP system. First, males show higher extracellular glutamate concentrations in the LS than females while they show similar extracellular GABA concentrations. This resulted in a baseline sex difference in excitatory/inhibitory balance, which was eliminated by V1aR antagonist administration into the LS: V1aR antagonist increased extracellular glutamate release in females but not in males. Second, administration of the glutamate receptor agonist L-glutamic acid into the LS prevented the V1aR antagonist-induced increase in social play behavior in males while mimicking the V1aR antagonist-induced decrease in social play behavior in females. Third, administration of the glutamate receptor antagonists AP-5 and CNQX into the LS prevented the V1aR antagonist-induced decrease in social play behavior in females. Last, both sexes showed increases in extracellular LS-GABA release upon V1aR antagonist administration into the LS and decreases in social play behavior upon administration of the GABA-A receptor agonist muscimol into the LS, suggesting that GABA is not involved in the sex-specific regulation of social play by the LS-AVP system. Finally, to start identifying the cellular mechanism mediating the sex-specific effects of the LS-AVP system on LS-glutamate, we determined the presence of potential sex differences in the type of LS cells expressing V1aR. However, no sex differences were found in the percentage of Avpr1a+ LS cells expressing markers for either GABAergic neurons, somatostatin-expressing neurons, calbindin 1-expressing neurons, or astrocytes. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that the LS-AVP system regulates social play sex-specifically via differential local glutamatergic neurotransmission in male and female juvenile rats. Further research is required to uncover the underlying cellular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco Bredewold
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Catherine Washington
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Fritz M, Soravia SM, Dudeck M, Malli L, Fakhoury M. Neurobiology of Aggression-Review of Recent Findings and Relationship with Alcohol and Trauma. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030469. [PMID: 36979161 PMCID: PMC10044835 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Aggression can be conceptualized as any behavior, physical or verbal, that involves attacking another person or animal with the intent of causing harm, pain or injury. Because of its high prevalence worldwide, aggression has remained a central clinical and public safety issue. Aggression can be caused by several risk factors, including biological and psychological, such as genetics and mental health disorders, and socioeconomic such as education, employment, financial status, and neighborhood. Research over the past few decades has also proposed a link between alcohol consumption and aggressive behaviors. Alcohol consumption can escalate aggressive behavior in humans, often leading to domestic violence or serious crimes. Converging lines of evidence have also shown that trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could have a tremendous impact on behavior associated with both alcohol use problems and violence. However, although the link between trauma, alcohol, and aggression is well documented, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and their impact on behavior have not been properly discussed. This article provides an overview of recent advances in understanding the translational neurobiological basis of aggression and its intricate links to alcoholism and trauma, focusing on behavior. It does so by shedding light from several perspectives, including in vivo imaging, genes, receptors, and neurotransmitters and their influence on human and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fritz
- School of Health and Social Sciences, AKAD University of Applied Sciences, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah-Maria Soravia
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Manuela Dudeck
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Layal Malli
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
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Sailer LL, Park AH, Galvez A, Ophir AG. Lateral septum DREADD activation alters male prairie vole prosocial and antisocial behaviors, not partner preferences. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1299. [PMID: 36435943 PMCID: PMC9701193 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04274-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although much has been written on the topic of social behavior, many terms referring to different aspects of social behavior have become inappropriately conflated and the specific mechanisms governing them remains unclear. It is therefore critical that we disentangle the prosocial and antisocial elements associated with different forms of social behavior to fully understand the social brain. The lateral septum (LS) mediates social behaviors, emotional processes, and stress responses necessary for individuals to navigate day-to-day social interactions. The LS is particularly important in general and selective prosocial behavior (monogamy) but its role in how these two behavioral domains intersect is unclear. Here, we investigate the effects of chemogenetic-mediated LS activation on social responses in male prairie voles when they are 1) sex-naïve and generally affiliative and 2) after they become pair-bonded and display selective aggression. Amplifying neural activity in the LS augments same-sex social approach behaviors. Despite partner preference formation remaining unaltered, LS activation in pair-bonded males leads to reduced selective aggression while increasing social affiliative behaviors. These results suggest that LS activation alters behavior within certain social contexts, by increasing sex-naïve affiliative behaviors and reducing pair bonding-induced selective aggression with same-sex conspecifics, but not altering bonding with opposite-sex individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay L. Sailer
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Ashley H. Park
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Abigail Galvez
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Alexander G. Ophir
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
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Menon R, Süß T, Oliveira VEDM, Neumann ID, Bludau A. Neurobiology of the lateral septum: regulation of social behavior. Trends Neurosci 2021; 45:27-40. [PMID: 34810019 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Social interactions are essential for mammalian life and are regulated by evolutionary conserved neuronal mechanisms. An individual's internal state, experiences, and the nature of the social stimulus are critical for determining apt responses to social situations. The lateral septum (LS) - a structure of the basal forebrain - integrates abundant cortical and subcortical inputs, and projects to multiple downstream regions to generate appropriate behavioral responses. Although incoming cognitive information is indispensable for contextualizing a social stimulus, neuromodulatory information related to the internal state of the organism significantly influences the behavioral outcome as well. This review article provides an overview of the neuroanatomical properties of the LS, and examines its neurochemical (neuropeptidergic and hormonal) signaling, which provide the neuromodulatory information essential for fine-tuning social behavior across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Menon
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Süß
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Vinícius Elias de Moura Oliveira
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anna Bludau
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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Fricker BA, Seifert AW, Kelly AM. Characterization of social behavior in the spiny mouse,
Acomys cahirinus. Ethology 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aubrey M. Kelly
- Department of Psychology Emory University Atlanta Georgia USA
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8
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Oliveira VEDM, Lukas M, Wolf HN, Durante E, Lorenz A, Mayer AL, Bludau A, Bosch OJ, Grinevich V, Egger V, de Jong TR, Neumann ID. Oxytocin and vasopressin within the ventral and dorsal lateral septum modulate aggression in female rats. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2900. [PMID: 34006875 PMCID: PMC8131389 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23064-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to male rats, aggression in virgin female rats has been rarely studied. Here, we established a rat model of enhanced aggression in females using a combination of social isolation and aggression-training to specifically investigate the involvement of the oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) systems within the lateral septum (LS). Using neuropharmacological, optogenetic, chemogenetic as well as microdialysis approaches, we revealed that enhanced OXT release within the ventral LS (vLS), combined with reduced AVP release within the dorsal LS (dLS), is required for aggression in female rats. Accordingly, increased activity of putative OXT receptor-positive neurons in the vLS, and decreased activity of putative AVP receptor-positive neurons in the dLS, are likely to underly aggression in female rats. Finally, in vitro activation of OXT receptors in the vLS increased tonic GABAergic inhibition of dLS neurons. Overall, our data suggest a model showing that septal release of OXT and AVP differentially affects aggression in females by modulating the inhibitory tone within LS sub-networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Elias de Moura Oliveira
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Michael Lukas
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Nora Wolf
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Elisa Durante
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Alexandra Lorenz
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Mayer
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Anna Bludau
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Veronica Egger
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Neurophysiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Trynke R de Jong
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
- Medische Biobank Noord-Nederland B.V., Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Neurobiology and Animal Physiology, Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstraße, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany.
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Mezzomo NJ, Müller TE, Franscescon F, Michelotti P, Souza TP, Rosemberg DB, Barcellos LJG. Taurine-mediated aggression is abolished via 5-HT 1A antagonism and serotonin depletion in zebrafish. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 199:173067. [PMID: 33144206 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in vertebrates involved in important physiological functions, including osmoregulation, membrane stability, and neuronal activity. The pleiotropic effects of taurine support the existence of different mechanisms of action (e.g., modulation of GABAA, strychnine-sensitive glycine, and NMDA receptors), which can play a role in aggressive-related responses. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of taurine on aggression are still poorly understood. Because aggression has been associated with diverse central mechanisms, especially serotonergic activity, we aimed to investigate the involvement of this system in taurine-induced aggression in zebrafish. We treated adult zebrafish with ρ-chlorophenylalanine (ρCPA), an inhibitor of the serotonin synthesis, as well as 5-HT1A receptor antagonist and agonist (WAY100135 and buspirone, respectively). Taurine effects were tested individually at three concentrations (42, 150, and 400 mg/L) for 60 min. We further analyzed the effects on aggression and locomotion using the mirror-induced aggression test. Taurine concentration that changed behavioral responses was selected to the succeeding pharmacological experiments using ρCPA, WAY100135, and buspirone. We found that buspirone did not alter the aggression. Yet, 42 mg/L taurine increased aggression, which was abolished by ρCPA and WAY100135, indicating the involvement of 5-HT1A receptors in taurine-mediated aggression. These set of data support an indirect mechanism mediating taurine-induced aggression via serotonin release and activation of 5-HT1A receptors in zebrafish. While the exact mechanisms underlying aggression are still unclear, our novel findings reveal a key role of the serotonergic system in the effects of taurine, supporting the use of zebrafish models to understand the neural basis of aggression in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathana J Mezzomo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Talise E Müller
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Francini Franscescon
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Paula Michelotti
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Thiele P Souza
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Leonardo J G Barcellos
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Bio-Experimentation, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), BR 285, Passo Fundo, RS 99052-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), BR 285, Passo Fundo, RS 99052-900, Brazil
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Helmy M, Zhang J, Wang H. Neurobiology and Neural Circuits of Aggression. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1284:9-22. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-7086-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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11
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Kornhuber J, Zoicas I. Social Fear Memory Requires Two Stages of Protein Synthesis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155537. [PMID: 32748831 PMCID: PMC7432563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that long-term consolidation of newly acquired information, including information related to social fear, require de novo protein synthesis. However, the temporal dynamics of protein synthesis during the consolidation of social fear memories is unclear. To address this question, mice received a single systemic injection with the protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin, at different time-points before or after social fear conditioning (SFC), and memory was assessed 24 h later. We showed that anisomycin impaired the consolidation of social fear memories in a time-point-dependent manner. Mice that received anisomycin 20 min before, immediately after, 6 h, or 8 h after SFC showed reduced expression of social fear, indicating impaired social fear memory, whereas anisomycin caused no effects when administered 4 h after SFC. These results suggest that consolidation of social fear memories requires two stages of protein synthesis: (1) an initial stage starting during or immediately after SFC, and (2) a second stage starting around 6 h after SFC and lasting for at least 5 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Iulia Zoicas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-46005
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12
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Bouchatta O, Chaibi I, Baba AA, Ba-M'Hamed S, Bennis M. The effects of Topiramate on isolation-induced aggression: a behavioral and immunohistochemical study in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2451-2467. [PMID: 32430516 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Topiramate, an antiepileptic drug, has been found to be useful for the treatment of aggression in clinical populations. Most preclinical studies related to Topiramate have been focused exclusively on the quantitative aspects of the aggressive behavior between mice. However, there is still limited knowledge regarding the effects of Topiramate on neuronal mechanisms occurring in aggressive mice. The present work aims to understand further the effects of the antiepileptic drug Topiramate on aggressive behaviors, and on the neural correlates underlying such behaviors. To achieve this, we combined the resident-intruder model of isolation-induced aggression in mice with two drug regimens of Topiramate administration (30.0 mg/kg; acute and sub-chronic treatments). Our data showed that both acute and subchronic treatments decreased the intensity of agonistic encounters and reinforced social behavior. By using C-fos immunoreactivity, we investigated the neuronal activation of several brain regions involved in aggressive behavior following subchronic treatment. We found that Topiramate produced activation in several cortical areas and in the lateral septum of resident brain mice compared with their controls. However, Topiramate induced inhibition in the medial nucleus of the amygdala, the dorsomedial nucleus of the periaqueductal gray, and especially in the anterior hypothalamic nucleus. Finally, we performed microinfusion of Topiramate (0.1 and 0.3 mM) into the lateral septum and anterior hypothalamus on offensive behaviors in isolation-induced-aggression paradigm. Interestingly, the microinfusion of Topiramate into the lateral septum has the capacity to alleviate aggressive behavior, without affecting social behavior. However, the microinfusion of Topiramate into the anterior hypothalamus decreased aggressive behavior and slightly reinforced social behavior. Our observations supported that the dose of 0.1 mM of Topiramate appeared more efficacy to treat aggression in adult mice. These pharmacological characteristics may account for Topiramate efficacy on aggressive symptoms in psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otmane Bouchatta
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd. Prince My Abdallah, 40000, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Ilias Chaibi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd. Prince My Abdallah, 40000, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Abdelfatah Ait Baba
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd. Prince My Abdallah, 40000, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Saadia Ba-M'Hamed
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd. Prince My Abdallah, 40000, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Bennis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd. Prince My Abdallah, 40000, Marrakesh, Morocco.
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Social experience and sex-dependent regulation of aggression in the lateral septum by extrasynaptic δGABA A receptors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:329-344. [PMID: 31691846 PMCID: PMC7024004 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms mediating dominance and competitive aggression is essential to understanding the development and treatment of various psychiatric disorders. Previous research suggests that these mechanisms are both sexually differentiated and influenced substantially by social experience. In numerous species, GABAA receptors in the lateral septum have been shown to play a significant role in aggression in males. However, very little is known about the role of these GABAA receptors in female aggression, the role of social experience on GABAA receptor-mediated aggression, or the roles of different GABAA subtypes in regulating aggression. OBJECTIVES Thus, in the following set of experiments, we determined the role of social experience in modulating GABAA receptor-induced aggression in both male and female Syrian hamsters, with a particular focus on the GABAA receptor subtype mediating these effects. RESULTS Activation of GABAA receptors in the dorsal lateral septum increased aggression in both males and females. Social housing, however, significantly decreased the ability of GABAA receptor activation to induce aggression in males but not females. No significant differences were observed in the effects of GABAA receptor activation in dominant versus subordinate group-housed hamsters. Finally, examination of potential GABAA receptor subtype specificity revealed that social housing decreased the ratio of δ extrasynaptic to γ2 synaptic subunit GABAA receptor mRNA expression in the anterior dorsal lateral septum, while activation of δ extrasynaptic, but not γ2 synaptic, GABAA receptors in the dorsal lateral septum increased aggression. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that social experience can have profound effects on the neuronal mechanisms mediating aggression, especially in males, and that δ extrasynaptic GABAA receptors may be an important therapeutic target in disorders characterized by high levels of aggression.
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Neural circuits for coping with social defeat. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2019; 60:99-107. [PMID: 31837481 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
When resources, such as food, territory, and potential mates are limited, competition among animals of the same species is inevitable. Over bouts of agonistic interactions, winners and losers are determined. Losing is a traumatic experience, both physically and psychologically. Losers not only need to deploy a set of species-specific defensive behaviors to minimize the physical damage during defeat, but also adjust their behavior towards the winners to avoid future fights in which they are likely disadvantaged. The expression of defensive behaviors and the fast and long-lasting changes in behaviors accompanying defeat must be supported by a complex neural circuit. This review summarizes the brain regions that have been implicated in coping with social defeat, one centered on basolateral amygdala and the other on ventromedial hypothalamus. Gaps in our knowledge and hypotheses that may help guide future experiments are also discussed.
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15
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Rangel MJ, Baldo MVC, Canteras NS. Influence of the anteromedial thalamus on social defeat-associated contextual fear memory. Behav Brain Res 2018; 339:269-277. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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16
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Caldwell HK, Aulino EA, Rodriguez KM, Witchey SK, Yaw AM. Social Context, Stress, Neuropsychiatric Disorders, and the Vasopressin 1b Receptor. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:567. [PMID: 29085277 PMCID: PMC5650633 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The arginine vasopressin 1b receptor (Avpr1b) is involved in the modulation of a variety of behaviors and is an important part of the mammalian hormonal stress axis. The Avpr1b is prominent in hippocampal CA2 pyramidal cells and in the anterior pituitary corticotrophs. Decades of research on this receptor has demonstrated its importance to the modulation of social recognition memory, social forms of aggression, and modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, particularly under conditions of acute stress. Further, work in humans suggests that the Avpr1b may play a role in human neuropsychiatric disorders and its modulation may have therapeutic potential. This paper reviews what is known about the role of the Avpr1b in the context of social behaviors, the stress axis, and human neuropsychiatric disorders. Further, possible mechanisms for how Avpr1b activation within the hippocampus vs. Avpr1b activation within anterior pituitary may interact with one another to affect behavioral output are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Caldwell
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Aulino
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Karla M Rodriguez
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Shannah K Witchey
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Alexandra M Yaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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Cooper MA, Seddighi S, Barnes AK, Grizzell JA, Dulka BN, Clinard CT. Dominance status alters restraint-induced neural activity in brain regions controlling stress vulnerability. Physiol Behav 2017; 179:153-161. [PMID: 28606772 PMCID: PMC5581240 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the cellular mechanisms that control resistance and vulnerability to stress is an important step toward identifying novel targets for the prevention and treatment of stress-related mental illness. In Syrian hamsters, dominant and subordinate animals exhibit different behavioral and physiological responses to social defeat stress, with dominants showing stress resistance and subordinates showing stress vulnerability. We previously found that dominant and subordinate hamsters show different levels of defeat-induced neural activity in brain regions that modulate coping with stress, although the extent to which status-dependent differences in stress vulnerability generalize to non-social stressors is unknown. In this study, dominant, subordinate, and control male Syrian hamsters were exposed to acute physical restraint for 30min and restraint-induced c-Fos immunoreactivity was quantified in select brain regions. Subordinate animals showed less restraint-induced c-Fos immunoreactivity in the infralimbic (IL), prelimbic (PL), and ventral medial amygdala (vMeA) compared to dominants, which is consistent with the status-dependent effects of social defeat stress. Subordinate animals did not show increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the rostroventral dorsal raphe nucleus (rvDRN), which is in contrast to the effects of social defeat stress. These findings indicate that status-dependent changes in neural activity generalize from one stressor to another in a brain region-dependent manner. These findings further suggest that while some neural circuits may support a generalized form of stress resistance, others may provide resistance to specific stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Cooper
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States.
| | - Sahba Seddighi
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
| | - Abigail K Barnes
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
| | - J Alex Grizzell
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
| | - Brooke N Dulka
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
| | - Catherine T Clinard
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
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18
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Baran NM, McGrath PT, Streelman JT. Applying gene regulatory network logic to the evolution of social behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:5886-5893. [PMID: 28584121 PMCID: PMC5468628 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1610621114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal behavior is ultimately the product of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) for brain development and neural networks for brain function. The GRN approach has advanced the fields of genomics and development, and we identify organizational similarities between networks of genes that build the brain and networks of neurons that encode brain function. In this perspective, we engage the analogy between developmental networks and neural networks, exploring the advantages of using GRN logic to study behavior. Applying the GRN approach to the brain and behavior provides a quantitative and manipulative framework for discovery. We illustrate features of this framework using the example of social behavior and the neural circuitry of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Baran
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Patrick T McGrath
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
- The Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - J Todd Streelman
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332;
- The Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
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19
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Clinard CT, Barnes AK, Adler SG, Cooper MA. Winning agonistic encounters increases testosterone and androgen receptor expression in Syrian hamsters. Horm Behav 2016; 86:27-35. [PMID: 27619945 PMCID: PMC5159211 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Winning aggressive disputes is one of several experiences that can alter responses to future stressful events. We have previously tested dominant and subordinate male Syrian hamsters in a conditioned defeat model and found that dominant individuals show less change in behavior following social defeat stress compared to subordinates and controls, indicating a reduced conditioned defeat response. Resistance to the effects of social defeat in dominants is experience-dependent and requires the maintenance of dominance relationships for 14days. For this study we investigated whether winning aggressive interactions increases plasma testosterone and whether repeatedly winning increases androgen receptor expression. First, male hamsters were paired in daily 10-min aggressive encounters and blood samples were collected immediately before and 15min and 30min after the formation of dominance relationships. Dominants showed an increase in plasma testosterone at 15min post-interaction compared to their pre-interaction baseline, whereas subordinates and controls showed no change in plasma testosterone. Secondly, we investigated whether 14days of dominant social status increased androgen or estrogen alpha-receptor immunoreactivity in brain regions that regulate the conditioned defeat response. Dominants showed more androgen, but not estrogen alpha, receptor immuno-positive cells in the dorsal medial amygdala (dMeA) and ventral lateral septum (vLS) compared to subordinates and controls. Finally, we showed that one day of dominant social status was insufficient to increase androgen receptor immunoreactivity compared to subordinates. These results suggest that elevated testosterone signaling at androgen receptors in the dMeA and vLS might contribute to the reduced conditioned defeat response exhibited by dominant hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine T Clinard
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
| | - Abigail K Barnes
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
| | - Samuel G Adler
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
| | - Matthew A Cooper
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
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20
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Wong LC, Wang L, D'Amour JA, Yumita T, Chen G, Yamaguchi T, Chang BC, Bernstein H, You X, Feng JE, Froemke RC, Lin D. Effective Modulation of Male Aggression through Lateral Septum to Medial Hypothalamus Projection. Curr Biol 2016; 26:593-604. [PMID: 26877081 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is a prevalent behavior in the animal kingdom that is used to settle competition for limited resources. Given the high risk associated with fighting, the central nervous system has evolved an active mechanism to modulate its expression. Lesioning the lateral septum (LS) is known to cause "septal rage," a phenotype characterized by a dramatic increase in the frequency of attacks. To understand the circuit mechanism of LS-mediated modulation of aggression, we examined the influence of LS input on the cells in and around the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl)-a region required for male mouse aggression. We found that the inputs from the LS inhibited the attack-excited cells but surprisingly increased the overall activity of attack-inhibited cells. Furthermore, optogenetic activation of the projection from LS cells to the VMHvl terminated ongoing attacks immediately but had little effect on mounting. Thus, LS projection to the ventromedial hypothalamic area represents an effective pathway for suppressing male aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chin Wong
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - James A D'Amour
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tomohiro Yumita
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Genghe Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Brian C Chang
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Hannah Bernstein
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; The Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Xuedi You
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - James E Feng
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Robert C Froemke
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Dayu Lin
- Institute of Neuroscience, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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21
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Fontana BD, Meinerz DL, Rosa LVC, Mezzomo NJ, Silveira A, Giuliani GS, Quadros VA, Filho GL, Blaser RE, Rosemberg DB. Modulatory action of taurine on ethanol-induced aggressive behavior in zebrafish. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 141:18-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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22
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Gray CL, Krebs-Kraft DL, Solomon MB, Norvelle A, Parent MB, Huhman KL. Immediate post-defeat infusions of the noradrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol impair the consolidation of conditioned defeat in male Syrian hamsters. Physiol Behav 2015; 152:56-61. [PMID: 26367452 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Social defeat occurs when an animal is attacked and subjugated by an aggressive conspecific. Following social defeat, male Syrian hamsters fail to display species-typical territorial aggression and instead exhibit submissive or defensive behaviors even when in the presence of a non-aggressive intruder. We have termed this phenomenon conditioned defeat (CD). The mechanisms underlying CD are not fully understood, but data from our lab suggest that at least some of the mechanisms are similar to those that mediate classical fear conditioning. The goal of the present experiment was to test the hypothesis that noradrenergic signaling promotes the consolidation of CD, as in classical fear conditioning, by determining whether CD is disrupted by post-training blockade of noradrenergic activity. In Experiment 1, we determined whether systemic infusions of the noradrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol (0, 1.0, 10, or 20mg/kg) given immediately after a 15 min defeat by a resident aggressor would impair CD tested 48 h later. Hamsters that were given immediate post-training infusions of propranolol (1.0, but not 10 or 20mg/kg) showed significantly less submissive behavior than did those given vehicle infusions supporting the hypothesis that there is noradrenergic modulation of the consolidation of a social defeat experience. In Experiment 2, we demonstrated that propranolol (1.0mg/kg) given immediately, but not 4 or 24h, after defeat impaired CD tested 48 h after defeat indicating that the window within which the memory for social defeat is susceptible to beta-adrenergic modulation is temporary. In Experiment 3, we examined whether central blockade of noradrenergic receptors could recapitulate the effect of systemic injections by giving an intracerebroventricular infusion of propranolol immediately after defeat and examining the effect on CD 24h later. Centrally administered propranolol (20 μg/3 μl but not 2 μg/3 μl) was also effective in dose-dependently reducing consolidation of CD. Collectively, the present results indicate that noradrenergic activity promotes the consolidation of CD and suggest that CD is a valuable model to study the processes by which emotion and stress modulate memory in an ethologically relevant context. These data also suggest that the popular conception in the clinical literature that the anxiolytic effect of propranolol is primarily due to the drug's peripheral effects may need to be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cloe Luckett Gray
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5030, Atlanta, GA 30302-5030, USA; Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | - Matia B Solomon
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Genome Research Institute, Bldg E Room 216, 2170 E. Galbraith Rd..ML-0506, Reading, OH 45237-1625, USA.
| | - Alisa Norvelle
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5030, Atlanta, GA 30302-5030, USA.
| | - Marise B Parent
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5030, Atlanta, GA 30302-5030, USA.
| | - Kim L Huhman
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5030, Atlanta, GA 30302-5030, USA.
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23
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Bredewold R, Schiavo JK, van der Hart M, Verreij M, Veenema AH. Dynamic changes in extracellular release of GABA and glutamate in the lateral septum during social play behavior in juvenile rats: Implications for sex-specific regulation of social play behavior. Neuroscience 2015; 307:117-27. [PMID: 26318330 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Social play is a motivated and rewarding behavior that is displayed by nearly all mammals and peaks in the juvenile period. Moreover, social play is essential for the development of social skills and is impaired in social disorders like autism. We recently showed that the lateral septum (LS) is involved in the regulation of social play behavior in juvenile male and female rats. The LS is largely modulated by GABA and glutamate neurotransmission, but their role in social play behavior is unknown. Here, we determined whether social play behavior is associated with changes in the extracellular release of GABA and glutamate in the LS and to what extent such changes modulate social play behavior in male and female juvenile rats. Using intracerebral microdialysis in freely behaving rats, we found no sex difference in extracellular GABA concentrations, but extracellular glutamate concentrations are higher in males than in females under baseline conditions and during social play. This resulted in a higher glutamate/GABA concentration ratio in males vs. females and thus, an excitatory predominance in the LS of males. Furthermore, social play behavior in both sexes is associated with significant increases in extracellular release of GABA and glutamate in the LS. Pharmacological blockade of GABA-A receptors in the LS with bicuculline (100 ng/0.5 μl, 250 ng/0.5 μl) dose-dependently decreased the duration of social play behavior in both sexes. In contrast, pharmacological blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors) in the LS with AP-5+CNQX (2mM+0.4mM/0.5 μl, 30 mM+3mM/0.5 μl) dose-dependently decreased the duration of social play behavior in females, but did not alter social play behavior in males. Together, these data suggest a role for GABA neurotransmission in the LS in the regulation of juvenile social play behavior in both sexes, while glutamate neurotransmission in the LS is involved in the sex-specific regulation of juvenile social play behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bredewold
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.
| | - J K Schiavo
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | | | - M Verreij
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - A H Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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24
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Gray CL, Norvelle A, Larkin T, Huhman KL. Dopamine in the nucleus accumbens modulates the memory of social defeat in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Behav Brain Res 2015; 286:22-8. [PMID: 25721736 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Conditioned defeat (CD) is a behavioral response that occurs in Syrian hamsters after they experience social defeat. Subsequently, defeated hamsters no longer produce territorial aggression but instead exhibit heightened levels of avoidance and submission, even when confronted with a smaller, non-aggressive intruder. Dopamine in the nucleus accumbens is hypothesized to act as a signal of salience for both rewarding and aversive stimuli to promote memory formation and appropriate behavioral responses to significant events. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that dopamine in the nucleus accumbens modulates the acquisition and expression of behavioral responses to social defeat. In Experiment 1, bilateral infusion of the non-specific D1/D2 receptor antagonist cis(z)flupenthixol (3.75 μg/150 nl saline) into the nucleus accumbens 5 min prior to defeat training significantly reduced submissive and defensive behavior expressed 24h later in response to a non-aggressive intruder. In Experiment 2, infusion of 3.75 μg cis-(Z)-flupenthixol 5 min before conditioned defeat testing with a non-aggressive intruder significantly increased aggressive behavior in drug-infused subjects. In Experiment 3, we found that the effect of cis-(Z)-flupenthixol on aggression was specific to defeated animals as infusion of drug into the nucleus accumbens of non-defeated animals did not significantly alter their behavior in response to a non-aggressive intruder. These data demonstrate that dopamine in the nucleus accumbens modulates both acquisition and expression of social stress-induced behavioral changes and suggest that the nucleus accumbens plays an important role in the suppression of aggression that is observed after social defeat.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Gray
- Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - A Norvelle
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - T Larkin
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - K L Huhman
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA.
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25
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Glutamate, GABA, and glutamine are synchronously upregulated in the mouse lateral septum during the postpartum period. Brain Res 2014; 1591:53-62. [PMID: 25451092 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Dramatic structural and functional remodeling occurs in the postpartum brain for the establishment of maternal care, which is essential for the growth and development of young offspring. Glutamate and GABA signaling are critically important in modulating multiple behavioral performances. Large scale signaling changes occur in the postpartum brain, but it is still not clear to what extent the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA change and whether the ratio of glutamate/GABA remains balanced. In this study, we examined the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle in the lateral septum (LS) of postpartum female mice. In postpartum females (relative to virgins), tissue levels of glutamate and GABA were elevated in LS and increased mRNA was found for the respective enzymes producing glutamate and GABA, glutaminase (Gls) and glutamate decarboxylase 1 and 2 (Gad1 and Gad2). The common precursor, glutamine, was elevated as was the enzyme that produces it, glutamate-ammonia ligase (Glul). Additionally, glutamate, GABA, and glutamine were positively correlated and the glutamate/GABA ratio was almost identical in the postpartum and virgin females. Collectively, these findings indicate that glutamate and GABA signaling are increased and that the ratio of glutamate/GABA is well balanced in the maternal LS. The postpartum brain may provide a useful model system for understanding how glutamate and GABA are linked despite large signaling changes. Given that some mental health disorders, including depression and schizophrenia display dysregulated glutamate/GABA ratio, and there is increased vulnerability to mental disorders in mothers, it is possible that these postpartum disorders emerge when glutamate and GABA changes are not properly coordinated.
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26
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Zhao C, Eisinger B, Gammie SC. Characterization of GABAergic neurons in the mouse lateral septum: a double fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical study using tyramide signal amplification. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73750. [PMID: 23967349 PMCID: PMC3742568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in the lateral septum (LS) is implicated in modulating various behavioral processes, including emotional reactivity and maternal behavior. However, identifying the phenotype of GABAergic neurons in the CNS has been hampered by the longstanding inability to reliably detect somal immunoreactivity for GABA or glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the enzyme that produces GABA. In this study, we designed unique probes for both GAD65 (GAD2) and GAD67 (GAD1), and used fluorescence in Situ hybridization (FISH) with tyramide signal amplification (TSA) to achieve unequivocal detection of cell bodies of GABAergic neurons by GAD mRNAs. We quantitatively characterized the expression and chemical phenotype of GABAergic neurons across each subdivision of LS and in cingulate cortex (Cg) and medial preoptic area (MPOA) in female mice. Across LS, almost all GAD65 mRNA-expressing neurons were found to contain GAD67 mRNA (approximately 95-98%), while a small proportion of GAD67 mRNA-containing neurons did not express GAD65 mRNA (5-14%). Using the neuronal marker NeuN, almost every neuron in LS (> 90%) was also found to be GABA-positive. Interneuron markers using calcium-binding proteins showed that LS GABAergic neurons displayed immunoreactivity for calbindin (CB) or calretinin (CR), but not parvalbumin (PV); almost all CB- or CR-immunoreactive neurons (98-100%) were GABAergic. The proportion of GABAergic neurons immunoreactive for CB or CR varied depending on the subdivisions examined, with the highest percentage of colocalization in the caudal intermediate LS (LSI) (approximately 58% for CB and 35% for CR). These findings suggest that the vast majority of GABAergic neurons within the LS have the potential for synthesizing GABA via the dual enzyme systems GAD65 and GAD67, and each subtype of GABAergic neurons identified by distinct calcium-binding proteins may exert unique roles in the physiological function and neuronal circuitry of the LS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjiu Zhao
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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Bangasser DA, Lee CS, Cook PA, Gee JC, Bhatnagar S, Valentino RJ. Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) reveals brain circuitry involved in responding to an acute novel stress in rats with a history of repeated social stress. Physiol Behav 2013; 122:228-36. [PMID: 23643825 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Responses to acute stressors are determined in part by stress history. For example, a history of chronic stress results in facilitated responses to a novel stressor and this facilitation is considered to be adaptive. We previously demonstrated that repeated exposure of rats to the resident-intruder model of social stress results in the emergence of two subpopulations that are characterized by different coping responses to stress. The submissive subpopulation failed to show facilitation to a novel stressor and developed a passive strategy in the Porsolt forced swim test. Because a passive stress coping response has been implicated in the propensity to develop certain psychiatric disorders, understanding the unique circuitry engaged by exposure to a novel stressor in these subpopulations would advance our understanding of the etiology of stress-related pathology. An ex vivo functional imaging technique, manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI), was used to identify and distinguish brain regions that are differentially activated by an acute swim stress (15 min) in rats with a history of social stress compared to controls. Specifically, Mn(2+) was administered intracerebroventricularly prior to swim stress and brains were later imaged ex vivo to reveal activated structures. When compared to controls, all rats with a history of social stress showed greater activation in specific striatal, hippocampal, hypothalamic, and midbrain regions. The submissive subpopulation of rats was further distinguished by significantly greater activation in amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and septum, suggesting that these regions may form a circuit mediating responses to novel stress in individuals that adopt passive coping strategies. The finding that different circuits are engaged by a novel stressor in the two subpopulations of rats exposed to social stress implicates a role for these circuits in determining individual strategies for responding to stressors. Finally, these data underscore the utility of ex vivo MEMRI to identify and distinguish circuits engaged in behavioral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Bangasser
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States.
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28
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Functional mapping of the circuits involved in the expression of contextual fear responses in socially defeated animals. Brain Struct Funct 2013; 219:931-46. [PMID: 23546547 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-013-0544-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we have aimed at outlining the neural systems underlying the expression of contextual fear to social defeat. First, we have developed an experimental procedure, where defeated animals could express, without the presence of a dominant aggressive male, robust and reliable conditioned fear responses to the context associated with social defeat. Next, by examining the pattern of Fos expression, we have been able to outline a brain circuit comprising septal and amygdalar sites, as well as downstream hypothalamic paths, putatively involved in the expression of contextual fear to social threat. Of particular relevance, we have found that exposure to a defeat-associated context results in a striking Fos up-regulation in the dorsomedial part of the dorsal premammillary nucleus (PMDdm). To further understand the role of the PMDdm in the circuit organizing conditioned fear to social threats, we have been able to observe that pharmacological blockade of the PMDdm reduced fear responses to a social defeat-associated context. Next, we observed that pharmacological blockade of the dorsomedial part of the periaqueductal gray, one of the main targets of the PMDdm, produced an even higher reduction of conditioned fear in defeated intruders, and appears as an important node for the expression of contextual defensive responses to social threats. The present results help to elucidate the basic organization of the neural circuits underlying contextual conditioned responses to social defeat, and reveal that they share at least part of the same circuit involved in innate responses to social defeat to an aggressive conspecific.
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29
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Dhakar MB, Rich ME, Reno EL, Lee HJ, Caldwell HK. Heightened aggressive behavior in mice with lifelong versus postweaning knockout of the oxytocin receptor. Horm Behav 2012; 62:86-92. [PMID: 22609339 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Previous work implicating the neuropeptide oxytocin (Oxt) in the neural regulation of aggression in males has been limited. However, there are reports of heightened aggression in Oxt knockout and Oxt receptor (Oxtr) knockout male mice when they are born to null mutant mothers; suggesting that intrauterine exposure to Oxt may be important to normal aggression in adulthood. To explore this, we examined aggression in two lines of Oxtr mice, a total knockout (Oxtr-/-), in which the Oxtr gene is absent from the time of conception, and a predominantly forebrain specific knockout (Oxtr FB/FB), in which the Oxtr gene is not excised until approximately 21-28days postnatally. Aggression was measured in males from both lines, as well as control littermates, using a resident-intruder behavioral test. Consistent with previous reports, male Oxtr-/- mice had elevated levels of aggression relative to controls. Oxtr FB/FB mice on the other hand displayed levels of aggression similar to control animals. In addition, following a resident-intruder test, Oxtr+/+ mice that displayed aggression had less c-fos immunoreactivity in the ventral portion of the lateral septum than those that did not. Further, Oxtr-/- mice had increased c-fos immunoreactivity in the medial amygdala relative to controls. These data suggest that Oxt may play an important role during development in the organization of the neural circuits that underlie aggressive behavior in adulthood, with its absence resulting in heightened aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica B Dhakar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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Morrison KE, Curry DW, Cooper MA. Social status alters defeat-induced neural activation in Syrian hamsters. Neuroscience 2012; 210:168-78. [PMID: 22433296 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Although exposure to social stress leads to increased depression-like and anxiety-like behavior, some individuals are more vulnerable than others to these stress-induced changes in behavior. Prior social experience is one factor that can modulate how individuals respond to stressful events. In this study, we investigated whether experience-dependent resistance to the behavioral consequences of social defeat was associated with a specific pattern of neural activation. We paired weight-matched male Syrian hamsters in daily aggressive encounters for 2 weeks, during which they formed a stable dominance relationship. We also included control animals that were exposed to an empty cage each day for 2 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the final pairing or empty cage exposure, half of the subjects were socially defeated in 3, 5-min encounters, whereas the others were not socially defeated. Twenty-four hours after social defeat, animals were tested for conditioned defeat in a 5-min social interaction test with a non-aggressive intruder. We collected brains after social defeat and processed the tissue for c-Fos immunoreactivity. We found that dominants were more likely than subordinates to counter-attack the resident aggressor during social defeat, and they showed less submissive and defensive behavior at conditioned defeat testing compared with subordinates. Also, social status was associated with distinct patterns of defeat-induced neural activation in select brain regions, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, and lateral septum. Our results indicate that social status is an important form of prior experience that predicts both initial coping style and the degree of resistance to social defeat. Further, the differences in defeat-induced neural activation suggest possible brain regions that may control resistance to conditioned defeat in dominant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Morrison
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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