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De Oliveira Sergio T, Darevsky D, Kellner J, de Paula Soares V, de Cassia Albino M, Maulucci D, Wean S, Hopf FW. Sex- and estrous-related response patterns for alcohol depend critically on the level of compulsion-like challenge. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111008. [PMID: 38641236 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a substantial social and economic burden. During the last years, the number of women with drinking problems has been increasing, and one main concern is that they are particularly more vulnerable to negative consequences of alcohol. However, little is known about female-specific response patterns for alcohol, and potential underlying differences in brain mechanisms, including for compulsion-like alcohol drinking (when intake persists despite adverse consequences). We used lickometry to assess behavioral microstructure in adult Wistar male and female rats (n = 28-30) during alcohol-only drinking or moderate- or higher-challenge alcohol compulsion (10 or 60 mg/l quinine in alcohol, respectively). Estrous stages were determined and related to drinking levels and patterns of responding to alcohol, as was ovariectomy. Our findings showed that females (where we didn't determine estrus stage) had similar total licks in a session as males, but significantly longer licking bouts under alcohol-only and moderate-challenge, suggesting greater persistence. Further, greater intake under alcohol-only and moderate-challenge was related to faster licking in males, while female consumption was not related to licking speed. Thus, females could have increased persistence without greater vigor, unlike males. However, under higher-challenge, faster licking did predict higher intake in females, similar to males. To better understand female higher-challenge responding, we examined drinking in relation to phases of the estrous cycle. Higher-challenge had longer bouts only in late diestrus. In addition, ovariectomy led to longer bouts only under higher-challenge, suggesting that conditions with reduced hormone levels could increase female persistence for alcohol under higher-challenge. However, ovariectomy also reduced alcohol-only and moderate-challenge drinking but did not reduce bout length. Thus, intake level and response strategy could be regulated somewhat differently by ovarian hormones. Finally, moderate-challenge licking speed was less variable during early diestrus, and we previously showed more stereotyped responding specifically under moderate-challenge in males. By combining behavioral microstructure and sex- and estrus-related changes in drinking patterns, our results suggest that females have greater persistence for alcohol under lower-challenge drinking, while late diestrus and ovariectomy unmasked greater persistence under higher-challenge. Together, our novel insights could help develop more effective and personalized treatments for problematic alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thatiane De Oliveira Sergio
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David Darevsky
- University of California at Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, USA; UCSF Medical Scientist Training Program, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jacob Kellner
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Vanessa de Paula Soares
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Maryelle de Cassia Albino
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Danielle Maulucci
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sarah Wean
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Frederic W Hopf
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Miller KN, Standeven L, Morrow AL, Payne JL, Epperson CN, Hantsoo L. GABAergic neuroactive steroid response to sertraline in premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 160:106684. [PMID: 38091917 PMCID: PMC10846389 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects approximately 5% of menstruating individuals, with significant negative mood symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. PMDD's pathophysiology and treatment mechanisms are poorly characterized, but may involve altered neuroactive steroid function in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a first-line PMDD treatment, reportedly alter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neuroactive steroid levels in PMDD. AIMS The aims of this study were to determine whether the SSRI sertraline increased serum levels of neuroactive steroids that modulate the effect of GABA at GABA-A receptors (GABAAR) and if so, whether an increase was associated with improvement in PMDD symptoms. METHODS Participants included controls and individuals with PMDD. Serum levels of 9 neuroactive steroids were measured (3α,5α-THP; 3α5β-THP; pregnenolone; 3α,5α-androsterone; 3α,5β-androsterone; 3α,5α-A-diol; 3α5β-A-diol; 3α,5α-THDOC; 3α5β-THDOC) in the follicular and luteal phases. In the subsequent luteal phase, neuroactive steroids were measured during sertraline treatment (50 mg sertraline from approximate ovulation to menses onset) in the PMDD group. Mixed models assessed associations among diagnostic group, menstrual cycle phase, and sertraline treatment. RESULTS Participants included 38 controls and 32 women with PMDD. There were no significant differences in neuroactive steroid levels between controls and participants with PMDD in the luteal phase (p > 0.05). Within the PMDD group, sertraline treatment significantly increased serum pregnanolone levels and the pregnanolone:progesterone ratio, and decreased 3α,5α-androsterone. CONCLUSIONS This was the first study to assess the impact of SSRI treatment on peripheral levels of GABAergic neuroactive steroids in PMDD. Within the PMDD group, sertraline treatment was associated with a significant increase in luteal phase serum pregnanolone levels and a significantly increased pregnanolone:progesterone ratio, a novel finding. Future research should examine alterations in the metabolic pathways among GABAergic neuroactive steroids in individuals with PMDD, in a placebo-controlled design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen N Miller
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lindsay Standeven
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Leslie Morrow
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jennifer L Payne
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Maranho MCDMF, Guapo VG, de Rezende MG, Vieira CS, Brandão ML, Graeff FG, Lovick T, Del-Ben CM. Low doses of fluoxetine for the treatment of emotional premenstrual syndrome: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 157:106360. [PMID: 37572412 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The neuroactive metabolite of progesterone, allopregnanolone (ALLO), has been implicated in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) physiopathology and preclinical studies suggested that low doses of fluoxetine increase the ALLO brain concentration. OBJECTIVES To assess which low dose of fluoxetine (2 mg/d, 5 mg/d or 10 mg/d), administered exclusively during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle, has a potential effect for preventing or mitigating emotional PMS symptoms. METHODS In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, we followed 40 women (mean age = 29.7 +/- 7.4 years) with emotional PMS, during two menstrual cycles: cycle 1, without pharmacological intervention; and cycle 2, with pharmacological intervention. Participants took capsules, on average, seven days preceding the likely date of menses. We assessed the severity of PMS symptoms in both cycles using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems scale (DRSP). RESULTS There was an increase in the DRSP scores during the late luteal phase of cycle 1, confirming the diagnosis of emotional PMS. Low doses of fluoxetine (5 mg/d: 33.5%; 10 mg/d: 48.4%) reduced DRSP total score in the day before menses (day-1) at cycle 2 compared with day-1 at cycle 1. Fluoxetine 10 mg/d had the most consistent decline in emotional PMS symptoms; 70% of the participants reported a reduction greater than 40% in the DRSP score. CONCLUSIONS Low doses of fluoxetine, which may have no or few effect on the serotonergic system, but may interfere in the progesterone metabolization, seem to have some potential to mitigate emotional PMS symptoms. While the 10 mg/d of fluoxetine had the best performance on reducing emotional PMS symptoms, the 5 mg/d dose also seems to have some effect on emotional PMS symptoms. Further larger studies will help establish the lowest effective dose of flouxetine for PMS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clara de Morais Faleiros Maranho
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Internal Medicine, Barão de Mauá University Center, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Guandalini Guapo
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Gonçalves de Rezende
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Carolina Sales Vieira
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcus Lira Brandão
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior - IneC, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Thelma Lovick
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Cristina Marta Del-Ben
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Hernandes PM, Batistela MF, Nascimento-Silva JM, Frias AT, Matthiesen M, Campos AC, Lovick TA, Zangrossi H. Sex and estrous cycle-linked differences in the effect of cannabidiol on panic-like responding in rats and mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 455:114663. [PMID: 37703950 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114663] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical studies point towards anxiolytic actions of cannabidiol (CBD), but its effect in panic disorder has been less explored and few studies consider effects in females. We here compared the effect of CBD on the response of male and female rats and mice to a panicogenic challenge; exposure to low O2 (rats) or high CO2 (mice) paying attention in females to possible effects of estrous cycle phase. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to 7% O2 for 5 min (rats) or 20% CO2 (mice) and escape behaviour, which has been associated with panic attacks, was quantified as undirected jumps towards the gas chamber's ceiling. The effect of pretreatment with CBD (1-10 mg kg-1 i.p. in rats or 10-60 mg kg-1 i.p. in mice) was tested. The results showed that low O2 (rats) or high CO2 (mice) evoked escape in both sexes. In female rats the response was estrous cycle-sensitive: females in late diestrus made significantly more jumps than females in proestrus. In female mice escape was not influenced by estrous cycle phase and CBD was panicolytic. In female rats CBD attenuated escape behaviour in late diestrus phase but not in proestrus. In male rats and mice CBD had no effect on escape behaviour. Therefore, CBD is panicolytic in female rats and mice but not in males. In rats the effect is estrous cycle-sensitive: rats were most responsive to CBD in late diestrus. In mice higher doses were required to elicit effects and estrous cycle had no effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Molina Hernandes
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus Fitipaldi Batistela
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Alana Tercino Frias
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Melina Matthiesen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alline Cristina Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Helio Zangrossi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Sikes-Keilp C, Rubinow DR. GABA-ergic Modulators: New Therapeutic Approaches to Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:679-693. [PMID: 37542704 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is characterized by the predictable onset of mood and physical symptoms secondary to gonadal steroid fluctuation during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Although menstrual-related affective dysfunction is responsible for considerable functional impairment and reduction in quality of life worldwide, currently approved treatments for PMDD are suboptimal in their effectiveness. Research over the past two decades has suggested that the interaction between allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid derivative of progesterone, and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system represents an important relationship underlying symptom genesis in reproductive-related mood disorders, including PMDD. The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the plausible link between changes in GABAergic transmission secondary to the fluctuation of allopregnanolone during the luteal phase and mood impairment in susceptible individuals. As part of this discussion, we explore promising findings from early clinical trials of several compounds that stabilize allopregnanolone signaling during the luteal phase, including dutasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor; isoallopregnanolone, a GABA-A modulating steroid antagonist; and ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator. We then reflect on the implications of these therapeutic advances, including how they may promote our knowledge of affective regulation more generally. We conclude that these and other studies of PMDD may yield critical insight into the etiopathogenesis of affective disorders, considering that (1) symptoms in PMDD have a predictable onset and offset, allowing for examination of affective state kinetics, and (2) GABAergic interventions in PMDD can be used to better understand the relationship between mood states, network regulation, and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Sikes-Keilp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Hospitals, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
| | - David R Rubinow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Hospitals, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
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Wei S, Tang YY, Wang F, Wang Y, Geng X. Editorial: Neural circuits and neuroendocrine mechanisms of depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: towards precise targets for translational medicine and drug development, volume II. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1216689. [PMID: 37383611 PMCID: PMC10295715 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1216689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wei
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yi-Yuan Tang
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Fushun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South, Changsha, China
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Sundström-Poromaa I, Comasco E. New Pharmacological Approaches to the Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:371-379. [PMID: 37171547 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual symptoms are experienced by many female individuals during their fertile age. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a sex-specific mood disorder, affects about 5% of female individuals during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors represents a valid solution to manage PMDD for many, but not all, patients. Owing to maladaptive neural reactivity to gonadal hormone fluctuations, that is, the putative mechanism postulated to underlie PMDD, drugs suppressing or stabilizing such variations have been tested. Recently, a clinically significant reduction in the severity of the mental symptoms of PMDD was observed upon treatment with a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM), as demonstrated when comparing ulipristal acetate with placebo in a randomised controlled trial. Stable and low progesterone levels, with maintained low-medium oestradiol levels, define the endocrine profile of this treatment. Importantly, the efficacy of SPRM treatment was accompanied by negligible side effects. These promising results represent a headway to understanding the mechanisms behind PMDD symptomatology and opening up new solutions in the management of PMDD. They also call for studies on the long-term efficacy, safety, and viability of SPRMs in female individuals during their fertile age to further support the development of targeted management of female's mental ill-health in relation to the menstrual cycle. The present overview thus seeks to inform about current and new pharmacological approaches to the management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University BMC, POB 593, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Hantsoo L, Payne JL. Towards Understanding the Biology of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: From Genes to GABA. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105168. [PMID: 37059403 PMCID: PMC10176022 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe mood disorder, with affective, symptoms that rise and fall in concert with the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual. cycle. PMDD's pathophysiology is poorly understood. This review describes recent. research on potential biological contributors to PMDD, with a focus on neuroactive. steroids, genetics, neuroimaging and cellular studies. Studies suggest that a key. contributor is abnormal CNS response to fluctuations in neuroactive steroid. hormones. Imaging studies are limited but support alterations in serotonergic and. GABA transmission. Genetic studies suggest heritability, yet specific genetic. contributors have not been characterized. Finally, recent cutting-edge cellular studies. indicate an underlying vulnerability to the effect of sex hormones at a cellular level. Overall the findings across studies do not yet fit together into a complete description of. the underlying biology of PMDD. It is possible that PMDD consists of biological. subtypes, and future research may benefit from a subtyping approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Jennifer L Payne
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, PO Box 800548, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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Nabeh OA. New insights on the impact of gut microbiota on premenstrual disorders. Will probiotics solve this mystery? Life Sci 2023; 321:121606. [PMID: 36948390 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual disorders (PMDs) refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), where both are characterized by physical and psychological changes occurring in the luteal phase of menstrual cycle. According to the available theories, there is no single accusation succeeded to explain the pathophysiology of PMDs. However, there is emerging evidence for the role of gut microbiota (GM) in PMDs, supported by the diverging impact of GM on our body systems. The direct secretory function of GM and their integration in hormonal, neurotransmitters and bioactive compounds secretion and activity reinforce this speculation. Moreover, the bidirectional relation between GM and steroid hormones and the impact of diet, drugs, and inflammation on both, GM and PMDs incidence and severity justify the need for more studies to determine the actual role of GM in PMDs and the possible potential of probiotics and prebiotics as therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omnia Azmy Nabeh
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Cardiovascular Medicine, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Abstract
Certain women develop depression with fluctuations in hormone levels whereas other women do not; this hormonally driven depression has been termed reproductive depression. The pathophysiology of reproductive depression differs from that of major depressive disorder, and this distinction has important clinical-including treatment-implications. Recent advances have revealed that the neurosteroid, allopregnanolone, plays a central role in reproductive depression. Appreciation of allopregnanolone's role in reproductive depression aids in selecting targeted treatments and in predicting symptom worsening during subsequent reproductive stages, and it can be used to reduce risk of relapse. This knowledge is also guiding the development of new pharmacologic treatments for reproductive depression.
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Gao Q, Sun W, Wang YR, Li ZF, Zhao F, Geng XW, Xu KY, Chen D, Liu K, Xing Y, Liu W, Wei S. Role of allopregnanolone-mediated γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor sensitivity in the pathogenesis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Toward precise targets for translational medicine and drug development. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1140796. [PMID: 36937732 PMCID: PMC10017536 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1140796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can be conceptualized as a disorder of suboptimal sensitivity to neuroactive steroid hormones. Its core symptoms (emotional instability, irritability, depression, and anxiety) are related to the increase of stress sensitivity due to the fluctuation of hormone level in luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In this review, we describe the emotional regulatory effect of allopregnanolone (ALLO), and summarize the relationship between ALLO and γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor subunits based on rodent experiments and clinical observations. A rapid decrease in ALLO reduces the sensitivity of GABAA receptor, and reduces the chloride influx, hindered the inhibitory effect of GABAergic neurons on pyramidal neurons, and then increased the excitability of pyramidal neurons, resulting in PMDD-like behavior. Finally, we discuss in depth the treatment of PMDD with targeted GABAA receptors, hoping to find a precise target for drug development and subsequent clinical application. In conclusion, PMDD pathophysiology is rooted in GABAA receptor sensitivity changes caused by rapid changes in ALLO levels. Targeting GABAA receptors may alleviate the occurrence of PMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Gao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yue-Rui Wang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zi-Fa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xi-Wen Geng
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kai-Yong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Xing
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Encephalopathy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Wei Liu,
| | - Sheng Wei
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Sheng Wei,
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Altered visual cortex excitability in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Evidence from magnetoencephalographic gamma oscillations and perceptual suppression. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279868. [PMID: 36584199 PMCID: PMC9803314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by extreme mood shifts during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (MC) due to abnormal sensitivity to neurosteroids and unbalanced neural excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio. We hypothesized that in women with PMDD in the luteal phase, these factors would alter the frequency of magnetoencephalographic visual gamma oscillations, affect modulation of their power by excitatory drive, and decrease perceptual spatial suppression. Women with PMDD and control women were examined twice-during the follicular and luteal phases of their MC. We recorded visual gamma response (GR) while modulating the excitatory drive by increasing the drift rate of the high-contrast grating (static, 'slow', 'medium', and 'fast'). Contrary to our expectations, GR frequency was not affected in women with PMDD in either phase of the MC. GR power suppression, which is normally associated with a switch from the 'optimal' for GR slow drift rate to the medium drift rate, was reduced in women with PMDD and was the only GR parameter that distinguished them from control participants specifically in the luteal phase and predicted severity of their premenstrual symptoms. Over and above the atypical luteal GR suppression, in both phases of the MC women with PMDD had abnormally strong GR facilitation caused by a switch from the 'suboptimal' static to the 'optimal' slow drift rate. Perceptual spatial suppression did not differ between the groups but decreased from the follicular to the luteal phase only in PMDD women. The atypical modulation of GR power suggests that neuronal excitability in the visual cortex is constitutively elevated in PMDD and that this E/I imbalance is further exacerbated during the luteal phase. However, the unaltered GR frequency does not support the hypothesis of inhibitory neuron dysfunction in PMDD.
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Can animal models resemble a premenstrual dysphoric condition? Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101007. [PMID: 35623450 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Around 80% of women worldwide suffer mild Premenstrual Disorders (PMD) during their reproductive life. Up to a quarter are affected by moderate to severe symptoms, and between 3% and 8% experience a severe form. It is classified as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with predominantly physical symptoms and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) with psychiatric symptoms. The present review analyzes the factors associated with PMD and the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian or Hypothalamus-Pituitary-adrenal axis and discusses the main animal models used to study PMDD. Evidence shows that the ovarian hormones participate in PMDD symptoms, and several points of regulation of their synthesis, metabolism, and target sites could be altered. PMDD is complex and implies several factors that require consideration when this condition is modeled in animals. Of particular interest are those points related to areas that may represent opportunities to develop new approximations to understand the mechanisms involved in PMDD and possible treatments.
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Belelli D, Phillips GD, Atack JR, Lambert JJ. Relating neurosteroid modulation of inhibitory neurotransmission to behaviour. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13045. [PMID: 34644812 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Studies in the 1980s revealed endogenous metabolites of progesterone and deoxycorticosterone to be potent, efficacious, positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAA receptor (GABAA R). The discovery that such steroids are locally synthesised in the central nervous system (CNS) promoted the thesis that neural inhibition in the CNS may be "fine-tuned" by these neurosteroids to influence behaviour. In preclinical studies, these neurosteroids exhibited anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, analgesic and sedative properties and, at relatively high doses, induced a state of general anaesthesia, a profile consistent with their interaction with GABAA Rs. However, realising the therapeutic potential of either endogenous neurosteroids or synthetic "neuroactive" steroids has proven challenging. Recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration of the use of allopregnanolone (brexanolone) to treat postpartum depression has rekindled enthusiasm for exploring their potential as new medicines. Although neurosteroids are selective for GABAA Rs, they exhibit little or no selectivity across the many GABAA R subtypes. Nevertheless, a relatively minor population of receptors incorporating the δ-subunit (δ-GABAA Rs) appears to be an important contributor to their behavioural effects. Here, we consider how neurosteroids acting upon GABAA Rs influence neuronal signalling, as well as how such effects may acutely and persistently influence behaviour, and explore the case for developing selective PAMs of δ-GABAA R subtypes for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Belelli
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Grant D Phillips
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - John R Atack
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jeremy J Lambert
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Pestana JE, Islam N, Van der Eyk NL, Graham BM. What Pre-clinical Rat Models Can Tell Us About Anxiety Across the Menstrual Cycle in Healthy and Clinically Anxious Humans. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:697-707. [PMID: 36255558 PMCID: PMC9633475 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01376-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Anxiety symptoms increase during the peri-menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle in people with anxiety disorders. Whether this reflects a heightened variant of normal menstrual-related changes in psychological states experienced by healthy (i.e. non-anxious) people is unknown. Moreover, menstrual-related change in anxiety symptoms is a poorly understood phenomenon, highlighting a need for pre-clinical models to aid mechanistic discovery. Here, we review recent evidence for menstrual effects on anxiety-like features in healthy humans as a counterpart to recent reviews that have focused on clinically anxious populations. We appraise the utility of rodent models to identify mechanisms of menstrual effects on anxiety and offer suggestions to harmonise methodological practices across species to advance knowledge in this field. RECENT FINDINGS Consistent with reports in clinical populations, some evidence indicates anxiety symptoms increase during the peri-menstrual period in healthy people, although null results have been reported, and these effects are heterogeneous across studies and individuals. Studies in rats show robust increases in anxiety during analogous phases of the oestrous cycle. Studies in female rats are useful to identify the evolutionarily conserved biological mechanisms of menstrual-related changes in anxiety. Future experimental approaches in rats should model the heterogeneity observed in human studies to increase alignment across species and advance understanding of the individual factors that increase the propensity to experience menstrual-related changes in anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie E Pestana
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nusaibah Islam
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natasha L Van der Eyk
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronwyn M Graham
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Batistela MF, Vilela-Costa HH, Frias AT, Hernandes PM, Lovick TA, Zangrossi H. Enhanced responsiveness to hypoxic panicogenic challenge in female rats in late diestrus is suppressed by short-term, low-dose fluoxetine: Involvement of the dorsal raphe nucleus and the dorsal periaqueductal gray. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:1523-1535. [PMID: 34872406 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211058986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute hypoxia, which is panicogenic in humans, also evokes panic-like behavior in male rats. Panic disorder is more common in women and susceptibility increases during the premenstrual phase of the cycle. AIMS We here investigated for the first time the impact of hypoxia on the expression of panic-like escape behavior by female rats and its relationship with the estrous cycle. We also evaluated functional activation of the midbrain panic circuitry in response to this panicogenic stimulus and whether short-term, low-dose fluoxetine treatment inhibits the hyper-responsiveness of females in late diestrus. METHODS Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 7% O2. Females in late diestrus were also tested after short-term treatment with fluoxetine (1.75 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Brains were harvested and processed for c-Fos and tryptophan hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DR). RESULTS Acute hypoxia evoked escape in both sexes. Overall, females were more responsive than males and this is clearer in late diestrus phase. In both sexes, hypoxia induced functional activation (c-Fos expression) in non-serotonergic cells in the lateral wings of the DR and dorsomedial PAG, which was greater in late diestrus than proestrus (lowest behavioral response to hypoxia). Increased responding in late diestrus (behavioral and cellular levels) was prevented by 1.75, but not 10 mg/kg fluoxetine. DISCUSSION The response of female rats to acute hypoxia models panic behavior in women. Low-dose fluoxetine administered in the premenstrual phase deserves further attention for management of panic disorders in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus F Batistela
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heloísa H Vilela-Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alana T Frias
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paloma M Hernandes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thelma A Lovick
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helio Zangrossi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ferreira-Sgobbi R, de Figueiredo RM, Frias AT, Matthiesen M, Batistela MF, Falconi-Sobrinho LL, Vilela-Costa HH, Sá SI, Lovick TA, Zangrossi H, Coimbra NC. Panic-like responses of female Wistar rats confronted by Bothrops alternatus pit vipers, or exposure to acute hypoxia: Effect of oestrous cycle. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:32-48. [PMID: 34850475 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety-related diseases are more than twice as common in women than in men, and in women, symptoms may be exacerbated during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Despite this, most research into the underlying mechanisms, which drives drug development, have been carried out using male animals. In an effort to redress this imbalance, we compared responses of male and female Wistar rats during exposure to two unconditioned threatening stimuli that evoke panic-related defensive behaviours: confrontation with a predator (Bothrops alternatus) and acute exposure to hypoxia (7% O2 ). Threatened by venomous snake, male and female rats initially displayed defensive attention, risk assessment, and cautious interaction with the snake, progressing to defensive immobility to overt escape. Both males and females displayed higher levels of risk assessment but less interaction with the predator. They also spent more time in the burrow, displaying inhibitory avoidance, and more time engaged in defensive attention, and non-oriented escape behaviour. In females, anxiety-like behaviour was most pronounced in the oestrous and proestrus phases whereas panic-like behaviour was more pronounced during the dioestrus phase, particularly during late dioestrus. Acute hypoxia evoked panic-like behaviour (undirected jumping) in both sexes, but in females, responsiveness in late dioestrus was significantly greater than at other stages of the cycle. The results reveal that females respond in a qualitatively similar manner to males during exposure to naturally occurring threatening stimuli, but the responses of females is oestrous cycle dependent with a significant exacerbation of panic-like behaviour in the late dioestrus phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Ferreira-Sgobbi
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Psychology, Division of Psychobiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Machado de Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alana Tercino Frias
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Melina Matthiesen
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus Fitipaldi Batistela
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Luciano Falconi-Sobrinho
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Ophidiarium LNN-FMRP-USP/INeC, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Heloísa Helena Vilela-Costa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Susana Isabel Sá
- Unidade de Anatomia, Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Thelma Anderson Lovick
- Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hélio Zangrossi
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Norberto Cysne Coimbra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behaviour of Snakes Division-MEDUSA Project, Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Ophidiarium LNN-FMRP-USP/INeC, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Hantsoo L, Grillon C, Sammel M, Johnson R, Marks J, Epperson CN. Response to sertraline is associated with reduction in anxiety-potentiated startle in premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2985-2997. [PMID: 34292344 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05916-6] [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: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) appear to have altered central nervous system sensitivity to neuroactive steroid hormones, manifesting as affective symptoms and heightened arousal in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In particular, women with PMDD appear less sensitive to allopregnanolone, a positive allosteric GABA-A receptor (GABA-A-R) modulator. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated psychophysiologic reactivity in women with PMDD in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, utilizing anxiety-potentiated startle (APS), a potential translational marker of GABA-A-R sensitivity. The study also assessed APS response to low-dose sertraline treatment in women with PMDD. METHODS Participants' APS and fear-potentiated startle (FPS) were assessed in the follicular and luteal phases. Women with PMDD received 50 mg sertraline in the following luteal phase to examine impact on APS and FPS. RESULTS There were no significant differences between controls (n = 41) and PMDD participants (n = 36) in change from follicular to luteal phases in baseline startle, APS nor FPS. However, among participants who responded to sertraline, APS was higher in the untreated luteal phase than the follicular phase, but lower in the treated luteal phase than the follicular phase. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate elevated psychophysiologic arousal in the luteal phase among some women with PMDD, suggesting impaired ability to modulate arousal reactivity. Specifically, alterations in APS suggest potential GABA-A-R changes across the menstrual cycle and in response to sertraline among treatment responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Christian Grillon
- National Institute of Mental Health, 15K North Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mary Sammel
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, 13001 E. 17th Place, Mail Stop B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rachel Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, 13001 E. 17th Place, Mail Stop B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Joanna Marks
- College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, 130 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Lovick TA, Zangrossi H. Effect of Estrous Cycle on Behavior of Females in Rodent Tests of Anxiety. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:711065. [PMID: 34531768 PMCID: PMC8438218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.711065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in women than in men. In women the menstrual cycle introduces another variable; indeed, some conditions e.g., premenstrual syndrome, are menstrual cycle specific. Animal models of fear and anxiety, which form the basis for research into drug treatments, have been developed almost exclusively, using males. There remains a paucity of work using females and the available literature presents a confusing picture. One confound is the estrous cycle in females, which some authors consider, but many do not. Importantly, there are no accepted standardized criteria for defining cycle phase, which is important given the rapidly changing hormonal profile during the 4-day cycle of rodents. Moreover, since many behavioral tests that involve a learning component or that consider extinction of a previously acquired association require several days to complete; the outcome may depend on the phase of the cycle on the days of training as well as on test days. In this article we consider responsiveness of females compared to males in a number of commonly used behavioral tests of anxiety and fear that were developed in male rodents. We conclude that females perform in a qualitatively similar manner to males in most tests although there may be sex and strain differences in sensitivity. Tests based on unconditioned threatening stimuli are significantly influenced by estrous cycle phase with animals displaying increased responsiveness in the late diestrus phase of the cycle (similar to the premenstrual phase in women). Tests that utilize conditioned fear paradigms, which involve a learning component appear to be less impacted by the estrous cycle although sex and cycle-related differences in responding can still be detected. Ethologically-relevant tests appear to have more translational value in females. However, even when sex differences in behavior are not detected, the same outward behavioral response may be mediated by different brain mechanisms. In order to progress basic research in the field of female psychiatry and psychopharmacology, there is a pressing need to validate and standardize experimental protocols for using female animal models of anxiety-related states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thelma A. Lovick
- Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hélio Zangrossi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Chen S, Gao L, Li X, Ye Y. Allopregnanolone in mood disorders: Mechanism and therapeutic development. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105682. [PMID: 34019980 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is an endogenous positive allosteric modulator of GABA type A receptor (GABAAR), and the down-regulation of its biosynthesis have been attributed to the development of mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ALLO mediated depression/anxiety involves GABAergic mechanisms and appears to be related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine receptor, glutamate neurotransmission, and Ca2+ channel. In the clinical, brexanolone, as a newly developed intravenous ALLO preparation, has been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). In addition, traditional antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) could reverse ALLO decline. Recently, the translocation protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), which involves in the speed-limiting step of ALLO synthesis, and ALLO derivatization have been identified as new directions for antidepressant therapy. This review provides an overview of ALLO researches in animal model and patients, discusses its role in the development and treatment of depression/anxiety, and directs its therapeutic potential in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lijuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yiping Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Carvalho MC, Genaro K, Leite-Panissi CRA, Lovick TA. Influence of estrous cycle stage on acquisition and expression of fear conditioning in female rats. Physiol Behav 2021; 234:113372. [PMID: 33647267 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
It is unclear whether all animal models of anxiety-like states developed using males are appropriate for use in females. In females, tests involving a learning component might be influenced not only by estrous cycle stage on the test day but also by the stage during the conditioning process. We used two tests - conditioned freezing (CF) and fear potentiated startle (FPS) to compare responsiveness of male rats and females conditioned and/or tested in proestrus (P) or late diestrus (LD). For CF all rats displayed a similar freezing response regardless of sex or estrous cycle stage. In terms of FPS, males and females conditioned in P and tested in P or LD, and females conditioned in LD and tested in LD all showed potentiated startle. The response waned during the test session in males and in females conditioned in P, but not in those conditioned in LD. In contrast, FPS was not apparent in the first half of the test session in females conditioned in LD and tested in P but developed in the second half. We suggest that fear learning during P and LD is robust but may be initially be obscured in rats tested in P because of generalization to the CS due to high estrogen. Estrous cycle stage is an important consideration which must be taken into account in designing behavioural tests in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milene C Carvalho
- Depto Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-901, Brazil; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, INeC, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karina Genaro
- Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, INeC, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Anesthesiology and Postoperative Care, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christie R A Leite-Panissi
- Depto Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-901, Brazil; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, INeC, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thelma A Lovick
- Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, INeC, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
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Wei S, Geng X, Li Z, Xu K, Hu M, Wu H, Shi W, Qiao M. A forced swim-based rat model of premenstrual depression: effects of hormonal changes and drug intervention. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:24357-24370. [PMID: 33229622 PMCID: PMC7762461 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), is a severe health disturbance that affects a patient’s emotions; it is caused by periodic psychological symptoms, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. As depression-like symptoms are found in a majority of clinical cases, a reliable animal model of premenstrual depression is indispensable to understand the pathogenesis. Herein, we describe a novel rat model of premenstrual depression, based on the forced swimming test, with a regular estrous cycle. The results showed that in the estrous cycle, the depression-like behavior of rats occurred in the non-receptive phase and disappeared in the receptive phase. Following ovariectomy, the depression-like symptoms disappeared and returned after a hormone priming regimen. Moreover, fluoxetine, an anti-depressant, could reverse the behavioral symptoms in these model rats with normal estrous cycle. Further, the model rats showed significant changes in the serum levels of estrogen and progesterone, hippocampal levels of allopregnanolone, 5-hydroxytryptamine, norepinephrine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and in the expression of GABAA receptor 4α subunit, all of which were reversed to physiological levels by fluoxetine. Overall, we established a reliable and standardized rat model of premenstrual depression, which may facilitate the elucidation of PMS/PMDD pathogenesis and development of related therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Ji’nan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Minghui Hu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
| | - Hongyun Wu
- Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250011, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250011, China
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China
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23
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Sundström-Poromaa I, Comasco E, Sumner R, Luders E. Progesterone - Friend or foe? Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100856. [PMID: 32730861 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol is the "prototypic" sex hormone of women. Yet, women have another sex hormone, which is often disregarded: Progesterone. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on progesterone, and its metabolite allopregnanolone, emphasizing three key areas: biological properties, main functions, and effects on mood in women. Recent years of intensive research on progesterone and allopregnanolone have paved the way for new treatment of postpartum depression. However, treatment for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder as well as contraception that women can use without risking mental health problems are still needed. As far as progesterone is concerned, we might be dealing with a two-edged sword: while its metabolite allopregnanolone has been proven useful for treatment of PPD, it may trigger negative symptoms in women with PMS and PMDD. Overall, our current knowledge on the beneficial and harmful effects of progesterone is limited and further research is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Eileen Luders
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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24
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Associations between sex hormones, sleep problems and depression: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:669-680. [PMID: 32882313 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Sleep problems and depression are both common and have a high impact on quality of life. They are also strongly associated and commonly occur together. During the reproductive age, both sleep problems and depression are almost twice as common in women than men. Epidemiological studies show that women experience more sleep problems and depressive symptoms around times when sex hormones change, such as puberty and menopause, but it is unclear what effect sex hormones have on sleep problems and depression. This systematic review aims to summarize and evaluate studies that investigated the relationship between sex hormones, sleep and depression. Systematic search resulted in 2895 articles, of which 13 met inclusion criteria. Depressed patients showed worse sleep than controls, but no significant difference in endogenous hormone levels was found. Additionally, higher endogenous estrogen was associated with better sleep in controls, but associations between endogenous sex hormones and depressive symptoms were inconclusive. More research on the effect of sex hormones on sleep and depression is necessary.
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25
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Almeida FB, Nin MS, Barros HMT. The role of allopregnanolone in depressive-like behaviors: Focus on neurotrophic proteins. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100218. [PMID: 32435667 PMCID: PMC7231971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone; pharmaceutical formulation: brexanolone) is a neurosteroid that has recently been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression, promising to fill part of a long-lasting gap in the effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for depressive disorders. In this review, we explore the experimental research that characterized the antidepressant-like effects of allopregnanolone, with a particular focus on the neurotrophic adaptations induced by this neurosteroid in preclinical studies. We demonstrate that there is a consistent decrease in allopregnanolone levels in limbic brain areas in rodents submitted to stress-induced models of depression, such as social isolation and chronic unpredictable stress. Further, both the drug-induced upregulation of allopregnanolone or its direct administration reduce depressive-like behaviors in models such as the forced swim test. The main drugs of interest that upregulate allopregnanolone levels are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which present the neurosteroidogenic property even in lower, non-SSRI doses. Finally, we explore how these antidepressant-like behaviors are related to neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus. The protagonist in this mechanism is likely the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BFNF), which is decreased in animal models of depression and may be restored by the normalization of allopregnanolone levels. The role of an interaction between GABA and the neurotrophic mechanisms needs to be further investigated.
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Key Words
- 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone
- BDNF
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Brexanolone
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- CUS, chronic unpredictable stress
- Depression
- EKR, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- FST, forced swim test
- GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid
- GABAAR, GABA type A receptor
- HSD, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
- NGF, nerve growth factor
- Neurosteroid
- PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder
- PXR, pregnane xenobiotic receptor
- SBSS, selective brain steroidogenic stimulant
- SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- Selective brain steroidogenic stimulant
- THP, tetrahydroprogesterone
- TSPO, 18 kDa translocator protein
- TrkB, tropomyosin receptor kinase B
- USV, ultrasonic vocalization
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Borges Almeida
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maurício Schüler Nin
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Centro Universitário Metodista do IPA, 90420-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90040-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helena Maria Tannhauser Barros
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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26
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Hantsoo L, Epperson CN. Allopregnanolone in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Evidence for dysregulated sensitivity to GABA-A receptor modulating neuroactive steroids across the menstrual cycle. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100213. [PMID: 32435664 PMCID: PMC7231988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe mood disorder with core symptoms (affective lability, irritability, depressed mood, anxiety) and increased sensitivity to stress occurring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. PMDD can be conceptualized as a disorder of suboptimal sensitivity to neuroactive steroid hormones (NASs). In this review, we describe the role of the NAS allopregnanolone (ALLO), a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor (GABAA-R), in PMDD's pathophysiology. We review evidence of impaired interaction between ALLO and GABAA-Rs in terms of affective symptom expression, with evidence from rodent and human studies. We discuss evidence of increased luteal phase stress sensitivity as a result of poor ALLO-GABA control of the HPA axis. Finally, we describe how treatments such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and new drugs targeting GABAA-Rs provide evidence for impaired ALLO-GABA function in PMDD. In sum, the literature supports the hypothesis that PMDD pathophysiology is rooted in impaired GABAA-R response to dynamic ALLO fluctuations across the menstrual cycle, manifesting in affective symptoms and poor regulation of physiologic stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N, Broadway Street Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Place, MS F546, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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27
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Zhang H, Geng X, Li Z, Li Y, Xu K, Wu H, Xie J, Sun P, Wei S, Qiao M. Paeonol at Certain Doses Alleviates Aggressive and Anxiety-Like Behaviours in Two Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Rat Models. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:295. [PMID: 32351418 PMCID: PMC7174695 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common mental health disturbance associated with several periodic psychological symptoms in women. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line treatment for PMS/PMDD patients; however, side effects are inevitable, especially in long-term treatment. In previous studies, the natural compound paeonol in Moutan Cortex was found to play effective roles in central nervous system disorders with its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Consequently, we assume that paeonol might produce positive effects in the treatment of PMS/PMDD. In this study, the open-field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) and light dark box (LDB) tests were performed in mice to determine the optimal dose of paeonol for treating anxiety. Then, paeonol was used to treat the progesterone withdrawal (PWD) and resident intruder paradigm (RIP) rat models of PMDD. Using these two reliable models, the OFT and EPM, LDB, and composite aggressive tests were performed to evaluate the effect of the drug on behavioural symptoms of PMDD. From the dosage screening results, the optimal anti-anxiety dose of paeonol was identified as 17.5 mg/kg/d for 7 days. With regard to the effect of paeonol on PMDD rat models, a significantly improvement was found in the behavioural symptoms, but the effective dose varied in different models. For the PWD model rats, treatment with 6.05 mg/kg paeonol could significantly improve anxiety and irritability, while that with 24.23 mg/kg paeonol resulted in anxiety-like effects in behavioural tests. In RIP model rats, treatment with 12.11 mg/kg paeonol demonstrated excellent effects in improving anxiety, particularly irritable emotional behaviour. In conclusion, our study indicates that paeonol is a potential therapeutic compound for PMS/PMDD; it is a drug option that helps establish dosage guidance for treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yaqiong Li
- Bozhou Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Bozhou, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Hongyun Wu
- No. 3 Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Jinlu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang, School of Medicine, Huzhou University, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Sheng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
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28
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Scholl JL, Afzal A, Fox LC, Watt MJ, Forster GL. Sex differences in anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Physiol Behav 2019; 211:112670. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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29
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Rakesh G, Morey RA, Zannas AS, Malik Z, Clausen A, Marx CE, Kritzer MD, Szabo ST. Resilience as a translational endpoint in the treatment of PTSD. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1268-1283. [PMID: 30867558 PMCID: PMC6713904 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0383-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Resilience is a neurobiological entity that shapes an individual's response to trauma. Resilience has been implicated as the principal mediator in the development of mental illness following exposure to trauma. Although animal models have traditionally defined resilience as molecular and behavioral changes in stress responsive circuits following trauma, this concept needs to be further clarified for both research and clinical use. Here, we analyze the construct of resilience from a translational perspective and review optimal measurement methods and models. We also seek to distinguish between resilience, stress vulnerability, and posttraumatic growth. We propose that resilience can be quantified as a multifactorial determinant of physiological parameters, epigenetic modulators, and neurobiological candidate markers. This multifactorial definition can determine PTSD risk before and after trauma exposure. From this perspective, we propose the use of an 'R Factor' analogous to Spearman's g factor for intelligence to denote these multifactorial determinants. In addition, we also propose a novel concept called 'resilience reserve', analogous to Stern's cognitive reserve, to summarize the sum total of physiological processes that protect and compensate for the effect of trauma. We propose the development and application of challenge tasks to measure 'resilience reserve' and guide the assessment and monitoring of 'R Factor' as a biomarker for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopalkumar Rakesh
- Duke-UNC Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC), Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. .,VISN 6 VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), 3022 Croasdaile Drive, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Rajendra A Morey
- Duke-UNC Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham NC, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710,VISN 6 VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), 3022 Croasdaile Drive, Durham, NC 27705
| | | | - Zainab Malik
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Ashley Clausen
- Duke-UNC Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC), Durham VA Health Care System, VISN 6 VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Drive, Durham, NC 27705
| | - Christine E Marx
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA,Division of Translational Neurosciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Michael D Kritzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Steven T Szabo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mental Health Service Line, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
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30
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Allopregnanolone reversion of estrogen and progesterone memory impairment: interplay with serotonin release. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2019; 126:1321-1328. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-019-02052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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31
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Machado Figueiredo R, de Carvalho MC, Brandão ML, Lovick TA. Short-term, low-dose fluoxetine prevents oestrous cycle-linked increase in anxiety-like behaviour in female rats. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:548-557. [PMID: 31012390 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119841833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We sought a robust behavioural test that evoked increased anxiety-like behaviour during the late dioestrus phase of the oestrous cycle (similar to the premenstrual period in women) and tested whether this could be prevented by acute low-dose fluoxetine (FLX). METHODS Female Wistar rats in different stages of their cycle were exposed to four different tests of anxiety-like behaviour. RESULTS No oestrous cycle differences were detected in fear potentiated startle or conditioned freezing to an aversive context. In a light switch-off test where rats move from one compartment of a shuttle-box to the other to turn off an aversive light, females displayed enhanced responding in late dioestrus. During isolation restraint stress females in late dioestrus emitted three times more 22 kHz ultrasound vocalisations (USV) than at other cycle stages. Using the USV test, short-term administration of low-dose FLX (1.75 mg kg-1, i.p.) designed to blunt the sharp fall in brain allopregnanolone concentration during late dioestrus but without affecting 5-HT systems, prevented the increase in isolation stress-evoked USVs. CONCLUSIONS The light switch-off and isolation restraint-induced USV tests evoke unconditioned adverse emotional responses that are ethologically relevant and sensitive to oestrous cycle stage. The USV test fulfils many criteria required of a model for premenstrual syndrome in women. Using the USV test, short-term administration of FLX to increase brain allopregnanolone concentration without affecting 5-HT systems prevented the increased USV responding in late dioestrus. Short-term low-dose FLX treatment may have potential to alleviate development of adverse premenstrual symptoms in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Machado Figueiredo
- 1 Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Milene Cristina de Carvalho
- 1 Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcus Lira Brandão
- 1 Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thelma Anderson Lovick
- 2 Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,3 School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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32
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Sundström Poromaa I, Comasco E, Bäckström T, Bixo M, Jensen P, Frokjaer VG. Negative Association Between Allopregnanolone and Cerebral Serotonin Transporter Binding in Healthy Women of Fertile Age. Front Psychol 2019; 9:2767. [PMID: 30687199 PMCID: PMC6336902 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone is a metabolite of the sex hormone progesterone, with suggested relevance for female mood disorders. While allopregnanolone and serotonin are known to influence psychological well-being, the molecular and psychological specifics of their relationship are to date poorly understood, especially in women of fertile age who experience regular fluctuations of progesterone across the menstrual cycle. Availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft is regulated by the serotonin transporter (SERT), which can be imaged in the living human brain by use of positron emission tomography (PET) and the radiotracer [11C]DASB. To evaluate sex-specific allopregnanolone-SERT interactions, the present study investigated the relationship between cerebral SERT availability, serum allopregnanolone levels and psychological well-being in women of fertile age. Brain imaging data, self-reported symptoms of mental distress and emotion regulation, and biobank material from ninety healthy women were available from the Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging (CIMBI) database. Age, BMI, and daylight minutes were included as covariates in the analyses and SERT genotype (5-HTTLPR) was considered a potential confounder. Lower serum allopregnanolone levels were associated with higher SERT binding in the prefrontal cortex. Moreover, allopregnanolone levels were negatively associated with measures of alertness, although this finding was not mediated by prefrontal cortex SERT binding. These findings suggest a link between the typical psychological well-being experienced in the follicular phase when allopregnanolone levels are low and higher SERT in the prefrontal cortex, a region for higher cognitive functions and top-down regulation of emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Comasco
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marie Bixo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Peter Jensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibe G Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Mental Health Services Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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33
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Ratner MH, Kumaresan V, Farb DH. Neurosteroid Actions in Memory and Neurologic/Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:169. [PMID: 31024441 PMCID: PMC6465949 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory dysfunction is a symptomatic feature of many neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders; however, the basic underlying mechanisms of memory and altered states of circuitry function associated with disorders of memory remain a vast unexplored territory. The initial discovery of endogenous neurosteroids triggered a quest to elucidate their role as neuromodulators in normal and diseased brain function. In this review, based on the perspective of our own research, the advances leading to the discovery of positive and negative neurosteroid allosteric modulators of GABA type-A (GABAA), NMDA, and non-NMDA type glutamate receptors are brought together in a historical and conceptual framework. We extend the analysis toward a state-of-the art view of how neurosteroid modulation of neural circuitry function may affect memory and memory deficits. By aggregating the results from multiple laboratories using both animal models for disease and human clinical research on neuropsychiatric and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, elements of a circuitry level view begins to emerge. Lastly, the effects of both endogenously active and exogenously administered neurosteroids on neural networks across the life span of women and men point to a possible underlying pharmacological connectome by which these neuromodulators might act to modulate memory across diverse altered states of mind.
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Pentkowski NS, Litvin Y, Blanchard DC, Blanchard RJ. Effects of estrus cycle stage on defensive behavior in female Long-Evans hooded rats. Physiol Behav 2018; 194:41-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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35
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Valvassori SS, Borges C, Bavaresco DV, Varela RB, Resende WR, Peterle BR, Arent CO, Budni J, Quevedo J. Hypericum perforatum chronic treatment affects cognitive parameters and brain neurotrophic factor levels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 40:367-375. [PMID: 30110089 PMCID: PMC6899380 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2017-2271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of Hypericum perforatum (hypericum) on cognitive behavior and neurotrophic factor levels in the brain of male and female rats. Methods: Male and female Wistar rats were treated with hypericum or water during 28 days by gavage. The animals were then subjected to the open-field test, novel object recognition and step-down inhibitory avoidance test. Nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels were evaluated in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Results: Hypericum impaired the acquisition of short- and long-term aversive memory in male rats, evaluated in the inhibitory avoidance test. Female rats had no immediate memory acquisition and decreased short-term memory acquisition in the inhibitory avoidance test. Hypericum also decreased the recognition index of male rats in the object recognition test. Female rats did not recognize the new object in either the short-term or the long-term memory tasks. Hypericum decreased BDNF in the hippocampus of male and female rats. Hypericum also decreased NGF in the hippocampus of female rats. Conclusions: The long-term administration of hypericum appears to cause significant cognitive impairment in rats, possibly through a reduction in the levels of neurotrophic factors. This effect was more expressive in females than in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira S Valvassori
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Cenita Borges
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Daniela V Bavaresco
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Roger B Varela
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Wilson R Resende
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Bruna R Peterle
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Camila O Arent
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Josiane Budni
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - João Quevedo
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Experimental Models in Psychiatry, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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36
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Bolea-Alamanac B, Bailey SJ, Lovick TA, Scheele D, Valentino R. Female psychopharmacology matters! Towards a sex-specific psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:125-133. [PMID: 29405799 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117747578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition that women have a higher prevalence of certain psychiatric illnesses, and a differential treatment response and course of illness compared to men. Additionally, clinicians deal with a number of disorders like premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and postpartum depression, which affect women specifically and for which treatment and biological pathways are still unclear. In this article we highlight recent research which suggests that different biological mechanisms may underlie sex differences in responsiveness to stress. Sex differences are evident at the receptor level; where the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor shows differential coupling to adaptor proteins in males and females. The neuropeptide oxytocin also shows sex-specific effects in a range of social behaviors. It may act as a biomarker in post-traumatic stress disorder where sex differences are evident. Studies in women using hormonal contraception show that some of these oxytocin-mediated effects are likely influenced by sex hormones. In female rats rapid changes in circulating progesterone levels are associated with exaggerated behavioral responses to mild stress and blunted responses to benzodiazepines that could be prevented by acute treatment with low-dose fluoxetine. Perceived barriers in research on women have hindered progress. The development of a sex-specific psychopharmacology as a basis for translating this type of research into clinical practice is vital to improve treatment outcomes for women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah J Bailey
- 2 Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Thelma A Lovick
- 3 School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Dirk Scheele
- 4 Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rita Valentino
- 5 Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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37
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Qiu ZK, Zhang GH, Zhong DS, He JL, Liu X, Chen JS, Wei DN. Puerarin ameliorated the behavioral deficits induced by chronic stress in rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6266. [PMID: 28740098 PMCID: PMC5524961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06552-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant-like effects of puerarin via the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) procedure in rats. Similar to Sertraline (Ser), Chronic treatment of puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g) elicited the antidepressant-like effects by reversing the decreased sucrose preference in sucrose preference test (SPT), by blocking the increased latency to feed in novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT) and the increased immobility time in forced swimming test (FST) without affecting locomotor activity. However, acute puerarin treatment did not ameliorate the antidepressant- and anxiolytic- like effects in FST and NSFT, respectively. In addition, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) showed that chronic treatment of puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g) reversed the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of post-CUS rats. Furthermore, puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g) blocked the increased corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), corticosterone (Cort) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Collectively, repeated administration of puerarin alleviated the behavioral deficits induced by chronic stress which was associated with the biosynthesis of neurosteroids, normalization of serotonergic system and preventing HPA axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Guan-Hua Zhang
- Neurosurgery Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, P.R. China
| | - De-Sheng Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Hui Zhou Municipal Centre Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, P.R. China.
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, 100039, P.R. China
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
| | - Da-Nian Wei
- Neurosurgery Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, P.R. China.
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38
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Schipper P, Henckens MJAG, Borghans B, Hiemstra M, Kozicz T, Homberg JR. Prior fear conditioning does not impede enhanced active avoidance in serotonin transporter knockout rats. Behav Brain Res 2017; 326:77-86. [PMID: 28286283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.02.044] [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: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Stressors can be actively or passively coped with, and adequate adaption of the coping response to environmental conditions can reduce their potential deleterious effects. One major factor influencing stress coping behaviour is serotonin transporter (5-HTT) availability. Abolishment of 5-HTT is known to impair fear extinction but facilitates acquisition of signalled active avoidance (AA), a behavioural task in which an animal learns to avoid an aversive stimulus that is predicted by a cue. Flexibility in adapting coping behaviour to the nature of the stressor shapes resilience to stress-related disorders. Therefore, we investigated the relation between 5-HTT expression and ability to adapt a learned coping response to changing environmental conditions. To this end, we first established and consolidated a cue-conditioned passive fear response in 5-HTT-/- and wildtype rats. Next, we used the conditioned stimulus (CS) to signal oncoming shocks during signalled AA training in 5-HTT-/- and wildtype rats to study their capability to acquire an active coping response to the CS following fear conditioning. Finally, we investigated the behavioural response to the CS in a novel environment and measured freezing, exploration and self-grooming, behaviours reflective of stress coping strategy. We found that fear conditioned and sham conditioned 5-HTT-/- animals acquired the signalled AA response faster than wildtypes, while prior conditioning briefly delayed AA learning similarly in both genotypes. Subsequent exposure to the CS in the novel context reduced freezing and increased locomotion in 5-HTT-/- compared to wildtype rats. This indicates that improved AA performance in 5-HTT-/- rats resulted in a weaker residual passive fear response to the CS in a novel context. Fear conditioning prior to AA training did not affect freezing upon re-encountering the CS, although it did reduce locomotion in 5-HTT-/- rats. We conclude that independent of 5-HTT signalling, prior fear conditioning does not greatly impair the acquisition of subsequent active coping behaviour when the situation allows for it. Abolishment of 5-HTT results in a more active coping style in case of novelty-induced fear and upon CS encounter in a novel context after AA learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Schipper
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 126), 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes J A G Henckens
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 126), 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Anatomy Department, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 109), 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Borghans
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 126), 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies Hiemstra
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 126), 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Anatomy Department, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 109), 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 126), 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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39
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Lovick TA, Guapo VG, Anselmo-Franci JA, Loureiro CM, Faleiros MCM, Del Ben CM, Brandão ML. A specific profile of luteal phase progesterone is associated with the development of premenstrual symptoms. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 75:83-90. [PMID: 27810707 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
There is a consensus that the development of premenstrual dysphoric states is related to cyclical change in gonadal hormone secretion during the menstrual cycle. However, results from studies seeking to link symptom severity to luteal phase progesterone concentration have been equivocal. In the present study we evaluated not only the absolute concentrations of progesterone but also the kinetics of the change in progesterone concentration in relation to development of premenstrual symptoms during the last 10days of the luteal phase in a population of 46 healthy young adult Brazilian women aged 18-39 years, mean 26.5±6.7years. In participants who developed symptoms of premenstrual distress, daily saliva progesterone concentration remained stable during most of the mid-late luteal phase, before declining sharply during the last 3days prior to onset of menstruation. In contrast, progesterone concentration in asymptomatic women underwent a gradual decline over the last 8days prior to menstruation. Neither maximum nor minimum concentrations of progesterone in the two groups were related to the appearance or severity of premenstrual symptoms. We propose that individual differences in the kinetics of progesterone secretion and/or metabolism may confer differential susceptibility to the development of premenstrual syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thelma A Lovick
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol B15 2TT, UK; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café, 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Vinicius G Guapo
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo - Campus, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Janete A Anselmo-Franci
- Departamento de Morfologia, Fisiologia, e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade de São Paulo - Campus, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila M Loureiro
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo - Campus, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara M Faleiros
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo - Campus, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristina M Del Ben
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo - Campus, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcus L Brandão
- Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, Avenida do Café, 2450, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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40
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Soares-Rachetti VDP, de Sousa Pinto ÍA, Santos RO, André E, Gavioli EC, Lovick T. Short term, low dose fluoxetine blocks estrous cycle-linked changes in responsiveness to diazepam in female rats. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:1062-8. [PMID: 26956868 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116636106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety behavior in female Wistar rats was assessed at different stages of the estrous cycle using the elevated plus maze (EPM). No differences were observed at any cycle stage. Pretreatment with diazepam (1 mg kg(-1) intraperitoneal (i.p.)) 30 min before testing produced an anxiolytic effect (significant increase in percentage of time in the open arms compared to control group in the same cycle phase) in animals in proestrus, estrus, and early diestrus but had no effect in rats in late diestrus. Locomotor activity (total arm entries) was unchanged at any cycle phase. When rats in the late diestrus phase were pretreated with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (1.75 mg kg(-1) i.p. on the afternoon of early diestrus and again in the morning of late diestrus) diazepam produced an anxiolytic effect (increase percentage time in the open arms). This dose is sufficient to raise brain allopregnanolone concentration without affecting 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) systems. We propose that insensitivity to diazepam in late diestrus is due to increased expression of benzodiazepine insensitive α4 subunit-containing gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors triggered by a sharp decrease in brain allopregnanolone concentration. Pretreatment with fluoxetine to raise brain allopregnanolone concentration during late diestrus prevents the withdrawal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ícaro A de Sousa Pinto
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Raliny O Santos
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Eunice André
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Thelma Lovick
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento-INeC, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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41
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Ferreira R, Brandão ML, Nobre MJ. 5-HT1A receptors of the prelimbic cortex mediate the hormonal impact on learned fear expression in high-anxious female rats. Horm Behav 2016; 84:84-96. [PMID: 27328163 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hormones highly influence female behaviors. However, research on this topic has not usually considered the variable hormonal status. The prelimbic cortex (PrL) is commonly engaged in fear learning. Connections from and to this region are known to be critical in regulating anxiety, in which serotonin (5-HT) plays a fundamental role, particularly through changes in 5-HT1A receptors functioning. Also, hormone fluctuations can greatly influence anxiety in humans and anxiety-related behavior in rodents, and this influence involves the functioning of 5-HT brain systems. The present investigation sought to determine whether fluctuations in ovarian hormones relative to the estrous cycle would influence the expression of learned fear in female rats previously selected as low- (LA) or high-anxious (HA). Furthermore, we investigate the role of the 5-HT system of the PrL, particularly the 5-HT1A receptors, as a possible modulator of estrous cycle influence on the expression of learned fear through intra-PrL microinjections of 5-HT itself or the full 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamine)tetralin). Behavioral changes were assessed using the fear-potentiated startle (FPS) procedure. The results showed that fear intensity is associated with hormonal decay, being more accentuated during the estrus phase. This increase in fear levels was found to be negatively correlated with the expression of potentiated startle. In rats prone to anxiety and tested during the proestrus and estrus phases, 5-HT mechanisms of the PrL seem to play a regulatory role in the expression of learned fear. These results were not replicated in the LA rats. Similar but less intense results were found regarding the early and late diestrus. Our data indicate that future studies on this subject need to take into account the dissociation between low- and high-responsive females to understand how hormones affect emotional behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Ferreira
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento-INeC, Campus USP, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcus Lira Brandão
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento-INeC, Campus USP, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Manoel Jorge Nobre
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Psicologia, Uni-FACEF, 14401-135 Franca, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento-INeC, Campus USP, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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42
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Schipper P, Lopresto D, Reintjes RJ, Joosten J, Henckens MJAG, Kozicz T, Homberg JR. Improved Stress Control in Serotonin Transporter Knockout Rats: Involvement of the Prefrontal Cortex and Dorsal Raphe Nucleus. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1143-50. [PMID: 26132384 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in serotonin transporter (5-HTT) expression have been associated with altered sensitivity to stress. Since controllability is known to alter the impact of a stressor through differential activation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), and that these regions are functionally affected by genetic 5-HTT down-regulation, we hypothesized that 5-HTT expression modulates the effect of controllability on stressor impact and coping. Here, we investigated the effects of a signaled stress controllability task or a yoked uncontrollable stressor on behavioral responding and mPFC and DRN activation. 5-HTT(-/-) rats proved better capable of acquiring the active avoidance task than 5-HTT(+/+) animals. Controllability determined DRN activation in 5-HTT(+/+), but not 5-HTT(-/-), rats, whereas controllability-related activation of the mPFC was independent of genotype. These findings suggest that serotonergic activation in the DRN is involved in stress coping in a 5-HTT expression dependent manner, whereas mPFC activation seems to be implicated in control over stress independently of 5-HTT expression. We speculate that alterations in serotonergic feedback in the DRN might be a potential mechanism driving this differential stress coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Schipper
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dora Lopresto
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roy J. Reintjes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joep Joosten
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes J. A. G. Henckens
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour,
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, and ‡Donders
Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience,
Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert
Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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