1
|
Zhou X, Stine C, Prada PO, Fusca D, Assoumou K, Dernic J, Bhat MA, Achanta AS, Johnson JC, Pasqualini AL, Jadhav S, Bauder CA, Steuernagel L, Ravotto L, Benke D, Weber B, Suko A, Palmiter RD, Stoeber M, Kloppenburg P, Brüning JC, Bruchas MR, Patriarchi T. Development of a genetically encoded sensor for probing endogenous nociceptin opioid peptide release. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.26.542102. [PMID: 37292957 PMCID: PMC10245933 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin-FQ (N/OFQ) is a recently appreciated critical opioid peptide with key regulatory functions in several central behavioral processes including motivation, stress, feeding, and sleep. The functional relevance of N/OFQ action in the mammalian brain remains unclear due to a lack of high-resolution approaches to detect this neuropeptide with appropriate spatial and temporal resolution. Here we develop and characterize NOPLight, a genetically encoded sensor that sensitively reports changes in endogenous N/OFQ release. We characterized the affinity, pharmacological profile, spectral properties, kinetics, ligand selectivity, and potential interaction with intracellular signal transducers of NOPLight in vitro. Its functionality was established in acute brain slices by exogeneous N/OFQ application and chemogenetic induction of endogenous N/OFQ release from PNOC neurons. In vivo studies with fibre photometry enabled direct recording of NOPLight binding to exogenous N/OFQ receptor ligands, as well as detection of endogenous N/OFQ release within the paranigral ventral tegmental area (pnVTA) during natural behaviors and chemogenetic activation of PNOC neurons. In summary, we show here that NOPLight can be used to detect N/OFQ opioid peptide signal dynamics in tissue and freely behaving animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Carrie Stine
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patricia Oliveira Prada
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, DE
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
- School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, Sao Paulo, BR
| | - Debora Fusca
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Cologne, DE
| | - Kevin Assoumou
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, CH
| | - Jan Dernic
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Musadiq A Bhat
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Ananya S Achanta
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph C Johnson
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amanda Loren Pasqualini
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sanjana Jadhav
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Corinna A Bauder
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, DE
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
| | - Lukas Steuernagel
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, DE
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
| | - Luca Ravotto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Dietmar Benke
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Bruno Weber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, CH
| | - Azra Suko
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Miriam Stoeber
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, CH
| | - Peter Kloppenburg
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Cologne, DE
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, DE
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, DE
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, DE
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tommaso Patriarchi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, CH
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fraser KM, Kim TH, Castro M, Drieu C, Padovan-Hernandez Y, Chen B, Pat F, Ottenheimer DJ, Janak PH. Encoding and context-dependent control of reward consumption within the central nucleus of the amygdala. iScience 2024; 27:109652. [PMID: 38650988 PMCID: PMC11033178 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the central amygdala is thought to underlie aberrant choice in alcohol use disorder, but the role of central amygdala neural activity during reward choice and consumption is unclear. We recorded central amygdala neurons in male rats as they consumed alcohol or sucrose. We observed activity changes at the time of reward approach, as well as lick-entrained activity during ongoing consumption of both rewards. In choice scenarios where rats could drink sucrose, alcohol, or quinine-adulterated alcohol with or without central amygdala optogenetic stimulation, rats drank more of stimulation-paired options when the two bottles contained identical options. Given a choice among different options, central amygdala stimulation usually enhanced consumption of stimulation-paired rewards. However, optogenetic stimulation during consumption of the less-preferred option, alcohol, was unable to enhance alcohol intake while sucrose was available. These findings indicate that the central amygdala contributes to refining motivated pursuit toward the preferred available option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt M. Fraser
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
| | - Tabitha H. Kim
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
| | - Matilde Castro
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| | - Céline Drieu
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
| | - Yasmin Padovan-Hernandez
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| | - Bridget Chen
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
| | - Fiona Pat
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
| | - David J. Ottenheimer
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| | - Patricia H. Janak
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schnapp WI, Kim J, Wang Y, Timilsena S, Fang C, Cai H. Development of activity-based anorexia requires PKC-δ neurons in two central extended amygdala nuclei. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113933. [PMID: 38460131 PMCID: PMC11003439 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychiatric disease, but the neural mechanisms underlying its development are unclear. A subpopulation of amygdala neurons, marked by expression of protein kinase C-delta (PKC-δ), has previously been shown to regulate diverse anorexigenic signals. Here, we demonstrate that these neurons regulate development of activity-based anorexia (ABA), a common animal model for AN. PKC-δ neurons are located in two nuclei of the central extended amygdala (EAc): the central nucleus (CeA) and oval region of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (ovBNST). Simultaneous ablation of CeAPKC-δ and ovBNSTPKC-δ neurons prevents ABA, but ablating PKC-δ neurons in the CeA or ovBNST alone is not sufficient. Correspondingly, PKC-δ neurons in both nuclei show increased activity with ABA development. Our study shows how neurons in the amygdala regulate ABA by impacting both feeding and wheel activity behaviors and support a complex heterogeneous etiology of AN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wesley Ilana Schnapp
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - JungMin Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Sayujya Timilsena
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Caohui Fang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Haijiang Cai
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Bio5 Institute and Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Holley D, Campos LJ, Drzewiecki CM, Zhang Y, Capitanio JP, Fox AS. Rhesus infant nervous temperament predicts peri-adolescent central amygdala metabolism & behavioral inhibition measured by a machine-learning approach. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:148. [PMID: 38490997 PMCID: PMC10943234 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02858-3] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide and impair health, happiness, and productivity on a massive scale. Developmental research points to a connection between early-life behavioral inhibition and the eventual development of these disorders. Our group has previously shown that measures of behavioral inhibition in young rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) predict anxiety-like behavior later in life. In recent years, clinical and basic researchers have implicated the central extended amygdala (EAc)-a neuroanatomical concept that includes the central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST)-as a key neural substrate for the expression of anxious and inhibited behavior. An improved understanding of how early-life behavioral inhibition relates to an increased lifetime risk of anxiety disorders-and how this relationship is mediated by alterations in the EAc-could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies. In this study, we explored the relationships between infant behavioral inhibition and peri-adolescent defensive behavior and brain metabolism in 18 female rhesus monkeys. We coupled a mildly threatening behavioral assay with concurrent multimodal neuroimaging, and related those findings to various measures of infant temperament. To score the behavioral assay, we developed and validated UC-Freeze, a semi-automated machine-learning (ML) tool that uses unsupervised clustering to quantify freezing. Consistent with previous work, we found that heightened Ce metabolism predicted elevated defensive behavior (i.e., more freezing) in the presence of an unfamiliar human intruder. Although we found no link between infant-inhibited temperament and peri-adolescent EAc metabolism or defensive behavior, we did identify infant nervous temperament as a significant predictor of peri-adolescent defensive behavior. Our findings suggest a connection between infant nervous temperament and the eventual development of anxiety and depressive disorders. Moreover, our approach highlights the potential for ML tools to augment existing behavioral neuroscience methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Holley
- University of California, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, USA
| | - L J Campos
- University of California, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, USA
| | - C M Drzewiecki
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Y Zhang
- Columbia University, Department of Statistics, New York, NY, USA
| | - J P Capitanio
- University of California, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, USA
| | - A S Fox
- University of California, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA.
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ortiz-Guzman J, Swanson JL, Tantry EK, Kochukov M, Ung K, Addison AP, Srivastava S, Belfort BD, Ji E, Dooling SW, Chen SA, Tong Q, Arenkiel BR. Cholinergic Basal Forebrain Connectivity to the Basolateral Amygdala Modulates Food Intake. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0369-23.2024. [PMID: 38383587 PMCID: PMC10915460 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0369-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity results from excessive caloric input associated with overeating and presents a major public health challenge. The hypothalamus has received significant attention for its role in governing feeding behavior and body weight homeostasis. However, extrahypothalamic brain circuits also regulate appetite and consumption by altering sensory perception, motivation, and reward. We recently discovered a population of basal forebrain cholinergic (BFc) neurons that regulate appetite suppression. Through viral tracing methods in the mouse model, we found that BFc neurons densely innervate the basolateral amygdala (BLA), a limbic structure involved in motivated behaviors. Using channelrhodopsin-assisted circuit mapping, we identified cholinergic responses in BLA neurons following BFc circuit manipulations. Furthermore, in vivo acetylcholine sensor and genetically encoded calcium indicator imaging within the BLA (using GACh3 and GCaMP, respectively) revealed selective response patterns of activity during feeding. Finally, through optogenetic manipulations in vivo, we found that increased cholinergic signaling from the BFc to the BLA suppresses appetite and food intake. Together, these data support a model in which cholinergic signaling from the BFc to the BLA directly influences appetite and feeding behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Ortiz-Guzman
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jessica L Swanson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Evelyne K Tantry
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Mikhail Kochukov
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kevin Ung
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Angela P Addison
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Snigdha Srivastava
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Benjamin D Belfort
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Emily Ji
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Sean W Dooling
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Sarah A Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Greiner EM, Witt ME, Moran SJ, Petrovich GD. Activation patterns in male and female forebrain circuitries during food consumption under novelty. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:403-429. [PMID: 38193917 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02742-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The influence of novelty on feeding behavior is significant and can override both homeostatic and hedonic drives due to the uncertainty of potential danger. Previous work found that novel food hypophagia is enhanced in a novel environment and that males habituate faster than females. The current study's aim was to identify the neural substrates of separate effects of food and context novelty. Adult male and female rats were tested for consumption of a novel or familiar food in either a familiar or in a novel context. Test-induced Fos expression was measured in the amygdalar, thalamic, striatal, and prefrontal cortex regions that are important for appetitive responding, contextual processing, and reward motivation. Food and context novelty induced strikingly different activation patterns. Novel context induced Fos robustly in almost every region analyzed, including the central (CEA) and basolateral complex nuclei of the amygdala, the thalamic paraventricular (PVT) and reuniens nuclei, the nucleus accumbens (ACB), the medial prefrontal cortex prelimbic and infralimbic areas, and the dorsal agranular insular cortex (AI). Novel food induced Fos in a few select regions: the CEA, anterior basomedial nucleus of the amygdala, anterior PVT, and posterior AI. There were also sex differences in activation patterns. The capsular and lateral CEA had greater activation for male groups and the anterior PVT, ACB ventral core and shell had greater activation for female groups. These activation patterns and correlations between regions, suggest that distinct functional circuitries control feeding behavior when food is novel and when eating occurs in a novel environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliza M Greiner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Mary E Witt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Stephanie J Moran
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Gorica D Petrovich
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
D'Oliveira da Silva F, Robert C, Lardant E, Pizzano C, Bruchas MR, Guiard BP, Chauveau F, Moulédous L. Targeting Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ receptor to rescue cognitive symptoms in a mouse neuroendocrine model of chronic stress. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:718-729. [PMID: 38123728 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02363-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress causes cognitive deficits, such as impairments in episodic-like hippocampus-dependent memory. Stress regulates an opioid-related neuropeptide named Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), the ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor NOP. Since this peptide has deleterious effects on memory, we hypothesized that the N/OFQ system could be a mediator of the negative effects of stress on memory. Chronic stress was mimicked by chronic exposure to corticosterone (CORT). The NOP receptor was either acutely blocked using selective antagonists, or knocked-down specifically in the hippocampus using genetic tools. Long-term memory was assessed in the object recognition (OR) and object location (OL) paradigms. Acute injection of NOP antagonists before learning had a negative impact on memory in naive mice whereas it restored memory performances in the chronic stress model. This rescue was associated with a normalization of neuronal cell activity in the CA3 part of the hippocampus. Chronic CORT induced an upregulation of the N/OFQ precursor in the hippocampus. Knock-down of the NOP receptor in the CA3/Dentate Gyrus region prevented memory deficits in the CORT model. These data demonstrate that blocking the N/OFQ system can be beneficial for long-term memory in a neuroendocrine model of chronic stress. We therefore suggest that NOP antagonists could be useful for the treatment of memory deficits in stress-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flora D'Oliveira da Silva
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center of Integrative Biology (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS UMR-5169, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Cathaline Robert
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center of Integrative Biology (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS UMR-5169, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Emma Lardant
- IRBA (Army Biomedical Research Institute), Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Carina Pizzano
- Department of Anesthesiology; Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Department of Anesthesiology; Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Bruno P Guiard
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center of Integrative Biology (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS UMR-5169, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Frédéric Chauveau
- IRBA (Army Biomedical Research Institute), Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Lionel Moulédous
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center of Integrative Biology (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS UMR-5169, UPS, Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yeh LF, Zuo S, Liu PW. Molecular diversity and functional dynamics in the central amygdala. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1364268. [PMID: 38419794 PMCID: PMC10899328 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1364268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The central amygdala (CeA) is crucial in integrating sensory and associative information to mediate adaptive responses to emotional stimuli. Recent advances in genetic techniques like optogenetics and chemogenetics have deepened our understanding of distinct neuronal populations within the CeA, particularly those involved in fear learning and memory consolidation. However, challenges remain due to overlapping genetic markers complicating neuron identification. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of molecularly defined cell types and their projection patterns, which are essential for elucidating functional roles, is still developing. Recent advancements in transcriptomics are starting to bridge these gaps, offering new insights into the functional dynamics of CeA neurons. In this review, we provide an overview of the expanding genetic markers for amygdala research, encompassing recent developments and current trends. We also discuss how novel transcriptomic approaches are redefining cell types in the CeA and setting the stage for comprehensive functional studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Feng Yeh
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shuzhen Zuo
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Pin-Wu Liu
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rojek-Sito K, Meyza K, Ziegart-Sadowska K, Nazaruk K, Puścian A, Hamed A, Kiełbiński M, Solecki W, Knapska E. Optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches reveal differences in neuronal circuits that mediate initiation and maintenance of social interaction. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002343. [PMID: 38029342 PMCID: PMC10686636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
For social interaction to be successful, two conditions must be met: the motivation to initiate it and the ability to maintain it. This study uses both optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches to reveal the specific neural pathways that selectively influence those two social interaction components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Rojek-Sito
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY—Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ksenia Meyza
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY—Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Ziegart-Sadowska
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY—Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kinga Nazaruk
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY—Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Puścian
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY—Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Hamed
- Laboratory of Spatial Memory, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Kiełbiński
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wojciech Solecki
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Knapska
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY—Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
You IJ, Bae Y, Beck AR, Shin S. Lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neurons drive threat-induced overeating associated with a negative emotional state. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6875. [PMID: 37898655 PMCID: PMC10613253 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42623-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychological stressors, like the nearby presence of a predator, can be strong enough to induce physiological/hormonal alterations, leading to appetite changes. However, little is known about how threats can alter feeding-related hypothalamic circuit functions. Here, we found that proenkephalin (Penk)-expressing lateral hypothalamic (LHPenk) neurons of mice exposed to predator scent stimulus (PSS) show sensitized responses to high-fat diet (HFD) eating, whereas silencing of the same neurons normalizes PSS-induced HFD overconsumption associated with a negative emotional state. Downregulation of endogenous enkephalin peptides in the LH is crucial for inhibiting the neuronal and behavioral changes developed after PSS exposure. Furthermore, elevated corticosterone after PSS contributes to enhance the reactivity of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-containing LHPenk neurons to HFD, whereas pharmacological inhibition of GR in the LH suppresses PSS-induced maladaptive behavioral responses. We have thus identified the LHPenk neurons as a critical component in the threat-induced neuronal adaptation that leads to emotional overconsumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- In-Jee You
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, USA
- FBRI Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Yeeun Bae
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, USA
- FBRI Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alec R Beck
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, USA
- FBRI Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Sora Shin
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, USA.
- FBRI Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA.
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Matsumura K, Nicot A, Choi IB, Asokan M, Le NN, Natividad LA, Dobbs LK. Endogenous opioid system modulates conditioned cocaine reward in a sex-dependent manner. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13328. [PMID: 37753570 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine predictive cues and contexts exert powerful control over behaviour and can incite cocaine seeking and taking. This type of conditioned behaviour is encoded within striatal circuits, and these circuits and behaviours are, in part, regulated by opioid peptides and receptors expressed in striatal medium spiny neurons. We previously showed that augmenting levels of the opioid peptide enkephalin in the striatum facilitates acquisition of cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP), while opioid receptor antagonists attenuate expression of cocaine CPP. However, whether striatal enkephalin is necessary for acquisition of cocaine CPP and maintenance during extinction remains unknown. To address this, we generated mice with a targeted deletion of enkephalin from dopamine D2-receptor expressing medium spiny neurons and tested them in a cocaine CPP paradigm. Low striatal enkephalin levels did not attenuate acquisition of CPP. However, expression of preference, assessed after acute administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, was blocked in females, regardless of genotype. When saline was paired with the cocaine context during extinction sessions, females, regardless of genotype, extinguished preference faster than males, and this was prevented by naloxone when paired with the cocaine context. We conclude that while striatal enkephalin is not necessary for acquisition, expression, or extinction of cocaine CPP, expression and extinction of cocaine preference in females is mediated by an opioid peptide other than striatal enkephalin. The unique sensitivity of females to opioid antagonists suggests sex should be a consideration when using these compounds in the treatment of cocaine use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Matsumura
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol & Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Amélia Nicot
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - In Bae Choi
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Meera Asokan
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Nathan N Le
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Luis A Natividad
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol & Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren K Dobbs
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol & Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bijoch Ł, Klos J, Pękała M, Fiołna K, Kaczmarek L, Beroun A. Diverse processing of pharmacological and natural rewards by the central amygdala. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113036. [PMID: 37616162 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The central amygdala (CeA) with its medial (CeM) and lateral (CeL) nuclei is the brain hub for processing stimuli with emotional context. CeL nucleus gives a strong inhibitory input to the CeM, and this local circuitry assigns values (positive or negative) to incoming stimuli, guiding appropriate behavior (approach or avoid). However, the particular involvement of CeA in processing such emotionally relevant information and adaptations of the CeA circuitry are not yet well understood. In this study, we examined synaptic plasticity in the CeA after exposure to two types of rewards, pharmacological (cocaine) and natural (sugar). We found that both rewards engage CeM, where they generate silent synapses resulting in the strengthening of the network. However, only cocaine triggers plasticity in the CeL, which leads to the weakening of its excitatory inputs. Finally, chemogenetic inhibition of CeM attenuates animal preference for sugar, while activation delays cocaine-induced increase in locomotor activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Bijoch
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Klos
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Pękała
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kristina Fiołna
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Beroun
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Passeri A, Municchi D, Cavalieri G, Babicola L, Ventura R, Di Segni M. Linking drug and food addiction: an overview of the shared neural circuits and behavioral phenotype. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1240748. [PMID: 37767338 PMCID: PMC10520727 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1240748] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a lack of agreement on its definition and inclusion as a specific diagnosable disturbance, the food addiction construct is supported by several neurobiological and behavioral clinical and preclinical findings. Recognizing food addiction is critical to understanding how and why it manifests. In this overview, we focused on those as follows: 1. the hyperpalatable food effects in food addiction development; 2. specific brain regions involved in both food and drug addiction; and 3. animal models highlighting commonalities between substance use disorders and food addiction. Although results collected through animal studies emerged from protocols differing in several ways, they clearly highlight commonalities in behavioral manifestations and neurobiological alterations between substance use disorders and food addiction characteristics. To develop improved food addiction models, this heterogeneity should be acknowledged and embraced so that research can systematically investigate the role of specific variables in the development of the different behavioral features of addiction-like behavior in preclinical models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Passeri
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Diana Municchi
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cavalieri
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Greiner EM, Witt ME, Moran SJ, Petrovich GD. Activation patterns in male and female forebrain circuitries during food consumption under novelty. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3328570. [PMID: 37790415 PMCID: PMC10543437 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3328570/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The influence of novelty on feeding behavior is significant and can override both homeostatic and hedonic drives due to the uncertainty of potential danger. Previous work found that novel food hypophagia is enhanced in a novel environment and that males habituate faster than females. The current study's aim was to identify the neural substrates of separate effects of food and context novelty. Adult male and female rats were tested for consumption of a novel or family food in either a familiar or in a novel context. Test-induced Fos expression was measured in the amygdalar, thalamic, striatal, and prefrontal cortex regions that are important for appetitive responding, contextual processing, and reward motivation. Food and context novelty induced strikingly different activation patterns. Novel context induced Fos robustly in almost every region analyzed, including the central (CEA) and basolateral complex nuclei of the amygdala, the thalamic paraventricular (PVT) and reuniens nuclei, the nucleus accumbens (ACB), the medial prefrontal cortex prelimbic and infralimbic areas, and the dorsal agranular insular cortex (AI). Novel food induced Fos in a few select regions: the CEA, anterior basomedial nucleus of the amygdala, anterior PVT, and posterior AI. There were also sex differences in activation patterns. The capsular and lateral CEA had greater activation for male groups and the anterior PVT, ACB ventral core and shell had greater activation for female groups. These activation patterns and correlations between regions, suggest that distinct functional circuitries control feeding behavior when food is novel and when eating occurs in a novel environment.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ip CK, Rezitis J, Qi Y, Bajaj N, Koller J, Farzi A, Shi YC, Tasan R, Zhang L, Herzog H. Critical role of lateral habenula circuits in the control of stress-induced palatable food consumption. Neuron 2023; 111:2583-2600.e6. [PMID: 37295418 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress fuels the consumption of palatable food and can enhance obesity development. While stress- and feeding-controlling pathways have been identified, how stress-induced feeding is orchestrated remains unknown. Here, we identify lateral habenula (LHb) Npy1r-expressing neurons as the critical node for promoting hedonic feeding under stress, since lack of Npy1r in these neurons alleviates the obesifying effects caused by combined stress and high fat feeding (HFDS) in mice. Mechanistically, this is due to a circuit originating from central amygdala NPY neurons, with the upregulation of NPY induced by HFDS initiating a dual inhibitory effect via Npy1r signaling onto LHb and lateral hypothalamus neurons, thereby reducing the homeostatic satiety effect through action on the downstream ventral tegmental area. Together, these results identify LHb-Npy1r neurons as a critical node to adapt the response to chronic stress by driving palatable food intake in an attempt to overcome the negative valence of stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Kin Ip
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Jemma Rezitis
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Yue Qi
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Nikita Bajaj
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Julia Koller
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Aitak Farzi
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Yan-Chuan Shi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Neuroendocrinology Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Ramon Tasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lei Zhang
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Norberto S, Assalin HB, Guadagnini D, Tobar N, Boer PA, Kang MC, Saad MJA, Kim YB, Prada PO. CLK2 in GABAergic neurons is critical in regulating energy balance and anxiety-like behavior in a gender-specific fashion. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1172835. [PMID: 37635967 PMCID: PMC10449579 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1172835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cdc2-like kinase (CLK2) is a member of CLK kinases expressed in hypothalamic neurons and is activated in response to refeeding, leptin, or insulin. Diet-induced obesity and leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice lack CLK2 signal in the hypothalamic neurons. The neurotransmiter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is among the most prevalent in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the hypothalamus. Given the abundance of GABA-expressing neurons and their potential influence on regulating energy and behavioral homeostasis, we aimed to explore whether the deletion of CLK2 in GABAergic neurons alters energy homeostasis and behavioral and cognitive functions in both genders of mice lacking CLK2 in Vgat-expressing neurons (Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP) on chow diet. Methods We generated mice lacking Clk2 in Vgat-expressing neurons (Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP) by mating Clk2loxP/loxP mice with Vgat-IRES-Cre transgenic mice and employed behavior, and physiological tests, and molecular approaches to investigate energy metabolism and behavior phenotype of both genders. Results and discussion We showed that deletion of CLK2 in GABAergic neurons increased adiposity and food intake in females. The mechanisms behind these effects were likely due, at least in part, to hypothalamic insulin resistance and upregulation of hypothalamic Npy and Agrp expression. Besides normal insulin and pyruvate sensitivity, Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP females were glucose intolerant. Male Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP mice showed an increased energy expenditure (EE). Risen EE may account for avoiding weight and fat mass gain in male Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP mice. Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP mice had no alteration in cognition or memory functions in both genders. Interestingly, deleting CLK2 in GABAergic neurons changed anxiety-like behavior only in females, not males. These findings suggest that CLK2 in GABAergic neurons is critical in regulating energy balance and anxiety-like behavior in a gender-specific fashion and could be a molecular therapeutic target for combating obesity associated with psychological disorders in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Norberto
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Balan Assalin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Dioze Guadagnini
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Natália Tobar
- Department of Radiology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Aline Boer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fetal Programming Laboratory, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Min-Cheol Kang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Research Group of Food Processing, Korea Food Research Instute, Jeollabuk-do, Wanju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mario Jose Abdalla Saad
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Young-Bum Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Patricia Oliveira Prada
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, SP, Brazil
- Max-Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Köln, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Funahashi H, Pavlenko D, Sakai K, Verpile R, Sanders KM, Akiyama T. Dynorphinergic Projections from the Central Amygdala to the Parabrachial Nucleus Regulate Itch. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5340-5349. [PMID: 37399333 PMCID: PMC10359027 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0726-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The amygdala plays a key role in the processing of itch and pain signals as well as emotion. A previous study revealed that the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA)-parabrachial nucleus (PBN) pathway is involved in pain regulation. The same pathway might also control itch. To test this possibility, prodynorphin (Pdyn)-Cre mice were used to optogenetically manipulate Pdyn+ CeA-to-PBN projections. We found that optogenetic stimulation of Pdyn+ amygdala neurons or Pdyn+ CeA-to-PBN projections inhibited histamine-evoked and chloroquine-evoked scratching. The number of Fos-positive neurons in the PBN increased following intradermal injection of chloroquine. Optogenetic stimulation of Pdyn+ CeA-to-PBN projections suppressed the increase in Fos expression in the PBN. Optogenetic stimulation of Pdyn+ CeA-to-PBN projections increased thermal and mechanical thresholds without affecting anxiety-like behavior. These results highlight the importance of dynorphinergic projections from the central amygdala to the parabrachial nucleus in the regulation of itch signaling.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA)-parabrachial nucleus (PBN) pathway regulates pain signaling. Using prodynorphin (Pdyn)-cre mice, we investigated the role of Pdyn+ CeA-to-PBN projections in itch. Optogenetic stimulation of Pdyn+ CeA-to-PBN projections inhibited pruritogen-evoked scratching and neuronal activity (c-Fos expression) in the PBN. Together, dynorphinergic projections from the central amygdala to the parabrachial nucleus are important for regulating itch information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Funahashi
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki 5200, Japan
| | - Darya Pavlenko
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Kent Sakai
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Rebecca Verpile
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Kristen M Sanders
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Tasuku Akiyama
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fraser KM, Kim TH, Castro M, Drieu C, Padovan-Hernandez Y, Chen B, Pat F, Ottenheimer DJ, Janak PH. Encoding and context-dependent control of reward consumption within the central nucleus of the amygdala. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.28.546936. [PMID: 37425773 PMCID: PMC10327036 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.546936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The ability to evaluate and select a preferred option among a variety of available offers is an essential aspect of goal-directed behavior. Dysregulation of this valuation process is characteristic of alcohol use disorder, with the central amygdala being implicated in persistent alcohol pursuit. However, the mechanism by which the central amygdala encodes and promotes the motivation to seek and consume alcohol remains unclear. We recorded single-unit activity in male Long-Evans rats as they consumed 10% ethanol or 14.2% sucrose. We observed significant activity at the time of approach to alcohol or sucrose, as well as lick-entrained activity during the ongoing consumption of both alcohol and sucrose. We then evaluated the ability of central amygdala optogenetic manipulation time-locked to consumption to alter ongoing intake of alcohol or sucrose, a preferred non-drug reward. In closed two-choice scenarios where rats could drink only sucrose, alcohol, or quinine-adulterated alcohol with or without central amygdala stimulation, rats drank more of stimulation-paired options. Microstructural analysis of licking patterns suggests these effects were mediated by changes in motivation, not palatability. Given a choice among different options, central amygdala stimulation enhanced consumption if the stimulation was associated with the preferred reward while closed-loop inhibition only decreased consumption if the options were equally valued. However, optogenetic stimulation during consumption of the less-preferred option, alcohol, was unable to enhance overall alcohol intake while sucrose was available. Collectively, these findings indicate that the central amygdala processes the motivational value of available offers to promote pursuit of the most preferred available option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt M Fraser
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Tabitha H Kim
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Matilde Castro
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Céline Drieu
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Yasmin Padovan-Hernandez
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bridget Chen
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Fiona Pat
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - David J Ottenheimer
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Patricia H Janak
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Takemoto M, Kato S, Kobayashi K, Song WJ. Dissection of insular cortex layer 5 reveals two sublayers with opposing modulatory roles in appetitive drinking behavior. iScience 2023; 26:106985. [PMID: 37378339 PMCID: PMC10291511 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The insular cortex (insula) is known to play a modulatory role in feeding and drinking. Previous studies have revealed anterior-posterior differences of subcortical projections and roles for the insula, yet the anatomical and functional heterogeneity among the cortical layers remains poorly understood. Here, we show that layer 5 of the mouse dysgranular insula has two distinct neuronal subpopulations along the entire anterior-posterior axis: The L5a population, expressing NECAB1, projects bilaterally to the lateral and capsular divisions of the central amygdala, and the L5b population, expressing CTIP2, projects ipsilaterally to the parasubthalamic nucleus and the medial division of the central amygdala. Optogenetically activating L5a and L5b neuronal populations in thirsty male mice led to suppressed and facilitated water spout licking, respectively, without avoidance against or preference for the spout paired with the opto-stimulation. Our results suggest sublayer-specific bidirectional modulatory roles of insula layer 5 in the motivational aspect of appetitive behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Takemoto
- Department of Sensory and Cognitive Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Shigeki Kato
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Wen-Jie Song
- Department of Sensory and Cognitive Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Peters C, He S, Fermani F, Lim H, Ding W, Mayer C, Klein R. Transcriptomics reveals amygdala neuron regulation by fasting and ghrelin thereby promoting feeding. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf6521. [PMID: 37224253 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf6521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The central amygdala (CeA) consists of numerous genetically defined inhibitory neurons that control defensive and appetitive behaviors including feeding. Transcriptomic signatures of cell types and their links to function remain poorly understood. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we describe nine CeA cell clusters, of which four are mostly associated with appetitive and two with aversive behaviors. To analyze the activation mechanism of appetitive CeA neurons, we characterized serotonin receptor 2a (Htr2a)-expressing neurons (CeAHtr2a) that comprise three appetitive clusters and were previously shown to promote feeding. In vivo calcium imaging revealed that CeAHtr2a neurons are activated by fasting, the hormone ghrelin, and the presence of food. Moreover, these neurons are required for the orexigenic effects of ghrelin. Appetitive CeA neurons responsive to fasting and ghrelin project to the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) causing inhibition of target PBN neurons. These results illustrate how the transcriptomic diversification of CeA neurons relates to fasting and hormone-regulated feeding behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Peters
- Department of Molecules-Signaling-Development, Max-Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Songwei He
- Department of Molecules-Signaling-Development, Max-Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Federica Fermani
- Department of Molecules-Signaling-Development, Max-Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Hansol Lim
- Department of Molecules-Signaling-Development, Max-Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Wenyu Ding
- Department of Molecules-Signaling-Development, Max-Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christian Mayer
- Laboratory of Neurogenomics, Max-Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Klein
- Department of Molecules-Signaling-Development, Max-Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhao ZD, Zhang L, Xiang X, Kim D, Li H, Cao P, Shen WL. Neurocircuitry of Predatory Hunting. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:817-831. [PMID: 36705845 PMCID: PMC10170020 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-01018-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Predatory hunting is an important type of innate behavior evolutionarily conserved across the animal kingdom. It is typically composed of a set of sequential actions, including prey search, pursuit, attack, and consumption. This behavior is subject to control by the nervous system. Early studies used toads as a model to probe the neuroethology of hunting, which led to the proposal of a sensory-triggered release mechanism for hunting actions. More recent studies have used genetically-trackable zebrafish and rodents and have made breakthrough discoveries in the neuroethology and neurocircuits underlying this behavior. Here, we review the sophisticated neurocircuitry involved in hunting and summarize the detailed mechanism for the circuitry to encode various aspects of hunting neuroethology, including sensory processing, sensorimotor transformation, motivation, and sequential encoding of hunting actions. We also discuss the overlapping brain circuits for hunting and feeding and point out the limitations of current studies. We propose that hunting is an ideal behavioral paradigm in which to study the neuroethology of motivated behaviors, which may shed new light on epidemic disorders, including binge-eating, obesity, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Dong Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xinkuan Xiang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Daesoo Kim
- Department of Cognitive Brain Science, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
| | - Haohong Li
- MOE Frontier Research Center of Brain & Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Affiliated Mental Health Centre and Hangzhou Seventh People`s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
| | - Peng Cao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Wei L Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cai H, Zhang P, Li T, Li M, Zhang L, Cui C, Lei J, Yang J, Ren K, Ming J, Tian B. Amygdalo-nigral circuit mediates stress-induced vulnerability to the parkinsonian toxin MPTP. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023. [PMID: 36914579 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14151] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim was to investigate the effect of mood disorders on parkinsonian toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced motor disability, substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic (DA) neurons loss. Also, the neural circuit mechanism was elucidated. METHODS The depression-like (physical stress, PS) and anxiety-like (emotional stress, ES) mouse models were established by the three-chamber social defeat stress (SDS). The features of Parkinson's disease were reproduced by MPTP injection. Viral-based whole-brain mapping was utilized to resolve the stress-induced global changes in direct inputs onto SNc DA neurons. Calcium imaging and chemogenetic techniques were applied to verify the function of the related neural pathway. RESULTS We found that PS mice, but not ES mice, showed worse movement performance and more SNc DA neuronal loss than control mice after MPTP administration. The projection from the central amygdala (CeA) to the SNcDA was significantly increased in PS mice. The activity of SNc-projected CeA neurons was enhanced in PS mice. Activating or inhibiting the CeA-SNcDA pathway could mimic or block PS-induced vulnerability to MPTP. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that projections from CeA to SNc DA neurons contribute to SDS-induced vulnerability to MPTP in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tongxia Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chi Cui
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Lei
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kun Ren
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Ming
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bowen AJ, Huang YW, Chen JY, Pauli JL, Campos CA, Palmiter RD. Topographic representation of current and future threats in the mouse nociceptive amygdala. Nat Commun 2023; 14:196. [PMID: 36639374 PMCID: PMC9839702 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35826-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive behaviors arise from an integration of current sensory context and internal representations of past experiences. The central amygdala (CeA) is positioned as a key integrator of cognitive and affective signals, yet it remains unknown whether individual populations simultaneously carry current- and future-state representations. We find that a primary nociceptive population within the CeA of mice, defined by CGRP-receptor (Calcrl) expression, receives topographic sensory information, with spatially defined representations of internal and external stimuli. While Calcrl+ neurons in both the rostral and caudal CeA respond to noxious stimuli, rostral neurons promote locomotor responses to externally sourced threats, while caudal CeA Calcrl+ neurons are activated by internal threats and promote passive coping behaviors and associative valence coding. During associative fear learning, rostral CeA Calcrl+ neurons stably encode noxious stimulus occurrence, while caudal CeA Calcrl+ neurons acquire predictive responses. This arrangement supports valence-aligned representations of current and future threats for the generation of adaptive behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Bowen
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Y Waterlily Huang
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jane Y Chen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jordan L Pauli
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Carlos A Campos
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shin S, You IJ, Jeong M, Bae Y, Wang XY, Cawley ML, Han A, Lim BK. Early adversity promotes binge-like eating habits by remodeling a leptin-responsive lateral hypothalamus-brainstem pathway. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:79-91. [PMID: 36510113 PMCID: PMC9829538 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Early-life trauma (ELT) is a risk factor for binge eating and obesity later in life, yet the neural circuits that underlie this association have not been addressed. Here, we show in mice that downregulation of the leptin receptor (Lepr) in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and its effect on neural activity is crucial in causing ELT-induced binge-like eating and obesity upon high-fat diet exposure. We also found that the increased activity of Lepr-expressing LH (LHLepr) neurons encodes sustained binge-like eating in ELT mice. Inhibition of LHLepr neurons projecting to the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray normalizes these behavioral features of ELT mice. Furthermore, activation of proenkephalin-expressing ventrolateral periaqueductal gray neurons, which receive inhibitory inputs from LHLepr neurons, rescues ELT-induced maladaptive eating habits. Our results identify a circuit pathway that mediates ELT-induced maladaptive eating and may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for binge eating and obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sora Shin
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, USA.
- FBRI Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA.
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - In-Jee You
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, USA
- FBRI Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Minju Jeong
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yeeun Bae
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, USA
- FBRI Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xiao-Yun Wang
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mikel Leann Cawley
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, USA
- FBRI Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Abraham Han
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, USA
- FBRI Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Byung Kook Lim
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Huang M, Wang G, Lin Y, Guo Y, Ren X, Shao J, Cao J, Zang W, Li Z. Dopamine receptor D2, but not D1, mediates the reward circuit from the ventral tegmental area to the central amygdala, which is involved in pain relief. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221145096. [PMID: 36464669 PMCID: PMC9742700 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221145096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain involves both sensory and affective dimensions. The amygdala is a key player in linking nociceptive stimuli to negative emotional behaviors or affective states. Relief of pain is rewarding and activates brain reward circuits. Whether the reward circuit from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the central amygdala (CeA) is involved in pain relief remains unexplored. Using a model of experimental postsurgical pain, we found that pain relief elicited conditioned place preference (CPP), activated CeA-projecting dopaminergic cells in the VTA, and decreased dopaminergic D2 receptor expression in the CeA. Activation of the VTA-CeA neural pathway using optogenetic approaches relieved incisional pain. Administration of a D2 receptor agonist reversed the pain relief elicited by light-induced activation of the VTA-CeA pathway. These findings indicate that the VTA-CeA circuit is involved in pain relief in mice via dopamine receptor D2 in the CeA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Huang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China,Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China,Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yazhou Lin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yanyan Guo
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiuhua Ren
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jinping Shao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China,Zhihua Li, Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, Zhengzhou University, 1 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Parsons W, Greiner E, Buczek L, Migliaccio J, Corbett E, Madden AMK, Petrovich GD. Sex differences in activation of extra-hypothalamic forebrain areas during hedonic eating. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:2857-2878. [PMID: 36258044 PMCID: PMC9724631 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Palatable foods can stimulate appetite without hunger, and unconstrained overeating underlies obesity and binge eating disorder. Women are more prone to obesity and binge eating than men but the neural causes of individual differences are unknown. In an animal model of hedonic eating, a prior study found that females were more susceptible than males to eat palatable food when sated and that the neuropeptide orexin/hypocretin (ORX) was crucial in both sexes. The current study examined potential extra-hypothalamic forebrain targets of ORX signaling during hedonic eating. We measured Fos induction in the cortical, thalamic, striatal, and amygdalar areas that receive substantial ORX inputs and contain their receptors in hungry and sated male and female rats during palatable (high-sucrose) food consumption. During the test, hungry rats of both sexes ate substantial amounts, and while sated males ate much less than hungry rats, sated females ate as much as hungry rats. The Fos induction analysis identified sex differences in recruitment of specific areas of the medial prefrontal cortex, paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), nucleus accumbens (ACB), and central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA), and similar patterns across sexes in the insular cortex. There was a striking activation of the infralimbic cortex in sated males, who consumed the least amount food and unique correlations between the insular cortex, PVT, and CEA, as well as the prelimbic cortex, ACB, and CEA in sated females but not sated males. The study identified key functional circuits that may drive hedonic eating in a sex-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Parsons
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Eliza Greiner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Laura Buczek
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Jennifer Migliaccio
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Erin Corbett
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Amanda M K Madden
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Gorica D Petrovich
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Holley D, Fox AS. The central extended amygdala guides survival-relevant tradeoffs: Implications for understanding common psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104879. [PMID: 36115597 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
To thrive in challenging environments, individuals must pursue rewards while avoiding threats. Extensive studies in animals and humans have identified the central extended amygdala (EAc)-which includes the central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST)-as a conserved substrate for defensive behavior. These studies suggest the EAc influences defensive responding and assembles fearful and anxious states. This has led to the proliferation of a view that the EAc is fundamentally a defensive substrate. Yet mechanistic work in animals has implicated the EAc in numerous appetitive and consummatory processes, yielding fresh insights into the microcircuitry of survival- and emotion-relevant response selection. Coupled with the EAc's centrality in a conserved network of brain regions that encode multisensory environmental and interoceptive information, these findings suggest a broader role for the EAc as an arbiter of survival- and emotion-relevant tradeoffs for action selection. Determining how the EAc optimizes these tradeoffs promises to improve our understanding of common psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety, depression, alcohol- and substance-use disorders, and anhedonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Holley
- Department of Psychology and the California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Andrew S Fox
- Department of Psychology and the California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Viden A, Ch'ng SS, Walker LC, Shesham A, Hamilton SM, Smith CM, Lawrence AJ. Organisation of enkephalin inputs and outputs of the central nucleus of the amygdala in mice. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 125:102167. [PMID: 36182026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102167] [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: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a key hub integrating sensory inputs and modulating behavioural outputs. The CeA is a complex structure with discrete subdivisions, high peptidergic heterogeneity and broad CNS afferent and efferent projections. While several neuropeptide systems within the CeA have been examined in detail, less is known about CeA preproenkephalin (ppENK) cells. Here, we used a recently developed transgenic Penk-Cre mouse line to advance our understanding of the efferent and afferent connectivity of ppENK in the CeA. First, to determine the fidelity of Cre expression in Penk-Cre transgenic mice, we conducted RNAscope in the CeA of Penk-Cre mice. Our analysis revealed that 96.6% of CeA Cre+ neurons co-expressed pENK mRNA, and 99.7% of CeA pENK+ neurons co-expressed Cre mRNA, indicating faithful recapitulation of Cre expression in CeA ppENK-expressing cells, supporting the fidelity of the Penk-Cre reporter mouse. Anterograde tracing of CeAPenk cells showed strong efferent projections to the extended amygdala, midbrain and hindbrain PBN and NTS. Retrograde tracing of Penk afferents to the CeA were more restricted, with primary innervation originating within the amygdala complex and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and minor innervation from the parabrachial nucleus and nucleus of the solitary tract. Together, our data provide a comprehensive map of ENKergic efferent and afferent connectivity of the CeA in Penk-Cre mice. Further, we highlight both the utility and limitations of the Penk-Cre mice to study the function of CeA, PBN and NTS ppENK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aida Viden
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052
| | - Sarah S Ch'ng
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052
| | - Arnav Shesham
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052; Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800
| | - Sabine M Hamilton
- School of Medicine, IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Craig M Smith
- School of Medicine, IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Melkumyan M, Silberman Y. Subregional Differences in Alcohol Modulation of Central Amygdala Neurocircuitry. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:888345. [PMID: 35866156 PMCID: PMC9294740 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.888345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a highly significant medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use, compulsive alcohol seeking behavior, and withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol. Understanding how alcohol modulates neurocircuitry critical for long term and binge-like alcohol use, such as the central amygdala (CeA), may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat alcohol use disorder. In clinical studies, reduction in the volume of the amygdala has been linked with susceptibility to relapse to alcohol use. Preclinical studies have shown the involvement of the CeA in the effects of alcohol use, with lesions of the amygdala showing a reduction in alcohol drinking, and manipulations of cells in the CeA altering alcohol drinking. A great deal of work has shown that acute alcohol, as well as chronic alcohol exposure via intake or dependence models, alters glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission in the CeA. The CeA, however, contains heterogeneous cell populations and distinct subregional differences in neurocircuit architecture which may influence the mechanism by which alcohol modulates CeA function overall. The current review aimed to parse out the differences in alcohol effects on the medial and lateral subregions of the CeA, and what role neuroinflammatory cells and markers, the endocannabinoid system, and the most commonly studied neuropeptide systems play in mediating these effects. A better understanding of alcohol effects on CeA subregional cell type and neurocircuit function may lead to development of more selective pharmacological interventions for alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
|
30
|
Banerjee J, Dorfman MD, Fasnacht R, Douglass JD, Wyse-Jackson AC, Barria A, Thaler JP. CX3CL1 Action on Microglia Protects from Diet-Induced Obesity by Restoring POMC Neuronal Excitability and Melanocortin System Activity Impaired by High-Fat Diet Feeding. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6380. [PMID: 35742824 PMCID: PMC9224384 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Both hypothalamic microglial inflammation and melanocortin pathway dysfunction contribute to diet-induced obesity (DIO) pathogenesis. Previous studies involving models of altered microglial signaling demonstrate altered DIO susceptibility with corresponding POMC neuron cytological changes, suggesting a link between microglia and the melanocortin system. We addressed this hypothesis using the specific microglial silencing molecule, CX3CL1 (fractalkine), to determine whether reducing hypothalamic microglial activation can restore POMC/melanocortin signaling to protect against DIO. We performed metabolic analyses in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice with targeted viral overexpression of CX3CL1 in the hypothalamus. Electrophysiologic recording in hypothalamic slices from POMC-MAPT-GFP mice was used to determine the effects of HFD feeding and microglial silencing via minocycline or CX3CL1 on GFP-labeled POMC neurons. Finally, mice with hypothalamic overexpression of CX3CL1 received central treatment with the melanocortin receptor antagonist SHU9119 to determine whether melanocortin signaling is required for the metabolic benefits of CX3CL1. Hypothalamic overexpression of CX3CL1 increased leptin sensitivity and POMC gene expression, while reducing weight gain in animals fed an HFD. In electrophysiological recordings from hypothalamic slice preparations, HFD feeding was associated with reduced POMC neuron excitability and increased amplitude of inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Microglial silencing using minocycline or CX3CL1 treatment reversed these HFD-induced changes in POMC neuron electrophysiologic properties. Correspondingly, blockade of melanocortin receptor signaling in vivo prevented both the acute and chronic reduction in food intake and body weight mediated by CX3CL1. Our results show that suppressing microglial activation during HFD feeding reduces DIO susceptibility via a mechanism involving increased POMC neuron excitability and melanocortin signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jineta Banerjee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.B.); (M.D.D.); (R.F.); (J.D.D.); (A.C.W.-J.)
| | - Mauricio D. Dorfman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.B.); (M.D.D.); (R.F.); (J.D.D.); (A.C.W.-J.)
| | - Rachael Fasnacht
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.B.); (M.D.D.); (R.F.); (J.D.D.); (A.C.W.-J.)
| | - John D. Douglass
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.B.); (M.D.D.); (R.F.); (J.D.D.); (A.C.W.-J.)
| | - Alice C. Wyse-Jackson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.B.); (M.D.D.); (R.F.); (J.D.D.); (A.C.W.-J.)
| | - Andres Barria
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
| | - Joshua P. Thaler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.B.); (M.D.D.); (R.F.); (J.D.D.); (A.C.W.-J.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Domi A, Lunerti V, Petrella M, Domi E, Borruto AM, Ubaldi M, Weiss F, Ciccocioppo R. Genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors in the ventral tegmental area attenuates nicotine-motivated behaviour. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:2647-2658. [PMID: 34854073 PMCID: PMC9081114 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)-nociceptin opioid-like peptide (NOP) receptor system is widely distributed in the brain and pharmacological activation of this system revealed therapeutic potential in animal models of substance use disorder. Studies also showed that genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of NOP receptors confer resistance to the development of alcohol abuse. Here, we have used a genetic and pharmacological approach to evaluate the therapeutic potential of NOP antagonism in smoking cessation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Constitutive NOP receptor knockout rats (NOP-/- ) and their wild-type counterparts (NOP+/+ ) were tested over a range of behaviours to characterize their motivation for nicotine. We next explored the effects of systemic administration of the NOP receptor antagonist LY2817412 (1.0 & 3.0 mg·kg-1 ) on nicotine self-administration. NOP receptor blockade was further evaluated at the brain circuitry level, by microinjecting LY2817412 (3.0 & 6.0 μg·μl-1 ) into the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and central amygdala (CeA). KEY RESULTS Genetic NOP receptor deletion resulted in decreased nicotine intake, decreased motivation to self-administer and attenuation of cue-induced nicotine reinstatement. LY2817412 reduced nicotine intake in NOP+/+ but not in NOP-/- rats, confirming that its effect is mediated by inhibition of NOP transmission. Finally, injection of LY2817412 into the VTA but not into the NAc or CeA decreased nicotine self-administration. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings indicate that inhibition of NOP transmission attenuates the motivation for nicotine through mechanisms involving the VTA and suggest that NOP receptor antagonism may represent a potential treatment for smoking cessation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Veronica Lunerti
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Esi Domi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping 58183, Sweden
| | - Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Holt MK. The ins and outs of the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract: An overview of cellular populations and anatomical connections. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13132. [PMID: 35509189 PMCID: PMC9286632 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The body and brain are in constant two-way communication. Driving this communication is a region in the lower brainstem: the dorsal vagal complex. Within the dorsal vagal complex, the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) is a major first stop for incoming information from the body to the brain carried by the vagus nerve. The anatomy of this region makes it ideally positioned to respond to signals of change in both emotional and bodily states. In turn, the cNTS controls the activity of regions throughout the brain that are involved in the control of both behaviour and physiology. This review is intended to help anyone with an interest in the cNTS. First, I provide an overview of the architecture of the cNTS and outline the wide range of neurotransmitters expressed in subsets of neurons in the cNTS. Next, in detail, I discuss the known inputs and outputs of the cNTS and briefly highlight what is known regarding the neurochemical makeup and function of those connections. Then, I discuss one group of cNTS neurons: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-expressing neurons. GLP-1 neurons serve as a good example of a group of cNTS neurons, which receive input from varied sources and have the ability to modulate both behaviour and physiology. Finally, I consider what we might learn about other cNTS neurons from our study of GLP-1 neurons and why it is important to remember that the manipulation of molecularly defined subsets of cNTS neurons is likely to affect physiology and behaviours beyond those monitored in individual experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie K. Holt
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and PharmacologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Uchida Y, Hikida T, Yamashita Y. Computational Mechanisms of Osmoregulation: A Reinforcement Learning Model for Sodium Appetite. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:857009. [PMID: 35663557 PMCID: PMC9160331 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.857009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic control with oral nutrient intake is a vital complex system involving the orderly interactions between the external and internal senses, behavioral control, reward learning, and decision-making. Sodium appetite is a representative system and has been intensively investigated in animal models of homeostatic systems and oral nutrient intake. However, the system-level mechanisms for regulating sodium intake behavior and homeostatic control remain unclear. In the current study, we attempted to provide a mechanistic understanding of sodium appetite behavior by using a computational model, the homeostatic reinforcement learning model, in which homeostatic behaviors are interpreted as reinforcement learning processes. Through simulation experiments, we confirmed that our homeostatic reinforcement learning model successfully reproduced homeostatic behaviors by regulating sodium appetite. These behaviors include the approach and avoidance behaviors to sodium according to the internal states of individuals. In addition, based on the assumption that the sense of taste is a predictor of changes in the internal state, the homeostatic reinforcement learning model successfully reproduced the previous paradoxical observations of the intragastric infusion test, which cannot be explained by the classical drive reduction theory. Moreover, we extended the homeostatic reinforcement learning model to multimodal data, and successfully reproduced the behavioral tests in which water and sodium appetite were mediated by each other. Finally, through an experimental simulation of chemical manipulation in a specific neural population in the brain stem, we proposed a testable hypothesis for the function of neural circuits involving sodium appetite behavior. The study results support the idea that osmoregulation via sodium appetitive behavior can be understood as a reinforcement learning process, and provide a mechanistic explanation for the underlying neural mechanisms of decision-making related to sodium appetite and homeostatic behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Uchida
- Department of Information Medicine, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Hikida
- Laboratory for Advanced Brain Functions, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takatoshi Hikida,
| | - Yuichi Yamashita
- Department of Information Medicine, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Yuichi Yamashita,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Azevedo EP, Ivan VJ, Friedman JM, Stern SA. Higher-Order Inputs Involved in Appetite Control. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:869-878. [PMID: 34593204 PMCID: PMC9704062 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of the neural control of appetite sheds light on the pathogenesis of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and obesity. Both diseases are a result of maladaptive eating behaviors (overeating or undereating) and are associated with life-threatening health problems. The fine regulation of appetite involves genetic, physiological, and environmental factors, which are detected and integrated in the brain by specific neuronal populations. For centuries, the hypothalamus has been the center of attention in the scientific community as a key regulator of appetite. The hypothalamus receives and sends axonal projections to several other brain regions that are important for the integration of sensory and emotional information. These connections ensure that appropriate behavioral decisions are made depending on the individual's emotional state and environment. Thus, the mechanisms by which higher-order brain regions integrate exteroceptive information to coordinate feeding is of great importance. In this review, we will focus on the functional and anatomical projections connecting the hypothalamus to the limbic system and higher-order brain centers in the cortex. We will also address the mechanisms by which specific neuronal populations located in higher-order centers regulate appetite and how maladaptive eating behaviors might arise from altered connections among cortical and subcortical areas with the hypothalamus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estefania P Azevedo
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Violet J Ivan
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey M Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, New York
| | - Sarah A Stern
- Integrative Neural Circuits and Behavior Research Group, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jais A, Brüning JC. Arcuate Nucleus-Dependent Regulation of Metabolism-Pathways to Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:314-328. [PMID: 34490882 PMCID: PMC8905335 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) receives information from afferent neurons, circulating hormones, and absorbed nutrients and integrates this information to orchestrate the actions of the neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous systems in maintaining systemic metabolic homeostasis. Particularly the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) is of pivotal importance for primary sensing of adiposity signals, such as leptin and insulin, and circulating nutrients, such as glucose. Importantly, energy state-sensing neurons in the ARC not only regulate feeding but at the same time control multiple physiological functions, such as glucose homeostasis, blood pressure, and innate immune responses. These findings have defined them as master regulators, which adapt integrative physiology to the energy state of the organism. The disruption of this fine-tuned control leads to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure as well as deregulation of peripheral metabolism. Improving our understanding of the cellular, molecular, and functional basis of this regulatory principle in the CNS could set the stage for developing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. In this review, we summarize novel insights with a particular emphasis on ARC neurocircuitries regulating food intake and glucose homeostasis and sensing factors that inform the brain of the organismal energy status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Jais
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,National Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Neural circuit control of innate behaviors. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:466-499. [PMID: 34985643 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
All animals possess a plethora of innate behaviors that do not require extensive learning and are fundamental for their survival and propagation. With the advent of newly-developed techniques such as viral tracing and optogenetic and chemogenetic tools, recent studies are gradually unraveling neural circuits underlying different innate behaviors. Here, we summarize current development in our understanding of the neural circuits controlling predation, feeding, male-typical mating, and urination, highlighting the role of genetically defined neurons and their connections in sensory triggering, sensory to motor/motivation transformation, motor/motivation encoding during these different behaviors. Along the way, we discuss possible mechanisms underlying binge-eating disorder and the pro-social effects of the neuropeptide oxytocin, elucidating the clinical relevance of studying neural circuits underlying essential innate functions. Finally, we discuss some exciting brain structures recurrently appearing in the regulation of different behaviors, which suggests both divergence and convergence in the neural encoding of specific innate behaviors. Going forward, we emphasize the importance of multi-angle and cross-species dissections in delineating neural circuits that control innate behaviors.
Collapse
|
37
|
Zeng N, Cutts EJ, Lopez CB, Kaur S, Duran M, Virkus SA, Hardaway JA. Anatomical and Functional Characterization of Central Amygdala Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Expressing Neurons. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:724030. [PMID: 35002645 PMCID: PMC8739476 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.724030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) are highly expressed in the brain and are responsible for mediating the acute anorexigenic actions of widely prescribed GLP-1R agonists. Neurobiological efforts to localize the hypophagic effects of GLP-1R agonists in the brain have mainly focused on the hypothalamus and hindbrain. In this study, we performed a deep anatomical and neurophysiological characterization of GLP-1Rs in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). At an mRNA level, we found that Glp1r is diffusely coexpressed in known CeA subpopulations like protein kinase c δ (Prkcd), somatostatin (Sst), or tachykinin2 (Tac2). At a cellular level, we used Glp1r-Cre mice and viral Cre-dependent tracing to map the anatomical positions of GLP-1R cells across the rostral-caudal axis of the CeA and in CeA subdivisions. We found that Glp1rCeA cells are highly enriched in the medial subdivision of the CeA (CeM). Using whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology, we found that Glp1rCeA neurons are characterized by the presence of Ih-like currents and resemble a low threshold bursting neuronal subtype in response to hyperpolarizing and depolarizing current injections. We observed sex differences in the magnitude of Ih-like currents and membrane capacitance. At rest, we observed that nearly half of Glp1rCeA neurons are spontaneously active. We observed that active and inactive neurons display significant differences in excitability even when normalized to an identical holding potential. Our data are the first to deeply characterize the pattern of Glp1r in the CeA and study the neurophysiological characteristics of CeA neurons expressing Glp1r. Future studies leveraging these data will be important to understanding the impact of GLP-1R agonists on feeding and motivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningxiang Zeng
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Elam J Cutts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Christian B Lopez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Simran Kaur
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Miguel Duran
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Sonja A Virkus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - J Andrew Hardaway
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ubaldi M, Cannella N, Borruto AM, Petrella M, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Soverchia L, Stopponi S, Weiss F, Cifani C, Ciccocioppo R. Role of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ-NOP Receptor System in the Regulation of Stress-Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12956. [PMID: 34884757 PMCID: PMC8657682 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a 17-residue neuropeptide that binds the nociceptin opioid-like receptor (NOP). N/OFQ exhibits nucleotidic and aminoacidics sequence homology with the precursors of other opioid neuropeptides but it does not activate either MOP, KOP or DOP receptors. Furthermore, opioid neuropeptides do not activate the NOP receptor. Generally, activation of N/OFQ system exerts anti-opioids effects, for instance toward opioid-induced reward and analgesia. The NOP receptor is widely expressed throughout the brain, whereas N/OFQ localization is confined to brain nuclei that are involved in stress response such as amygdala, BNST and hypothalamus. Decades of studies have delineated the biological role of this system demonstrating its involvement in significant physiological processes such as pain, learning and memory, anxiety, depression, feeding, drug and alcohol dependence. This review discusses the role of this peptidergic system in the modulation of stress and stress-associated psychiatric disorders in particular drug addiction, mood, anxiety and food-related associated-disorders. Emerging preclinical evidence suggests that both NOP agonists and antagonists may represent a effective therapeutic approaches for substances use disorder. Moreover, the current literature suggests that NOP antagonists can be useful to treat depression and feeding-related diseases, such as obesity and binge eating behavior, whereas the activation of NOP receptor by agonists could be a promising tool for anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Nazzareno Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Micioni Di Bonaventura
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Laura Soverchia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jaramillo AA, Brown JA, Winder DG. Danger and distress: Parabrachial-extended amygdala circuits. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108757. [PMID: 34461068 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the role of the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) has evolved as technology has advanced, in part due to cell-specific studies and complex behavioral assays. This is reflected in the heterogeneous neuronal populations within the PBN to the extended amygdala (EA) circuits which encompass the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and central amygdala (CeA) circuitry, as they differentially modulate aspects of behavior in response to diverse threat-like contexts necessary for survival. Here we review how the PBN→CeA and PBN→BNST pathways differentially modulate fear-like behavior, innate and conditioned, through unique changes in neurotransmission in response to stress-inducing contexts. Furthermore, we hypothesize how in specific instances the PBN→CeA and PBN→BNST circuits are redundant and in part intertwined with their respective reciprocal projections. By deconstructing the interoceptive and exteroceptive components of affect- and stress related behavioral paradigms, evidence suggests that the PBN→CeA circuit modulates innate response to physical stimuli and fear conditioning. Conversely, the PBN→BNST circuit modulates distress-like stress in unpredictable contexts. Thereby, the PBN provides a pathway for alarming interoceptive and exteroceptive stimuli to be processed and relayed to the EA to induce stress-relevant affect. Additionally, we provide a framework for future studies to detail the cell-type specific intricacies of PBN→EA circuits in mediating behavioral responses to threats, and the relevance of the PBN in drug-use as it relates to threat and negative reinforcement. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A Jaramillo
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Dept. Mol. Phys. & Biophysics, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, USA
| | - J A Brown
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Dept. Mol. Phys. & Biophysics, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, USA; Department of Pharmacology, USA
| | - D G Winder
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Dept. Mol. Phys. & Biophysics, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, USA; Department of Pharmacology, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Stern SA, Azevedo EP, Pomeranz LE, Doerig KR, Ivan VJ, Friedman JM. Top-down control of conditioned overconsumption is mediated by insular cortex Nos1 neurons. Cell Metab 2021; 33:1418-1432.e6. [PMID: 33761312 PMCID: PMC8628615 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Associative learning allows animals to adapt their behavior in response to environmental cues. For example, sensory cues associated with food availability can trigger overconsumption even in sated animals. However, the neural mechanisms mediating cue-driven non-homeostatic feeding are poorly understood. To study this, we recently developed a behavioral task in which contextual cues increase feeding even in sated mice. Here, we show that an insular cortex to central amygdala circuit is necessary for conditioned overconsumption, but not for homeostatic feeding. This projection is marked by a population of glutamatergic nitric oxide synthase-1 (Nos1)-expressing neurons, which are specifically active during feeding bouts. Finally, we show that activation of insular cortex Nos1 neurons suppresses satiety signals in the central amygdala. The data, thus, indicate that the insular cortex provides top-down control of homeostatic circuits to promote overconsumption in response to learned cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Stern
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Estefania P Azevedo
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lisa E Pomeranz
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Katherine R Doerig
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Violet J Ivan
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Avegno EM, Kasten CR, Snyder WB, Kelley LK, Lobell TD, Templeton TJ, Constans M, Wills TA, Middleton JW, Gilpin NW. Alcohol dependence activates ventral tegmental area projections to central amygdala in male mice and rats. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12990. [PMID: 33331103 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neural adaptations that occur during the transition to alcohol dependence are not entirely understood but may include a gradual recruitment of brain stress circuitry by mesolimbic reward circuitry that is activated during early stages of alcohol use. Here, we focused on dopaminergic and nondopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), important for mediating acute alcohol reinforcement, to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), important for alcohol dependence-related negative affect and escalated alcohol drinking. The VTA projects directly to the CeA, but the functional relevance of this circuit is not fully established. Therefore, we combined retrograde and anterograde tracing, anatomical, and electrophysiological experiments in mice and rats to demonstrate that the CeA receives input from both dopaminergic and nondopaminergic projection neurons primarily from the lateral VTA. We then used slice electrophysiology and fos immunohistochemistry to test the effects of alcohol dependence on activity and activation profiles of CeA-projecting neurons in the VTA. Our data indicate that alcohol dependence activates midbrain projections to the central amygdala, suggesting that VTA projections may trigger plasticity in the CeA during the transition to alcohol dependence and that this circuit may be involved in mediating behavioral dysregulation associated with alcohol dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Avegno
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Chelsea R. Kasten
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - William B. Snyder
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Leslie K. Kelley
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Thomas D. Lobell
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Taylor J. Templeton
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Michael Constans
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Tiffany A. Wills
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Jason W. Middleton
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Nicholas W. Gilpin
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS) New Orleans Louisiana USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
This paper is the forty-second consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2019 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
The neural regulation of feeding behaviour, as an essential factor for survival, is an important research area today. Feeding behaviour and other lifestyle habits play a major role in optimising health and obesity control. Feeding behaviour is physiologically controlled through processes associated with energy and nutrient needs. Different brain nuclei are involved in the neural regulation of feeding behaviours. Therefore, understanding the function of these brain nuclei helps develop feeding control methods. Among important brain nuclei, there is scant literature on the central amygdala (CeA) nucleus and feeding behaviour. The CeA is one of the critical brain regions that play a significant role in various physiological and behavioural responses, such as emotional states, reward processing, energy balance and feeding behaviour. It contains γ-aminobutyric acid neurons. Also, it is the major output region of the amygdaloidal complex. Moreover, the CeA is also involved in multiple molecular and biochemical factors and has extensive connections with other brain nuclei and their neurotransmitters, highlighting its role in feeding behaviour. This review aims to highlight the significance of the CeA nucleus on food consumption by its interaction with the performance of reward, digestive and emotional systems.
Collapse
|
44
|
Dashti HS, Ordovás JM. Genetics of Sleep and Insights into Its Relationship with Obesity. Annu Rev Nutr 2021; 41:223-252. [PMID: 34102077 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-082018-124258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Considerable recent advancements in elucidating the genetic architecture of sleep traits and sleep disorders may provide insight into the relationship between sleep and obesity. Despite the considerable involvement of the circadian clock in sleep and metabolism, few shared genes, including FTO, were implicated in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of sleep and obesity. Polygenic scores composed of signals from GWASs of sleep traits show largely null associations with obesity, suggesting lead variants are unique to sleep. Modest genome-wide genetic correlations are observed between many sleep traits and obesity and are largest for snoring.Notably, U-shaped positive genetic correlations with body mass index (BMI) exist for both short and long sleep durations. Findings from Mendelian randomization suggest robust causal effects of insomnia on higher BMI and, conversely, of higher BMI on snoring and daytime sleepiness. Bidirectional effects between sleep duration and daytime napping with obesity may also exist. Limited gene-sleep interaction studies suggest that achieving favorable sleep, as part of a healthy lifestyle, may attenuate genetic predisposition to obesity, but whether these improvements produce clinically meaningful reductions in obesity risk remains unclear. Investigations of the genetic link between sleep and obesity for sleep disorders other than insomnia and in populations of non-European ancestry are currently limited. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 41 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan S Dashti
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA; .,Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - José M Ordovás
- Nutrition and Genomics Laboratory, JM-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.,Precision Nutrition and Obesity Program, IMDEA Alimentación, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Singh A, de Araujo AM, Krieger JP, Vergara M, Ip CK, de Lartigue G. Demystifying functional role of cocaine- and amphetamine-related transcript (CART) peptide in control of energy homeostasis: A twenty-five year expedition. Peptides 2021; 140:170534. [PMID: 33757831 PMCID: PMC8369463 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-related transcript (CART) is a neuropeptide first discovered in the striatum of the rat brain. Later, the genetic sequence and function of CART peptide (CARTp) was found to be conserved among multiple mammalian species. Over the 25 years, since its discovery, CART mRNA (Cartpt) expression has been reported widely throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems underscoring its role in diverse physiological functions. Here, we review the localization and function of CARTp as it relates to energy homeostasis. We summarize the expression changes of central and peripheral Cartpt in response to metabolic states and make use of available large data sets to gain additional insights into the anatomy of the Cartpt expressing vagal neurons and their expression patterns in the gut. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the role of CARTp as an anorexigenic signal and its effect on energy expenditure and body weight control with insights from both pharmacological and transgenic animal studies. Subsequently, we discuss the role of CARTp in the pathophysiology of obesity and review important new developments towards identifying a candidate receptor for CARTp signalling. Altogether, the field of CARTp research has made rapid and substantial progress recently, and we review the case for considering CARTp as a potential therapeutic target for stemming the obesity epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arashdeep Singh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alan Moreira de Araujo
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Department of Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Macarena Vergara
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chi Kin Ip
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Guillaume de Lartigue
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Samineni VK, Grajales-Reyes JG, Grajales-Reyes GE, Tycksen E, Copits BA, Pedersen C, Ankudey ES, Sackey JN, Sewell SB, Bruchas MR, Gereau RW. Cellular, circuit and transcriptional framework for modulation of itch in the central amygdala. eLife 2021; 10:68130. [PMID: 34032210 PMCID: PMC8172243 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation that elicits robust scratching and aversive experience. However, the identity of the cells and neural circuits that organize this information remains elusive. Here, we show the necessity and sufficiency of chloroquine-activated neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) for both itch sensation and associated aversion. Further, we show that chloroquine-activated CeA neurons play important roles in itch-related comorbidities, including anxiety-like behaviors, but not in some aversive and appetitive behaviors previously ascribed to CeA neurons. RNA-sequencing of chloroquine-activated CeA neurons identified several differentially expressed genes as well as potential key signaling pathways in regulating pruritis. Finally, viral tracing experiments demonstrate that these neurons send projections to the ventral periaqueductal gray that are critical in modulation of itch. These findings reveal a cellular and circuit signature of CeA neurons orchestrating behavioral and affective responses to pruritus in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Samineni
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Jose G Grajales-Reyes
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Neuroscience Program, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Gary E Grajales-Reyes
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Genome Technology Access Center, Washington University School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
| | - Bryan A Copits
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Christian Pedersen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Edem S Ankudey
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Julian N Sackey
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Sienna B Sewell
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Departmentsof Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of MedicineSt.LouisUnited States
| | - Robert W Gereau
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Departmentsof Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of MedicineSt.LouisUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kong MS, Zweifel LS. Central amygdala circuits in valence and salience processing. Behav Brain Res 2021; 410:113355. [PMID: 33989728 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral responses to environmental stimuli are dictated by the affective valence of the stimulus, good (positive valence) or bad (negative valence). These stimuli can innately elicit an affective response that promotes approach or avoidance behavior. In addition to innately valenced stimuli, valence can also be assigned to initially neutral stimuli through associative learning. A stimulus of a given valence can vary in salience depending on the strength of the stimulus, the underlying state of the animal, and the context of the stimulus presentation. Salience endows the stimulus with the ability to direct attention and elicit preparatory responses to mount an incentive-based motivated behavior. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) has emerged as an early integration point for valence and salience detection to engage preparatory autonomic responses and behavioral posturing in response to both aversive and appetitive stimuli. There are numerous cell types in the CeA that are involved in valence and salience processing through a variety of connections, and we will review the recent progress that has been made in identifying these circuit elements and their roles in these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Seon Kong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Petrovich GD. The Function of Paraventricular Thalamic Circuitry in Adaptive Control of Feeding Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:671096. [PMID: 33986649 PMCID: PMC8110711 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.671096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is a complex area that is uniquely embedded across the core feeding, reward, arousal, and stress circuits. The PVT role in the control of feeding behavior is discussed here within a framework of adaptive behavioral guidance based on the body’s energy state and competing drives. The survival of an organism depends on bodily energy resources and promotion of feeding over other behaviors is adaptive except when in danger or sated. The PVT is structurally set up to respond to homeostatic and hedonic needs to feed, and to integrate those signals with physiological and environmental stress, as well as anticipatory needs and other cognitive inputs. It can regulate both food foraging (seeking) and consumption and may balance their expression. The PVT is proposed to accomplish these functions through a network of connections with the brainstem, hypothalamic, striatal, and cortical areas. The connectivity of the PVT further indicates that it could broadcast the information about energy use/gain and behavioral choice to impact cognitive processes—learning, memory, and decision-making—through connections with the medial and lateral prefrontal cortical areas, the hippocampal formation, and the amygdala. The PVT is structurally complex and recent evidence for specific PVT pathways in different aspects of feeding behavior will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gorica D Petrovich
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Piantadosi PT, Halladay LR, Radke AK, Holmes A. Advances in understanding meso-cortico-limbic-striatal systems mediating risky reward seeking. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1547-1571. [PMID: 33704784 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The risk of an aversive consequence occurring as the result of a reward-seeking action can have a profound effect on subsequent behavior. Such aversive events can be described as punishers, as they decrease the probability that the same action will be produced again in the future and increase the exploration of less risky alternatives. Punishment can involve the omission of an expected rewarding event ("negative" punishment) or the addition of an unpleasant event ("positive" punishment). Although many individuals adaptively navigate situations associated with the risk of negative or positive punishment, those suffering from substance use disorders or behavioral addictions tend to be less able to curtail addictive behaviors despite the aversive consequences associated with them. Here, we discuss the psychological processes underpinning reward seeking despite the risk of negative and positive punishment and consider how behavioral assays in animals have been employed to provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying addictive disorders. We then review the critical contributions of dopamine signaling to punishment learning and risky reward seeking, and address the roles of interconnected ventral striatal, cortical, and amygdala regions to these processes. We conclude by discussing the ample opportunities for future study to clarify critical gaps in the literature, particularly as related to delineating neural contributions to distinct phases of the risky decision-making process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Piantadosi
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Anna K Radke
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Mitchell CS, Begg DP. The regulation of food intake by insulin in the central nervous system. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12952. [PMID: 33656205 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Food intake and energy expenditure are regulated by peripheral signals providing feedback on nutrient status and adiposity to the central nervous system. One of these signals is the pancreatic hormone, insulin. Unlike peripheral administration of insulin, which often causes weight gain, central administration of insulin leads to a reduction in food intake and body weight when administered long-term. This is a result of feedback processes in regions of the brain that regulate food intake. Within the hypothalamus, the arcuate nucleus (ARC) contains subpopulations of neurones that produce orexinergic neuropeptides agouti-related peptide (AgRP)/neuropeptide Y (NPY) and anorexigenic neuropeptides, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)/cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). Intracerebroventricular infusion of insulin down-regulates the expression of AgRP/NPY at the same time as up-regulating expression of POMC/CART. Recent evidence suggests that insulin activity within the amygdala may play an important role in regulating energy balance. Insulin infusion into the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) can decrease food intake, possibly by modulating activity of NPY and other neurone subpopulations. Insulin signalling within the CeA can also influence stress-induced obesity. Overall, it is evident that the CeA is a critical target for insulin signalling and the regulation of energy balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Denovan P Begg
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|