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Bortolato M, Braccagni G, Pederson CA, Floris G, Fite PJ. "Weeding out" violence? Translational perspectives on the neuropsychobiological links between cannabis and aggression. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2024; 78:101948. [PMID: 38828012 PMCID: PMC11141739 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2024.101948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent shifts in societal attitudes towards cannabis have led to a dramatic increase in consumption rates in many Western countries, particularly among young people. This trend has shed light on a significant link between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and pathological reactive aggression, a condition involving disproportionate aggressive and violent reactions to minor provocations. The discourse on the connection between cannabis use and aggression is frequently enmeshed in political and legal discussions, leading to a polarized understanding of the causative relationship between cannabis use and aggression. However, integrative analyses from both human and animal research indicate a complex, bidirectional interplay between cannabis misuse and pathological aggression. On the one hand, emerging research reveals a shared genetic and environmental predisposition for both cannabis use and aggression, suggesting a common underlying biological mechanism. On the other hand, there is evidence that cannabis consumption can lead to violent behaviors while also being used as a self-medication strategy to mitigate the negative emotions associated with pathological reactive aggression. This suggests that the coexistence of pathological aggression and CUD may result from overlapping vulnerabilities, potentially creating a self-perpetuating cycle where each condition exacerbates the other, escalating into externalizing and violent behaviors. This article aims to synthesize existing research on the intricate connections between these issues and propose a theoretical model to explain the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning this complex relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Giulia Braccagni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Casey A. Pederson
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paula J. Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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Anderson CJ, Cadeddu R, Anderson DN, Huxford JA, VanLuik ER, Odeh K, Pittenger C, Pulst SM, Bortolato M. A novel naïve Bayes approach to identifying grooming behaviors in the force-plate actometric platform. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 403:110026. [PMID: 38029972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110026] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-grooming behavior in rodents serves as a valuable behavioral index for investigating stereotyped and perseverative responses. Most current grooming analyses rely on video observation, which lacks standardization, efficiency, and quantitative information about force. To address these limitations, we developed an automated paradigm to analyze grooming using a force-plate actometer. NEW METHOD Grooming behavior is quantified by calculating ratios of relevant movement power spectral bands. These ratios are input into a naïve Bayes classifier, trained with manual video observations. The effectiveness of this method was tested using CIN-d mice, an animal model developed through early-life depletion of striatal cholinergic interneurons (CIN-d) and featuring prolonged grooming responses to acute stressors. Behavioral monitoring was simultaneously conducted on the force-place actometer and by video recording. RESULTS The naïve Bayes approach achieved 93.7% accurate classification and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.894. We confirmed that male CIN-d mice displayed significantly longer grooming durations than controls. However, this elevation was not correlated with increases in grooming force. Notably, the dopaminergic antagonist haloperidol reduced grooming force and duration. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS In contrast to observation-based approaches, our method affords rapid, unbiased, and automated assessment of grooming duration, frequency, and force. CONCLUSIONS Our novel approach enables fast and accurate automated detection of grooming behaviors. This method holds promise for high-throughput assessments of grooming stereotypies in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin J Anderson
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Roberto Cadeddu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Daria Nesterovich Anderson
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Job A Huxford
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Easton R VanLuik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Karen Odeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christopher Pittenger
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Brain and Mind Health, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Kim JH, Kim HK, Son YD, Kim JH. In Vivo Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor Availability and Its Relationship with Aggression Traits in Healthy Individuals: A Positron Emission Tomography Study with C-11 MDL100907. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15697. [PMID: 37958691 PMCID: PMC10647245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115697] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic neurotransmission has been associated with aggression in several psychiatric disorders. Human aggression is a continuum of traits, ranging from normal to pathological phenomena. However, the individual differences in serotonergic neurotransmission and their relationships with aggression traits in healthy individuals remain unclear. In this study, we explored the relationship between 5-HT2A receptor availability in vivo and aggression traits in healthy participants. Thirty-three healthy participants underwent 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]MDL100907, a selective radioligand for 5-HT2A receptors. To quantify 5-HT2A receptor availability, the binding potential (BPND) was derived using the basis function implementation of the simplified reference tissue model, with the cerebellum as the reference region. The participants' aggression levels were assessed using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. The voxel-based correlation analysis with age and sex as covariates revealed that the total aggression score was significantly positively correlated with [11C]MDL100907 BPND in the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG) pole, left fusiform gyrus (FUSI), right parahippocampal gyrus, and right hippocampus. The physical aggression subscale score had significant positive correlations with [11C]MDL100907 BPND in the left olfactory cortex, left orbital superior frontal gyrus (SFG), right anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri, left orbitomedial SFG, left gyrus rectus, left MTG, left inferior temporal gyrus, and left angular gyrus. The verbal aggression subscale score showed significant positive correlations with [11C]MDL100907 BPND in the bilateral SFG, right medial SFG, left FUSI, and right MTG pole. Overall, our findings suggest the possibility of positive correlations between aggression traits and in vivo 5-HT2A receptor availability in healthy individuals. Future research should incorporate multimodal neuroimaging to investigate the downstream effects of 5-HT2A receptor-mediated signaling and integrate molecular and systems-level information in relation to aggression traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hee Kim
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of IT Convergence, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Hang-Keun Kim
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of IT Convergence, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Don Son
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of IT Convergence, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hoon Kim
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University College of Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
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Anderson CJ, Cadeddu R, Anderson DN, Huxford JA, VanLuik ER, Odeh K, Pittenger C, Pulst SM, Bortolato M. A novel naïve Bayes approach to identifying grooming behaviors in the force-plate actometric platform. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.08.548198. [PMID: 37503098 PMCID: PMC10369919 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.08.548198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Self-grooming behavior in rodents serves as a valuable model for investigating stereotyped and perseverative responses. Most current grooming analyses primarily rely on video observation, which lacks standardization, efficiency, and quantitative information about force. To address these limitations, we developed an automated paradigm to analyze grooming using a force-plate actometer. New Method Grooming behavior is quantified by calculating ratios of relevant movement power spectral bands. These ratios are then input into a naïve Bayes classifier, trained with manual video observations. To validate the effectiveness of this method, we applied it to the behavioral analysis of the early-life striatal cholinergic interneuron depletion (CIN-d) mouse, a model of tic pathophysiology recently developed in our laboratory, which exhibits prolonged grooming responses to acute stressors. Behavioral monitoring was simultaneously conducted on the force-place actometer and by video recording. Results The naïve Bayes approach achieved 93.7% accurate classification and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.894. We confirmed that male CIN-d mice displayed significantly longer grooming durations compared to controls. However, this elevation was not correlated with increases in grooming force. Notably, haloperidol, a benchmark therapy for tic disorders, reduced both grooming force and duration. Comparison with Existing Methods In contrast to observation-based approaches, our method affords rapid, unbiased, and automated assessment of grooming duration, frequency, and force. Conclusions Our novel approach enables fast and accurate automated detection of grooming behaviors. This method holds promise for high-throughput assessments of grooming stereotypies in animal models of tic disorders and other psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin J Anderson
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Roberto Cadeddu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Daria Nesterovich Anderson
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Job A Huxford
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Easton R VanLuik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Karen Odeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christopher Pittenger
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Brain and Mind Health, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Serra V, Aroni S, Bortolato M, Frau R, Melis M. Endocannabinoid-dependent decrease of GABAergic transmission on dopaminergic neurons is associated with susceptibility to cocaine stimulant effects in pre-adolescent male MAOA hypomorphic mice exposed to early life stress. Neuropharmacology 2023; 233:109548. [PMID: 37080337 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109548] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Vulnerability to cocaine use disorder depends upon a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. While early life adversity is a critical environmental vulnerability factor for drug misuse, allelic variants of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene have been shown to moderate its influence on the risk of drug-related problems. However, data on the interactions between MAOA variants and early life stress (ES) with respect to predisposition to cocaine abuse are limited. Here, we show that a mouse model capturing the interaction of genetic (low-activity alleles of the Maoa gene; MAOANeo) and environmental (i.e., ES) vulnerability factors displays an increased sensitivity to repeated in vivo cocaine psychomotor stimulant actions associated with a reduction of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition of dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), a 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG)-dependent form of short-term plasticity, also becomes readily expressed by dopamine neurons from male MAOANeo ES mice repeatedly treated with cocaine. The activation of either dopamine D2 or CB1 receptors contributes to cocaine-induced DSI expression, decreased GABA synaptic efficacy, and hyperlocomotion. Next, in vivo pharmacological enhancement of 2AG signaling during repeated cocaine exposure occludes its actions both in vivo and ex vivo. This data extends our knowledge of the multifaceted sequelae imposed by this gene-environment interaction in VTA dopamine neurons of male pre-adolescent mice and contributes to our understanding of neural mechanisms of vulnerability for early onset cocaine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Sonia Aroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 84112, USA
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy.
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Braccagni G, Scheggi S, Bortolato M. Elevated levels of serotonin 5-HT 2A receptors in the orbitofrontal cortex of antisocial individuals. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:411-425. [PMID: 36094569 PMCID: PMC10831872 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Antisocial behavior (ASB) is characterized by frequent violations of the rights and properties of others, as well as aggressive conduct. While ample evidence points to a critical role of serotonin in the emotional modulation of social responses, the implication of this neurotransmitter in ASB is unclear. Here, we performed the first-ever postmortem analysis of serotonergic markers in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of male subjects with ASB (n = 9). We focused on this brain region, given its well-recognized role in social response and ASB pathophysiology. Given that all individuals also had a substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis, two age-matched control groups were used: SUD only and unaffected controls. Tissues were processed for immunoblotting analyses on eight key serotonergic targets: tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), the rate-limiting enzyme of brain serotonin synthesis; serotonin transporter (SERT), the primary carrier for serotonin uptake; monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), the primary enzyme for serotonin catabolism; and five serotonin receptors previously shown to influence social behavior: 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT4. Our analyses documented a significant increase in 5-HT2A receptor levels in the ASB + SUD group compared to SUD-only controls. Furthermore, TPH2 levels were significantly reduced in the SUD group (including SUD only and ASB + SUD) compared to unaffected controls. No difference was detected in the expression of any other serotonergic target. These results are in keeping with previous evidence showing high 5-HT2A receptor binding in the OFC of pathologically aggressive individuals and point to this molecule as a potential target for ASB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Braccagni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, L.S. Skaggs Hall, Room 3916, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Scheggi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, L.S. Skaggs Hall, Room 3916, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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Popova NK, Tsybko AS, Naumenko VS. The Implication of 5-HT Receptor Family Members in Aggression, Depression and Suicide: Similarity and Difference. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158814. [PMID: 35955946 PMCID: PMC9369404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Being different multifactorial forms of psychopathology, aggression, depression and suicidal behavior, which is considered to be violent aggression directed against the self, have principal neurobiological links: preclinical and clinical evidence associates depression, aggression and suicidal behavior with dysregulation in central serotonergic (5-HT) neurotransmission. The implication of different types of 5-HT receptors in the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of aggression, depression and suicidality has been well recognized. In this review, we consider and compare the orchestra of 5-HT receptors involved in these severe psychopathologies. Specifically, it concentrates on the role of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 receptors in the mechanisms underlying the predisposition to aggression, depression and suicidal behavior. The review provides converging lines of evidence that: (1) depression-related 5-HT receptors include those receptors with pro-depressive properties (5-HT2A, 5-HT3 and 5-HT7) as well as those providing an antidepressant effect (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2C subtypes). (2) Aggression-related 5-HT receptors are identical to depression-related 5-HT receptors with the exception of 5-HT7 receptors. Activation of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C receptors attenuate aggressiveness, whereas agonists of 5-HT3 intensify aggressive behavior.
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Takahashi A. The role of social isolation stress in escalated aggression in rodent models. Neurosci Res 2022:S0168-0102(22)00212-7. [PMID: 35917930 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anti-social behavior and violence are major public health concerns. Globally, violence contributes to more than 1.6 million deaths each year. Previous studies have reported that social rejection or neglect exacerbates aggression. In rodent models, social isolation stress is used to demonstrate the adverse effects of social deprivation on physiological, endocrinological, immunological, and behavioral parameters, including aggressive behavior. This review summarizes recent rodent studies on the effect of social isolation stress during different developmental periods on aggressive behavior and the underlying neural mechanisms. Social isolation during adulthood affects the levels of neurosteroids and neuropeptides and increases aggressive behavior. These changes are ethologically relevant for the adaptation to changes in local environmental conditions in the natural habitats. Chronic deprivation of social interaction after weaning, especially during the juvenile to adolescent periods, leads to the disruption of the development of appropriate social behavior and the maladaptive escalation of aggressive behavior. The understanding of neurobiological mechanisms underlying social isolation-induced escalated aggression will aid in the development of therapeutic interventions for escalated aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Nedic Erjavec G, Tudor L, Nikolac Perkovic M, Podobnik J, Dodig Curkovic K, Curkovic M, Svob Strac D, Cusek M, Bortolato M, Pivac N. Serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor polymorphisms are associated with irritability and aggression in conduct disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110542. [PMID: 35257831 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In childhood and adolescence, overt antisocial and aggressive manifestations are typically diagnosed as conduct disorder (CD). Given that the emerging research has pointed to the influence of 5-HT2A receptors in the ontogeny of aggression, we aimed to analyze the association of its genetic polymorphisms with CD. The study included 228 male adolescent subjects (120 with and 108 without CD). CD was diagnosed according to Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV criteria, while evaluations of aggressive/dissociative behaviors were performed using psychometric questionnaires including the PCL-YV, OAS-M, KADS, and CBCL. Platelet 5-HT concentration was determined by spectrophotofluorometry. Genotyping of 5-HT2A receptor polymorphisms rs2070040, rs9534511, rs4142900, rs9534512 was performed using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Subjective irritability, physical aggression toward others, and antisocial behavior were strongly associated with the G allele of rs2070040 and rs4142900, and the C allele of rs9534511 and rs9534512. A significantly increased platelet 5-HT concentration in CD subjects, compared to controls, was lost after the correction according to the smoking status. Our results indicate an association of the studied HTR2A polymorphisms and their haplotypes with irritability and impulsivity traits, which may contribute to the aggressive and antisocial behavior in male adolescents with CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Tudor
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Nikolac Perkovic
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Podobnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Youth Zagreb, Kukuljeviceva 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Katarina Dodig Curkovic
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mario Curkovic
- Family Medicine, Park Kralja Petra Krešimira IV. 6, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, 30 South 2000 East, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Nela Pivac
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Chirico A, Pizzolante M, Kitson A, Gianotti E, Riecke BE, Gaggioli A. Defining Transformative Experiences: A Conceptual Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:790300. [PMID: 35814064 PMCID: PMC9263695 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.790300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of transformative experience (TE) has been widely explored by several disciplines from philosophy to neurobiology, and in different domains, from the spiritual to the educational one. This attitude has engendered heterogeneous models to explain this phenomenon. However, a consistent and clear understanding of this construct remains elusive. The aim of this work is to provide an initial comprehensive interdisciplinary, cross-domain, up-to-date, and integrated overview on the concept of TEs. Firstly, all the models and theories on TEs were reviewed to extract and analyze TEs’ main components emerging from different disciplines. Then, this preliminary analysis was integrated with an in-depth examination of redundancies and particularities across domains and disciplines, to provide an integrated theoretical framework of TEs and a preliminary interdisciplinary operational definition of TEs. This examination, in turn, can help organize current research and theories, thus providing suggestions for operationalizing TEs as well as encouraging new interdisciplinary research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Chirico
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alice Chirico,
| | - Marta Pizzolante
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Alexandra Kitson
- School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT), Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
| | - Elena Gianotti
- Department of Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernhard E. Riecke
- School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT), Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
| | - Andrea Gaggioli
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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11
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Zarcone TJ. Neuroscience and Actometry: an example of the benefits of the precise measurement of behavior. Brain Res Bull 2022; 185:86-90. [PMID: 35472566 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assess the impact the force-plate actometer, invented by Stephen C. Fowler, has had on behavioral neuroscience so far and what may be possible for future progress. METHODS The web service Scopus was queried on April 28, 2021 for articles that cited the Journal of Neuroscience Methods paper titled "A force-plate actometer for quantitating rodent behaviors: illustrative data on locomotion, rotation, spatial patterning, stereotypies, and tremor" resulting in 134 articles. Articles were coded by the author for type (e.g., research, review, book chapter), phenomenon (e.g., stress, addiction), intervention (e.g., pharmacological), and measure (e.g., distance traveled, tremor). CONCLUSIONS Of the 134 citations, 116 were research articles, 10 were review articles, 7 were book chapters and one was an advertisement. The force-plate actometer has been used to study a variety of phenomena and its measurement capabilities were expanded. While primarily used for rats and mice, other species have been used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy J Zarcone
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 301 North Stonestreet Ave, Bethesda, MD 20892.
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12
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Svirin E, Veniaminova E, Costa-Nunes JP, Gorlova A, Umriukhin A, Kalueff AV, Proshin A, Anthony DC, Nedorubov A, Tse ACK, Walitza S, Lim LW, Lesch KP, Strekalova T. Predation Stress Causes Excessive Aggression in Female Mice with Partial Genetic Inactivation of Tryptophan Hydroxylase-2: Evidence for Altered Myelination-Related Processes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061036. [PMID: 35326487 PMCID: PMC8947002 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between brain serotonin (5-HT) deficiency and environmental adversity may predispose females to excessive aggression. Specifically, complete inactivation of the gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (Tph2) results in the absence of neuronal 5-HT synthesis and excessive aggressiveness in both male and female null mutant (Tph2−/−) mice. In heterozygous male mice (Tph2+/−), there is a moderate reduction in brain 5-HT levels, and when they are exposed to stress, they exhibit increased aggression. Here, we exposed female Tph2+/− mice to a five-day rat predation stress paradigm and assessed their emotionality and social interaction/aggression-like behaviors. Tph2+/− females exhibited excessive aggression and increased dominant behavior. Stressed mutants displayed altered gene expression of the 5-HT receptors Htr1a and Htr2a, glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK-3β), and c-fos as well as myelination-related transcripts in the prefrontal cortex: myelin basic protein (Mbp), proteolipid protein 1 (Plp1), myelin-associated glycoprotein (Mag), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (Mog). The expression of the plasticity markers synaptophysin (Syp) and cAMP response element binding protein (Creb), but not AMPA receptor subunit A2 (GluA2), were affected by genotype. Moreover, in a separate experiment, naïve female Tph2+/− mice showed signs of enhanced stress resilience in the modified swim test with repeated swimming sessions. Taken together, the combination of a moderate reduction in brain 5-HT with environmental challenges results in behavioral changes in female mice that resemble the aggression-related behavior and resilience seen in stressed male mutants; additionally, the combination is comparable to the phenotype of null mutants lacking neuronal 5-HT. Changes in myelination-associated processes are suspected to underpin the molecular mechanisms leading to aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniy Svirin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (K.-P.L.)
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Veniaminova
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (J.P.C.-N.); (A.G.); (A.U.); (D.C.A.)
| | - João Pedro Costa-Nunes
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (J.P.C.-N.); (A.G.); (A.U.); (D.C.A.)
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, New University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anna Gorlova
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (J.P.C.-N.); (A.G.); (A.U.); (D.C.A.)
| | - Aleksei Umriukhin
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (J.P.C.-N.); (A.G.); (A.U.); (D.C.A.)
| | - Allan V. Kalueff
- Neuroscience Program, Sirius University, 354340 Sochi, Russia;
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, School of Biological and Medical Physics, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Ural Federal University, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Andrey Proshin
- P.K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Daniel C. Anthony
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (J.P.C.-N.); (A.G.); (A.U.); (D.C.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Andrey Nedorubov
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anna Chung Kwan Tse
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Correspondence: or (L.W.L.); (T.S.); Tel.: +852-3917-6830 (L.W.L.); +31-43-38-84-108 (T.S.)
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (K.-P.L.)
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (J.P.C.-N.); (A.G.); (A.U.); (D.C.A.)
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (K.-P.L.)
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (J.P.C.-N.); (A.G.); (A.U.); (D.C.A.)
- Correspondence: or (L.W.L.); (T.S.); Tel.: +852-3917-6830 (L.W.L.); +31-43-38-84-108 (T.S.)
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Frau R, Pardu A, Godar S, Bini V, Bortolato M. Combined Antagonism of 5-HT2 and NMDA Receptors Reduces the Aggression of Monoamine Oxidase a Knockout Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020213. [PMID: 35215325 PMCID: PMC8875523 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) catalyzes the degradation of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin. A large body of evidence has shown that genetic MAOA deficiency predisposes humans and mice to aggression and antisocial behavior. We previously documented that the aggression of male MAOA-deficient mice is contributed by serotonin 5-HT2 and glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Indeed, blocking either receptor reduces the aggression of MAOA knockout (KO) mice; however, 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, such as ketanserin (KET), reduce locomotor activity, while NMDA receptor blockers are typically associated with psychotomimetic properties. To verify whether NMDA receptor blockers induce psychotomimetic effects in MAOA KO mice, here we tested the effects of these compounds on prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex. We found that male MAOA KO mice are hypersensitive to the PPI-disrupting properties of NMDA receptor antagonists, including the non-competitive antagonist dizocilpine (DIZ; 0.1, 0.3 mg/kg, IP) and the NR2B subunit-specific blocker Ro-256981 (5, 10 mg/kg, IP). Since KET has been previously shown to counter the PPI deficits caused by NMDA receptor antagonists, we tested the behavioral effects of the combination of KET (2 mg/kg, IP) and these drugs. Our results show that the combination of KET and DIZ potently reduces aggression in MAOA KO mice without any PPI deficits and sedative effects. While the PPI-ameliorative properties of KET were also observed after infusion in the medial PFC (0.05 μg/side), KET did not counter the PPI-disruptive effects of Ro-256981 in MAOA KO mice. Taken together, these results point to the combination of non-subunit-selective NMDA and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists as a potential therapeutic approach for aggression and antisocial behavior with a better safety and tolerability profile than each monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (A.P.); (V.B.)
- Guy Everett Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Alessandra Pardu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (A.P.); (V.B.)
| | - Sean Godar
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Valentina Bini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (A.P.); (V.B.)
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (M.B.)
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14
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Floris G, Scheggi S, Pes R, Bortolato M. The steroidogenic inhibitor finasteride reverses pramipexole-induced alterations in probability discounting. Brain Res Bull 2022; 181:157-166. [PMID: 35122898 PMCID: PMC9012661 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pramipexole is a potent agonist of D3 and D2 dopamine receptors, currently approved for clinical use in Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless leg syndrome. Several studies have shown that pramipexole significantly increases the risk of pathological gambling and impulse-control disorders. While these iatrogenic complications can impose a severe social and financial burden, their treatment poses serious clinical challenges. Our group previously reported that the steroidogenic inhibitor finasteride reduced pathological gambling severity in PD patients who developed this complication following pramipexole treatment. To study the mechanisms underlying these effects, here we tested the impact of finasteride in a rat model of pramipexole-induced alterations of probability discounting. We previously showed that, in rats exposed to low doses of the monoamine-depleting agent reserpine (1mg/kg/day, SC), pramipexole (0.3mg/kg/day, SC) increased the propensity to engage in disadvantageous choices. This effect was paralleled by a marked D3 receptor upregulation in the nucleus accumbens. First, we tested how finasteride (25-50mg/kg, IP) intrinsically affects probability discounting. While the highest dose of finasteride produced a marked lack of interest in lever pressing (manifested as a significant increase in omissions), the 25mg/kg (IP) dose did not intrinsically modify probability discounting. However, this finasteride regimen significantly reduced the adverse effects of reserpine and pramipexole in probability discounting by diminishing rats' propensity to engage in highly disadvantageous probabilistic choices. The same regimen also reversed the upregulation of D3 receptors in the nucleus accumbens induced by reserpine and pramipexole. These findings confirm that finasteride opposes the impulsivity caused by pramipexole and suggest that this effect may be underpinned by a normalizing effect on D3 receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Floris
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (UT), USA.
| | - Simona Scheggi
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (UT), USA; Dept. of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Siena, ITALY
| | - Romina Pes
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence (KS), USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (UT), USA; Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence (KS), USA.
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15
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Takahashi A. Social Stress and Aggression in Murine Models. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 54:181-208. [PMID: 34432257 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Throughout life, animals engage in a variety of social interactions ranging from the affiliative mother-offspring interaction and juvenile play to aggressive conflict. Deprivation of the appropriate social interaction during early development is stressful and disrupts the development of appropriate social behaviors and emotional responses later in life. Additionally, agonistic encounters can induce stress responses in both dominant and subordinate individuals. This review focuses on the social stress that escalates aggressive behavior of animals and discusses the known neurobiological and physiological mechanisms underlying the link between social stress and aggression. Social instigation, a brief exposure to a rival without physical contact, induces aggressive arousal in dominant animals and escalates aggressive behaviors in the following agonistic encounter. Furthermore, the experience of winning an aggressive encounter is known to be as rewarding as addictive drugs, and the experience of repeatedly winning induces addiction-like behavioral and neurobiological changes and leads to abnormal aggressive behaviors. Social isolation stress in early development from neonatal to juvenile and adolescent periods also affects aggressive behavior, but these effects largely depend on the strain, sex, and species as well as the stage of development in which isolation stress is experienced. In conclusion, understanding neurobiological mechanisms underlying the link between social stress and aggression will provide an important insight for the development of more effective and tolerable treatments for maladaptive aggression in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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16
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Abstract
This paper introduces a new construct, the 'pivotal mental state', which is defined as a hyper-plastic state aiding rapid and deep learning that can mediate psychological transformation. We believe this new construct bears relevance to a broad range of psychological and psychiatric phenomena. We argue that pivotal mental states serve an important evolutionary function, that is, to aid psychological transformation when actual or perceived environmental pressures demand this. We cite evidence that chronic stress and neurotic traits are primers for a pivotal mental state, whereas acute stress can be a trigger. Inspired by research with serotonin 2A receptor agonist psychedelics, we highlight how activity at this particular receptor can robustly and reliably induce pivotal mental states, but we argue that the capacity for pivotal mental states is an inherent property of the human brain itself. Moreover, we hypothesize that serotonergic psychedelics hijack a system that has evolved to mediate rapid and deep learning when its need is sensed. We cite a breadth of evidences linking stress via a variety of inducers, with an upregulated serotonin 2A receptor system (e.g. upregulated availability of and/or binding to the receptor) and acute stress with 5-HT release, which we argue can activate this primed system to induce a pivotal mental state. The pivotal mental state model is multi-level, linking a specific molecular gateway (increased serotonin 2A receptor signaling) with the inception of a hyper-plastic brain and mind state, enhanced rate of associative learning and the potential mediation of a psychological transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Brouwer
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Kolla NJ, Bortolato M. The role of monoamine oxidase A in the neurobiology of aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior: A tale of mice and men. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 194:101875. [PMID: 32574581 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, research has revealed that genetic factors shape the propensity for aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior. The best-documented gene implicated in aggression is MAOA (Monoamine oxidase A), which encodes the key enzyme for the degradation of serotonin and catecholamines. Congenital MAOA deficiency, as well as low-activity MAOA variants, has been associated with a higher risk for antisocial behavior (ASB) and violence, particularly in males with a history of child maltreatment. Indeed, the interplay between low MAOA genetic variants and early-life adversity is the best-documented gene × environment (G × E) interaction in the pathophysiology of aggression and ASB. Additional evidence indicates that low MAOA activity in the brain is strongly associated with a higher propensity for aggression; furthermore, MAOA inhibition may be one of the primary mechanisms whereby prenatal smoke exposure increases the risk of ASB. Complementary to these lines of evidence, mouse models of Maoa deficiency and G × E interactions exhibit striking similarities with clinical phenotypes, proving to be valuable tools to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying antisocial and aggressive behavior. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the knowledge on the involvement of MAOA in aggression, as defined by preclinical and clinical evidence. In particular, we show how the convergence of human and animal research is proving helpful to our understanding of how MAOA influences antisocial and violent behavior and how it may assist in the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies for aggressive manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Kolla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada; Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada; Translational Initiative on Antisocial Personality Disorder (TrIAD); Program of Research on Violence Etiology, Neurobiology, and Treatment (PReVENT).
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Translational Initiative on Antisocial Personality Disorder (TrIAD); Program of Research on Violence Etiology, Neurobiology, and Treatment (PReVENT).
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18
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Guerrero TP, Fickel J, Benhaiem S, Weyrich A. Epigenomics and gene regulation in mammalian social systems. Curr Zool 2020; 66:307-319. [PMID: 32440291 PMCID: PMC7233906 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Social epigenomics is a new field of research that studies how the social environment shapes the epigenome and how in turn the epigenome modulates behavior. We focus on describing known gene–environment interactions (GEIs) and epigenetic mechanisms in different mammalian social systems. To illustrate how epigenetic mechanisms integrate GEIs, we highlight examples where epigenetic mechanisms are associated with social behaviors and with their maintenance through neuroendocrine, locomotor, and metabolic responses. We discuss future research trajectories and open questions for the emerging field of social epigenomics in nonmodel and naturally occurring social systems. Finally, we outline the technological advances that aid the study of epigenetic mechanisms in the establishment of GEIs and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania P Guerrero
- Department Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, D-10315, Germany.,Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, Freiburg, D-79085, Germany
| | - Jörns Fickel
- Department Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, D-10315, Germany.,Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
| | - Sarah Benhaiem
- Department Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, D-10315, Germany
| | - Alexandra Weyrich
- Department Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, D-10315, Germany
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19
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Fite PJ, Brown S, Hossain WA, Manzardo A, Butler MG, Bortolato M. Sex-Dimorphic Interactions of MAOA Genotype and Child Maltreatment Predispose College Students to Polysubstance Use. Front Genet 2020; 10:1314. [PMID: 32010186 PMCID: PMC6978277 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polysubstance use (PSU) is highly prevalent among college students. Recent evidence indicates that PSU is based on gene x environment (G×E) interactions, yet the specific biosocial factors underlying this problem remain elusive. We recently reported that lifetime use of tobacco and cannabis in college students is influenced by the interaction of the X-linked MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) gene and child maltreatment. Building on these premises, here we evaluated whether the same G×E interaction may also predict PSU in this population. Students of a large Midwestern university (n = 470; 50.9% females) took part in a computer survey for substance use, as well as childhood trauma exposure, using the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). DNA was extracted from their saliva samples and genotyped for MAOA variable-number of tandem repeat (VNTR) variants. Findings indicated that the highest number of substances were used by male students harboring low-activity MAOA alleles with a history of childhood emotional abuse. In contrast, female homozygous high-activity MAOA carriers with a history of emotional and physical abuse reported consumption of the greatest number of substances. Our results indicate that PSU among college students is influenced by the interaction of MAOA and child maltreatment in a sex-specific fashion. Further studies are warranted to understand the mechanisms of sex differences in the biosocial interplays underlying PSU in this at-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula J. Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Shaquanna Brown
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Waheeda A. Hossain
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Ann Manzardo
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Merlin G. Butler
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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20
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Trezza V, Manzoni OJ. The neuropharmacology of social behavior: From bench to bedside. Neuropharmacology 2019; 159:107784. [PMID: 31541649 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Olivier J Manzoni
- Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, INMED, Marseille, France; Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Indiana University, USA.
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21
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Dysfunctional mesocortical dopamine circuit at pre-adolescence is associated to aggressive behavior in MAO-A hypomorphic mice exposed to early life stress. Neuropharmacology 2019; 159:107517. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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