1
|
Manuel Sánchez DM, Limón D, Silva Gómez AB. Obese male Zucker rats exhibit dendritic remodeling in neurons of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit as well as spatial memory deficits. Hippocampus 2022; 32:828-838. [PMID: 36177907 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23473] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is characterized by excessive fat accumulation. The Zucker rat displays genetic obesity due to a mutation in the leptin receptor gene; this model is of great interest because of its similarity to human obesity. Brain regions may be affected by obesity, but detailed information is lacking. In the present study, we analyzed the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit as well as the spatial memory of obese Zucker rats. We performed two experiments. Each experiment contained two experimental groups: the control group (male Long Evans rats) and the study group (obese male Zucker rats). We monitored the body weights of all rats over 4 weeks. In the first experiment, we analyzed the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Under anesthesia, we measured the abdominal and hip circumferences and collected at least 1 ml of blood to assess serum glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TGC), and cholesterol (COL) concentrations. We perfused the brains of these rats with 0.9% saline solution, incubated the brains in Golgi-Cox solution, and subsequently evaluated the morphology of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus (the CA1-CA3 regions) and the entorhinal cortex as well as the morphology of granule neurons in the dentate gyrus. In the second experiment, we assessed the spatial memory of animals with the Morris water maze. The Zucker rats had an obese phenotype, as indicated by their elevated body weight and increased abdominal and hip circumferences as well as elevated GLU, COL, and TGC concentrations. Analysis of neurons from the specified regions in obese male Zucker rats indicated reduced dendritic arborization and reduced dendritic spine density. In terms of spatial learning and memory, the obese Zucker rats exhibited intact spatial learning (i.e., of platform location) but deficits in spatial memory. These data provide evidence that obesity alters the morphology and function of hippocampal neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dulce María Manuel Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Daniel Limón
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Adriana Berenice Silva Gómez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Enduring glucocorticoid-evoked exacerbation of synaptic plasticity disruption in male rats modelling early Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:2170-2179. [PMID: 34188184 PMCID: PMC8505492 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction is a likely proximate cause of subtle cognitive impairment in early Alzheimer's disease. Soluble oligomers are the most synaptotoxic forms of amyloid ß-protein (Aß) and mediate synaptic plasticity disruption in Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. Because the presence and extent of cortisol excess in prodromal Alzheimer's disease predicts the onset of cognitive symptoms we hypothesised that corticosteroids would exacerbate the inhibition of hippocampal synaptic long-term potentiation in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. In a longitudinal experimental design using freely behaving pre-plaque McGill-R-Thy1-APP male rats, three injections of corticosterone or the glucocorticoid methylprednisolone profoundly disrupted long-term potentiation induced by strong conditioning stimulation for at least 2 months. The same treatments had a transient or no detectible detrimental effect on synaptic plasticity in wild-type littermates. Moreover, corticosterone-mediated cognitive dysfunction, as assessed in a novel object recognition test, was more persistent in the transgenic animals. Evidence for the involvement of pro-inflammatory mechanisms was provided by the ability of the selective the NOD-leucine rich repeat and pyrin containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibitor Mcc950 to reverse the synaptic plasticity deficit in corticosterone-treated transgenic animals. The marked prolongation of the synaptic plasticity disrupting effects of brief corticosteroid excess substantiates a causal role for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation in early Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
|
3
|
FKBP52 overexpression accelerates hippocampal-dependent memory impairments in a tau transgenic mouse model. NPJ Aging Mech Dis 2021; 7:9. [PMID: 33941782 PMCID: PMC8093247 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-021-00062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau induces pathogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease. Molecular chaperones with peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity are known to regulate these processes. Previously, in vitro studies have shown that the 52 kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP52) interacts with tau inducing its oligomerization and fibril formation to promote toxicity. Thus, we hypothesized that increased expression of FKBP52 in the brains of tau transgenic mice would alter tau phosphorylation and neurofibrillary tangle formation ultimately leading to memory impairments. To test this, tau transgenic (rTg4510) and wild-type mice received bilateral hippocampal injections of virus overexpressing FKBP52 or GFP control. We examined hippocampal-dependent memory, synaptic plasticity, tau phosphorylation status, and neuronal health. This work revealed that rTg4510 mice overexpressing FKBP52 had impaired spatial learning, accompanied by long-term potentiation deficits and hippocampal neuronal loss, which was associated with a modest increase in total caspase 12. Together with previous studies, our findings suggest that FKBP52 may sensitize neurons to tau-mediated dysfunction via activation of a caspase-dependent pathway, contributing to memory and learning impairments.
Collapse
|
4
|
Choi GE, Han HJ. Glucocorticoid impairs mitochondrial quality control in neurons. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105301. [PMID: 33609641 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons are particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction due to high energy demand and an inability to proliferate. Therefore, dysfunctional mitochondria cause various neuropathologies. Mitochondrial damage induces maintenance pathways to repair or eliminate damaged organelles. This mitochondrial quality control (MQC) system maintains appropriate morphology, localization, and removal/replacement of mitochondria to sustain brain homeostasis and counter progression of neurological disorders. Glucocorticoid release is an essential response to stressors for adaptation; however, it often culminates in maladaptation if neurons are exposed to chronic and severe stress. Long-term exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids induces mitochondrial dysfunction via genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. Glucocorticoids induce abnormal mitochondrial morphology and dysregulate fusion and fission. Moreover, mitochondrial trafficking is arrested by glucocorticoids and dysfunctional mitochondria are subsequently accumulated around the soma. These alterations lead to energy deficiency, particularly for synaptic transmission that requires large amounts of energy. Glucocorticoids also impair mitochondrial clearance by preventing mitophagy of damaged organelle and suppress mitochondrial biogenesis, resulting in the reduced number of healthy mitochondria. Failure to maintain MQC degrades brain function and contributes to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. However, mechanisms of glucocorticoid action on the regulation of MQC during chronic stress conditions are not well understood. The present review discusses pathways involved in the impairment of MQC and the clinical significance of high glucocorticoid blood levels for neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gee Euhn Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 Four Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education & Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jae Han
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 Four Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education & Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rubrofusarin Attenuates Chronic Restraint Stress-Induced Depressive Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103454. [PMID: 32414166 PMCID: PMC7278964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103454] [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: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine whether rubrofusarin, an active ingredient of the Cassia species, has an antidepressive effect in chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model. Although acute treatment using rubrofusarin failed, chronic treatment using rubrofusarin ameliorated CRS-induced depressive symptoms. Rubrofusarin treatment significantly reduced the number of Fluoro-Jade B-positive cells and caspase-3 activation within the hippocampus of CRS-treated mice. Moreover, rubrofusarin treatment significantly increased the number of newborn neurons in the hippocampus of CRS-treated mice. CRS induced activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β and regulated development and DNA damage responses, and reductions in the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase pathway activity were also reversed by rubrofusarin treatment. Microglial activation and inflammasome markers, including nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 and adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD, which were induced by CRS, were ameliorated by rubrofusarin. Synaptic plasticity dysfunction within the hippocampus was also rescued by rubrofusarin treatment. Within in vitro experiments, rubrofusarin blocked corticosterone-induced long-term potentiation impairments. These were blocked by LY294002, which is an Akt inhibitor. Finally, we found that the antidepressant effects of rubrofusarin were blocked by an intracerebroventricular injection of LY294002. These results suggest that rubrofusarin ameliorated CRS-induced depressive symptoms through PI3K/Akt signaling.
Collapse
|
6
|
Combined Fluoxetine and Metformin Treatment Potentiates Antidepressant Efficacy Increasing IGF2 Expression in the Dorsal Hippocampus. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:4651031. [PMID: 30804991 PMCID: PMC6360645 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4651031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of studies show that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) exert their therapeutic action, at least in part, by amplifying the influence of the living environment on mood. As a consequence, when administered in a favorable environment, SSRIs lead to a reduction of symptoms, but in stressful conditions, they show limited efficacy. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches able to neutralize the influence of the stressful environment on treatment are needed. The aim of our study was to test whether, in a mouse model of depression, the combined administration of SSRI fluoxetine and metformin, a drug able to improve the metabolic profile, counteracts the limited efficacy of fluoxetine alone when administered in stressful conditions. Indeed, metabolic alterations are associated to both the onset of major depression and the antidepressant efficacy. To this goal, adult C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to stress for 6 weeks; the first two weeks was aimed at generating a mouse model of depression. During the remaining 4 weeks, mice received one of the following treatments: vehicle, fluoxetine, metformin, or a combination of fluoxetine and metformin. We measured liking- and wanting-type anhedonia as behavioral phenotypes of depression and assessed the expression levels of selected genes involved in major depressive disorder and antidepressant response in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, which are differently involved in the depressive symptomatology. The combined treatment was more effective than fluoxetine alone in ameliorating the depressive phenotype after one week of treatment. This was associated to an increase in IGF2 mRNA expression and enhanced long-term potentiation, specifically in the dorsal hippocampus, at the end of treatment. Overall, the present results show that, when administered in stressful conditions, the combined fluoxetine and metformin treatment may represent a more effective approach than fluoxetine alone in a short term. Finally, our findings highlight the relevance of polypharmacological strategy as effective interventions to increase the efficacy of the antidepressant drugs currently available.
Collapse
|
7
|
Generalization of Conditioned Auditory Fear is Regulated by Maternal Effects on Ventral Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1297-1307. [PMID: 29154366 PMCID: PMC5916357 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Maternal care shapes individual differences in fear-associated neural circuitry. In rats, maternal licking and grooming (LG) in early life regulates ventral hippocampal (VH) function and plasticity in adulthood, but its consequent effect on the regulation of fear memories remains unknown. We report an effect of maternal care on generalization of learned fear, such that offspring of high LG mothers express generalized fear responses when confronted with neutral stimuli following auditory fear conditioning. These animals simultaneously display a reduction in the magnitude of VH long-term potentiation (LTP) expressed and reduced input-output transformation in Schaffer collateral synapses. Inhibition of VH-LTP during learning specifically increases fear generalization in offspring of low LG mothers during recall, suggesting a role for VH synaptic plasticity in the specification of fear memories. These findings suggest that rearing by low LG dams enhances the efficacy of fear-related neural systems to support accurate encoding of fear memories through effects on the VH.
Collapse
|
8
|
Miller RM, Marriott D, Trotter J, Hammond T, Lyman D, Call T, Walker B, Christensen N, Haynie D, Badura Z, Homan M, Edwards JG. Running exercise mitigates the negative consequences of chronic stress on dorsal hippocampal long-term potentiation in male mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 149:28-38. [PMID: 29408274 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In the hippocampus, learning and memory are likely mediated by synaptic plasticity, known as long-term potentiation (LTP). While chronic intermittent stress is negatively correlated, and exercise positively correlated to LTP induction, we examined whether exercise could mitigate the negative consequences of stress on LTP when co-occurring with stress. Mice were divided into four groups: sedentary no stress, exercise no stress, exercise with stress, and sedentary with stress. Field electrophysiology performed on brain slices confirmed that stress alone significantly reduced dorsal CA1 hippocampal LTP and exercise alone increased LTP compared to controls. Exercise with stress mice exhibited LTP that was significantly greater than mice undergoing stress alone but were not different from sedentary no stress mice. An ELISA illustrated increased corticosterone in stressed mice compared to no stress mice. In addition, a radial arm maze was used to examine behavioral changes in memory during 6 weeks of stress and/or exercise. Exercised mice groups made fewer errors in week 2. RT-qPCR was used to examine the mRNA expression of components in the stress and exercise pathways in the four groups. Significant changes in the expression of the following targets were detected: BDNF, TrkB, glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and dopamine 5 receptors. Collectively, exercise can mitigate some of the negative impact stress has on hippocampal function when both occur concurrently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne M Miller
- Brigham Young University, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - David Marriott
- Brigham Young University, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Jacob Trotter
- Brigham Young University, Neuroscience Center, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Tyler Hammond
- Brigham Young University, Neuroscience Center, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Dane Lyman
- Brigham Young University, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Timothy Call
- Brigham Young University, Neuroscience Center, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Bethany Walker
- Brigham Young University, Neuroscience Center, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Deson Haynie
- Brigham Young University, Neuroscience Center, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Zoie Badura
- Brigham Young University, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Morgan Homan
- Brigham Young University, Neuroscience Center, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Edwards
- Brigham Young University, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Brigham Young University, Neuroscience Center, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shavit Stein E, Itsekson Hayosh Z, Vlachos A, Maggio N. Stress and Corticosteroids Modulate Muscarinic Long Term Potentiation (mLTP) in the Hippocampus. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:299. [PMID: 29033789 PMCID: PMC5627013 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress influences synaptic plasticity, learning and memory in a steroid hormone receptor dependent manner. Based on these findings it has been proposed that stress could be a major risk factor for the development of cognitive decline and dementia. Interestingly, evidence has been provided that stress also affects muscarinic, i.e., acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated neurotransmission. To learn more about the impact of stress and steroids on synaptic plasticity, in this study, we investigated the effects of stress on muscarinic long term potentiation (mLTP). We report that multiple, unpredictable exposure to stress depresses carbachol (0.5 μM)-induced mLTP, while this effect of stress is not observed in hippocampal slices prepared from mice exposed only to a single stressful procedure. Furthermore, we demonstrate that activation of distinct steroid hormone receptors is involved in stress-mediated alterations of mLTP. Activation of mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) promotes mLTP, while glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity impairs mLTP. These effects of multiple unpredictable stress on mLTP are long-lasting since they are detected even two weeks after the last stressful experience. Thus, multiple unpredictable events rather than a single stressful experience affect mLTP in a steroid hormone receptor dependent manner, suggesting that chronic unpredictable stress can lead to lasting alterations in hippocampal cholinergic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Shavit Stein
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel HashomerRamat Gan, Israel
| | - Ze'Ev Itsekson Hayosh
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel HashomerRamat Gan, Israel
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgFreiburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Maggio
- Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel HashomerRamat Gan, Israel.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv, Israel.,Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel HashomerRamat Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
de Vargas LDS, Gonçalves R, Lara MVS, Costa-Ferro ZSM, Salamoni SD, Domingues MF, Piovesan AR, de Assis DR, Vinade L, Corrado AP, Alves-Do-Prado W, Correia-de-Sá P, da Costa JC, Izquierdo I, Dal Belo CA, Mello-Carpes PB. Methylprednisolone as a memory enhancer in rats: Effects on aversive memory, long-term potentiation and calcium influx. Brain Res 2017; 1670:44-51. [PMID: 28606783 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It is well recognized that stress or glucocorticoids hormones treatment can modulate memory performance in both directions, either impairing or enhancing it. Despite the high number of studies aiming at explaining the effects of glucocorticoids on memory, this has not yet been completely elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that a low daily dose of methylprednisolone (MP, 5mg/kg, i.p.) administered for 10-days favors aversive memory persistence in adult rats, without any effect on the exploring behavior, locomotor activity, anxiety levels and pain perception. Enhanced performance on the inhibitory avoidance task was correlated with long-term potentiation (LTP), a phenomenon that was strengthen in hippocampal slices of rats injected with MP (5mg/kg) during 10days. Additionally, in vitro incubation with MP (30-300µM) concentration-dependently increased intracellular [Ca2+]i in cultured hippocampal neurons depolarized by KCl (35mM). In conclusion, a low daily dose of MP for 10days may promote aversive memory persistence in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rithiele Gonçalves
- Physiology Research Group, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Zaquer S M Costa-Ferro
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, InsCer, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Simone Denise Salamoni
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, InsCer, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Michelle Flores Domingues
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Laneurotox, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, InsCer, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angela Regina Piovesan
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Laneurotox, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, InsCer, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Dênis Reis de Assis
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, InsCer, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucia Vinade
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Toxinology, Lanetox, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Alexandre P Corrado
- Department of Pharmacology, FMRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Wilson Alves-Do-Prado
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringa, PR, Brazil
| | - Paulo Correia-de-Sá
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines (MedInUP), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Jaderson Costa da Costa
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, InsCer, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ivan Izquierdo
- Centre of Memory, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, InsCer, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cháriston A Dal Belo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Toxinology, Lanetox, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bettio LEB, Rajendran L, Gil-Mohapel J. The effects of aging in the hippocampus and cognitive decline. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 79:66-86. [PMID: 28476525 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a natural process that is associated with cognitive decline as well as functional and social impairments. One structure of particular interest when considering aging and cognitive decline is the hippocampus, a brain region known to play an important role in learning and memory consolidation as well as in affective behaviours and mood regulation, and where both functional and structural plasticity (e.g., neurogenesis) occur well into adulthood. Neurobiological alterations seen in the aging hippocampus including increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, altered intracellular signalling and gene expression, as well as reduced neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, are thought to be associated with age-related cognitive decline. Non-invasive strategies such as caloric restriction, physical exercise, and environmental enrichment have been shown to counteract many of the age-induced alterations in hippocampal signalling, structure, and function. Thus, such approaches may have therapeutic value in counteracting the deleterious effects of aging and protecting the brain against age-associated neurodegenerative processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis E B Bettio
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Luckshi Rajendran
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; UBC Island Medical program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shivarama Shetty M, Sajikumar S. 'Tagging' along memories in aging: Synaptic tagging and capture mechanisms in the aged hippocampus. Ageing Res Rev 2017; 35:22-35. [PMID: 28065806 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by a general decline in the physiological functions of the body with the deteriorating organ systems. Brain is no exception to this and deficits in cognitive functions are quite common in advanced aging. Though a variety of age-related alterations are observed in the structure and function throughout the brain, certain regions show selective vulnerability. Medial temporal lobe, especially the hippocampus, is one such preferentially vulnerable region and is a crucial structure involved in the learning and long-term memory functions. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), are candidate cellular correlates of learning and memory and alterations in these properties have been well documented in aging. A related phenomenon called synaptic tagging and capture (STC) has been proposed as a mechanism for cellular memory consolidation and to account for temporal association of memories. Mounting evidences from behavioral settings suggest that STC could be a physiological phenomenon. In this article, we review the recent data concerning STC and provide a framework for how alterations in STC-related mechanisms could contribute to the age-associated memory impairments. The enormity of impairment in learning and memory functions demands an understanding of age-associated memory deficits at the fundamental level given its impact in the everyday tasks, thereby in the quality of life. Such an understanding is also crucial for designing interventions and preventive measures for successful brain aging.
Collapse
|
13
|
Lehner M, Wisłowska-Stanek A, Gryz M, Sobolewska A, Turzyńska D, Chmielewska N, Krząścik P, Skórzewska A, Płaźnik A. The co-expression of GluN2B subunits of the NMDA receptors and glucocorticoid receptors after chronic restraint stress in low and high anxiety rats. Behav Brain Res 2016; 319:124-134. [PMID: 27865917 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the mechanisms underlying behavioural differences between high- (HR) and low- (LR) anxiety rats, selected according to their behaviour in the contextual fear test (i.e., the duration of the freezing response was used as a discriminating variable), after a chronic restraint procedure (21days, 3h daily). We analysed the expression of the GluN2B subunits of the NMDA and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in selected brain structures (immunofluorescence). Following chronic restraint stress in the HR rats, we observed a decrease in the expression of the GRs and GluN2B subunits of the NMDA receptor in the prefrontal cortical areas and the hippocampus compared to the HR-control and the LR-restraint groups. These effects coincided with an increase in passive depressive-like behaviour in the Porsolt test of the HR rats. Moreover, in the hippocampus, the HR-restraint animals demonstrated decreased glutamate levels and a decreased glutamate/glutamine ratio compared to the LR-restraint rats. Furthermore, the HR-restraint group had increased GRs/GluN2B subunits colocalisation in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) compared to the HR-control and the LR-restraint rats. The present results suggest that in HR rats exposed to chronic restraint stress, the hippocampal and cortical glutamatergic system components are changed. These effects could have a negative influence on the feedback mechanisms regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as well as on the behavioural processes expressed as depressive-like symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Lehner
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CEPT, 1B Banacha Streeet, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Gryz
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Sobolewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Turzyńska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Chmielewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Krząścik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CEPT, 1B Banacha Streeet, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skórzewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Płaźnik
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CEPT, 1B Banacha Streeet, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Derks NAV, Krugers HJ, Hoogenraad CC, Joëls M, Sarabdjitsingh RA. Effects of Early Life Stress on Synaptic Plasticity in the Developing Hippocampus of Male and Female Rats. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164551. [PMID: 27723771 PMCID: PMC5056718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early life stress (ELS) increases the risk for developing psychopathology in adulthood. When these effects occur is largely unknown. We here studied at which time during development ELS affects hippocampal synaptic plasticity, from early life to adulthood, in a rodent ELS model. Moreover, we investigated whether the sensitivity of synaptic plasticity to the stress-hormone corticosterone is altered by exposure to ELS. MATERIALS & METHODS Male and female Wistar rats were exposed to maternal deprivation (MD) for 24h on postnatal day (P)3 or left undisturbed with their mother (control). On P8-9, 22-24 and P85-95, plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels, body weight, and thymus and adrenal weights were determined to validate the neuroendocrine effects of MD. Field potentials in the CA1 hippocampus were recorded in vitro before and after high frequency stimulation. Brain slices were incubated for 20 min with 100nM CORT or vehicle 1-4h prior to high frequency stimulation, to mimic high-stress conditions in vitro. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Body weight was decreased by MD only at P4 (p = 0.02). There were minimal effects on P8-9, 22-24 or 85-95 thymus and adrenal weight and basal CORT levels. Glutamate transmission underwent strong developmental changes: half-maximal signal size strongly increased (p<0.0001) while the required half-maximal stimulation intensity concomitantly decreased with age (p = 0.04). Synaptic plasticity developed from long-term depression at P8-9 to increasing levels of long-term potentiation at later ages (p = 0.0001). MD caused a significant increase in long-term potentiation of P22-24 males (p = 0.03) and P85-95 females (p = 0.04). Bayesian modeling strongly supported the age-dependent development, with some evidence for accelerated maturation after MD in males (Bayes factor 1.23). CORT suppressed LTP in adult males; synaptic plasticity at other ages and in females remained unaffected. Thus, MD affects the development of synaptic plasticity in the CA1 hippocampus in a sex-dependent manner, with some support for the notion that maturation is accelerated in MD males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nienke A. V. Derks
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Harm J. Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Casper C. Hoogenraad
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R. Angela Sarabdjitsingh
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
An in vitro reproduction of stress-induced memory defects: Effects of corticoids on dendritic spine dynamics. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19287. [PMID: 26765339 PMCID: PMC4725889 DOI: 10.1038/srep19287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, in organotypic slice culture of rodent hippocampus we found that three repeated inductions of LTP, but not a single induction, led to a slow-developing long-lasting enhancement of synaptic strength coupled with synapse formation. Naming this structural plasticity RISE (repetitive LTP-induced synaptic enhancement) and assuming it to be a potential in vitro reproduction of repetition-dependent memory consolidation, we are analyzing its cellular mechanisms. Here, we applied a glucocorticoid to the culture to mimic acute excess stress and demonstrated its blockade of RISE. Since excess stress interferes with behavioral memory consolidation, the parallelism between RISE in vitro and memory consolidation in vivo is supported. We recently reported that RISE developed after stochastic processes. Here we found that the glucocorticoid interfered with RISE by suppressing the increment of dendritic spine fluctuation that precedes a net increase in spine density. The present study provides clues for understanding the mechanism of stress-induced memory defects.
Collapse
|
16
|
Berry JN, Saunders MA, Sharrett-Field LJ, Reynolds AR, Bardo MT, Pauly JR, Prendergast MA. Corticosterone enhances N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor signaling to promote isolated ventral tegmental area activity in a reconstituted mesolimbic dopamine pathway. Brain Res Bull 2015; 120:159-65. [PMID: 26631585 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2015.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Elevations in circulating corticosteroids during periods of stress may influence activity of the mesolimbic dopamine reward pathway by increasing glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor expression and/or function in a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent manner. The current study employed organotypic co-cultures of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) to examine the effects of corticosterone exposure on NMDA receptor-mediated neuronal viability. Co-cultures were pre-exposed to vehicle or corticosterone (CORT; 1 μM) for 5 days prior to a 24 h co-exposure to NMDA (200 μM). Co-cultures pre-exposed to a non-toxic concentration of corticosterone and subsequently NMDA showed significant neurotoxicity in the VTA only. This was evidenced by increases in propidium iodide uptake as well as decreases in immunoreactivity of the neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN). Co-exposure to the NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-7-phosphonovaleric acid (APV; 50 μM) or the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist mifepristone (10 μM) attenuated neurotoxicity. In contrast, the combination of corticosterone and NMDA did not produce any significant effects on either measure within the NAcc. Cultures of the VTA and NAcc maintained without synaptic contact showed no response to CORT or NMDA. These results demonstrate the ability to functionally reconstitute key regions of the mesolimbic reward pathway ex vivo and to reveal a GR-dependent enhancement of NMDA receptor-dependent signaling in the VTA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Berry
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Building, 741 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States.
| | - Meredith A Saunders
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Building, 741 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States
| | - Lynda J Sharrett-Field
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Building, 741 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States
| | - Anna R Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Building, 741 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States
| | - Michael T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States
| | - James R Pauly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Building, 741 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States
| | - Mark A Prendergast
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Building, 741 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536-0509, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cortisol awakening response predicts intrinsic functional connectivity of the medial prefrontal cortex in the afternoon of the same day. Neuroimage 2015; 122:158-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|
18
|
Chen H, Iinuma M, Onozuka M, Kubo KY. Chewing Maintains Hippocampus-Dependent Cognitive Function. Int J Med Sci 2015; 12:502-9. [PMID: 26078711 PMCID: PMC4466515 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.11911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mastication (chewing) is important not only for food intake, but also for preserving and promoting the general health. Recent studies have showed that mastication helps to maintain cognitive functions in the hippocampus, a central nervous system region vital for spatial memory and learning. The purpose of this paper is to review the recent progress of the association between mastication and the hippocampus-dependent cognitive function. There are multiple neural circuits connecting the masticatory organs and the hippocampus. Both animal and human studies indicated that cognitive functioning is influenced by mastication. Masticatory dysfunction is associated with the hippocampal morphological impairments and the hippocampus-dependent spatial memory deficits, especially in elderly. Mastication is an effective behavior for maintaining the hippocampus-dependent cognitive performance, which deteriorates with aging. Therefore, chewing may represent a useful approach in preserving and promoting the hippocampus-dependent cognitive function in older people. We also discussed several possible mechanisms involved in the interaction between mastication and the hippocampal neurogenesis and the future directions for this unique fascinating research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huayue Chen
- 1. Department of Anatomy Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, 501-1194, Gifu, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Iinuma
- 2. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Division of Oral Structure, Function and Development, Asahi University, School of Dentistry, Mizuho, 501-0296, Gifu, Japan
| | - Minoru Onozuka
- 3. Department of Judo Therapy and Medical Science, Faculty of Medical Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Yokohama 227-0033, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kin-Ya Kubo
- 4. Seijoh University Graduate School of Health Care Studies, Tokai, 476-8588, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Çalışkan G, Schulz SB, Gruber D, Behr J, Heinemann U, Gerevich Z. Corticosterone and corticotropin-releasing factor acutely facilitate gamma oscillations in the hippocampus in vitro. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 41:31-44. [PMID: 25306895 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Revised: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stressful experiences do not only cause peripheral changes in stress hormone levels, but also affect central structures such as the hippocampus, implicated in spatial orientation, stress evaluation, and learning and memory. It has been suggested that formation of memory traces is dependent on hippocampal gamma oscillations observed during alert behaviour and rapid eye movement sleep. Furthermore, during quiescent behaviour, sharp wave-ripple (SW-R) activity emerges. These events provide a temporal window during which reactivation of memory ensembles occur. We hypothesized that stress-responsive modulators, such as corticosterone (CORT), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the neurosteroid 3α, 21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (THDOC) are able to modulate gamma oscillations and SW-Rs. Using in vitro hippocampal slices, we studied acute and subacute (2 h) impact of these agents on gamma oscillations in area cornu ammonis 3 of the ventral hippocampus induced by acetylcholine (10 μm) combined with physostigmine (2 μm). CORT increased the gamma oscillations in a dose-dependent fashion. This effect was mediated by glucocorticoid receptors. Likewise, CRF augmented gamma oscillations via CRF type 1 receptor. Lastly, THDOC was found to diminish cholinergic gamma oscillations in a dose-dependent manner. Neither CORT, CRF nor THDOC modulated gamma power when pre-applied for 1 h, 2 h before the induction of gamma oscillations. Interestingly, stress-related neuromodulators had rather mild effects on spontaneous SW-R compared with their effects on gamma oscillations. These data suggest that the alteration of hippocampal gamma oscillation strength in vitro by stress-related agents is an acute process, permitting fast adaptation to new attention-requiring situations in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gürsel Çalışkan
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dolcos F. The fast and the slow sides of cortisol's effects on emotional interference and sustained attention. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:268. [PMID: 25278824 PMCID: PMC4166312 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Florin Dolcos
- Psychology Department, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Urbana, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sarabdjitsingh RA, Zhou M, Yau JL, Webster SP, Walker BR, Seckl JR, Joëls M, Krugers HJ. Inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 prevents stress effects on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and impairs contextual fear conditioning. Neuropharmacology 2014; 81:231-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
22
|
Cornelisse S, van Ast VA, Joëls M, Kindt M. Delayed effects of cortisol enhance fear memory of trace conditioning. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 40:257-68. [PMID: 24485497 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Corticosteroids induce rapid non-genomic effects followed by slower genomic effects that are thought to modulate cognitive function in opposite and complementary ways. It is presently unknown how these time-dependent effects of cortisol affect fear memory of delay and trace conditioning. This distinction is of special interest because the neural substrates underlying these types of conditioning may be differently affected by time-dependent cortisol effects. Delay conditioning is predominantly amygdala-dependent, while trace conditioning additionally requires the hippocampus. Here, we manipulated the timing of cortisol action during acquisition of delay and trace fear conditioning, by randomly assigning 63 men to one of three possible groups: (1) receiving 10mg hydrocortisone 240 min (slow cort) or (2) 60 min (rapid cort) before delay and trace acquisition, or (3) placebo at both times, in a double-blind design. The next day, we tested memory for trace and delay conditioning. Fear potentiated startle responses, skin conductance responses and unconditioned stimulus expectancy scores were measured throughout the experiment. The fear potentiated startle data show that cortisol intake 240 min before actual fear acquisition (slow cort) uniquely strengthened subsequent trace conditioned memory. No effects of cortisol delivery 60 min prior to fear acquisition were found on any measure of fear memory. Our findings emphasize that slow, presumably genomic, but not more rapid effects of corticosteroids enhance hippocampal-dependent fear memories. On a broader level, our findings underline that basic experimental research and clinically relevant pharmacological treatments employing corticosteroids should acknowledge the timing of corticosteroid administration relative to the learning phase, or therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cornelisse
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Priority Program Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Vanessa A van Ast
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Kapittelweg 29, 6525, EN The Netherlands.
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Priority Program Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Merel Kindt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Priority Program Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dreifus L, Engler H, Kissler J. Retrieval-induced forgetting under psychosocial stress: no reduction by delayed stress and beta-adrenergic blockade. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2014; 110:35-46. [PMID: 24486967 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) is the phenomenon that 'retrieval-practice', the repeated retrieval of a subset of initially learned material, can impair the recall of episodically related memories. Previous studies showed that RIF is eliminated when retrieval-practice is carried out under psycho-social stress, anxiety, or in negative mood. However, pharmacological manipulation by hydrocortisone did not eliminate the effect. This study investigated the effect of beta-adrenergic blockade on stress-induced modulations of RIF, addressing possible interactive effects of the glucocorticoid and sympatho-adrenomedullary systems. Participants learned categorized word lists and then received either 60 mg propranolol or a placebo. After 90 min they were exposed to the TSST. A third group did not receive any medication and performed a non-stressful control task with the same timing as the other two groups. Finally, all participants underwent retrieval-practice and final recall. Both TSST groups exhibited a stress-induced increase in cortisol-levels, and the placebo group also exhibited large increases in markers of sympathetic nervous system activity and more psychological distress at the time of retrieval-practice. Although, overall recall was poorer under stress, an overall RIF effect emerged irrespective of group and showed no clear modulation by stress with or without beta-adrenergic blockade. In previous demonstrations of RIF elimination by negative emotion, state induction and retrieval-practice followed very briefly after initial learning. Given that both the previous study of hydrocortisone effects on RIF and the present study used longer delays between learning and retrieval-practice, the possibility that stress effects on retrieval-practice eliminate RIF only relatively briefly after learning is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dreifus
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Harald Engler
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Johanna Kissler
- Department of Psychology and Physical Education, University of Bielefeld, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hennebelle M, Champeil-Potokar G, Lavialle M, Vancassel S, Denis I. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and chronic stress-induced modulations of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus. Nutr Rev 2014; 72:99-112. [DOI: 10.1111/nure.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Hennebelle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics; University of Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
| | - Gaëlle Champeil-Potokar
- INRA; Unité de Nutrition et Régulation Lipidiques des Fonctions Cérébrales; NuRéLiCe; UR909; Jouy en Josas France
| | - Monique Lavialle
- INRA; Unité de Nutrition et Régulation Lipidiques des Fonctions Cérébrales; NuRéLiCe; UR909; Jouy en Josas France
| | - Sylvie Vancassel
- INRA; Unité de Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée; UMR1286; Bordeaux France
| | - Isabelle Denis
- INRA; Unité de Nutrition et Régulation Lipidiques des Fonctions Cérébrales; NuRéLiCe; UR909; Jouy en Josas France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Time-dependent effects of cortisol on the contextualization of emotional memories. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 74:809-16. [PMID: 23972529 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inability to store fearful memories into their original encoding context is considered to be an important vulnerability factor for the development of anxiety disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder. Altered memory contextualization most likely involves effects of the stress hormone cortisol, acting via receptors located in the memory neurocircuitry. Cortisol via these receptors induces rapid nongenomic effects followed by slower genomic effects, which are thought to modulate cognitive function in opposite, complementary ways. Here, we targeted these time-dependent effects of cortisol during memory encoding and tested subsequent contextualization of emotional and neutral memories. METHODS In a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 64 men were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) received 10 mg hydrocortisone 30 minutes (rapid cortisol effects) before a memory encoding task; 2) received 10 mg hydrocortisone 210 minutes (slow cortisol) before a memory encoding task; or 3) received placebo at both times. During encoding, participants were presented with neutral and emotional words in unique background pictures. Approximately 24 hours later, context dependency of their memories was assessed. RESULTS Recognition data revealed that cortisol's rapid effects impair emotional memory contextualization, while cortisol's slow effects enhance it. Neutral memory contextualization remained unaltered by cortisol, irrespective of the timing of the drug. CONCLUSIONS This study shows distinct time-dependent effects of cortisol on the contextualization of specifically emotional memories. The results suggest that rapid effects of cortisol may lead to impaired emotional memory contextualization, while slow effects of cortisol may confer protection against emotional memory generalization.
Collapse
|
26
|
Kamal A, Ramakers GMJ, Altinbilek B, Kas MJH. Social isolation stress reduces hippocampal long-term potentiation: effect of animal strain and involvement of glucocorticoid receptors. Neuroscience 2013; 256:262-70. [PMID: 24161282 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive patients show cognitive impairments that are strongly associated with cortisol levels and hippocampus functioning that interact via unknown mechanisms. In addition, a relation between depression and hippocampal synaptic plasticity was described. METHODS In the first experiment, strain-dependent effects of 72-h social isolation on long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area of the in vitro hippocampus, was determined. Extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials were recorded and a brief high-frequency stimulation (100 Hz, 1s) was applied and recording resumed after the high frequency stimulation (HFS) for 30 min to determine the effect of HFS. In the second experiment we investigated the effect of 72 h of corticosterone treatment and the involvement of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the effect of 72 h of social isolation on LTP in the CA1 area of hippocampus, in vitro. RESULTS Genetic background has a major effect on the level of hippocampal LTP impairment in mice following social isolation. Data showed that the potentiation levels in socially housed (SH) A/J mice were significantly higher than the SH C57BL/6J mice (224.88 ± 16.65, 131.56 ± 6.25% of the baseline values, t(9)=2.648, p=0.026). However, both strains showed depressed induction of potentiation when reared in an isolated environment for 72 h, and no significant difference was recorded between the two (112.88 ± 16.65%, and 117.91 ± 3.23% of the baseline values, respectively, t(10)=0.618, p=0.551). Social isolation increased corticosterone levels significantly and chronic corticosterone infusion in SH phenocopied the LTP impairments observed in socially isolated mice. Infusion of the GR antagonist RU38486 rescued the LTP-impairments following social isolation. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the notion that increased levels of stress hormone act via the GR on hippocampal functioning and that, in this way, the cognitive deficits in mood disorders may be restored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Kamal
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Arabian Gulf University, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, Manama, Bahrain.
| | - G M J Ramakers
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B Altinbilek
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M J H Kas
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Finsterwald C, Alberini CM. Stress and glucocorticoid receptor-dependent mechanisms in long-term memory: from adaptive responses to psychopathologies. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 112:17-29. [PMID: 24113652 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A proper response against stressors is critical for survival. In mammals, the stress response is primarily mediated by secretion of glucocorticoids via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and release of catecholamines through adrenergic neurotransmission. Activation of these pathways results in a quick physical response to the stress and, in adaptive conditions, mediates long-term changes in the brain that lead to the formation of long-term memories of the experience. These long-term memories are an essential adaptive mechanism that allows an animal to effectively face similar demands again. Indeed, a moderate stress level has a strong positive effect on memory and cognition, as a single arousing or moderately stressful event can be remembered for up to a lifetime. Conversely, exposure to extreme, traumatic, or chronic stress can have the opposite effect and cause memory loss, cognitive impairments, and stress-related psychopathologies such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While more effort has been devoted to the understanding of the negative effects of chronic stress, much less has been done thus far on the identification of the mechanisms engaged in the brain when stress promotes long-term memory formation. Understanding these mechanisms will provide critical information for use in ameliorating memory processes in both normal and pathological conditions. Here, we will review the role of glucocorticoids and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in memory formation and modulation. Furthermore, we will discuss recent findings on the molecular cascade of events underlying the effect of GR activation in adaptive levels of stress that leads to strong, long-lasting memories. Our recent data indicate that the positive effects of GR activation on memory consolidation critically engage the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway. We propose and will discuss the hypothesis that stress promotes the formation of strong long-term memories because the activation of hippocampal GRs after learning is coupled to the recruitment of the growth and pro-survival BDNF/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway, which is well-know to be a general mechanism required for long-term memory formation. We will then speculate about how these results may explain the negative effects of traumatic or chronic stress on memory and cognitive functions.
Collapse
|
28
|
Tamano H, Fukura K, Suzuki M, Sakamoto K, Yokogoshi H, Takeda A. Preventive effect of theanine intake on stress-induced impairments of hippocamapal long-term potentiation and recognition memory. Brain Res Bull 2013; 95:1-6. [PMID: 23458739 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Theanine, γ-glutamylethylamide, is one of the major amino acid components in green tea. On the basis of the preventive effect of theanine intake after birth on mild stress-induced attenuation of hippocamapal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP), the present study evaluated the effect of theanine intake after weaning on stress-induced impairments of LTP and recognition memory. Young rats were fed water containing 0.3% theanine for 3 weeks after weaning and subjected to water immersion stress for 30min, which was more severe than tail suspension stress for 30s used previously. Serum corticosterone levels were lower in theanine-administered rats than in the control rats even after exposure to stress. CA1 LTP induced by a 100-Hz tetanus for 1s was inhibited in the presence of 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV), an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, in hippocampal slices from the control rats and was attenuated by water immersion stress. In contrast, CA1 LTP was not significantly inhibited in the presence of APV in hippocampal slices from theanine-administered rats and was not attenuated by the stress. Furthermore, object recognition memory was impaired in the control rats, but not in theanine-administered rats. The present study indicates the preventive effect of theanine intake after weaning on stress-induced impairments of hippocampal LTP and recognition memory. It is likely that the modification of corticosterone secretion after theanine intake is involved in the preventive effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Tamano
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Global COE, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ma L, Wang S, Tai F, Yuan G, Wu R, Liu X, Wei B, Yang X. Effects of bilobalide on anxiety, spatial learning, memory and levels of hippocampal glucocorticoid receptors in male Kunming mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 20:89-96. [PMID: 23083816 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/15/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
With various constituents in ginkgo biloba extract, the detailed internal mechanism underlying a reduction in anxiety and improvements to learning and memory from GBE is not well understood. The present study investigated whether bilobalide, an important constituent in GBE, could affect anxiety, spatial learning and memory in male mice and whether hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor expression is associated with alteration in these behaviors. Mice were treated orally either with sesame seed oil or one of three dosages of bilobalide (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg) daily until testing. A series of behavioral tests showed that repeated bilobalide treatment decreased levels of anxiety-like behavior and increased locomotor activity in open field and elevated plus maze tests. Treatment with bilobalide also shortened the time taken to find the platform in a Morris water-maze test. Mice exposed to bilobalide showed higher and dose-dependent levels of glucocorticoid receptor expression in the hippocampus. These results suggest that bilobalide reduces anxiety levels and enhances spatial learning and memory, possibly through an increase in hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor expression. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the effect of ginkgo biloba extract on behavior and also provides an important candidate drug in treatment of anxiety, depression, hypomnesia and amnesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leige Ma
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Henckens MJAG, Pu Z, Hermans EJ, van Wingen GA, Joëls M, Fernández G. Dynamically changing effects of corticosteroids on human hippocampal and prefrontal processing. Hum Brain Mapp 2012; 33:2885-97. [PMID: 21938758 PMCID: PMC6869954 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.21409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress has a powerful impact on memory. Corticosteroids, released in response to stress, are thought to mediate, at least in part, these effects by affecting neuronal plasticity in brain regions involved in memory formation, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Animal studies have delineated aspects of the underlying physiological mechanisms, revealing rapid, nongenomic effects facilitating synaptic plasticity, followed several hours later by a gene-mediated suppression of this plasticity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that corticosteroids would also rapidly upregulate and slowly downregulate brain regions critical for episodic memory formation in humans. To target rapid and slow effects of corticosteroids on neural processing associated with memory formation, we investigated 18 young, healthy men who received 20 mg hydrocortisone either 30 or 180 min before a memory encoding task in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, counter-balanced, crossover design. We used functional MRI to measure neural responses during these memory encoding sessions, which were separated by a month. Results revealed that corticosteroids' slow effects reduced both prefrontal and hippocampal responses, while no significant rapid actions of corticosteroids were observed. Thereby, this study provides initial evidence for dynamically changing corticosteroid effects on brain regions involved in memory formation in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marloes J A G Henckens
- Department of Memory and Emotion, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Jafari M, Seese RR, Babayan AH, Gall CM, Lauterborn JC. Glucocorticoid receptors are localized to dendritic spines and influence local actin signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 46:304-15. [PMID: 22717988 PMCID: PMC3973133 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8288-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids affect learning and memory but the cellular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. The present studies tested if the stress-responsive glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is present and regulated within dendritic spines, and influences local signaling to the actin cytoskeleton. In hippocampal field CA1, 13 % of synapses contained GR-immunoreactivity. Three-dimensional reconstructions of CA1 dendrites showed that GR aggregates are present in both spine heads and necks. Consonant with evidence that GRα mRNA associates with the translation regulator Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), spine GR levels were rapidly increased by group 1 mGluR activation and reduced in mice lacking FMRP. Treatment of cultured hippocampal slices with the GR agonist dexamethasone rapidly (15-30 min) increased total levels of phosphorylated (p) Cofilin and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, proteins that regulate actin polymerization and stability. Dexamethasone treatment of adult hippocampal slices also increased numbers of PSD95+ spines containing pERK1/2, but reduced numbers of pCofilin-immunoreactive spines. Dexamethasone-induced increases in synaptic pERK1/2 were blocked by the GR antagonist RU-486. These results demonstrate that GRs are present in hippocampal spines where they mediate acute glucocorticoid effects on local spine signaling. Through effects on these actin regulatory pathways, GRs are positioned to exert acute effects on synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matiar Jafari
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, 3226 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-1275, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Henckens MJAG, van Wingen GA, Joëls M, Fernández G. Time-dependent effects of cortisol on selective attention and emotional interference: a functional MRI study. Front Integr Neurosci 2012; 6:66. [PMID: 22973203 PMCID: PMC3428804 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2012.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute stress is known to induce a state of hypervigilance, allowing optimal detection of threats. Although one may benefit from sensitive sensory processing, it comes at the cost of unselective attention and increased distraction by irrelevant information. Corticosteroids, released in response to stress, have been shown to profoundly influence brain function in a time-dependent manner, causing rapid non-genomic and slow genomic effects. Here, we investigated how these time-dependent effects influence the neural mechanisms underlying selective attention and the inhibition of emotional distracters in humans. Implementing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 65 young healthy men received 10 mg hydrocortisone either 60 min (rapid effects) or 270 min (slow effects), or placebo prior to an emotional distraction task, consisting of color-naming of either neutral or aversive words. Overall, participants responded slower to aversive compared to neutral words, indicating emotional interference with selective attention. Importantly, the rapid effects of corticosteroids increased emotional interference, which was associated with reduced amygdala inhibition to aversive words. Moreover, they induced enhanced amygdala connectivity with frontoparietal brain regions, which may reflect increased influence of the amygdala on an executive network. The slow effects of corticosteroids acted on the neural correlates of sustained attention. They decreased overall activity in the cuneus, possibly indicating reduced bottom-up attentional processing, and disrupted amygdala connectivity to the insula, potentially reducing emotional interference. Altogether, these data suggest a time-specific corticosteroid modulation of attentive processing. Whereas high circulating corticosteroid levels acutely increase emotional interference, possibly facilitating the detection of threats, a history of elevation might promote sustained attention and thereby contribute to stress-recovery of cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marloes J. A. G. Henckens
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Guido A. van Wingen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Guillén Fernández
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical CentreNijmegen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Takeda A. Zinc signaling in the hippocampus and its relation to pathogenesis of depression. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2012; 26:80-4. [PMID: 22560194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2012.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Histochemically reactive zinc (Zn(2+)) is co-released with glutamate from zincergic neurons, a subclass of glutamatergic neurons. Zn(2+) serves as a signal factor in both the extracellular and intracellular compartments. Glucocorticoid-glutamatergic interactions have been proposed as a potential model to explain stress-mediated impairment of hippocampal function, i.e., cognition. However, it is unknown whether glucocorticoid-zincergic interactions are involved in this impairment. In the present study, involvement of synaptic Zn(2+) in stress-induced attenuation of CA1 LTP was examined in hippocampal slices from young rats after exposure to tail suspension stress for 30s, which significantly increased serum corticosterone. Stress-induced attenuation of CA1 LTP was ameliorated by administration of clioquinol, a membrane permeable zinc chelator, to rats prior to exposure to stress, implying that the reduction of synaptic Zn(2+) by clioquinol participates in this amelioration. To pursue the involvement of corticosterone-mediated Zn(2+) signal in the attenuated CA1 LTP by stress, dynamics of synaptic Zn(2+) was checked in hippocampal slices exposed to corticosterone. Corticosterone increased extracellular Zn(2+) levels measured with ZnAF-2 dose-dependently, as well as the intracellular Ca(2+) levels measured with calcium orange AM, suggesting that corticosterone excites zincergic neurons in the hippocampus and increases Zn(2+) release from the neuron terminals. Intracellular Zn(2+) levels measured with ZnAF-2DA were also increased dose-dependently, but not in the coexistence of CaEDTA, a membrane-impermeable zinc chelator, suggesting that intracellular Zn(2+) levels is increased by the influx of extracellular Zn(2+). Furthermore, corticosterone-induced attenuation of CA1 LTP was abolished in the coexistence of CaEDTA. The present study suggests that corticosterone-mediated increase in postsynaptic Zn(2+) signal in the cytosolic compartment is involved in the attenuation of CA1 LTP after exposure to acute stress. We propose that corticosterone-mediated increase in postsynaptic Zn(2+) signal, which is induced by acute stress, changes hippocampal function and then is possibly a risk factor under chronic stress circumstances to induce depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takeda
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Global COE-21, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang Y, Sheng H, Qi J, Ma B, Sun J, Li S, Ni X. Glucocorticoid acts on a putative G protein-coupled receptor to rapidly regulate the activity of NMDA receptors in hippocampal neurons. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2012; 302:E747-58. [PMID: 22146309 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00302.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been demonstrated to act through both genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. The present study demonstrated that corticosterone rapidly suppressed the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in cultured hippocampal neurons. The effect was maintained with corticosterone conjugated to bovine serum albumin and blocked by inhibition of G protein activity with intracellular GDP-β-S application. Corticosterone increased GTP-bound G(s) protein and cyclic AMP (cAMP) production, activated phospholipase Cβ(3) (PLC-β(3)), and induced inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (IP(3)) production. Blocking PLC and the downstream cascades with PLC inhibitor, IP(3) receptor antagonist, Ca(2+) chelator, and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors prevented the actions of corticosterone. Blocking adenylate cyclase (AC) and protein kinase A (PKA) caused a decrease in NMDA-evoked currents. Application of corticosterone partly reversed the inhibition of NMDA currents caused by blockage of AC and PKA. Intracerebroventricular administration of corticosterone significantly suppressed long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus within 30 min in vivo, implicating the possibly physiological significance of rapid effects of GC on NMDA receptors. Taken together, our results indicate that GCs act on a putative G protein-coupled receptor to activate multiple signaling pathways in hippocampal neurons, and the rapid suppression of NMDA activity by GCs is dependent on PLC and downstream signaling.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/cytology
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/drug effects
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Cyclic AMP/metabolism
- Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials
- Female
- Glucocorticoids/pharmacology
- Hippocampus/cytology
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors/metabolism
- Long-Term Potentiation/drug effects
- Male
- Neurons/drug effects
- Neurons/metabolism
- Patch-Clamp Techniques
- Pregnancy
- Radioimmunoassay
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/drug effects
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/drug effects
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Synapses/drug effects
- Synapses/physiology
- Type C Phospholipases/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tse YC, Bagot RC, Wong TP. Dynamic regulation of NMDAR function in the adult brain by the stress hormone corticosterone. Front Cell Neurosci 2012; 6:9. [PMID: 22408607 PMCID: PMC3294281 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2012.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and corticosteroids dynamically modulate the expression of synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic synapses in the developed brain. Together with alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPAR), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) are critical mediators of synaptic function and are essential for the induction of many forms of synaptic plasticity. Regulation of NMDAR function by cortisol/corticosterone (CORT) may be fundamental to the effects of stress on synaptic plasticity. Recent reports of the efficacy of NMDAR antagonists in treating certain stress-associated psychopathologies further highlight the importance of understanding the regulation of NMDAR function by CORT. Knowledge of how corticosteroids regulate NMDAR function within the adult brain is relatively sparse, perhaps due to a common belief that NMDAR function is stable in the adult brain. We review recent results from our laboratory and others demonstrating dynamic regulation of NMDAR function by CORT in the adult brain. In addition, we consider the issue of how differences in the early life environment may program differential sensitivity to modulation of NMDAR function by CORT and how this may influence synaptic function during stress. Findings from these studies demonstrate that NMDAR function in the adult hippocampus remains sensitive to even brief exposures to CORT and that the capacity for modulation of NMDAR may be programmed, in part, by the early life environment. Modulation of NMDAR function may contribute to dynamic regulation of synaptic plasticity and adaptation in the face of stress, however, enhanced NMDAR function may be implicated in mechanisms of stress-related psychopathologies including depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiu Chung Tse
- Neuroscience Division, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Involvement of glucocorticoid-mediated Zn2+ signaling in attenuation of hippocampal CA1 LTP by acute stress. Neurochem Int 2012; 60:394-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2012.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
37
|
van Hasselt FN, Boudewijns ZSRM, van der Knaap NJF, Krugers HJ, Joëls M. Maternal care received by individual pups correlates with adult CA1 dendritic morphology and synaptic plasticity in a sex-dependent manner. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:331-40. [PMID: 21981114 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Maternal care is an important environmental factor for rats early in life. Adult offspring from dams exhibiting extremely high versus low maternal care differ remarkably in dendritic complexity and long-term synaptic potentiation in the CA1 area. However, >70% of the pups do not belong to these extreme categories of maternal care, questioning the general relevance of these observations. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the influence of maternal care is discernable over its entire range and can serve as an index predicting later CA1 structure and function. The amount of licking and grooming (%LG) received was determined for each pup during the first postnatal week. In males, both total apical branch length and dendritic complexity correlated significantly and positively with %LG. In females, we observed a nonsignificant negative correlation, also when controlled for variations in oestradiol and progesterone levels. The correlation in females was significantly different from that in males. No significant correlation was observed between the %LG and the amount of synaptic potentiation, either in male or in female offspring, regardless of whether slices had been treated with corticosterone or vehicle. However, in male rats, the degree of potentiation seen after corticosterone compared to vehicle treatment was almost significantly related to the %LG received early in life; this differed significantly from that observed in females. The data from the present study suggest that %LG received early in life results in mild, yet sex-dependent effects on adult CA1 structure and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F N van Hasselt
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neurosciences, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Henckens MJAG, van Wingen GA, Joëls M, Fernández G. Corticosteroid induced decoupling of the amygdala in men. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 22:2336-45. [PMID: 22079927 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhr313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The amygdala is a key regulator of vigilance and heightens attention toward threat. Its activity is boosted upon threat exposure and contributes to a neuroendocrine stress response via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Corticosteroids are known to control brain activity as well as HPA activity by providing negative feedback to the brain. However, it is unknown how corticosteroids affect the neural circuitry connected to the amygdala. Implementing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, we here investigated the effects of 10-mg hydrocortisone on amygdala-centered functional connectivity patterns in men using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results showed generally decreased functional connectivity of the amygdala by corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone reduced "positive" functional coupling of the amygdala to brain regions involved in the initiation and maintenance of the stress response; the locus coeruleus, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. Furthermore, hydrocortisone reduced "negative" functional coupling of the amygdala to the middle frontal and temporal gyrus; brain regions known to be involved in executive control. A control analysis did not show significant corticosteroid modulation of visual cortex coupling, indicating that the amygdala decoupling was not reflecting a general reduction of network connectivity. These results suggest that corticosteroids may reduce amygdala's impact on brain processing in the aftermath of stress in men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marloes J A G Henckens
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Krugers HJ, Zhou M, Joëls M, Kindt M. Regulation of excitatory synapses and fearful memories by stress hormones. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:62. [PMID: 22013419 PMCID: PMC3190121 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Memories for emotionally arousing and fearful events are generally well retained. From the evolutionary point of view this is a highly adaptive behavioral response aimed to remember relevant information. However, fearful memories can also be inappropriately and vividly (re)expressed, such as in posttraumatic stress disorder. The memory formation of emotionally arousing events is largely modulated by hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters which are released during and after exposure to these conditions. One of the core reactions in response to a stressful situation is the rapid activation of the autonomic nervous system, which results in the release of norepinephrine in the brain. In addition, stressful events stimulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis which slowly increases the release of glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal glands. Here we will review how glucocorticoids and norepinephrine regulate the formation of fearful memories in rodents and humans and how these hormones can facilitate the storage of information by regulating excitatory synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harm J. Krugers
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ming Zhou
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marian Joëls
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Merel Kindt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Takeda A, Tamano H, Suzuki M, Sakamoto K, Oku N, Yokogoshi H. Unique Induction of CA1 LTP Components After Intake of Theanine, an Amino Acid in Tea Leaves and its Effect on Stress Response. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2011; 32:41-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-011-9732-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
41
|
Henckens MJAG, van Wingen GA, Joëls M, Fernández G. Time-dependent corticosteroid modulation of prefrontal working memory processing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:5801-6. [PMID: 21436038 PMCID: PMC3078384 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1019128108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticosteroids are potent modulators of human higher cognitive function. They are released in response to stress, and are thought to be involved in the modulation of cognitive function by inducing distinct rapid nongenomic, and slow genomic changes, affecting neural plasticity throughout the brain. However, their exact effects on the neural correlates of higher-order cognitive function as performed by the prefrontal cortex at the human brain system level remain to be elucidated. Here, we targeted these time-dependent effects of corticosteroids on prefrontal cortex processing in humans using a working memory (WM) paradigm during functional MRI scanning. Implementing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 72 young, healthy men received 10 mg hydrocortisone either 30 min (rapid corticosteroid effects) or 240 min (slow corticosteroid effects), or placebo before a numerical n-back task with differential load (0- to 3-back). Corticosteroids' slow effects appeared to improve working memory performance and increased neuronal activity during WM performance in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex depending on WM load, whereas no effects of corticosteroids' rapid actions were observed. Thereby, the slow actions of corticosteroids seem to facilitate adequate higher-order cognitive functioning, which may support recovery in the aftermath of stress exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marloes J A G Henckens
- Department of Cognitive Neurology and Memory, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sandi C. Glucocorticoids act on glutamatergic pathways to affect memory processes. Trends Neurosci 2011; 34:165-76. [PMID: 21377221 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids can acutely affect memory processes, with both facilitating and impairing effects having been described. Recent work has revealed that glucocorticoids may affect learning and memory processes by interacting with glutamatergic mechanisms. In this opinion article I describe different glutamatergic pathways that glucocorticoids can affect to modulate memory processes. Furthermore, glucocorticoid-glutamatergic interactions during information processing are proposed as a potential model to explain many of the diverse actions of glucocorticoids on cognition. The model suggests that direct modulation of glutamatergic pathways by glucocorticoids could serve as an important mechanism for these hormones to directly alter cognitive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Acute stress is associated with a sensitized amygdala. Corticosteroids, released in response to stress, are suggested to restore homeostasis by normalizing/desensitizing brain processing in the aftermath of stress. Here, we investigated the effects of corticosteroids on amygdala processing using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Since corticosteroids exert rapid nongenomic and slow genomic effects, we administered hydrocortisone either 75 min (rapid effects) or 285 min (slow effects) before scanning in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Seventy-two healthy males were scanned while viewing faces morphing from a neutral facial expression into fearful or happy expressions. Imaging results revealed that hydrocortisone desensitizes amygdala responsivity rapidly, while it selectively normalizes responses to negative stimuli slowly. Psychophysiological interaction analyses suggested that this slow normalization is related to an altered coupling of the amygdala with the medial prefrontal cortex. These results reveal a temporarily fine-tuned mechanism that is critical for avoiding amygdala overshoot during stress and enabling adequate recovery thereafter.
Collapse
|
44
|
Stress hormones and AMPA receptor trafficking in synaptic plasticity and memory. Nat Rev Neurosci 2010; 11:675-81. [PMID: 20820185 DOI: 10.1038/nrn2913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The acquisition and consolidation of memories of stressful events is modulated by glucocorticoids, a type of corticosteroid hormone that is released in high levels from the adrenal glands after exposure to a stressful event. These effects occur through activation of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). The molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects of glucocorticoids on synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory have recently begun to be identified. Glucocorticoids regulate AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate) receptor trafficking--which is crucially involved in synaptic transmission and plasticity--both rapidly and persistently. Stress hormones may, through modulation of AMPA receptor function, promote the consolidation of behaviourally relevant information.
Collapse
|
45
|
Occlusal disharmony suppresses long-term potentiation in the rat hippocampal CA1 region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY & OCCLUSION MEDICINE 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s12548-010-0047-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
46
|
Motanis H, Maroun M. Exposure to a novel context following contextual fear conditioning enhances the induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation. Eur J Neurosci 2010; 32:840-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
47
|
Szakács R, Fazekas I, Mihály A, Krisztin-Péva B, Juhász A, Janka Z. Single-dose and chronic corticosterone treatment alters c-Fos or FosB immunoreactivity in the rat cerebral cortex. Acta Histochem 2010; 112:147-60. [PMID: 19100597 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2008.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2008] [Revised: 10/08/2008] [Accepted: 10/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of single-dose and chronic corticosterone treatment on the inducible transcription factor c-Fos and FosB, and thereby to estimate the effects of high-doses of corticosterone on calcium-dependent neuronal responses in the rat cerebral cortex. At the same time we investigated the distribution of interneurons containing calretinin (CR), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in chronically treated animals in order to collect data on the involvement of inhibitory neurons in this process. Adult male rats were injected subcutaneously with 10mg corticosterone, whereas controls received the vehicle (sesame oil). The animals were fixed by transcardial perfusion 12 and 24h following single corticosterone injection, and the brains were processed for c-Fos and FosB immunohistochemistry. To investigate the effects of repeated corticosterone administration, rats were daily treated with the same amount of corticosterone (10mg/animal, subcutaneously) for 21 days. Controls were injected with vehicle. At the end of the experiment, the rats were perfused and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the presence of the FosB protein, CR, VIP and NPY. Quantitative evaluation of immunolabelled cells was performed in the neocortex and the hippocampus. The number of immunoreactive nuclei per unit area was used as a quantitative measure of the effects of corticosterone. It was found that a single-dose administration of corticosterone resulted in a significant, time-dependent increase of c-Fos protein immunoreactivity in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, as well as in regions CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus 12 and 24h post-injection with respect to control animals. Significant enhancement of c-Fos immunoreactivity was also observed in the neocortex at 12 and 24h post-injection. Single-dose treatment did not significantly alter FosB immunolabelling. Repeated administration of corticosterone produced a complex pattern of changes in FosB immunolabelling: significant increase in FosB immunoreactivity was detected in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, with no significant changes in the CA1 and CA3 layers of the hippocampus and in the neocortex. However, a significant decrease of FosB induction in the neocortex was observed in chronically treated rats in comparison to single-dose injected animals (12h before immunohistochemistry). Analysis of immunohistochemical detection of interneuronal markers revealed a significant reduction of the CR immunolabelling in the CA3 area of the hippocampus. No changes in VIP or NPY immunoreactivity were found in the Ammon's horn 3 weeks following daily corticosterone treatment. NPY immunoreactivity was significantly attenuated in the neocortex. The present data suggest that single-dose corticosterone treatment increases immunoreactivity of c-Fos protein in a time-dependent manner, 12 and 24h post-injection in the rat hippocampus and the neocortex, whereas chronic corticosterone treatment influences FosB immunoreactivity, primarily in the dentate gyrus. Chronic corticosterone administration seems to affect CR levels in the CA3 area of the hippocampus.
Collapse
|
48
|
Riedemann T, Patchev AV, Cho K, Almeida OFX. Corticosteroids: way upstream. Mol Brain 2010; 3:2. [PMID: 20180948 PMCID: PMC2841592 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-3-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Accepted: 01/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies into the mechanisms of corticosteroid action continue to be a rich bed of research, spanning the fields of neuroscience and endocrinology through to immunology and metabolism. However, the vast literature generated, in particular with respect to corticosteroid actions in the brain, tends to be contentious, with some aspects suffering from loose definitions, poorly-defined models, and appropriate dissection kits. Here, rather than presenting a comprehensive review of the subject, we aim to present a critique of key concepts that have emerged over the years so as to stimulate new thoughts in the field by identifying apparent shortcomings. This article will draw on experience and knowledge derived from studies of the neural actions of other steroid hormones, in particular estrogens, not only because there are many parallels but also because 'learning from differences' can be a fruitful approach. The core purpose of this review is to consider the mechanisms through which corticosteroids might act rapidly to alter neural signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Therese Riedemann
- Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelin Str. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alexandre V Patchev
- Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelin Str. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Kwangwook Cho
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Osborne FX Almeida
- Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelin Str. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Grzegorzewska M, Maćkowiak M, Wedzony K, Hess G. 5-HT1A receptors mediate detrimental effects of cocaine on long-term potentiation and expression of polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule protein in rat dentate gyrus. Neuroscience 2009; 166:122-31. [PMID: 20006974 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2009] [Revised: 11/19/2009] [Accepted: 12/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the involvement of 5-HT(1A) receptors in the inhibitory effect of single administration of cocaine (COC, 15 mg/kg i.p.) on the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in slices of rat dentate gyrus (DG), prepared 30 min and 2 days after COC administration. These effects of COC were blocked by an antagonist of 5-HT(1A) receptors, WAY 100635 (0.4 mg/kg i.p.), which had been administered 20 min before COC. The detrimental effect of COC on LTP in slices prepared 30 min after COC administration could be prevented by blocking glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) using mifepristone (RU 38486, 10 mg/kg s.c. given 1 h before COC), similar as in slices obtained 2 days after COC as reported previously [Maćkowiak et al. (2008) Eur J Neurosci 27:2928-2937]. After a single administration of an agonist of 5-HT(1A) receptors, 8-OH-DPAT, (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), the level of LTP in slices prepared 2 days later was significantly decreased resembling the effect of COC. This effect of 8-OH-DPAT was antagonized by WAY 100635 (0.4 mg/kg i.p.), administered 20 min before 8-OH-DPAT and by RU 38486, given 1 h before 8-OH-DPAT. COC-induced inhibition of LTP could be blocked by the inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), SL 327 (50 mg/kg i.p.), administered 1 h before COC, but not by the inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), LY 294002 (80 mg/kg i.p.). COC-induced reduction in the number of polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM)-positive neurons in rat dentate gyrus could also be prevented by WAY 100635, given 20 min before COC. These data indicate that the indirect 5-HT(1A) receptor activation by a single COC administration and subsequent stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK 1/2) signaling pathway result in a decrease of the potential for long-term increase in synaptic efficacy in rat DG lasting at least two but less than 7 days, most likely via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Grzegorzewska
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Maternal care determines rapid effects of stress mediators on synaptic plasticity in adult rat hippocampal dentate gyrus. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2009; 92:292-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2009.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2009] [Revised: 02/26/2009] [Accepted: 03/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|