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Zhou J, Wu JW, Song BL, Jiang Y, Niu QH, Li LF, Liu YJ. 5-HT1A receptors within the intermediate lateral septum modulate stress vulnerability in male mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110966. [PMID: 38354893 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders. However, certain individuals may be at higher risk due to greater stress susceptibility. Elucidating the neurobiology of stress resilience and susceptibility may facilitate the development of novel strategies to prevent and treat stress-related disorders such as depression. Mounting evidence suggests that the serotonin (5-HT) system is a major regulator of stress sensitivity. In this study, we assessed the functions of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors within the lateral septum (LS) in regulating stress vulnerability. Among a group of male mice exposed to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), 47.2% were classified as stress-susceptible, and these mice employed more passive coping strategies during the defeat and exhibited more severe anxiety- and depression-like behaviors during the following behavioral tests. These stress-susceptible mice also exhibited elevated neuronal activity in the LS as evidenced by greater c-Fos expression, greater activity of 5-HT neurons in both the dorsal and median raphe nucleus, and downregulated expression of the 5-HT1A receptor in the intermediate LS (LSi). Finally, we found the stress-induced social withdrawal symptoms could be rapidly relieved by LSi administration of 8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist. These results indicate that 5-HT1A receptors within the LSi play an important role in stress vulnerability in mice. Therefore, modulation of stress vulnerable via 5-HT1A receptor activation in the LSi is a potential strategy to treat stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Jiao-Wen Wu
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Bai-Lin Song
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Niu
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China..
| | - Lai-Fu Li
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China..
| | - Ying-Juan Liu
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China..
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Jiang Y, Zhou J, Song BL, Wang Y, Zhang DL, Zhang ZT, Li LF, Liu YJ. 5-HT1A receptor in the central amygdala and 5-HT2A receptor in the basolateral amygdala are involved in social hierarchy in male mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:176027. [PMID: 37659688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Most social animals self-organize into dominance hierarchies that strongly influence their behavior and health. The serotonin (5-HT) system is believed to play an important role in the formation of social hierarchy. 5-HT receptors are abundantly expressed in the amygdala, which is considered as the central node for the perception and learning of social hierarchy. In this study, we assessed the functions of various 5-HT receptor subtypes related to social rank determination in different subregions of the amygdala using the confrontation tube test in mice. We revealed that most adult C57BL/6 J male mice exhibited a linear social rank after a few days of cohousing. The tube test ranks were slightly related to anxiety-like behavioral performance. After the tube test, the amygdala and 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus were activated in lower-rank individuals. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that despite the high expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in the central amygdala (CeA), 5-HT2A receptor mRNA expression was downregulated in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in higher-rank individuals. The dominant-subordinate relationship between mouse pairs could be switched via pharmacological modulation of these receptors in CeA and BLA, suggesting that these expression changes are essential for establishing social ranks. Our findings provide novel insights into the divergent functions of 5-HT receptors in the amygdala related to social hierarchy, which is closely related to our health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jiang
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Bai-Lin Song
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Dong-Lin Zhang
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Zheng-Tian Zhang
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Lai-Fu Li
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China.
| | - Ying-Juan Liu
- Research Center of Henan Provincial Agricultural Biomass Resource Engineering and Technology, College of Life Science and Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China.
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Ng AJ, Vincelette LK, Li J, Brady BH, Christianson JP. Serotonin modulates social responses to stressed conspecifics via insular 5-HT 2C receptors in rat. Neuropharmacology 2023; 236:109598. [PMID: 37230216 PMCID: PMC10330840 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Behaviors associated with distress can affect the anxiety-like states in observers and this social transfer of affect shapes social interactions among stressed individuals. We hypothesized that social reactions to stressed individuals engage the serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) which promotes anxiety-like behavior via postsynaptic action of serotonin at serotonin 2C (5-HT2C) receptors in the forebrain. First, we inhibited the DRN by administering an agonist (8-OH-DPAT, 1 μg in 0.5 μL) for the inhibitory 5-HT1A autoreceptors which silences 5-HT neuronal activity. 8-OH-DPAT prevented the approach and avoidance, respectively, of stressed juvenile (PN30) or stressed adult (PN60) conspecifics in the social affective preference (SAP) test in rats. Similarly, systemic administration of a 5-HT2C receptor antagonist (SB242084, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented approach and avoidance of stressed juvenile or adult conspecifics, respectively. Seeking a locus of 5-HT2C action, we considered the posterior insular cortex which is critical for social affective behaviors and rich with 5-HT2C receptors. SB242084 administered directly into the insular cortex (5 μM in 0.5 μL bilaterally) interfered with the typical approach and avoidance behaviors observed in the SAP test. Finally, using fluorescent in situ hybridization, we found that 5-HT2C receptor mRNA (htr2c) is primarily colocalized with mRNA associated with excitatory glutamatergic neurons (vglut1) in the posterior insula. Importantly, the results of these treatments were the same in male and female rats. These data suggest that interactions with stressed others require the serotonergic DRN and that serotonin modulates social affective decision-making via action at insular 5-HT2C receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Ng
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
| | - Lindsay K Vincelette
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Jiayi Li
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Bridget H Brady
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - John P Christianson
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
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Esaki H, Sasaki Y, Nishitani N, Kamada H, Mukai S, Ohshima Y, Nakada S, Ni X, Deyama S, Kaneda K. Role of 5-HT 1A receptors in the basolateral amygdala on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced prosocial effects in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 946:175653. [PMID: 36907260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175653] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a recreational drug, induces euphoric sensations and psychosocial effects, such as increased sociability and empathy. Serotonin, also called 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter that has been associated with MDMA-induced prosocial effects. However, the detailed neural mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated whether 5-HT neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the basolateral nucleus of amygdala (BLA) is involved in MDMA-induced prosocial effects using the social approach test in male ICR mice. Systemic administration of (S)-citalopram, a selective 5-HT transporter inhibitor, before administration of MDMA failed to suppress MDMA-induced prosocial effects. On the other hand, systemic administration of the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635, but not 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, or 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, significantly suppressed MDMA-induced prosocial effects. Furthermore, local administration of WAY100635 into the BLA but not into the mPFC suppressed MDMA-induced prosocial effects. Consistent with this finding, intra-BLA MDMA administration significantly increased sociability. Together, these results suggest that MDMA induces prosocial effects through the stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors in the BLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohito Esaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yuki Sasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Naoya Nishitani
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Hikari Kamada
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Satoko Mukai
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Ohshima
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Sao Nakada
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Xiyan Ni
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Satoshi Deyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Kaneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
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Ng AJ, Vincelette LK, Li J, Brady BH, Christianson JP. Serotonin modulates social responses to stressed conspecifics via insular 5-HT 2C receptors in rat. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.18.529065. [PMID: 36824837 PMCID: PMC9949146 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.18.529065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Social interaction allows for the transfer of affective states among individuals, and the behaviors and expressions associated with pain and fear can evoke anxiety-like states in observers which shape subsequent social interactions. We hypothesized that social reactions to stressed individuals engage the serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) which promotes anxiety-like behavior via postsynaptic action of serotonin at serotonin 2C (5-HT 2C ) receptors in the forebrain. First, we inhibited the DRN by administering an agonist (8-OH-DPAT, 1µg in 0.5µL) for the inhibitory 5-HT 1A autoreceptors which silences 5-HT neuronal activity via G-protein coupled inward rectifying potassium channels. 8-OH-DPAT prevented the approach and avoidance, respectively, of stressed juvenile (PN30) or stressed adult (PN50) conspecifics in the social affective preference (SAP) test in rats. Similarly, systemic administration of a 5-HT 2C receptor antagonist (SB242084, 1mg/kg, i.p.) prevented approach and avoidance of stressed juvenile or adult conspecifics, respectively. Seeking a locus of 5-HT 2C action, we considered the posterior insular cortex which is critical for social affective behaviors and rich with 5-HT 2C receptors. SB242084 administered directly into the insular cortex (5µM bilaterally in 0.5µL ) interfered with the typical approach and avoidance behaviors observed in the SAP test. Finally, using fluorescent in situ hybridization, we found that 5-HT 2C receptor mRNA ( htr2c) is primarily colocalized with mRNA associated with excitatory glutamatergic neurons ( vglut1 ) in the posterior insula. Importantly, the results of these treatments were the same in male and female rats. These data suggest that interactions with stressed others require the serotonergic DRN and that serotonin modulates social affective decision-making via action at insular 5-HT 2C receptors.
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Alexander C, Vasefi M. Cannabidiol and the corticoraphe circuit in post-traumatic stress disorder. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 11:88-102. [PMID: 34485973 PMCID: PMC8408530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, negative affect, and impaired memory processing, may develop after traumatic events. PTSD is complicated by impaired plasticity and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity, hyperactivity of the amygdala, and impaired fear extinction. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a promising candidate for treatment due to its multimodal action that enhances plasticity and calms hyperexcitability. CBD’s mechanism in the mPFC of PTSD patients has been explored extensively, but literature on the mechanism in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is lacking. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we examined current literature regarding CBD in PTSD and overlapping symptomologies to propose a mechanism by which CBD treats PTSD via corticoraphe circuit. Acute CBD inhibits excess 5-HT release from DRN to amygdala and releases anandamide (AEA) onto amygdala inputs. By first reducing amygdala and DRN hyperactivity, CBD begins to ameliorate activity disparity between mPFC and amygdala. Chronic CBD recruits the mPFC, creating harmonious corticoraphe signaling. DRN releases enough 5-HT to ameliorate mPFC hypoactivity, while the mPFC continuously excites DRN 5-HT neurons via glutamate. Meanwhile, AEA regulates corticoraphe activity to stabilize signaling. AEA prevents DRN GABAergic interneurons from inhibiting 5-HT release so the DRN can assist the mPFC in overcoming its hypoactivity. DRN-mediated restoration of mPFC activity underlies CBD’s mechanism on fear extinction and learning of stress coping. CBD reduces PTSD symptoms via the DRN and corticoraphe circuit. Acute effects of CBD reduce DRN-amygdala excitatory signaling to lessen the activity disparity between amygdala and mPFC. Chronic CBD officially resolves mPFC hypoactivity by facilitating 5-HT release from DRN to mPFC. CBD-facilitated endocannabinoid signaling stabilizes DRN activity and restores mPFC inhibitory control. Chronically administered CBD acts via the corticoraphe circuit to favor fear extinction over fear memory reconsolidation.
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Key Words
- 2-AG, 2-arachidonoylglycerol
- 5-HT, Serotonin
- 5-HT1AR, 5-HT Receptor Type 1A
- 5-HT2AR, 5-HT Receptor Type 2 A
- AEA, Anandamide
- CB1R, Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1
- CB2R, Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2
- CBD, Cannabidiol
- COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2
- Cannabidiol
- DRN, Dorsal Raphe Nucleus
- ERK1/2, Extracellular Signal-Related Kinases Type 1 or Type 2
- FAAH, Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase
- GABA, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
- GPCRs, G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- NMDAR, N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptors
- PET, Positron Emission Tomography
- PFC, DRN and Raphe
- PFC, Prefrontal Cortex
- PTSD
- PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- SSNRI, Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
- SSRI, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
- Serotonin
- TRPV1, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Channels
- Traumatic Stress
- fMRI, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- mPFC, Medial Prefrontal Cortex
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Alexander
- Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA
| | - Maryam Vasefi
- Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA
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Li L, Zhang LZ, He ZX, Ma H, Zhang YT, Xun YF, Yuan W, Hou WJ, Li YT, Lv ZJ, Jia R, Tai FD. Dorsal raphe nucleus to anterior cingulate cortex 5-HTergic neural circuit modulates consolation and sociability. eLife 2021; 10:67638. [PMID: 34080539 PMCID: PMC8213405 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Consolation is a common response to the distress of others in humans and some social animals, but the neural mechanisms underlying this behavior are not well characterized. By using socially monogamous mandarin voles, we found that optogenetic or chemogenetic inhibition of 5-HTergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) or optogenetic inhibition of serotonin (5-HT) terminals in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) significantly decreased allogrooming time in the consolation test and reduced sociability in the three-chamber test. The release of 5-HT within the ACC and the activity of DR neurons were significantly increased during allogrooming, sniffing, and social approaching. Finally, we found that the activation of 5-HT1A receptors in the ACC was sufficient to reverse consolation and sociability deficits induced by the chemogenetic inhibition of 5-HTergic neurons in the DR. Our study provided the first direct evidence that DR-ACC 5-HTergic neural circuit is implicated in consolation-like behaviors and sociability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laifu Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.,College of Life Sciences, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China
| | - Li-Zi Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Feng Xun
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medications, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Wen-Juan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi-Tong Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zi-Jian Lv
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fa-Dao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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Grizzell JA, Clarity TT, Graham NB, Dulka BN, Cooper MA. Activity of a vmPFC-DRN Pathway Corresponds With Resistance to Acute Social Defeat Stress. Front Neural Circuits 2020; 14:50. [PMID: 33177993 PMCID: PMC7596355 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2020.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays a critical role in stress resilience through top-down inhibition of key stress-sensitive limbic and hindbrain structures, including the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). In a model of experience-dependent stress resistance, socially dominant Syrian hamsters display fewer signs of anxiety following acute social defeat when compared to subordinate or control counterparts. Further, dominants activate vmPFC neurons to a greater degree during stress than do subordinates and become stress-vulnerable following pharmacological inhibition of the vmPFC. Dominants also display fewer stress-activated DRN neurons than subordinates do, suggesting that dominance experience gates activation of vmPFC neurons that inhibit the DRN during social defeat stress. To test whether social dominance alters stress-induced activity of a vmPFC-DRN pathway, we injected a retrograde tracer, cholera toxin B (CTB), into the DRN of dominant, subordinate, and control hamsters and used a dual-label immunohistochemical approach to identify vmPFC neurons co-labeled with CTB and the defeat-induced expression of an immediate early gene, cFos. Results indicate that dominant hamsters display more cFos+ and dual-labeled cells in layers V/VI of infralimbic and prelimbic subregions of the vmPFC compared to other animals. Furthermore, vmPFC-DRN activation corresponded directly with proactive behavioral strategies during defeat, which is indicative of stress resilience. Together, results suggest that recruiting the vmPFC-DRN pathway during acute stress corresponds with resistance to the effects of social defeat in dominant hamsters. Overall, these findings indicate that a monosynaptic vmPFC-DRN pathway can be engaged in an experience-dependent manner, which has implications for behavioral interventions aimed at alleviating stress-related psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alex Grizzell
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience Research, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Thomas T Clarity
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Nate B Graham
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Brooke N Dulka
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Matthew A Cooper
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
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Wang L, He Z, Zhu Z, Yuan W, Cai W, Li L, Zhang J, Hou W, Yang Y, Zhang X, Guo Q, Wang X, Lian Z, Tai F. The serotonin system in the hippocampus CA3 involves in effects of CSDS on social recognition in adult female mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus). Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 95:109704. [PMID: 31330217 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) exacerbated the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders, and the social recognition dysfunction is the core feature of many psychiatric disorders. However, the effects of CSDS on female social recognition and the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Using highly aggressive adult female mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus) as animal model, the aim of this work is to investigate the effects of CSDS on social recognition in adult female rodents and the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects. Our results indicate the CSDS disrupted the normal social recognition in adult female voles. Meanwhile, defeated voles exhibited increased neural activity in the DG, CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus. Furthermore, CSDS reduced levels of serotonin (5-HT) and serotonin 1A receptors (5-HT1AR) in the CA3. We also discovered that microinjection of 8-OH-DPAT into the CA3 effectively reversed the social recognition deficits induced by CSDS, and an infusion of WAY-100635 into the CA3 of control female voles impaired social recognition. Moreover, targeted activation of the 5-HT neuron projection from the DRN to CA3 by long-term administration of CNO significantly prevented the CSDS induced social recognition deficits. Taken together, our study demonstrated that CSDS induced social recognition deficits in adult female voles, and these effects were mediated by the action of 5-HT on the 5-HT1AR in the hippocampus CA3. The projection from the DRN to CA3 may be involved in social recognition deficits induced by CSDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Zhixiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Zhenxiang Zhu
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Laifu Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Wenjuan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Xueni Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Zhenmin Lian
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China.
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10
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Li LF, Yuan W, He ZX, Ma H, Xun YF, Meng LR, Zhu SJ, Wang LM, Zhang J, Cai WQ, Zhang XN, Guo QQ, Lian ZM, Jia R, Tai FD. Reduced Consolation Behaviors in Physically Stressed Mandarin Voles: Involvement of Oxytocin, Dopamine D2, and Serotonin 1A Receptors Within the Anterior Cingulate Cortex. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 23:511-523. [PMID: 31760433 PMCID: PMC7689207 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consolation is a type of empathy-like behavior that has recently been observed in some socially living rodents. Despite the growing body of literature suggesting that stress affects empathy, the relationship between stress and consolation remains understudied at the preclinical level. Here, we examined the effects of chronic emotional stress or physical stress exposure on consolation and emotional behaviors by using the socially monogamous mandarin vole (Microtus mandarinus) in both males and females. METHOD/RESULTS Physical stress voles were exposed to 14-day social defeat stress, whereas emotional stress voles vicariously experienced the defeat of their partners. We found that physical stress, but not emotional stress, voles showed reduced grooming toward their defeated partners and increased anxiety- and despair-like behaviors. Meanwhile, physical stress voles exhibited decreased neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, which is centrally involved in empathy. The densities of oxytocin receptors, dopamine D2 receptors, and serotonin 1A-receptors within the anterior cingulate cortex were significantly decreased in the physical stress group compared with controls. All the behavioral and physiological changes were similar between the sexes. Finally, we found that the reduced consolation behavior and some anxiety-like syndromes in physical stress voles could be alleviated by pretreatment with an oxytocin receptor, D2 receptors, or serotonin 1A-receptor agonist within the anterior cingulate cortex, whereas injections of corresponding receptor antagonists to the control voles decreased the consolation behavior and increased some anxiety-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that chronic physical stress exposure impaired consolation and induced anxiety-like behaviors in mandarin voles and oxytocin receptors, 5-HT1A receptors, and D2 receptors within the anterior cingulate cortex may play important roles in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai-Fu Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China,College of Life Sciences, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China,Provincial Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medications, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yu-Feng Xun
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ling-Rong Meng
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Si-Jing Zhu
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Li-Min Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wen-Qi Cai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xue-Ni Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qian-Qian Guo
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhen-Min Lian
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fa-Dao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China,Correspondence: Fa-Dao Tai, PhD, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710062, China. E-mail:
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11
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Bloomfield MA, McCutcheon RA, Kempton M, Freeman TP, Howes O. The effects of psychosocial stress on dopaminergic function and the acute stress response. eLife 2019; 8:46797. [PMID: 31711569 PMCID: PMC6850765 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic psychosocial adversity induces vulnerability to mental illnesses. Animal studies demonstrate that this may be mediated by dopaminergic dysfunction. We therefore investigated whether long-term exposure to psychosocial adversity was associated with dopamine dysfunction and its relationship to psychological and physiological responses to acute stress. Using 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]-fluoro-l-phenylalanine ([18F]-DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET), we compared dopamine synthesis capacity in n = 17 human participants with high cumulative exposure to psychosocial adversity with n = 17 age- and sex-matched participants with low cumulative exposure. The PET scan took place 2 hr after the induction of acute psychosocial stress using the Montréal Imaging Stress Task to induce acute psychosocial stress. We found that dopamine synthesis correlated with subjective threat and physiological response to acute psychosocial stress in the low exposure group. Long-term exposure to psychosocial adversity was associated with dampened striatal dopaminergic function (p=0.03, d = 0.80) and that psychosocial adversity blunted physiological yet potentiated subjective responses to acute psychosocial stress. Future studies should investigate the roles of these changes in vulnerability to mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ap Bloomfield
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, UCL Institute of Mental Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom.,Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom.,The Traumatic Stress Clinic, St Pancras Hospital, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A McCutcheon
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Kempton
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom P Freeman
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, UCL Institute of Mental Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Howes
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Depoortère R, Bardin L, Varney MA, Newman-Tancredi A. Serotonin 5-HT 1A Receptor Biased Agonists Display Differential Anxiolytic Activity in a Rat Social Interaction Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3101-3107. [PMID: 30929419 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
When placed in an unfamiliar and brightly lit open-field, two adult male rats that have not previously interacted display a low level of social interaction (SI) attributed to an anxiety-like state. The SI test has therefore been used to explore anxiolytic/antistress activity. Here, we investigated the effects of serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonists displaying various activity profiles, i.e. partial vs full agonist efficacy and pre- versus postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor preferential activation by "biased agonists". Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were housed singly before starting the social interaction session. At 30 min before being placed in an open-field, both rats of the dyad were injected (i.p or s.c.) with either vehicle, diazepam (as a reference compound), or one of six 5-HT1A receptor agonists: NLX-101 (a.k.a. F15599), F13714, S15535, flesinoxan, 8-OH-DPAT, and buspirone. Time spent in SI (following, sniffing, playing) was recorded for 10 min. Time spent in SI was inversely correlated with light intensity, with values dropping nearly by half (212.6 ± 18.8 vs 113.7 ± 7.0 s) between 10 and 300 lx (measured at floor level). Under the high light intensity conditions (300 lx), diazepam showed a bell-shaped curve, significantly increasing SI (78% increase in interaction time above control) at 1 mg/kg i.p. only. In the case of 5-HT1A receptor ligands, full agonists, whether nonpreferential (flesinoxan, (±)8-OH-DPAT) or preferential for presynaptic receptors (F13714), showed the strongest activity in this model. The preferential presynaptic receptor partial agonist, S15535, was also active over a wide dose-range, although with lower efficacy than F13714. In contrast, NLX-101, a high-efficacy biased agonist that preferentially activates postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, exhibited little activity. The clinical anxiolytic, buspirone, showed a marked effect likely due to its partial agonist activity at 5-HT1A presynaptic receptors. These data support the hypothesis that enhancement of SI in this model is mediated by preferential agonist activation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, and confirm previous studies using local microinjections of (±)8-OH-DPAT. They further support the utility of noninvasive administration of biased agonists for exploring the activity of 5-HT1A receptor subpopulations.
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13
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5-HT1A autoreceptor in dorsal raphe nucleus mediates sensitization of conditioned place preference to cocaine in mice experienced with chronic pain. Neuroreport 2019; 30:681-687. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Langenecker SA, Mickey BJ, Eichhammer P, Sen S, Elverman KH, Kennedy SE, Heitzeg MM, Ribeiro SM, Love TM, Hsu DT, Koeppe RA, Watson SJ, Akil H, Goldman D, Burmeister M, Zubieta JK. Cognitive Control as a 5-HT 1A-Based Domain That Is Disrupted in Major Depressive Disorder. Front Psychol 2019; 10:691. [PMID: 30984083 PMCID: PMC6450211 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity within Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has hampered identification of biological markers (e.g., intermediate phenotypes, IPs) that might increase risk for the disorder or reflect closer links to the genes underlying the disease process. The newer characterizations of dimensions of MDD within Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) domains may align well with the goal of defining IPs. We compare a sample of 25 individuals with MDD compared to 29 age and education matched controls in multimodal assessment. The multimodal RDoC assessment included the primary IP biomarker, positron emission tomography (PET) with a selective radiotracer for 5-HT1A [(11C)WAY-100635], as well as event-related functional MRI with a Go/No-go task targeting the Cognitive Control network, neuropsychological assessment of affective perception, negative memory bias and Cognitive Control domains. There was also an exploratory genetic analysis with the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) and monamine oxidase A (MAO-A) genes. In regression analyses, lower 5-HT1A binding potential (BP) in the MDD group was related to diminished engagement of the Cognitive Control network, slowed resolution of interfering cognitive stimuli, one element of Cognitive Control. In contrast, higher/normative levels of 5-HT1A BP in MDD (only) was related to a substantial memory bias toward negative information, but intact resolution of interfering cognitive stimuli and greater engagement of Cognitive Control circuitry. The serotonin transporter risk allele was associated with lower 1a BP and the corresponding imaging and cognitive IPs in MDD. Lowered 5HT 1a BP was present in half of the MDD group relative to the control group. Lowered 5HT 1a BP may represent a subtype including decreased engagement of Cognitive Control network and impaired resolution of interfering cognitive stimuli. Future investigations might link lowered 1a BP to neurobiological pathways and markers, as well as probing subtype-specific treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Langenecker
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brian J. Mickey
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Peter Eichhammer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Srijan Sen
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Susan E. Kennedy
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Mary M. Heitzeg
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Saulo M. Ribeiro
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Tiffany M. Love
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - David T. Hsu
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Robert A. Koeppe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Stanley J. Watson
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Huda Akil
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - David Goldman
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Margit Burmeister
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jon-Kar Zubieta
- The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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15
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Wang L, Zhu Z, Hou W, Zhang X, He Z, Yuan W, Yang Y, Zhang S, Jia R, Tai F. Serotonin Signaling Trough Prelimbic 5-HT1A Receptors Modulates CSDS-Induced Behavioral Changes in Adult Female Voles. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 22:208-220. [PMID: 30445535 PMCID: PMC6403097 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most previous studies have focused on the effects of social defeat in male juvenile individuals. Whether chronic social defeat stress in adulthood affects female emotion and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. METHODS Using highly aggressive adult female mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus), the present study aimed to determine the effects of chronic social defeat stress on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult female rodents and investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects. RESULTS Exposure of adult female voles to social defeat stress for 14 days reduced the time spent in the central area of the open field test and in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and lengthened the immobility time in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests, indicating increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Meanwhile, defeated voles exhibited increased neural activity in the prelimbic cortex of the medial prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, chronic social defeat stress reduced serotonin projections and levels of serotonin 1A receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex-prelimbic cortex. Intra-prelimbic cortex microinjections of the serotonin 1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT reversed the alterations in emotional behaviors, whereas injections of the serotonin 1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 into the prelimbic cortex of control voles increased the levels of anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results demonstrated that chronic social defeat stress increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult female voles, and these effects were mediated by the action of serotonin on the serotonin 1A receptors in the prelimbic cortex. The serotonin system may be a promising target to treat emotional disorders induced by chronic social defeat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhenxiang Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjuan Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueni Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhixiong He
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Siyi Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fadao Tai
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Correspondence: Fadao Tai, PhD, Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710062, China ()
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16
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Qi CC, Wang QJ, Ma XZ, Chen HC, Gao LP, Yin J, Jing YH. Interaction of basolateral amygdala, ventral hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex regulates the consolidation and extinction of social fear. Behav Brain Funct 2018; 14:7. [PMID: 29554926 PMCID: PMC5858134 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-018-0139-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Following a social defeat, the balanced establishment and extinction of aversive information is a beneficial strategy for individual survival. Abnormal establishment or extinction is implicated in the development of mental disorders. This study investigated the time course of the establishment and extinction of aversive information from acute social defeat and the temporal responsiveness of the basolateral amygdala (BLA), ventral hippocampus (vHIP) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in this process. Methods Mouse models of acute social defeat were established by using the resident–intruder paradigm. To evaluate the engram of social defeat, the intruder mice were placed into the novel context at designated time to test the social behavior. Furthermore, responses of BLA, vHIP and mPFC were investigated by analyzing the expression of immediate early genes, such as zif268, arc, and c-fos. Results The results showed after an aggressive attack, aversive memory was maintained for approximately 7 days before gradually diminishing. The establishment and maintenance of aversive stimulation were consistently accompanied by BLA activity. By contrast, vHIP and mPFC response was inhibited from this process. Additionally, injecting muscimol (Mus), a GABA receptor agonist, into the BLA alleviated the freezing behavior and social fear and avoidance. Simultaneously, Mus treatment decreased the zif268 and arc expression in BLA, but it increased their expression in vHIP. Conclusion Our data support and extend earlier findings that implicate BLA, vHIP and mPFC in social defeat. The time courses of the establishment and extinction of social defeat are particularly consistent with the contrasting BLA and vHIP responses involved in this process.![]() Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12993-018-0139-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Chu Qi
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 of Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Jun Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 of Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Zhu Ma
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 of Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Chao Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 of Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ping Gao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 of Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yin
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 of Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Hong Jing
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 of Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, No. 199 of Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Solomon MB. Evaluating social defeat as a model for psychopathology in adult female rodents. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:763-776. [PMID: 27870445 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Social conflict is a predominant stressor in humans and is associated with increased risk for developing psychological illnesses including depression and anxiety. Overwhelmingly, more women suffer from these disorders, which may be due to increased stress sensitivity. Like humans, rodents experience a myriad of physiological and behavioral sequelae due to prolonged stress exposure. Although the motivation for social conflict may differ between humans and rodents, female rodents may provide an opportunity to explore the underlying mechanisms by which stress confers risk for psychopathology in women. Because most female rodents do not express spontaneous aggression, the majority of basic research examines the physiological and behavioral outcomes of social conflict in male rodents. However, there are instances where female rodents exhibit territorial (California mice and Syrian hamsters) and maternal aggression (rats, mice, and hamsters) creating a venue to examine sex differences in physiology and behavior in response to stress. While many studies rely upon nonsocial behavioral assays (e.g., elevated plus maze, forced swim test) to assess the impact of stress on emotionality, here we primarily focus on behavioral outcomes in social-based assays in rodents. This is critically important given that disruptions in social relationships can be a cause and consequence of neuropsychiatric diseases. Next, we briefly discuss how sex differences in the recruitment of neural circuitry and/or neurochemistry in response to stress may underlie sex differences in neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses. Finally, the translational value of females in rodent stress models and considerations regarding behavioral interpretations of these models are discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matia B Solomon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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18
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Cooper MA, Seddighi S, Barnes AK, Grizzell JA, Dulka BN, Clinard CT. Dominance status alters restraint-induced neural activity in brain regions controlling stress vulnerability. Physiol Behav 2017; 179:153-161. [PMID: 28606772 PMCID: PMC5581240 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the cellular mechanisms that control resistance and vulnerability to stress is an important step toward identifying novel targets for the prevention and treatment of stress-related mental illness. In Syrian hamsters, dominant and subordinate animals exhibit different behavioral and physiological responses to social defeat stress, with dominants showing stress resistance and subordinates showing stress vulnerability. We previously found that dominant and subordinate hamsters show different levels of defeat-induced neural activity in brain regions that modulate coping with stress, although the extent to which status-dependent differences in stress vulnerability generalize to non-social stressors is unknown. In this study, dominant, subordinate, and control male Syrian hamsters were exposed to acute physical restraint for 30min and restraint-induced c-Fos immunoreactivity was quantified in select brain regions. Subordinate animals showed less restraint-induced c-Fos immunoreactivity in the infralimbic (IL), prelimbic (PL), and ventral medial amygdala (vMeA) compared to dominants, which is consistent with the status-dependent effects of social defeat stress. Subordinate animals did not show increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the rostroventral dorsal raphe nucleus (rvDRN), which is in contrast to the effects of social defeat stress. These findings indicate that status-dependent changes in neural activity generalize from one stressor to another in a brain region-dependent manner. These findings further suggest that while some neural circuits may support a generalized form of stress resistance, others may provide resistance to specific stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Cooper
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States.
| | - Sahba Seddighi
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
| | - Abigail K Barnes
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
| | - J Alex Grizzell
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
| | - Brooke N Dulka
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
| | - Catherine T Clinard
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNET Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, United States
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19
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Terranova JI, Ferris CF, Albers HE. Sex Differences in the Regulation of Offensive Aggression and Dominance by Arginine-Vasopressin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:308. [PMID: 29184535 PMCID: PMC5694440 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) plays a critical role in the regulation of offensive aggression and social status in mammals. AVP is found in an extensive neural network in the brain. Here, we discuss the role of AVP in the regulation of aggression in the limbic system with an emphasis on the critical role of hypothalamic AVP in the control of aggression. In males, activation of AVP V1a receptors (V1aRs) in the hypothalamus stimulates offensive aggression, while in females activation of V1aRs inhibits aggression. Serotonin (5-HT) also acts within the hypothalamus to modulate the effects of AVP on aggression in a sex-dependent manner. Activation of 5-HT1a receptors (5-HT1aRs) inhibits aggression in males and stimulates aggression in females. There are also striking sex differences in the mechanisms underlying the acquisition of dominance. In males, the acquisition of dominance is associated with the activation of AVP-containing neurons in the hypothalamus. By contrast, in females, the acquisition of dominance is associated with the activation of 5-HT-containing neurons in the dorsal raphe. AVP and 5-HT also play critical roles in the regulation of a form of social communication that is important for the maintenance of dominance relationships. In both male and female hamsters, AVP acts via V1aRs in the hypothalamus, as well as in other limbic structures, to communicate social status through the stimulation of a form of scent marking called flank marking. 5-HT acts on 5-HT1aRs as well as other 5-HT receptors within the hypothalamus to inhibit flank marking induced by AVP in both males and females. Interestingly, while AVP and 5-HT influence the expression of aggression in opposite ways in males and females, there are no sex differences in the effects of AVP and 5-HT on the expression of social communication. Given the profound sex differences in the incidence of many psychiatric disorders and the increasing evidence for a relationship between aggressiveness/dominance and the susceptibility to these disorders, understanding the neural regulation of aggression and social status will have significant import for translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph I. Terranova
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Craig F. Ferris
- Department of Psychology, Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - H. Elliott Albers
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: H. Elliott Albers,
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Roh JH, Ko IG, Kim SE, Lee JM, Ji ES, Kim JH, Chang HK, Lee SK, Kim KH. Treadmill exercise ameliorates intracerebral hemorrhage-induced depression in rats. J Exerc Rehabil 2016; 12:299-307. [PMID: 27656626 PMCID: PMC5031381 DOI: 10.12965/jer.1632692.346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe type of stroke causing neurological dysfunction with high mortality rate. Depression is one of the most common complications of ICH. In the present study, the effects of treadmill exercise on ICH-induced depressive symptoms in relation with apoptosis were investigated using rats. ICH rat model was induced by injection of collagenase into the hippocampus using stereotaxic instrument. Open field test for activity and forced swimming test for depressive symptoms were conducted. Apoptosis in the hippocampus was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, immunohistochemistry for caspase-3, and western blot for Bcl-2 and Bax. Western blot analysis for 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) in the dorsal raphe was also conducted for biomarkers of depression. In the present results, immobility time was increased and climbing time was decreased by induction of ICH and treadmill exercise inhibited immobility time and increased climbing time in ICH rats. DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were enhanced by induction of ICH and treadmill exercise suppressed ICH-induced DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 expression. Bax expression in the hippocampus was increased by induction of ICH and treadmill exercise inhibited Bax expression in the ICH rats. Expressions of 5-HT and TPH in the dorsal raphe were decreased by induction of ICH and treadmill exercise increased expressions of 5-HT and TPH in the ICH rats. In the present study, treadmill exercise ameliorated depressive symptoms through inhibiting apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Hwan Roh
- Department of Urology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Il-Gyu Ko
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Min Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Sang Ji
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju Ho Kim
- Department of Urology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyung Chang
- Department of Urology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seung Kyu Lee
- Department of Urology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Khae Hawn Kim
- Department of Urology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
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Mlinar B, Montalbano A, Baccini G, Tatini F, Berlinguer Palmini R, Corradetti R. Nonexocytotic serotonin release tonically suppresses serotonergic neuron activity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 145:225-51. [PMID: 25712017 PMCID: PMC4338157 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201411330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The firing activity of serotonergic neurons in raphe nuclei is regulated by negative feedback exerted by extracellular serotonin (5-HT)o acting through somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors. The steady-state [5-HT]o, sensed by 5-HT1A autoreceptors, is determined by the balance between the rates of 5-HT release and reuptake. Although it is well established that reuptake of 5-HTo is mediated by 5-HT transporters (SERT), the release mechanism has remained unclear. It is also unclear how selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants increase the [5-HT]o in raphe nuclei and suppress serotonergic neuron activity, thereby potentially diminishing their own therapeutic effect. Using an electrophysiological approach in a slice preparation, we show that, in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), continuous nonexocytotic 5-HT release is responsible for suppression of phenylephrine-facilitated serotonergic neuron firing under basal conditions as well as for autoinhibition induced by SSRI application. By using 5-HT1A autoreceptor-activated G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels of patched serotonergic neurons as 5-HTo sensors, we show substantial nonexocytotic 5-HT release under conditions of abolished firing activity, Ca(2+) influx, vesicular monoamine transporter 2-mediated vesicular accumulation of 5-HT, and SERT-mediated 5-HT transport. Our results reveal a cytosolic origin of 5-HTo in the DRN and suggest that 5-HTo may be supplied by simple diffusion across the plasma membrane, primarily from the dense network of neurites of serotonergic neurons surrounding the cell bodies. These findings indicate that the serotonergic system does not function as a sum of independently acting neurons but as a highly interdependent neuronal network, characterized by a shared neurotransmitter pool and the regulation of firing activity by an interneuronal, yet activity-independent, nonexocytotic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Mlinar
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Montalbano
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Gilda Baccini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Tatini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Rolando Berlinguer Palmini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Corradetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
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Cooper MA, Clinard CT, Morrison KE. Neurobiological mechanisms supporting experience-dependent resistance to social stress. Neuroscience 2015; 291:1-14. [PMID: 25677096 PMCID: PMC4369454 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.01.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Humans and other animals show a remarkable capacity for resilience following traumatic, stressful events. Resilience is thought to be an active process related to coping with stress, although the cellular and molecular mechanisms that support active coping and stress resistance remain poorly understood. In this review, we focus on the neurobiological mechanisms by which environmental and social experiences promote stress resistance. In male Syrian hamsters, exposure to a brief social defeat stressor leads to increased avoidance of novel opponents, which we call conditioned defeat. Also, hamsters that have achieved dominant social status show reduced conditioned defeat as well as cellular and molecular changes in the neural circuits controlling the conditioned defeat response. We propose that experience-dependent neural plasticity occurs in the prelimbic (PL) cortex, infralimbic (IL) cortex, and ventral medial amygdala (vMeA) during the maintenance of dominance relationships, and that adaptations in these neural circuits support stress resistance in dominant individuals. Overall, behavioral treatments that promote success in competitive interactions may represent valuable interventions for instilling resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Cooper
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
| | - C T Clinard
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - K E Morrison
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Activation of 5-HT2a receptors in the basolateral amygdala promotes defeat-induced anxiety and the acquisition of conditioned defeat in Syrian hamsters. Neuropharmacology 2014; 90:102-12. [PMID: 25458113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Conditioned defeat is a model in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) in which normal territorial aggression is replaced by increased submissive and defensive behavior following acute social defeat. The conditioned defeat response involves both a fear-related memory for a specific opponent as well as anxiety-like behavior indicated by avoidance of novel conspecifics. We have previously shown that systemic injection of a 5-HT2a receptor antagonist reduces the acquisition of conditioned defeat. Because neural activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is critical for the acquisition of conditioned defeat and BLA 5-HT2a receptors can modulate anxiety but have a limited effect on emotional memories, we investigated whether 5-HT2a receptor modulation alters defeat-induced anxiety but not defeat-related memories. We injected the 5-HT2a receptor antagonist MDL 11,939 (0 mM, 1.7 mM or 17 mM) or the 5-HT2a receptor agonist TCB-2 (0 mM, 8 mM or 80 mM) into the BLA prior to social defeat. We found that injection of MDL 11,939 into the BLA impaired acquisition of the conditioned defeat response and blocked defeat-induced anxiety in the open field, but did not significantly impair avoidance of former opponents in the Y-maze. Furthermore, we found that injection of TCB-2 into the BLA increased the acquisition of conditioned defeat and increased anxiety-like behavior in the open field, but did not alter avoidance of former opponents. Our data suggest that 5-HT2a receptor signaling in the BLA is both necessary and sufficient for the development of conditioned defeat, likely via modulation of defeat-induced anxiety.
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Loveland JL, Uy N, Maruska KP, Carpenter RE, Fernald RD. Social status differences regulate the serotonergic system of a cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 217:2680-90. [PMID: 24855673 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.100685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) inhibits aggression and modulates aspects of sexual behaviour in many species, but the mechanisms responsible are not well understood. Here, we exploited the social dominance hierarchy of Astatotilapia burtoni to understand the role of the serotonergic system in long-term maintenance of social status. We identified three populations of 5-HT cells in dorsal and ventral periventricular pretectal nuclei (PPd, PPv), the nucleus of the paraventricular organ (PVO) and raphe. Dominant males had more 5-HT cells than subordinates in the raphe, but the size of these cells did not differ between social groups. Subordinates had higher serotonergic turnover in the raphe and preoptic area (POA), a nucleus essential for hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis function. The relative abundance of mRNAs for 5-HT receptor (5-HTR) subtypes 1A and 2A (htr1a, htr2a) was higher in subordinates, a difference restricted to the telencephalon. Because social status is tightly linked to reproductive capacity, we asked whether serotonin turnover and the expression of its receptors correlated with testes size and circulating levels of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). We found negative correlations between both raphe and POA serotonin turnover and testes size, as well as between htr1a mRNA levels and circulating 11-KT. Thus, increased serotonin turnover in non-aggressive males is restricted to specific brain nuclei and is associated with increased expression of 5-HTR subtypes 1A and 2A exclusively in the telencephalon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine L Loveland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Natalie Uy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karen P Maruska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Russ E Carpenter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Russell D Fernald
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Bader LR, Carboni JD, Burleson CA, Cooper MA. 5-HT1A receptor activation reduces fear-related behavior following social defeat in Syrian hamsters. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 122:182-90. [PMID: 24726709 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Social defeat leads to selective avoidance of familiar opponents as well as general avoidance of novel, non-threatening intruders. Avoidance of familiar opponents represents a fear-related memory whereas generalized social avoidance indicates anxiety-like behavior. We have previously shown that serotonin signaling alters responses to social defeat in Syrian hamsters, although it is unclear whether serotonin modulates defeat-induced fear, anxiety, or both. In this study we focus on 5-HT1A receptors, in part, because their activation had been linked to the acquisition of conditioned fear. We hypothesized that pharmacological activation of 5-HT1A receptors prior to social defeat would reduce avoidance of familiar opponents and impair Arc expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), but not alter anxiety-like behavior. We administered 8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, prior to 3, 5-minute social defeats and 24h later exposed hamsters to a social interaction test to measure the conditioned defeat response immediately followed by either a Y-maze test or an open field test. In a separate experiment, we administered 8-OH-DPAT prior to 3, 5-minute social defeats and later removed the brains for Arc immunohistochemistry. Social defeat increased the number of Arc immunopositive cells in the central amygdala (CeA), prelimbic cortex (PL), and BLA, and 8-OH-DPAT treatment reduced Arc immunoreactivity in the PL. These results suggest that 5-HT1A receptor activation impairs the fear memory associated with social defeat, but does not alter defeat-induced anxiety. Overall, 5-HT1A receptor activation may impair Arc expression in select brain regions such as the PL and thereby disrupt the development of a fear memory essential for the conditioned defeat response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Bader
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
| | - Joseph D Carboni
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Cody A Burleson
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Matthew A Cooper
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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26
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Jalewa J, Joshi A, McGinnity TM, Prasad G, Wong-Lin K, Hölscher C. Neural circuit interactions between the dorsal raphe nucleus and the lateral hypothalamus: an experimental and computational study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88003. [PMID: 24516577 PMCID: PMC3916338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Orexinergic/hypocretinergic (Ox) neurotransmission plays an important role in regulating sleep, as well as in anxiety and depression, for which the serotonergic (5-HT) system is also involved in. However, little is known regarding the direct and indirect interactions between 5-HT in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and Ox neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LHA). In this study, we report the additional presence of 5-HT1BR, 5-HT2AR, 5-HT2CR and fast ligand-gated 5-HT3AR subtypes on the Ox neurons of transgenic Ox-enhanced green fluorescent protein (Ox-EGFP) and wild type C57Bl/6 mice using single and double immunofluorescence (IF) staining, respectively, and quantify the colocalization for each 5-HT receptor subtype. We further reveal the presence of 5-HT3AR and 5-HT1AR on GABAergic neurons in LHA. We also identify NMDAR1, OX1R and OX2R on Ox neurons, but none on adjacent GABAergic neurons. This suggests a one-way relationship between LHA's GABAergic and Ox neurons, wherein GABAergic neurons exerts an inhibitory effect on Ox neurons under partial DRN's 5-HT control. We also show that Ox axonal projections receive glutamatergic (PSD-95 immunopositive) and GABAergic (Gephyrin immunopositive) inputs in the DRN. We consider these and other available findings into our computational model to explore possible effects of neural circuit connection types and timescales on the DRN-LHA system's dynamics. We find that if the connections from 5-HT to LHA's GABAergic neurons are weakly excitatory or inhibitory, the network exhibits slow oscillations; not observed when the connection is strongly excitatory. Furthermore, if Ox directly excites 5-HT neurons at a fast timescale, phasic Ox activation can lead to an increase in 5-HT activity; no significant effect with slower timescale. Overall, our experimental and computational approaches provide insights towards a more complete understanding of the complex relationship between 5-HT in the DRN and Ox in the LHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaishree Jalewa
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Alok Joshi
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - T. Martin McGinnity
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Girijesh Prasad
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - KongFatt Wong-Lin
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (CH); (KW)
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (CH); (KW)
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Mooney SJ, Peragine DE, Hathaway GA, Holmes MM. A game of thrones: Neural plasticity in mammalian social hierarchies. Soc Neurosci 2014; 9:108-17. [DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2014.882862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Abstract
Exposure to an uncontrollable stressor elicits a constellation of physiological and behavioral sequel in laboratory rats that often reflect aspects of anxiety and other emotional disruptions. We review evidence suggesting that plasticity within the serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is critical to the expression of uncontrollable stressor-induced anxiety. Specifically, after uncontrollable stressor exposure subsequent anxiogenic stimuli evoke greater 5-HT release in DRN terminal regions including the amygdala and striatum; and pharmacological blockade of postsynaptic 5-HT(2C) receptors in these regions prevents expression of stressor-induced anxiety. Importantly, the controllability of stress, the presence of safety signals, and a history of exercise mitigate the expression of stressor-induced anxiety. These stress-protective factors appear to involve distinct neural substrates; with stressor controllability requiring the medial prefrontal cortex, safety signals the insular cortex and exercise affecting the 5-HT system directly. Knowledge of the distinct yet converging mechanisms underlying these stress-protective factors could provide insight into novel strategies for the treatment and prevention of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Morrison KE, Bader LR, McLaughlin CN, Cooper MA. Defeat-induced activation of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex is necessary for resistance to conditioned defeat. Behav Brain Res 2013; 243:158-64. [PMID: 23333400 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) controls vulnerability to the negative effects of chronic or uncontrollable stress. Dominance status alters responses to social defeat in the conditioned defeat model, which is a model characterized by loss of territorial aggression and increased submissive and defensive behavior following an acute social defeat. We have previously shown that dominant individuals show a reduced conditioned defeat response and increased defeat-induced neural activation in the vmPFC compared to subordinates. Here, we tested the hypothesis that defeat-induced activation of the vmPFC is necessary to confer resistance to conditioned defeat in dominants. We paired weight-matched male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) in daily 5-min aggressive encounters for 2 weeks and identified dominants and subordinates. Twenty-four hours after the final pairing, animals were bilaterally injected with 200 nl of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol (1.1 nmol) or 200 nl of saline vehicle 5 min prior to social defeat. Defeat consisted of 3, 5-min encounters with resident aggressor hamsters at 10-min intervals. Twenty-four hours following social defeat, animals received conditioned defeat testing which involved a 5-min social interaction test with a non-aggressive intruder. Muscimol injection prior to social defeat prevented the reduced conditioned defeat response observed in vehicle-treated dominants. Further, there was no effect of muscimol injection on the conditioned defeat response in subordinates or controls. These data support the conclusion that activation of the vmPFC during social defeat is necessary for the protective effects of dominant social status on the acquisition of conditioned defeat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Morrison
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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Seo JH, Kim TW, Kim CJ, Sung YH, Lee SJ. Treadmill exercise during pregnancy ameliorates post‑traumatic stress disorder‑induced anxiety‑like responses in maternal rats. Mol Med Rep 2012; 7:389-95. [PMID: 23174863 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2012.1197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder triggered by life‑threatening events that cause intense fear. Exercise is known to have protective effects on neuropsychiatric diseases. The present study investigated whether treadmill exercise during pregnancy reduced or alleviated symptoms of PTSD in maternal rats. To induce predator stress in pregnant rats, rats were exposed to a hunting dog in an enclosed room. Exposure time was three 10‑min daily sessions separated by 1 h, starting at week 1 of pregnancy until delivery. Pregnant rats in the exercise group were forced to run on a treadmill for 30 min once a day, starting one week following pregnancy until delivery. Rats receiving predator stress during pregnancy exhibited PTSD anxiety‑like behaviors following delivery. Expression of 5‑hydroxytryptamine (5‑HT) and its synthesizing enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) in the dorsal raphe was increased compared with unstressed rats. Expression of c‑Fos and neuronal nitric oxide synthases (nNOS) in the hypothalamus and locus coeruleus were higher in the rats receiving stress during pregnancy compared with unstressed rats. By contrast, treadmill exercise during pregnancy ameliorated anxiety‑like behaviors and reduced the expression of 5‑HT, TPH, c‑Fos and nNOS in the PTSD maternal rats. The results of the present study indicate that exercise during pregnancy is suitable for use as a therapeutic strategy to reduce anxiety‑related disorders, including PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hee Seo
- Division of Sports Science, Baekseok University, Cheonan 330‑704, Republic of Korea
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Takahashi A, Schilit AN, Kim J, DeBold JF, Koide T, Miczek KA. Behavioral characterization of escalated aggression induced by GABA(B) receptor activation in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 224:155-66. [PMID: 22395428 PMCID: PMC3694325 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2654-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Pharmacological activation of GABA(B) receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) can escalate territorial aggression in male mice. OBJECTIVES We characterized this escalated aggression in terms of its behavioral and environmental determinants. METHODS Aggressive behavior of resident male (CFW or ICR mouse) was assessed in confrontations with a group-housed intruder. Either baclofen (0.06 nmol/0.2 μl) or vehicle (saline) was microinjected into the DRN 10 min before the confrontation. We examined baclofen-heightened aggression in five situations: aggression in a neutral arena and after social instigation (experiment 1), aggression during the light phase of the cycle (experiment 2), aggression without prior fighting experience (experiment 3), aggression toward a female (experiment 4), and aggression after defeat experiences (experiment 5). In addition, we examined the body targets towards which bites are directed and the duration of aggressive bursts after baclofen treatment. RESULTS Regardless of the past social experience, baclofen escalated aggressive behaviors. Even in the neutral arena and after defeat experiences, where aggressive behaviors were inhibited, baclofen significantly increased aggression. Baclofen increased attack bites directed at vulnerable body areas of male intruders but not toward a female and only in the dark. Also, baclofen prolonged the duration of aggressive bursts. CONCLUSIONS For baclofen to escalate aggression, specific stimulation (male intruder) and tonic level of serotonin (dark cycle) are required. Once aggressive behavior is triggered, intra-DRN baclofen escalates the level of aggression to abnormal levels and renders it difficult to terminate. Also, baclofen counteracts the effects of novelty or past experiences of defeat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Takahashi
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.
| | - Arielle N. Schilit
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Jisoo Kim
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Joseph F. DeBold
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Tsuyoshi Koide
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540 Japan
| | - Klaus A. Miczek
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA,Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, USA
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Harvey ML, Swallows CL, Cooper MA. A double dissociation in the effects of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors on the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat in Syrian hamsters. Behav Neurosci 2012; 126:530-7. [PMID: 22708954 DOI: 10.1037/a0029047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Previous research indicates that serotonin enhances the development of stress-induced changes in behavior, although it is unclear which serotonin receptors mediate this effect. 5-HT2 receptors are potential candidates because activation at these receptors is associated with increased fear and anxiety. In this study, we investigated whether pharmacological treatments targeting 5-HT2 receptors would alter the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat. Conditioned defeat is a social defeat model in Syrian hamsters in which individuals display increased submissive and defensive behavior and a loss of territorial aggression when tested with a novel intruder 24 hours after an acute social defeat. The nonselective 5-HT2 receptor agonist mCPP (0.0, 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) was injected either prior to social defeat training or prior to conditioned defeat testing. Also, the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL 11,939 (0.0, 0.5, or 2.0 mg/kg) was injected either prior to social defeat training or prior to conditioned defeat testing. Injection of mCPP prior to testing increased the expression of conditioned defeat, but injection of mCPP prior to training did not alter the acquisition of conditioned defeat. Conversely, injection of MDL 11,939 prior to training reduced the acquisition of conditioned defeat, but injection of MDL 11,939 prior to testing did not alter the expression of conditioned defeat. Our data suggest that mCPP activates 5-HT2C receptors during testing to enhance the display of submissive and defensive behavior, whereas MDL 11,939 blocks 5-HT2A receptors during social defeat to disrupt the development of the conditioned defeat response. In sum, these results suggest that serotonin acts at separate 5-HT2 receptors to facilitate the acquisition and expression of defeat-induced changes in social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marquinta L Harvey
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. mail:
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Arendt DH, Smith JP, Bastida CC, Prasad MS, Oliver KD, Eyster KM, Summers TR, Delville Y, Summers CH. Contrasting hippocampal and amygdalar expression of genes related to neural plasticity during escape from social aggression. Physiol Behav 2012; 107:670-9. [PMID: 22450262 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Revised: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Social subjugation has widespread consequences affecting behavior and underlying neural systems. We hypothesized that individual differences in stress responsiveness were associated with differential expression of neurotrophin associated genes within the hippocampus and amygdala. To do this we examined the brains of hamsters placed in resident/intruder interactions, modified by the opportunity to escape from aggression. In the amygdala, aggressive social interaction stimulated increased BDNF receptor TrK(B) mRNA levels regardless of the ability to escape the aggressor. In contrast, the availability of escape limited the elevation of GluR(1) AMPA subunit mRNA. In the hippocampal CA(1), the glucocorticoid stress hormone, cortisol, was negatively correlated with BDNF and TrK(B) gene expression, but showed a positive correlation with BDNF expression in the DG. Latency to escape the aggressor was also negatively correlated with CA(1) BDNF expression. In contrast, the relationship between amygdalar TrK(B) and GluR(1) was positive with respect to escape latency. These results suggest that an interplay of stress and neurotrophic systems influences learned escape behavior. Animals which escape faster seem to have a more robust neurotrophic profile in the hippocampus, with the opposite of this pattern in the amygdala. We propose that changes in the equilibrium of hippocampal and amygdalar learning result in differing behavioral stress coping choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Arendt
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
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Morrison KE, Curry DW, Cooper MA. Social status alters defeat-induced neural activation in Syrian hamsters. Neuroscience 2012; 210:168-78. [PMID: 22433296 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Although exposure to social stress leads to increased depression-like and anxiety-like behavior, some individuals are more vulnerable than others to these stress-induced changes in behavior. Prior social experience is one factor that can modulate how individuals respond to stressful events. In this study, we investigated whether experience-dependent resistance to the behavioral consequences of social defeat was associated with a specific pattern of neural activation. We paired weight-matched male Syrian hamsters in daily aggressive encounters for 2 weeks, during which they formed a stable dominance relationship. We also included control animals that were exposed to an empty cage each day for 2 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the final pairing or empty cage exposure, half of the subjects were socially defeated in 3, 5-min encounters, whereas the others were not socially defeated. Twenty-four hours after social defeat, animals were tested for conditioned defeat in a 5-min social interaction test with a non-aggressive intruder. We collected brains after social defeat and processed the tissue for c-Fos immunoreactivity. We found that dominants were more likely than subordinates to counter-attack the resident aggressor during social defeat, and they showed less submissive and defensive behavior at conditioned defeat testing compared with subordinates. Also, social status was associated with distinct patterns of defeat-induced neural activation in select brain regions, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, and lateral septum. Our results indicate that social status is an important form of prior experience that predicts both initial coping style and the degree of resistance to social defeat. Further, the differences in defeat-induced neural activation suggest possible brain regions that may control resistance to conditioned defeat in dominant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Morrison
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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A role for 5-HT1A receptors in the basolateral amygdala in the development of conditioned defeat in Syrian hamsters. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 100:592-600. [PMID: 21967885 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) is a key brain region regulating behavioral changes following stressful events, including social defeat. Previous research has shown that activation of serotonin (5-HT) 1A receptors in the BLA reduces conditioned fear and anxiety-like behavior. The objective of this study was to test whether 5-HT1A receptors in the BLA contribute to conditioned defeat in male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). We tested whether injection of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist flesinoxan (400 ng, 800 ng, or 1200 ng in 200 nl saline) into the BLA prior to social defeat would reduce the acquisition of conditioned defeat, and whether a similar injection prior to testing would reduce the expression of conditioned defeat. We also tested whether injection of the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (400 ng or 1600 ng in 200 nl saline) into the BLA prior to social defeat would enhance the acquisition of conditioned defeat, and whether a similar injection prior to testing would enhance the expression of conditioned defeat. We found that injection of flesinoxan into the BLA decreased both the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat. However, injection of WAY-100635 into the BLA did not alter the acquisition or expression of conditioned defeat. These data indicate that pharmacological activation of 5-HT1A receptors in the BLA is sufficient to impair the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat. Our results suggest that pharmacological treatments that activate 5-HT1A receptors in the BLA are capable of reducing the development of stress-induced changes in behavior.
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Morrison KE, Swallows CL, Cooper MA. Effects of dominance status on conditioned defeat and expression of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. Physiol Behav 2011; 104:283-90. [PMID: 21362435 PMCID: PMC3118936 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Past experience can alter how individuals respond to stressful events. The brain serotonin system is a key factor modulating stress-related behavior and may contribute to individual variation in coping styles. In this study we investigated whether dominant and subordinate hamsters respond differently to social defeat and whether their behavioral responses are associated with changes in 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor immunoreactivity in several limbic brain regions. We paired weight-matched hamsters in daily aggressive encounters for two weeks so that they formed a stable dominance relationship. We also included controls that were exposed to an empty cage each day for two weeks. Twenty-four hours after the final pairing or empty cage exposure, subjects were socially defeated in 3, 5-min encounters with a more aggressive hamster. Twenty-four hours after social defeat, animals were tested for conditioned defeat in a 5-min social interaction test with a non-aggressive intruder. We collected brains following conditioned defeat testing and performed immunohistochemistry for 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. We found that dominants showed less submissive and defensive behavior at conditioned defeat testing compared to both subordinates and controls. Additionally, both dominants and subordinates had an increased number of 5-HT1A immunopositive cells in the basolateral amygdala compared to controls. Subordinates also had more 5-HT1A immunopositive cells in the dorsal medial amygdala than did controls. Finally, dominants had fewer 5-HT1A immunopositive cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus compared to controls. Our results indicate that dominant social status results in a blunted conditioned defeat response and a distinct pattern of 5-HT1A receptor expression, which may contribute to resistance to conditioned defeat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Morrison
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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Franklin TB, Linder N, Russig H, Thöny B, Mansuy IM. Influence of early stress on social abilities and serotonergic functions across generations in mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21842. [PMID: 21799751 PMCID: PMC3143115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to adverse environments during early development is a known risk factor for several psychiatric conditions including antisocial behavior and personality disorders. Here, we induced social anxiety and altered social recognition memory in adult mice using unpredictable maternal separation and maternal stress during early postnatal life. We show that these social defects are not only pronounced in the animals directly subjected to stress, but are also transmitted to their offspring across two generations. The defects are associated with impaired serotonergic signaling, in particular, reduced 5HT1A receptor expression in the dorsal raphe nucleus, and increased serotonin level in a dorsal raphe projection area. These findings underscore the susceptibility of social behaviors and serotonergic pathways to early stress, and the persistence of their perturbation across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara B. Franklin
- Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University of Zürich and Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Natacha Linder
- Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University of Zürich and Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Russig
- Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University of Zürich and Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Thöny
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M. Mansuy
- Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University of Zürich and Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
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McDevitt RA, Neumaier JF. Regulation of dorsal raphe nucleus function by serotonin autoreceptors: a behavioral perspective. J Chem Neuroanat 2011; 41:234-46. [PMID: 21620956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2011.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Revised: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurotransmission by serotonin (5-HT) is tightly regulated by several autoreceptors that fine-tune serotonergic neurotransmission through negative feedback inhibition at the cell bodies (predominantly 5-HT(1A)) or at the axon terminals (predominantly 5-HT(1B)); however, more subtle roles for 5-HT(1D) and 5-HT(2B) autoreceptors have also been detected. This review provides an overview of 5-HT autoreceptors, focusing on their contribution in animal behavioral models of stress and emotion. Experiments targeting 5-HT autoreceptors in awake, behaving animals have generally shown that increasing autoreceptor feedback is anxiolytic and rewarding, while enhanced 5-HT function is aversive and anxiogenic; however, the role of serotonergic activity in behavioral models of helplessness is more complex. The prevailing model suggests that 5-HT autoreceptors become desensitized in response to stress exposure and antidepressant administration, two seemingly opposite manipulations. Thus there are still unresolved questions regarding the role of these receptors-and serotonin in general-in normal and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A McDevitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
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Hammack SE, Cooper MA, Lezak KR. Overlapping neurobiology of learned helplessness and conditioned defeat: implications for PTSD and mood disorders. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:565-75. [PMID: 21396383 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to traumatic events can increase the risk for major depressive disorder (MDD) as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and pharmacological treatments for these disorders often involve the modulation of serotonergic (5-HT) systems. Several behavioral paradigms in rodents produce changes in behavior that resemble symptoms of MDD and these behavioral changes are sensitive to antidepressant treatments. Here we review two animal models in which MDD-like behavioral changes are elicited by exposure to an acute traumatic event during adulthood, learned helplessness (LH) and conditioned defeat. In LH, exposure of rats to inescapable, but not escapable, tailshock produces a constellation of behavioral changes that include deficits in fight/flight responding and enhanced anxiety-like behavior. In conditioned defeat, exposure of Syrian hamsters to a social defeat by a more aggressive animal leads to a loss of territorial aggression and an increase in submissive and defensive behaviors in subsequent encounters with non-aggressive conspecifics. Investigations into the neural substrates that control LH and conditioned defeat revealed that increased 5-HT activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is critical for both models. Other key brain regions that regulate the acquisition and/or expression of behavior in these two paradigms include the basolateral amygdala (BLA), central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). In this review, we compare and contrast the role of each of these neural structures in mediating LH and conditioned defeat, and discuss the relevance of these data in developing a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying trauma-related depression. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychology, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, John Dewey Hall, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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Paul ED, Hale MW, Lukkes JL, Valentine MJ, Sarchet DM, Lowry CA. Repeated social defeat increases reactive emotional coping behavior and alters functional responses in serotonergic neurons in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus. Physiol Behav 2011; 104:272-82. [PMID: 21238469 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a vulnerability factor for a number of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and affective disorders. Social defeat in rats has proven to be a useful paradigm to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying physiologic and behavioral adaptation to acute and chronic stress. Previous studies suggest that serotonergic systems may contribute to the physiologic and behavioral adaptation to chronic stress, including social defeat in rodent models. In order to test the hypothesis that repeated social defeat alters the emotional behavior and the excitability of brainstem serotonergic systems implicated in control of emotional behavior, we exposed adult male rats either to home cage control conditions, acute social defeat, or social defeat followed 24h later by a second social defeat encounter. We then assessed behavioral responses during social defeat as well as the excitability of serotonergic neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus using immunohistochemical staining of tryptophan hydroxylase, a marker of serotonergic neurons, and the protein product of the immediate-early gene, c-fos. Repeated social defeat resulted in a shift away from proactive emotional coping behaviors, such as rearing (explorative escape behavior), and toward reactive emotional coping behaviors such as freezing. Both acute and repeated defeat led to widespread increases in c-Fos expression in serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Changes in behavior following a second exposure to social defeat, relative to acute defeat, were associated with decreased c-Fos expression in serotonergic neurons within the dorsal and ventral parts of the mid-rostrocaudal dorsal raphe nucleus, regions that have been implicated in 1) serotonergic modulation of fear- and anxiety-related behavior and 2) defensive behavior in conspecific aggressive encounters, respectively. These data support the hypothesis that serotonergic systems play a role in physiologic and behavioral responses to both acute and repeated social defeat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan D Paul
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0354, USA.
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Christianson JP, Ragole T, Amat J, Greenwood BN, Strong PV, Paul ED, Fleshner M, Watkins LR, Maier SF. 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptors in the basolateral amygdala are involved in the expression of anxiety after uncontrollable traumatic stress. Biol Psychiatry 2010; 67:339-45. [PMID: 19914601 PMCID: PMC3278236 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to uncontrollable stressors often increases anxiety-like behavior in both humans and rodents. In rat, this effect depends on stress-induced activity within the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). However, the role of serotonin in DRN projection regions is largely unknown. The goals of this study were to 1) assess the effect of uncontrollable stress on extracellular serotonin in the basolateral amygdala during the anxiety test, 2) determine whether DRN activity during a poststress anxiety test is involved in anxiety-like behavior, and 3) determine the role of the serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT(2C)) in uncontrollable stress-induced anxiety. METHOD Rats were exposed to tail shocks that were either controllable or uncontrollable. On the following day, anxiety-like behavior was assessed in a Juvenile Social Exploration (JSE) test. Basolateral amygdala (BLA) extracellular serotonin concentrations were assessed during JSE by in vivo microdialysis 24 hours after uncontrollable stress, controllable stress, or no stress. In separate experiments, drugs were administered before the JSE test to inhibit the DRN or to block 5-HT(2C) receptors. RESULTS Exposure to uncontrollable shock reduced later social exploration. Prior uncontrollable stress potentiated serotonin efflux in the BLA during social exploration, but controllable stress did not. Intra-DRN 8-OH-DPAT and systemic and intra-BLA 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist SB 242,084 prevented the expression of potentiated anxiety in uncontrollably stressed rats. Intra-BLA injection of the 5-HT(2C) agonist CP 809,101 mimicked the effect of stress. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the anxiety-like behavior observed after uncontrollable stress is mediated by exaggerated 5-HT acting at BLA 5-HT(2C) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Christianson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, 80309, USA.
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Marner L, Gillings N, Madsen K, Erritzoe D, Baaré WFC, Svarer C, Hasselbalch SG, Knudsen GM. Brain imaging of serotonin 4 receptors in humans with [11C]SB207145-PET. Neuroimage 2010; 50:855-61. [PMID: 20096787 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Revised: 01/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological stimulation of the serotonin 4 (5-HT(4)) receptor has shown promise for treatment of Alzheimer's disease and major depression. A new selective radioligand, [(11)C]SB207145, for positron emission tomography (PET) was used to quantify brain 5-HT(4) receptors in sixteen healthy subjects (20-45 years, 8 males) using the simplified reference tissue model. We tested within our population the effect of age and other demographic factors on the endpoint. In seven subjects, we tested the vulnerability of radioligand binding to a pharmacolological challenge with citalopram, which is expected to increase competition from endogenous serotonin. Given radiotracer administration at a range of specific activities, we were able to use the individual BP(ND) measurements for population-based estimation of the saturation binding parameters; B(max) ranged from 0.3 to 1.6 nM. B(max) was in accordance with post-mortem brain studies (Spearman's r=0.83, p=0.04), and the regional binding potentials, BP(ND), were on average 2.6 in striatum, 0.42 in prefrontal cortex, and 0.91 in hippocampus. We found no effect of sex but a decreased binding with age (p=0.046). A power analysis showed that, given the low inter-and intrasubject variation, use of the present method will enable detection of a 15% difference in striatum with only 7-13 subjects in a 2-sample test and with only 4-5 subjects in a paired test. The citalopram challenge did not discernibly alter [(11)C]SB207145 binding. In conclusion, the 5-HT(4) receptor binding in human brain can be reliably assessed with [(11)C]SB207145, which is encouraging for future PET studies of drug occupancy or patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth Marner
- The Neuroscience Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen O, Denmark.
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Lowry CA, Hale MW. Serotonin and the Neurobiology of Anxious States. HANDBOOK OF BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-7339(10)70091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Cooper MA, Grober MS, Nicholas CR, Huhman KL. Aggressive encounters alter the activation of serotonergic neurons and the expression of 5-HT1A mRNA in the hamster dorsal raphe nucleus. Neuroscience 2009; 161:680-90. [PMID: 19362123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.03.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Revised: 03/27/2009] [Accepted: 03/31/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Serotonergic (5-HT) neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) have been implicated in stress-induced changes in behavior. Previous research indicates that stressful stimuli activate 5-HT neurons in select subregions of the DRN. Uncontrollable stress is thought to sensitize 5-HT neurons in the DRN and allow for an exaggerated 5-HT response to future stimuli. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that following aggressive encounters, losing male Syrian hamsters would exhibit increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in 5-HT DRN neurons compared to winners or controls. In addition, we tested the hypothesis that losers would have decreased 5-HT1A mRNA levels in the DRN compared to winners or controls. We found that a single 15-min aggressive encounter increased c-Fos expression in 5-HT and non-5-HT neurons in losers compared to winners and controls. The increased c-Fos expression in losers was restricted to ventral regions of the rostral DRN. We also found that four 5-min aggressive encounters reduced total 5-HT1A mRNA levels in the DRN in losers compared to winners and controls, and that differences in mRNA levels were not restricted to specific DRN subregions. These results suggest that social defeat activates neurons in select subregions of the DRN and reduces message for DRN 5-HT1A autoreceptors. Our results support the hypothesis that social stress can activate 5-HT neurons in the DRN, reduce 5-HT1A autoreceptor-mediated inhibition, and lead to hyperactivity of 5-HT neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Cooper
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, USA.
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Savitz J, Lucki I, Drevets WC. 5-HT(1A) receptor function in major depressive disorder. Prog Neurobiol 2009; 88:17-31. [PMID: 19428959 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 396] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT(1A)) may play a role in the genesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Here we review the pharmacological, post-mortem, positron emission tomography (PET), and genetic evidence in support of this statement. We also touch briefly on two MDD-associated phenotypes, cognitive impairment and somatic pain. The results of pharmacological challenge studies with 5-HT(1A) receptor agonists are indicative of blunted endocrine responses in depressed patients. Lithium, valproate, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and other treatment, such as electroconvulsive shock therapy (ECT), all increase post-synaptic 5-HT(1A) receptor signaling through either direct or indirect effects. Reduced somatodendritic and postsynaptic 5-HT(1A) receptor numbers or affinity have been reported in some post-mortem studies of suicide victims, a result consistent with well-replicated PET analyses demonstrating reduced 5-HT(1A) receptor binding potential in diverse regions such as the dorsal raphe, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala and hippocampus. 5-HT(1A) receptor knockout (KO) mice display increased anxiety-related behavior, which, unlike in their wild-type counterparts, cannot be rescued with antidepressant drug (AD) treatment. In humans, the G allele of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5-HT(1A) receptor gene (HTR1A; rs6295), which abrogates a transcription factor binding site for deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor-1 (Deaf-1) and Hes5, has been reported to be over-represented in MDD cases. Conversely, the C allele has been associated with better response to AD drugs. We raise the possibility that 5-HT(1A) receptor dysfunction represents one potential mechanism underpinning MDD and other stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Savitz
- Section on Neuroimaging in Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, NIH/NIMH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
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