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Monari PK, Hammond ER, Zhao X, Maksimoski AN, Petric R, Malone CL, Riters LV, Marler CA. Conditioned preferences: Gated by experience, context, and endocrine systems. Horm Behav 2024; 161:105529. [PMID: 38492501 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105529] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Central to the navigation of an ever-changing environment is the ability to form positive associations with places and conspecifics. The functions of location and social conditioned preferences are often studied independently, limiting our understanding of their interplay. Furthermore, a de-emphasis on natural functions of conditioned preferences has led to neurobiological interpretations separated from ecological context. By adopting a naturalistic and ethological perspective, we uncover complexities underlying the expression of conditioned preferences. Development of conditioned preferences is a combination of motivation, reward, associative learning, and context, including for social and spatial environments. Both social- and location-dependent reward-responsive behaviors and their conditioning rely on internal state-gating mechanisms that include neuroendocrine and hormone systems such as opioids, dopamine, testosterone, estradiol, and oxytocin. Such reinforced behavior emerges from mechanisms integrating past experience and current social and environmental conditions. Moreover, social context, environmental stimuli, and internal state gate and modulate motivation and learning via associative reward, shaping the conditioning process. We highlight research incorporating these concepts, focusing on the integration of social neuroendocrine mechanisms and behavioral conditioning. We explore three paradigms: 1) conditioned place preference, 2) conditioned social preference, and 3) social conditioned place preference. We highlight nonclassical species to emphasize the naturalistic applications of these conditioned preferences. To fully appreciate the complex integration of spatial and social information, future research must identify neural networks where endocrine systems exert influence on such behaviors. Such research promises to provide valuable insights into conditioned preferences within a broader naturalistic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K Monari
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Emma R Hammond
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xin Zhao
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alyse N Maksimoski
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Radmila Petric
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA; Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Candice L Malone
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lauren V Riters
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Catherine A Marler
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA.
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Racicot KJ, Ham JR, Augustine JK, Henriksen R, Wright D, Iwaniuk AN. A Comparison of Telencephalon Composition among Chickens, Junglefowl, and Wild Galliforms. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2024; 99:13-24. [PMID: 38368854 DOI: 10.1159/000537844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Domestication is the process of modifying animals for human benefit through selective breeding in captivity. One of the traits that often diverges is the size of the brain and its constituent regions; almost all domesticated species have relatively smaller brains and brain regions than their wild ancestors. Although the effects of domestication on the brain have been investigated across a range of both mammal and bird species, almost nothing is known about the neuroanatomical effects of domestication on the world's most common bird: the chicken (Gallus gallus). METHODS We compared the quantitative neuroanatomy of the telencephalon of white leghorn chickens with red junglefowl, their wild counterpart, and several wild galliform species. We focused specifically on the telencephalon because telencephalic regions typically exhibit the biggest differences in size in domesticate-wild comparisons. RESULTS Relative telencephalon size was larger in chickens than in junglefowl and ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). The relative size of telencephalic regions did not differ between chickens and junglefowl, but did differ in comparison with ruffed grouse. Ruffed grouse had larger hyperpallia and smaller entopallial, nidopallial, and striatal volumes than chickens and junglefowl. Multivariate analyses that included an additional three wild grouse species corroborated these findings: chicken and junglefowl have relatively larger nidopallial and striatal volumes than grouse. Conversely, the mesopallial and hyperpallial volumes tended to be relatively smaller in chickens and junglefowl. CONCLUSION From this suite of comparisons, we conclude that chickens do not follow a pattern of widespread decreases in telencephalic region sizes that is often viewed as typical of domestication. Instead, chickens have undergone a mosaic of changes with some regions increasing and others decreasing in size, and there are few differences between chickens and junglefowl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey J Racicot
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jackson R Ham
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jacqueline K Augustine
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University at Lima, Lima, Ohio, USA
| | - Rie Henriksen
- AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Dominic Wright
- AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Andrew N Iwaniuk
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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Manzotti A, Panisi C, Pivotto M, Vinciguerra F, Benedet M, Brazzoli F, Zanni S, Comassi A, Caputo S, Cerritelli F, Chiera M. An in-depth analysis of the polyvagal theory in light of current findings in neuroscience and clinical research. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22450. [PMID: 38388187 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22450] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The polyvagal theory has led to the understanding of the functions of the autonomic nervous system in biological development in humans, since the vagal system, a key structure within the polyvagal theory, plays a significant role in addressing challenges of the mother-child dyad. This article aims to summarize the neurobiological aspects of the polyvagal theory, highlighting some of its strengths and limitations through the lens of new evidence emerging in several research fields-including comparative anatomy, embryology, epigenetics, psychology, and neuroscience-in the 25 years since the theory's inception. Rereading and incorporating the polyvagal idea in light of modern scientific findings helps to interpret the role of the vagus nerve through the temporal dimension (beginning with intrauterine life) and spatial dimension (due to the numerous connections of the vagus with various structures and systems) in the achievement and maintenance of biopsychosocial well-being, from the uterus to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Manzotti
- Division of Neonatology, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Milan, Italy
- RAISE Lab, Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation COME Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
- Research Department, SOMA Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Panisi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Micol Pivotto
- Research Department, SOMA Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Benedet
- Research Department, SOMA Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Zanni
- Research Department, SOMA Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Comassi
- Research Department, SOMA Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Caputo
- Research Department, SOMA Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Cerritelli
- RAISE Lab, Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation COME Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
| | - Marco Chiera
- RAISE Lab, Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation COME Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
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Puglia MH, Lynch ME, Nance MG, Connelly JJ, Morris JP. DNA methylation of the oxytocin receptor interacts with age to impact neural response to social stimuli. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1252478. [PMID: 38020783 PMCID: PMC10665856 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1252478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social isolation is one of the strongest predictors of increased risk of mortality in older adulthood. The ability to form and maintain the social relationships that mitigate this risk is partially regulated by the oxytocinergic system and one's ability to attend to and process social information. We have previously shown that an epigenetic change to the DNA of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR methylation) affects the salience of social information in young adults. Little is known about how the oxytocinergic system ages and what effect this aging system has on social cognitive abilities throughout the lifespan. Methods Here we explored age-related differences in the association between neural response during selective social attention and OXTR DNA methylation in young (age 18-31) and older (age 58-81) adults. Participants underwent fMRI during a selective social attention task and provided a DNA sample for the assessment of OXTR methylation. Results and Discussion We found that older adults activated diffuse areas of visual cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during selective social attention, consistent with the dedifferentiation and compensatory neural activation commonly reported in aging. We found a significant age-by-OXTR methylation interaction on neural response when attending to social stimuli in a complex display; young adults displayed a positive association between OXTR methylation and neural activation, replicating our prior finding that young adults with presumed diminished endogenous access to oxytocin recruit regions of the attentional cortex to a greater extent. This association did not hold for older adults. Instead, perceived social support interacted with OXTR methylation to influence neural response during selective social attention. These data suggest that environmental factors like social support moderate biological processes in aging and highlight the importance of a lifespan perspective for understanding associations between individual differences in the oxytocinergic system, neural function, and social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan H. Puglia
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Morgan E. Lynch
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Madelyn G. Nance
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jessica J. Connelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - James P. Morris
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Um S, Lee J, Kim SJ, Cho KA, Kang KS, Kim SH. Xinghamide A, a New Cyclic Nonapeptide Found in Streptomyces xinghaiensis. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:509. [PMID: 37888444 PMCID: PMC10608500 DOI: 10.3390/md21100509] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Xinghamide A (1), a new nonapeptide, was discovered in Streptomyces xinghaiensis isolated from a halophyte, Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort. Based on high-resolution mass and NMR spectroscopic data, the planar structure of 1 was established, and, in particular, the sequence of nine amino acids was determined with ROESY and HMBC NMR spectra. The absolute configurations of the α-carbon of each amino acid residue were determined with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl-l-and -d-leucine amide (Marfey's reagents) and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl isothiocyanate, followed by LC-MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity of xinghamide A (1) was evaluated by inhibitory abilities against the nitric oxide (NO) secretion and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyun Um
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (S.U.); (J.L.); (K.A.C.)
| | - Jaeyoun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (S.U.); (J.L.); (K.A.C.)
| | - Sung Jin Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (K.S.K.)
| | - Kyung A Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (S.U.); (J.L.); (K.A.C.)
| | - Ki Sung Kang
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (K.S.K.)
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (S.U.); (J.L.); (K.A.C.)
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Jongerius C, Hillen MA, Smets EMA, Mol MJ, Kooij ES, de Nood MA, Dalmaijer ES, Fliers E, Romijn JA, Quintana DS. Nasal oxytocin administration does not influence eye gaze or perceived relationship of male volunteers with physicians in a simulated online consultation: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:e220377. [PMID: 37294605 PMCID: PMC10448572 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The patient-physician relationship is a critical determinant of patient health outcomes. Verbal and non-verbal communication, such as eye gaze, are vital aspects of this bond. Neurobiological studies indicate that oxytocin may serve as a link between increased eye gaze and social bonding. Therefore, oxytocin signaling could serve as a key factor influencing eye gaze as well as the patient-physician relationship. We aimed to test the effects of oxytocin on gaze to the eyes of the physician and the patient-physician relationship by conducting a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial in healthy volunteers with intranasally administered oxytocin (with a previously effective single dose of 24 IU, EudraCT number 2018-004081-34). The eye gaze of 68 male volunteers was studied using eye tracking during a simulated video call consultation with a physician, who provided information about vaccination against the human papillomavirus. Relationship outcomes, including trust, satisfaction, and perceived physician communication style, were measured using questionnaires and corrected for possible confounds (social anxiety and attachment orientation). Additional secondary outcome measures for the effect of oxytocin were recall of information and pupil diameter and exploratory outcomes included mood and anxiety measures. Oxytocin did not affect the eye-tracking parameters of volunteers' gaze toward the eyes of the physician. Moreover, oxytocin did not affect the parameters of bonding between volunteers and the physician nor other secondary and exploratory outcomes in this setting. Bayesian hypothesis testing provided evidence for the absence of effects. These results contradict the notion that oxytocin affects eye gaze patterns or bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Jongerius
- Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marij A Hillen
- Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen M A Smets
- Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathijs J Mol
- Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eefje S Kooij
- Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria A de Nood
- Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin S Dalmaijer
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Fliers
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes A Romijn
- Department of Medicine, Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel S Quintana
- University of Oslo, Department of Psychology, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Rare Disorders and Disabilities, Oslo University Hospital, NevSom, Oslo, Norway
- University of Oslo, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT) and KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oslo, Norway
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Lear MK, Smith SM, Pilecki B, Stauffer CS, Luoma JB. Social anxiety and MDMA-assisted therapy investigation: a novel clinical trial protocol. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1083354. [PMID: 37520237 PMCID: PMC10379654 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1083354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a serious and prevalent psychiatric condition that heavily impacts social functioning and quality of life. Though efficacious treatments exist for SAD, remission rates remain elevated and a significant portion of those affected do not access effective treatment, suggesting the need for additional evidence-based treatment options. This paper presents a protocol for an open-label pilot study of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for social anxiety disorder. The study aims to assess preliminary treatment outcomes, feasibility and safety, and psychological and physiological processes of change in the treatment of SAD with MDMA-AT. A secondary aim includes the development of a treatment manual for MDMA-AT for SAD. Method The outlined protocol is a randomized, open-label delayed treatment study. We will recruit 20 participants who meet criteria with moderate-to-severe social anxiety disorder (SAD) of the generalized subtype. Participants will be randomly assigned to an immediate treatment (n = 10) or delayed treatment condition (n = 10). Those in the immediate treatment condition will proceed immediately to active MDMA-AT consisting of three preparation sessions, two medicine sessions in which they receive oral doses of MDMA, and six integration sessions over approximately a 16-week period. The delayed treatment condition will receive the same intervention after a 16-week delay. Our primary outcome is SAD symptom reduction as measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale administered by blinded raters at post-treatment and 6 month follow up. Secondary outcomes include changes in functional impairment, feasibility and safety measures, and novel therapeutic processes of change including shame and shame-related coping, belongingness, self-concealment, and self-compassion at post-treatment. Exploratory outcomes are also discussed. Discussion The results of this pilot trial advance the field's understanding of the acceptability and potential effectiveness of MDMA-AT for social anxiety disorder and provide an overview of relevant therapeutic mechanisms unique to SAD. We hope findings from this protocol will inform the design of subsequent larger-scale randomized controlled trials (RCT) examining the efficacy of MDMA-AT for SAD. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT05138068.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Kati Lear
- Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sarah M. Smith
- Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Brian Pilecki
- Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Chris S. Stauffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jason B. Luoma
- Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center, Portland, OR, United States
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Rice LJ, Agu J, Carter CS, Harris JC, Nazarloo HP, Naanai H, Einfeld SL. The relationship between endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin levels and the Prader-Willi syndrome behaviour phenotype. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1183525. [PMID: 37313445 PMCID: PMC10259653 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1183525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oxytocin and vasopressin systems are altered in Prader Willi syndrome (PWS). However, investigations into endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin levels as well as clinical trials evaluating the effect of exogenous oxytocin on PWS symptoms have had mixed results. It is also unknown whether endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin levels are associated with certain PWS behaviours. Method We compared plasma oxytocin and vasopressin and saliva oxytocin levels in 30 adolescents and adults with PWS to 30 typically developing age-matched controls. We also compared neuropeptide levels between gender and genetic subtypes within the PWS cohort and examined the relationship between neuropeptide levels and PWS behaviours. Results While we did not measure a group difference in plasma or saliva oxytocin levels, plasma vasopressin was significantly lower in individuals with PWS compared to controls. Within the PWS cohort, saliva oxytocin levels were higher in females compared to males and individuals with the mUPD compared to the deletion genetic subtype. We also found the neuropeptides correlated with different PWS behaviours for males and females and for genetic subtypes. For the deletion group, higher plasma and saliva oxytocin levels were related to fewer behaviour problems. For the mUPD group, higher plasma vasopressin levels were related to more behaviour problems. Conclusion These findings support existing evidence of a vasopressin system defect in PWS and for the first time identify potential differences in the oxytocin and vasopressin systems across PWS genetic subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J. Rice
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Josephine Agu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C. Sue Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - James C. Harris
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences and Paediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hans P. Nazarloo
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Habiba Naanai
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stewart L. Einfeld
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Zilcha-Mano S, Orbach M, Malka M, Lebowitz ER. Oxytocin as a Biomarker of Differential Effects to SPACE vs. CBT Treatment of Child Anxiety Disorders. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37166402 PMCID: PMC10638466 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2023.2188557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Two lines of research, on outcome moderators and on novel treatment targets, seek to improve the overall efficacy of child anxiety treatment, with mixed results. We propose that an integration of both lines of research can lead to improved treatment efficacy. In a first proof of concept of this approach, we studied whether the interaction between baseline levels and targeted changes in peripheral oxytocin (OT) can predict differential responses to two childhood anxiety treatments. METHOD A total of 124 mother-child dyads participated in the study. Children's salivary OT levels were measured at baseline and again, immediately after an experimental dyadic interaction in the lab. Dyads were subsequently randomized to receive one of two treatments, differing in their targets: SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy). Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Childhood Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders scale, reported by both mother and child. RESULTS The findings suggest that in SPACE, where the mother is the main agent of change, higher baseline levels of child OT, coupled with increases in OT following a positive mother-child interaction, predicted greater treatment efficacy. By contrast, in CBT, where the child is the main agent of change, higher baseline levels of child OT, coupled with a decrease in OT following the interaction, predicted greater treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the importance of the integration between moderators and targets of treatments for progress toward improving treatment efficacy through precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meital Orbach
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University
| | - Michal Malka
- The Department of Psychology, University of Haifa
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Naviaux RK. Mitochondrial and metabolic features of salugenesis and the healing cycle. Mitochondrion 2023; 70:131-163. [PMID: 37120082 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenesis and salugenesis are the first and second stages of the two-stage problem of disease production and health recovery. Salugenesis is the automatic, evolutionarily conserved, ontogenetic sequence of molecular, cellular, organ system, and behavioral changes that is used by living systems to heal. It is a whole-body process that begins with mitochondria and the cell. The stages of salugenesis define a circle that is energy- and resource-consuming, genetically programmed, and environmentally responsive. Energy and metabolic resources are provided by mitochondrial and metabolic transformations that drive the cell danger response (CDR) and create the three phases of the healing cycle: Phase 1-Inflammation, Phase 2-Proliferation, and Phase 3-Differentiation. Each phase requires a different mitochondrial phenotype. Without different mitochondria there can be no healing. The rise and fall of extracellular ATP (eATP) signaling is a key driver of the mitochondrial and metabolic reprogramming required to progress through the healing cycle. Sphingolipid and cholesterol-enriched membrane lipid rafts act as rheostats for tuning cellular sensitivity to purinergic signaling. Abnormal persistence of any phase of the CDR inhibits the healing cycle, creates dysfunctional cellular mosaics, causes the symptoms of chronic disease, and accelerates the process of aging. New research reframes the rising tide of chronic disease around the world as a systems problem caused by the combined action of pathogenic triggers and anthropogenic factors that interfere with the mitochondrial functions needed for healing. Once chronic pain, disability, or disease is established, salugenesis-based therapies will start where pathogenesis-based therapies end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Naviaux
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, Departments of Medicine, and Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C107, MC#8467, San Diego, CA 92103.
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Berendzen KM, Sharma R, Mandujano MA, Wei Y, Rogers FD, Simmons TC, Seelke AMH, Bond JM, Larios R, Goodwin NL, Sherman M, Parthasarthy S, Espineda I, Knoedler JR, Beery A, Bales KL, Shah NM, Manoli DS. Oxytocin receptor is not required for social attachment in prairie voles. Neuron 2023; 111:787-796.e4. [PMID: 36708707 PMCID: PMC10150797 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Prairie voles are among a small group of mammals that display long-term social attachment between mating partners. Many pharmacological studies show that signaling via the oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) is critical for the display of social monogamy in these animals. We used CRISPR mutagenesis to generate three different Oxtr-null mutant prairie vole lines. Oxtr mutants displayed social attachment such that males and females showed a behavioral preference for their mating partners over a stranger of the opposite sex, even when assayed using different experimental setups. Mothers lacking Oxtr delivered viable pups, and parents displayed care for their young and raised them to the weanling stage. Together, our studies unexpectedly reveal that social attachment, parturition, and parental behavior can occur in the absence of Oxtr signaling in prairie voles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Berendzen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ruchira Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Yichao Wei
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Forrest D Rogers
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Trenton C Simmons
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Adele M H Seelke
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jessica M Bond
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rose Larios
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
| | - Nastacia L Goodwin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael Sherman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Srinivas Parthasarthy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Isidero Espineda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph R Knoedler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Annaliese Beery
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nirao M Shah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Devanand S Manoli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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12
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Trangle SS, Rosenberg T, Parnas H, Levy G, Bar E, Marco A, Barak B. In individuals with Williams syndrome, dysregulation of methylation in non-coding regions of neuronal and oligodendrocyte DNA is associated with pathology and cortical development. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1112-1127. [PMID: 36577841 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a heterozygous micro-deletion in the WS critical region (WSCR) and is characterized by hyper-sociability and neurocognitive abnormalities. Nonetheless, whether and to what extent WSCR deletion leads to epigenetic modifications in the brain and induces pathological outcomes remains largely unknown. By examining DNA methylation in frontal cortex, we revealed genome-wide disruption in the methylome of individuals with WS, as compared to typically developed (TD) controls. Surprisingly, differentially methylated sites were predominantly annotated as introns and intergenic loci and were found to be highly enriched around binding sites for transcription factors that regulate neuronal development, plasticity and cognition. Moreover, by utilizing enhancer-promoter interactome data, we confirmed that most of these loci function as active enhancers in the human brain or as target genes of transcriptional networks associated with myelination, oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation, cognition and social behavior. Cell type-specific methylation analysis revealed aberrant patterns in the methylation of active enhancers in neurons and OLs, and important neuron-glia interactions that might be impaired in individuals with WS. Finally, comparison of methylation profiles from blood samples of individuals with WS and healthy controls, along with other data collected in this study, identified putative targets of endophenotypes associated with WS, which can be used to define brain-risk loci for WS outside the WSCR locus, as well as for other associated pathologies. In conclusion, our study illuminates the brain methylome landscape of individuals with WS and sheds light on how these aberrations might be involved in social behavior and physiological abnormalities. By extension, these results may lead to better diagnostics and more refined therapeutic targets for WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari Schokoroy Trangle
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Tali Rosenberg
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Hadar Parnas
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Gilad Levy
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Ela Bar
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.,The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Asaf Marco
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
| | - Boaz Barak
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel. .,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
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13
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Rigney N, de Vries GJ, Petrulis A. Modulation of social behavior by distinct vasopressin sources. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1127792. [PMID: 36860367 PMCID: PMC9968743 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1127792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is well known for its peripheral effects on blood pressure and antidiuresis. However, AVP also modulates various social and anxiety-related behaviors by its actions in the brain, often sex-specifically, with effects typically being stronger in males than in females. AVP in the nervous system originates from several distinct sources which are, in turn, regulated by different inputs and regulatory factors. Based on both direct and indirect evidence, we can begin to define the specific role of AVP cell populations in social behavior, such as, social recognition, affiliation, pair bonding, parental behavior, mate competition, aggression, and social stress. Sex differences in function may be apparent in both sexually-dimorphic structures as well as ones without prominent structural differences within the hypothalamus. The understanding of how AVP systems are organized and function may ultimately lead to better therapeutic interventions for psychiatric disorders characterized by social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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14
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Caria A. A Hypothalamic Perspective of Human Socioemotional Behavior. Neuroscientist 2023:10738584221149647. [PMID: 36703298 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221149647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Historical evidence from stimulation and lesion studies in animals and humans demonstrated a close association between the hypothalamus and typical and atypical socioemotional behavior. A central hypothalamic contribution to regulation of socioemotional responses was also provided indirectly by studies on oxytocin and arginine vasopressin. However, a limited number of studies have so far directly investigated the contribution of the hypothalamus in human socioemotional behavior. To reconsider the functional role of the evolutionarily conserved hypothalamic region in regulating human social behavior, here I provide a synthesis of neuroimaging investigations showing that the hypothalamus is involved in multiple and diverse facets of human socioemotional behavior through widespread functional interactions with other cortical and subcortical regions. These neuroimaging findings are then integrated with recent optogenetics studies in animals demonstrating that the hypothalamus plays a more active role in eliciting socioemotional responses and is not simply a downstream effector of higher-level brain systems. Building on the aforementioned evidence, the hypothalamus is argued to substantially contribute to a continuum of human socioemotional behaviors promoting survival and preservation of the species that extends from exploratory and approaching responses facilitating social bonding to aggressive and avoidance responses aimed to protect and defend formed relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caria
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
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15
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Lopes S, Osório FDL. Effects of intranasal oxytocin on pain perception among human subjects: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105282. [PMID: 36463692 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oxytocin (OXT) is a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus that plays a neuromodulatory role in emotion, stress, and anxiety. Due to its multidimensional role, OXT is a promising target for therapeutic interventions to treat pain. OBJECTIVE Perform a systematic literature review, followed by a meta-analysis to identify the effects of intranasal OXT on the self-perception of clinical and experimental pain among human subjects. METHOD A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases, using the keywords Oxytocin, Pain, Analgesia, and Nociception. RESULTS Fifteen papers were included in the meta-analysis. None of the outcomes presented statistical significance in terms of the interventions' effect size: pain intensity (SMD = -0.02 (CI 95 %: -0.14 to 0.10; p = 0.76)) and pain unpleasantness (SMD = -0.15 (CI 95 %: -0.34 to 0.04; p = 0.12)). No meta-analysis was performed for pain threshold or tolerance because few papers address these outcomes. CONCLUSION There was no statistically significant effect of intranasal OXT administration on pain perception, considering equivalence limits between (-0.2 and 0.2). However, it must be considered that the study designs may not have been sensitive enough to detect minor analgesic effects of OXT, which, being weak, may also not be perceived at a conscious level. Additionally, OXT effects possibly depend on specific characteristics of the painful condition, such as pain complexity, intensity, and duration, contextual variables like the presence of social and affective support, and individual characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lopes
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia de Lima Osório
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil; National Institute for Science and Technology (INCT-TM, CNPq), Brazil.
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16
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Oztan O, Zyga O, Stafford DEJ, Parker KJ. Linking oxytocin and arginine vasopressin signaling abnormalities to social behavior impairments in Prader-Willi syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104870. [PMID: 36113782 PMCID: PMC11024898 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Global hypothalamic dysfunction is a core feature of PWS and has been implicated as a driver of many of PWS's phenotypic characteristics (e.g., hyperphagia-induced obesity, hypogonadism, short stature). Although the two neuropeptides (i.e., oxytocin [OXT] and arginine vasopressin [AVP]) most implicated in mammalian prosocial functioning are of hypothalamic origin, and social functioning is markedly impaired in PWS, there has been little consideration of how dysregulation of these neuropeptide signaling pathways may contribute to PWS's social behavior impairments. The present article addresses this gap in knowledge by providing a comprehensive review of the preclinical and clinical PWS literature-spanning endogenous neuropeptide measurement to exogenous neuropeptide administration studies-to better understand the roles of OXT and AVP signaling in this population. The preponderance of evidence indicates that OXT and AVP signaling are indeed dysregulated in PWS, and that these neuropeptide pathways may provide promising targets for therapeutic intervention in a patient population that currently lacks a pharmacological strategy for its debilitating social behavior symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Oztan
- 1201 Welch Road, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Olena Zyga
- 1201 Welch Road, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Diane E J Stafford
- Center for Academic Medicine, 453 Quarry Road, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- 1201 Welch Road, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; 300 Pasteur Drive, Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Rethinking the Architecture of Attachment: New Insights into the Role for Oxytocin Signaling. AFFECTIVE SCIENCE 2022; 3:734-748. [PMID: 36519145 PMCID: PMC9743890 DOI: 10.1007/s42761-022-00142-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Social attachments, the enduring bonds between individuals and groups, are essential to health and well-being. The appropriate formation and maintenance of social relationships depend upon a number of affective processes, including stress regulation, motivation, reward, as well as reciprocal interactions necessary for evaluating the affective state of others. A genetic, molecular, and neural circuit level understanding of social attachments therefore provides a powerful substrate for probing the affective processes associated with social behaviors. Socially monogamous species form long-term pair bonds, allowing us to investigate the mechanisms underlying attachment. Now, molecular genetic tools permit manipulations in monogamous species. Studies using these tools reveal new insights into the genetic and neuroendocrine factors that design and control the neural architecture underlying attachment behavior. We focus this discussion on the prairie vole and oxytocinergic signaling in this and related species as a model of attachment behavior that has been studied in the context of genetic and pharmacological manipulations. We consider developmental processes that impact the demonstration of bonding behavior across genetic backgrounds, the modularity of mechanisms underlying bonding behaviors, and the distributed circuitry supporting these behaviors. Incorporating such theoretical considerations when interpreting reverse genetic studies in the context of the rich ethological and pharmacological data collected in monogamous species provides an important framework for studies of attachment behavior in both animal models and studies of human relationships.
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A short period of early life oxytocin treatment rescues social behavior dysfunction via suppression of hippocampal hyperactivity in male mice. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4157-4171. [PMID: 35840800 PMCID: PMC9718675 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01692-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early sensory experiences interact with genes to shape precise neural circuits during development. This process is vital for proper brain function in adulthood. Neurological dysfunctions caused by environmental alterations and/or genetic mutation may share the same molecular or cellular mechanisms. Here, we show that early life bilateral whisker trimming (BWT) subsequently affects social discrimination in adult male mice. Enhanced activation of the hippocampal dorsal CA3 (dCA3) in BWT mice was observed during social preference tests. Optogenetic activation of dCA3 in naive mice impaired social discrimination, whereas chemogenetic silencing of dCA3 rescued social discrimination deficit in BWT mice. Hippocampal oxytocin (OXT) is reduced after whisker trimming. Neonatal intraventricular compensation of OXT relieved dCA3 over-activation and prevented social dysfunction. Neonatal knockdown of OXT receptor in dCA3 mimics the effects of BWT, and cannot be rescued by OXT treatment. Social behavior deficits in a fragile X syndrome mouse model (Fmr1 KO mice) could also be recovered by early life OXT treatment, through negating dCA3 over-activation. Here, a possible avenue to prevent social dysfunction is uncovered.
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Gartland LA, Firth JA, Laskowski KL, Jeanson R, Ioannou CC. Sociability as a personality trait in animals: methods, causes and consequences. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:802-816. [PMID: 34894041 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Within animal populations there is variation among individuals in their tendency to be social, where more sociable individuals associate more with other individuals. Consistent inter-individual variation in 'sociability' is considered one of the major axes of personality variation in animals along with aggressiveness, activity, exploration and boldness. Not only is variation in sociability important in terms of animal personalities, but it holds particular significance for, and can be informed by, two other topics of major interest: social networks and collective behaviour. Further, knowledge of what generates inter-individual variation in social behaviour also holds applied implications, such as understanding disorders of social behaviour in humans. In turn, research using non-human animals in the genetics, neuroscience and physiology of these disorders can inform our understanding of sociability. For the first time, this review brings together insights across these areas of research, across animal taxa from primates to invertebrates, and across studies from both the laboratory and field. We show there are mixed results in whether and how sociability correlates with other major behavioural traits. Whether and in what direction these correlations are observed may differ with individual traits such as sex and body condition, as well as ecological conditions. A large body of evidence provides the proximate mechanisms for why individuals vary in their social tendency. Evidence exists for the importance of genes and their expression, chemical messengers, social interactions and the environment in determining an individual's social tendency, although the specifics vary with species and other variables such as age, and interactions amongst these proximate factors. Less well understood is how evolution can maintain consistent variation in social tendencies within populations. Shifts in the benefits and costs of social tendencies over time, as well as the social niche hypothesis, are currently the best supported theories for how variation in sociability can evolve and be maintained in populations. Increased exposure to infectious diseases is the best documented cost of a greater social tendency, and benefits include greater access to socially transmitted information. We also highlight that direct evidence for more sociable individuals being safer from predators is lacking. Variation in sociability is likely to have broad ecological consequences, but beyond its importance in the spread of infectious diseases, direct evidence is limited to a few examples related to dispersal and invasive species biology. Overall, our knowledge of inter-individual variation in sociability is highly skewed towards the proximate mechanisms. Our review also demonstrates, however, that considering research from social networks and collective behaviour greatly enriches our understanding of sociability, highlighting the need for greater integration of these approaches into future animal personality research to address the imbalance in our understanding of sociability as a personality trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizzy A Gartland
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, U.K
| | - Josh A Firth
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, U.K
| | - Kate L Laskowski
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, U.S.A
| | - Raphael Jeanson
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (UMR5169), Centre de Biologie Intégrative, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Christos C Ioannou
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, U.K
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20
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Thirtamara Rajamani K, Leithead AB, Kim M, Barbier M, Peruggia M, Niblo K, Barteczko L, Lefevre A, Grinevich V, Harony-Nicolas H. Efficiency of cell-type specific and generic promoters in transducing oxytocin neurons and monitoring their neural activity during lactation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22541. [PMID: 34795340 PMCID: PMC8602291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01818-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) neurons have been at the center of several physiological and behavioral studies. Advances in viral vector biology and the development of transgenic rodent models have allowed for targeted gene expression to study the functions of specific cell populations and brain circuits. In this study, we compared the efficiency of various adeno-associated viral vectors in these cell populations and demonstrated that none of the widely used promoters were, on their own, effective at driving expression of a down-stream fluorescent protein in OXT or AVP neurons. As anticipated, the OXT promoter could efficiently drive gene expression in OXT neurons and this efficiency is solely attributed to the promoter and not the viral serotype. We also report that a dual virus approach using an OXT promoter driven Cre recombinase significantly improved the efficiency of viral transduction in OXT neurons. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the OXT promoter for conducting functional studies on OXT neurons by using an OXT specific viral system to record neural activity of OXT neurons in lactating female rats across time. We conclude that extreme caution is needed when employing non-neuron-specific viral approaches/promoters to study neural populations within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthi Thirtamara Rajamani
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda B Leithead
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marie Barbier
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Peruggia
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristi Niblo
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lara Barteczko
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Arthur Lefevre
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hala Harony-Nicolas
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Örnek BY, Cumurcu BE, Zayman EP. An Investgation About the Relationship Between Vasopressin and Oxytocin in Persistent Type Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder. Psychiatry Investig 2021; 18:1018-1024. [PMID: 34666429 PMCID: PMC8542743 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional neurogical symptom disorder (FNSD) is a somatic symptom disorder with loss of voluntary motor or sensory functions, which cannot be explained by another medical condition. The study aimed to examine the relationship of vasopressin and oxytocin in persistent type FNSD. METHODS This study included 27 female patients between the ages of 20-57 who were diagnosed with FNSD according to DSM-5 and 27 healthy controls matched in terms of age and gender. Serum vasopressin and oxytocin levels were measured twice on the same day in fasting blood samples and the results were compared statistically. RESULTS Vasopressin were lower in patients compared to controls while there was no difference between oxytocin levels. Childhood traumas were more common in patient group, and mean oxytocin level was lower in patients who exposed to childhood trauma, compared to controls. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of vasopressin. CONCLUSION Changes in vasopressin and oxytocin balance in the pathogenesis of persistant FNSD, may likely to lead to physiological and behavioral consequences. Lower oxytocin levels may also be a marker of exposure to childhood trauma in FNSD. These neuropeptides plays important role in neuroendocrine balance of emotional behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Yeşil Örnek
- Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Research and Training Hospital Psychiatry Departmant, University Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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Luoma J, Lear MK. MDMA-Assisted Therapy as a Means to Alter Affective, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Neurological Systems Underlying Social Dysfunction in Social Anxiety Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:733893. [PMID: 34646176 PMCID: PMC8502812 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.733893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent and often debilitating psychiatric disorder that can assume a chronic course even when treated. Despite the identification of evidence-based pharmacological and behavioral treatments for SAD, much room for improved outcomes exists and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been proposed as a promising adjunctive treatment to psychological interventions for disorders characterized by social dysfunction. A small randomized, placebo-controlled trial of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for social anxiety in autistic adults offered encouraging results, but more research is sorely needed to explore the potential for MDMA-AT in treating SAD. This review aims to stimulate future study by summarizing research on disruptions in neurological, perceptual, receptive, and expressive systems regulating social behavior in SAD and proposing how MDMA-AT may alter these systems across four domains. First, we review research highlighting the roles of social anhedonia and reduced social reward sensitivity in maintaining SAD, with specific attention to the reduction in positive affect in social situations, infrequent social approach behaviors, and related social skills deficits. We posit that MDMA-AT may enhance motivation to connect with others and alter perceptions of social reward for an extended period following administration, thereby potentiating extinction processes, and increasing the reinforcement value of social interactions. Second, we review evidence for the central role of heightened social evaluative threat perception in the development and maintenance of SAD and consider how MDMA-AT may enhance experiences of affiliation and safety when interacting with others. Third, we consider the influence of shame and the rigid application of shame regulation strategies as important intrapersonal processes maintaining SAD and propose the generation of self-transcendent emotions during MDMA sessions as a mechanism of shame reduction that may result in corrective emotional experiences and boost memory reconsolidation. Finally, we review research on the role of dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors in SAD that interfere with social functioning and, in particular, the development and maintenance of close and secure relationships. We discuss the hypothesized role of MDMA-AT in improving social skills to elicit positive interpersonal responses from others, creating a greater sense of belonging, acceptance, and social efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Luoma
- Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center, Portland, OR, United States
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Dunbar RIM, Frangou A, Grainger F, Pearce E. Laughter influences social bonding but not prosocial generosity to friends and strangers. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256229. [PMID: 34388212 PMCID: PMC8362988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans deploy a number of specific behaviours for forming social bonds, one of which is laughter. However, two questions have not yet been investigated with respect to laughter: (1) Does laughter increase the sense of bonding to those with whom we laugh? and (2) Does laughter facilitate prosocial generosity? Using changes in pain threshold as a proxy for endorphin upregulation in the brain and a standard economic game (the Dictator Game) as an assay of prosociality, we show that laughter does trigger the endorphin system and, through that, seems to enhance social bonding, but it does not reliably influence donations to others. This suggests that social bonding and prosociality may operate via different mechanisms, or on different time scales, and relate to different functional objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. I. M. Dunbar
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Frangou
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Grainger
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eiluned Pearce
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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24
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Ignatow G. The microbiome‐gut‐brain and social behavior. JOURNAL FOR THE THEORY OF SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jtsb.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabe Ignatow
- Department of Sociology University of North Texas Denton Texas USA
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25
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Lonsdorf EV, Travis DA, Raphael J, Kamenya S, Lipende I, Mwacha D, Collins DA, Wilson M, Mjungu D, Murray C, Bakuza J, Wolf TM, Parsons MB, Deere JR, Lantz E, Kinsel MJ, Santymire R, Pintea L, Terio KA, Hahn BH, Pusey AE, Goodall J, Gillespie TR. The Gombe Ecosystem Health Project: 16 years of program evolution and lessons learned. Am J Primatol 2021; 84:e23300. [PMID: 34223656 PMCID: PMC8727649 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Infectious disease outbreaks pose a significant threat to the conservation of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and all threatened nonhuman primates. Characterizing and mitigating these threats to support the sustainability and welfare of wild populations is of the highest priority. In an attempt to understand and mitigate the risk of disease for the chimpanzees of Gombe National Park, Tanzania, we initiated a long-term health-monitoring program in 2004. While the initial focus was to expand the ongoing behavioral research on chimpanzees to include standardized data on clinical signs of health, it soon became evident that the scope of the project would ideally include diagnostic surveillance of pathogens for all primates (including people) and domestic animals, both within and surrounding the National Park. Integration of these data, along with in-depth post-mortem examinations, have allowed us to establish baseline health indicators to inform outbreak response. Here, we describe the development and expansion of the Gombe Ecosystem Health project, review major findings from the research and summarize the challenges and lessons learned over the past 16 years. We also highlight future directions and present the opportunities and challenges that remain when implementing studies of ecosystem health in a complex, multispecies environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth V Lonsdorf
- Department of Psychology and Biological Foundations of Behavior Program, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dominic A Travis
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jane Raphael
- Gombe National Park, Tanzania Nationals Park, Kigoma, Tanzania
| | - Shadrack Kamenya
- Gombe Stream Research Center, The Jane Goodall Institute, Kigoma, Tanzania
| | - Iddi Lipende
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Dismas Mwacha
- Gombe Stream Research Center, The Jane Goodall Institute, Kigoma, Tanzania
| | - D Anthony Collins
- Gombe Stream Research Center, The Jane Goodall Institute, Kigoma, Tanzania
| | - Michael Wilson
- Departments of Anthropology and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Deus Mjungu
- Gombe Stream Research Center, The Jane Goodall Institute, Kigoma, Tanzania
| | - Carson Murray
- Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jared Bakuza
- College of Education, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tiffany M Wolf
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michele B Parsons
- Division of Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica R Deere
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emma Lantz
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, California, USA
| | - Michael J Kinsel
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois, Brookfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Rachel Santymire
- Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Karen A Terio
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois, Brookfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Beatrice H Hahn
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anne E Pusey
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jane Goodall
- The Jane Goodall Institute, Vienna, Virginia, USA
| | - Thomas R Gillespie
- Departments of Environmental Sciences and Environmental Health and Program in Population Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Abstract
In contrast to traditional laboratory animals, prairie voles form socially monogamous partnerships in the wild and exhibit lasting social preferences for familiar individuals-both mates and same-sex peers-in the laboratory. Decades of research into the mechanisms supporting pair bonding behavior have made prairie voles an important model organism for the study of social relationships. The partner preference test is a laboratory test of familiarity preference that takes place over an extended interval (typically 3 hr), during which test subjects can directly interact with conspecifics and often engage in resting side-by-side contact (i.e., huddling). The use of this test has enabled study of the neural pathways and mechanisms involved in promoting or impairing relationship formation. The tendency to form partner preferences is also used as a behavioral indicator of the effects of early life experiences and environmental exposures. While this test was developed to assess the extent of social preference for mates in prairie voles, it has been adapted for use in other social contexts and in multiple other species. This article provides instructions for conducting the classic partner preference test, as well as variations including same-sex "peer" partner preference tests. The effects of several protocol variations are examined, including duration of cohousing, separation interval, use of tethers versus barriers, linear versus branched apparatus configuration, and duration of the test. The roles of social variables including sex of the focal individual, sex of conspecifics, reproductive state, and use of the test in other species are then considered. Finally, sample data are provided along with discussion of scoring and statistical analysis of partner preference tests. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Partner preference test Support Protocol: Behavioral scoring.
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Grippo AJ, McNeal N, Normann MC, Colburn W, Dagner A, Woodbury M. Behavioral and neuroendocrine consequences of disrupting a long-term monogamous social bond in aging prairie voles. Stress 2021; 24:239-250. [PMID: 32820956 PMCID: PMC7914264 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2020.1812058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social support from a spouse, long-term partner, or someone who provides emotional or instrumental support may protect against consequences of aging, including mediating behavioral stress reactivity and altering neurobiological process that underlie short-term stress responses. Therefore, long-term social bonding may have behavioral and neurobiological benefits. The socially monogamous prairie vole provides a valuable experimental model for investigating the benefits of long-term social bonds on short-term stress reactivity in aging animals, given their unique social structure of forming enduring opposite-sex bonds, living in family groups, and bi-parental rearing strategies. Male-female pairs of long-term, cohabitating prairie voles were investigated for short-term behavioral and neuroendocrine stress reactivity following either long-term social pairing (control), or a period of social isolation. In Experiment 1, social isolation was associated with altered behavioral reactivity to an acute swim stressor, and greater neural activation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, as well as specifically the parvocellular region, following the swim stressor (vs. control). In Experiment 2, social isolation was associated with greater corticosterone reactivity following an acute restraint stressor (vs. control). No sex differences were observed. Exploratory correlation and subgroup analyses revealed systematic relationships among various demographic variables (such as age of the subjects, amount of time the pair cohabitated together, and number of litters the pair reared together) and the behavioral and neuroendocrine outcome measures. These findings may inform our understanding of the benefits of long-term social bonding on modulating short-term behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to stress.LAY SUMMARYReceiving social support from a long-term spouse or partner, or having a strong support network from friends, may have important health benefits as people age. In aging monogamous prairie voles, social isolation from a long-term social partner disrupted behaviors and short-term stress responses, whereas living with a long-term partner protected against these disruptions. This research is important for our understanding of the benefits of social support on stress responses as we age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela J Grippo
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Neal McNeal
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Marigny C Normann
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - William Colburn
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Ashley Dagner
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Matthew Woodbury
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
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Multiple dimensions of social motivation in adult female degus. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250219. [PMID: 33882104 PMCID: PMC8059823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animals become more motivated to interact after a period of isolation. This phenomenon may involve general drives, e.g. for social touch or companionship, as well as drives that are specific to particular peers, and which ultimately serve to reestablish relationships between the individuals. Female degus are known to be affiliative with multiple other individuals, including unrelated and unfamiliar conspecifics, offering an opportunity to study social motivation independent from exclusive pair-bonds or overt, same-sex competition. We attempted to disentangle factors driving peer interaction by examining reunion behavior across several social isolation and separation manipulations. High levels of interaction were observed between adult females who had been separated even without isolation, revealing a drive to re-establish relationships with specific peers. The content of separation-only reunions differed from isolation, with the latter involving more early-session interaction, higher levels of allogrooming before rear-sniffing, and a higher ratio of chitter vocalizations. To assess whether post-isolation behavior was related to stress, we examined reunions following a non-social (footshock) stressor. Like isolation, footshock increased early-session interactions, but did not increase allogrooming before rear-sniffing or chittering, as compared with controls. To test whether separation-only reunion behavior shared qualities with relationship formation, we also examined reunions of new (stranger) dyads. Strangers exhibited higher levels of interaction than cagemates, with particularly high levels of late-session rear-sniffing. Like separation-only reunions, strangers showed more non-chitter vocalizations and lower levels of allogrooming before rear-sniffing. Across experiments, an exploratory clustering method was used to identify vocalizations that differed between conditions. This yielded promising leads for future investigation, including a chaff-type syllable that may have been more common during relationship renewal. Overall, results are consistent with the hypothesis that female degu reunions are supported by both general and peer-stimulus specific drives, expressed through the structure of physical and vocal interactions over time.
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Beery AK, Shambaugh KL. Comparative Assessment of Familiarity/Novelty Preferences in Rodents. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:648830. [PMID: 33927601 PMCID: PMC8076734 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.648830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sociality-i.e., life in social groups-has evolved many times in rodents, and there is considerable variation in the nature of these groups. While many species-typical behaviors have been described in field settings, the use of consistent behavioral assays in the laboratory provides key data for comparisons across species. The preference for interaction with familiar or novel individuals is an important dimension of social behavior. Familiarity preference, in particular, may be associated with more closed, less flexible social groups. The dimension from selectivity to gregariousness has been used as a factor in classification of social group types. Laboratory tests of social choice range from brief (10 minutes) to extended (e.g., 3 hours). As familiarity preferences typically need long testing intervals to manifest, we used 3-hour peer partner preference tests to test for the presence of familiarity preferences in same-sex cage-mates and strangers in rats. We then conducted an aggregated analysis of familiarity preferences across multiple rodent species (adult male and female rats, mice, prairie voles, meadow voles, and female degus) tested with the same protocol. We found a high degree of consistency within species across data sets, supporting the existence of strong, species-typical familiarity preferences in prairie voles and meadow voles, and a lack of familiarity preferences in other species tested. Sociability, or total time spent near conspecifics, was unrelated to selectivity in social preference. These findings provide important background for interpreting the neurobiological mechanisms involved in social behavior in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaliese K Beery
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Departments of Psychology and Biology, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States
| | - Katharine L Shambaugh
- Neuroscience Program, Departments of Psychology and Biology, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States
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30
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Baettig L, Baeumelt A, Ernst J, Boeker H, Grimm S, Richter A. The awareness of the scared - context dependent influence of oxytocin on brain function. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 14:2073-2083. [PMID: 31317388 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00143-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter and has been originally recognized for its role in childbirth and lactation. Later, it became widely known as a "cuddle hormone" that induces trusting behavior towards strangers and reduces social stress and anxiety. Several studies showed that oxytocin influences empathic behavior and has prosocial effects. The anterior cingulate cortex and the anterior insula are brain regions that are active when humans observe fear in others. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether oxytocin administration affects activity in these regions depending on whether a threat is directed at another person (empathy) compared to when the threat is directed at the subject itself (fear). Our findings demonstrate increased anterior cingulate cortex activation after oxytocin administration in the fear, but not in the empathy condition. Furthermore, oxytocin administration was associated with deceased anterior insula activity in the empathy condition. However, our findings do not support the idea that oxytocin generally augments activity in brain regions associated with empathy. Thereby this study supports current research questioning that oxytocin has exclusively prosocial effects on human behavior. Rather, the effect of oxytocin depends on various contextual (e.g. presence of a familiar person) and interindividual (e.g. sex, mental disorder) factors. Therefore, to consider oxytocin an empathy inducing hormone is an oversimplification and future research should focus on factors moderating oxytocin effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Baettig
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Baeumelt
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jutta Ernst
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Boeker
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simone Grimm
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andre Richter
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Alvarenga AB, Oliveira HR, Chen SY, Miller SP, Marchant-Forde JN, Grigoletto L, Brito LF. A Systematic Review of Genomic Regions and Candidate Genes Underlying Behavioral Traits in Farmed Mammals and Their Link with Human Disorders. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030715. [PMID: 33800722 PMCID: PMC7999279 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study is a comprehensive review of genomic regions associated with animal behavior in farmed mammals (beef and dairy cattle, pigs, and sheep) which contributes to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms influencing the target indicator trait and to gene expression studies by suggesting genes likely controlling the trait, and it will be useful in optimizing genomic predictions of breeding values incorporating biological information. Behavioral mechanisms are complex traits, genetically controlled by multiple genes spread across the whole genome. The majority of the genes identified in cattle, pigs, and sheep in association with a plethora of behavioral measurements (e.g., temperament, terrain use, milking speed, tail biting, and sucking reflex) are likely controlling stimuli reception (e.g., olfactory), internal recognition of stimuli (e.g., neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction), and body response to a stimulus (e.g., blood pressure, fatty acidy metabolism, hormone signaling, and inflammatory pathways). Six genes were commonly identified between cattle and pigs. About half of the genes for behavior identified in farmed mammals were also identified in humans for behavioral, mental, and neuronal disorders. Our findings indicate that the majority of the genes identified are likely controlling animal behavioral outcomes because their biological functions as well as potentially differing allele frequencies between two breed groups (subjectively) clustered based on their temperament characteristics. Abstract The main objectives of this study were to perform a systematic review of genomic regions associated with various behavioral traits in the main farmed mammals and identify key candidate genes and potential causal mutations by contrasting the frequency of polymorphisms in cattle breeds with divergent behavioral traits (based on a subjective clustering approach). A total of 687 (cattle), 1391 (pigs), and 148 (sheep) genomic regions associated with 37 (cattle), 55 (pigs), and 22 (sheep) behavioral traits were identified in the literature. In total, 383, 317, and 15 genes overlap with genomic regions identified for cattle, pigs, and sheep, respectively. Six common genes (e.g., NR3C2, PITPNM3, RERG, SPNS3, U6, and ZFAT) were found for cattle and pigs. A combined gene-set of 634 human genes was produced through identified homologous genes. A total of 313 out of 634 genes have previously been associated with behavioral, mental, and neurologic disorders (e.g., anxiety and schizophrenia) in humans. Additionally, a total of 491 candidate genes had at least one statistically significant polymorphism (p-value < 0.05). Out of those, 110 genes were defined as having polymorphic regions differing in greater than 50% of exon regions. Therefore, conserved genomic regions controlling behavior were found across farmed mammal species and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Alvarenga
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Hinayah R. Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Shi-Yi Chen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 625014, China
| | | | - Jeremy N. Marchant-Forde
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service (USDA–ARS), West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Lais Grigoletto
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 05508, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz F. Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Christensen JF, Vartanian M, Sancho-Escanero L, Khorsandi S, Yazdi SHN, Farahi F, Borhani K, Gomila A. A Practice-Inspired Mindset for Researching the Psychophysiological and Medical Health Effects of Recreational Dance (Dance Sport). Front Psychol 2021; 11:588948. [PMID: 33716840 PMCID: PMC7950321 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.588948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
“Dance” has been associated with many psychophysiological and medical health effects. However, varying definitions of what constitute “dance” have led to a rather heterogenous body of evidence about such potential effects, leaving the picture piecemeal at best. It remains unclear what exact parameters may be driving positive effects. We believe that this heterogeneity of evidence is partly due to a lack of a clear definition of dance for such empirical purposes. A differentiation is needed between (a) the effects on the individual when the activity of “dancing” is enjoyed as a dancer within different dance domains (e.g., professional/”high-art” type of dance, erotic dance, religious dance, club dancing, Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), and what is commonly known as hobby, recreational or social dance), and (b) the effects on the individual within these different domains, as a dancer of the different dance styles (solo dance, partnering dance, group dance; and all the different styles within these). Another separate category of dance engagement is, not as a dancer, but as a spectator of all of the above. “Watching dance” as part of an audience has its own set of psychophysiological and neurocognitive effects on the individual, and depends on the context where dance is witnessed. With the help of dance professionals, we first outline some different dance domains and dance styles, and outline aspects that differentiate them, and that may, therefore, cause differential empirical findings when compared regardless (e.g., amount of interpersonal contact, physical exertion, context, cognitive demand, type of movements, complexity of technique and ratio of choreography/improvisation). Then, we outline commonalities between all dance styles. We identify six basic components that are part of any dance practice, as part of a continuum, and review and discuss available research for each of them concerning the possible health and wellbeing effects of each of these components, and how they may relate to the psychophysiological and health effects that are reported for “dancing”: (1) rhythm and music, (2) sociality, (3) technique and fitness, (4) connection and connectedness (self-intimation), (5) flow and mindfulness, (6) aesthetic emotions and imagination. Future research efforts might take into account the important differences between types of dance activities, as well as the six components, for a more targeted assessment of how “dancing” affects the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F Christensen
- Department for Language and Literature, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | | | - S H N Yazdi
- 3Fish Corporate Filmmaking, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Khatereh Borhani
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Antoni Gomila
- Department of Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
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Sparapani S, Millet-Boureima C, Oliver J, Mu K, Hadavi P, Kalostian T, Ali N, Avelar CM, Bardies M, Barrow B, Benedikt M, Biancardi G, Bindra R, Bui L, Chihab Z, Cossitt A, Costa J, Daigneault T, Dault J, Davidson I, Dias J, Dufour E, El-Khoury S, Farhangdoost N, Forget A, Fox A, Gebrael M, Gentile MC, Geraci O, Gnanapragasam A, Gomah E, Haber E, Hamel C, Iyanker T, Kalantzis C, Kamali S, Kassardjian E, Kontos HK, Le TBU, LoScerbo D, Low YF, Mac Rae D, Maurer F, Mazhar S, Nguyen A, Nguyen-Duong K, Osborne-Laroche C, Park HW, Parolin E, Paul-Cole K, Peer LS, Philippon M, Plaisir CA, Porras Marroquin J, Prasad S, Ramsarun R, Razzaq S, Rhainds S, Robin D, Scartozzi R, Singh D, Fard SS, Soroko M, Soroori Motlagh N, Stern K, Toro L, Toure MW, Tran-Huynh S, Trépanier-Chicoine S, Waddingham C, Weekes AJ, Wisniewski A, Gamberi C. The Biology of Vasopressin. Biomedicines 2021; 9:89. [PMID: 33477721 PMCID: PMC7832310 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasopressins are evolutionarily conserved peptide hormones. Mammalian vasopressin functions systemically as an antidiuretic and regulator of blood and cardiac flow essential for adapting to terrestrial environments. Moreover, vasopressin acts centrally as a neurohormone involved in social and parental behavior and stress response. Vasopressin synthesis in several cell types, storage in intracellular vesicles, and release in response to physiological stimuli are highly regulated and mediated by three distinct G protein coupled receptors. Other receptors may bind or cross-bind vasopressin. Vasopressin is regulated spatially and temporally through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, sex, tissue, and cell-specific receptor expression. Anomalies of vasopressin signaling have been observed in polycystic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Growing knowledge of the central biological roles of vasopressin has enabled pharmacological advances to treat these conditions by targeting defective systemic or central pathways utilizing specific agonists and antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chiara Gamberi
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; (S.S.); (C.M.-B.); (J.O.); (K.M.); (P.H.); (T.K.); (N.A.); (C.M.A.); (M.B.); (B.B.); (M.B.); (G.B.); (R.B.); (L.B.); (Z.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (T.D.); (J.D.); (I.D.); (J.D.); (E.D.); (S.E.-K.); (N.F.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (M.C.G.); (O.G.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (E.H.); (C.H.); (T.I.); (C.K.); (S.K.); (E.K.); (H.K.K.); (T.B.U.L.); (D.L.); (Y.F.L.); (D.M.R.); (F.M.); (S.M.); (A.N.); (K.N.-D.); (C.O.-L.); (H.W.P.); (E.P.); (K.P.-C.); (L.S.P.); (M.P.); (C.-A.P.); (J.P.M.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (S.R.); (S.R.); (D.R.); (R.S.); (D.S.); (S.S.F.); (M.S.); (N.S.M.); (K.S.); (L.T.); (M.W.T.); (S.T.-H.); (S.T.-C.); (C.W.); (A.J.W.); (A.W.)
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Kato Y, Yokose S. Oxytocin Facilitates Dentinogenesis of Rat Dental Pulp Cells. J Endod 2021; 47:592-599. [PMID: 33422572 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohypophysial hormone that plays a role in lactation and parturition and exerts diverse biological actions via the OT receptor. Recently, several studies have reported that OT stimulates bone formation by osteoblasts in osteoporosis. We focused on OT and hypothesized that OT can stimulate the differentiation of odontoblasts as well as osteoblasts. The aim of this study was to verify whether OT is an essential factor in dentinogenesis; we examined the effects of OT on dentinogenesis using a long-term culture system of rat dental pulp cells. METHODS Using a culture system of rat dental pulp cells with Otr knocked out by CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, we examined the effects of OT on odontoblastlike cell differentiation as reflected by dentin formation. RESULTS We confirmed that OT stimulated mineralized nodule formation and the expression of both dentin sialoprotein and bone Gla protein messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the culture system. Interestingly, the cultured cells treated with OT also exhibited an increase of both Wnt10a and Lef-1 mRNA. The Otr knockout cells showed inhibition of nodule formation and mRNA expression, and these phenomena remained despite OT treatment. These results indicate the following: OT regulates odontoblastlike cell differentiation via the OT receptor, it stimulates dentin formation, and the Wnt canonical pathway is closely related to these effects. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that OT can promote odontoblastlike cell differentiation, resulting in increased dentin formation, and that OT could be an important factor for dentinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kato
- Division of Endodontics and Operative Dentistry, Department of Restorative and Biomaterials Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yokose
- Division of Endodontics and Operative Dentistry, Department of Restorative and Biomaterials Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Saitama, Japan
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Coen CW, Bennett NC, Holmes MM, Faulkes CG. Neuropeptidergic and Neuroendocrine Systems Underlying Eusociality and the Concomitant Social Regulation of Reproduction in Naked Mole-Rats: A Comparative Approach. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1319:59-103. [PMID: 34424513 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65943-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The African mole-rat family (Bathyergidae) includes the first mammalian species identified as eusocial: naked mole-rats. Comparative studies of eusocial and solitary mole-rat species have identified differences in neuropeptidergic systems that may underlie the phenomenon of eusociality. These differences are found in the oxytocin, vasopressin and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) systems within the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and lateral septal nucleus. As a corollary of their eusociality, most naked mole-rats remain pre-pubertal throughout life because of the presence of the colony's only reproductive female, the queen. To elucidate the neuroendocrine mechanisms that mediate this social regulation of reproduction, research on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in naked mole-rats has identified differences between the many individuals that are reproductively suppressed and the few that are reproductively mature: the queen and her male consorts. These differences involve gonadal steroids, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1), kisspeptin, gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone/RFamide-related peptide-3 (GnIH/RFRP-3) and prolactin. The comparative findings in eusocial and solitary mole-rat species are assessed with reference to a broad range of studies on other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive W Coen
- Reproductive Neurobiology, Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Melissa M Holmes
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.,Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher G Faulkes
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Arakawa H. Dynamic regulation of oxytocin neuronal circuits in the sequential processes of prosocial behavior in rodent models. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 2:100011. [PMID: 36246512 PMCID: PMC9559098 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2021.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Donovan A, Ryan E, Wood RI. Cooperative responses in rats playing a 2 × 2 game: Effects of opponent strategy, payoff, and oxytocin. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 121:104803. [PMID: 32755813 PMCID: PMC7572755 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The present study tested cooperation in rats playing a 2 × 2 game (2 players, 2 responses) in an operant chamber, where players choose to cooperate or defect without knowledge of their partner's choice. We evaluated cooperative responses in rats (Subjects) playing different games [iterated Prisoner's Dilemma (IPD), Stag Hunt] with a Stooge partner utilizing different response strategies [Tit-for-tat (TFT), Win-stay, Lose-shift (WSLS), Random], and we determined the effects of oxytocin (OT). IPD trial outcomes and payoffs included mutual cooperation (reward, R, 3 sugar pellets each), mutual defection (punishment, P, 1 pellet each), or unilateral defection (temptation, T, 5 pellets) and cooperation (sucker, S, 0 pellets). Stag Hunt was similar, except that T = 2 pellets. We hypothesized that Subjects would make more cooperative responses when playing Stag Hunt vs IPD, when playing IPD with a Stooge using TFT vs WSLS or Random, and when treated with OT. At baseline, Subjects' overall likelihood of cooperation was unaffected by the game (IPD vs SH) or by the Stooges' response strategy (TFT, WSLS, Random). Cooperative responses earned Subjects more pellets, except when playing with a Stooge using a random strategy. Trial outcomes (R, T, S or P) also varied by game and strategy, although the mutual defection (P) was the most common. Systemic pretreatment with OT increased Subjects' cooperative responses, resulting in fewer P and more R outcomes. In particular, IPD-Random Subjects were more cooperative, even at the expense of earning fewer pellets. These results demonstrate that OT increases cooperative behavior in rats playing 2 × 2 games.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin Ryan
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California
| | - Ruth I. Wood
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
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Puglia MH, Krol KM, Missana M, Williams CL, Lillard TS, Morris JP, Connelly JJ, Grossmann T. Epigenetic tuning of brain signal entropy in emergent human social behavior. BMC Med 2020; 18:244. [PMID: 32799881 PMCID: PMC7429788 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01683-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND How the brain develops accurate models of the external world and generates appropriate behavioral responses is a vital question of widespread multidisciplinary interest. It is increasingly understood that brain signal variability-posited to enhance perception, facilitate flexible cognitive representations, and improve behavioral outcomes-plays an important role in neural and cognitive development. The ability to perceive, interpret, and respond to complex and dynamic social information is particularly critical for the development of adaptive learning and behavior. Social perception relies on oxytocin-regulated neural networks that emerge early in development. METHODS We tested the hypothesis that individual differences in the endogenous oxytocinergic system early in life may influence social behavioral outcomes by regulating variability in brain signaling during social perception. In study 1, 55 infants provided a saliva sample at 5 months of age for analysis of individual differences in the oxytocinergic system and underwent electroencephalography (EEG) while listening to human vocalizations at 8 months of age for the assessment of brain signal variability. Infant behavior was assessed via parental report. In study 2, 60 infants provided a saliva sample and underwent EEG while viewing faces and objects and listening to human speech and water sounds at 4 months of age. Infant behavior was assessed via parental report and eye tracking. RESULTS We show in two independent infant samples that increased brain signal entropy during social perception is in part explained by an epigenetic modification to the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and accounts for significant individual differences in social behavior in the first year of life. These results are measure-, context-, and modality-specific: entropy, not standard deviation, links OXTR methylation and infant behavior; entropy evoked during social perception specifically explains social behavior only; and only entropy evoked during social auditory perception predicts infant vocalization behavior. CONCLUSIONS Demonstrating these associations in infancy is critical for elucidating the neurobiological mechanisms accounting for individual differences in cognition and behavior relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders. Our results suggest that an epigenetic modification to the oxytocin receptor gene and brain signal entropy are useful indicators of social development and may hold potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan H Puglia
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 800834, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| | - Kathleen M Krol
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Manuela Missana
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Early Child Development and Culture, Leipzig University, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cabell L Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Travis S Lillard
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - James P Morris
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Jessica J Connelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Tobias Grossmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Morphofunctional Alterations of the Hypothalamus and Social Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10070435. [PMID: 32650534 PMCID: PMC7408098 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10070435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An accumulating body of evidence indicates a tight relationship between the endocrine system and abnormal social behavior. Two evolutionarily conserved hypothalamic peptides, oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin, because of their extensively documented function in supporting and regulating affiliative and socio-emotional responses, have attracted great interest for their critical implications for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A large number of controlled trials demonstrated that exogenous oxytocin or arginine-vasopressin administration can mitigate social behavior impairment in ASD. Furthermore, there exists long-standing evidence of severe socioemotional dysfunctions after hypothalamic lesions in animals and humans. However, despite the major role of the hypothalamus for the synthesis and release of oxytocin and vasopressin, and the evident hypothalamic implication in affiliative behavior in animals and humans, a rather small number of neuroimaging studies showed an association between this region and socioemotional responses in ASD. This review aims to provide a critical synthesis of evidences linking alterations of the hypothalamus with impaired social cognition and behavior in ASD by integrating results of both anatomical and functional studies in individuals with ASD as well as in healthy carriers of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genetic risk variant for ASD. Current findings, although limited, indicate that morphofunctional anomalies are implicated in the pathophysiology of ASD and call for further investigations aiming to elucidate anatomical and functional properties of hypothalamic nuclei underlying atypical socioemotional behavior in ASD.
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Olazábal DE, Sandberg NY. Variation in the density of oxytocin receptors in the brain as mechanism of adaptation to specific social and reproductive strategies. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 286:113337. [PMID: 31734142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Most species have predominant forms of social and reproductive behavior driven by many years of selection pressures and evolution. For example, rodent species can live in small or large groups, behave more tolerant or aggressively toward conspecifics (including newborns), and form or not bonds with other members of the group (including sexual partners). Any of those behavioral adaptations could result in good fitness for the species, but could also require compromises such as sharing resources, greater parental investment, increased risk of predation, etc. We propose that the oxytocin (OXT) system, among others neuroendocrine peptides, is at the basis of a neural mechanism that adapts and predisposes species to a particular social and reproductive form of living. In this review we will show evidence that the variability in the density of receptors for OXT (OXTR) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the lateral septum (LS) predisposes species to adopt at least 4 different social and reproductive strategies in rodents. Large or medium size groups with lower conspecific spacing (preferred separation distance maintained by adult conspecifics), and high levels of promiscuity are characterized by low levels of OXTR in the NAc and LS (e.g. Ratus norvegicus, Ctenomys sociabilis, Scotinomys teguina, Cavia porcellus); small size groups with higher conspecific spacing and low levels of promiscuity are characterized by high OXTR in the NAc and the LS (e.g. Peromyscus californicus); large or medium groups with lower conspecific spacing and low levels of promiscuity characterized by high levels of OXTR in the NAc but low levels in the LS (e.g. Microtus ochrogaster, Heterocephalus glaber, Microtus kikuchii); and small or medium size groups with higher conspecific spacing and high levels of promiscuity characterized by low levels of OXTR in the NAc and high OXTR in the LS (e.g. Mus musculus, Ctenomys haigi, Peromyscus maniculatus, Microtus pennsylvanicus, Microtus montanus). Careful analysis of the distribution of OXTR, and other peptides receptors, in the brain can contribute to understand its function but also to predict reproductive and social strategies of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Olazábal
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Natalia Y Sandberg
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Madrid JE, Parker KJ, Ophir AG. Variation, plasticity, and alternative mating tactics: Revisiting what we know about the socially monogamous prairie vole. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.asb.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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The inflammatory event of birth: How oxytocin signaling may guide the development of the brain and gastrointestinal system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100794. [PMID: 31560883 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of oxytocin (OT) as a neuropeptide that modulates social behavior has been extensively studied and reviewed, but beyond these functions, OT's adaptive functions at birth are quite numerous, as OT coordinates many physiological processes in the mother and fetus to ensure a successful delivery. In this review we explore in detail the potential adaptive roles of oxytocin as an anti-inflammatory, protective molecule at birth for the developing fetal brain and gastrointestinal system based on evidence that birth is a potent inflammatory/immune event. We discuss data with relevance for a number of neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as the emerging role of the gut-brain axis for health and disease. Finally, we discuss the potential relevance of sex differences in OT signaling present at birth in the increased male vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disabilities.
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Scatliffe N, Casavant S, Vittner D, Cong X. Oxytocin and early parent-infant interactions: A systematic review. Int J Nurs Sci 2019; 6:445-453. [PMID: 31728399 PMCID: PMC6838998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Social relationships throughout lifespan are critical for health and wellbeing. Oxytocin, often called the ‘hormone of attachment’ has been suggested as playing an important role in early-life nurturing and resulting social bonding. The objective of this paper is to synthesize the associations between oxytocin levels and interactions between infants and parents that may trigger oxytocin release, and in turn facilitate attachments. Methods A comprehensive cross-disciplinary systematic search was completed using electronic databases. The inclusion criteria included studies that focused on mother-infant and father-infant interaction and measured both baseline and post-interaction oxytocin levels. Results Seventeen studies were included in the final systematic review. The reviewed studies used mother-infant and/or father-infant play and skin-to-skin contact between maternal-infant and paternal-infant dyads to examine the oxytocin role in early life bonding and parenting processes. Studies showed a positive correlation between parent-infant contact and oxytocin levels in infancy period. Increased maternal oxytocin levels were significantly related to more affectionate contact behaviors in mothers following mother-infant contact, synchrony, and engagement. Meanwhile, increased paternal oxytocin levels were found to be related to more stimulatory contact behaviors in fathers following father-infant contact. Oxytocin levels significantly increased in infants, mothers and fathers during skin-to-skin contact and parents with higher oxytocin levels exhibited more synchrony and responsiveness in their infant interactions. Conclusion The review suggests that oxytocin plays an important role in the development of attachment between infants and parents through early contact and interaction. The complexities of oxytocinergic mechanisms are rooted in neurobiological, genetic, and social factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Scatliffe
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, USA.,School of Nursing, Southern CT State University, USA
| | | | - Dorothy Vittner
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, USA.,WakeMed Hospital & Health System, USA
| | - Xiaomei Cong
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, USA
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Araishi K, Watanabe K, Yamazaki T, Nakamachi T, Matsuda K. Intracerebroventricular administration of arginine vasotocin (AVT) induces anorexigenesis and anxiety-like behavior in goldfish. Peptides 2019; 119:170118. [PMID: 31279654 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is known as a neurohypophyseal hormone that regulates water- and mineral-balance in non-mammalian vertebrates. Recent studies revealed that AVT also exerts central effects on behavior. The goldfish has several merits for evaluation of behavioral changes. However, there is few information on the behavioral action of AVT in this species. Here we examined the effects of AVT on food intake and psychomotor activity. AVT was administered intracerebroventricularly at 1, 5 and 10 pmol g-1 body weight (BW). Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of AVT at 5 and 10 pmol g-1 BW significantly decreased food intake during 30 min after injection and recovery from anesthesia. The AVT-induced anorexigenic action was attenuated by treatment with the AVT receptor V1aR antagonist Manning compound (MC) at 50 pmol g-1 BW. As the goldfish tends to prefer the lower to the upper area of a tank, we used this preference behavior for assessing psychomotor activity during a 30-min observation period. ICV administration of AVT at 1, 5 and 10 pmol g-1 BW significantly prolonged the time spent in the lower area, but did not affect locomotor activity in the tank at any dose. The action of AVT was similar to that of the central-type benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist FG-7142 at 10 pmol g-1 BW. AVT-induced anxiety-like behavior was blocked by treatment with MC at 50 pmol g-1 BW. These results indicate that AVT affects food intake and psychophysiological status, and also induces anorexigenic- and anxiogenic-like actions via the V1aR-signaling pathway in the goldfish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koh Araishi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Keisuke Watanabe
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Takumi Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakamachi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Kouhei Matsuda
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan; Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Innovative Life Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan.
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Ménard S, Gelez H, Girard-Bériault F, Coria-Avila G, Pfaus JG. Differential role of oxytocin and vasopressin in the conditioned ejaculatory preference of the male rat. Physiol Behav 2019; 208:112577. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Wanser SH, Vitale KR, Thielke LE, Brubaker L, Udell MA. Spotlight on the psychological basis of childhood pet attachment and its implications. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2019; 12:469-479. [PMID: 31303801 PMCID: PMC6610550 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s158998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that humans can form strong attachments to their pets, and at least some pets display attachment behaviors toward their human caretakers. In some cases, these bonds have been found to support or enhance the physical and emotional well-being of both species. Most human–animal interaction research to date has focused on adult owners, and therefore less is known about childhood pet attachment. However, there is growing evidence that pets may play an important role in the development and well-being of children, as well as adult family members. Research conducted to date suggests that child–pet relationships may be especially impactful for children who do not have stable or secure attachments to their human caretakers. However, given that human–animal interactions, including pet ownership, can also introduce some risks, there is considerable value in understanding the nature of child–pet attachments, including the potential benefits of these relationships, from a scientific perspective. The purpose of this review is to provide background and a brief overview of the research that has been conducted on childhood attachment to pets, as well as to identify areas where more research would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby H Wanser
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Kristyn R Vitale
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lauren E Thielke
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lauren Brubaker
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Monique Ar Udell
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Steinman MQ, Duque-Wilckens N, Trainor BC. Complementary Neural Circuits for Divergent Effects of Oxytocin: Social Approach Versus Social Anxiety. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:792-801. [PMID: 30503164 PMCID: PMC6709863 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is widely known for promoting social interactions, but there is growing appreciation that it can sometimes induce avoidance of social contexts. The social salience hypothesis posed an innovative solution to these apparently opposing actions by proposing that OT enhances the salience of both positive and negative social interactions. The mesolimbic dopamine system was put forth as a likely system to evaluate social salience owing to its well-described role in motivation. Evidence from several sources supports the premise that OT acting within the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area facilitates social reward and approach behavior. However, in aversive social contexts, additional pathways play critical roles in mediating the effects of OT. Recent data indicate that OT acts in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to induce avoidance of potentially dangerous social contexts. Here, we review evidence for neural circuits mediating the effects of OT in appetitive and aversive social contexts. Specifically, we propose that distinct but potentially overlapping circuits mediate OT-dependent social approach or social avoidance. We conclude that a broader and more inclusive consideration of neural circuits of social approach and avoidance is needed as the field continues to evaluate the potential of OT-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Q Steinman
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Natalia Duque-Wilckens
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and Department of Physiology/Neuroscience, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
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Stevenson JR, McMahon EK, Boner W, Haussmann MF. Oxytocin administration prevents cellular aging caused by social isolation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 103:52-60. [PMID: 30640038 PMCID: PMC7476076 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stressors, such as chronic isolation in social mammals, can elevate glucocorticoids, which can affect cellular mechanisms of aging, including increased levels of oxidative stress and shortened telomere lengths. Recent work in the selectively social prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) suggests that oxytocin and social support may mitigate some of the negative consequences of social isolation, possibly by reducing glucocorticoid levels. We investigated the influences of isolation, social support, and daily oxytocin injections in female prairie voles. Glucocorticoid levels, oxidative damage, telomere length, and anhedonia, a behavioral index of depression, were measured throughout the study. We found that six weeks of chronic isolation led to increased glucocorticoid levels, oxidative damage, telomere degradation and anhedonia. However, daily oxytocin injections in isolated voles prevented these negative consequences. These findings demonstrate that chronic social isolation in female prairie voles is a potent stressor that results in depression-like behavior and accelerated cellular aging. Importantly, oxytocin can completely prevent the negative consequences of social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie R. Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, USA,Corresponding author at: 215 O’Leary Center, 1 Dent Drive, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, United States. (J.R. Stevenson)
| | | | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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49
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Gore AC, Krishnan K, Reilly MP. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Effects on neuroendocrine systems and the neurobiology of social behavior. Horm Behav 2019; 111:7-22. [PMID: 30476496 PMCID: PMC6527472 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A contribution to SBN/ICN special issue. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are pervasive in the environment. They are found in plastics and plasticizers (bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates), in industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and include some pesticides and fungicides such as vinclozolin. These chemicals act on hormone receptors and their downstream signaling pathways, and can interfere with hormone synthesis, metabolism, and actions. Because the developing brain is particularly sensitive to endogenous hormones, disruptions by EDCs can change neural circuits that form during periods of brain organization. Here, we review the evidence that EDCs affect developing hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems, and change behavioral outcomes in juvenile, adolescent, and adult life in exposed individuals, and even in their descendants. Our focus is on social, communicative and sociosexual behaviors, as how an individual behaves with a same- or opposite-sex conspecific determines that individual's ability to exist in a community, be selected as a mate, and reproduce successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Krittika Krishnan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michael P Reilly
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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50
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Grippo AJ, McNeal N, Watanasriyakul WT, Cacioppo S, Scotti MAL, Dagner A. Behavioral and cardiovascular consequences of disrupted oxytocin communication in cohabitating pairs of male and female prairie voles. Soc Neurosci 2019; 14:649-662. [PMID: 30658044 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2019.1572031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Negative social experiences may influence psychological and physiological health via altered central oxytocin communication. The prairie vole is valuable for investigating the potential influence of oxytocin on responses to social experiences. Prairie voles are socially monogamous, live in pairs or family groups, and respond negatively to changes in the social environment. This study investigated the hypothesis that disruptions of oxytocin in one prairie vole of a cohabitating male-female pair would alter social behavior in that specific animal; and these behavioral changes in turn would influence the untreated partner's behavior and physiology. Pharmacological antagonism of oxytocin with the receptor antagonist L-368,899 in the male prairie vole disrupted social behaviors between the male and his untreated female partner. This manipulation also negatively influenced the behavior and cardiovascular function in the untreated female partner, including increased: (a) depression-relevant behaviors in two behavioral stressors, (b) basal mean arterial pressure and heart rate, and (c) cardiovascular reactivity to the behavioral stressors. These results suggest that disruptions of oxytocin and social behavior in one animal may produce indicators of social stress in an untreated social partner. This preliminary research provides a foundation for future studies to investigate mechanisms underlying responses to social experiences in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela J Grippo
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University , DeKalb , IL , USA
| | - Neal McNeal
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University , DeKalb , IL , USA
| | | | - Stephanie Cacioppo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience and Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience, University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Melissa-Ann L Scotti
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University , DeKalb , IL , USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Brain-Body Center, University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Ashley Dagner
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University , DeKalb , IL , USA
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