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Ali M, Suh JS, Ramonas M, Hassel S, Arnott SR, Strother SC, Minuzzi L, Sassi RB, Lam RW, Milev R, Müller DJ, Taylor VH, Kennedy SH, Frey BN. A detailed manual segmentation procedure for the hypothalamus for 3T T1-weighted MRI. MethodsX 2022; 9:101864. [PMID: 36193115 PMCID: PMC9526169 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2022.101864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus is a small grey matter structure which plays a crucial role in many physiological functions. Some studies have found an association between hypothalamic volume and psychopathology, which stresses the need for a standardized method to maximize segmentation accuracy. Here, we provide a detailed step-by-step method outlining the procedures to manually segment the hypothalamus using anatomical T1w images from 3T scanners, which many neuroimaging studies collect as a standard anatomical reference image. We compared volumes generated by manual segmentation and those generated by an automatic algorithm, observing a significant difference between automatically and manually segmented hypothalamus volumes on both sides (left: U = 222842, p-value < 2.2e-16; right: U = 218520, p- value < 2.2e-16).•Significant difference exists between existing automatic segmentation methods and the manual segmentation procedure.•We discuss potential drift effects, segmentation quality issues, and suggestions on how to mitigate them.•We demonstrate that the present manual segmentation procedure using standard T1-weighted MRI may be significantly more accurate than automatic segmentation outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jee Su Suh
- Mood Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Milita Ramonas
- Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Stefanie Hassel
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Luciano Minuzzi
- Mood Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roberto B Sassi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Raymond W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Roumen Milev
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, Queen's University, and Providence Care Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie H Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sidney H Kennedy
- Centre for Depression and Suicide Studies, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Mood Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Pauly T, Drewelies J, Kolodziejczak K, Katzorreck M, Lücke AJ, Schilling OK, Kunzmann U, Wahl HW, Ditzen B, Ram N, Gerstorf D, Hoppmann CA. Positive and negative affect are associated with salivary cortisol in the everyday life of older adults: A quantitative synthesis of four aging studies. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 133:105403. [PMID: 34536776 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Research on time-fluctuating links between positive affect and cortisol is inconsistent and mostly based on young to middle-aged samples. The current project investigated how moment-to-moment changes in positive and negative affect are associated with moment-to-moment changes in cortisol levels in older adults' daily lives and whether those associations are moderated by differences in health status (as indicated by the number of comorbidities). Affect and cortisol data collected in four separately conducted momentary assessment studies with parallel protocols were pooled to obtain a sample of N=476 individuals aged 56-88 years (Mage=71.9, SD=6.6; 52% female). Participants provided affect reports and collected salivary cortisol 5-7 times a day for a 7-day period and reported the presence of 13 different health conditions. Data were analyzed using multilevel models, with time since waking, daily behaviors associated with cortisol secretion, age, and sex controlled. Feeling more positive affect than usual was associated with lower momentary cortisol. In contrast, feeling more negative affect than usual was associated with higher momentary cortisol. Associations of momentary positive and negative affect with cortisol were weaker among participants in worse as compared to those in better health. Trait positive affectivity was associated with more curvature of waking cortisol profiles and trait negative affectivity was associated with smaller cortisol awakening responses. Findings suggest that HPA axis responses fluctuate with everyday changes in positive and negative affect in older adults, and that higher HPA reactivity may indicate preserved health in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Pauly
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestr. 14/14, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Johanna Drewelies
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 18, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karolina Kolodziejczak
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 18, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Katzorreck
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 18, 12489 Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychology, Leipzig University, Neumarkt 9-19, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna J Lücke
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Hauptstr. 47-51, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver K Schilling
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Hauptstr. 47-51, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ute Kunzmann
- Department of Psychology, Leipzig University, Neumarkt 9-19, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hans-Werner Wahl
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Hauptstr. 47-51, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University, Bergheimer Str. 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nilam Ram
- Departments of Psychology and Communication, Stanford University, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305-2050, USA
| | - Denis Gerstorf
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 18, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane A Hoppmann
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, The University of British Columbia, 2635 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
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3
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Galbally M, Watson SJ, van IJzendoorn M, Saffery R, Ryan J, de Kloet ER, Oberlander TF, Lappas M, Lewis AJ. The role of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor DNA methylation in antenatal depression and infant stress regulation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 115:104611. [PMID: 32087522 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Understanding fetal programming pathways that underpin the relationship between maternal and offspring mental health necessitates an exploration of potential role of epigenetic variation in early development. Two genes involved in stress response regulation, the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (NR3C1 and NR3C2) have been a focus in understanding stressful exposures and mental health outcomes. Data were obtained from 236 pregnant women from the Mercy Pregnancy Emotional Wellbeing Study (MPEWS), a selected pregnancy cohort, recruited in early pregnancy. Depression was measured using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV) and repeated measures of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Antidepressant use, stressful events and anxiety symptoms were measured. NR3C1 and NR3C2 DNA methylation was measured in placental and infant buccal samples. Infant cortisol was measured in repeat saliva samples across a task. This study found maternal early pregnancy depressive disorder and symptoms were associated with lower DNA methylation at NR3C2 CpG_24 in placental tissue. There were no significant differences for depression or antidepressant use for DNA methylation of NR3C1. Antenatal depression was associated with lower infant cortisol reactivity at 12 months. DNA methylation in CpG_24 site in NR3C2 in placental samples suppressed the relationship between early maternal depressive symptoms and infant cortisol reactivity. These findings show a relationship between antenatal depression, NR3C2 DNA methylation and infant cortisol response providing support for a specific fetal programming pathway. Further research is required to examine the stability of this epigenetic mark across childhood and long-term mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Galbally
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Australia; King Edward Memorial Hospital, Australia.
| | - Stuart J Watson
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Australia
| | - Marinus van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute & Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute & Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia
| | | | - Tim F Oberlander
- Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Univeristy of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martha Lappas
- Obstetrics, Nutrition and Endocrinology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lewis
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Australia
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Acute psychosocial stress effects on memory performance: Relevance of age and sex. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 157:48-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Associations of prenatal depressive symptoms with DNA methylation of HPA axis-related genes and diurnal cortisol profiles in primary school-aged children. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 31:419-431. [PMID: 29606180 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic DNA modifications in genes related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are discussed as a mechanism underlying the association between prenatal depression and altered child HPA activity. In a longitudinal study, DNA methylation changes related to prenatal depressive symptoms were investigated in 167 children aged 6 to 9 years. At six candidate genes, 126 cytosine-guanine dinucleotides were considered without correcting for multiple testing due to the exploratory nature of the study. Further associations with the basal child HPA activity were examined. Children exposed to prenatal depressive symptoms exhibited lower bedtime cortisol (p = .003, ηp2 = 0.07) and a steeper diurnal slope (p = .023, ηp2 = 0.06). For total cortisol release, prenatal exposure was related to lower cortisol release in boys, and higher release in girls. Furthermore, prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with altered methylation in the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1), the mineralocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C2), and the serotonin receptor gene (SLC6A4), with some sex-specific effects (p = .012-.040, ηp2 = 0.03-0.04). In boys, prenatal depressive symptoms predicted bedtime cortisol mediated by NR3C2 methylation, indirect effect = -0.07, 95% confidence interval [-0.16, -0.02]. Results indicate relations of prenatal depressive symptoms to both child basal HPA activity and DNA methylation, partially fitting a mediation model, with exposed boys and girls being affected differently.
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Platje E, Jansen LMC, Vermeiren RRJM, Doreleijers TAH, van Lier PAC, Koot HM, Meeus WHJ, Branje SJT, Popma A. Adolescent Antisocial Behavior Explained by Combining Stress-Related Parameters. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Many stress-related parameters have been associated with antisocial behavior, including low cortisol awakening responses (CAR), as well as low cortisol and alpha-amylase reactivity to stress. These parameters reflect different, yet interrelated components of the stress system, yet it remains to be determined whether they exert joint or independent effects. Therefore, this study examined them in concert, as this may offer a better explanation of the psychophysiological mechanism’s underlying antisocial behavior. Antisocial behavior was assessed through self-report by 197 general population boys and girls (Mage = 17.31, SD = 0.44). The CAR was assessed, as well as cortisol and alpha-amylase reactivity to a public speaking task. Neither stress-related parameter was independently related to antisocial behavior. The best explanation was provided by a CAR × Cortisol reactivity interaction, indicating that in youth with a low CAR, antisocial behavior was positively associated with cortisol reactivity. In youth with a high CAR, no association between antisocial behavior and cortisol reactivity was found. Between cortisol and alpha-amylase reactivity a trend toward an interaction appeared, indicating a negative association between cortisol reactivity and antisocial behavior in those with low alpha-amylase reactivity, and a positive association in those with high alpha-amylase reactivity. These findings indicate that in order to understand the mechanisms underlying antisocial behavior, the stress system should be studied comprehensively rather than focus on single parameters. Particularly cortisol parameters appear to be jointly related to antisocial behavior, the additional value of alpha-amylase reactivity to cortisol reactivity may however be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Platje
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
- Leiden University, Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lucres M. C. Jansen
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert R. J. M. Vermeiren
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
- Curium – Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Theo A. H. Doreleijers
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
- Leiden University, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pol A. C. van Lier
- VU University, Department of Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans M. Koot
- VU University, Department of Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim H. J. Meeus
- Utrecht University, Research Center Adolescent Development, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan J. T. Branje
- Utrecht University, Research Center Adolescent Development, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arne Popma
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
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7
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Schutter N, Holwerda TJ, Stek ML, Dekker JJM, Rhebergen D, Comijs HC. Loneliness in older adults is associated with diminished cortisol output. J Psychosom Res 2017; 95:19-25. [PMID: 28314545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loneliness in older adults has been associated with increased mortality and health problems. One of the assumed underlying mechanisms is dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA-axis). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether loneliness in older adults is associated with HPA-axis dysregulation and whether this association differs between depressed and non-depressed persons. METHODS Cross-sectional data of 426 lonely and non-lonely older adults in the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons (NESDO) were used. Linear regression analyses and multinominal logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between loneliness and morning cortisol, cortisol awakening response, diurnal slope and dexamethasone suppression ratio. In all analyses, confounders were introduced. In order to examine whether the association between loneliness and cortisol measures is different in depressed versus non-depressed persons, an interaction term for loneliness x depression diagnosis was tested. RESULTS Cortisol output in the first hour after awakening and dexamethasone suppression ratio was lower in lonely participants. There were no significant interactions between loneliness and depression diagnosis in the association with the cortisol measures. CONCLUSION This study is the first to investigate the association between the HPA-axis and loneliness in a large group of older adults aged 60-93years. We found lower cortisol output in the first hour after awakening and lower dexamethasone suppression ratio in lonely older depressed and non-depressed adults. Whether diminished cortisol output is the underlying mechanism that leads to health problems in lonely older adults is an interesting object for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Schutter
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Nieuwe Kerkstraat 156, 1018 VM Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - T J Holwerda
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Nieuwe Kerkstraat 156, 1018 VM Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M L Stek
- GGZ InGeest, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J M Dekker
- Department of Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Research, Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D Rhebergen
- GGZ InGeest, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H C Comijs
- GGZ InGeest, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Hinkelmann K, Hellmann-Regen J, Wingenfeld K, Kuehl LK, Mews M, Fleischer J, Heuser I, Otte C. Mineralocorticoid receptor function in depressed patients and healthy individuals. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 71:183-8. [PMID: 27519144 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have shown disturbed glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in depressed patients. In contrast, only few studies targeted mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) function with inconclusive results. We examined the effects of the MR antagonist spironolactone on cortisol secretion in depressed patients and healthy individuals. METHODS Forty-eight unmedicated depressed patients (mean age 41.6years) and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy participants (40.7years) received the MR antagonist spironolactone (300mg) or placebo with three days apart in a randomized, double-blind, within-subject cross-over design. We measured salivary cortisol before ingestion of study medication (baseline) as well as +60min, +90min, +120min, +150min and 180min after baseline. RESULTS Repeated-measures ANOVA for area under the curve (AUCg) cortisol revealed a treatment effect with higher cortisol after spironolactone and a treatment by group interaction. Post-hoc analyses revealed higher cortisol in depressed patients compared to healthy participants in the placebo condition. In the spironolactone condition, the cortisol levels were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Potentially, impaired MR or GR signaling could be responsible for higher cortisol levels in depressed patients in the placebo condition. However, after MR blockade that increased cortisol secretion across groups leading to higher GR occupation, we found no differences between depressed patients and healthy controls. Thus, our results argue for depression-associated alterations in MR signaling rather than disturbed GR-mediated feedback inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Hinkelmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Julian Hellmann-Regen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Wingenfeld
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linn K Kuehl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Mews
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Fleischer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabella Heuser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Otte
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Abstract
Human aging is associated with increasing frailty and morbidity which can result in significant disability. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may contribute to aging-related diseases like depression, cognitive deficits, and Alzheimer's disease in some older individuals. In addition to neuro-cognitive dysfunction, it has also been associated with declining physical performance possibly due to sarcopenia. This article reviews the pathophysiology of HPA dysfunction with respect to increased basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol secretion, decreased glucocorticoid (GC) negative feedback at the level of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, hippocampus (HC), and prefrontal cortex (PFC), and flattening of diurnal pattern of cortisol release. It is possible that the increased cortisol secretion is secondary to peripheral conversion from cortisone. There is a decline in pregnolone secretion and C-19 steroids (DHEA) with aging. There is a small decrease in aldosterone with aging, but a subset of the older population have a genetic predisposition to develop hyperaldosteronism due to the increased ACTH stimulation. The understanding of the HPA axis and aging remains a complex area with conflicting studies leading to controversial interpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepashree Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, Saint Louis University, Missouri, St. Louis; Divisions of Endocrinology and Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University, Missouri, St. Louis
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ter Heegde F, De Rijk RH, Vinkers CH. The brain mineralocorticoid receptor and stress resilience. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 52:92-110. [PMID: 25459896 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Stress exposure activates the HPA-axis and results in the release of corticosteroids which bind to two receptor types in the brain: the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). While the role of the GR in stress reactivity has been extensively studied, the MR has received less attention. Nevertheless, pioneering in-depth studies over the past two decades have shown the importance of the brain MR in the processing of stressful information. Moreover, a membrane-bound MR mediating the rapid effects of cortisol was recently discovered. This review summarizes how the MR may play a role in stress resilience. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that the MR is an important stress modulator and influences basal as well as stress-induced HPA-axis activity, stress appraisal, and fear-related memories. These MR effects are mediated by both genomic and non-genomic MRs and appear to be at least partially sex-dependent. Moreover, the majority of studies indicate that high MR functionality or expression may confer resilience to traumatic stress. This has direct clinical implications. First, increasing activity or expression of brain MRs may prevent or reverse symptoms of stress-related depression. Second, individuals with a relatively low MR functionality may possess an increased stress susceptibility for depression. Nevertheless, the number of clinical MR studies is currently limited. In conclusion, the recent emergence of the MR as a putative stress resilience factor is important and may open up new avenues for the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freija ter Heegde
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel H De Rijk
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan H Vinkers
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Green MJ, Girshkin L, Teroganova N, Quidé Y. Stress, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2014; 18:217-35. [PMID: 24691655 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2014_290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The role of stress in precipitating psychotic episodes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder has long been acknowledged. However, the neurobiological mechanism/s of this association have remained elusive. Current neurodevelopmental models of psychosis implicate early dysfunction in biological systems regulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immune function, with long-term effects on the development of the brain networks responsible for higher order cognitive processes and stress reactivity in later life. There is also increasing evidence of childhood trauma in psychosis, and its impact on the development of brain systems regulating stress. These findings are emerging in the context of a new era of epigenetic methods facilitating the study of environmental effects on gene expression. The evidence is thus converging: exposure to stress at critical periods in life may be an important factor in the development of the brain dysfunction that represents psychosis vulnerability, rather than merely interacting with an independent 'biological vulnerability' to manifest in psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Green
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia,
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12
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Belvederi Murri M, Pariante C, Mondelli V, Masotti M, Atti AR, Mellacqua Z, Antonioli M, Ghio L, Menchetti M, Zanetidou S, Innamorati M, Amore M. HPA axis and aging in depression: systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 41:46-62. [PMID: 24495607 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One of the most consistent findings in the biology of depression is an altered activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, data concerning this issue have never been examined with a focus on the older population. Here we present a systematic review and meta-analysis, based on studies investigating levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in depressed participants older than 60 and compared with healthy controls. We found 20 studies, for a total of 43 comparisons on different indices of HPA axis functioning. Depression had a significant effect (Hedges' g) on basal cortisol levels measured in the morning (0.89), afternoon (0.83) and night (1.39), but a smaller effect on cortisol measured continuously (0.51). The effect of depression was even higher on post-dexamethasone cortisol levels (3.22), whereas it was non-significant on morning ACTH and CRH levels. Subgroup analyses indicated that various methodological and clinical factors can influence the study results. Overall, older participants suffering from depression show a high degree of dysregulation of HPA axis activity, with differences compared with younger adults. This might depend on several mechanisms, including physical illnesses, alterations in the CNS and immune-endocrinological alterations. Further studies are needed to clarify the implications of altered HPA axis activity in older patients suffering from depression. Novel pharmacological approaches might be effective in targeting this pathophysiological feature, thus improving the clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martino Belvederi Murri
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Neurosciences Division of Psychiatry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Carmine Pariante
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mattia Masotti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Oftalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Atti
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences - Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Zefiro Mellacqua
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Antonioli
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences - Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Ghio
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Oftalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Menchetti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marco Innamorati
- Department of Neurosciences Division of Psychiatry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Oftalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Veldhuis JD, Sharma A, Roelfsema F. Age-dependent and gender-dependent regulation of hypothalamic-adrenocorticotropic-adrenal axis. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2013; 42:201-25. [PMID: 23702398 PMCID: PMC3675779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tightly regulated output of glucocorticoids is critical to maintaining immune competence, the structure of neurons, muscle, and bone, blood pressure, glucose homeostasis, work capacity, and vitality in the human and experimental animal. Age, sex steroids, gender, stress, body composition, and disease govern glucocorticoid availability through incompletely understood mechanisms. According to an ensemble concept of neuroendocrine regulation, successful stress adaptations require repeated incremental signaling adjustments among hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone and arginine vasopressin, pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone, and adrenal corticosteroids. Signals are transduced via (positive) feedforward and (negative) feedback effects. Age and gonadal steroids strongly modulate stress-adaptive glucocorticoid secretion by such interlinked pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes D Veldhuis
- Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Center for Translational Science Activities, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Rimmele U, Besedovsky L, Lange T, Born J. Blocking mineralocorticoid receptors impairs, blocking glucocorticoid receptors enhances memory retrieval in humans. Neuropsychopharmacology 2013; 38:884-94. [PMID: 23303058 PMCID: PMC3671995 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Memory retrieval is impaired at very low as well as very high cortisol levels, but not at intermediate levels. This inverted-U-shaped relationship between cortisol levels and memory retrieval may originate from different roles of the mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) that bind cortisol with distinctly different affinity. Here, we examined the role of MRs and GRs in human memory retrieval using specific receptor antagonists. In two double-blind within-subject, cross-over designed studies, young healthy men were asked to retrieve emotional and neutral texts and pictures (learnt 3 days earlier) between 0745 and 0915 hours in the morning, either after administration of 400 mg of the MR blocker spironolactone vs placebo (200 mg at 2300 hours and 200 mg at 0400 hours, Study I) or after administration of the GR blocker mifepristone vs placebo (200 mg at 2300 hours, Study II). Blockade of MRs impaired free recall of both texts and pictures particularly for emotional material. In contrast, blockade of GRs resulted in better memory retrieval for pictures, with the effect being more pronounced for neutral than emotional materials. These findings indicate indeed opposing roles of MRs and GRs in memory retrieval, with optimal retrieval at intermediate cortisol levels likely mediated by high MR but concurrently low GR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Rimmele
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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15
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Goncharova ND. Stress responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: age-related features of the vasopressinergic regulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:26. [PMID: 23486926 PMCID: PMC3594837 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a key role in adaptation to environmental stresses. Parvicellular neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus secrete corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) into pituitary portal system; CRH and AVP stimulate adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release through specific G-protein-coupled membrane receptors on pituitary corticotrophs, CRHR1 for CRH and V1b for AVP; the adrenal gland cortex secretes glucocorticoids in response to ACTH. The glucocorticoids activate specific receptors in brain and peripheral tissues thereby triggering the necessary metabolic, immune, neuromodulatory, and behavioral changes to resist stress. While importance of CRH, as a key hypothalamic factor of HPA axis regulation in basal and stress conditions in most species, is generally recognized, role of AVP remains to be clarified. This review focuses on the role of AVP in the regulation of stress responsiveness of the HPA axis with emphasis on the effects of aging on vasopressinergic regulation of HPA axis stress responsiveness. Under most of the known stressors, AVP is necessary for acute ACTH secretion but in a context-specific manner. The current data on the AVP role in regulation of HPA responsiveness to chronic stress in adulthood are rather contradictory. The importance of the vasopressinergic regulation of the HPA stress responsiveness is greatest during fetal development, in neonatal period, and in the lactating adult. Aging associated with increased variability in several parameters of HPA function including basal state, responsiveness to stressors, and special testing. Reports on the possible role of the AVP/V1b receptor system in the increase of HPA axis hyperactivity with aging are contradictory and requires further research. Many contradictory results may be due to age and species differences in the HPA function of rodents and primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda D. Goncharova
- Research Institute of Medical Primatology of Russian Academy of Medical SciencesSochi, Russia
- Sochi State UniversitySochi, Russia
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Kang MJ, Han H, Kwon OS, Kim HO, Jung BH. Multireaction monitoring of 12 peptides for lowered immunity screening. Anal Bioanal Chem 2012; 404:2249-58. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-012-6344-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Hatzinger M, Brand S, Herzig N, Holsboer-Trachsler E. In healthy young and elderly adults, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis reactivity (HPA AR) varies with increasing pharmacological challenge and with age, but not with gender. J Psychiatr Res 2011; 45:1373-80. [PMID: 21641616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis reactivity (HPA AR) is the key indicator of the psychophysiological response to stress. The HPA AR may vary with age and gender. To investigate these factors concurrently, the aims of the present study were to observe HPA AR (plasma ACTH and plasma cortisol) in response to a pharmacological challenge (dexamethasone/corticotropin releasing hormone test: DEX/CRH-test) and as a function of age and gender. METHOD 19 young (10 females and 9 males; mean age = 24.05 years) and 23 elderly (11 females and 12 males; mean age = 71.61 years) healthy volunteers took part in the study. To assess HPA AR, participants underwent the combined DEX/CRH test applied with the following DEX doses: 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 mg, respectively. RESULTS A dose-dependent response was observed in young adult participants, but not in elderly participants. With increasing DEX doses, ACTH and cortisol values decreased in young adult participants, while the decrease was blunted among elderly compared to young adult participants. No differences were observed for gender. CONCLUSIONS Results point to diminished HPA axis sensitivity as an effect of normal aging, irrespective of gender. Therefore, altered HPA regulation in old age should be taken into account for developing new therapeutic approaches acting on the HPA axis and its receptor mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hatzinger
- Psychiatric Hospital, Solothurn, Switzerland Weissensteinstrasse, Solothurn, CH, Switzerland.
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Merrett DL, Kirkland SW, Metz GA. Synergistic effects of age and stress in a rodent model of stroke. Behav Brain Res 2010; 214:55-9. [PMID: 20434490 PMCID: PMC5222622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2010] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ageing and stress represent critical influences on stroke risk and outcome. These variables are intricately linked, as ageing is frequently associated with gradual dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This study determined the effects of stress on motor function in aged rats, and explored possible interactions of age and stress on motor recovery following stroke in a rat model. Young adult (4 months) and aged (18 months) male Wistar rats were tested in skilled and non-skilled movement before and after focal ischemia in motor cortex. One group of each age received restraint stress starting seven days pre-lesion until three weeks post-lesion. Aged rats were less mobile and stress further diminished their overall exploratory activity. Aged rats were also less proficient in motor skill acquisition and slower to improve after lesion. Stress diminished post-lesion improvement and prevented recovery of endpoint measures. The larger functional loss in aged rats vs. young rats was accompanied by greater damage of cortical tissue and persistent elevations in corticosterone levels. The behavioural and physiological measures suggest limited ability of aged animals to adapt to chronic stress. These findings show that age or stress alone can modulate motor performance but may have greater influence by synergistically affecting stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn L. Merrett
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
| | - Scott W. Kirkland
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
| | - Gerlinde A. Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
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Fernandes-Rosa FL, Bueno AC, de Souza RM, de Castro M, dos Santos JE, Foss MC, Zennaro MC, Bettiol H, Barbieri MA, Antonini SR. Mineralocorticoid receptor p.I180V polymorphism: association with body mass index and LDL-cholesterol levels. J Endocrinol Invest 2010; 33:472-7. [PMID: 19955850 DOI: 10.1007/bf03346627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Aldosterone and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) play a major role in sodium balance and blood pressure control. They are also involved in adipocyte metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the MR p.I180V polymorphism with hypertension and markers of cardiovascular risk. DESIGN AND METHODS Case-control study nested within a cohort of 2063 subjects followed since birth to date. All subjects (age 23-25 yr old) from the entire cohort with systolic and diastolic hypertension (no.=126) were paired with 398 normotensive controls. MR p.I180V genotype association with anthropometric and biochemical markers of cardiometabolic risk was tested. RESULTS There was a significant association of the MR p.I180V genotype with body mass index (BMI) and LDL-cholesterol level (p<0.01). Hypertensive subjects carrying the polymorphic G allele (AG or GG genotypes) presented significantly higher BMI (30.0+/-6.0 vs 28.7+/-5.6 kg/m(2); p<0.01) and higher LDL-cholesterol (139.9+/-60.3 vs 109.9+/-35.5 mg/dl; p<0.01). The frequency of the polymorphism MR p.I180V was similar between hypertensive subjects and controls (p=0.15). CONCLUSIONS The MR p.I180V polymorphism seems to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors including BMI and LDL-cholesterol levels. This original in vivo finding reinforces the role of MR in adipocyte biology and in cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Fernandes-Rosa
- Department of Puericulture and Pediatrics, School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, USP. Av Bandeirantes 3900, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirao Preto SP, Brazil
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20
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Descamps A, Cespuglio R. Influence of aging on the sleep rebound induced by immobilization stress in the rat. Brain Res 2010; 1335:14-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2009] [Revised: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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21
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Functional mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) gene variation influences the cortisol awakening response after dexamethasone. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2010; 35:339-49. [PMID: 19665310 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Revised: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Stress causes activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and results in the secretion of corticosteroids, which facilitate behavioral adaptation and promote the termination of the stress response. These actions exerted by cortisol are mediated by two brain corticosteroid receptor types: the high affinity mineralocorticoid (MR) and the low affinity glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Dexamethasone is a potent GR agonist with affinity to MR. Administration of dexamethasone in the evening results in a significant suppression of the morning cortisol awakening response (CAR). Here we tested the involvement of MR variants in this effect of dexamethasone in 218 young healthy subjects (125 females, all using oral contraceptives). For this purpose we determined two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MR gene, the previously described MRI180V (rs5522) and the MR-2G/C (rs2070951), which both affect in vitro the transactivational capacity of the MR in response to either cortisol or dexamethasone. Administration of a low dose dexamethasone (0.25mg) at 2300h resulted in a significant suppression of the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Both SNPs modulated the suppression of the CAR after dexamethasone significantly and in a sex specific manner. Suppression of the CAR was highest in the female MR-2G/C GG subjects while in male GG subjects the dexamethasone suppression of the CAR was attenuated compared to the MR-2G/C GC and CC groups. For the MRI180V, male AA subjects showed after dexamethasone a higher CAR than AG subjects while this effect was not observed in females. The SNPs had no significant influence on the CAR without prior dexamethasone treatment. The association of the CAR with functional MR gene variants only in dexamethasone treated subjects suggests the involvement of MR in dexamethasone induced suppression of morning cortisol.
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Oitzl MS, Champagne DL, van der Veen R, de Kloet ER. Brain development under stress: hypotheses of glucocorticoid actions revisited. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2009; 34:853-66. [PMID: 19631685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2008] [Revised: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 07/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
One of the conundrums in today's stress research is why some individuals flourish and others perish under similar stressful conditions. It is recognized that this individual variability in adaptation to stress depends on the outcome of the interaction of genetic and cognitive/emotional inputs in which glucocorticoid hormones and receptors play a crucial role. Hence one approach towards understanding individual variation in stress coping is how glucocorticoid actions can change from protective to harmful. To address this question we focus on four hypotheses that are connected and not mutual exclusive. First, the classical Glucocorticoid Cascade Hypothesis, in which the inability to cope with chronic stress causes a vicious cycle of excess glucocorticoid and downregulation of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the hippocampus triggering a feed-forward cascade of degeneration and disease. Second, the Balance Hypothesis, which takes also the limbic mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) into account and proposes that an integral limbic MR:GR imbalance is causal to altered processing of information in circuits underlying fear, reward, social behaviour and resilience, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and impairment of behavioural adaptation. The MR:GR balance is altered by gene variants of these receptor complexes and experience-related factors, which can induce lasting epigenetic changes in the expression of these receptors. A particular potent epigenetic stimulus is the maternal environment which is fundamental for the Maternal Mediation Hypothesis. The outcome of perinatal gene x environment interaction, and thus of MR:GR-mediated functions depends however, on the degree of 'matching' with environmental demands in later life. The Predictive Adaptation Hypothesis therefore presents a conceptual framework to examine the role of glucocorticoids in understanding individual phenotypic differences in stress-related behaviours over the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melly S Oitzl
- Division of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden/Amsterdam Centre for Drug Research (LACDR)/Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), University of Leiden, Einsteinweg 55, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Kellner M, Wiedemann K. Mineralocorticoid receptors in brain, in health and disease: Possibilities for new pharmacotherapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 583:372-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.07.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2007] [Revised: 07/20/2007] [Accepted: 07/26/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Stress is one of the most significant influences on behaviour and performance. The classical account is that stress mainly affects functions of the limbic system, such as learning, memory and emotion. Recent evidence, however, suggests that stress also modulates motor system function and influences the pathology of movement disorders. Most parts of the motor system show the presence of glucocorticoid receptors that render their circuits susceptible to the influence of stress hormones. Stress and glucocorticoids have been shown to modulate temporal and spatial aspects of motor performance. Skilled movements seem to be most prone to stress-induced disturbances, but locomotion and posture can also be affected. Stress can modulate movement through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and via stress-associated emotional changes. The dopaminergic system seems to play a central role in mediating the effects of stress on motor function. This route might also account for the finding that stress influences the pathology of dopamine-related diseases of the motor system, such as Parkinson's disease. Clinical observations have indicated that stress might lead to the onset of Parkinsonian symptoms or accelerate their progression. Glucocorticoids are modulators of neuronal plasticity, thus determining the degree of structural and functional compensation of the damaged motor system. This may particularly affect slowly progressive neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. That stress represents a significant modulator of motor system function in both the healthy and the damaged brain should be recognized when developing future therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde A Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.
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25
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Otte C, Moritz S, Yassouridis A, Koop M, Madrischewski AM, Wiedemann K, Kellner M. Blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor in healthy men: effects on experimentally induced panic symptoms, stress hormones, and cognition. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007; 32:232-8. [PMID: 17035932 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Animal studies have shown that blockade of central mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) has anxiolytic effects and impairs several aspects of cognitive function. No study to date assessed the effects of MR blockade on anxiety and cognitive function in humans. In the present study, 16 healthy young men were treated either with placebo or with 300 mg spironolactone, a MR-antagonist, at 1100, 1330, and 1630 hours in a balanced cross-over design with the two study conditions being 1 week apart. At 1500 hours, the panic symptoms provoking compound cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide (CCK-4) was administered i.v. on both occasions and panic symptoms were assessed. We measured plasma ACTH and cortisol between 1300 and 1900 hours and assessed cognitive function between 1800 and 1900 hours. CCK-4 elicited panic symptoms and increased ACTH and cortisol secretion in both conditions. Intensity of panic symptoms after CCK-4 was not different between spironolactone and placebo. Spironolactone significantly impaired selective attention and delayed recall of visuospatial memory, and diminished set shifting/mental flexibility on a trend level. Pretreatment with spironolactone led to higher baseline cortisol levels compared to placebo whereas no differences in stimulated cortisol, baseline ACTH, and stimulated ACTH emerged. Blockade of MR with spironolactone increases baseline cortisol secretion and impairs cognitive function but has no effect on experimentally induced panic symptoms in humans, for the study design and dosage of spironolactone used. The domains of cognitive function that are impaired after blockade of MR in men, that is, selective attention, visuospatial memory, and mental flexibility/set shifting appear to be remarkably similar to those described in animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Otte
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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26
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Goy-Thollot I, Decosne-Junot C, Bonnet JM. Influence of aging on adrenal responsiveness in a population of eleven healthy beagles. Res Vet Sci 2006; 82:195-201. [PMID: 17011003 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2006.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2006] [Revised: 07/24/2006] [Accepted: 07/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed at investigating the effects of aging on the adrenal cortex response of cortisol and aldosterone in dogs. A population of healthy adult Beagles was evaluated twice at a five-year interval. At each evaluation, plasma basal cortisol and aldosterone, cortisol and aldosterone following ACTH-stimulation, sodium, and potassium concentrations and arterial blood pressure were measured. We observed significantly (p<0.05) greater sodium, urea and creatinine concentrations with aging. Nevertheless urea and creatinine remained within our laboratory reference ranges. This study showed a highly significant age-related elevation of basal cortisol (p<0.01). Inversely, both aldosterone following ACTH-stimulation levels and difference between aldosterone following ACTH-stimulation and basal aldosterone values plummeted significantly (p<0.01) with aging. In conclusion, the evaluation of the adrenal cortex function in dogs should take in consideration the age of the individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Goy-Thollot
- SIAMU, Small Animal Sciences Department, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1, avenue Bourgelat, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, UMR-MA 103, France.
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Hanrahan K, McCarthy AM, Kleiber C, Lutgendorf S, Tsalikian E. Strategies for salivary cortisol collection and analysis in research with children. Appl Nurs Res 2006; 19:95-101. [PMID: 16728293 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2006.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Salivary cortisol has emerged in pediatric research as an easy-to-collect, relatively inexpensive, biologic marker of stress. Cortisol is highly variable and is responsive to a wide range of factors that should be considered when incorporating this measure into research with children. Strategies for sample collection include: (1) standardizing the time for sample collection, including baseline samples; (2) using consistent collection materials and methods; (3) controlling for certain drinks, foods, medications, and diagnoses; and (4) establishing procedures and protocols. Other strategies for laboratory analyses include: (1) selecting the appropriate assay and laboratory; (2) identifying units of measure and norms; and (3) establishing quality controls. These strategies control extraneous variables and produce reliable and valid salivary cortisol results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Hanrahan
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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28
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Ronald de Kloet E, Schmidt M, Meijer OC. Corticosteroid receptors and HPA-axis regulation. HANDBOOK OF STRESS AND THE BRAIN - PART 1: THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0921-0709(05)80016-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Otte C, Yassouridis A, Jahn H, Maass P, Stober N, Wiedemann K, Kellner M. Mineralocorticoid Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Aged Humans. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2003; 58:B900-5. [PMID: 14570856 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/58.10.b900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In aged humans, diminished mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)-mediated feedback in the brain could contribute to impaired feedback regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but no study specifically compared young and old individuals with regard to MR function. We examined 10 healthy young (mean age +/- SD [standard deviation] 26.1 +/- 2.9 years) and 10 elderly men (68.3 +/- 4.7 years) at the nadir of cortisol levels (2:00 pm-9:00 pm) when HPA activity is mainly controlled by the MR. After pretreatment with 3 g metyrapone to minimize the impact of basal endogenous cortisol secretion, participants received orally, in randomized order on two separate occasions, either 0.5 mg of the MR agonist fludrocortisone or placebo. Fludrocortisone significantly decreased maximum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol concentrations in both groups. ACTH and cortisol values after fludrocortisone were significantly higher in older men compared with young men. Our results implicate that a decrease in MR-mediated negative feedback contributes to the diminished feedback activity in older humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Otte
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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30
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Otte C, Jahn H, Yassouridis A, Arlt J, Stober N, Maass P, Wiedemann K, Kellner M. The mineralocorticoid receptor agonist, fludrocortisone, inhibits pituitary-adrenal activity in humans after pre-treatment with metyrapone. Life Sci 2003; 73:1835-45. [PMID: 12888122 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(03)00513-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Whereas animal studies have shown a clear inhibitory effect of hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, investigations in humans revealed equivocal results. To further clarify the influence of MR in HPA activity we studied 10 healthy men during the circadian nadir of HPA activity (14:00 to 21:00) after pre-treatment with 3 g metyrapone to minimize the impact of basal endogenous cortisol secretion. On three separate occasions, in a placebo-controlled design, subjects received in a randomized order either 0.5 mg fludrocortisone p.o. or 0.2 mg aldosterone i.v. or placebo. Fludrocortisone exerted a significant inhibition of ACTH, cortisol and 11-desoxycortisol (p < 0.05), whereas no such effect was observed after aldosterone or placebo. These preliminary data suggest that MR are involved in the inhibition of the HPA axis during the circadian nadir of glucocorticoid concentrations in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Otte
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Heuser
- Department of Psychiatry, Free University Berlin, Eschenallee 3, 14050, Berlin, Germany.
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