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Pletzer B, Winkler-Crepaz K, Hillerer K. Progesterone and contraceptive progestin actions on the brain: A systematic review of animal studies and comparison to human neuroimaging studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101060. [PMID: 36758768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In this review we systematically summarize the effects of progesterone and synthetic progestins on neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination and six neurotransmitter systems. Several parallels between progesterone and older generation progestin actions emerged, suggesting actions via progesterone receptors. However, existing results suggest a general lack of knowledge regarding the effects of currently used progestins in hormonal contraception regarding these cellular and molecular brain parameters. Human neuroimaging studies were reviewed with a focus on randomized placebo-controlled trials and cross-sectional studies controlling for progestin type. The prefrontal cortex, amygdala, salience network and hippocampus were identified as regions of interest for future preclinical studies. This review proposes a series of experiments to elucidate the cellular and molecular actions of contraceptive progestins in these areas and link these actions to behavioral markers of emotional and cognitive functioning. Emotional effects of contraceptive progestins appear to be related to 1) alterations in the serotonergic system, 2) direct/indirect modulations of inhibitory GABA-ergic signalling via effects on the allopregnanolone content of the brain, which differ between androgenic and anti-androgenic progestins. Cognitive effects of combined oral contraceptives appear to depend on the ethinylestradiol dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg Austria.
| | | | - Katharina Hillerer
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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2
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Alcantara-Zapata DE, Lucero N, De Gregorio N, Astudillo Cornejo P, Ibarra Villanueva C, Baltodano-Calle MJ, Gonzales GF, Behn C. Women's mood at high altitude. sexual dimorphism in hypoxic stress modulation by the tryptophan-melatonin axis. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1099276. [PMID: 36733695 PMCID: PMC9887123 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1099276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual (and gender)-dimorphism in tolerance to hypobaric hypoxia increasingly matters for a differential surveillance of human activities at high altitude (HA). At low altitudes, the prevalence of anxiety and depression in women has already been found to double when compared with men; it could be expected to even increase on exposure to HA. In purposefully caring for the health of women at HA, the present work explores the potential involvement of the tryptophan (Trp)-melatonin axis in mood changes on exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. The present work highlights some already known anxiogenic effects of HA exposure. Hypoxia and insomnia reduce serotonin (5-HT) availability; the latter defect being expressed as failure of brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation and mood disorders. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep organization and synapsis restoration that are additionally affected by hypoxia impair memory consolidation. Affective complaints may thus surge, evolving into anxiety and depression. Sex-related differences in neural network organization and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, and certainly also during the life cycle, underscore the possibility of 5-HT-related mood alterations, particularly in women on HA exposure. The mean brain rate of 5-HT synthesis at sea level is already 1.5-fold higher in males than in females. sexual dimorphism also evidences the overexpression effects of SERT, a 5-HT transporter protein. Gonadal and thyroid hormones, as influenced by HA exposure, further modulate 5-HT availability and its effects in women. Besides caring for adequate oxygenation and maintenance of one's body core temperature, special precautions concerning women sojourning at HA should include close observations of hormonal cycles and, perhaps, also trials with targeted antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. E. Alcantara-Zapata
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Reproducción, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo (LID), Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - N. Lucero
- Occupational Health Program, School of Public Health, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - N. De Gregorio
- Laboratory of Extreme Environments, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Science Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - P. Astudillo Cornejo
- Occupational Ergonomics Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Atacama, Copiapó, Chile
| | - C. Ibarra Villanueva
- Occupational Ergonomics Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Atacama, Copiapó, Chile
| | - M. J. Baltodano-Calle
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Reproducción, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo (LID), Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - G. F. Gonzales
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Reproducción, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo (LID), Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú,High Altitude Research Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - C. Behn
- Laboratory of Extreme Environments, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Science Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile,Faculty of Medicine, University of Atacama, Copiapó, Chile,*Correspondence: C. Behn,
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3
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Jaster AM, Younkin J, Cuddy T, de la Fuente Revenga M, Poklis JL, Dozmorov MG, González-Maeso J. Differences across sexes on head-twitch behavior and 5-HT 2A receptor signaling in C57BL/6J mice. Neurosci Lett 2022; 788:136836. [PMID: 35963476 PMCID: PMC10114867 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics, also known as classical hallucinogens, affect processes related to perception, cognition and sensory processing mostly via the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR). This class of psychoactive substances, which includes lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline and the substituted amphetamine 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), is receiving renewed attention for their potential therapeutic properties as it relates to psychiatric conditions such as depression and substance use disorders. Current studies focused on the potentially clinical effects of psychedelics on human subjects tend to exclude sex as a biological variable. Much of the understanding of psychedelic pharmacology is derived from rodent models, but most of this preclinical research has only focused on male mice. Here we tested the effects of DOI on head-twitch behavior (HTR) - a mouse behavioral proxy of human psychedelic potential - in male and female mice. DOI elicited more HTR in female as compared to male C57BL/6J mice, a sex-specific exacerbated behavior that was not observed in 129S6/SvEv animals. Volinanserin (or M100907) - a 5-HT2AR antagonist - fully prevented DOI-induced HTR in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Accumulation of inositol monophosphate (IP1) in the frontal cortex upon DOI administration showed no sex-related effect in C57BL/6J mice. However, the pharmacokinetic properties of DOI differed among sexes - brain and plasma concentrations of DOI were lower 30 and 60 min after drug administration in female as compared to male C57BL/6J mice. Together, these results suggest strain-dependent and sex-related differences in the behavioral and pharmacokinetic profiles of the 5-HT2AR agonist DOI in C57BL/6J mice, and support the importance of studying sex as a biological variable in preclinical psychedelic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina M Jaster
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Jason Younkin
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Travis Cuddy
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Mario de la Fuente Revenga
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Mikhail G Dozmorov
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Javier González-Maeso
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, United States.
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Fletcher PJ, Li Z, Ji X, Higgins GA, Funk D, Lê A. Effects of pimavanserin and lorcaserin on alcohol self-administration and reinstatement in male and female rats. Neuropharmacology 2022; 215:109150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Gu SM, Yu E, Kim YE, Yoon SS, Lee D, Hong JT, Yun J. Peroxiredoxin 6 Overexpression Induces Anxiolytic and Depression-Like Behaviors by Regulating the Serotonergic Pathway in Mice. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2022; 30:334-339. [PMID: 35354689 PMCID: PMC9252885 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2021.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) is a bifunctional protein with both glutathione peroxidase and calcium-independent phospholipase activity. Recently, we reported that PRDX6 plays an important role in dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. However, the relationship between PRDX6 function and emotional behavior remains elusive. In the present study, we examined depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in PRDX6-overexpressing transgenic (PRDX6-Tg) mice using the forced swim test, tail suspension test, open field paradigm, and elevated plus-maze. PRDX6-Tg mice exhibited depression-like behaviors and low anxiety. In particular, female PRDX6-Tg mice exhibited anxiolytic behavior in the open field test. Furthermore, the serotonin content in the cortex and 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced head twitch response were both reduced in PRDX6-Tg mice. Interestingly, levels of dopa decarboxylase expression in the cortex were decreased in male PRDX6-Tg mice but not in female mice. Our findings provide novel insights into the role of PRDX6 in 5-HT synthesis and suggest that PRDX6 overexpression can induce depression-like behaviors via downregulation of the serotonergic neuronal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Mi Gu
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhye Yu
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Eun Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shoon Yoon
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu 42158, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyun Lee
- Laboratory Animal Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Tae Hong
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
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Shi M, Tang J, Yang C, Guo G, Ou H, Chen W. Pimavanserin, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor inverse agonist, reverses prepulse inhibition deficits in the nucleus accumbens and ventral hippocampus. Neuropharmacology 2021; 201:108838. [PMID: 34666074 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108838] [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: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is disrupted in many neuropsychiatric diseases. Although the inverse agonist of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, pimavanserin, alleviates PPI deficits in rodents, the precise mechanisms and critical brain areas in the reversal effect of 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonists remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the critical brain areas responsible for the reversal effect of the 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist on PPI deficits in male mice. The results showed that intraperitoneal administration of pimavanserin was found to improve normal PPI behavior and reverse PPI deficits elicited by the dopamine D1/D2 receptor nonselective agonist, pergolide. Further, local infusion of pimavanserin into the nucleus accumbens and ventral hippocampus reversed PPI deficits, whereas the same manipulation in the medial prefrontal cortex or ventral tegmental area did not reverse PPI deficits. Overall, the nucleus accumbens and ventral hippocampus are the critical brain areas responsible for the reversal effect of 5-HT2A inverse agonists on PPI deficits. Such findings contribute to the extensive exploration of the accurate molecular and neural mechanisms underlying the antipsychotic effects of 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonists, especially the neural circuits modulated by 5-HT2A receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwen Shi
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality Southwest University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaxin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality Southwest University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengmei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality Southwest University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanlong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality Southwest University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huaxing Ou
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality Southwest University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality Southwest University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Fahrenkopf A, Li G, Wood RI, Wagner CK. Developmental exposure to the synthetic progestin, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, disrupts the mesocortical serotonin pathway and alters impulsive decision-making in rats. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:763-773. [PMID: 34318625 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The synthetic progestin, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC), is administered to women at risk for preterm birth during a critical period of fetal development for mesocortical pathways. Yet, little information is available regarding the potential effects of 17-OHPC on the developing fetal brain. In rat models, the mesocortical serotonin pathway is sensitive to progestins. Progesterone receptor (PR) is expressed in layer 3 pyramidal neurons of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and in serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe. The present study tested the hypothesis that exposure to 17-OHPC during development disrupts serotonergic innervation of the mPFC in adolescence and impairs behavior mediated by this pathway in adulthood. Administration of 17-OHPC from postnatal days 1-14 decreased the density of SERT-ir fibers within superficial and deep layers and decreased the density of synaptophysin-ir boutons in all layers of prelimbic mPFC at postnatal day 28. In addition, rats exposed to 17-OHPC during development were less likely to make impulsive choices in the Delay Discounting task, choosing the larger, delayed reward more often than controls at moderate delay times. Interestingly, 17-OHPC exposed rats were more likely to fail to make any choice (i.e., increased omissions) compared to controls at longer delays, suggesting disruptions in decision-making. These results suggest that further investigation is warranted in the clinical use of 17-OHPC to better inform a risk/benefit analysis of progestin use in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyssa Fahrenkopf
- Psychogenics Inc., Paramus, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Psychology & Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Grace Li
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ruth I Wood
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christine K Wagner
- Department of Psychology & Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
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Yang J, Huang Q, Liu H, Zhou X, Huang Z, Peng Q, Liu C. 4-Nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol induce anxiety-related behaviors through alternation of 5-HT receptors and transporters in the prefrontal cortex. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 230:108701. [PMID: 31911191 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental endocrine disruptors 4-nonylphenol (NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) may cast huge harm to human health. We used a rat model to observe the influence of NP or/and OP exposure on anxiety-related behaviors and the underlying mechanisms. Eighty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 10 groups: control group (corn oil), NP groups [30, 90, 270 mg/kg], OP groups [40, 120, 360 mg/kg] and NO groups [(mixed with the corresponding NP, OP alone exposed low, medium and high dose according to the natural environment exists NP:OP = 4:1]. The rats were orally administered every other day for 30 days. The neurobehaviors of rats were evaluated by open-field test (OFT) and elevated plus-maze test (EPM), and the concentrations of 5-HT, monoamine oxidase (MAOA), serotonin transporter (SERT), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VAMT2), 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A), 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A),and 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C (5-HT2C) in the rat prefrontal cortex were analyzed by ELISA. OFT and EPM tests showed that NP or/and OP exposure induced anxiety-related behaviors in rats. 5-HT levels were significantly increased compared with the control group. The levels of MAOA, SERT, VAMT2, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C in the prefrontal cortex reduced in different degrees by high-doses NP or/and OP exposure. In summary, NP or/and OP exposure might cause anxiety-related behaviors in rats through regulating neurotransmitter 5-HT levels by altering the expression of 5-HT decomposition enzyme MAOA, transporters SERT and VMAT2, and 5-HT receptors 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Yang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qingyi Huang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Huan Liu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiong Zhou
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhuoquan Huang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Quansheng Peng
- Logistics Department, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Chunhong Liu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Reimer AE, de Oliveira AR, Diniz JB, Hoexter MQ, Miguel EC, Milad MR, Brandão ML. Fear extinction in an obsessive-compulsive disorder animal model: Influence of sex and estrous cycle. Neuropharmacology 2017; 131:104-115. [PMID: 29225044 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric condition that affects men and women equally, but with a sexually dimorphic pattern of development. Reproductive cycle events can influence symptom severity of OCD in females, indicating that ovarian hormones or their interaction with distinct neurotransmitter systems may play a role in OCD pathophysiology. Clinical studies and animal models have confirmed the importance of the serotonergic (5-HT) system in the neurobiology and treatment of OCD. Accordingly, the non-selective 5-HT2c agonist, meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), exacerbates symptoms in untreated OCD patients. In rodents, it evokes repetitive behaviors that engage brain areas that are homologous with those found to be dysfunctional in OCD patients. These regions, including the medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices, are also involved in fear inhibition, which is impaired in OCD. Here, we treated rats with mCPP (0.5 and 3.0 mg/kg) to evaluate its influence on self-grooming behavior and assess potential fear extinction retention deficits, taking into account sex differences and females' estrous cycle. We found that mCPP exacerbated grooming in male and female rats, irrespective of the estrous cycle phase. Fear extinction retention, however, was impaired only in females. Moreover, females undergoing fear extinction training during the metestrus/diestrus phases of the estrous cycle were more sensitive to the impairments induced by mCPP. Our results indicate that mCPP can induce OCD-like symptoms, exacerbating self-grooming and impairing fear extinction. It suggests that changes in 5-HT signaling through 5-HT2c receptors may have an important role in the OCD pathophysiology and that the influence of gonadal hormones in OCD should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Edgar Reimer
- Department of Psychology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA; Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Ribeiro de Oliveira
- Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Belo Diniz
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mohammed Ragib Milad
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Abstract
Psilocybin has recently attracted a great deal of attention as a clinical research and therapeutic tool. The aim of this paper is to bridge two major knowledge gaps regarding its behavioural pharmacology - sex differences and the underlying receptor mechanisms. We used psilocin (0.25, 1 and 4 mg/kg), an active metabolite of psilocybin, in two behavioural paradigms - the open-field test and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reaction. Sex differences were evaluated with respect to the phase of the female cycle. The contribution of serotonin receptors in the behavioural action was tested in male rats with selective serotonin receptor antagonists: 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (WAY100635 1 mg/kg), 5-HT2A receptor antagonist (MDL100907 0.5 mg/kg), 5-HT2B receptor antagonist (SB215505 1 mg/kg) and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist (SB242084 1 mg/kg). Psilocin induced dose-dependent inhibition of locomotion and suppression of normal behaviour in rats (behavioural serotonin syndrome, impaired PPI). The effects were more pronounced in male rats than in females. The inhibition of locomotion was normalized by 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B/C antagonists; however, PPI was not affected significantly by these antagonists. Our findings highlight an important issue of sex-specific reactions to psilocin and that apart from 5-HT2A-mediated effects 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C/B receptors also play an important role. These findings have implications for recent clinical trials.
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Baka J, Csakvari E, Huzian O, Dobos N, Siklos L, Leranth C, MacLusky NJ, Duman RS, Hajszan T. Stress induces equivalent remodeling of hippocampal spine synapses in a simulated postpartum environment and in a female rat model of major depression. Neuroscience 2017; 343:384-397. [PMID: 28012870 PMCID: PMC5421158 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Stress and withdrawal of female reproductive hormones are known risk factors of postpartum depression. Although both of these factors are capable of powerfully modulating neuronal plasticity, there is no direct electron microscopic evidence of hippocampal spine synapse remodeling in postpartum depression. To address this issue, hormonal conditions of pregnancy and postpartum period were simulated in ovariectomized adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=76). The number of hippocampal spine synapses and the depressive behavior of rats in an active escape task were investigated in untreated control, hormone-withdrawn 'postpartum', simulated proestrus, and hormone-treated 'postpartum' animals. After 'postpartum' withdrawal of gonadal steroids, inescapable stress caused a loss of hippocampal spine synapses, which was related to poor escape performance in hormone-withdrawn 'postpartum' females. These responses were equivalent with the changes observed in untreated controls that is an established animal model of major depression. Maintaining proestrus levels of ovarian hormones during 'postpartum' stress exposure did not affect synaptic and behavioral responses to inescapable stress in simulated proestrus animals. By contrast, maintaining pregnancy levels of estradiol and progesterone during 'postpartum' stress exposure completely prevented the stress-induced loss of hippocampal spine synapses, which was associated with improved escape performance in hormone-treated 'postpartum' females. This protective effect appears to be mediated by a muted stress response as measured by serum corticosterone concentrations. In line with our emerging 'synaptogenic hypothesis' of depression, the loss of hippocampal spine synapses may be a novel perspective both in the pathomechanism and in the clinical management of postpartum affective illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Baka
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvari Krt 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eszter Csakvari
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvari Krt 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Huzian
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvari Krt 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikoletta Dobos
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvari Krt 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Siklos
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvari Krt 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Leranth
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Neil J MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ronald S Duman
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, United States
| | - Tibor Hajszan
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvari Krt 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, United States.
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Nikmahzar E, Jahanshahi M, Ghaemi A, Naseri GR, Moharreri AR, Lotfinia AA. Hippocampal serotonin-2A receptor-immunoreactive neurons density increases after testosterone therapy in the gonadectomized male mice. Anat Cell Biol 2016; 49:259-272. [PMID: 28127501 PMCID: PMC5266105 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2016.49.4.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The change of steroid levels may also exert different modulatory effects on the number and class of serotonin receptors present in the plasma membrane. The effects of chronic treatment of testosterone for anxiety were examined and expression of 5-HT2A serotonergic receptor, neuron, astrocyte, and dark neuron density in the hippocampus of gonadectomized male mice was determined. Thirty-six adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into six groups: intact-no testosterone treatment (No T), gonadectomy (GDX)-No T, GDX-Vehicle, GDX-6.25 mg/kg testosterone (T), GDX-12.5 mg/kg T, and GDX-25 mg/kg T. Anxiety-related behavior was evaluated using elevated plus maze apparatus. The animals were anesthetized after 48 hours after behavioral testing, and decapitated and micron slices were prepared for immunohistochemical as well as histopathological assessment. Subcutaneous injection of testosterone (25 mg/kg) may induce anxiogenic-like behavior in male mice. In addition, immunohistochemical data reveal reduced expression of 5-HT2A serotonergic receptor after gonadectomy in all areas of the hippocampus. However, treatment with testosterone could increase the mean number of dark neurons as well as immunoreactive neurons in CA1 and CA3 area, dose dependently. The density of 5-HT2A receptor-immunoreactive neurons may play a crucial role in the induction of anxiety like behavior. As reduction in such receptor expression have shown to significantly enhance anxiety behaviors. However, replacement of testosterone dose dependently enhances the number of 5-HT2A receptor-immunoreactive neurons and interestingly also reduced anxiety like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emsehgol Nikmahzar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Jahanshahi
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amir Ghaemi
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Naseri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Moharreri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
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Hu Z, Yang Y, Gao K, Rudd JA, Fang M. Ovarian hormones ameliorate memory impairment, cholinergic deficit, neuronal apoptosis and astrogliosis in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Exp Ther Med 2015; 11:89-97. [PMID: 26889223 PMCID: PMC4726845 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hormones, including progesterone (P4) and 17 β-estradiol (E2), have been shown to affect memory functions; however, the underlying mechanism whereby ovarian hormone replacement therapy may decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is currently unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of P4 and E2 on spatial and learning memory in an ovariectomized rat model of AD. β-amyloid (Aβ) or saline were stereotaxically injected into the hippocampus of the rats and, after 1 day, ovariectomy or sham operations were performed. Subsequently, the rats were treated with P4 alone, E2 alone, or a combination of P4 and E2. Treatment with E2 and/or P4 was shown to improve the learning and memory functions of the rats, as demonstrated by the Morris water maze test. In addition, treatment with E2 and P4 was associated with increased expression levels of choline acetyltransferase and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (5-HT2A), and decreased expression levels of the glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus of the rats. Furthermore, E2 and P4 treatment significantly attenuated neuronal cell apoptosis, as demonstrated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assays; thus suggesting that the ovarian hormones were able to protect against Aβ-induced neuronal cell toxicity. The results of the present study suggested that the neuroprotective effects of P4 and E2 were associated with amelioration of the cholinergic deficit, suppression of apoptotic signals and astrogliosis, and upregulation of 5-HT2A expression levels. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy may be considered an effective strategy for the treatment of patients with cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, Zheijiang, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Keqiang Gao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - John A Rudd
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Marong Fang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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del Pino J, Moyano-Cires PV, Anadon MJ, Díaz MJ, Lobo M, Capo MA, Frejo MT. Molecular Mechanisms of Amitraz Mammalian Toxicity: A Comprehensive Review of Existing Data. Chem Res Toxicol 2015; 28:1073-94. [DOI: 10.1021/tx500534x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier del Pino
- Departament of Toxicology
and Pharmacology, Veterinary School, and ‡Department of
Toxicology and Legal Medicine, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Viviana Moyano-Cires
- Departament of Toxicology
and Pharmacology, Veterinary School, and ‡Department of
Toxicology and Legal Medicine, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Anadon
- Departament of Toxicology
and Pharmacology, Veterinary School, and ‡Department of
Toxicology and Legal Medicine, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Díaz
- Departament of Toxicology
and Pharmacology, Veterinary School, and ‡Department of
Toxicology and Legal Medicine, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Lobo
- Departament of Toxicology
and Pharmacology, Veterinary School, and ‡Department of
Toxicology and Legal Medicine, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Andrés Capo
- Departament of Toxicology
and Pharmacology, Veterinary School, and ‡Department of
Toxicology and Legal Medicine, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Frejo
- Departament of Toxicology
and Pharmacology, Veterinary School, and ‡Department of
Toxicology and Legal Medicine, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Comasco E, Frokjaer VG, Sundström-Poromaa I. Functional and molecular neuroimaging of menopause and hormone replacement therapy. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:388. [PMID: 25538545 PMCID: PMC4259109 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The level of gonadal hormones to which the female brain is exposed considerably changes across the menopausal transition, which in turn, is likely to be of great relevance for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. However, the neurobiological consequences of these hormone fluctuations and of hormone replacement therapy in the menopause have only begun to be understood. The present review summarizes the findings of thirty-five studies of human brain function, including functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron and single-photon computed emission tomography studies, in peri- and postmenopausal women treated with estrogen, or estrogen-progestagen replacement therapy. Seven studies using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist intervention as a model of hormonal withdrawal are also included. Cognitive paradigms are employed by the majority of studies evaluating the effect of unopposed estrogen or estrogen-progestagen treatment on peri- and postmenopausal women's brain. In randomized-controlled trials, estrogen treatment enhances activation of fronto-cingulate regions during cognitive functioning, though in many cases no difference in cognitive performance was present. Progestagens seems to counteract the effects of estrogens. Findings on cognitive functioning during acute ovarian hormone withdrawal suggest a decrease in activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus, thus essentially corroborating the findings in postmenopausal women. Studies of the cholinergic and serotonergic systems indicate these systems as biological mediators of hormonal influences on the brain. More, hormonal replacement appears to increase cerebral blood flow in several cortical regions. On the other hand, studies on emotion processing in postmenopausal women are lacking. These results call for well-powered randomized-controlled multi-modal prospective neuroimaging studies as well as investigation on the related molecular mechanisms of effects of menopausal hormonal variations on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden ; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vibe G Frokjaer
- Department of Neurology, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging and Neurobiology Research Unit 6931, Copenhagen University Hospital Copenhagen, Denmark
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Pálenícek T, Hlinák Z, Bubeníková-Valesová V, Novák T, Horácek J. Sex differences in the effects of N,N-diethyllysergamide (LSD) on behavioural activity and prepulse inhibition. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2010; 34:588-96. [PMID: 20156516 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Revised: 02/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe sex differences in the behavioural effects of N,N-diethyllysergamide (LSD) (locomotor activity and other behavioural repertoire in the open field) and its effects on sensorimotor gating in rats (prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reaction). Three groups of animals were analysed: males, oestral and pro-oestral phase females (EP females), and metoestral and dioestral phase females (MD females). LSD (5, 50 and 200 microg/kg subcutaneously) attenuated locomotor activity and normal behavioural repertoire, and induced flat body posture, wet dog shakes and disrupted PPI. The most prominent behavioural findings of LSD were for LSD 200 microg/kg which suppressed almost all behavioural activity. LSD had mainly inhibitory locomotor effects in males and MD females, yet in EP female rats LSD increased locomotion during the second half of testing period. The main sex differences were observed in locomotor and exploratory behaviour. Both EP and MD females were less sensitive to hypolocomotor effects of LSD and had less pronounced thigmotaxis than males. Further EP females had increased rearing after LSD 5microg/kg. On the contrary although LSD disrupted PPI in males and MD female rats, EP females were protected from this disruptive effect. Thus, EP females seem to have a lower sensitivity to LSD behavioural actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Pálenícek
- Prague Psychiatric Center, Ustavní 91, 181 03, Prague 8, Czech Republic.
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17
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Sugden K, Tichopad A, Khan N, Craig IW, D'Souza UM. Genes within the serotonergic system are differentially expressed in human brain. BMC Neurosci 2009; 10:50. [PMID: 19445671 PMCID: PMC2697991 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-10-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Accepted: 05/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter with wide-ranging functions throughout the central nervous system. There is strong evidence to suggest that regulation of serotonergic gene expression might be related to genetic variability, and several studies have focused on understanding the functional effects of specific polymorphisms within these genes on expression levels. However, the combination of genotype together with gender and brain region could have an overall effect on gene expression. In this study, we report expression patterns of five serotonergic genes (TPH1, TPH2, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HTT) in seven different human post-mortem brain regions (superior frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, striatum, cerebellum, hippocampus, midbrain and thalamus) using TaqMan™ real-time quantitative PCR. In addition, the effect of genotype and gender on their expression levels was determined. Results The data revealed that mRNA from the five genes investigated was detected in all brain regions and showed an overall significant difference in expression levels. Furthermore, the expression of 5-HT2C, 5-HT2A and TPH2 was found to be significantly different between the various brain regions. However, neither gender nor genotype showed significant effects on the expression levels of any of the genes assayed. Interestingly, TPH1 and TPH2 were expressed in all brain regions similarly except for within the striatum and cerebellum, where TPH1 was expressed at a significantly higher level than TPH2. Conclusion The effect of brain region has a greater influence on serotonergic gene expression than either genotype or gender. These data add to the growing body of evidence that effects of functional polymorphisms on gene expression in vitro are not observed ex vivo, and provide information that will aid in the design of expression studies of the serotonergic gene system within human post-mortem brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Sugden
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.
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18
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Huang XF, Tan YY, Huang X, Wang Q. Effect of chronic treatment with clozapine and haloperidol on 5-HT2A and 2C receptor mRNA expression in the rat brain. Neurosci Res 2007; 59:314-21. [PMID: 17868938 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2007.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2007] [Revised: 07/29/2007] [Accepted: 08/02/2007] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study examined regional changes of 5-HT(2A and 2C) receptor mRNA expression in the rat brain after chronic administration of clozapine (1.5 mg/kg/day) and haloperidol (2.0 mg/kg/day) for 36 days. 5-HT(2A and 2C) receptor mRNA expression and distributions were detected by in situ hybridization after rats were sacrificed either 2 or 48 h after the last drug administration to examine both immediate and delayed effects following drug withdrawal. Following 2 h of drug withdrawal, it showed that clozapine administration significantly decreased 5-HT(2A) receptor mRNA, predominantly in the nucleus accumbens (65%), hippocampus (80%), lasteral septal nucleus (61%) and striatum (68%) compared to controls, whilst rebound increases were observed in most of these regions 48 h later. In contrast, no change in 5-HT(2A) receptor mRNA expression was found in the haloperidol treated groups either 2 h or 48 h after drug withdrawal. Clozapine also decreased 5-HT(2C) receptor mRNA expression in the posteromedial cortical amygdala (32%) and substantia nigra (35%) 2 h after the last drug administration, while rebound effects were also observed 48 h later. 5-HT(2C) receptor mRNA was only decreased in the substantia nigra at both 2 h (42%) and 48 h (54%) after the last haloperidol administration. Alterations in serotonin receptor expression in limbic system region such as the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus and lateral septal nucleus as well as the striatum may represent the specific regional targets that mediate the clinical effects of antipsychotics via the serotonin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Feng Huang
- Neuroscience Institute of Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders (NISAD), Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
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Kumar HBK, Purushottam M, Kubendran S, Gayathri P, Mukherjee O, Murthy AR, Ghosh S, Chandra P, Reddy YCJ, Benegal V, Brahmachari SK, Jain S. Serotonergic candidate genes and puerperal psychosis: an association study. Psychiatr Genet 2007; 17:253-60. [PMID: 17728663 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0b013e3280ae6cc3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered serotonergic function is implicated in the aetiology and pathogenesis of a host of psychiatric disorders, and structural variations/polymorphisms in genes encoding the serotonin transporter and various serotonin receptor subtypes are attractive candidates to investigate the biological component underlying these disorders. Specific phenotypic subtypes, that perhaps represent homogeneous forms of the disorder, may increase the power to detect genes in complex diseases. OBJECTIVE We investigated regulatory and functional polymorphic DNA markers of serotonergic candidate genes using a case-control approach in puerperal psychosis and bipolar affective disorder probands. METHODS We genotyped 320 female participants (104 puerperal psychosis probands, 102 bipolar disorder participants and 114 controls) at the serotonin transporter SERT (5-HTT) 5-HTTVNTR and 5-HTTLPR locus; serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT2A)-T102C and His452Tyr loci, the serotonin receptor 2C (5-HT2C)-Cys23Ser locus, and seven unrelated Alu polymorphic markers. RESULTS We observed an association of the puerperal psychosis phenotype with the allele 10 of 5-HTTVNTR of SERT (P=0.004) and a modest association with the genotypic frequencies of the 5-HTTLPR (P=0.036). A nominal P value of 0.006 was observed with the S-10 haplotype in the PP group as compared with bipolar affective disorder probands. Significant association was observed with bipolar affective disorder phenotype with Tyr allele of the 5-HT2A His452Tyr gene polymorphism (P=0.00043) even after a conservative multiple test correction. No association was observed, however, with the 5-HT2A T102C locus, and the distribution of the other seven Alu markers did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION The association between polymorphisms in serotonergic genes (SERT and 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C) suggests that these genetic factors can modulate vulnerability to puerperal psychosis in female bipolar participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- H B Kiran Kumar
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, [corrected] National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, [corrected] Bangalore, Karnataka [corrected] India
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Birzniece V, Bäckström T, Johansson IM, Lindblad C, Lundgren P, Löfgren M, Olsson T, Ragagnin G, Taube M, Turkmen S, Wahlström G, Wang MD, Wihlbäck AC, Zhu D. Neuroactive steroid effects on cognitive functions with a focus on the serotonin and GABA systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 51:212-39. [PMID: 16368148 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2005.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2005] [Revised: 11/10/2005] [Accepted: 11/11/2005] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This article will review neuroactive steroid effects on serotonin and GABA systems, along with the subsequent effects on cognitive functions. Neurosteroids (such as estrogen, progesterone, and allopregnanolone) are synthesized in the central and peripheral nervous system, in addition to other tissues. They are involved in the regulation of mood and memory, in premenstrual syndrome, and mood changes related to hormone replacement therapy, as well as postnatal and major depression, anxiety disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Estrogen and progesterone have their respective hormone receptors, whereas allopregnanolone acts via the GABA(A) receptor. The action of estrogen and progesterone can be direct genomic, indirect genomic, or non-genomic, also influencing several neurotransmitter systems, such as the serotonin and GABA systems. Estrogen alone, or in combination with antidepressant drugs affecting the serotonin system, has been related to improved mood and well being. In contrast, progesterone can have negative effects on mood and memory. Estrogen alone, or in combination with progesterone, affects the brain serotonin system differently in different parts of the brain, which can at least partly explain the opposite effects on mood of those hormones. Many of the progesterone effects in the brain are mediated by its metabolite allopregnanolone. Allopregnanolone, by changing GABA(A) receptor expression or sensitivity, is involved in premenstrual mood changes; and it also induces cognitive deficits, such as spatial-learning impairment. We have shown that the 3beta-hydroxypregnane steroid UC1011 can inhibit allopregnanolone-induced learning impairment and chloride uptake potentiation in vitro and in vivo. It would be important to find a substance that antagonizes allopregnanolone-induced adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Birzniece
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University Hospital, Sweden
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Reyna-Neyra A, Arias C, Ferrera P, Morimoto S, Camacho-Arroyo I. Changes in the content and distribution of microtubule associated protein 2 in the hippocampus of the rat during the estrous cycle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 60:473-80. [PMID: 15307151 DOI: 10.1002/neu.20042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus during the estrous cycle of the rat are not completely understood. Because this process implicates changes in neuronal cytoskeleton organization, we analyzed the content of microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) and Tau in the hippocampus and the frontal cortex of the rat by Western blot, as well as the hippocampal distribution of MAP2 during the estrous cycle by immunohistochemistry. In the hippocampus the lowest content of MAP2 was found on diestrus day, and it significantly increased at proestrus. This increase was maintained on estrus and metestrus days. In the frontal cortex MAP2 content did not significantly change during the estrous cycle. In contrast, the content of Tau did not vary during the estrous cycle in either the hippocampus or the frontal cortex. The immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in dendrite thickness and in dendritic branching in the CA1 region on proestrus day, as well as an aggregation of MAP2 in apical dendrites near to pyramidal somata on this day in comparison with diestrus. We suggest that changes in the content and neuronal distribution of MAP2 are involved in the structural changes that occur in the hippocampus of the rat during the estrous cycle, and that these variations are related to changes in estradiol and progesterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Reyna-Neyra
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México D.F., México
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Bosker FJ, Westerink BHC, Cremers TIFH, Gerrits M, van der Hart MGC, Kuipers SD, van der Pompe G, ter Horst GJ, den Boer JA, Korf J. Future antidepressants: what is in the pipeline and what is missing? CNS Drugs 2004; 18:705-32. [PMID: 15330686 DOI: 10.2165/00023210-200418110-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors still reign in the treatment of major depression, but possibly not for long. While medicinal chemists have been able to reduce the side effects of these drugs, their delayed onset of action and considerable non-response rate remain problematic. Of late, serious questions have been raised regarding the efficacy of monoamine reuptake inhibitors. The present review presents an inventory of what is (and until recently was) in the antidepressant pipeline of pharmaceutical companies. Novel antidepressant compounds can be categorised into four groups depending on their target(s): (i) monoamine receptors; (ii) non-monoamine receptors; (iii) neuropeptide receptors; and (iv) hormone receptors. Other possible targets include components of post-receptor intracellular processes and elements of the immune system; to date, however, compounds specifically aimed at these targets have not been the subject of clinical trials. Development of several compounds targeted at monoamine receptors has recently been discontinued. At least five neurokinin-1 (NK(1)) receptor antagonists were until recently in phase II of clinical testing. However, the apparent interest in the NK(1) receptor should not be interpreted as representing a departure from the monoamine hypothesis since neurokinins also modulate monoaminergic systems. In the authors' view, development of future antidepressants will continue to rely on the serendipity-based monoamine hypothesis. However, an alternative approach, based on the hypothesis that chronic stress precipitates depressive symptoms, might be more productive. Unfortunately, clinical results using drugs targeted at components of the HPA axis have not been very encouraging to date. In the short run, the authors believe that augmentation strategies offer the best hope for improving the efficacy of antidepressant treatment. Several approaches to improve the efficacy of SSRIs are conceivable, such as concurrent blockade of monoamine autoreceptors and the addition of antipsychotics, neuromodulators or hormones (HPA axis and gender related). In the long-term, however, construction of a scientifically verified conceptual framework will be needed before more effective antidepressants can be developed. It can be argued that it is not depression itself that should be treated, but rather that its duration should be reduced by pharmacological means. Animal models that take this concept into consideration and identify mechanisms for acceleration of recovery from the effects of stress need to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokko J Bosker
- Department of Psychiatry, University and University Hospital of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30 001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands.
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Estrada-Camarena E, Fernández-Guasti A, López-Rubalcava C. Interaction between estrogens and antidepressants in the forced swimming test in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2004; 173:139-45. [PMID: 14730416 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-003-1707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2003] [Accepted: 10/30/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Several reports suggest that estrogens possess antidepressant effects and could facilitate the action of some antidepressants. OBJECTIVE To analyze the interaction between three different types of estrogens, 17 beta-estradiol (E(2)), ethinylestradiol (EE(2)) or diethyl-stilbestrol (DES) and the antidepressants, fluoxetine (FLX) or desipramine (DMI) in ovariectomized female rats subjected to an animal model for the study of antidepressant compounds, the forced swimming test (FST). METHODS The effect of the combination of a sub-optimal dose of FLX (2.5 mg/kg) or DMI (2.5 mg/kg) with a sub-active dose of E(2 )(10 microg/kg), EE(2), (2.5 or 5 microg/kg) or DES (1 mg/kg) was analyzed in both the FST and the open field paradigm. RESULTS The combination of a sub-optimal dose of E(2) or DES with that of the antidepressant DMI resulted in a clear antidepressant-like effect, evidenced by a significant decrease in immobility accompanied by an increase in climbing behavior. Sub-optimal doses of either E(2) or DES also facilitated the antidepressant-like effect of a sub-optimal dose of FLX. In this case, a decrease in immobility with a concomitant increase in swimming behavior was observed. Finally, the combination of EE(2) with either DMI or FLX decreased immobility and induced an increase in both swimming and climbing behaviors. All combinations decreased rats' locomotor activity when evaluated in the open field test. CONCLUSION In the FST estrogens were able to facilitate the action of two different kinds of antidepressants; however, these effects were dependent on the type of estrogen used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Estrada-Camarena
- Depto de Farmacobiología CINVESTAV-IPN, Calzada de los Tenorios 235, Col Granjas Coapa, Deleg Tlalpan, CP 14330 México DF, México.
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Gerrits M, Westenbroek C, Fokkema DS, Jongsma ME, Den Boer JA, Ter Horst GJ. Increased stress vulnerability after a prefrontal cortex lesion in female rats. Brain Res Bull 2003; 61:627-35. [PMID: 14519460 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2003.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies in patients suffering from affective disorders have shown decreased volume and reduced regional cerebral blood flow in multiple areas of the prefrontal cortex, including the medial prefrontal cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex. This aberrant brain activity is among other things attributed to chronic stress. Affective disorders occur more often in women than in men. In the current experiment, female mPFC-lesioned and non-lesioned rats were subjected to 3 weeks of chronic unpredictable stress in order to determine the role of the mPFC in dealing with chronic stress, and the consequences of mPFC damage for coping with consecutive stressful events. mPFC damage in female rats intensified the stress-induced activation of the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus as measured with Fos expression changes and markedly increased plasma catecholamine levels after 3 weeks of unpredictable stress. Additionally, an mPFC lesion significantly reduced the time of appearance of stress-induced behavioral changes in the open field. Altogether, mPFC dysfunction affects the way female rats react to chronic stress, it not only increased the activation of brain regions involved in neuroendocrine and autonomic responses to stress but it also significantly reduced the time of onset of behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Gerrits
- Department of Psychiatry, Section of Biological Psychiatry, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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25
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Silva I, Mello LEAM, Freymüller E, Haidar MA, Baracat EC. Onset of estrogen replacement has a critical effect on synaptic density of CA1 hippocampus in ovariectomized adult rats. Menopause 2003; 10:406-11. [PMID: 14501601 DOI: 10.1097/01.gme.0000064816.74043.e9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate differences between estrogen replacement therapy initiated either 4 or 12 days after ovariectomy on the synaptic density of the hippocampal CA1 field in rats. DESIGN Female, adult, Wistar rats were ovariectomized bilaterally under ether anesthesia and divided among the following groups: 1) estrogen (conjugated equine estrogen 50 microg in 0.5 mL of propylene glycol, daily, p.o. gavage, for 60 days), starting 4 days after ovariectomy (n = 5); 2) propylene glycol (0.5 mL daily, p.o. gavage, for 60 days), starting 4 days after ovariectomy (n = 4); 3) estrogen (conjugated equine estrogen 50 microg in 0.5 mL of propylene glycol, daily, p.o. gavage, for 45 days), starting 12 days after ovariectomy (n = 3); 4) propylene glycol (0.5 mL daily, p.o. gavage, for 45 days), starting 12 days after ovariectomy (n = 3). At the end of the treatment, the rats were processed for electron microscopy and light analysis. RESULTS Synaptic density in all of the CA1 strata subjected to evaluation was significantly higher in animals in which estrogen replacement was initiated 4 days after ovariectomy as compared with controls. In contrast, initiation of treatment after a 12-day interval did not result in recovery of synaptic density in any of the CA1 strata and was significantly lower than that of the animals subjected to hormone replacement after a 4-day delay (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The delay for hormone replacement therapy might have critical implications for modulating synaptic density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivaldo Silva
- Department of Gynecology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
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Björn I, Sundström-Poromaa I, Bixo M, Nyberg S, Bäckström G, Bäckström T. Increase of estrogen dose deteriorates mood during progestin phase in sequential hormonal therapy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003; 88:2026-30. [PMID: 12727949 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2002-020755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that the addition of progestins during sequential hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) causes negative mood and physical symptoms. History of premenstrual syndrome, type of progestin, and dose of progestin have thus far been shown to influence the progestin-induced adverse mood symptoms during HRT. The aim of this study was to compare adverse mood effects of two different doses of estradiol, in combination with a progestin, during postmenopausal HRT. Twenty-eight perimenopausal women were included in this randomized, double-blind, crossover study comparing 2- or 3-mg continuous estradiol, with an addition of 10 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate on d 17-28 during each treatment cycle. The main outcome measures were mood and physical symptoms kept on a daily rating scale. Together with the progestin, the higher dose of estrogen caused significantly more negative mood symptoms than the lower dose. Tension, irritability, and depressed mood were all significantly augmented during the progestin phase of cycles with 3 mg estradiol (P < 0.001). Physical symptoms also increased during the progestin phase of 3-mg estradiol cycles (P < 0.001), whereas positive mood symptoms were less affected. The only positive mood that changed with estrogen dose was friendliness, which decreased during the progestin phase of high estradiol cycles compared with cycles with lower estradiol (P < 0.05). Our conclusion is that an increase of the estrogen dose accentuates negative mood and physical symptoms during the progestin phase of sequential hormonal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Björn
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Umeå, 90185 Umeå, Sweden.
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Wang H, Zhu YZ, Wong PTH, Farook JM, Teo AL, Lee LKH, Moochhala S. cDNA microarray analysis of gene expression in anxious PVG and SD rats after cat-freezing test. Exp Brain Res 2003; 149:413-21. [PMID: 12677321 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-002-1369-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2002] [Accepted: 12/10/2002] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To identify genes involved in the development of anxiety or fear, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of the cortex of anxious hooded PVG and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats after exposure to the cat-freezing test apparatus. These two rat strains showed a marked difference in the extent of anxious behavior on the cat-freezing test; the hooded PVG rats showed highly anxious behavior while a low anxiety state was observed in SD rats. A cDNA microarray consisting of 5,931 genes was employed to investigate the global mRNA expression profiles of anxiety-related genes. According to the assumption that an abundance ratio of > or =1.5 is indicative of a change in gene expression, we detected 16 upregulated and 38 downregulated genes in PVG hooded and SD rats. Some of these genes have not yet been associated with anxiety (e.g. FGF), while other genes were recently found to be expressed in an anxious state (e.g., rat nerve growth factor-induced gene, NGFI-A). Our study also focused on the expression of some neurotransmitter receptors that have already been proven to be relevant to anxiety or fear, e.g., gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), cholecystokinin (CCK) and 5-HT(3) receptors. To further confirm the microarray data, the mRNA expressions of three genes: rat activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated gene (Arc), rat NGFI-A gene and rat 5-HT(3) receptor (5-HT(3)R) mRNA, were studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results of RT-PCR were basically consistent with those from cDNA microarray. Our study therefore demonstrated that the microarray technique is an efficient tool for analyzing global expression profiles of anxiety-related genes, which may also provide further insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the states of anxiety and fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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