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Zhang N, Zhao S, Ma Y, Xiao Z, Xue B, Dong Y, Wang Q, Xu H, Zhang X, Wang Y. Hyperexcitation of ovBNST CRF neurons during stress contributes to female-biased expression of anxiety-like avoidance behaviors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk7636. [PMID: 38728397 PMCID: PMC11086623 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) network in the oval nucleus of bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (ovBNST) is generally indicated in stress, but its role in female-biased susceptibility to anxiety is unknown. Here, we established a female-biased stress paradigm. We found that the CRF release in ovBNST during stress showed female-biased pattern, and ovBNST CRF neurons were more prone to be hyperexcited in female mice during stress in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, optogenetic modulation to exchange the activation pattern of ovBNST CRF neurons during stress between female and male mice could reverse their susceptibility to anxiety. Last, CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) mediated the CRF-induced excitation of ovBNST CRF neurons and showed female-biased expression. Specific knockdown of the CRFR1 level in ovBNST CRF neurons in female or overexpression that in male could reverse their susceptibility to anxiety. Therefore, we identify that CRFR1-mediated hyperexcitation of ovBNST CRF neurons in female mice encode the female-biased susceptibility to anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Sha Zhao
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yanqiao Ma
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhixin Xiao
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Bao Xue
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yuan Dong
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Huamin Xu
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Mowaad NA, El-Shamarka MEA, Khadrawy YA. The Behavioral and Neurochemical Changes Induced by Boldenone and/or Tramadol in Adult Male Rats. Neurochem Res 2022; 48:1320-1333. [PMID: 36449200 PMCID: PMC10066173 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03827-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBoldenone and tramadol are abused among large sectors of adolescents. Therefore, the behavioral changes concerned with memory and cognitive functions and neurochemical variations were investigated in the cortex of rats treated with boldenone and/or tramadol. Rats were divided into control and rats treated with boldenone, tramadol, or both drugs. At the end of the treatment period, the memory and cognitive functions were evaluated by the Y-maze test (YMT) and elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and the motor activity was determined by the open field test (OFT). The cortex was dissected to carry out the neurochemical analyses. Rats treated with boldenone and/or tramadol showed impaired memory and cognitive functions and reduced motor activity. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) were observed in the cortex of rats treated with boldenone and/or tramadol. The levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) decreased significantly. Western blot data showed a significant decrease in Bcl2 and a significant increase in caspase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rats treated with boldenone and/or tramadol. These changes were associated with neuronal death as indicated from the histopathological examination.The present findings indicate that boldenone and/or tramadol induced impairment in memory and cognitive functions. These changes could be mediated by the increase in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, reduced AChE level, and reduced number of survived neurons in the cortex as indicated from the decreased Bcl2 level and the histological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A Mowaad
- Department of Narcotics, Ergogenic Aids and Poisons,Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa E A El-Shamarka
- Department of Narcotics, Ergogenic Aids and Poisons,Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasser A Khadrawy
- Medical Physiology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, El-Behouth St, Giza, Egypt.
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Mullen C, Whalley BJ, Schifano F, Baker JS. Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in the United Kingdom: An update. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2180-2198. [PMID: 31989581 PMCID: PMC7174889 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are prescribed for medical conditions related to low testosterone. Abuse of AASs has surged as they become recognised as potent image enhancement drugs. The primary goal of most abusers is to obtain a more attractive outward appearance. Abuse is complex. There are a vast range of AAS substances illegally available, the nature of their true composition is difficult to evaluate. Users follow dosing patterns which incorporate a number of different AASs, in addition to other pharmaceutical substances believed to complement the desired physical effects or manage unwanted effects. Animal work and medical case reports suggest potential to cause serious hepatotoxicity, plus possible neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and damage to the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. As the long-term AASs users reach maturity, further controlled experimentation, with larger sample sizes, is required. Data gathering should be directed towards the most vulnerable group of AAS users, females and adolescent boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Mullen
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of the West of ScotlandPaisleyUK
| | - Benjamin J. Whalley
- School of Chemistry, Food and Nutritional Sciences, and PharmacyThe University of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical SciencesUniversity of HertfordshireHatfieldUK
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and HealthHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongHong Kong
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Gao HR, Gao HY. Cardiovascular functions of central corticotropin-releasing factor related peptides system. Neuropeptides 2019; 75:18-24. [PMID: 30922523 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) related peptides system has widespread distributions in central nervous system, to perform many physiological and pathophysiological functions, including cardiovascular functions. A complex connection exists between the central CRF related peptides system and cardiovascular system. There are multiple pathways and mechanisms through which the central CRF related peptides system influences cardiovascular functions. A dysfunction in the central CRF related peptides system may lead to a wide range of alterations in cardiovascular functions. Though there are difficulties or limitations in establishing exact modulatory roles of the central CRF related peptides system in cardiovascular functions. The central CRF related peptides system as target to prevent cardiovascular diseases is being pursued with increasing interest. In this review, we summarize recent understanding on cardiovascular functions of the CRF related peptides system in limbic forebrain, hypothalamus and brain stem structures, discuss mechanisms of the central CRF related peptides system in control of cardiovascular functions, and suggest that the central CRF related peptides system may be a potent candidate for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Ren Gao
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China.
| | - He-Yuan Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066000, China
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Bertozzi G, Sessa F, Albano GD, Sani G, Maglietta F, Roshan MHK, Volti GL, Bernardini R, Avola R, Pomara C, Salerno M. The Role of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids in Disruption of the Physiological Function in Discrete Areas of the Central Nervous System. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:5548-5556. [PMID: 28971285 PMCID: PMC5994209 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0774-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse is often associated with a wide spectrum of adverse effects. These drugs are frequently abused by adolescents and athletes for esthetic purposes, as well as for improvement of their endurance and performances. In this literature review, we evaluated the correlation between AAS and anxiety or aggression. Two pathways are thought to be involved in AAS-induced behavioral disorders. Direct pathway via the amygdalo-fugal pathway, which connects the central nucleus of the amygdala to the brainstem, is involved in cognitive-emotive and homeostatic processes. The latter is modified by chronic AAS use, which subsequently leads to increased anxiety. Indirect pathways via the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic signals which are modified by AAS abuse in latero-anterior hypothalamus and can mediate the aggressive behavior. In conclusion, the molecular mechanisms underlying the behavioral alterations following AAS abuse is unclear and remains ambiguous as additional long-term studies aimed to understand the precise mechanisms are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Davide Albano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University of Rome, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Centro Lucio Bini, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Maglietta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Mohsin H K Roshan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Avola
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
- D'Avanzo Hospital, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
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Partridge JG, Forcelli PA, Luo R, Cashdan JM, Schulkin J, Valentino RJ, Vicini S. Stress increases GABAergic neurotransmission in CRF neurons of the central amygdala and bed nucleus stria terminalis. Neuropharmacology 2016; 107:239-250. [PMID: 27016019 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF) is a critical stress-related neuropeptide in major output pathways of the amygdala, including the central nucleus (CeA), and in a key projection target of the CeA, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BnST). While progress has been made in understanding the contributions and characteristics of CRF as a neuropeptide in rodent behavior, little attention has been committed to determine the properties and synaptic physiology of specific populations of CRF-expressing (CRF(+)) and non-expressing (CRF(-)) neurons in the CeA and BnST. Here, we fill this gap by electrophysiologically characterizing distinct neuronal subtypes in CeA and BnST. Crossing tdTomato or channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2-YFP) reporter mice to those expressing Cre-recombinase under the CRF promoter allowed us to identify and manipulate CRF(+) and CRF(-) neurons in CeA and BnST, the two largest areas with fluorescently labeled neurons in these mice. We optogenetically activated CRF(+) neurons to elicit action potentials or synaptic responses in CRF(+) and CRF(-) neurons. We found that GABA is the predominant co-transmitter in CRF(+) neurons within the CeA and BnST. CRF(+) neurons are highly interconnected with CRF(-) neurons and to a lesser extent with CRF(+) neurons. CRF(+) and CRF(-) neurons differentially express tonic GABA currents. Chronic, unpredictable stress increase the amplitude of evoked IPSCs and connectivity between CRF(+) neurons, but not between CRF(+) and CRF(-) neurons in both regions. We propose that reciprocal inhibition of interconnected neurons controls CRF(+) output in these nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Partridge
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Ruixi Luo
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Jonah M Cashdan
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Jay Schulkin
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rita J Valentino
- Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Mad men, women and steroid cocktails: a review of the impact of sex and other factors on anabolic androgenic steroids effects on affective behaviors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:549-69. [PMID: 26758282 PMCID: PMC4751878 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE For several decades, elite athletes and a growing number of recreational consumers have used anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) as performance enhancing drugs. Despite mounting evidence that illicit use of these synthetic steroids has detrimental effects on affective states, information available on sex-specific actions of these drugs is lacking. OBJECTIVES The focus of this review is to assess information to date on the importance of sex and its interaction with other environmental factors on affective behaviors, with an emphasis on data derived from non-human studies. METHODS The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies in both sexes. RESULTS Studies examining AAS use in females are limited, reflecting the lower prevalence of use in this sex. Data, however, indicate significant sex-specific differences in AAS effects on anxiety-like and aggressive behaviors, interactions with other drugs of abuse, and the interplay of AAS with other environmental factors such as diet and exercise. CONCLUSIONS Current methods for assessing AAS use have limitations that suggest biases of both under- and over-reporting, which may be amplified for females who are poorly represented in self-report studies of human subjects and are rarely used in animal studies. Data from animal literature suggest that there are significant sex-specific differences in the impact of AAS on aggression, anxiety, and concomitant use of other abused substances. These results have relevance for human females who take these drugs as performance-enhancing substances and for transgender XX individuals who may illicitly self-administer AAS as they transition to a male gender identity.
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Busardò FP, Frati P, Sanzo MD, Napoletano S, Pinchi E, Zaami S, Fineschi V. The impact of nandrolone decanoate on the central nervous system. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 13:122-31. [PMID: 26074747 PMCID: PMC4462037 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666141210225822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Nandrolone is included in the class II of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) which is
composed of 19-nor-testosterone-derivates. In general, AAS is a broad and rapidly increasing group
of synthetic androgens used both clinically and illicitly. AAS in general and nandrolone decanoate
(ND) in particular have been associated with several behavioral disorders. The purpose of this review
is to summarize the literature concerning studies dealing with ND exposure on animal models, mostly
rats that mimic human abuse systems (i.e. supraphysiological doses). We have focused in particular
on researches that have investigated how ND alters the function and expression of neuronal signaling molecules that
underlie behavior, anxiety, aggression, learning and memory, reproductive behaviors, locomotion and reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco P Busardò
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161, Rome, Italy; ; Neuromed, Istituto Mediterraneo Neurologico (IRCCS), Via Atinense 18, Pozzilli, 86077 Isernia, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Di Sanzo
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Napoletano
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Pinchi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Morrison TR, Sikes RW, Melloni RH. Anabolic steroids alter the physiological activity of aggression circuits in the lateral anterior hypothalamus. Neuroscience 2015; 315:1-17. [PMID: 26691962 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Syrian hamsters exposed to anabolic/androgenic steroids (AAS) during adolescence consistently show increased aggressive behavior across studies. Although the behavioral and anatomical profiles of AAS-induced alterations have been well characterized, there is a lack of data describing physiological changes that accompany these alterations. For instance, behavioral pharmacology and neuroanatomical studies show that AAS-induced changes in the vasopressin (AVP) neural system within the latero-anterior hypothalamus (LAH) interact with the serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) systems to modulate aggression. To characterize the electrophysiological profile of the AAS aggression circuit, we recorded LAH neurons in adolescent male hamsters in vivo and microiontophoretically applied agonists and antagonists of aggressive behavior. The interspike interval (ISI) of neurons from AAS-treated animals correlated positively with aggressive behaviors, and adolescent AAS exposure altered parameters of activity in regular firing neurons while also changing the proportion of neuron types (i.e., bursting, regular, irregular). AAS-treated animals had more responsive neurons that were excited by AVP application, while cells from control animals showed the opposite effect and were predominantly inhibited by AVP. Both DA D2 antagonists and 5HT increased the firing frequency of AVP-responsive cells from AAS animals and dual application of AVP and D2 antagonists doubled the excitatory effect of AVP or D2 antagonist administration alone. These data suggest that multiple DA circuits in the LAH modulate AAS-induced aggressive responding. More broadly, these data show that multiple neurochemical interactions at the neurophysiological level are altered by adolescent AAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Morrison
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - R W Sikes
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Movement Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - R H Melloni
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
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Maternal testosterone exposure increases anxiety-like behavior and impacts the limbic system in the offspring. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:14348-53. [PMID: 26578781 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1507514112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) display high circulating androgen levels that may affect the fetus and increase the risk of mood disorders in offspring. This study investigated whether maternal androgen excess causes anxiety-like behavior in offspring mimicking anxiety disorders in PCOS. The PCOS phenotype was induced in rats following prenatal androgen (PNA) exposure. PNA offspring displayed anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze, which was reversed by flutamide [androgen receptor (AR) blocker] and tamoxifen [selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator]. Circulating sex steroids did not differ between groups at adult age. The expression of serotonergic and GABAergic genes associated with emotional regulation in the amygdala was consistent with anxiety-like behavior in female, and partly in male PNA offspring. Furthermore, AR expression in amygdala was reduced in female PNA offspring and also in females exposed to testosterone in adult age. To determine whether AR activation in amygdala affects anxiety-like behavior, female rats were given testosterone microinjections into amygdala, which resulted in anxiety-like behavior. Together, these data describe the anxiety-like behavior in PNA offspring and adult females with androgen excess, an impact that seems to occur during fetal life, and is mediated via AR in amygdala, together with changes in ERα, serotonergic, and GABAergic genes in amygdala and hippocampus. The anxiety-like behavior following testosterone microinjections into amygdala demonstrates a key role for AR activation in this brain area. These results suggest that maternal androgen excess may underpin the risk of developing anxiety disorders in daughters and sons of PCOS mothers.
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Mhillaj E, Morgese MG, Tucci P, Bove M, Schiavone S, Trabace L. Effects of anabolic-androgens on brain reward function. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:295. [PMID: 26379484 PMCID: PMC4549565 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are mainly prescribed to treat several diseases caused by testosterone deficiency. However, athletes try to promote muscle growth by manipulating testosterone levels or assuming androgen anabolic steroids (AAS). These substances were originally synthesized to obtain anabolic effects greater than testosterone. Although AAS are rarely prescribed compared to testosterone, their off-label utilization is very wide. Furthermore, combinations of different steroids and doses generally higher than those used in therapy are common. Symptoms of the chronic use of supra-therapeutic doses of AAS include anxiety, depression, aggression, paranoia, distractibility, confusion, amnesia. Interestingly, some studies have shown that AAS elicited electroencephalographic changes similar to those observed with amphetamine abuse. The frequency of side effects is higher among AAS abusers, with psychiatric complications such as labile mood, lack of impulse control and high violence. On the other hand, AAS addiction studies are complex because data collection is very difficult due to the subjects' reticence and can be biased by many variables, including physical exercise, that alter the reward system. Moreover, it has been reported that AAS may imbalance neurotransmitter systems involved in the reward process, leading to increased sensitivity toward opioid narcotics and central stimulants. The goal of this article is to review the literature on steroid abuse and changes to the reward system in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Mhillaj
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Bove
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
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Oliveira LA, Almeida J, Benini R, Crestani CC. CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulate the cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. Pharmacol Res 2015; 95-96:53-62. [PMID: 25829333 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is involved in behavioral and physiological responses to emotional stress through its action in several limbic structures, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Nevertheless, the role of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the BNST in cardiovascular adjustments during aversive threat is unknown. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the involvement of CRF receptors within the BNST in cardiovascular responses evoked by acute restraint stress in rats. For this, we evaluated the effects of bilateral treatment of the BNST with selective agonists and antagonists of either CRF1 or CRF2 receptors in the arterial pressure and heart rate increase and the decrease in tail skin temperature induced by restraint stress. Microinjection of the selective CRF1 receptor antagonist CP376395 into the BNST reduced the pressor and tachycardiac responses caused by restraint. Conversely, BNST treatment with the selective CRF1 receptor agonist CRF increased restraint-evoked arterial pressure and HR responses and reduced the fall in tail skin temperature response. All effects of CRF were inhibited by local BNST pretreatment with CP376395. The selective CRF2 receptor antagonist antisalvagine-30 reduced the arterial pressure increase and the fall in tail skin temperature. The selective CRF2 receptor agonist urocortin-3 increased restraint-evoked pressor and tachycardiac responses and reduced the drop in cutaneous temperature. All effects of urocortin-3 were abolished by local BNST pretreatment with antisalvagine-30. These findings indicate an involvement of both CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the BNST in cardiovascular adjustments during emotional stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Almeida
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Piacentino D, Kotzalidis GD, Del Casale A, Aromatario MR, Pomara C, Girardi P, Sani G. Anabolic-androgenic steroid use and psychopathology in athletes. A systematic review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2015; 13:101-21. [PMID: 26074746 PMCID: PMC4462035 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666141210222725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) by professional and recreational athletes is increasing worldwide. The underlying motivations are mainly performance enhancement and body image improvement. AAS abuse and dependence, which are specifically classified and coded by the DSM-5, are not uncommon. AAS-using athletes are frequently present with psychiatric symptoms and disorders, mainly somatoform and eating, but also mood, and schizophrenia-related disorders. Some psychiatric disorders are typical of athletes, like muscle dysmorphia. This raises the issue of whether AAS use causes these disorders in athletes, by determining neuroadaptive changes in the reward neural circuit or by exacerbating stress vulnerability, or rather these are athletes with premorbid abnormal personalities or a history of psychiatric disorders who are attracted to AAS use, prompted by the desire to improve their appearance and control their weights. This may predispose to eating disorders, but AASs also show mood destabilizing effects, with longterm use inducing depression and short-term hypomania; withdrawal/discontinuation may be accompanied by depression. The effects of AASs on anxiety behavior are unclear and studies are inconsistent. AASs are also linked to psychotic behavior. The psychological characteristics that could prompt athletes to use AASs have not been elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Piacentino
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios D Kotzalidis
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Del Casale
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy; ; Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, P. Alberto Mileno Onlus Foundation, San Francesco Institute, Vasto, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Aromatario
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, And Orthopedic Sciences. Sapienza University-Rome, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia; Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy; ; Centro Lucio Bini, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy; ; Centro Lucio Bini, Rome, Italy; ; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Rome, Italy
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15
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Janitzky K, Peine A, Kröber A, Yanagawa Y, Schwegler H, Roskoden T. Increased CRF mRNA expression in the sexually dimorphic BNST of male but not female GAD67 mice and TMT predator odor stress effects upon spatial memory retrieval. Behav Brain Res 2014; 272:141-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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16
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Onakomaiya MM, Porter DM, Oberlander JG, Henderson LP. Sex and exercise interact to alter the expression of anabolic androgenic steroid-induced anxiety-like behaviors in the mouse. Horm Behav 2014; 66:283-97. [PMID: 24768711 PMCID: PMC4127168 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2013] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are taken by both sexes to enhance athletic performance and body image, nearly always in conjunction with an exercise regime. Although taken to improve physical attributes, chronic AAS use can promote negative behavior, including anxiety. Few studies have directly compared the impact of AAS use in males versus females or assessed the interaction of exercise and AAS. We show that AAS increase anxiety-like behaviors in female but not male mice and that voluntary exercise accentuates these sex-specific differences. We also show that levels of the anxiogenic peptide corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) are significantly greater in males, but that AAS selectively increase CRF levels in females, thus abrogating this sex-specific difference. Exercise did not ameliorate AAS-induced anxiety or alter CRF levels in females. Exercise was anxiolytic in males, but this behavioral outcome did not correlate with CRF levels. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has also been implicated in the expression of anxiety. As with CRF, levels of hippocampal BDNF mRNA were significantly greater in males than females. AAS and exercise were without effect on BDNF mRNA in females. In males, anxiolytic effects of exercise correlated with increased BDNF mRNA, however AAS-induced changes in BDNF mRNA and anxiety did not. In sum, we find that AAS elicit sex-specific differences in anxiety and that voluntary exercise accentuates these differences. In addition, our data suggest that these behavioral outcomes may reflect convergent actions of AAS and exercise on a sexually differentiated CRF signaling system within the extended amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie M Onakomaiya
- Department of Physiology & Neurobiology, Hinman Box 7701, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Donna M Porter
- Department of Physiology & Neurobiology, Hinman Box 7701, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Joseph G Oberlander
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Hogan 2-160, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Leslie P Henderson
- Department of Physiology & Neurobiology, Hinman Box 7701, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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17
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Chronic nandrolone decanoate exposure during adolescence affects emotional behavior and monoaminergic neurotransmission in adulthood. Neuropharmacology 2014; 83:79-88. [PMID: 24721625 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nandrolone decanoate, an anabolic androgen steroid (AAS) illicitly used by adult and adolescent athletes to enhance physical performance and body image, induces psychiatric side effects, such as aggression, depression as well as a spectrum of adverse physiological impairments. Since adolescence represents a neurodevelopmental window that is extremely sensitive to the detrimental effects of drug abuse, we investigated the long-term behavioral and neurophysiological consequences of nandrolone abuse during adolescence. Adolescent rats received daily injections of nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg, i.m.) for 14 days (PND 40-53). At early adulthood (PND 68), forced swim, sucrose preference, open field and elevated plus maze tests were performed to assess behavioral changes. In vivo electrophysiological recordings were carried out to monitor changes in electrical activity of serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC). Our results show that after early exposure to nandrolone, rats display depression-related behavior, characterized by increased immobility in the forced swim test and reduced sucrose intake in the sucrose preference test. In addition, adult rats presented anxiety-like behavior characterized by decreased time and number of entries in the central zone of the open field and decreased time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. Nandrolone decreased the firing rate of spontaneously active serotonergic neurons in the DRN while increasing the firing rate of noradrenergic neurons in the LC. These results provide evidence that nandrolone decanoate exposure during adolescence alters the emotional profile of animals in adulthood and significantly modifies both serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission.
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18
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M T, JE G, RL H, AL H, VB R. The role of PKC signaling in CRF-induced modulation of startle. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 229:579-89. [PMID: 23722830 PMCID: PMC3784645 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3114-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Hypersignaling of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) has been implicated in stress disorders; however, many of its downstream mechanisms of action remain unclear. In vitro, CRF1 receptor activation initiates multiple cell signaling cascades, including protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase MEK1/2 signaling. It is unclear, however, which of these signaling cascades mediate CRF-induced behaviors during stress. OBJECTIVES We examined the role of PKA, PKC, and MEK1/2 signaling pathways in CRF-induced anxiety as measured by startle hyperreactivity. METHODS Mice treated with intracerbroventricular (ICV) ovine CRF (oCRF) were pretreated with the PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMPS, PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (BIM), or MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (ICV) and assessed for acoustic startle reactivity. RESULTS The PKC inhibitor BIM significantly attenuated CRF-induced increases in startle. BIM was also able to block startle increases induced by oCRF when both compounds were infused directly into the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST). PKA and MEK1/2 inhibition had no significant effects on CRF-induced changes in startle at the dose ranges tested. CRF-induced disruption of prepulse inhibition was not significantly reversed by any of the three pretreatments at the dose ranges tested. CONCLUSIONS PKC signaling is required for CRF-induced increases in startle, and this effect is mediated at least in part at the BNST. These findings suggest that PKC signaling cascades (1) may be important for the acute effects of CRF to induce startle hyperreactivity and (2) support further research of the role of PKC signaling in startle abnormalities relevant to disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toth M
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla CA USA,Dept. of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA USA
| | - Gresack JE
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla CA USA,Dept. of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA USA,Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York NY USA
| | - Hauger RL
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla CA USA,Dept. of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA USA
| | - Halberstadt AL
- Dept. of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA USA
| | - Risbrough VB
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla CA USA,Dept. of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA USA,Corresponding author: Victoria Risbrough, Ph.D., University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr. MC0804, La Jolla CA 92093-0804, Tel: 16195433582; Fax: 16195432475:
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19
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Rodríguez-Sierra OE, Turesson HK, Pare D. Contrasting distribution of physiological cell types in different regions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. J Neurophysiol 2013; 110:2037-49. [PMID: 23926040 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00408.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We characterized the electroresponsive and morphological properties of neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Previously, Rainnie and colleagues distinguished three cell types in the anterolateral region of BNST (BNST-AL): low-threshold bursting cells (LTB; type II) and regular spiking neurons that display time-dependent (RS; type I) or fast (fIR; type III) inward rectification in the hyperpolarizing direction (Hammack SE, Mania I, Rainnie DG. J Neurophysiol 98: 638-56, 2007). We report that the same neuronal types exist in the anteromedial (AM) and anteroventral (AV) regions of BNST. In addition, we observed two hitherto unreported cell types: late-firing (LF) cells, only seen in BNST-AL, that display a conspicuous delay to firing, and spontaneously active (SA) neurons, only present in BNST-AV, firing continuously at rest. However, the feature that most clearly distinguished the three BNST regions was the incidence of LTB cells (approximately 40-70%) and the strength of their bursting behavior (both higher in BNST-AM and AV relative to AL). The incidence of RS cells was similar in the three regions (∼25%), whereas that of fIR cells was higher in BNST-AL (∼25%) than AV or AM (≤8%). With the use of biocytin, two dominant morphological cell classes were identified but they were not consistently related to particular physiological phenotypes. One neuronal class had highly branched and spiny dendrites; the second had longer but poorly branched and sparsely spiny dendrites. Both often exhibited dendritic varicosities. Since LTB cells prevail in BNST, it will be important to determine what inputs set their firing mode (tonic vs. bursting) and in what behavioral states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga E Rodríguez-Sierra
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers State University, Newark, New Jersey; and
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20
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Cunningham RL, Lumia AR, McGinnis MY. Androgenic anabolic steroid exposure during adolescence: ramifications for brain development and behavior. Horm Behav 2013; 64:350-6. [PMID: 23274699 PMCID: PMC3633688 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Puberty and Adolescence". Puberty is a critical period for brain maturation that is highly dependent on gonadal sex hormones. Modifications in the gonadal steroid environment, via the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), have been shown to affect brain development and behavior. Studies in both humans and animal models indicate that AAS exposure during adolescence alters normal brain remodeling, including structural changes and neurotransmitter function. The most commonly reported behavioral effect is an increase in aggression. Evidence has been presented to identify factors that influence the effect of AAS on the expression of aggression. The chemical composition of the AAS plays a major role in determining whether aggression is displayed, with testosterone being the most effective. The hormonal context, the environmental context, physical provocation and the perceived threat during the social encounter have all been found to influence the expression of aggression and sexual behavior. All of these factors point toward an altered behavioral state that includes an increased readiness to respond to a social encounter with heightened vigilance and enhanced motivation. This AAS-induced state may be defined as emboldenment. The evidence suggests that the use of AAS during this critical period of development may increase the risk for maladaptive behaviors along with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Centre at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107 USA.
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Ramos-Pratts K, Rosa-González D, Pérez-Acevedo NL, Cintrón-López D, Barreto-Estrada JL. Sex-specific effect of the anabolic steroid, 17α-methyltestosterone, on inhibitory avoidance learning in periadolescent rats. Behav Processes 2013; 99:73-80. [PMID: 23792034 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has gained popularity among adolescents in the last decade. However, although it is known that exposure to AAS impairs cognition in adult animal models, the cognitive effects during adolescence remain undetermined. An inhibitory avoidance task (IAT) was used to assess the effect of AAS (17α-methyltestosterone; 17α-meT--7.5 mg/kg) in male and female periadolescent rats. A single injection of 17α-meT immediately before the footshock produced significant impairment of inhibitory avoidance learning in males but not females. Generalized anxiety, locomotion, and risk assessment behaviors (RAB) were not affected. Our results show that exposure to a single pharmacological dose of 17α-meT during periadolescence exerts sex-specific cognitive effects without affecting anxiety. Thus, disruption of the hormonal milieu during this early developmental period might have negative impact on learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyla Ramos-Pratts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
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22
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Estrous cycle variations in GABA(A) receptor phosphorylation enable rapid modulation by anabolic androgenic steroids in the medial preoptic area. Neuroscience 2012; 226:397-410. [PMID: 22989919 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), synthetic testosterone derivatives that are used for ergogenic purposes, alter neurotransmission and behaviors mediated by GABA(A) receptors. Some of these effects may reflect direct and rapid action of these synthetic steroids at the receptor. The ability of other natural allosteric steroid modulators to alter GABA(A) receptor-mediated currents is dependent upon the phosphorylation state of the receptor complex. Here we show that phosphorylation of the GABA(A) receptor complex immunoprecipitated by β(2)/β(3) subunit-specific antibodies from the medial preoptic area (mPOA) of the mouse varies across the estrous cycle; with levels being significantly lower in estrus. Acute exposure to the AAS, 17α-methyltestosterone (17α-MeT), had no effect on the amplitude or kinetics of inhibitory postsynaptic currents in the mPOA of estrous mice when phosphorylation was low, but increased the amplitude of these currents from mice in diestrus, when it was high. Inclusion of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, calphostin, in the recording pipette eliminated the ability of 17α-MeT to enhance currents from diestrous animals, suggesting that PKC-receptor phosphorylation is critical for the allosteric modulation elicited by AAS during this phase. In addition, a single injection of 17α-MeT was found to impair an mPOA-mediated behavior (nest building) in diestrus, but not in estrus. PKC is known to target specific serine residues in the β(3) subunit of the GABA(A) receptor. Although phosphorylation of these β(3) serine residues showed a similar profile across the cycle, as did phosphoserine in mPOA lysates immunoprecipitated with β2/β3 antibody (lower in estrus than in diestrus or proestrus), the differences were not significant. These data suggest that the phosphorylation state of the receptor complex regulates both the ability of AAS to modulate receptor function in the mPOA and the expression of a simple mPOA-dependent behavior through a PKC-dependent mechanism that involves the β(3) subunit and other sites within the GABA(A) receptor complex.
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The Sturm und Drang of anabolic steroid use: angst, anxiety, and aggression. Trends Neurosci 2012; 35:382-92. [PMID: 22516619 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are illicitly administered to enhance athletic performance and body image. Although conferring positive actions on performance, steroid abuse is associated with changes in anxiety and aggression. AAS users are often keenly invested in understanding the biological actions of these drugs. Thus, mechanistic information on AAS actions is important not only for the biomedical community, but also for steroid users. Here we review findings from animal studies on the impact of AAS exposure on neural systems that are crucial for the production of anxiety and aggression, and compare the effects of the different classes of AAS and their potential signaling mechanisms, as well as context-, age- and sex-dependent aspects of their actions.
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Oberlander JG, Penatti CAA, Porter DM, Henderson LP. The Buzz about anabolic androgenic steroids: electrophysiological effects in excitable tissues. Neuroendocrinology 2012; 96:141-51. [PMID: 22576754 PMCID: PMC3488447 DOI: 10.1159/000339123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) comprise a large and growing class of synthetic androgens used clinically to promote tissue-building in individuals suffering from genetic disorders, injuries, and diseases. Despite these beneficial therapeutic applications, the predominant use of AAS is illicit: these steroids are self-administered to promote athletic performance and body image. Hand in hand with the desired anabolic actions of the AAS are untoward effects on the brain and behavior. While the signaling routes by which the AAS impose both beneficial and harmful actions may be quite diverse, key endpoints are likely to include ligand-gated and voltage-dependent ion channels that govern the activity of electrically excitable tissues. Here, we review the known effects of AAS on molecular targets that play critical roles in controlling electrical activity, with a specific focus on the effects of AAS on neurotransmission mediated by GABA(A) receptors in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Oberlander
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
| | - Carlos A. A. Penatti
- Departamento de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP 01504-000 Brasil
| | - Donna M. Porter
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
| | - Leslie P. Henderson
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
- To Whom Correspondence Should be Addressed:
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