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Ortega-Tinoco S, Padilla-Orozco M, Hernández-Vázquez F, Garduño J, Mondragón-García A, Ramírez-Sánchez E, Bargas J, Hernández-López S. PACAP induces increased excitability in D1- and D2-expressing nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons. Brain Res Bull 2025; 224:111323. [PMID: 40147707 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111323] [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: 11/27/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2025] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025]
Abstract
One of the main eating disorders associated with overweight and obesity is binge eating disorder. Binge eating is characterized by excessive consumption of high-calorie foods over a short period of time, approximately 2 hours. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a key role in modulating the hedonic value of high-calorie foods, commonly referred to as palatable foods. Specific subregions of the shell portion of the NAc (NAcSh), known as hedonic hot spots, may play an important role in the motivational aspect of food consumption. Previous work has shown that the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) injected into the NAc reduces palatable food intake, suggesting that this peptide could be a potential tool for treating binge eating. However, the mechanisms of action of PACAP on the NAc are poorly understood. Here, we used whole-cell recording and calcium imaging techniques in NAcSh brain slices from D1-Cre and A2A-Cre mice to investigate PACAP modulation of medium spiny neuron (MSN) activity. We found that PACAP administration increased the firing rate of D1- and D2-expressing MSNs. In addition, in a binge-eating mouse model, nasal PACAP reduced binge-eating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ortega-Tinoco
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - M Padilla-Orozco
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - F Hernández-Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - J Garduño
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - A Mondragón-García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - E Ramírez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - J Bargas
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - S Hernández-López
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
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2
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Yu YM, Xia SH, Xu Z, Zhao WN, Song L, Pan X, Zhong CC, Wang D, Gao YH, Yang JX, Wu P, Zhang H, An S, Cao JL, Ding HL. An accumbal microcircuit for the transition from acute to chronic pain. Curr Biol 2025; 35:1730-1749.e5. [PMID: 40112811 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.02.055] [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: 10/27/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2025] [Accepted: 02/25/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025]
Abstract
Persistent nociceptive inputs arising from peripheral tissues or/and nerve injuries cause maladaptive changes in neurons or neural circuits in the central nervous system, which further confer acute injury into chronic pain transitions (pain chronification) even after the injury is resolved. However, the critical brain regions and their neural mechanisms involved in this transition have not yet been elucidated. Here, we reveal an accumbal microcircuit that is essential for pain chronification. Notably, the increase of neuronal activity in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS) in the acute phase (<7 days) and in core (NAcC) in the chronic phase (14-21 days) was detected in a neuropathic pain mouse model. Importantly, we demonstrated that the NAcS neuronal activation in the acute phase of injury was necessary and sufficient for the development of chronic neuropathic pain. This process was mediated by the accumbal dopamine D2 receptor-expressing neuronal microcircuit from NAcS to NAcC. Thus, our findings reveal an accumbal microcircuit mechanism for pain chronification and suggest that the early intervention targeting this microcircuit may provide a therapeutic approach to pain chronification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Mei Yu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sun-Hui Xia
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei-Nan Zhao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingzhen Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyu Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao-Chao Zhong
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Di Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi-Hong Gao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun-Xia Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuming An
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hai-Lei Ding
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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Cruz-Trujillo R, Díaz-Urbina D, Díaz-Gandarilla JA, Vidal-López DG, Escartín-Pérez RE, Mancilla-Diaz JM, Florán B, Tejas-Juárez JG. Stimulation of Dopamine D4 Receptors in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell Increases Palatable Food Intake in Satiated Male Rats: Modulation by NMDA and AMPA Receptors. Brain Sci 2024; 14:1103. [PMID: 39595865 PMCID: PMC11592207 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14111103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2024] [Revised: 10/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Palatability significantly influences food consumption, often leading to overeating and obesity by activating the brain's reward systems. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a central role in this process, modulating reward mechanisms primarily via dopamine through D2-like receptors (D2R, D3R, D4R). While the involvement of D2 receptors in feeding is well-documented, the role of D4 receptors (D4Rs) is less clear. METHODS Male Wistar rats received intra-NAc shell microinjections of the D4R agonist PD-168077 and the antagonist L-745870. This study also examined the modulation between D4R and glutamatergic transmission by administration of NMDA, NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5, AMPA, and AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX. RESULTS PD-168077 increased sweet solution intake by 46%, an effect that was reversed by L-745870. Pre-treatment with NMDA prevented the stimulatory effect of PD-168077, whereas the NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5 had no such effect. Additionally, AMPA administration reduced sweet solution intake by 63%, counteracting the effect of PD-168077, while the AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX, on its own, increased intake by 40%. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that D4Rs promote hedonic feeding by modulating glutamatergic transmission in the NAc shell, highlighting the complexity of D4R involvement in food intake regulation. This study underscores the potential of targeting D4Rs for therapeutic interventions in eating disorders and obesity, though further research is essential to clarify the precise mechanisms through which D4R modulates AMPA and NMDA receptor activity in feeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refugio Cruz-Trujillo
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas (UNACH), Carretera Panamericana Ocozocoautla-Cintalapa Km. 2.5, Ocozocoautla de Espinosa 29140, Mexico;
- Departamento de Químicos Farmacobiólogos, Universidad Pablo Guardado Chávez (UPGCH), Libramiento Norte Oriente No. 3450, Tuxtla Gutiérrez 29040, Mexico
| | - Daniel Díaz-Urbina
- Laboratory on Neurobiology of Compulsive Behaviors, NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Alimentación, Grupo de Investigación en Nutrición, División de Investigación y Posgrado de la FES Iztacala, UNAM, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico; (R.E.E.-P.); (J.M.M.-D.)
| | - José Alfredo Díaz-Gandarilla
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), Comalcalco 86658, Mexico;
| | | | - Rodrigo Erick Escartín-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Alimentación, Grupo de Investigación en Nutrición, División de Investigación y Posgrado de la FES Iztacala, UNAM, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico; (R.E.E.-P.); (J.M.M.-D.)
| | - Juan Manuel Mancilla-Diaz
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Alimentación, Grupo de Investigación en Nutrición, División de Investigación y Posgrado de la FES Iztacala, UNAM, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico; (R.E.E.-P.); (J.M.M.-D.)
| | - Benjamín Florán
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico;
| | - Juan Gabriel Tejas-Juárez
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), Comalcalco 86658, Mexico;
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Reiner BC, Chehimi SN, Merkel R, Toikumo S, Berrettini WH, Kranzler HR, Sanchez-Roige S, Kember RL, Schmidt HD, Crist RC. A single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of medium spiny neurons in the rat nucleus accumbens. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18258. [PMID: 39107568 PMCID: PMC11303397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69255-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural processing of rewarding stimuli involves several distinct regions, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc). The majority of NAc neurons are GABAergic projection neurons known as medium spiny neurons (MSNs). MSNs are broadly defined by dopamine receptor expression, but evidence suggests that a wider array of subtypes exist. To study MSN heterogeneity, we analyzed single-nucleus RNA sequencing data from the largest available rat NAc dataset. Analysis of 48,040 NAc MSN nuclei identified major populations belonging to the striosome and matrix compartments. Integration with mouse and human data indicated consistency across species and disease-relevance scoring using genome-wide association study results revealed potentially differential roles for MSN populations in substance use disorders. Additional high-resolution clustering identified 34 transcriptomically distinct subtypes of MSNs definable by a limited number of marker genes. Together, these data demonstrate the diversity of MSNs in the NAc and provide a basis for more targeted genetic manipulation of specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Reiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samar N Chehimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Riley Merkel
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sylvanus Toikumo
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wade H Berrettini
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Henry R Kranzler
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sandra Sanchez-Roige
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rachel L Kember
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Heath D Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard C Crist
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 125 South 31st Street, Room 2207, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhao ZD, Xie G, Zhang C, Chen R, Zhang Y. A subset of dopamine receptor-expressing neurons in the nucleus accumbens controls feeding and energy homeostasis. Nat Metab 2024; 6:1616-1631. [PMID: 39147933 PMCID: PMC11349581 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-01100-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Orchestrating complex behaviors, such as approaching and consuming food, is critical for survival. In addition to hypothalamus neuronal circuits, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) also controls appetite and satiety. However, specific neuronal subtypes of the NAc that are involved and how the humoral and neuronal signals coordinate to regulate feeding remain incompletely understood. Here we decipher the spatial diversity of neuron subtypes of the NAc shell (NAcSh) and define a dopamine receptor D1-expressing and Serpinb2-expressing subtype controlling food consumption in male mice. Chemogenetics and optogenetics-mediated regulation of Serpinb2+ neurons bidirectionally regulate food seeking and consumption specifically. Circuitry stimulation reveals that the NAcShSerpinb2→LHLepR projection controls refeeding and can overcome leptin-mediated feeding suppression. Furthermore, NAcSh Serpinb2+ neuron ablation reduces food intake and upregulates energy expenditure, resulting in reduced bodyweight gain. Our study reveals a neural circuit consisting of a molecularly distinct neuronal subtype that bidirectionally regulates energy homeostasis, providing a potential therapeutic target for eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiong Liu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zheng-Dong Zhao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guoguang Xie
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Renchao Chen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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Yang C, Chen X, Xu J, Chen W. SKF82958, a dopamine D1 receptor agonist, disrupts prepulse inhibition in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens in C57BL/6J mice. Behav Pharmacol 2024; 35:193-200. [PMID: 38567425 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is a crucial indicator of sensorimotor gating that is often impaired in neuropsychiatric diseases. Although dopamine D1 receptor agonists have been found to disrupt PPI in mice, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to identify the brain regions responsible for the PPI-disruptive effect of the D1 agonist in mice. Results demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of the selective dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF82958 dramatically inhibited PPI, while the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 enhanced PPI. Additionally, local infusion of SKF82958 into the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex disrupted PPI, but not in the ventral hippocampus. Infusion of SCH23390 into these brain regions also failed to enhance PPI. Overall, the study suggests that the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex are responsible for the PPI-disruptive effect of dopamine D1 receptor agonists. These findings provide essential insights into the cellular and neural circuit mechanisms underlying the disruptive effects of dopamine D1 receptor agonists on PPI and may contribute to the development of novel treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengmei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Southwest University), Ministry of Education
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Southwest University), Ministry of Education
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University
| | - Jingyang Xu
- Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Southwest University), Ministry of Education
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University
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Reiner BC, Chehimi SN, Merkel R, Toikumo S, Berrettini WH, Kranzler HR, Sanchez-Roige S, Kember RL, Schmidt HD, Crist RC. A single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of medium spiny neurons in the rat nucleus accumbens. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.26.595949. [PMID: 38826289 PMCID: PMC11142250 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.26.595949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Neural processing of rewarding stimuli involves several distinct regions, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc). The majority of NAc neurons are GABAergic projection neurons known as medium spiny neurons (MSNs). MSNs are broadly defined by dopamine receptor expression, but evidence suggests that a wider array of subtypes exist. To study MSN heterogeneity, we analyzed single-nucleus RNA sequencing data from the largest available rat NAc dataset. Analysis of 48,040 NAc MSN nuclei identified major populations belonging to the striosome and matrix compartments. Integration with mouse and human data indicated consistency across species and disease-relevance scoring using genome-wide association study results revealed potentially differential roles for MSN populations in substance use disorders. Additional high-resolution clustering identified 34 transcriptomically distinct subtypes of MSNs definable by a limited number of marker genes. Together, these data demonstrate the diversity of MSNs in the NAc and provide a basis for more targeted genetic manipulation of specific populations.
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8
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Assari S, Sheikhattari P. Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Nucleus Accumbens Volume and Youth Tobacco or Marijuana Use Following Stressful Life Events. JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH & CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 8:1-13. [PMID: 38751734 PMCID: PMC11095827 DOI: 10.29245/2578-2959/2024/2.1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Exposure to stressful life events (SLEs) can upset balance and affect the healthy brain development of children and youths. These events may influence substance use by altering brain reward systems, especially the nucleus accumbens (NAc), which plays a key role in motivated behaviors and reward processing. The interaction between sensitization to SLEs, depression, and substance use might vary between male and female youths, potentially due to differences in how each sex responds to SLEs. Aims This study aims to examine the effect of sex on the relationship between SLEs, Nucleus Accumbens activity, and substance use in a nationwide sample of young individuals. Methods We utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (ABCD), a longitudinal study of pre-adolescents aged 9-10 years, comprising 11,795 participants tracked over 36 months. Structured interviews measuring SLEs were conducted using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS). Initial linear regression analyses explored if SLEs could predict volumes of the right and left NAc. Subsequently, Cox regression models were used to investigate how SLEs and NAc volume might predict the initiation of tobacco and marijuana use, with the analysis stratified by sex to address potential sex differences. Results Our findings reveal that SLEs significantly predicted marijuana use in males but not in females, and tobacco use was influenced by SLEs in both sexes. A higher number of SLEs was linked with decreased left NAc volume in males, a trend not seen in females. The right NAc volume did not predict substance use in either sex. However, volumes of both the right and left NAc were significant predictors of future tobacco use, with varying relationships across sexes. In females, an inverse relationship was observed between both NAc volumes and the risk of tobacco use. In contrast, a positive correlation existed between the left NAc volume and tobacco and marijuana use in males, with no such relationship for females. Conclusion This study underscores that the associations between SLEs, NAc volume, and subsequent substance use are influenced by a nuanced interplay of sex, brain hemisphere, and substance type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Urban Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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9
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Liu Y, Zhao ZD, Xie G, Chen R, Zhang Y. A molecularly defined NAcSh D1 subtype controls feeding and energy homeostasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.27.530275. [PMID: 36909586 PMCID: PMC10002697 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.27.530275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Orchestrating complex behavioral states, such as approach and consumption of food, is critical for survival. In addition to hypothalamus neuronal circuits, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) also plays an important role in controlling appetite and satiety in responses to changing external stimuli. However, the specific neuronal subtypes of NAc involved as well as how the humoral and neuronal signals coordinate to regulate feeding remain incompletely understood. Here, we deciphered the spatial diversity of neuron subtypes of the NAc shell (NAcSh) and defined a dopamine receptor D1(Drd1)- and Serpinb2-expressing subtype located in NAcSh encoding food consumption. Chemogenetics- and optogenetics-mediated regulation of Serpinb2 + neurons bidirectionally regulates food seeking and consumption specifically. Circuitry stimulation revealed the NAcSh Serpinb2 →LH LepR projection controls refeeding and can overcome leptin-mediated feeding suppression. Furthermore, NAcSh Serpinb2 + neuron ablation reduces food intake and upregulates energy expenditure resulting in body weight loss. Together, our study reveals a neural circuit consisted of molecularly distinct neuronal subtype that bidirectionally regulates energy homeostasis, which can serve as a potential therapeutic target for eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiong Liu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Zheng-dong Zhao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Guoguang Xie
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Renchao Chen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, WAB-149G, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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10
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Choi H, Byeon K, Lee J, Hong S, Park B, Park H. Identifying subgroups of eating behavior traits unrelated to obesity using functional connectivity and feature representation learning. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26581. [PMID: 38224537 PMCID: PMC10789215 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Eating behavior is highly heterogeneous across individuals and cannot be fully explained using only the degree of obesity. We utilized unsupervised machine learning and functional connectivity measures to explore the heterogeneity of eating behaviors measured by a self-assessment instrument using 424 healthy adults (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age = 47.07 ± 18.89 years; 67% female). We generated low-dimensional representations of functional connectivity using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and estimated latent features using the feature representation capabilities of an autoencoder by nonlinearly compressing the functional connectivity information. The clustering approaches applied to latent features identified three distinct subgroups. The subgroups exhibited different levels of hunger traits, while their body mass indices were comparable. The results were replicated in an independent dataset consisting of 212 participants (mean ± SD age = 38.97 ± 19.80 years; 35% female). The model interpretation technique of integrated gradients revealed that the between-group differences in the integrated gradient maps were associated with functional reorganization in heteromodal association and limbic cortices and reward-related subcortical structures such as the accumbens, amygdala, and caudate. The cognitive decoding analysis revealed that these systems are associated with reward- and emotion-related systems. Our findings provide insights into the macroscopic brain organization of eating behavior-related subgroups independent of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoungshin Choi
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringSungkyunkwan UniversitySuwonRepublic of Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging ResearchInstitute for Basic ScienceSuwonRepublic of Korea
| | | | - Jong‐eun Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringSungkyunkwan UniversitySuwonRepublic of Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging ResearchInstitute for Basic ScienceSuwonRepublic of Korea
| | - Seok‐Jun Hong
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging ResearchInstitute for Basic ScienceSuwonRepublic of Korea
- Center for the Developing BrainChild Mind InstituteNew YorkUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSungkyunkwan UniversitySuwonRepublic of Korea
| | - Bo‐yong Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging ResearchInstitute for Basic ScienceSuwonRepublic of Korea
- Department of Data ScienceInha UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
- Department of Statistics and Data ScienceInha UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging ResearchInstitute for Basic ScienceSuwonRepublic of Korea
- School of Electronic and Electrical EngineeringSungkyunkwan UniversitySuwonRepublic of Korea
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11
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Jin R, Sun S, Hu Y, Zhang H, Sun X. Neuropeptides Modulate Feeding via the Dopamine Reward Pathway. Neurochem Res 2023:10.1007/s11064-023-03954-4. [PMID: 37233918 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03954-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is a catecholamine neurotransmitter widely distributed in the central nervous system. It participates in various physiological functions, such as feeding, anxiety, fear, sleeping and arousal. The regulation of feeding is exceptionally complex, involving energy homeostasis and reward motivation. The reward system comprises the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), hypothalamus, and limbic system. This paper illustrates the detailed mechanisms of eight typical orexigenic and anorexic neuropeptides that regulate food intake through the reward system. According to recent literature, neuropeptides released from the hypothalamus and other brain regions regulate reward feeding predominantly through dopaminergic neurons projecting from the VTA to the NAc. In addition, their effect on the dopaminergic system is mediated by the prefrontal cortex, paraventricular thalamus, laterodorsal tegmental area, amygdala, and complex neural circuits. Research on neuropeptides involved in reward feeding can help identify more targets to treat diseases with metabolic disorders, such as obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Jin
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shanbin Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongfei Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangrong Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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12
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Schuller J, Koch M. Investigating a role of orexin and ‘cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript’ in the nucleus accumbens shell in binge eating of male rats and the relationship with impulsivity. Physiol Behav 2022; 257:114000. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.114000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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13
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Joshi A, Schott M, la Fleur SE, Barrot M. Role of the striatal dopamine, GABA and opioid systems in mediating feeding and fat intake. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104726. [PMID: 35691472 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Food intake, which is a highly reinforcing behavior, provides nutrients required for survival in all animals. However, when fat and sugar consumption goes beyond the daily needs, it can favor obesity. The prevalence and severity of this health problem has been increasing with time. Besides covering nutrient and energy needs, food and in particular its highly palatable components, such as fats, also induce feelings of joy and pleasure. Experimental evidence supports a role of the striatal complex and of the mesolimbic dopamine system in both feeding and food-related reward processing, with the nucleus accumbens as a key target for reward or reinforcing-associated signaling during food intake behavior. In this review, we provide insights concerning the impact of feeding, including fat intake, on different types of receptors and neurotransmitters present in the striatal complex. Reciprocally, we also cover the evidence for a modulation of palatable food intake by different neurochemical systems in the striatal complex and in particular the nucleus accumbens, with a focus on dopamine, GABA and the opioid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Joshi
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Metabolism and Reward Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marion Schott
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Susanne Eva la Fleur
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Metabolism and Reward Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Michel Barrot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France.
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14
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Le N, Sayers S, Mata-Pacheco V, Wagner EJ. The PACAP Paradox: Dynamic and Surprisingly Pleiotropic Actions in the Central Regulation of Energy Homeostasis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:877647. [PMID: 35721722 PMCID: PMC9198406 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.877647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP), a pleiotropic neuropeptide, is widely distributed throughout the body. The abundance of PACAP expression in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and years of accompanying experimental evidence, indicates that PACAP plays crucial roles in diverse biological processes ranging from autonomic regulation to neuroprotection. In addition, PACAP is also abundantly expressed in the hypothalamic areas like the ventromedial and arcuate nuclei (VMN and ARC, respectively), as well as other brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), and ventral tegmental area (VTA) - suggesting that PACAP is capable of regulating energy homeostasis via both the homeostatic and hedonic energy balance circuitries. The evidence gathered over the years has increased our appreciation for its function in controlling energy balance. Therefore, this review aims to further probe how the pleiotropic actions of PACAP in regulating energy homeostasis is influenced by sex and dynamic changes in energy status. We start with a general overview of energy homeostasis, and then introduce the integral components of the homeostatic and hedonic energy balance circuitries. Next, we discuss sex differences inherent to the regulation of energy homeostasis via these two circuitries, as well as the activational effects of sex steroid hormones that bring about these intrinsic disparities between males and females. Finally, we explore the multifaceted role of PACAP in regulating homeostatic and hedonic feeding through its actions in regions like the NAc, BNST, and in particular the ARC, VMN and VTA that occur in sex- and energy status-dependent ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Le
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Sarah Sayers
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Veronica Mata-Pacheco
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Edward J. Wagner
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
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15
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Durst M, Könczöl K, Ocskay K, Sípos K, Várnai P, Szilvásy-Szabó A, Fekete C, Tóth ZE. Hypothalamic Nesfatin-1 Resistance May Underlie the Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Maternally Undernourished Non-obese Rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:828571. [PMID: 35386592 PMCID: PMC8978526 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.828571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) poses a high risk for developing late-onset, non-obese type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The exact mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unknown, although the contribution of the central nervous system is recognized. The main hypothalamic nuclei involved in the homeostatic regulation express nesfatin-1, an anorexigenic neuropeptide and identified regulator of blood glucose level. Using intrauterine protein restricted rat model (PR) of IUGR, we investigated, whether IUGR alters the function of nesfatin-1. We show that PR rats develop fat preference and impaired glucose homeostasis by adulthood, while the body composition and caloric intake of normal nourished (NN) and PR rats are similar. Plasma nesfatin-1 levels are unaffected by IUGR in both neonates and adults, but pro-nesfatin-1 mRNA expression is upregulated in the hypothalamus of adult PR animals. We find that centrally injected nesfatin-1 inhibits the fasting induced neuronal activation in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in adult NN rats. This effect of nesfatin-1 is not seen in PR rats. The anorexigenic effect of centrally injected nesfatin-1 is also reduced in adult PR rats. Moreover, chronic central nesfatin-1 administration improves the glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in NN rats but not in PR animals. Birth dating of nesfatin-1 cells by bromodeoxyuridine (BrDU) reveals that formation of nesfatin-1 cells in the hypothalamus of PR rats is disturbed. Our results suggest that adult PR rats acquire hypothalamic nesfatin-1-resistance, probably due to the altered development of the hypothalamic nesfatin-1 cells. Hypothalamic nesfatin-1-resistance, in turn, may contribute to the development of non-obese type T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Máté Durst
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and in situ Hybridization, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Könczöl
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and in situ Hybridization, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Klementina Ocskay
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and in situ Hybridization, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Klaudia Sípos
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and in situ Hybridization, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Várnai
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anett Szilvásy-Szabó
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Fekete
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna E. Tóth
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and in situ Hybridization, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Zsuzsanna E. Tóth,
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The role of the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum in feeding and obesity. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110394. [PMID: 34242717 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a growing global epidemic that stems from the increasing availability of highly-palatable foods and the consequent enhanced calorie consumption. Extensive research has shown that brain regions that are central to reward seeking modulate feeding and evidence linking obesity to pathology in such regions have recently started to accumulate. In this review we focus on the contribution of two major interconnected structures central to reward processing, the nucleus accumbens and the ventral pallidum, to obesity. We first review the known literature linking these structures to feeding behavior, then discuss recent advances connecting pathology in the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum to obesity, and finally examine the similarities and differences between drug addiction and obesity in the context of these two structures. The understanding of how pathology in brain regions involved in reward seeking and consumption may drive obesity and how mechanistically similar obesity and addiction are, is only now starting to be revealed. We hope that future research will advance knowledge in the field and open new avenues to studying and treating obesity.
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17
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Review of Changes in the Reinforcing Effects of Alcohol in Weight Loss Surgery Patients. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:69. [PMID: 34613467 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The reinforcing effects of alcohol are well documented, and they have been shown to play a role in the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Also well established is the fact that post-weight loss surgery (WLS) patients are at an increased risk for AUDs. In the current manuscript, we review the notion that the reinforcing effects of alcohol may change from before to after WLS and discuss a number of determinants of alcohol reinforcement change in WLS patients. RECENT FINDINGS It has been increasingly well understood that WLS patients are at an increased risk for AUD, but empirical support for the mechanisms that may cause this phenomenon have been lacking. Recently, a model was proposed that offered a number of different potentially causal variables as mechanisms that result in increased risk for AUD in these surgical patients. Change in the extent to which alcohol is reinforcing to WLS patients may be key in determining the likelihood of AUDs in this group. We review a host of biological, psychological, and social variables that ultimately impact how reinforcing alcohol is to WLS patients.
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18
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Dopamine D1 receptor signalling in the lateral shell of the nucleus accumbens controls dietary fat intake in male rats. Appetite 2021; 167:105597. [PMID: 34273421 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Central dopamine signaling regulates reward-related aspects of feeding behavior, and during diet-induced obesity dopamine receptor signaling is altered. Yet, the influence of dopamine signaling on the consumption of specific dietary components remains to be elucidated. We have previously shown that 6-hydroxydopamine-mediated lesions of dopamine neuron terminals in the lateral shell of the nucleus accumbens promotes fat intake in rats fed a multi-component free-choice high-fat high-sugar (fcHFHS) diet. It is however not yet determined which dopamine receptors are responsible for this shift towards fat preference. In this study, we assess the effects of D1-or D2 receptor acute inhibition in the lateral shell of the nucleus accumbens on fcHFHS diet consumption. We report that infusion of the D1 receptor antagonist SCH2 3390, but not the D2 receptor antagonist raclopride, promotes dietary fat consumption in male Sprague Dawley rats on a fcHFHS diet during 2 h after infusion. Furthermore, anatomical analysis of infusion sites revealed that the rostral region, but not the caudal region, of the lateral shell of the nucleus accumbens is sensitive to the D1 receptor inhibition effects on fat consumption. Our data highlight a role for D1 receptors in the rostral region of the lateral shell of the nucleus accumbens to control dietary fat consumption.
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Obesity and dietary fat influence dopamine neurotransmission: exploring the convergence of metabolic state, physiological stress, and inflammation on dopaminergic control of food intake. Nutr Res Rev 2021; 35:236-251. [PMID: 34184629 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422421000196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to explore how metabolic changes induced by diets high in saturated fat (HFD) affect nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine neurotransmission and food intake, and to explore how stress and inflammation influence this process. Recent evidence linked diet-induced obesity and HFD with reduced dopamine release and reuptake. Altered dopamine neurotransmission could disrupt satiety circuits between NAc dopamine terminals and projections to the hypothalamus. The NAc directs learning and motivated behaviours based on homeostatic needs and psychological states. Therefore, impaired dopaminergic responses to palatable food could contribute to weight gain by disrupting responses to food cues or stress, which impacts type and quantity of food consumed. Specifically, saturated fat promotes neuronal resistance to anorectic hormones and activation of immune cells that release proinflammatory cytokines. Insulin has been shown to regulate dopamine neurotransmission by enhancing satiety, but less is known about effects of diet-induced stress. Therefore, changes to dopamine signalling due to HFD warrant further examination to characterise crosstalk of cytokines with endocrine and neurotransmitter signals. A HFD promotes a proinflammatory environment that may disrupt neuronal endocrine function and dopamine signalling that could be exacerbated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and κ-opioid receptor stress systems. Together, these adaptive changes may dysregulate eating by changing NAc dopamine during hedonic versus homeostatic food intake. This could drive palatable food cravings during energy restriction and hinder weight loss. Understanding links between HFD and dopamine neurotransmission will inform treatment strategies for diet-induced obesity and identify molecular candidates for targeted therapeutics.
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20
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Bourdy R, Hertz A, Filliol D, Andry V, Goumon Y, Mendoza J, Olmstead MC, Befort K. The endocannabinoid system is modulated in reward and homeostatic brain regions following diet-induced obesity in rats: a cluster analysis approach. Eur J Nutr 2021; 60:4621-4633. [PMID: 34165614 PMCID: PMC8222960 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02613-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Increased availability of high-calorie palatable food in most countries has resulted in overconsumption of these foods, suggesting that excessive eating is driven by pleasure, rather than metabolic need. The behavior contributes to the rise in eating disorders, obesity, and associated pathologies like diabetes, cardiac disease, and cancers. The mesocorticolimbic dopamine and homeostatic circuits are interconnected and play a central role in palatable food intake. The endocannabinoid system is expressed in these circuits and represents a potent regulator of feeding, but the impact of an obesogenic diet on its expression is not fully known. Methods Food intake and body weight were recorded in male Wistar rats over a 6-week free-choice regimen of high fat and sugar; transcriptional regulations of the endocannabinoid system were examined post-mortem in brain reward regions (prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and arcuate nucleus). K-means cluster analysis was used to classify animals based on individual sensitivity to obesity and palatable food intake. Endocannabinoid levels were quantified in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Gene expression in dopamine and homeostatic systems, including ghrelin and leptin receptors, and classical homeostatic peptides, were also investigated. Results The free-choice high-fat -and sugar diet induced hyperphagia and obesity in rats. Cluster analysis revealed that the propensity to develop obesity and excessive palatable food intake was differently associated with dopamine and endocannabinoid system gene expression in reward and homeostatic brain regions. CB2 receptor mRNA was increased in the nucleus accumbens of high sugar consumers, whereas CB1 receptor mRNA was decreased in obesity prone rats. Conclusions Transcriptional data are consistent with observations of altered dopamine function in rodents that have access to an obesogenic diet and point to cannabinoid receptors as GPCR targets involved in neuroplasticity mechanisms associated with maladaptive intake of palatable food. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00394-021-02613-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Bourdy
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR7364, Université́ de Strasbourg, CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexandra Hertz
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR7364, Université́ de Strasbourg, CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Filliol
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR7364, Université́ de Strasbourg, CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Virginie Andry
- Institut Des Neurosciences Cellulaires Et Intégratives (INCI), UPR3212, CNRS, 8 Allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yannick Goumon
- Institut Des Neurosciences Cellulaires Et Intégratives (INCI), UPR3212, CNRS, 8 Allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jorge Mendoza
- Institut Des Neurosciences Cellulaires Et Intégratives (INCI), UPR3212, CNRS, 8 Allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mary C Olmstead
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Katia Befort
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR7364, Université́ de Strasbourg, CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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Inter-individual body mass variations relate to fractionated functional brain hierarchies. Commun Biol 2021; 4:735. [PMID: 34127795 PMCID: PMC8203627 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02268-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Variations in body mass index (BMI) have been suggested to relate to atypical brain organization, yet connectome-level substrates of BMI and their neurobiological underpinnings remain unclear. Studying 325 healthy young adults, we examined associations between functional connectivity and inter-individual BMI variations. We utilized non-linear connectome manifold learning techniques to represent macroscale functional organization along continuous hierarchical axes that dissociate low level and higher order brain systems. We observed an increased differentiation between unimodal and heteromodal association networks in individuals with higher BMI, indicative of a disrupted modular architecture and hierarchy of the brain. Transcriptomic decoding and gene enrichment analyses identified genes previously implicated in genome-wide associations to BMI and specific cortical, striatal, and cerebellar cell types. These findings illustrate functional connectome substrates of BMI variations in healthy young adults and point to potential molecular associations.
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22
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Joshi A, Faivre F, la Fleur SE, Barrot M. Midbrain and Lateral Nucleus Accumbens Dopamine Depletion Affects Free-choice High-fat high-sugar Diet Preference in Male Rats. Neuroscience 2021; 467:171-184. [PMID: 34048800 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine influences food intake behavior. Reciprocally, food intake, especially of palatable dietary items, can modulate dopamine-related brain circuitries. Among these reciprocal impacts, it has been observed that an increased intake of dietary fat results in blunted dopamine signaling and, to compensate this lowered dopamine function, caloric intake may subsequently increase. To determine how dopamine regulates food preference we performed 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions, depleting dopamine in specific brain regions in male Sprague Dawley rats. Food preference was assessed by providing the rats with free choice access to control diet, fat, 20% sucrose and tap water. Rats with midbrain lesions targeting the substantia nigra (which is also a model of Parkinson's disease) consumed fewer calories, as reflected by a decrease in control diet intake, but they surprisingly displayed an increase in fat intake, without change in the sucrose solution intake compared to sham animals. To determine which of the midbrain dopamine projections may contribute to this effect, we next compared the impact of 6-OHDA lesions of terminal fields, targeting the dorsal striatum, the lateral nucleus accumbens and the medial nucleus accumbens. We found that 6-OHDA lesion of the lateral nucleus accumbens, but not of the dorsal striatum or the medial nucleus accumbens, led to increased fat intake. These findings indicate a role for lateral nucleus accumbens dopamine in regulating food preference, in particular the intake of fat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Joshi
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Metabolism and Reward Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Fanny Faivre
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Susanne Eva la Fleur
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Metabolism and Reward Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michel Barrot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France.
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Pairing Binge Drinking and a High-Fat Diet in Adolescence Modulates the Inflammatory Effects of Subsequent Alcohol Consumption in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105279. [PMID: 34067897 PMCID: PMC8157004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol binge drinking (BD) and poor nutritional habits are two frequent behaviors among many adolescents that alter gut microbiota in a pro-inflammatory direction. Dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiome are observed after alcohol and high-fat diet (HFD) consumption, even before obesity onset. In this study, we investigate the neuroinflammatory response of adolescent BD when combined with a continuous or intermittent HFD and its effects on adult ethanol consumption by using a self-administration (SA) paradigm in mice. The inflammatory biomarkers IL-6 and CX3CL1 were measured in the striatum 24 h after BD, 3 weeks later and after the ethanol (EtOH) SA. Adolescent BD increased alcohol consumption in the oral SA and caused a greater motivation to seek the substance. Likewise, mice with intermittent access to HFD exhibited higher EtOH consumption, while the opposite effect was found in mice with continuous HFD access. Biochemical analyses showed that after BD and three weeks later, striatal levels of IL-6 and CX3CL1 were increased. In addition, in saline-treated mice, CX3CL1 was increased after continuous access to HFD. After oral SA procedure, striatal IL-6 was increased only in animals exposed to BD and HFD. In addition, striatal CX3CL1 levels were increased in all BD- and HFD-exposed groups. Overall, our findings show that adolescent BD and intermittent HFD increase adult alcohol intake and point to neuroinflammation as an important mechanism modulating this interaction.
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Gastelum C, Perez L, Hernandez J, Le N, Vahrson I, Sayers S, Wagner EJ. Adaptive Changes in the Central Control of Energy Homeostasis Occur in Response to Variations in Energy Status. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2728. [PMID: 33800452 PMCID: PMC7962960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Energy homeostasis is regulated in coordinate fashion by the brain-gut axis, the homeostatic energy balance circuitry in the hypothalamus and the hedonic energy balance circuitry comprising the mesolimbcortical A10 dopamine pathway. Collectively, these systems convey and integrate information regarding nutrient status and the rewarding properties of ingested food, and formulate it into a behavioral response that attempts to balance fluctuations in consumption and food-seeking behavior. In this review we start with a functional overview of the homeostatic and hedonic energy balance circuitries; identifying the salient neural, hormonal and humoral components involved. We then delve into how the function of these circuits differs in males and females. Finally, we turn our attention to the ever-emerging roles of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-two neuropeptides that have garnered increased recognition for their regulatory impact in energy homeostasis-to further probe how the imposed regulation of energy balance circuitry by these peptides is affected by sex and altered under positive (e.g., obesity) and negative (e.g., fasting) energy balance states. It is hoped that this work will impart a newfound appreciation for the intricate regulatory processes that govern energy homeostasis, as well as how recent insights into the N/OFQ and PACAP systems can be leveraged in the treatment of conditions ranging from obesity to anorexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Gastelum
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Lynnea Perez
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Jennifer Hernandez
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Nikki Le
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Isabella Vahrson
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarah Sayers
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Edward J. Wagner
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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25
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Lintas A, Sánchez-Campusano R, Villa AEP, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM. Operant conditioning deficits and modified local field potential activities in parvalbumin-deficient mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2970. [PMID: 33536607 PMCID: PMC7859233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82519-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered functioning of GABAergic interneurons expressing parvalbumin (PV) in the basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuit are likely to be involved in several human psychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in attention and sensory gating with dysfunctional decision-making behavior. However, the contribution of these interneurons in the ability to acquire demanding learning tasks remains unclear. Here, we combine an operant conditioning task with local field potentials simultaneously recorded in several nuclei involved in reward circuits of wild-type (WT) and PV-deficient (PVKO) mice, which are characterized by changes in firing activity of PV-expressing interneurons. In comparison with WT mice, PVKO animals presented significant deficits in the acquisition of the selected learning task. Recordings from prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus showed significant decreases of the spectral power in beta and gamma bands in PVKO compared with WT mice particularly during the performance of the operant conditioning task. From the first to the last session, at all frequency bands the spectral power in NAc tended to increase in WT and to decrease in PVKO. Results indicate that PV deficiency impairs signaling necessary for instrumental learning and the recognition of natural rewards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Lintas
- Neuroheuristic Research Group & LABEX, HEC Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Chamberonne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Raudel Sánchez-Campusano
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera, km. 1, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alessandro E P Villa
- Neuroheuristic Research Group & LABEX, HEC Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Chamberonne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Agnès Gruart
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera, km. 1, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José M Delgado-García
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera, km. 1, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
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Hernandez J, Perez L, Soto R, Le N, Gastelum C, Wagner EJ. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus and Ventral Tegmental Area Act via Nociceptin Opioid Peptide Receptor Signaling to Inhibit Proopiomelanocortin and A 10 Dopamine Neurons and Thereby Modulate Ingestion of Palatable Food. Physiol Behav 2021; 228:113183. [PMID: 32979341 PMCID: PMC7736116 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) inhibits neuronal activity via its cognate nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems, including those areas involved in the homeostatic and hedonic regulation of energy homeostasis. We thus tested the hypothesis that N/OFQ neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) act via NOP receptor signaling to inhibit nearby anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and A10 dopamine neuronal excitability, respectively, and thereby modulate ingestion of palatable food. Electrophysiologic recordings were performed in slices prepared from transgenic male and ovariectomized (OVX) female N/OFQ-cre/enhanced green fluorescent protein-POMC, N/OFQ-cre and tyrosine hydroxylase-cre animals to see if optogenetically-stimulated peptide release from N/OFQ neurons could directly inhibit these neuronal populations. Binge-feeding behavioral experiments were also conducted where animals were exposed to a high-fat-diet (HFD) for one hour each day for five days and monitored for energy intake. Photostimulation of ARC and VTA N/OFQ neurons produces an outward current in POMC and A10 dopamine neurons receiving input from these cells. This is associated with a hyperpolarization and decreased firing. These features are also sex hormone- and diet-dependent; with estradiol-treated slices from OVX females being less sensitive, and obese males being more sensitive, to N/OFQ. Limited access to HFD causes a dramatic escalation in consumption, such that animals eat 25-45% of their daily intake during that one-hour exposure. Moreover, the NOP receptor-mediated regulation of these energy balance circuits are engaged, as N/OFQ injected directly into the VTA or ARC respectively diminishes or potentiates this binge-like increase in a manner heightened by diet-induced obesity or dampened by estradiol in females. Collectively, these findings provide key support for the idea that N/OFQ regulates appetitive behavior in sex-, site- and diet-specific ways, along with important insights into aberrant patterns of feeding behavior pertinent to the pathogenesis of food addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hernandez
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Lynnea Perez
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Rosy Soto
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Nikki Le
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Cassandra Gastelum
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Edward J Wagner
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA; College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA.
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27
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TRH in the nucleus accumbens acts downstream to α-MSH to decrease food intake in rats. Neurosci Lett 2020; 739:135403. [PMID: 32980456 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Feeding-regulatory peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and their receptors are expressed in brain regions involved in the homeostatic and hedonic control of food intake, such as the hypothalamus and the mesolimbic system, respectively. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is part of the latter, a brain circuit involved in processing reward stimuli and the appetitive motivation of feeding. When TRH or α-MSH are administered in the NAc, both decrease food intake, through activating their respective receptors, TRH-R1 and MC4R. The actions of α-MSH as a homeostatic feeding-regulator involves the increase of hypothalamic TRH expression, thus, we aimed to identify whether TRH signaling in the NAc was also participating in α-MSH-induced reduction of food intake. α-MSH administration in the NAc of 48 h fasted rats reduced their food intake during the 2-h period of refeeding, increased accumbal TRH mRNA expression and decreased that of MC4R. Such downregulated MC4R mRNA levels implied a compensatory decrease of α-MSH actions in the NAc after the previous pathway stimulation. The co-administration of α-MSH along with an antisense oligonucleotide directed against pro-TRH mRNA in the NAc impaired the α-MSH-induced feeding reduction, supporting that the accumbal TRHergic pathway is downstream of α-MSH actions to inhibit feeding. Our results suggested that TRH in the NAc mediates some effects of α-MSH on inhibition of food intake; this supports the role of TRH not only as a homeostatic regulator but also as modulating the motivational aspects of feeding.
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28
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Terrill SJ, Subramanian KS, Lan R, Liu CM, Cortella AM, Noble EE, Kanoski SE. Nucleus accumbens melanin-concentrating hormone signaling promotes feeding in a sex-specific manner. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108270. [PMID: 32795460 PMCID: PMC7544677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is an orexigenic neuropeptide produced in the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta that increases food intake. The neuronal pathways and behavioral mechanisms mediating the orexigenic effects of MCH are poorly understood, as is the extent to which MCH-mediated feeding outcomes are sex-dependent. Here we investigate the hypothesis that MCH-producing neurons act in the nucleus accumbens shell (ACBsh) to promote feeding behavior and motivation for palatable food in a sex-dependent manner. We utilized ACBsh MCH receptor (MCH1R)-directed pharmacology as well as a dual virus chemogenetic approach to selectively activate MCH neurons that project to the ACBsh. Results reveal that both ACBsh MCH1R activation and activating ACBsh-projecting MCH neurons increase consumption of standard chow and palatable sucrose in male rats without affecting motivated operant responding for sucrose, general activity levels, or anxiety-like behavior. In contrast, food intake was not affected in female rats by either ACBsh MCH1R activation or ACBsh-projecting MCH neuron activation. To determine a mechanism for this sexual dimorphism, we investigated whether the orexigenic effect of ACBsh MCH1R activation is reduced by endogenous estradiol signaling. In ovariectomized female rats on a cyclic regimen of either estradiol (EB) or oil vehicle, ACBsh MCH1R activation increased feeding only in oil-treated rats, suggesting that EB attenuates the ability of ACBsh MCH signaling to promote food intake. Collective results show that MCH ACBsh signaling promotes feeding in an estrogen- and sex-dependent manner, thus identifying novel neurobiological mechanisms through which MCH and female sex hormones interact to influence food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Terrill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States
| | - Keshav S Subramanian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States
| | - Rae Lan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States
| | - Clarissa M Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States
| | - Alyssa M Cortella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States
| | - Emily E Noble
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, 129 Barrow Hall, Athens, GA, 30602, United States.
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States.
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29
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Assari S, Boyce S, Bazargan M. Nucleus Accumbens Functional Connectivity with the Frontoparietal Network Predicts Subsequent Change in Body Mass Index for American Children. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100703. [PMID: 33022949 PMCID: PMC7600639 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a brain structure with a well-established role in the brain reward processing system. Altered function of the NAc is shown to have a role in the development of food addiction and obesity. However, less is known about sex differences in the role of NAc function as a predictor of children’s change in body mass index (BMI) over time. Aim: We used the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development data (version 2.01) to investigate sex differences in the predictive role of the NAc functional connectivity with the frontoparietal network on children’s BMI change over a one-year follow-up period. Methods: This 1-year longitudinal study successfully followed 3784 9–10-year-old children. Regression models were used to analyze the data. The predictor variable was NAc functional connectivity with the frontoparietal network measured using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The primary outcome was BMI at the end of the 1-year follow up. Covariates included race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic factors, and baseline BMI. Sex was the effect modifier. Results: NAc functional connectivity with the frontoparietal network was predictive of BMI changes over time. This association remained significant above and beyond all covariates. The above association, however, was only significant in female, not male children. Conclusion: The epidemiological observation that NAc functional connectivity is associated with BMI changes in children is an extension of well-controlled laboratory studies that have established the role of the NAc in the brain reward processing. More research is needed on sex differences in the brain regions that contribute to childhood obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Department of Urban Public Health, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +(734)-232-0445; Fax: +734-615-8739
| | - Shanika Boyce
- Department of Pediatrics, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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30
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Wenwen W, Qiongbo WU, Chao Z, Mengya W, Huanhuan Z. [Neural pathway between the nucleus accumbens and the rostral ventrolateral medulla in a rat model of anorexia nervosa]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2020; 40:609-615. [PMID: 32897201 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2020.05.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential neural pathway connecting the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), and whether the pathway participates in the regulation of cardiovascular function in a model rat of anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS Rat models of AN were established by allowing voluntary activity in a running wheel with restricted feeding, with the rats having free access to normal chow without exercise as the control group. FluoroGold (FG) retrograde tracing method and multi-channel simultaneous recording technique were used to explore the possible pathway between the NAc and the RVLM. RESULTS The rats in AN group exhibited significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) with significantly increased discharge frequency of RVLM neurons in comparison with the control rats. After the injection of FG into the RVLM, retrograde labeled neurons were observed in the NAc of the rats in both the normal control and AN groups. In both groups, SBP and HR were significantly decreased in response to 400 μA electrical stimulation of the NAc accompanied by an obvious increase in the discharge frequency of the RVLM neurons; the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and MAP were significantly lower in AN model rats than in the normal rats in response to the stimulation. CONCLUSIONS We successfully established a rat model of AN via hyperactivity and restricted feeding and confirm the presence of a neural pathway connecting the NAc and the RVLM. This pathway might participate in the regulation of cardiovascular function in AN model rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wenwen
- Psychophysiology Laboratory, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China.,Cell Electrophysiology Laboratory, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - W U Qiongbo
- Psychophysiology Laboratory, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China.,Cell Electrophysiology Laboratory, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Zheng Chao
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Wang Mengya
- Cell Electrophysiology Laboratory, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Zhang Huanhuan
- Psychophysiology Laboratory, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
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31
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Liu X, Gao S, Zhang N, Jin T, Sun X, Luan X, Xu L, Guo F. The orexinergic neural pathway from the lateral hypothalamus to the nucleus accumbens and its regulation of palatable food intake. Neuropeptides 2020; 80:102028. [PMID: 32067750 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the orexinergic pathway from the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and its regulation on the palatable food intake. METHODS Fluorescent gold retrograde tracing combined with fluoro-immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the projection of orexinergic neurons from LHA to NAc. The orexin-A expression in LHA and c-Fos in NAc were studied after electrical stimulation of LHA. The firing rates of neurons were monitored by single-unit extracellular electric discharge recording and the palatable food intake were measured after orexin microinjection in NAc or electrical stimulation of LHA. RESULTS (1) Fluorescent gold retrograde tracing combined with fluoro-immunohistochemical staining showed some orexinergic neural projection from the LHA to the NAc shell. (2) Electrical stimulation of LHA significantly enhanced the expression of orexin-A in LHA and the expression of c-Fos in NAc (P < .05). (3) The results of single-unit extracellular discharge recording showed that the microinjection of orexin in NAc or electrical stimulation of LHA significantly increased the discharge activity of gastric distension responsive neurons in NAc, and the effect could be partly blocked by pretreatment of orexin-A receptor inhibitor SB334867 in NAc (P < .05). (4) Microinjection orexin-A in NAc or electrical stimulation of LHA significantly increased the palatable food intake in rats, and the effect also was partly inhibited by pretreatment of SB334867 in NAc (P < .05). CONCLUSION There is an orexinergic pathway from LHA to NAc, which may have potential regulatory effects on food reward and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Liu
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shengli Gao
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Nana Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Tingting Jin
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangrong Sun
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Luan
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Luo Xu
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Feifei Guo
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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32
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Matuska R, Zelena D, Könczöl K, Papp RS, Durst M, Guba D, Török B, Varnai P, Tóth ZE. Colocalized neurotransmitters in the hindbrain cooperate in adaptation to chronic hypernatremia. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:969-984. [PMID: 32200401 PMCID: PMC7166202 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02049-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hypernatremia activates the central osmoregulatory mechanisms and inhibits the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Noradrenaline (NE) release into the periventricular anteroventral third ventricle region (AV3V), the supraoptic (SON) and hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei (PVN) from efferents of the caudal ventrolateral (cVLM) and dorsomedial (cDMM) medulla has been shown to be essential for the hypernatremia-evoked responses and for the HPA response to acute restraint. Notably, the medullary NE cell groups highly coexpress prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) and nesfatin-1/NUCB2 (nesfatin), therefore, we assumed they contributed to the reactions to chronic hypernatremia. To investigate this, we compared two models: homozygous Brattleboro rats with hereditary diabetes insipidus (DI) and Wistar rats subjected to chronic high salt solution (HS) intake. HS rats had higher plasma osmolality than DI rats. PrRP and nesfatin mRNA levels were higher in both models, in both medullary regions compared to controls. Elevated basal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and impaired restraint-induced TH, PrRP and nesfatin expression elevations in the cVLM were, however, detected only in HS, but not in DI rats. Simultaneously, only HS rats exhibited classical signs of chronic stress and severely blunted hormonal reactions to acute restraint. Data suggest that HPA axis responsiveness to restraint depends on the type of hypernatremia, and on NE capacity in the cVLM. Additionally, NE and PrRP signalization primarily of medullary origin is increased in the SON, PVN and AV3V in HS rats. This suggests a cooperative action in the adaptation responses and designates the AV3V as a new site for PrRP's action in hypernatremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Matuska
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Könczöl
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rege Sugárka Papp
- Human Brain Tissue Bank and Microdissection Laboratory, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Máté Durst
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorina Guba
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiana Török
- Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Varnai
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna E Tóth
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Assari S. Parental Education and Nucleus Accumbens Response to Reward Anticipation: Minorities' Diminished Returns. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 2:132-153. [PMID: 34308362 DOI: 10.22158/assc.v2n4p132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Considerable research has documented the effects of race and socioeconomic status (SES) on reward-seeking behaviors; however, less is known about the multiplicative effects of race and family SES on brain response to reward anticipation. Marginalization-related Diminished Returns (MDRs) suggest that family SES would show weaker effects on brain development of children in non-White families than in White families. Objective To test race by SES variation in Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc) response to reward anticipation (NAcc-RA) among American children. Methods For this cross-sectional analysis, data came from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study which included 6,419, 9-10 year old children. The independent variable was parental education. The moderator was race. The primary outcome was the right NAcc-RA. Age, sex, ethnicity, household income, and family structure were the covariates. We used mixed effects regression models that adjusted for the nested nature of the ABCD data. Results While high parental education was associated with a higher amount of right NAcc-RA, this effect was stronger for White than non-White children. This finding was evident in the observed interactions between race and parental education on the right NAcc-RA. Discussion For American children, NAcc-RA is not shaped by race or family SES, but by their intersection. As a result of the interaction between race and SES (diminished return of SES for non-Whites), middle-class racial minority children may remain susceptible to high-risk behaviors. Disparities in high-risk behaviors in children should not be reduced to economic disparities. Structural inequalities may reduce the return of SES resources for non-White families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.,Department of Urban Public Health, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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Assari S. Stronger Association between Nucleus Accumbens Density and Body Mass Index in Low-Income and African American Children. RESEARCH IN HEALTH SCIENCE 2020; 5:107-120. [PMID: 33294757 DOI: 10.22158/rhs.v5n2p107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nucleus accumbens' (NAc) size, function, and density influence individuals' body mass index (BMI). However, little is known about racial and socioeconomic status (SES) differences in the role of NAc density as a predictor of childhood BMI. OBJECTIVES We used the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) data to investigate racial and SES differences in the effect of NAc density on childhood BMI. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 9497 children between ages 9 and 10. Mixed-effects regression models were used to analyze the data. The predictor variable was NAc density measured using diffusion MRI (dMRI). The outcome variable was BMI, operationalized as a continuous variable. Covariates included sex, age, ethnicity, family structure, and parental education. Race (White, African American, Asian, and Other/mixed) and household income (< 50k, 50-100 k, and 100+ k) were the moderators. RESULTS High NAc diffusion tension (density) was predictive of higher BMI, net of covariates. However, the positive association between NAc density and BMI was stronger in African Americans than in White, and in low-income than in high-income children. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that although high NAc has implications for children's BMI, this effect varies across racial and SES groups. More research should be performed on the role of obesogenic environments in altering the effect of NAc on childhood BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Urban Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Wang J, Li Y, Luo P, Chen Y, Xi Q, Wu H, Zhao W, Shu G, Wang S, Gao P, Zhu X, Zhang Y, Jiang Q, Wang L. Oral supplementation with ginseng polysaccharide promotes food intake in mice. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01340. [PMID: 31392839 PMCID: PMC6749478 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ginseng polysaccharide (GPS, same as Panax polysaccharide) is a kind of polysaccharide extracted from ginseng. It has been reported that GPS has the ability to activate innate immunity, regulates blood sugar balance, and improves antioxidant capacity, but the effect on feeding behavior and its mechanism remains unclear. METHOD To investigate the possible effect of GPS on feeding behavior of animals, mice were supplied with GPS in water, and food intake, hedonic feeding behavior, anxiety-like behavior, expression of appetite-regulation peptides in the central nervous system and glucose-related hormone levels in the serum of mice were measured. RESULTS Ginseng polysaccharide significantly increased the average daily food intake in mice and promoted hedonic eating behavior. Meanwhile, the levels of serum glucose and glucagon were significantly reduced by GPS, and GPS promoted hypothalamic neuropeptide Y expression, inhibited proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression, and reduced dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1) levels in the midbrain. We also found that the anxiety level of mice was significantly lower after GPS intake. In conclusion, oral supplementation with GPS promoted food intake in mice, most likely through the regulation of circulating glucose levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for the Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxiang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhuang Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianyun Xi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for the Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanyu Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijie Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Shu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for the Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Songbo Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for the Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for the Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotong Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for the Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongliang Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for the Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyan Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for the Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for the Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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