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Hidalgo-Lopez E, Engman J, Poromaa IS, Gingnell M, Pletzer B. Triple network model of brain connectivity changes related to adverse mood effects in an oral contraceptive placebo-controlled trial. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:209. [PMID: 37328507 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02470-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined oral contraceptives (COC) are among the most commonly used contraceptive methods worldwide, and mood side effects are the major reason for discontinuation of treatment. We here investigate the directed connectivity patterns associated with the mood side effects of an androgenic COC in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial in women with a history of affective COC side effects (n = 34). We used spectral dynamic causal modeling on a triple network model consisting of the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN) and executive control network (ECN). Within this framework, we assessed the treatment-related changes in directed connectivity associated with adverse mood side effects. Overall, during COC use, we found a pattern of enhanced connectivity within the DMN and decreased connectivity within the ECN. The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (SN) mediates an increased recruitment of the DMN by the ECN during treatment. Mood lability was the most prominent COC-induced symptom and also arose as the side effect most consistently related to connectivity changes. Connections that were related to increased mood lability showed increased connectivity during COC treatment, while connections that were related to decreased mood lability showed decreased connectivity during COC treatment. Among these, the connections with the highest effect size could also predict the participants' treatment group above chance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Hidalgo-Lopez
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Jonas Engman
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Inger Sundström Poromaa
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Gingnell
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
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Oral contraceptives and cognition: A systematic review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 69:101052. [PMID: 36581228 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used. While the physical impacts of OCs have been well researched, there is increasing interest on potential impacts of OCs on brain, behaviour and cognition. We systematically reviewed the literature to determine the influence of OCs on cognition, including neurocognition, social cognition and emotional processing. Inclusionary criteria were: (a) premenopausal females taking OCs; (b) a control group of naturally cycling women or OCs users in their inactive (i.e. 'sugar pill') phase; and (c) at least one measure of performance on a neurocognitive or social cognitive task. The systematic review found that OC use was associated with some differences in performance on all cognitive domains examined (with the exception of basic auditory attention and psychomotor performance). Several factors were identified that are likely to modulate the way OCs influence cognition, including task related factors, OC type and control group characteristics. Directions for future research are highlighted.
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Concas A, Serra M, Porcu P. How hormonal contraceptives shape brain and behavior: A review of preclinical studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101017. [PMID: 35843303 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones influence different aspects of brain function, including development, neurogenesis, neuronal excitability, and plasticity, thus affecting emotional states, cognition, sociality, and reward. In women, their levels fluctuate across the lifespan and through the reproductive stages but are also altered by exogenous administration of hormonal contraceptives (HC). HC are widely used by women throughout their fertile life both for contraceptive and therapeutic benefits. However, awareness of their effects on brain function and behavior is still poorly appreciated, despite the emerging evidence of their action at the level of the central nervous system. Here, we summarize results obtained in preclinical studies, mostly conducted in intact female rodents, aimed at investigating the neurobiological effects of HC. HC can alter neuroactive hormones, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, as well as emotional states, cognition, social and sexual behaviors. Animal studies provide insights into the neurobiological effects of HC with the aim to improve women's health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Concas
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Serra
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy.
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Kimmig ACS, Bischofberger JA, Birrenbach AD, Drotleff B, Lämmerhofer M, Sundström-Poromaa I, Derntl B. No Evidence for a Role of Oral Contraceptive-Use in Emotion Recognition But Higher Negativity Bias in Early Follicular Women. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:773961. [PMID: 35126066 PMCID: PMC8814336 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.773961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Accuracy in facial emotion recognition has shown to vary with ovarian hormones, both in naturally cycling women, as well as in women taking oral contraceptives. It remains uncertain however, if specific – endogenous and exogenous – hormonal levels selectively impact recognition of certain basic emotions (or neutral faces) and if this relationship coincides with certain affective states. Therefore, we investigated 86 women under different hormonal conditions and compared their performance in an emotion recognition task as well as self-reported measures of affective states. Based on self-reported cycle days and ovulation testing, the participants have been split into groups of naturally cycling women during their early follicular phase (fNC, n = 30), naturally cycling women during their peri-ovulatory phase (oNC, n = 26), and women taking oral contraceptives (OC, n = 30). Participants were matched for age and did not differ in education or neuropsychological abilities. Self-reported anxiety and depressive affective state scores were similar across groups, but current affective state turned out to be significantly more negative in fNC women. Independent of negative affective state, fNC women showed a significantly higher negativity bias in recognizing neutral faces, resulting in a lower recognition accuracy of neutral faces compared to oNC and OC women. In the OC group only, negative affective state was associated with lower recognition accuracy and longer response times for neutral faces. Furthermore, there was a significant, positive association between disgust recognition accuracy and negative affective state in the fNC group. Low progesterone levels during the early follicular phase were linked to higher negative affective state, whereas in the peri-ovulatory phase they were linked to elevated positive affective state. Overall, previous findings regarding impaired emotion recognition during OC-use were not confirmed. Synthetic hormones did not show a correlation with emotion recognition performance and affective state. Considering the important role of emotion recognition in social communication, the elevated negativity bias in neutral face recognition found for fNC women may adversely impact social interactions in this hormonal phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christin Sophie Kimmig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ann-Christin Sophie Kimmig,
| | - Jasper Amadeus Bischofberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika Dorothea Birrenbach
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Drotleff
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Lämmerhofer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- LEAD Graduate School and Research Network, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Neuro Campus, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Gamsakhurdashvili D, Antov MI, Stockhorst U. Sex-hormone status and emotional processing in healthy women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 130:105258. [PMID: 34058558 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fluctuations of sex hormones across the menstrual cycle allow investigating the role of 17-β estradiol and progesterone in emotional processing. We examined emotional memory, empathy-related measures, as well as mimic and skin-conductance responses to affective stimuli in 72 women either in the mid-cycle (MC-group: moderate to high estradiol, low progesterone), the later cycle (LC-group: high progesterone, moderate estradiol), or during oral contraceptive use (OC-group: low endogenous ovarian-hormone levels). In the first session, affective pictures were presented (memory encoding) while recording mimic and skin-conductance responses. Additionally, participants were exposed to a post-encoding stressor (cold pressor test). After 24 h, we tested surprise recall as well as empathy-related performance. Emotional memory was not affected by the hormone-status group, stressor, or salivary hormone levels. For the cognitive empathy-related measure, hormone status interacted with the protagonist gender. Women in the LC- and OC-groups identified emotions more accurately if depicted by female protagonists, yet the MC-group identified emotions depicted by men and women equally well. Correspondingly, the number of correctly identified emotions from male protagonists correlated positively with estradiol levels. In the affective empathy-related ratings, the OC-group showed a negativity bias, rating negative (vs. positive) emotions higher, although not associated with hormone levels. Mimic responses were not modulated by hormone-status group or related to hormone levels. Skin-conductance responses to negative pictures were heightened in the LC-group and correlated positively with progesterone levels. These data suggest a differential impact of female sex hormones on emotional processing, i.e., empathy-related performance and affective sympathetic reactivity, but not in emotional memory or affective mimic reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Gamsakhurdashvili
- Institute of Psychology, Experimental Psychology II and Biological Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Seminarstrasse 20, D-49074 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Martin I Antov
- Institute of Psychology, Experimental Psychology II and Biological Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Seminarstrasse 20, D-49074 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Ursula Stockhorst
- Institute of Psychology, Experimental Psychology II and Biological Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Seminarstrasse 20, D-49074 Osnabrück, Germany
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Gamsakhurdashvili D, Antov MI, Stockhorst U. Facial Emotion Recognition and Emotional Memory From the Ovarian-Hormone Perspective: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:641250. [PMID: 34093322 PMCID: PMC8174660 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.641250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We review original papers on ovarian-hormone status in two areas of emotional processing: facial emotion recognition and emotional memory. Ovarian-hormone status is operationalized by the levels of the steroid sex hormones 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), fluctuating over the natural menstrual cycle and suppressed under oral contraceptive (OCs) use. We extend previous reviews addressing single areas of emotional processing. Moreover, we systematically examine the role of stimulus features such as emotion type or stimulus valence and aim at elucidating factors that reconcile the inconsistent results. Methods We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included papers published until September 2020 indexed in PubMed and Web of Science databases. Search terms were MeSH terms (emotional OR emotion) AND (X) AND (estrogen OR progesterone OR menstrual cycle OR oral contraceptives) with (X) representing our separately searched areas, resulting in (processing OR recognition OR empathy), and (memory OR recall). To be included, articles had to (1) be written and published in English, (2) examine healthy, non-pregnant adult women in their reproductive age, and (3) measure or at least estimate levels of E2 and P4. In PubMed, the search was (4) limited to humans and (5) to the search term present in the title or abstract. Results Features of the provided stimulus material (emotion type and/or valence) constitute a relevant influence that interacts with E2- and P4-related ovarian-hormone status. For instance, recognition of basic emotions appears to be more related to P4- than E2-levels. Quite consistent, OC intake (vs. natural menstrual cycling) was accompanied by impaired recognition accuracy of basic and also complex emotions, although not in a recent large-sample study assessing complex emotions. Memory recall of negative content was mainly enhanced by P4, especially after having been stressed. Discussion and Conclusion We document the methodological diversity in the field, presumably contributing to the heterogeneity of results. More studies explicitly contrasting the early follicular phase, mid-cycle phase, mid-luteal, and OC intake while standardizing tasks are needed. Research would take advantage of using within-subject designs and accounting for the recognition of complex emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Gamsakhurdashvili
- Experimental Psychology II and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Martin I Antov
- Experimental Psychology II and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Ursula Stockhorst
- Experimental Psychology II and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
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Gamsakhurdashvili D, Antov MI, Lübke KT, Pause BM, Stockhorst U. The role of olfaction and sex-hormone status in empathy-related measures. Physiol Behav 2021; 230:113289. [PMID: 33321141 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Reports of a female advantage in empathy-related measures suggest a role for sex hormones, although the data are inconsistent. Studies also report similar sex differences in human olfactory perception. In rodents, olfaction is involved in detecting and integrating socially relevant information and is modulated by the brain actions of estrogens. We hypothesized that olfaction may untangle the mixed evidence on the relationship between sex hormones and empathy-related measures (cognitive and affective) in humans. To test this, we examined 60 healthy participants in three sex-hormone-status groups: free-cycling women tested in cycle phases with higher 17-β estradiol and progesterone, oral-contraceptive users (low estradiol and progesterone), and men. We assessed empathy-related measures, facial mimicry (from zygomaticus and corrugator muscle activity), and odor discrimination ability. In the empathy-related measures and facial mimicry, we did not find overall group effects or meaningful associations with salivary levels of estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone. Free-cycling women only outperformed men in the recognition of emotions from pictures of the eye region, but sex hormones were unrelated to emotion recognition performance. Oral contraceptive users showed higher scores in the affective empathy-related measure when viewing negative emotions, with no relation to hormone levels. Free-cycling women exhibited the strongest facial mimicry (viewing female, but not male protagonists), positively associated with progesterone. Finally, the groups differed in odor discrimination, with free-cycling women outperforming men. However, odor discrimination ability and empathy-related performance were not correlated. Our results support a role of sex hormones in odor perception and in empathy-related measures, to a certain extent. However, no common underlying mechanism was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Gamsakhurdashvili
- Institute of Psychology, Experimental Psychology II and Biological Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Seminarstrasse 20, D-49074 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Martin I Antov
- Institute of Psychology, Experimental Psychology II and Biological Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Seminarstrasse 20, D-49074 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Katrin T Lübke
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Bettina M Pause
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Ursula Stockhorst
- Institute of Psychology, Experimental Psychology II and Biological Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Seminarstrasse 20, D-49074 Osnabrück, Germany.
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8
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Music performance anxiety from the challenge and threat perspective: psychophysiological and performance outcomes. BMC Psychol 2020; 8:87. [PMID: 32843074 PMCID: PMC7448432 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-020-00448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although many musicians perceive music performance anxiety (MPA) as a significant problem, studies about the psychobiological and performance-related concomitants of MPA are limited. Using the biopsychosocial model of challenge and threat as theoretical framework, we aim to investigate whether musicians’ changes in their psychobiological responses and performance quality from a private to a public performance are moderated by their general MPA level. According to the challenge and threat framework, individuals are in a threat state when the perceived demands of a performance situation outweigh the perceived resources, whereas they are in a challenge state when the perceived resources outweigh the perceived demands. The resources-demands differential (resources minus demands) and the cardiovascular challenge-threat index (sum of cardiac output and reverse scored total peripheral resistance) are the main indices of these states. We postulate that the relationship between general MPA level and performance quality is mediated by these challenge and threat measures. Methods We will test 100 university music students reporting general MPA levels ranging from low to high. They will perform privately (i.e., without audience) and publicly (i.e., with an audience) on two separate days in counterbalanced order. During each performance session, we will record their cardiovascular and respiratory activity and collect saliva samples and self-reported measures. Measures of primary interest are self-reported anxiety, the resources-demands differential, the cardiovascular challenge-threat index, sigh rate, total respiratory variability, partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide and the salivary biomarkers cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and alpha-amylase. Both, the participants and anonymous experts will evaluate the performance quality from audio recordings. Discussion The results of the planned project are expected to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the psychobiology of MPA and of the processes that influence musicians’ individual reactions to performance situations. We also anticipate the findings of this project to have important implications for the development and implementation of theory-based interventions aimed at managing musicians’ anxiety and improving performance quality. Thanks to the use of multimethod approaches incorporating psychobiology, it might be possible to better assess the progress and success of interventions and ultimately improve musicians’ chance to have a successful professional career. Trial registration Not applicable.
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Not All Progestins are Created Equally: Considering Unique Progestins Individually in Psychobehavioral Research. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-020-00137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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10
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Endedijk HM, Nelemans SA, Schür RR, Boks MPM, van Lier P, Meeus W, Branje S, Vinkers CH. The Role of Stress and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Haplotypes in the Development of Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety During Adolescence. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:367. [PMID: 32499723 PMCID: PMC7242744 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by heightened levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Experiencing chronic or environmental stress, for example, as a result of traumatic events or insensitive parenting, increases the risk for depression and anxiety. However, not all adolescents develop depressive or anxiety symptoms following environmental stressors, due to differences in stress resilience. One of the factors involved in stress resilience is enhanced functionality of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), one of the two brain receptors for the stress hormone cortisol. High levels of MR functionality result in relatively lower rates of depression, particularly in women that experienced stress. However, much less is known about MR functionality in relation to the development of adolescent depression and to other internalizing behavior problems such as anxiety. We therefore examined whether the effects of a functional MR haplotype (i.e., the MR CA haplotype) on the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms are sex-dependent, as well as interact with environmental stressors. In a community sample of adolescents (N = 343, 9 waves between age 13 and 24), environmental stressors were operationalized as parental psychological control and childhood trauma. Results showed a sex-dependent effect of MR CA haplotype on the development of depressive symptoms but not for anxiety symptoms. MR CA haplotypes were protective for girls but not for boys. This study sheds more light on the sex-dependent effects of MR functionality related to the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinke M Endedijk
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Remmelt R Schür
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marco P M Boks
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pol van Lier
- Clinical Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wim Meeus
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Susan Branje
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christiaan H Vinkers
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Lewis CA, Kimmig ACS, Zsido RG, Jank A, Derntl B, Sacher J. Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives on Mood: A Focus on Emotion Recognition and Reactivity, Reward Processing, and Stress Response. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:115. [PMID: 31701260 PMCID: PMC6838021 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1095-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review recent research investigating the relationship of hormonal contraceptives and mood with a focus on relevant underlying mechanisms, such as emotion recognition and reactivity, reward processing, and stress response. RECENT FINDINGS Adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) on mood seem most consistent in women with a history of depressive symptoms and/or previous negative experience with HC-intake. Current evidence supports a negativity bias in emotion recognition and reactivity in HC-users, although inconsistent to some extent. Some data, however, do indicate a trend towards a blunted reward response and a potential dysregulation of the stress response in some HC-users. HC-effects on psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying mood are likely context-dependent. We provide suggestions on how to address some of the contributing factors to this variability in future studies, such as HC-dose, timing, administration-mode, and individual risk. A better understanding of how and when HCs affect mood is critical to provide adequate contraceptive choices to women worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin A Lewis
- Emotion Neuroimaging Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstr. 1A, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication: Function, Structure, and Plasticity, Leipzig, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Calwerstr, 14, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Ann-Christin S Kimmig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Calwerstr, 14, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rachel G Zsido
- Emotion Neuroimaging Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstr. 1A, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication: Function, Structure, and Plasticity, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Jank
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Calwerstr, 14, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- LEAD Research School and Graduate Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Julia Sacher
- Emotion Neuroimaging Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstr. 1A, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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12
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The brain as a target of hormonal contraceptives: Evidence from animal studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100799. [PMID: 31614151 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives are frequently prescribed drugs among women, mainly for their reversible contraceptive purposes but also for beneficial effects in some gynecological pathologies. Despite extensive studies aimed at elucidating the physical effects of hormonal contraceptives and ameliorating some unwanted outcomes, little is known yet about the effects of these drugs on brain function and related behavior, which are known to be modulated by endogenous steroid hormones. We describe the current literature on preclinical studies in animals undertaken to investigate effects of hormonal contraceptives on brain function and behavior. These studies suggest that hormonal contraceptives influence neurohormones, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and emotional, cognitive, social and sexual behaviors. Animals allow examination of the basic biological mechanisms of these drugs, devoid of the psychological aspect often associated to hormonal contraceptives' use in women. Understanding the neurobiological effects of these drugs may improve women's health and may help women making informed choices on hormonal contraception.
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13
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Brain Mineralocorticoid Receptors and Resilience to Stress. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2019; 109:341-359. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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14
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Rouet‐Benzineb P, Merval R, Polidano E. Effects of hypoestrogenism and/or hyperaldosteronism on myocardial remodeling in female mice. Physiol Rep 2018; 6:e13912. [PMID: 30430766 PMCID: PMC6236131 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the potential adverse effects of hyperaldosteronism and/or hypoestrogenism on cardiac phenotype, and examined their combined effects in female mice overexpressing cardiac aldosterone synthase (AS). We focused on some signaling cascades challenging defensive responses to adapt and/or to survive in the face of double deleterious stresses, such as Ca2+ -homeostasis, pro/anti-hypertrophic, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress), pro- or anti-apoptotic effectors, and MAP kinase activation, and redox signaling. These protein expressions were assessed by immunoblotting at 9 weeks after surgery. Female wild type (FWT) and FAS mice were fed with phytoestrogen-free diet; underwent ovariectomy (Ovx) or sham-operation (Sham). Ovx increased gain weight and hypertrophy index. Transthoracic echocardiograghy was performed. Both Ovx-induced heart rate decrease and fractional shortening increase were associated with collagen type III shift. Cardiac estrogen receptor (ERα, ERβ) protein expression levels were downregulated in Ovx mice. Hypoestrogenism increased plasma aldosterone and MR protein expression in FAS mice. Both aldosterone and Ovx played as mirror effects on up and downstream signaling effectors of calcium/redox homeostasis, apoptosis, such as concomitant CaMKII activation and calcineurin down-regulation, MAP kinase inhibition (ERK1/2, p38 MAPK) and Akt activation. The ratio Bcl2/Bax is in favor to promote cell survivor. Finally, myocardium had dynamically orchestrated multiple signaling cascades to restore tolerance to hostile environment thereby contributing to a better maintenance of Ca2+ /redox homeostasis. Ovx-induced collagen type III isoform shift and its upregulation may be important for the biomechanical transduction of the heart and the recovery of cardiac function in FAS mice. OVX antagonized aldosterone signaling pathways.
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Osório FL, de Paula Cassis JM, Machado de Sousa JP, Poli-Neto O, Martín-Santos R. Sex Hormones and Processing of Facial Expressions of Emotion: A Systematic Literature Review. Front Psychol 2018; 9:529. [PMID: 29695991 PMCID: PMC5904259 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We systematically reviewed the literature to determine the influence of sex hormones on facial emotion processing (FEP) in healthy women at different phases of life. Methods: Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, and SciELO. Twenty-seven articles were included in the review and allocated into five different categories according to their objectives and sample characteristics (menstrual cycle, oral contraceptives, pregnancy/postpartum, testosterone, and progesterone). Results: Despite the limited number of studies in some categories and the existence of inconsistencies in the results of interest, the findings of the review suggest that FEP may be enhanced during the follicular phase. Studies with women taking oral contraceptives showed reduced recognition accuracy and decreased responsiveness of different brain structures during FEP tasks. Studies with pregnant women and women in the postpartum showed that hormonal changes are associated with alterations in FEP and in brain functioning that could indicate the existence of a hypervigilant state in new and future mothers. Exogenous administration of testosterone enhanced the recognition of threatening facial expressions and the activation of brain structures involved in the processing of emotional stimuli. Conclusions: We conclude that sex hormones affect FEP in women, which may have an impact in adaptive processes of the species and in the onset of mood symptoms associated with the premenstrual syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia L. Osório
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology, Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana M. de Paula Cassis
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João P. Machado de Sousa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology, Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Omero Poli-Neto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rocio Martín-Santos
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Neurosciences, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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de Kloet ER, Meijer OC, de Nicola AF, de Rijk RH, Joëls M. Importance of the brain corticosteroid receptor balance in metaplasticity, cognitive performance and neuro-inflammation. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 49:124-145. [PMID: 29428549 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Bruce McEwen's discovery of receptors for corticosterone in the rat hippocampus introduced higher brain circuits in the neuroendocrinology of stress. Subsequently, these receptors were identified as mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) that are involved in appraisal processes, choice of coping style, encoding and retrieval. The MR-mediated actions on cognition are complemented by slower actions via glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) on contextualization, rationalization and memory storage of the experience. These sequential phases in cognitive performance depend on synaptic metaplasticity that is regulated by coordinate MR- and GR activation. The receptor activation includes recruitment of coregulators and transcription factors as determinants of context-dependent specificity in steroid action; they can be modulated by genetic variation and (early) experience. Interestingly, inflammatory responses to damage seem to be governed by a similarly balanced MR:GR-mediated action as the initiating, terminating and priming mechanisms involved in stress-adaptation. We conclude with five questions challenging the MR:GR balance hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R de Kloet
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - O C Meijer
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - A F de Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - R H de Rijk
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands & Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | - M Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Hamstra DA, de Kloet ER, de Rover M, Van der Does W. Oral contraceptives positively affect mood in healthy PMS-free women: A longitudinal study. J Psychosom Res 2017; 103:119-126. [PMID: 29167038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptives (OC) use influence mood and cognition and these effects may be moderated by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) genotype. The effect of menstrual cycle phase on mood may be increased if participants know that this is the focus of study. We assessed aspects associated with reproductive depression such as mood, interpersonal sensitivity, affect lability and depressive cognitions in MR-genotyped OC-users and naturally cycling (NC) women in a carefully masked design. METHODS A homogenous sample of healthy, PMS-free, pre-menopausal MR-genotyped women (n=92) completed online questionnaires eight times during two consecutive cycles. RESULTS The masking of the research question was successful. OC-users did not differ significantly from NC women in positive and negative affect at the time of assessment, personality characteristics (e.g. neuroticism) or mental and physical health. Both groups reported more shifts in anger in the first cycle week (p<0.001; ηp2=0.08). Compared to NC women, OC-users reported fewer mood-shifts between depression and elation in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (p=0.002; ηp2=0.10) and had fewer ruminating thoughts at all phases (p=0.003; ηp2=0.11). Effects of MR-genotype were not significant after correction for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSION OC users scored more favorably on measures associated with reproductive depression. OC users also showed a decreased affect variability possibly indicating an emotional blunting effect, which is in line with previous reports on affect-stabilizing effects of OC. Limitations were loss of cases due to irregularities in the menstrual cycle length and possible confounding by the 'survivor effect', since almost all OC-users took OC for more than a year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Hamstra
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University; Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University.
| | | | - Mischa de Rover
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University; Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University
| | - Willem Van der Does
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University; Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center
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Joëls M, de Kloet ER. 30 YEARS OF THE MINERALOCORTICOID RECEPTOR: The brain mineralocorticoid receptor: a saga in three episodes. J Endocrinol 2017. [PMID: 28634266 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In 1968, Bruce McEwen discovered that 3H-corticosterone administered to adrenalectomised rats is retained in neurons of hippocampus rather than those of hypothalamus. This discovery signalled the expansion of endocrinology into the science of higher brain regions. With this in mind, our contribution highlights the saga of the brain mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in three episodes. First, the precloning era dominated by the conundrum of two types of corticosterone-binding receptors in the brain, which led to the identification of the high-affinity corticosterone receptor as the 'promiscuous' MR cloned in 1987 by Jeff Arriza and Ron Evans in addition to the classical glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Then, the post-cloning period aimed to disentangle the function of the brain MR from that of the closely related GR on different levels of biological complexity. Finally, the synthesis section that highlights the two faces of brain MR: Salt and Stress. 'Salt' refers to the regulation of salt appetite, and reciprocal arousal, motivation and reward, by a network of aldosterone-selective MR-expressing neurons projecting from nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and circumventricular organs. 'Stress' is about the limbic-forebrain nuclear and membrane MRs, which act as a switch in the selection of the best response to cope with a stressor. For this purpose, activation of the limbic MR promotes selective attention, memory retrieval and the appraisal process, while driving emotional expressions of fear and aggression. Subsequently, rising glucocorticoid concentrations activate GRs in limbic-forebrain circuitry underlying executive functions and memory storage, which contribute in balance with MR-mediated actions to homeostasis, excitability and behavioural adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Joëls
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceBrain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Hamstra DA, de Kloet ER, Quataert I, Jansen M, Van der Does W. Mineralocorticoid receptor haplotype, estradiol, progesterone and emotional information processing. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 76:162-173. [PMID: 27936434 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carriers of MR-haplotype 1 and 3 (GA/CG; rs5522 and rs2070951) are more sensitive to the influence of oral contraceptives (OC) and menstrual cycle phase on emotional information processing than MR-haplotype 2 (CA) carriers. We investigated whether this effect is associated with estradiol (E2) and/or progesterone (P4) levels. METHOD Healthy MR-genotyped premenopausal women were tested twice in a counterbalanced design. Naturally cycling (NC) women were tested in the early-follicular and mid-luteal phase and OC-users during OC-intake and in the pill-free week. At both sessions E2 and P4 were assessed in saliva. Tests included implicit and explicit positive and negative affect, attentional blink accuracy, emotional memory, emotion recognition, and risky decision-making (gambling). RESULTS MR-haplotype 2 homozygotes had higher implicit happiness scores than MR-haplotype 2 heterozygotes (p=0.031) and MR-haplotype 1/3 carriers (p<0.001). MR-haplotype 2 homozygotes also had longer reaction times to happy faces in an emotion recognition test than MR-haplotype 1/3 (p=0.001). Practice effects were observed for most measures. The pattern of correlations between information processing and P4 or E2 differed between sessions, as well as the moderating effects of the MR genotype. In the first session the MR-genotype moderated the influence of P4 on implicit anxiety (sr=-0.30; p=0.005): higher P4 was associated with reduction in implicit anxiety, but only in MR-haplotype 2 homozygotes (sr=-0.61; p=0.012). In the second session the MR-genotype moderated the influence of E2 on the recognition of facial expressions of happiness (sr=-0.21; p=0.035): only in MR-haplotype 1/3 higher E2 was correlated with happiness recognition (sr=0.29; p=0.005). In the second session higher E2 and P4 were negatively correlated with accuracy in lag2 trials of the attentional blink task (p<0.001). Thus NC women, compared to OC-users, performed worse on lag 2 trials (p=0.041). CONCLUSION The higher implicit happiness scores of MR-haplotype 2 homozygotes are in line with previous reports. Performance in the attentional blink task may be influenced by OC-use. The MR-genotype moderates the influence of E2 and P4 on emotional information processing. This moderating effect may depend on the novelty of the situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Hamstra
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Ina Quataert
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Myrthe Jansen
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Willem Van der Does
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
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de Kloet ER, Joëls M. Brain mineralocorticoid receptor function in control of salt balance and stress-adaptation. Physiol Behav 2017; 178:13-20. [PMID: 28089704 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We will highlight in honor of Randall Sakai the peculiar characteristics of the brain mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in its response pattern to the classical mineralocorticoid aldosterone and the naturally occurring glucocorticoids corticosterone and cortisol. Neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and circumventricular organs express MR, which mediate selectively the action of aldosterone on salt appetite, sympathetic outflow and volume regulation. The MR-containing NTS neurons innervate limbic-forebrain circuits enabling aldosterone to also modulate reciprocally arousal, motivation, fear and reward. MR expressed in abundance in this limbic-forebrain circuitry, is target of cortisol and corticosterone in modulation of appraisal processes, memory performance and selection of coping strategy. Complementary to this role of limbic MR is the action mediated by the lower affinity glucocorticoid receptors (GR), which promote subsequently memory storage of the experience and facilitate behavioral adaptation. Current evidence supports the hypothesis that an imbalance between MR- and GR-mediated actions compromises resilience and adaptation to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edo Ronald de Kloet
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
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