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Wongsaengchan C, McCafferty DJ, Evans NP, McKeegan DEF, Nager RG. Body surface temperature of rats reveals both magnitude and sex differences in the acute stress response. Physiol Behav 2023; 264:114138. [PMID: 36871696 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114138] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how biological markers of stress relate to stressor magnitude is much needed and can be used in welfare assessment. Changes in body surface temperature can be measured using infrared thermography (IRT) as a marker of a physiological response to acute stress. While an avian study has shown that changes in body surface temperature can reflect the intensity of acute stress, little is known about surface temperature responses to stressors of different magnitudes and its sex-specificity in mammals, and how they correlate with hormonal and behavioural responses. We used IRT to collect continuous surface temperature measurements of tail and eye of adult male and female rats (Rattus norvegicus), for 30 minutes after exposure to one of three stressors (small cage, encircling handling or rodent restraint cone) for one minute, and cross-validated the thermal response with plasma corticosterone (CORT) and behavioural assessment. To obtain individual baseline temperatures and thermal responses to stress, rats were imaged in a test arena (to which they were habituated) for 30 seconds before and 30 minutes after being exposed to the stressor. In response to the three stressors, tail temperature initially decreased and then recovered to, or overshot the baseline temperature. Tail temperature dynamics differed between stressors; being restrained in the small cage was associated with the smallest drop in temperature, in male rats, and the fastest thermal recovery, in both sexes. Increases in eye temperature only distinguished between stressors early in the response and only in females. The post stressor increase in eye temperature was greater in the right eye of males and the left eye of females. In both sexes encircling may have been associated with the fastest increase in CORT. These results were in line with observed behavioural changes, with greater movement in rats exposed to the small cage and higher immobility after encircling. The female tail and eye temperature, as well as the CORT concentrations did not return to pre-stressor levels in the observation period, in conjunction with the greater occurrence of escape-related behaviours in female rats. These results suggest that female rats are more vulnerable to acute restraint stress compared to male rats and emphasise the importance of using both sexes in future investigations of stressor magnitude. This study demonstrates that acute stress induced changes in mammalian surface temperature measured with IRT relate to the magnitude of restraint stress, indicate sex differences and correlate with hormonal and behavioural responses. Thus, IRT has the potential to become a non-invasive method of continuous welfare assessment in unrestrained mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanakarn Wongsaengchan
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic J McCafferty
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, Rowardennan, G63 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Neil P Evans
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Jarrett Building, Glasgow, G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Dorothy E F McKeegan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Jarrett Building, Glasgow, G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Ruedi G Nager
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Santana FG, Duarte JO, Barretto-de-Souza L, Crestani CC. Angiotensinergic neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is involved in cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:517-526. [PMID: 36715761 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02791-2] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The brain angiotensin II acting via AT1 receptors is a prominent mechanism involved in physiological and behavioral responses during aversive situations. The AT2 receptor has also been implicated in stress responses, but its role was less explored. Despite these pieces of evidence, the brain sites related to control of the changes during aversive threats by the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are poorly understood. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a limbic structure related to the cardiovascular responses by stress, and components of the RAS system were identified in this forebrain region. Therefore, we investigated the role of angiotensinergic neurotransmission present within the BNST acting via local AT1 and AT2 receptors in cardiovascular responses evoked by an acute session of restraint stress in rats. For this, rats were subjected to bilateral microinjection of either the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, the selective AT1 receptor antagonist losartan, or the selective AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319 before they underwent the restraint stress session. We observed that BNST treatment with captopril reduced the decrease in tail skin temperature evoked by restraint stress, without affecting the pressor and tachycardic responses. Local AT2 receptor antagonism within the BNST reduced both the tachycardia and the drop in tail skin temperature during restraint. Bilateral microinjection of losartan into the BNST did not affect the restraint-evoked cardiovascular changes. Taken together, these data indicate an involvement of BNST angiotensinergic neurotransmission acting via local AT2 receptors in cardiovascular responses during stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia G Santana
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josiane O Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Barretto-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
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3
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Borges-Assis AB, Uliana DL, Hott SC, Guimarães FS, Lisboa SF, Resstel LBM. Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis CB1 receptors and the FAAH enzyme modulate anxiety behavior depending on previous stress exposure. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 125:110739. [PMID: 36870468 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) anandamide (AEA) is synthesized on-demand in the post-synaptic terminal and can act on presynaptic cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors, decreasing the release of neurotransmitters, including glutamate. AEA action is ended through enzymatic hydrolysis via FAAH (fatty acid amid hydrolase) in the post-synaptic neuron. eCB system molecules are widely expressed in brain areas involved in the modulation of fear and anxiety responses, including the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST), which is involved in the integration of autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral regulation. The presence of the CB1 and FAAH was described in the BNST; however, their role in the modulation of defensive reactions is not fully comprehended. In the present work we aimed at investigating the role of AEA and CB1 receptors in the BNST in modulating anxiety-related behaviors. Adult male Wistar rats received local BNST injections of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (0.1-0.6 nmol) and/or the FAAH inhibitor (URB597; 0.001-0.1 nmol) and were evaluated in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, with or without previous acute restraint stress (2 h) exposure, or in the contextual fear conditioning. We observed that although AM251 and URB597 had no effects on the EPM, they increased and decreased, respectively, the conditioned fear response. Supporting a possible influence of stress in these differences, URB597 was able to prevent the restraint stress-induced anxiogenic effect in the EPM. The present data, therefore, suggest that eCB signaling in the BNST is recruited during more aversive situations to counteract the stress effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bárbara Borges-Assis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Lescano Uliana
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Sara Cristina Hott
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco Silveira Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Francesca Lisboa
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Barbosa Moraes Resstel
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Goulart MT, Busnardo C, Belém-Filho IJA, Benini R, Fassini A, Crestani CC, Godoy AC, Correa FMA, Alves FHF. NMDA receptors in the insular cortex modulate cardiovascular and autonomic but not neuroendocrine responses to restraint stress in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 119:110598. [PMID: 35798175 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The insular cortex (IC) is a brain structure involved in physiological and behavioural responses during stressful events. However, the local neurochemical mechanisms involved in control of stress responses by the IC are poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the involvement of glutamatergic neurotransmission within the IC in cardiovascular, autonomic and neuroendocrine responses to an acute session of restraint stress. For this, the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959 (1 nmol/100 nL) or the selective non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist NBQX (1 nmol/100 nL) were microinjected into the IC 10 min before the onset of the 60 min session of restraint stress. We observed that the antagonism of NMDA receptors within the IC enhanced the restraint-evoked increase in arterial pressure and heart rate, while blockade of non-NMDA receptors did not affect these cardiovascular responses. Spontaneous baroreflex analysis demonstrated that microinjection of LY235959 into the IC decreased baroreflex activity during restraint stress. The decrease in tail skin temperature during restraint stress was shifted to an increase in animals treated with the NMDA receptor antagonist. Nevertheless, the blockade of either NMDA or non-NMDA glutamate receptors within the IC did not affect the increase in circulating corticosterone levels during restraint stress. Overall, our findings provide evidence that IC glutamatergic neurotransmission, acting via local NMDA receptors, plays a prominent role in the control of autonomic and cardiovascular responses to restraint stress, but without affecting neuroendocrine adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa T Goulart
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine - Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Busnardo
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivaldo J A Belém-Filho
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Fassini
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Godoy
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine - Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernando M A Correa
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando H F Alves
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine - Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Shafei M, Hosseiniravesh M, Hojati V, Mohebbati R, Khajavirad A, Shajiee H. Effect of the non-N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor of the glutamatergic system of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus on cardiovascular responses in normotensive and hydralazine-induced hypotensive rats. Adv Biomed Res 2022; 11:78. [DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_14_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Oliveira LA, Pollo TRS, Rosa EA, Duarte JO, Xavier CH, Crestani CC. Both Prelimbic and Infralimbic Noradrenergic Neurotransmissions Modulate Cardiovascular Responses to Restraint Stress in Rats. Front Physiol 2021; 12:700540. [PMID: 34483957 PMCID: PMC8415160 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.700540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) subareas of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) have been implicated in physiological and behavioral responses during aversive threats. The previous studies reported the noradrenaline release within the mPFC during stressful events, and the lesions of catecholaminergic terminals in this cortical structure affected stress-evoked local neuronal activation. Nevertheless, the role of mPFC adrenoceptors on cardiovascular responses during emotional stress is unknown. Thus, we investigated the role of adrenoceptors present within the PL and IL on the increase in both arterial pressure and heart rate (HR) and on the sympathetically mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction evoked by acute restraint stress. For this, bilateral guide cannulas were implanted into either the PL or IL of male rats. All animals were also subjected to catheter implantation into the femoral artery for cardiovascular recording. The increase in both arterial pressure and HR and the decrease in the tail skin temperature as an indirect measurement of sympathetically mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction were recorded during the restraint session. We observed that the microinjection of the selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonist RX821002 into either the PL or IL decreased the pressor response during restraint stress. Treatment of the PL or IL with either the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist WB4101 or the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist reduced the restraint-evoked tachycardia. The drop in the tail skin temperature was decreased by PL treatment with the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol and with the α1- or α2-adrenoceptor antagonists. The α2-adrenoceptor antagonist into the IL also decreased the skin temperature response. Our results suggest that the noradrenergic neurotransmission in both PL and IL mediates the cardiovascular responses to aversive threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) - São Paulo State University (UNESP) Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Taciana R S Pollo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Elinéia A Rosa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Josiane O Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) - São Paulo State University (UNESP) Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos H Xavier
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) - São Paulo State University (UNESP) Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
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7
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Costa-Ferreira W, Mendonça MM, Xavier CH, Crestani CC. Lateral hypothalamus involvement in control of stress response by bed nucleus of the stria terminalis endocannabinoid neurotransmission in male rats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16133. [PMID: 34373508 PMCID: PMC8352993 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95401-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid neurotransmission acting via local CB1 receptor in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in behavioral and physiological responses to emotional stress. However, the neural network related to this control is poorly understood. In this sense, the lateral hypothalamus (LH) is involved in stress responses, and BNST GABAergic neurons densely innervate this hypothalamic nucleus. However, a role of BNST projections to the LH in physiological responses to stress is unknown. Therefore, using male rats, we investigated the role of LH GABAergic neurotransmission in the regulation of cardiovascular responses to stress by CB1 receptors within the BNST. We observed that microinjection of the selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 into the BNST decreased the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells within the LH of rats submitted to acute restraint stress. Treatment of the BNST with AM251 also enhanced restraint-evoked tachycardia. Nevertheless, arterial pressure increase and sympathetically-mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction to restraint was not affected by CB1 receptor antagonism within the BNST. The effect of AM251 in the BNST on restraint-evoked tachycardia was abolished in animals pretreated with the selective GABAA receptor antagonist SR95531 in the LH. These results indicate that regulation of cardiovascular responses to stress by CB1 receptors in the BNST is mediated by GABAergic neurotransmission in the LH. Present data also provide evidence of the BNST endocannabinoid neurotransmission as a mechanism involved in LH neuronal activation during stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle M Mendonça
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Carlos H Xavier
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, Araraquara, SP, 14800-903, Brazil.
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Costa-Ferreira W, Oliveira LA, Benini R, Crestani CC. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulates cardiovascular responses to stress via local N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor/neuronal nitric oxide synthase/soluble guanylate cyclase/protein kinase G signaling. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:429-440. [PMID: 31913077 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119897556] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocannabinoid neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is involved in the control of cardiovascular responses to stress. However, the local mechanisms involved is this regulation are not known. AIMS The purpose of this study was to assess an interaction of bed nucleus of the stria terminalis endocannabinoid neurotransmission with local nitrergic signaling, as well as to investigate the involvement of local N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor and nitric oxide signaling in the control of cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress by bed nucleus of the stria terminalis endocannabinoid neurotransmission in rats. METHODS The first protocol evaluated the effect of intra-bed nucleus of the stria terminalis microinjection of the selective cannabinoid receptor type 1 receptor antagonist AM251 in nitrite/nitrate content in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis following restraint stress. The other protocols evaluated the impact of local pretreatment with the selective N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959, the selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω-propyl-L-arginine, the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, or the protein kinase G inhibitor KT5823 in restraint-evoked cardiovascular changes following bed nucleus of the stria terminalis treatment with AM251. RESULTS Bilateral microinjection of AM251 into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis increased local nitric oxide release during restraint stress. Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis treatment with the cannabinoid receptor type 1 receptor antagonist also enhanced the tachycardia caused by restraint stress, but without affecting arterial pressure increase and sympathetic-mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction. The facilitation of restraint-evoked tachycardia following bed nucleus of the stria terminalis treatment with the cannabinoid receptor type 1 receptor antagonist was completely inhibited by local pretreatment with LY235959, Nω-propyl-L-arginine, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, or KT5823. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence that bed nucleus of the stria terminalis endocannabinoid neurotransmission inhibits local N-methyl-D-aspartate/neuronal nitric oxide synthase/soluble guanylate cyclase/protein kinase G signaling, and this mechanism is involved in the control of the cardiovascular responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil.,Joint Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, Brazil
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Goode TD, Acca GM, Maren S. Threat imminence dictates the role of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in contextual fear. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 167:107116. [PMID: 31740383 PMCID: PMC6980749 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.107116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent work indicates that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is critically involved in the regulation of conditioned fear responses to unpredictable threats. Here we examined whether the involvement of the BNST in contextual fear conditioning in male rats depends on the imminence of shock after placement in the conditioning chamber. Specifically, we hypothesized that the BNST supports contextual freezing after conditioning with delayed, but not imminent, footshock (relative to placement in the context). Rats were implanted with cannulae targeting the BNST and underwent a contextual fear conditioning procedure in which a single footshock unconditioned stimulus (US) was delivered either 1 min or 9 min after the rat was placed in the context; the rats received a total of four identical conditioning sessions over two days, all with equivalent exposure to the context. Contexts associated with either imminent or delayed US onsets produced distinct patterns of freezing and shock-induced activity but freezing in each case was context-dependent. Reversible inactivation of the BNST reduced the expression of contextual freezing in the context paired with delayed (9 min), but not imminent (1 min), footshock onset. Implications of these data are discussed in the light of recent conceptualizations of BNST function, as well as for anxiety behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis D Goode
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3474, USA
| | - Gillian M Acca
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3474, USA
| | - Stephen Maren
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3474, USA.
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Gomes-de-Souza L, Benini R, Costa-Ferreira W, Crestani CC. GABA A but not GABA B receptors in the lateral hypothalamus modulate the tachycardic response to emotional stress in rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:672-680. [PMID: 30878320 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The lateral hypothalamus (LH) has been described as one of the hypothalamic areas involved in the behavioral and physiological responses triggered by aversive stimuli. Previous studies indicated involvement of the LH in cardiovascular responses to stress. Despite this evidence, the local neurochemical mechanisms involved in LH control of stress responses is still poorly understood. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the role of GABAergic neurotransmission within the LH in cardiovascular responses induced by an acute session of restraint stress in rats. For this, we evaluated the effect of bilateral microinjection of selective antagonists of either GABAA or GABAB receptors into the LH on arterial pressure increase, heart rate (HR) increase and reduction in tail skin temperature induced by restraint stress. We found that microinjection of the selective GABAA receptor antagonist SR95531 into the LH decreased the increase in HR caused by restraint stress, but without affecting the increase in arterial pressure increase or the reduction in tail skin temperature. Conversely, LH treatment with the selective GABAB receptor antagonist CGP35348 did not affect the restraint-evoked cardiovascular changes. These findings indicate that GABAergic neurotransmission in the LH, acting through activation of local GABAA receptors, plays a facilitatory role in the tachycardic response observed during aversive threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jau Km 01 (Campus Universitário), Campus Ville, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Miles OW, Maren S. Role of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis in PTSD: Insights From Preclinical Models. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:68. [PMID: 31024271 PMCID: PMC6461014 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) afflicts approximately 8% of the United States population and represents a significant public health burden, but the underlying neural mechanisms of this and other anxiety- and stressor-related disorders are largely unknown. Within the last few decades, several preclinical models of PSTD have been developed to help elucidate the mechanisms underlying dysregulated fear states. One brain area that has emerged as a critical mediator of stress-related behavioral processing in both clinical and laboratory settings is the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is interconnected with essential emotional processing regions, including prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. It is activated by stressor exposure and undergoes neurochemical and morphological alterations as a result of stressor exposure. Stress-related neuro-peptides including corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) are also abundant in the BNST, further implicating an involvement of BNST in stress responses. Behaviorally, the BNST is critical for acquisition and expression of fear and is well positioned to regulate fear relapse after periods of extinction. Here, we consider the role of the BNST in stress and memory processes in the context of preclinical models of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia W. Miles
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Goode TD, Ressler RL, Acca GM, Miles OW, Maren S. Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis regulates fear to unpredictable threat signals. eLife 2019; 8:46525. [PMID: 30946011 PMCID: PMC6456295 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in conditioned fear and anxiety, but the specific factors that engage the BNST in defensive behaviors are unclear. Here we examined whether the BNST mediates freezing to conditioned stimuli (CSs) that poorly predict the onset of aversive unconditioned stimuli (USs) in rats. Reversible inactivation of the BNST selectively reduced freezing to CSs that poorly signaled US onset (e.g., a backward CS that followed the US), but did not eliminate freezing to forward CSs even when they predicted USs of variable intensity. Additionally, backward (but not forward) CSs selectively increased Fos in the ventral BNST and in BNST-projecting neurons in the infralimbic region of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but not in the hippocampus or amygdala. These data reveal that BNST circuits regulate fear to unpredictable threats, which may be critical to the etiology and expression of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis D Goode
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| | - Reed L Ressler
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| | - Gillian M Acca
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| | - Olivia W Miles
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| | - Stephen Maren
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
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Barretto-de-Souza L, Adami MB, Benini R, Crestani CC. Dual role of nitrergic neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in controlling cardiovascular responses to emotional stress in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:3773-3783. [PMID: 30007000 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to assess the interaction of nitrergic neurotransmission within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) with local glutamatergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission in the control of cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Interaction with local noradrenergic neurotransmission was evaluated using local pretreatment with the selective α1 -adrenoceptor antagonist WB4101 before microinjection of the NO donor NOC-9 into the BNST. Interaction with glutamatergic neurotransmission was assessed by pretreating the BNST with a selective inhibitor of neuronal NOS (nNOS), Nω-propyl-L-arginine (NPLA) before local microinjection of NMDA. The effect of intra-BNST NPLA microinjection in animals locally pretreated with WB4101 was also evaluated. KEY RESULTS NOC-9 reduced the heart rate (HR) and blood pressure increases evoked by restraint stress. These effects of NOC-9 on HR, but not in blood pressure, was inhibited by pretreatment of BNST with WB4101. NMDA enhanced the restraint-evoked HR increase, and this effect was abolished following BNST pretreatment with NPLA. Administration of NPLA to the BNST of animals pretreated locally with WB4101 decreased the HR and blood pressure increases induced by restraint. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These results indicate that inhibitory control of stress-evoked cardiovascular responses by nitrergic signalling in the BNST is mediated by a facilitation of local noradrenergic neurotransmission. The present data also provide evidence of an involvement of local nNOS in facilitatory control of tachycardia during stress by NMDA receptors within the BNST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Barretto-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariane B Adami
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Oliveira LA, Gomes-de-Souza L, Benini R, Crestani CC. Control of cardiovascular responses to stress by CRF in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis is mediated by local NMDA/nNOS/sGC/PKG signaling. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 89:168-176. [PMID: 29414029 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to assess an interaction of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurotransmission within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) with local nitrergic signaling, as well as to investigate an involvement of activation of local NMDA glutamate receptor and nitric oxide (NO) signaling in control of cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress by BNST CRF neurotransmission in rats. We observed that CRF microinjection into the BNST increased local NO release during restraint stress. Furthermore, bilateral microinjection of CRF into the BNST enhanced both the arterial pressure and heart rate increases evoked by restraint stress, but without affecting the sympathetically-mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction. The facilitation of both pressor and tachycardiac responses to restraint stress evoked by BNST treatment with CRF were completely inhibited by local pretreatment with either the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959, the selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor Nω-Propyl-l-arginine (NPLA), the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) or the protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor KT5823. Taken together, these results provide evidence that BNST CRF neurotransmission facilitates local NMDA-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission and activates nitrergic signaling, and this pathway is involved in control of cardiovascular responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Benini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Barretto-de-Souza L, Adami MB, Oliveira LA, Gomes-de-Souza L, Duarte JO, Almeida J, Crestani CC. Nitric oxide-cGMP-PKG signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulates the cardiovascular responses to stress in male rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 28:75-84. [PMID: 29169825 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) constitutes an important component of neural substrates of physiological and behavioral responses to aversive stimuli, and it has been implicated on cardiovascular responses evoked by stress. Nevertheless, the local neurochemical mechanisms involved in BNST control of cardiovascular responses during aversive threats are still poorly understood. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the involvement of activation in the BNST of the neuronal isoform of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), as well as of signaling mechanisms related to nitric oxide effects such as soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and protein kinase G (PKG) on cardiovascular responses induced by an acute session of restraint stress in male rats. We observed that bilateral microinjection of either the nonselective NOS inhibitor Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), the selective nNOS inhibitor Nω-Propyl-L-arginine (NPLA) or the sGC inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) into the BNST enhanced the tachycardic response and decreased the drop in tail cutaneous temperature evoked by acute restraint stress, but without affecting the increase on blood pressure. Bilateral BNST treatment with the selective PKG inhibitor KT5823 also facilitated the heart rate increase and decreased the drop in cutaneous temperature, in addition to enhancing the blood pressure increase. Taken together, these results provide evidence that NO released from nNOS and activation of sGC and PKG within the BNST play an inhibitory influence on tachycardia to stress, whereas this signaling mechanism mediates the sympathetic-mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Barretto-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariane B Adami
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Josiane O Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Almeida
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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