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Jolink TA, West TN, Alvarez GM, Cardenas MN, Feldman MJ, Algoe SB, Muscatell KA. Higher interleukin-6 is associated with greater momentary social connection in close relationships in daily life. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 164:107020. [PMID: 38520887 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Recent evidence has documented associations between higher levels of inflammation and social approach behaviors toward close others in laboratory-based tasks. Yet it is unknown if this translates to interactions with close others in daily life. Given that momentary experiences of social connection have both relational and health consequences, this is a critical gap in our knowledge. To address the association between inflammation and momentary social connection experiences in close relationships, 55 participants provided blood samples on two consecutive days, which were assayed for circulating levels of the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6). After providing the first blood sample, participants received the annual influenza vaccine as a mild inflammatory challenge. Participants also reported on cognitive, affective, and behavioral indicators of social connection with a specific close other multiple times across the two study days. Results indicated that levels of IL-6 were positively associated with temporally-proximal indicators of momentary social connection with a close other. Specifically, higher levels of IL-6 were associated with greater feelings of comfort from the close other, greater desire to be near them, and higher reported relationship quality. Greater IL-6 reactivity to the vaccine was only associated with increased reported relationship quality. These data add to the existing literature suggesting that higher levels of IL-6 may motivate social approach toward a close other, extending evidence to now include momentary social connection experiences in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatum A Jolink
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Taylor N West
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gabriella M Alvarez
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megan N Cardenas
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mallory J Feldman
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara B Algoe
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Keely A Muscatell
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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2
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Zabag R, Kivity Y, Gilboa-Schechtman E, Levy-Gigi E. Better social reversal learning is associated with a more social approach across time. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8443. [PMID: 38600127 PMCID: PMC11006889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58348-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Flexibly updating behaviors towards others is crucial for adaptive social functioning. Previous studies have found that difficulties in flexibly updating behaviors are associated with social anxiety (SA). However, it is unclear whether such difficulties relate to actual social behaviors. The current study investigated the relationships between negative-to-positive social reversal learning, social approach behavior, and SA across time. Participants (MTurk, Time 1 = 275, Time 2 = 126, 16 weeks later) completed a performance-based social reversal-learning task. In the initial phase, participants learned that interactions with certain individuals are associated with negative outcomes, whereas interactions with other individuals are associated with positive outcomes. In the reversal phase, these associations were reversed, requiring participants to update their behaviors. The relationships between the performance in the task, SA severity, and social approach behavior reported by participants were assessed cross-sectionally and longitudinally. We found that negative-to-positive updating was negatively associated with SA severity. Furthermore, negative-to-positive updating was positively correlated with social approach behavior, both cross-sectionally and prospectively. Hence, individuals with better negative-to-positive updating at Time 1 reported significantly more social approach behaviors across time. The results support the role of negative-to-positive updating as a mechanism associated with SA and social approach, advancing and refining interpersonal and cognitive theories of SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reut Zabag
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Yogev Kivity
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eva Gilboa-Schechtman
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Einat Levy-Gigi
- Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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3
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Monari PK, Herro ZJ, Bymers J, Marler CA. Chronic intranasal oxytocin increases acoustic eavesdropping and adult neurogenesis. Horm Behav 2023; 156:105443. [PMID: 37871536 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Social information gathering is a complex process influenced by neuroendocrine-modulated neural plasticity. Oxytocin (OXT) is a key regulator of social decision-making processes such as information gathering, as it contextually modulates social salience and can induce long-term structural plasticity, including neurogenesis. Understanding the link between OXT-induced plasticity and communicative awareness is crucial, particularly because OXT is being considered for treatment of social pathologies. We investigated the role of chronic OXT-dependent plasticity in attention to novel social information by manipulating the duration of time following cessation of intranasal treatment to allow for the functional integration of adult-born neurons resulting from OXT treatment. Following a 3-week delay, chronic intranasal OXT (IN-OXT) increased approach behavior of both female and male mice towards aggressive vocal playbacks of two unseen novel conspecifics, while no effect was observed after a 3-day delay. Immature neurons increased in the ventral hippocampus of females and males treated with chronic IN-OXT after the 3-week delay, indicating a potential association between ventral hippocampal neurogenesis and approach/acoustic eavesdropping. The less the mouse approached, the higher the level of neurogenesis. Contrary to expectations, the correlation between ventral hippocampal neurogenesis and approach behavior was not affected by IN-OXT, suggesting that other plasticity mechanisms underlie the long-term effects of chronic OXT on social approach. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between ventral hippocampal neurogenesis and freezing behavior. Overall, our results demonstrate that chronic IN-OXT-induced long-term plasticity can influence approach to vocal information and we further reinforced the link between neurogenesis and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K Monari
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Zachary J Herro
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jessica Bymers
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
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Madison AA, Way B, Ratner KG, Renna M, Andridge R, Peng J, Rosie Shrout M, Sheridan J, Lustberg M, Ramaswamy B, Wesolowski R, VanDeusen JB, Williams NO, Sardesai SD, Noonan AM, Reinbolt RE, Stover DG, Cherian MA, Malarkey WB, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Typhoid vaccine does not impact feelings of social connection or social behavior in a randomized crossover trial among middle-aged female breast cancer survivors. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:124-31. [PMID: 36208853 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation can have social consequences, which may be relevant to inflammation's link with depression. The current study tests whether a typhoid vaccine increases feelings of social disconnection and avoidance behavior. METHOD In two full-day visits at least three weeks apart, 172 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (Stage I-IIIA) each received a typhoid capsular polysaccharide vaccination and a saline placebo injection in a random sequence. Blood was drawn prior to the injection, as well as every 90 min thereafter for 8 h to assess the inflammatory response (interleukin-6, IL-6; interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1Ra). At both visits, women completed the Social Connection Scale at 0 and 8.5 h post-vaccination as well as implicit and explicit social avoidance tasks at 7 h post-vaccination. RESULTS The typhoid vaccine triggered rises in both inflammatory markers (ps < 0.01), but it did not impact feelings of social connection (p = .32), or performance on the implicit (p = .34) or explicit tasks (p = .37). Inflammatory rises did not predict feelings of social connection (ps > 0.64) or performance on explicit (ps > 0.73) or implicit (ps > 0.88) social avoidance tasks. CONCLUSION Milder inflammatory stimuli may not affect social processes. Higher levels of inflammation or, relatedly, more sickness symptoms may be necessary to recapitulate prior findings of social avoidance.
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Porter M, Gavria P, Reeve J, Green M, Baracz S, Rossi A, Boulton K. Neuroanatomical correlates of social approach in Williams Syndrome and down syndrome. Neuropsychologia 2022; 175:108366. [PMID: 36088994 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Williams Syndrome (WS) or Downs Syndrome (DS) are often described as hypersociable, friendly and overly trusting of others. This hypersociability is a major concern for parents/caregivers due to the associated increased risk of exploitation and victimisation. Two brain regions - the amygdala and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) - have been implicated in driving this hypersociability in WS, and in the general population and have associations with emotional evaluation, threat detection and social motivation. However, there has been little neuroimaging research on this topic, especially in DS, to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential neuroanatomical and neuropsychological correlates of hypersociability in WS and DS. Twelve individuals with WS (M = 22 years of age) and eleven individuals with DS (M = 26 years of age) completed a neuropsychological battery of executive functioning and social measures, including informant ratings on an ecologically measure of social approach. Clinical groups and twelve typically developing controls (M = 23 years) underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan to investigate volumetric differences in the OFC and the amygdala. As expected, WS individuals displayed the highest overall social approach, especially in relation to need to approach strangers and drive to interact with strangers, as well as inappropriate/overfriendly behaviours. Both groups rated similarly in terms of social trust and unconditional positive regard. Emotion recognition abilities were similar across groups, with the DS group displaying some difficulties with negative emotions (especially anger). Inhibition and flexibility were similarly impaired across WS and DS. Compared to neurotypical controls, the DS group showed increased amygdala volumes bilaterally, while the WS group showed an enlarged right medial OFC. Approach ratings were significantly correlated with left amygdala and medial and left lateral OFC volumes in WS, and with these same regions bilaterally in DS. Results provide potential biological explanations for the hypersociability seen in WS and DS. Future research should focus on other potential neural correlates, as well as potential genetic and hormonal contributions to approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Porter
- School of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Polina Gavria
- School of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jessica Reeve
- School of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Michael Green
- School of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sarah Baracz
- School of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Adriana Rossi
- School of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kelsie Boulton
- School of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
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Jolink TA, Fendinger NJ, Alvarez GM, Feldman MJ, Gaudier-Diaz MM, Muscatell KA. Inflammatory reactivity to the influenza vaccine is associated with changes in automatic social behavior. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 99:339-349. [PMID: 34748895 PMCID: PMC9041378 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests differential patterns of social behavior following an inflammatory challenge, such that increases in inflammation may not uniformly lead to social withdrawal. Indeed, increases in inflammation have been associated with enhanced self-reported motivation to approach a specific close other, and greater neural sensitivity to positive social cues. However, no known studies have examined the association between inflammation in response to an inflammatory challenge and social behavior in humans, nor has past research examined specifically how approach and withdrawal behavior may differ based on whether the target is a close other or stranger. To address this, 31 participants (ages 18-24) received the influenza vaccine to elicit a low-grade inflammatory response. The morning before and approximately 24 h after the vaccine, participants provided a blood sample and completed a computer task assessing automatic (implicit) approach and withdrawal behavior toward a social support figure and strangers. Greater increases in the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in response to the vaccine were associated with an increase in accuracy in avoiding strangers and a decrease in accuracy in approaching them. Increases in IL-6 were also associated with a decrease in reaction time to approach a support figure, but only when controlling for baseline IL-6 levels. There were no associations between change in IL-6 and changes in self-reported motivation to engage in social behavior with either close others, or strangers. Together, these findings reveal that increases in inflammation following the influenza vaccine are associated with automatic social behavior, especially behavior suggesting avoidance of unfamiliar social targets and ease in approaching a support figure. These data add to the growing literature suggesting that the association between inflammation and social behavior includes both social withdrawal and social approach, depending on the specific target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatum A. Jolink
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Nicholas J. Fendinger
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Gabriella M. Alvarez
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Mallory J. Feldman
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Monica M. Gaudier-Diaz
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Keely A. Muscatell
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA,Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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7
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Muscatell KA, Inagaki TK. Beyond social withdrawal: New perspectives on the effects of inflammation on social behavior. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100302. [PMID: 34589794 PMCID: PMC8474589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research in animals and humans show that inflammation is an important regulator of social behavior. While much research in this area has concluded that inflammation causes a withdrawal from social interaction, closer examination of the literature reveals that the effects of inflammation on social behavior are much more nuanced. Indeed, while many studies do show that increases in inflammation lead to social withdrawal, other studies show the exact opposite, finding that inflammation leads to an increase in social approach behavior. Critically, whether an organism withdraws or approaches when inflamed may depend on the whether the target of the behavior is a close other or a stranger. In the present paper, we review both animal research and our initial research in humans that has utilized experimental manipulations of inflammation and examined their effects on social approach behavior. We argue, based on complementary theoretical perspectives and supporting evidence from the literature, that there are three critical next steps for translational work examining the effects of inflammation on social behavior: (1) We need to study actual social behavior, as expressed toward both close others and strangers; (2) We should examine not just the social behavior of the inflamed individual, but also the behavior of others interacting with an inflamed individual; and (3) We must consider the relative increases in inflammation (i.e., higher vs. lower) as a contributor to social withdrawal vs. approach. Ultimately, we urge the field to move beyond a singular focus on inflammation and social withdrawal so that we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of inflammation on a variety of social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely A. Muscatell
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
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Zhao X, Mohammed R, Tran H, Erickson M, Kentner AC. Poly (I:C)-induced maternal immune activation modifies ventral hippocampal regulation of stress reactivity: prevention by environmental enrichment. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 95:203-215. [PMID: 33766701 PMCID: PMC8187276 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) has been successfully implemented in human rehabilitation settings. However, the mechanisms underlying its success are not understood. Incorporating components of EE protocols into our animal models allows for the exploration of these mechanisms and their role in mitigation. Using a mouse model of maternal immune activation (MIA), the present study explored disruptions in social behavior and associated hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, and whether a supportive environment could prevent these effects. We show that prenatal immune activation of toll-like receptor 3, by the viral mimetic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), led to disrupted maternal care in that dams built poorer quality nests, an effect corrected by EE housing. Standard housed male and female MIA mice engaged in higher rates of repetitive rearing and had lower levels of social interaction, alongside sex-specific expression of several ventral hippocampal neural stress markers. Moreover, MIA males had delayed recovery of plasma corticosterone in response to a novel social encounter. Enrichment housing, likely mediated by improved maternal care, protected against these MIA-induced effects. We also evaluated c-Fos immunoreactivity associated with the novel social experience and found MIA to decrease neural activation in the dentate gyrus. Activation in the hypothalamus was blunted in EE housed animals, suggesting that the putative circuits modulating social behaviors may be different between standard and complex housing environments. These data demonstrate that augmentation of the environment supports parental care and offspring safety/security, which can offset effects of early health adversity by buffering HPA axis dysregulation. Our findings provide further evidence for the viability of EE interventions in maternal and pediatric settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Amanda C. Kentner
- Corresponding author: Amanda Kentner, , Office #617-274-3360, Fax # 617-732-2959
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Steffen DM, Ferri SL, Marcucci CG, Blocklinger KL, Molumby MJ, Abel T, Weiner JA. The γ-Protocadherins Interact Physically and Functionally with Neuroligin-2 to Negatively Regulate Inhibitory Synapse Density and Are Required for Normal Social Interaction. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2574-2589. [PMID: 33471287 PMCID: PMC8137559 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02263-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are key players in the formation of neural circuits during development. The γ-protocadherins (γ-Pcdhs), a family of 22 CAMs encoded by the Pcdhg gene cluster, are known to play important roles in dendrite arborization, axon targeting, and synapse development. We showed previously that multiple γ-Pcdhs interact physically with the autism-associated CAM neuroligin-1, and inhibit the latter's ability to promote excitatory synapse maturation. Here, we show that γ-Pcdhs can also interact physically with the related neuroligin-2, and inhibit this CAM's ability to promote inhibitory synapse development. In an artificial synapse assay, γ-Pcdhs co-expressed with neuroligin-2 in non-neuronal cells reduce inhibitory presynaptic maturation in contacting hippocampal axons. Mice lacking the γ-Pcdhs from the forebrain (including the cortex, the hippocampus, and portions of the amygdala) exhibit increased inhibitory synapse density and increased co-localization of neuroligin-2 with inhibitory postsynaptic markers in vivo. These Pcdhg mutants also exhibit defective social affiliation and an anxiety-like phenotype in behavioral assays. Together, these results suggest that γ-Pcdhs negatively regulate neuroligins to limit synapse density in a manner that is important for normal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Steffen
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Sarah L Ferri
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Charles G Marcucci
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kelsey L Blocklinger
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Michael J Molumby
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ted Abel
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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Kordás K, Kis-Varga Á, Varga A, Eldering H, Bulthuis R, Lendvai B, Lévay G, Román V. Measuring sociability of mice using a novel three-chamber apparatus and algorithm of the LABORAS™ system. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 343:108841. [PMID: 32621917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The social approach and social novelty tests utilizing the three-chamber apparatus are widely accepted to measure social behavior of rodents. The LABORAS™ system offers a possibility to assess sociability of mice in a reliable and objective manner. NEW METHOD We assessed the capability of the LABORAS™ sociability cage and algorithm (2.6.6) to detect social behaviors in mice. Furthermore, we investigated whether the system is able to detect various levels of sociability due to genetic background or after pharmacological treatments. RESULTS By comparing manual scoring with various detection zone settings of the automated registration, the most fitting algorithm with a detection zone radius of 90 mm was identified. When different strains were investigated, C57Bl/6 J and NMRI mice proved to be social, while CD1 mice were found asocial. The system was able to detect the sociability increasing effect of R-baclofen (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) and oxytocin (12 ng i.c.v.) in asocial CD1 mice. The negative control PCP impaired social behavior of C57Bl/6 J mice (1 mg/kg i.p.) and increased social avoidance in CD1 mice (0.3 mg/kg i.p.). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) This setup, in contrast to video frame analysis softwares, determines signal changes caused by movements of rodents allowing accurate detection and analysis of trajectories. Parallel automated measurements also allow replacing time and labor intensive, highly subjective human observational work. CONCLUSIONS The set-up provides a fast and reliable method to examine social behavior of mice in the three-chamber apparatus. The system is capable of detecting pro or antisocial activity of pharmacological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Kordás
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Kis-Varga
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anita Varga
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Herman Eldering
- Metris B.V., Kruisweg 829c, 2132NG Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald Bulthuis
- Metris B.V., Kruisweg 829c, 2132NG Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | - Balázs Lendvai
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - György Lévay
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Román
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary.
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11
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Piccin A, Contarino A. Long-lasting pseudo-social aggressive behavior in opiate-withdrawn mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 97:109780. [PMID: 31669507 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Poor sociability and aggressive behavior are major clinical features of opiate use disorders that may contribute to the establishment and maintenance of these harmful diseases. The present study investigated the long-term effects of chronic morphine administration and withdrawal upon social and aggressive behavior as well as the interrelationship between these two behaviors. Thus, social behavior was measured in C57BL/6J male mice 7, 21, 35 and 49 days after cessation of escalating morphine doses (20-100 mg/kg, i.p.) administered during 6 consecutive days, using the three-chamber task for sociability (i.e., preference for an unfamiliar conspecific vs. an object) and social novelty preference (i.e., preference for a novel vs. a familiar conspecific). Moreover, aggressive biting behavior towards an unfamiliar conspecific was assessed throughout the three-chamber tests. Opiate withdrawal increased both social approach and aggressive biting behavior. Moreover, in morphine-withdrawn, but not in control, mice social approach and aggressive behavior followed a similar time-course and positively correlated one with each other, suggesting that social interest was mainly driven by aggressiveness. Aggressive biting behavior was still elevated 49 days after the last morphine administration, revealing that opiate withdrawal is followed by long-lasting aggressiveness. Throughout, opiate withdrawal did not affect social novelty preference, ruling out a role for olfactory or social discrimination dysfunction in the elevated social approach and aggressive behavior. The present findings of very long-lasting aggressive behavior and aggression-driven social approach in opiate-withdrawn mice might help understanding the behavioral and brain underpinnings of poor sociability and aggressiveness commonly observed in opiate use disorders patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Piccin
- Université de Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Angelo Contarino
- Université de Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
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12
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Seese RR, Le AA, Wang K, Cox CD, Lynch G, Gall CM. A TrkB agonist and ampakine rescue synaptic plasticity and multiple forms of memory in a mouse model of intellectual disability. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 134:104604. [PMID: 31494285 PMCID: PMC7258745 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is associated with deficits in various types of learning, including those that require the hippocampus. Relatedly, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is impaired in the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS. Prior research found that infusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rescues LTP in the KOs. Here, we tested if, in Fmr1 KO mice, up-regulating BDNF production or treatment with an agonist for BDNF's TrkB receptor restores synaptic plasticity and improves learning. In hippocampal slices, bath infusion of the TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) completely restored otherwise impaired hippocampal field CA1 LTP of Fmr1 KOs without effect in wild types (WTs). Similarly, acute, semi-chronic, or chronic treatments with 7,8-DHF rescued a simple hippocampus-dependent form of spatial learning (object location memory: OLM) in Fmr1 KOs without effect in WTs. The agonist also restored object recognition memory, which depends on cortical regions. Semi-chronic, but not acute, treatment with the ampakine CX929, which up-regulates BDNF expression, lowered the training threshold for OLM in WT mice and rescued learning in the KOs. Positive results were also obtained in a test for social recognition. An mGluR5 antagonist did not improve learning. Quantification of synaptic immunolabeling demonstrated that 7,8-DHF and CX929 increase levels of activated TrkB at excitatory synapses. Moreover, CX929 induced a robust synaptic activation of the TrkB effector ERK1/2. These results suggest that enhanced synaptic BDNF signaling constitutes a plausible strategy for treating certain aspects of the cognitive disabilities associated with FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald R Seese
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Aliza A Le
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Conor D Cox
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Gary Lynch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America.
| | - Christine M Gall
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America; Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America.
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13
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Ng E, Georgiou J, Avila A, Trought K, Mun HS, Hodgson M, Servinis P, Roder JC, Collingridge GL, Wong AHC. Mice lacking neuronal calcium sensor-1 show social and cognitive deficits. Behav Brain Res 2019; 381:112420. [PMID: 31821787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal calcium sensor-1 or Frequenin is a calcium sensor widely expressed in the nervous system, with roles in neurotransmission, neurite outgrowth, synaptic plasticity, learning, and motivated behaviours. Neuronal calcium sensor-1 has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. However, the role of neuronal calcium sensor-1 in behavioural phenotypes and brain changes relevant to autism spectrum disorder have not been evaluated. We show that neuronal calcium sensor-1 deletion in the mouse leads to a mild deficit in social approach and impaired displaced object recognition without affecting social interactions, behavioural flexibility, spatial reference memory, anxiety-like behaviour, or sensorimotor gating. Morphologically, neuronal calcium sensor-1 deletion leads to increased dendritic arbour complexity in the frontal cortex. At the level of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, neuronal calcium sensor-1 deletion leads to a reduction in long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus, but not area Cornu Ammonis 1. Metabotropic glutamate receptor-induced long-term depression was unaffected in both dentate and Cornu Ammonis 1. These studies identify roles for neuronal calcium sensor-1 in specific subregions of the brain including a phenotype relevant to neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Ng
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - John Georgiou
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Ariel Avila
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada; Basic Science Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC), Concepción, 4090541, Chile
| | - Kathleen Trought
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ho-Suk Mun
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Meggie Hodgson
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Panayiotis Servinis
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - John C Roder
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Graham L Collingridge
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada; Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Albert H C Wong
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada.
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14
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Roberts J, Crawford H, Hogan AL, Fairchild A, Tonnsen B, Brewe A, O'Connor S, Roberts DA, Abbeduto L. Social Avoidance Emerges in Infancy and Persists into Adulthood in Fragile X Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:3753-3766. [PMID: 31165359 PMCID: PMC6698894 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04051-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by both social approach and social avoidance. However, the age of emergence and developmental trajectory of social avoidance has not been examined. This study investigates the longitudinal developmental trajectory and dynamic nature of social avoidance in males with FXS from infancy through young adulthood (n = 191). Multiple facets of social avoidance were collected using the Social Avoidance Scale (Roberts et al. 2007, 2009). Overall, 81% of males with FXS displayed social avoidance, which emerged during infancy, increased in severity across childhood, and stabilized through adolescence and early adulthood. An exaggerated "warm up" effect was also observed in FXS. This study delineates the complex profile of social avoidance, a common and impairing behavioral feature of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, 220 Barnwell College, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Hayley Crawford
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Abigail L Hogan
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, 220 Barnwell College, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Amanda Fairchild
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, 220 Barnwell College, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Bridgette Tonnsen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Alexis Brewe
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, 220 Barnwell College, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Shannon O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, 220 Barnwell College, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Douglas A Roberts
- Center for Leadership in Disability, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and MIND Institute, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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15
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Kyne RF, Barrett AR, Brown LM, Paul MJ. Prepubertal ovarian inhibition of Light/Dark Box exploration and novel object investigation in juvenile Siberian hamsters. Horm Behav 2019; 115:104559. [PMID: 31310759 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The overwhelming majority of research on the role of gonadal hormones in behavioral development has focused on perinatal, pubertal, or adult life stages. The juvenile period has been overlooked because it is thought to be a time of gonadal quiescence. In the present study, we tested whether prepubertal gonadectomy impacts the behavior of male and female juvenile hamsters on the Light/Dark Box, Novel Object, and Social Approach tests (Experiment 1) and compared these findings to those obtained after adult gonadectomy (Experiment 2). Prepubertal ovariectomy increased exploration (i.e. time spent in the light zone of the Light/Dark Box) and novel object investigation of juveniles indicating an inhibitory role for the juvenile ovary; social approach was unaffected. In contrast, adult ovariectomy and castration (both prepubertal and adult) had no effect on any behavioral measure. Experiment 3 tested whether rearing hamsters in a short day length (SD), which delays puberty in this species, extends the interval of juvenile ovarian inhibition on exploration and novelty seeking. We also tested whether provision of estradiol reverses the effects of prepubertal ovariectomy. Hormonal manipulations and behavioral tests of Experiment 3 were conducted at ages when long day-reared hamsters are adult (as in Experiment 2), but SD-reared hamsters remain reproductively immature. Ovariectomy again increased exploration in the SD-reared juveniles despite the older age of surgery and testing. Estradiol treatment had no effect. These findings reveal a novel role for the juvenile ovary in exploration and novelty seeking that is unlikely to be mediated exclusively by estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Kyne
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA; Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - A R Barrett
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - L M Brown
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - M J Paul
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA; Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA; Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior Program, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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16
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Park E, Elidrissi A, Schuller-Levis G, Chadman KK. Taurine Partially Improves Abnormal Anxiety in Taurine-Deficient Mice. Adv Exp Med Biol 2019; 1155:905-921. [PMID: 31468456 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8023-5_76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Taurine is abundant in various tissues including the brain, muscle, heart, spleen, liver and kidney with various physiological functions. Since taurine is produced by cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) in the liver and kidney, taurine-deficient mice without CSAD have been investigated for abnormal physiological functions such as retinal development, immune, pancreatic and liver function. In this study, the behavioral effects and abnormal brain development caused by low taurine in the developing brain were examined. In neonatal brains of homozygous CSAD knockout mice (HO), taurine was reduced by 85%, compared to wild-type mice (WT). Taurine was reduced by 35% in the brains of 2 month-old HO, compared to WT. Anxiety, motor coordination and autistic-like behaviors were evaluated at 2 months of age using five behavioral tests: elevated plus maze, open field, social approach, marble burying and accelerating rotarod. Mice were tested from 3 groups including WT, HO and HO with oral treatment of 0.2% taurine in the drinking water (HOT). HOT were born from HO dams treated with taurine from before pregnancy and were continuously treated with taurine in the drinking water after weaning. The taurine levels in the brain and plasma of HOT were restored to WT at 2 months of age. Taurine-deficiency did not lead to changes in autistic-like behaviors as the HO were not significantly different from WT in marble burying and social approach. However, taurine-deficiency increased anxiety-like behavior in HO in the elevated plus maze and open field, compared to WT. Taurine treatment significantly restored the HOT to WT levels of anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze. However, changes in exploratory activity in the open field were not improved with taurine treatment. There was a slight difference in motor ability as the WT mice stayed on the accelerating rotarod longer that the HO and HOT, but the difference was significant in the HOT during the first trial only, compared to WT.These data support hypothesis that taurine is essential for the emotional development of the brain. First, taurine is remarkably low in the neonatal brain of HO, compared to the adult brain of HO. Second, taurine treatment in HO partially improves anxiety-like behavior to WT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyue Park
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA.
| | - Abdeslem Elidrissi
- Department of Biological Science, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Georgia Schuller-Levis
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn K Chadman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
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17
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Leung C, Kim JC, Jia Z. Three-chamber Social Approach Task with Optogenetic Stimulation (Mice). Bio Protoc 2018; 8:e3120. [PMID: 34532561 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of social relationships via social interactions and memory are essential for one's physical and mental health. To date, rodent studies have used the three-chamber social approach test to measure social approach, social novelty, and social memory. In recent years, techniques including optogenetics have been developed to acutely control the activity of genetically defined populations of neurons. Recent studies have even combined optogenetics with advanced temporal gene expression control systems to label certain populations of neurons during learning and subsequently reactivated for memory testing. We combined optogenetic targeting with the three-chamber social approach test to examine particular neural circuits of interest during social memory encoding or retrieval. First, we stereotaxically infected specific brain areas with viral-encoding opsins that acutely activate or inhibit the firing of the neurons. Next, we subjected the mice to the three-chamber behavioral paradigm while delivering light during social memory encoding or retrieval. Lastly, the mice were tested with the delivery of light in a counter-balanced manner which allows each subject to be its own internal control. Thus, the optogenetic stimulation coupled with the three-chamber social approach test is a well-validated paradigm to explore the contribution of diverse brain circuits in various social cognition processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Leung
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jun Chul Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhengping Jia
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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18
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Tonnsen B, Scherr J, Reisinger D, Roberts J. Behavioral Markers of Emergent Stranger Anxiety in Infants and Toddlers with Fragile X Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 47:3646-3658. [PMID: 28856552 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3270-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Studying anxiety in neurogenetic syndromes may inform the intersection of biological and developmental risks, facilitating effective and targeted interventions. We longitudinally examined stranger fear in infants and toddlers with fragile X syndrome (FXS; n = 46) and typical controls (n = 33), as well as associations between observed stranger fear and rating scales of anxiety, withdrawal and autism features within FXS. Results indicated atypical facial fear in FXS, although facial fear did not index anxiety, autistic symptoms or social withdrawal. Instead, lower withdrawal was associated with decreased distress vocalizations across age, and higher autistic symptoms were associated with lower intensity escape behaviors. Early stranger fear in FXS reflects both typical and atypical dimensions and may help index emergence of social anxiety in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette Tonnsen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA
| | - Jessica Scherr
- Child Development Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA
| | - Debra Reisinger
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA
| | - Jane Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA.
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19
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Vasconcelos M, Stein DJ, Albrechet-Souza L, Miczek KA, de Almeida RMM. Recovery of stress-impaired social behavior by an antagonist of the CRF binding protein, CRF 6-33, in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of male rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 357-358:104-110. [PMID: 29330004 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Social stress is recognized to promote the development of neuropsychiatric and mood disorders. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is an important neuropeptide activated by social stress, and it contributes to neural and behavioral adaptations, as indicated by impaired social interactions and anhedonic effects. Few studies have focused on the role of the CRF binding protein (CRFBP), a component of the CRF system, and its activity in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), a limbic structure connecting amygdala and hypothalamus. In this study, animals' preference for sweet solutions was examined as an index of stress-induced anhedonic responses in Wistar rats subjected to four brief intermittent episodes of social defeat. Next, social approach was assessed after local infusions of the CRFBP antagonist, CRF fragment 6-33 (CRF6-33) into the BNST. The experience of brief episodes of social defeat impaired social approach behaviors in male rats. However, intra-BNST CRF6-33 infusions restored social approach in stressed animals to the levels of non-stressed rats. CRF6-33 acted selectively on social interaction and did not alter general exploration in nether stressed nor non-stressed rats. These findings suggest that BNST CRFBP is involved in the modulation of anxiety-like responses induced by social stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mailton Vasconcelos
- Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Dirson J Stein
- Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Albrechet-Souza
- Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Klaus A Miczek
- Department of Psychology and Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rosa Maria M de Almeida
- Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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20
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Engelhardt K-, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Mapping trait-like socio-affective phenotypes in rats through 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:83-98. [PMID: 28971233 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4746-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Fifty-kilohertz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in rats are believed to express inter-individual differences in trait-like positive affective phenotypes. Emission of 50-kHz USV can be induced by amphetamine (AMPH) to model mania-like positive affect, raising the possibility that predispositions for high 50-kHz USV production confer susceptibility to mania-like states. Such 50-kHz USV presumably express the sender's motivation for social contact and elicit social approach behavior in receivers. OBJECTIVES We recently showed that AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV are paralleled by mania-like patterns of enhanced social approach behavior towards playback of 50-kHz USV. Here, we assessed whether these AMPH effects are dependent on trait-like inter-individual differences in 50-kHz USV production. METHODS To this aim, we subdivided juvenile rats into those emitting low (LC) and high (HC) rates of baseline 50-kHz USV and compared them across four AMPH dosage conditions: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mg/kg. RESULTS HC rats were considerably more susceptible to AMPH in inducing 50-kHz USV than LC rats, consistently across all examined doses. They further appeared to attribute more incentive salience to signals of rewarding social contact, as evidenced by enhanced social approach behavior towards 50-kHz USV playback, a response pattern also seen in LC rats after receiving AMPH treatment. HC but not LC rats emitted aversive 22-kHz USV following 50-kHz USV playback, indicating increased proneness to experience negative affective states if no actual social consequence followed the incentive signal. CONCLUSION Inter-individual differences in 50-kHz USV map onto a unique trait-like socio-affective phenotype associated with enhanced emotional reactivity towards social and non-social reward, possibly conferring risk to mania-like states.
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Abstract
RATIONALE Fifty-kilohertz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in rats are believed to express inter-individual differences in trait-like positive affective phenotypes. Emission of 50-kHz USV can be induced by amphetamine (AMPH) to model mania-like positive affect, raising the possibility that predispositions for high 50-kHz USV production confer susceptibility to mania-like states. Such 50-kHz USV presumably express the sender's motivation for social contact and elicit social approach behavior in receivers. OBJECTIVES We recently showed that AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV are paralleled by mania-like patterns of enhanced social approach behavior towards playback of 50-kHz USV. Here, we assessed whether these AMPH effects are dependent on trait-like inter-individual differences in 50-kHz USV production. METHODS To this aim, we subdivided juvenile rats into those emitting low (LC) and high (HC) rates of baseline 50-kHz USV and compared them across four AMPH dosage conditions: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mg/kg. RESULTS HC rats were considerably more susceptible to AMPH in inducing 50-kHz USV than LC rats, consistently across all examined doses. They further appeared to attribute more incentive salience to signals of rewarding social contact, as evidenced by enhanced social approach behavior towards 50-kHz USV playback, a response pattern also seen in LC rats after receiving AMPH treatment. HC but not LC rats emitted aversive 22-kHz USV following 50-kHz USV playback, indicating increased proneness to experience negative affective states if no actual social consequence followed the incentive signal. CONCLUSION Inter-individual differences in 50-kHz USV map onto a unique trait-like socio-affective phenotype associated with enhanced emotional reactivity towards social and non-social reward, possibly conferring risk to mania-like states.
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Affiliation(s)
- K -Alexander Engelhardt
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
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22
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Sungur AÖ, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Behavioral phenotypes and neurobiological mechanisms in the Shank1 mouse model for autism spectrum disorder: A translational perspective. Behav Brain Res 2017; 352:46-61. [PMID: 28963042 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by early-onset deficits in social behavior and communication across multiple contexts, together with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is among the most heritable neuropsychiatric conditions with heritability estimates higher than 80%, and while available evidence points to a complex set of genetic factors, the SHANK (also known as ProSAP) gene family has emerged as one of the most promising candidates. Several genetic Shank mouse models for ASD were generated, including Shank1 knockout mice. Behavioral studies focusing on the Shank1 knockout mouse model for ASD included assays for detecting ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes in the following domains: (I) social behavior, (II) communication, and (III) repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. In addition, assays for detecting behavioral phenotypes with relevance to comorbidities in ASD were performed, including but not limited to (IV) cognitive functioning. Here, we summarize and discuss behavioral and neuronal findings obtained in the Shank1 knockout mouse model for ASD. We identify open research questions by comparing such findings with the symptoms present in humans diagnosed with ASD and carrying SHANK1 deletions. We conclude by discussing the implications of the behavioral and neuronal phenotypes displayed by the Shank1 knockout mouse model for the development of future pharmacological interventions in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Özge Sungur
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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23
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Radke S, Volman I, Kokal I, Roelofs K, de Bruijn ERA, Toni I. Oxytocin reduces amygdala responses during threat approach. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 79:160-6. [PMID: 28285187 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin reduces amygdala responses to threatening social stimuli in males and has been suggested to facilitate approach-related processing by either decreasing anxiety or intensifying salience. The current administration study tested whether oxytocin either reduces or enhances amygdala responses during threat approach in a placebo-controlled randomized, double-blind, between-subjects design with 52 healthy males undergoing fMRI during a social approach-avoidance task. Oxytocin decreased amygdala activation during threat approach and not during threat avoidance. This neural effect supports oxytocin's social anxiolytic effects and provides a neuroendocrine mechanism promoting social approach. The findings may yield clinical implications for individuals suffering from dysregulations of social approach such as patients with anxiety disorders.
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Cai Y, Wang L, Xiao R, Li X, He X, Gao J, Xu H, Fan X. Autism-like behavior in the BTBR mouse model of autism is improved by propofol. Neuropharmacology 2017; 118:175-87. [PMID: 28341205 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms of impaired social interactions, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Recent studies in humans and animal-models suggest that reduced GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain may underlie autism-related behavioral symptoms. It has been shown that propofol, a commonly used anesthetic, facilitates γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission. The present study investigated whether propofol improved autistic phenotypes in BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model of idiopathic autism. We found that i.p. injection of propofol in BTBR mice significantly improved aspects of social approach and repetitive behaviors without affecting reciprocal social interactions and without any detrimental effects in C57BL/6J mice. The ability of propofol to improve autistic phenotypes in BTBR mice through GABAergic neurotransmission suggests a potential pharmacological target for interventions to treat symptoms of autism.
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Kazdoba TM, Hagerman RJ, Zolkowska D, Rogawski MA, Crawley JN. Evaluation of the neuroactive steroid ganaxolone on social and repetitive behaviors in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:309-23. [PMID: 26525567 PMCID: PMC4703522 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Abnormalities in excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission are hypothesized to contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) etiology. BTBR T (+) Itpr3 (tf) /J (BTBR), an inbred mouse strain, displays social deficits and repetitive self-grooming, offering face validity to ASD diagnostic symptoms. Reduced GABAergic neurotransmission in BTBR suggests that GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) could improve ASD-relevant BTBR phenotypes. The neuroactive steroid ganaxolone acts as a PAM, displaying anticonvulsant properties in rodent epilepsy models and an anxiolytic-like profile in the elevated plus-maze. OBJECTIVES We evaluated ganaxolone in BTBR and C57BL/6J mice in standardized assays for sociability and repetitive behaviors. Open field and anxiety-related behaviors were tested as internal controls and for comparison with the existing neuroactive steroid literature. RESULTS Ganaxolone improved aspects of social approach and reciprocal social interactions in BTBR, with no effect on repetitive self-grooming, and no detrimental effects in C57BL/6J. Ganaxolone increased overall exploratory activity in BTBR and C57BL/6J in the open field, social approach, and elevated plus-maze, introducing a confound for the interpretation of social improvements. Allopregnanolone and diazepam similarly increased total entries in the elevated plus-maze, indicating that behavioral activation may be a general property of GABAA receptor PAMs in these strains. CONCLUSIONS Ganaxolone shows promise for improving sociability. In addition, ganaxolone, as well as other GABAA receptor PAMs, enhanced overall BTBR activity. The translational implications of specific sociability improvements and nonspecific behavioral activation by ganaxolone in the BTBR model remain to be determined. Future studies to explore whether PAMs provide a novel profile with unique benefits for ASD treatment will be worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- MIND Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Zolkowska
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Rogawski
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
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Newman EL, Smith KS, Takahashi A, Chu A, Hwa LS, Chen Y, DeBold JF, Rudolph U, Miczek KA. α2-containing GABA(A) receptors: a requirement for midazolam-escalated aggression and social approach in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:4359-69. [PMID: 26381154 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are prescribed to reduce anxiety, agitation, and muscle spasms and for their sedative-hypnotic and anticonvulsant effects. Under specific conditions, BZDs escalate aggression in some individuals. Specific effects of BZDs have been linked to the α-subunit subtype composition of GABAA receptors. OBJECTIVES Point-mutated mice rendered selectively insensitive to BZDs at α1-, α2-, or α3-containing GABAA receptors were used to determine which α-subunit subtypes are necessary for BZDs to escalate aggression and social approach and to reduce fear-motivated behavior. METHODS During resident-intruder confrontations, male wild-type (WT) and point-mutated α1(H101R), α2(H101R), and α3(H126R) mice were treated with midazolam (0-1.7 mg/kg, i.p.) and evaluated for aggression in an unfamiliar environment. Separate midazolam-treated WT and point-mutated mice were assessed for social approach toward a female or investigated in a 6-day fear-potentiated startle procedure. RESULTS Moderate doses of midazolam (0.3-0.56 mg/kg, i.p.) escalated aggression in WT and α3(H126R) mutants and increased social approach in WT and α1(H101R) mice. The highest dose of midazolam (1.0 mg/kg) reduced fear-potentiated startle responding. All mice were sensitive to the sedative effect of midazolam (1.7 mg/kg) except α1(H101R) mutants. CONCLUSIONS Midazolam requires BZD-sensitive α1- and α2-containing GABAA receptors in order to escalate aggression and α2- and α3-containing receptors to reduce social anxiety-like behavior. GABAA receptors containing the α1-subunit are crucial for BZD-induced sedation, while α2-containing GABAA receptors may be a shared site of action for the pro-aggressive and anxiolytic effects of BZDs.
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Bernard PB, Castano AM, Beitzel CS, Carlson VB, Benke TA. Behavioral changes following a single episode of early-life seizures support the latent development of an autistic phenotype. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 44:78-85. [PMID: 25659043 PMCID: PMC4405461 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We probed the developmental and behavioral consequences of a single episode of kainic acid-induced early-life seizures (KA-ELS) in the rat on postnatal day 7. Correlates of developmental trajectory were not altered, demonstrating that long-term consequences following KA-ELS are not initiated by secondary causes, such as malnourishment or alterations in maternal care. We report reduced marble burying in adult rats, suggestive of restricted interests, a trait common to experimental and clinical autism. We did not detect increased repetitive grooming during habituated cage behavior. However, we did detect reduced grooming in adult KA-ELS rats in the presence of an unfamiliar rat, supporting altered social anxiety following KA-ELS. Reanalysis of a social approach task further indicated abnormal social interactions. Taken together with previous physiological and behavioral data, these data support the hypothesis that KA-ELS lead to a latent autistic phenotype in adult rats not attributable to other early alterations in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Bernard
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, USA
| | - Anna M Castano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, USA
| | - Christy S Beitzel
- Department of Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, USA
| | - Vivian B Carlson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, USA
| | - Tim A Benke
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, USA; Department of Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, USA.
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Inagaki TK, Muscatell KA, Irwin MR, Moieni M, Dutcher JM, Jevtic I, Breen EC, Eisenberger NI. The role of the ventral striatum in inflammatory-induced approach toward support figures. Brain Behav Immun 2015; 44:247-52. [PMID: 25459101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although considerable research has shown that inflammation leads to social withdrawal more generally, it is also possible that inflammation leads to social approach when it comes to close others. Whereas it may be adaptive to withdraw from strangers when sick, it may be beneficial to seek out close others for assistance, protection, or care when sick. However, this possibility has never been explored in humans nor have the neural substrates of these behavioral changes. Based on the role of the ventral striatum (VS) in responding to: (1) the anticipation of and motivation to approach rewarding outcomes and (2) viewing social support figures, the VS may also be involved in sickness-induced approach toward support figures. Thus, the goal of the present study was to examine whether inflammation leads to a greater desire to approach support figures and greater VS activity to viewing support figures. To examine this, 63 participants received either placebo or low-dose endotoxin, which safely triggers an inflammatory response. Participants reported how much they desired to be around a self-identified support figure, and viewed pictures of that support figure while undergoing an fMRI scan to assess reward-related neural activity. In line with hypotheses, endotoxin (vs. placebo) led participants to report a greater desire to be around their support figure. In addition, endotoxin (vs. placebo) led to greater VS activity to images of support figures (vs. strangers), and greater increases in inflammation (IL-6 levels) were associated with greater increases in VS activity. Together, these results reveal a possible neural mechanism important for sickness-induced social approach and highlight the need for a more nuanced view of changes in social behavior during sickness.
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Weidner KL, Buenaventura DF, Chadman KK. Mice over-expressing BDNF in forebrain neurons develop an altered behavioral phenotype with age. Behav Brain Res 2014; 268:222-8. [PMID: 24768643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Evidence from clinical studies suggests that abnormal activity of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) contributes to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). A genetically modified line of mice over-expressing a BDNF transgene in forebrain neurons was used to investigate if this mutation leads to changes in behavior consistent with ASD. The mice used in these experiments were behaviorally tested past 5 months of age when spontaneous seizures were evident. These seizures were not observed in age-matched wildtype (WT) mice or younger mice from this transgenic line. The BDNF mice in these experiments weighed less than their WT littermates. The BDNF transgenic (BDNF-tg) mice demonstrated similar levels of sociability in the social approach test. Conversely, the BDNF-tg mice demonstrated less obsessive compulsive-like behavior in the marble burying test, less anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test, and less depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. Changes in behavior were found in these older mice that have not been observed in younger mice from this transgenic line, which may be due to the development of seizures as the mice age. These mice do not have an ASD phenotype but may be useful to study adult onset epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Weidner
- City University of New York, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
| | - Diego F Buenaventura
- City University of New York, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
| | - Kathryn K Chadman
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
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Lukas M, Neumann ID. Social preference and maternal defeat-induced social avoidance in virgin female rats: sex differences in involvement of brain oxytocin and vasopressin. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 234:101-7. [PMID: 24709115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research concerning non-reproductive sociability in rodents is mainly restricted to assessing the effects of oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) in male rats and mice. Comparable studies on natural social preference and social avoidance in females are substantially lacking. NEW METHOD Here, we adapted a behavioral paradigm for monitoring social preference of female rats consisting of two consecutive exposures to either non-social or social stimuli. Further, to induce stimulus-specific social avoidance, female rats were exposed to a single 10-min maternal defeat by a lactating dam. RESULTS Social preference towards same-sex conspecifics in female rats was shown to be independent of the estrous cycle and even more pronounced than in male rats. Intracerebroventricular (icv) application of OXT, AVP, or their selective receptor antagonists or agonists, did not alter naturally-occurring social preference in female rats. Stimulus-specific social avoidance could be induced by prior exposure to a lactating rat: an effect that could not be reversed/overcome by icv OXT. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) The female social preference paradigm for rats established in this study detected subtle sex differences in social preference behavior of rats. Further, stimulus-specific social deficits could be induced in female rats using an acute exposure to social defeat - as previously observed in male rodents. CONCLUSIONS Female rats show strong social preference behavior, which can be prevented by social defeat, but does not seem to be regulated by the OXT or AVP systems. Accordingly, icv application of synthetic OXT does not reverse maternal defeat-induced social avoidance in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lukas
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Kingsbury MA, Miller KM, Goodson JL. VPAC receptor signaling modulates grouping behavior and social responses to contextual novelty in a gregarious finch: a role for a putative prefrontal cortex homologue. Horm Behav 2013; 64:511-8. [PMID: 23899763 PMCID: PMC3864561 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In both mammals and birds, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neurons and fibers are present in virtually every brain area that is important for social behavior. VIP influences aggression in birds, social recognition in rodents, and prolactin secretion in both taxa, but other possible functions in social modulation remain little explored. VIP effects are mediated by VPAC receptors, which bind both VIP and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide. Within the lateral septum and medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, VPAC receptors are found at higher densities in gregarious finch species relative to territorial species, suggesting that VPAC receptor activation promotes social contact and/or preference for larger groups. Here we here test this hypothesis in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), and also examine the relevance of VPAC receptors to anxiety-like processes. Intraventricular infusions of the VPAC receptor antagonist, neurotensin6-11 mouseVIP7-28, strongly reduce social contact when animals are tested in a novel environment, and exert sex-specific effects on grouping behavior. Specifically, VPAC receptor antagonism reduces gregariousness in females but increases gregariousness in males. Interestingly, VPAC antagonism in the medial pallium (putative prefrontal cortex homologue) significantly reduces gregariousness in both sexes, suggesting site-specific effects of VIP signaling. However, VPAC antagonism does not modulate novel-familiar social preferences in a familiar environment or general anxiety-like behaviors. The current results suggest that endogenous activation of VPAC receptors promotes social contact under novel environmental conditions, a function that may be accentuated in gregarious species. Moreover, endogenous VIP modulates gregariousness in both males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcy A Kingsbury
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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Meeker HC, Chadman KK, Heaney AT, Carp RI. Assessment of social interaction and anxiety-like behavior in senescence-accelerated-prone and -resistant mice. Physiol Behav 2013; 118:97-102. [PMID: 23672852 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Two members of the senescence-accelerated mouse group, SAMP8 and SAMP10, are characterized by learning and memory deficits, while the SAMR1 strain is not. In this study, we used two behavioral tests, social approach and object recognition and compared the results observed for the SAMP strains with those seen in the control strain, SAMR1. In social approach experiments, the 2 SAMP strains showed decreased sociability compared to SAMR1 as shown by their reluctance to spend time near a stranger mouse and increased immobility. In object recognition experiments, SAMP strains spent more time in the thigmotaxis zone and less time in the more exposed central zone than SAMR1 mice. From a behavioral standpoint, SAMP mice were less interactive and showed increased anxiety-like behavior compared to SAMR1.
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Lukas M, Neumann ID. Oxytocin and vasopressin in rodent behaviors related to social dysfunctions in autism spectrum disorders. Behav Brain Res 2012; 251:85-94. [PMID: 22981649 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and social anxiety disorder involve various forms of social deficits like impaired affiliative behavior, social cognition and social approach. Although the neurobiological underpinnings of these disorders are largely unknown, rodent and human studies suggest an involvement of the evolutionary highly conserved oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP), as these neuropeptides modulate various aspects of mammalian social behaviors. In this review we summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of brain OXT and AVP in rodent social behaviors related to social dysfunctions in ASD. Starting with an introduction into the neurobiology of the central OXT and AVP systems (neuroanatomy, central release, receptor distribution) we describe the distinct roles OXT and AVP play in basic social behaviors in rodents, i.e. affiliative behavior (pair-bonding and maternal behavior), social cognition (social memory), and social approach (social preference or social avoidance). The regulatory capacity of OXT and AVP to modulate social behaviors in various rodent species implies a high translational potential, in particular that dys-regulations in the brain neuropeptide systems may underlie social dysfunctions in ASD. It also suggests that the brain OXT and AVP systems are promising pharmacotherapeutic targets to improve social behaviors and to reverse social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lukas
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
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