Abstract
Social isolation poses a severe mental and physiological burden on humans. Most animal models that investigate this effect are based on prolonged isolation, which does not mimic the milder conditions experienced by people in the real world. We show that in adult male rats, acute social isolation causes social memory loss. This memory loss is accompanied by significant changes in the expression of specific mRNAs and proteins in the medial amygdala, a brain structure that is crucial for social memory. These changes particularly involve the neurotrophic signaling and axon guidance pathways that are associated with neuronal network remodeling. Upon regrouping, memory returns, and most molecular changes are reversed within hours. However, the expression of some genes, especially those associated with neurodegenerative diseases remain modified for at least a day longer. These results suggest that acute social isolation and rapid resocialization, as experienced by millions during the COVID-19 pandemic, are sufficient to induce significant changes to neuronal networks, some of which may be pathological.
Highlights
The survival and success of individuals of gregarious mammalian species depend on their ability to form social interactions [1]
Social isolation and regrouping differentially affect gene expression in the medial nucleus of the amygdala (MeA) In order to study the effect of acute social isolation on the MeA, we used a behavioral social recognition memory (SRM) model, whereby we measured the time spent by an adult male Sprague Dawley rat (n = 10) housed in group housing (G) in exploring a same-sex juvenile upon a second encounter (E2)
We have previously demonstrated a severe impairment in SRM of adult rats within just 24 h of social isolation, which is rapidly reversed following regrouping [24]
Summary
The survival and success of individuals of gregarious mammalian species depend on their ability to form social interactions [1]. These individuals usually habitat in social structures and their wellbeing and survival are threatened by social isolation [2,3,4]. It is not surprising that in humans, among the most social species on earth [5, 6], real or perceived social isolation is associated with compromised health and increased mortality rates [7, 8]. Social isolation affects mental health [9] and is associates with higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [10,11,12]. The recent ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions around the world into repeated social isolation periods ranging from several weeks to months [18], a situation which may reoccur in future pandemics
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