Behavioral Alterations Research Articles

Ascendancy of Folk Tales on Children’s Cognitive Skills: a Behavioral Perspective

India is a nation rich in cultural diversity. Every culture has a unique way of knowing things. All of India's major languages have seen a significant increase in interest in the gathering, preservation, analysis, and study of folk literature since the country's independence. Every civilization's language and culture are fundamentally shaped by its folk literature. Folk literature, sometimes referred to as oral tradition or folklore, is the customary knowledge and beliefs of non-written societies. This essay demonstrates how folktales affect children's cognitive development. It also looks at the alterations in behaviour that take place. Fairy tales not only aid in a child's growth but also offer a multitude of therapeutic uses. This gives a fantastic way to get into children's imaginations through the investigation of fairy tale recollections and the nonthreatening, entertaining application of these too painful or frightening events. For instance, the struggle between good and evil is a recurring theme in fairy tales all throughout the world.

Brivaracetam and rufinamide combination increased seizure threshold and improved neurobehavioral deficits in corneal kindling model of epilepsy.

Besides seizures, a myriad of overlapping neuropsychiatric and cognitive comorbidities occur in patients with epilepsy, which further debilitates their quality of life. This study provides an in-depth characterization of the impact of brivaracetam and rufinamide individually and in combination at 10 and 20 mg/kg doses, respectively, on corneal kindling-induced generalized seizures and behavioral alterations. Furthermore, observed convulsive frequency and behavioral changes were correlated to post-kindling-induced changes in the activity of markers of oxidative stress. Adult C57BL/6 mice were kindled via twice-daily transcorneal 50-Hz electrical stimulations (3 mA) for 3 s for 12 days until animals reached a fully kindled state. After the kindling procedure, animals were tested using a set of behavioral tests, and neurochemical alterations were assessed. Corneal-kindled animals exhibited intense generalized convulsions, altered behavioral phenotypes typified by positive symptoms (hyperlocomotion), negative symptoms (anxiety and anhedonia), and deficits in semantic and working memory. BRV 10 + RFM 20 dual regime increased convulsive threshold and propensity toward the start of stage 4-5 seizures and improved phenotypical deficits, that is, anxiety, depression, and memory impairments. Moreover, this combination therapy mitigated kindling-induced redox impairments as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde and acetylcholinesterase levels and increased glutathione antioxidant activity in the brain of animals subjected to repetitive brain insult. Based on our outcomes, this dual therapy provides supporting evidence in alleviating epilepsy-induced neurobehavioral comorbidities and changes in redox homeostasis.

Biomonitoring emerging hazards of pharmaceuticals in river water using gut microbiome and behavioural Daphnia magna responses

A cost-effective Daphnia magna testing framework was applied to identify emerging hazards such as neurological and cardiovascular defects as well as antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs), related to pharmaceuticals present in waste water treated (WWTP) effluent discharged into rivers. D. magna juveniles were exposed during 48 h to water samples from three rivers in the vicinity of Barcelona (NE Spain), Besós, Llobregat and Onyar, upstream and downstream of WWTP discharging points. The analyses included measuring levels of 80 pharmaceutical residues in water samples by HPLC-MS, determination of the loads of different clinically relevant antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in both water samples and exposed animals, and assessment of toxic effects in feeding, heartbeat responses, and behavioural indicators. ARG prevalence in water, but not in gut microbiomes, was associated with the presence of bactericides in water. These results suggest that their levels were high enough to put a selective pressure over river microbial populations, but that Daphnia guts were not easily populated by environmental bacteria. Toxic effects were found in 20–43% of water samples, depending on the river, and related to water quality parameters and to pollutant levels. For example, heartbeats were correlated with salinity, whereas feeding impairment did so with high loads of suspended solids. In contrast, behavioural alterations were associated to the concentration of neuroactive chemicals. Accordingly, we hypothesize that measured neuroactive chemicals have caused the observed effects. If this also applies to local invertebrate populations, the environmental consequences may be severe and unpredictable.

Neuronal connectivity, behavioral, and transcriptional alterations associated with the loss of MARK2.

Neuronal connectivity is essential for adaptive brain responses and can be modulated by dendritic spine plasticity and the intrinsic excitability of individual neurons. Dysregulation of these processes can lead to aberrant neuronal activity, which has been associated with numerous neurological disorders including autism, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal neuronal connectivity remain unclear. We previously found that the serine/threonine kinase Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase 2 (MARK2), also known as Partitioning Defective 1b (Par1b), is important for the formation of dendritic spines invitro. However, despite its genetic association with several neurological disorders, the invivo impact of MARK2 on neuronal connectivity and cognitive functions remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of MARK2 invivo results in changes to dendritic spine morphology, which in turn leads to a decrease in excitatory synaptic transmission. Additionally, the loss of MARK2 produces substantial impairments in learning and memory, reduced anxiety, and defective social behavior. Notably, MARK2 deficiency results in heightened seizure susceptibility. Consistent with this observation, electrophysiological analysis of hippocampal slices indicates underlying neuronal hyperexcitability in MARK2-deficient neurons. Finally, RNAseq analysis reveals transcriptional changes in genes regulating synaptic transmission and ion homeostasis. These results underscore the invivo role of MARK2 in governing synaptic connectivity, neuronal excitability, and cognitive functions.

Nanoparticle Clustering in Supraparticles to Control Magnetic Long‐Range Interactions

AbstractTo tailor superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to the specific needs of diverse application fields, it is essential to understand not only their intrinsic properties but also their interactions with each other. Theoretical models predicting/explaining the magnetization behavior of macroscopic samples containing millions of SPIONs are intricate due to the complexity of the underlying relaxation mechanisms in alternating fields. This study introduces supraparticles (SPs) as model architectures to empirically investigate magnetic interactions within and between large SPION clusters (>100 nanoparticles (NPs)). For this purpose, NP dispersions containing SPIONs and silica (SiO2)NPs as non‐magnetic building blocks are spray‐dried to form binary SPs. Selective salt‐induced agglomeration of the two building block types before spray‐drying is utilized to tailor SP architectures, including control over SPION cluster size, shape, and proximity. Magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS), operating under ambient conditions, reveals altered magnetization behavior for different cluster structures. Not only the nearest SPION neighbors, but the whole cluster structure up to several micrometers is decisive for the magnetization behavior. This highlights the importance of long‐range magnetic interactions. This work presents a versatile approach for designing model architectures to advance empirical interaction studies between SPIONs in macroscopic samples.

The Role of Digital Startups in Addressing Shifts in Fashion Consumer Behavior

This research paper explores the role of digital startups in addressing the evolving consumer behavior within the fashion industry. The paper first uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a conceptual framework to analyze the various factors that influence consumer purchasing decisions in the aforementioned industry before evaluating how the increasing impact of digital transformation and advanced technologies, coupled with a rising emphasis on sustainability, has significantly altered fashion consumer behavior. The latter half of the paper entails case studies of innovative digital startups such as DressX and the Metaverse Fashion Week hosted on Decentraland to understand how these companies are responding to and shaping the future of fashion by addressing these emerging consumer needs. The findings underscore the pivotal role of digital startups in fostering innovation and offering consumers more accessible, convenient, and sustainable fashion experiences.

Differential temporal decline of cerebral oxytocin and μ-opioid receptor density during the aging process in mice.

Aging is often associated with changes in social, sexual, emotional and pain functioning, as well as with the increased prevalence of certain psychopathologies. However, the neurodevelopmental basis underpinning these age-related changes remains to be determined. Considering the key roles of oxytocin (OTR) and μ-opioid (MOPr) receptor systems in regulating social, sexual, pain, reward and emotional processing, it seems plausible that they are also implicated in age-related behavioural alterations. Although the ontogeny of both receptors has been well characterized in rodent brains from early development till adulthood, little is known concerning the neuroadaptations occurring from middle age to old age. Therefore, we mapped the neuroadaptations in OTR and MOPr in the brains of mice at those developmental endpoints. Quantitative OTR and MOPr autoradiographic binding was carried out in the brains of male mice at 2, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months of age. A significant whole brain decline in OTR density was detected between 2 and 6months of age, with no additional decline thereafter. Interestingly, for MOPrs, the decline in density was not detected until 9months of age. Region-specific age-related decline in OTR density was concentrated in the lateral anterior olfactory nuclei (AOL) and, for MOPr, in the AOL and the nucleus accumbens for MOPr. Identifying the tipping point of these age-related variations in both receptors may assist with our understanding of the neurobiology underlining age-related changes in social, pain and emotional functioning/processing. It may also help us target interventions to specific developmental windows to abrogate certain age-related psychopathologies.

Cannabidiol partially rescues behavioral, neuroinflammatory and endocannabinoid dysfunctions stemming from maternal obesity in the adult offspring

Maternal obesity is known to increase the risk of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder in the offspring. While preventive measures are well-documented, practical approaches for addressing the damages once they are already established are limited. We have recently demonstrated the interplay between maternal obesity and treatment with cannabidiol (CBD) on neuroinflammation and peripheral metabolic disturbances during adolescence, however, it is known that both factors tend to vary throughout life. Therefore, here we investigated the potential of CBD to mitigate these alterations in the adult offspring of obese dams. Female Wistar rats were fed a cafeteria diet for 12 weeks prior to mating, and during gestation and lactation. Offspring received CBD (50 mg/kg) for 3 weeks from the 70th day of life. Behavioral tests assessed anxiety-like manifestations and social behavior, while neuroinflammatory and endocannabinoid markers were evaluated in the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, as well as the biochemical profile in the plasma. CBD treatment attenuated maternal obesity-induced anxiety-like and social behavioral alterations, restoring exacerbated astrocytic and microglial markers in the hypothalamus, PFC and hippocampus of the offspring, as well as endocannabinoid levels in the PFC, with notable sex differences. Additionally, CBD attenuated plasma glucose and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) concentrations in females. These findings underscore the persistent influence of maternal obesity on the offspring's health, encompassing metabolic irregularities and behavioral impairments, as well as the role of the endocannabinoid system in mediating these outcomes across the lifespan.

Phytocannabinoids restore seizure-induced alterations in emotional behaviour in male rats.

Epilepsy often presents with severe emotional comorbidities including anxiety and abnormal fear responses which impose a significant burden on, and reduce, quality of life in people living with the disease. Our lab has recently shown that kindled seizures lead to changes in emotional processing resulting from the downregulation of anandamide signalling within the amygdala. Phytocannabinoids derived from the Cannabis sativa plant have attracted a lot of interest as a new class of drugs with potential anticonvulsant effects. Among the wide number of compounds occurring in Cannabis sativa, Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the one responsible for its main psychoactive effects, and the nonpsychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) have been extensively examined under pre-clinical and clinical contexts to control seizures, however, neither have been assessed in the context of the management of emotional comorbidities associated with seizure activity. We used two behavioural procedures to assess anxiety- and fear-like responding in adult male Long-Evans rats: elevated plus maze and auditory fear conditioning. In agreement with previous reports, we found seizure-induced increases in anxiety- and fear-like responding. These effects were reversed by either CBD (vaporized) or THC (oral). We also found that antagonism of serotonin 1 A receptors prior to CBD exposure prevented its protective effects. Phytocannabinoids offer a novel and reliable opportunity to treat seizure induced comorbid emotional alterations.

Electronic effect in bromide-modified noble metal catalysts promotes highly stable and selective hydrogenation

Halides with strong affiliation to metals are traditionally viewed as positions in heterogeneous catalysis. This study introduces a method to enhance the selective hydrogenation performance of noble metal nanoparticle catalysts (Pd, Pt, and Rh hosted on N-doped carbon, SiO2, and Al2O3) by gas-phase bromination with 1-bromooctane. Brominated Pd catalysts, particularly those supported on N-doped carbon, show significant improvements in total butene selectivity and stability in butadiene hydrogenation reactions, displaying >97.5 % selectivity to total butenes at complete conversion with 50 h stable performance even at excessive H2 (H2:butadiene = 50) and a high temperature of 473 K. Comprehensive characterizations coupled with density functional theory calculations reveal that bromide species enhance selective hydrogenation by preferentially adsorbing at stepped Pd sites, altering reaction kinetics and preventing over-hydrogenation. Bromination influences reactant and intermediate adsorption, leading to increased competitive adsorption compared to pristine catalysts. Chemisorption studies on butadiene and 1-butene support altered kinetic behaviors post-bromination. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrate an increase in surface Pdδ+ species, owing to the electron-pulling character of nearby adsorbed bromide. In situ diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy with CO probe molecules confirms Br species adsorption at unsaturated Pd sites. Overall, the study provides an effective approach to tuning the electronic properties of metal catalysts and highlights the positive impact of bromination on improving the hydrogenation performance.

Manifestation of polystyrene microplastic accumulation in brain with emphasis on morphometric and histopathological changes in limbic areas of Swiss albino mice

The widespread problem of microplastic (MP) contamination is becoming a major threat to the globe. Although most of the research to date has concentrated on the physiological impacts of MPs exposure, a relatively new field of study is beginning to examine its effects on the behaviour and limbic regions of the brain. In this study, exposure to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) for acute and sub-chronic durations negatively affected cognition and induced anxiety-like behaviour in mice. PS-MPs were detected in vital organs of mice, including the brain, which induced neurobehavioural and pathological changes in the limbic system. Furthermore, morphometric analysis revealed a significant decrease in the total cell count in the Dentate Gyrus (DG) and Cornu Ammonis (CA) regions of the hippocampus. Signs of neuronal injury and dystrophic changes were observed in the cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus, potentially affecting anxiety and fear responses. Our study thus provides insight into the effect of PS-MPs on the neurobiology of the brain’s limbic system and related behavioural alterations.

Phase behavior analysis of methane confined in nanopores using molecular simulation

Interest in the phase behavior of hydrocarbons in shale reservoirs has grown in recent years. Petroleum fluid phase behavior has been observed to differ significantly between conventional reservoirs and shale reservoirs. Within shale reservoirs, notable surface-fluid interactions can lead to non-uniform molecule distribution and an alteration in fluid phase behavior, primarily caused by the existence of nano-scale porous materials. In this work, we study the phase behavior of methane in single cylindrical pore models. We apply the gauge Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo (gauge-GEMC) simulation technique to investigate the phase behavior of methane in 4–10 nm single nanopores and calculate the saturation pressures at various temperatures using the grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation technique. A shift in the phase diagram has been found for methane in nanopores. As pore size decreases, the shift becomes more significant.

Insight into the removal of nanoplastics and microplastics by physical, chemical, and biological techniques.

Plastic pollutants create health crises like physical damage to tissues, upset reproductive processes, altered behaviour, oxidative stress, neurological disorders, DNA damage, gene expression, and disrupt physiological functions, as the biosphere accumulates them inadvertently through the food web. Water resources have become the generic host of plastic wastes irrespective of their particle size, resulting in widespread distribution in aquatic environments. The pre-treatment step of the traditional water treatment process can easily remove coarse-sized plastic wastes. However, the fine plastic particles, with sizes ranging from nanometres to millimetres, are indifferent to the traditional water treatment. To address the escalating problems, the upgradation of different traditional physical, chemical, and biological remediation techniques offers a promising avenue for tackling tiny plastic particles from the water environment. Further, new techniques and hybrid incorporations to the existing water treatment techniques have been explored, specifically removing tiny plastic debris. A detailed understanding of the sources, fate, and impact of plastic wastes in the environment, as well as an evaluation of the above treatment techniques and their limitations and challenges, can only show the way for their upgradation, hybridization, and development of new techniques. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and techniques for the remediation of nanoplastics and microplastics.

Regulating the NMDA/NR2B signaling pathway mediates anticonvulsant, antineuroinflammation, and anti-oxidative stress effects of 1,3,benzothiazole derivative 1M in pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling in mice.

Periodic epileptic episodes are the hallmark of epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder. Research suggests a significant correlation between neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in a variety of neurological diseases, such as epilepsy. A substantial amount of evidence supports the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the progression of epilepsy. Although several lines of research have disclosed numerous biochemical effects of early seizures, its connection with disturbed NMDAR/NR2B subunit expression remains unclear. 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) is a vital scaffold with several biological activities, and its various substitutes show promising anti-inflammatory potential. The current study aimed to investigate the newly synthesized 1,3-(benzothiazole-2-sulfanyl)-1-(morpholine-4-yl)ethan-1-one (1M), a substituted MBT, for its neuroprotective potential in a mice model of pentylenetetrazole-induced epilepsy (PTZ), by modulating NMDA/NR2B pathway. The compound was tested for docking and simulation analysis, demonstrating a solid and stable bond with the NR2B subunit of NMDA. To ascertain the effects of 1M, as well as to further illustrate its mechanism of neuroprotection via NMDA/NR2B in PTZ-induced kindling model, mice of either sex were given two doses of test compound, 1M (10mg/kg and 20mg/kg). The behavioral assessments were evaluated using open-field, Y-maze, and elevated-plus maze tests, which indicated improved behavioral alterations caused by PTZ after 1M treatment. The antioxidant profiling was done by estimating glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and LPO (lipid peroxidation) in hippocampal tissues, where the test compound 1M significantly restored the depleted antioxidants, showcasing its antioxidant potential. Moreover, the cellular morphological damages induced by PTZ were detected by H&E staining, which was rescued after 1M administration. Furthermore, the activation of the inflammatory pathway was confirmed by quantitative analysis of inflammatory mediators tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and cylooxegenase2 (COX-2) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), where 1M administration significantly ameliorated their expression. Furthermore, to demonstrate the involvement of the NR2B pathway, NR2B-antagonist ifenprodil was employed, and results were further confirmed through RT-PCR analysis. Our results, when considered collectively, indicate that 1M may act by inhibiting the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor, subsequently mitigating downstream oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators through various pathways.

Exploring the effects of simulated microgravity on esophageal cancer cells: insights into morphological, growth behavior, adhesion, and genetic damage.

The exploration of microgravity has garnered substantial scholarly attention due to its potential to offer unique insights into the behavior of biological systems. This study presents a preliminary investigation into the effects of simulated microgravity on esophageal cancer cells, examining various aspects such as morphology, growth behavior, adhesion, inhibition rate, and DNA damage. To achieve this, a novel microgravity simulator named "Gravity Challenge" was utilized for its effectiveness in minimizing external influences that could compromise microgravity conditions. The international cell line SK-GT-4 was utilized as the focal point of this investigation. Results revealed noticeable alterations in the growth behavior of cancer cells following exposure to simulated microgravity for 24 h, characterized by a loss of adhesion properties compared to control cells. Concurrently, cell viability exhibited a decline, as evidenced by cytotoxicity testing. Furthermore, the comet assay test demonstrated that cells subjected to microgravity simulation experienced a higher incidence of DNA damage compared to their control counterparts. In conclusion, this comprehensive examination of the impact of simulated microgravity on esophageal cancer cells extends beyond morphological changes, delving into genetic implications through observed DNA damage. The diminished vitality of cells under microgravity conditions underscores the multifaceted effects on cellular behavior in response to environmental variations. These findings represent a significant step towards understanding the dynamics of cancer cells, laying the groundwork for future research aimed at identifying potential therapeutic strategies for this disease.

Pericyte ablation causes hypoactivity and reactive gliosis in adult mice

Capillary pericytes are important regulators of cerebral blood flow, blood–brain barrier integrity and neuroinflammation, but can become lost or dysfunctional in disease. The consequences of pericyte loss or dysfunction is extremely difficult to discern when it forms one component of a complex disease process. To evaluate this directly, we examined the effect of adult pericyte loss on mouse voluntary movement and motor function, and physiological responses such as hypoxia, blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity and glial reactivity. Tamoxifen delivery to Pdgfrβ-CreERT2:: Rosa26-DTA transgenic mice was titrated to produce a dose-dependent ablation of pericytes in vivo. 100mg/kg of tamoxifen ablated approximately half of all brain pericytes, while two consecutive daily doses of 300mg/kg tamoxifen ablated >80% of brain pericytes. In the open field test, mice with ∼50% pericyte loss spent more time immobile and travelled half the distance of control mice. Mice with >80% pericyte ablation also slipped more frequently while performing the beam walk task. Our histopathological analyses of the brain revealed that blood vessel density was unchanged, but vessel lumen width was increased. Pericyte-ablated mice also exhibited: mild BBB disruption; increased neuronal hypoxia; astrogliosis and increased IBA1+ immunoreactivity, suggestive of microgliosis and/or macrophage infiltration. Our results highlight the importance of pericytes in the brain, as pericyte loss can directly compromise brain health and induce behavioural alterations in mice.

Salubrious effects of proanthocyanidins on behavioral phenotypes and DNA repair deficiency in the BTBR mouse model of autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by impaired social interaction and repetitive behaviors. Global estimates indicate that autism affects approximately 1.6% of children, with the condition progressively becoming more prevalent over time. Despite noteworthy progress in autism research, the condition remains untreatable. This serves as a driving force for scientists to explore new approaches to disease management. Autism is linked to elevated levels of oxidative stress and disturbances in the DNA repair mechanism, which may potentially play a role in its comorbidities development. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the beneficial effect of the naturally occurring flavonoid proanthocyanidins on the behavioral characteristics and repair efficacy of autistic BTBR mice. Moreover, the mechanisms responsible for these effects were clarified. The present findings indicate that repeated administration of proanthocyanidins effectively reduces altered behavior in BTBR animals without altering motor function. Proanthocyanidins decreased oxidative DNA strand breaks and accelerated the rate of DNA repair in autistic animals, as evaluated by the modified comet test. In addition, proanthocyanidins reduced the elevated oxidative stress and recovered the disrupted DNA repair mechanism in the autistic animals by decreasing the expressions of Gadd45a and Parp1 levels and enhancing the expressions of Ogg1, P53, and Xrcc1 genes. This indicates that proanthocyanidins have significant potential as a new therapeutic strategy for alleviating autistic features.

Effects of Constraining Postural Sway During Upper-Limb Precision Aiming Task Practice in Individuals with Stroke

Individuals post-stroke commonly demonstrate alterations in motor behavior with regard to both task performance and the motor strategies used in pursuit of task goals. We evaluated whether constraining postural sway (motor strategy) during practice would affect upper-limb precision aiming performance (task performance) and postural control adaptations. Adults with stroke stood on a force plate while immersed in a virtual scene displaying an anterior target. Participants aimed to position a virtual laser pointer (via handheld device) in the target. Participants then completed practice trials involving aiming at a lateral target. For this practice session, participants were randomized to either (a) a “constraint” group wherein they received physical constraint to limit postural sway, or (b) a “no-constraint” group. Task performance and postural control were assessed before and after practice, and transfer to another upper-limb task was evaluated. After practice, both groups improved paretic upper-limb performance. For the target task, the no-constraint group showed task-sensitive changes in postural control. The constraint group showed no changes in postural control. At transfer, the constraint group increased postural sway. Constraining postural sway after stroke should be carefully considered with the recognition that postural sway arises from exploratory movements involved in the discovery of adaptable motor solutions.

Emotional comorbidities in epilepsy result from seizure-induced corticosterone activity

People with epilepsy often have psychiatric comorbidities that can significantly impair their quality of life. We previously reported that repeated seizure activity persistently alters endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling in the amygdala which accounts for comorbid emotional dysregulation in rats, however, the mechanism by which these alterations in eCB signaling within the epileptic brain occur is unclear. Endocannabinoid signaling is influenced by corticosterone (CORT) to modulate cognitive and emotional processes and a hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis occurs in both people with epilepsy and nonhuman animal models of epilepsy.We employed selective pharmacological tools and a variety of approaches including whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, behavioural paradigms and biochemical assays in amygdala kindled adult male Long-Evans rats. We aimed to determine whether seizures induce hypersecretion of CORT and the role this plays in eCB system dysregulation, impaired fear memory, and anxiety-like behaviours associated with seizure activity.Plasma CORT levels were significantly and consistently elevated following seizures over the course of kindling. Pre-seizure administration with the CORT synthesis inhibitor metyrapone prevented this seizure-induced CORT increase, prevented amygdala anandamide downregulation, and synaptic alteration induced by seizure activity. Moreover, treatment with metyrapone or combined glucocorticoid receptor (GR)/mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists prior to each elicited seizure were equally effective in preventing chronically altered anxiety-like behaviour and fear memory responses.Inhibiting seizure-induced corticosterone synthesis, or directly blocking the effects of CORT at GR/MR prevents deleterious changes in emotional processing and could be a treatment option for emotional comorbidities in epilepsy.

Accumbal Dopamine Responses Are Distinct between Female Rats with Active and Passive Coping Strategies.

There is a gap in existing knowledge of stress-triggered neurochemical and behavioral adaptations in females. This study was designed to explore the short-term consequences of a single social defeat (SD) on accumbal dopamine (DA) dynamics and related behaviors in female Wistar rats. During the SD procedure, rats demonstrated different stress-handling strategies, which were defined as active and passive coping. The "active" subjects expressed a significantly higher level of activity directed toward handling stress experience, while the "passive" ones showed an escalated freezing pattern. Remarkably, these opposite behavioral manifestations were negatively correlated. Twenty-four hours following the SD exposure, decreased immobility latency in the Porsolt test and cognitive augmentation in the new object recognition evaluation were evident, along with an increase in electrically evoked mesolimbic DA release in passive coping rats. Rats exhibiting an active pattern of responses showed insignificant changes in immobility and cognitive performance as well as in evoked mesolimbic DA response. Furthermore, the dynamics of the decline and recovery of DA efflux under the depletion protocol were significantly altered in the passive but not active female rats. Taken together, these data suggest that female rats with a passive coping strategy are more susceptible to developing behavioral and neurochemical alterations within 24 h after stress exposure. This observation may represent both maladaptive and protective responses of an organism on a short timescale.