Changes In Pyramidal Neurons Research Articles

Single cell transcriptomic representation of social dominance in prefrontal cortex and the influence of preweaning maternal and postweaning social environment

Social dominance encompasses winning dyadic contests and gaining priority access to resources and reproduction. Dominance is influenced by environmental factors, particularly during early postnatal life and adolescence. A disinhibitory medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) microcircuit has been implicated in the expression of dominance in the “tube test” social competition paradigm in mice, but the neuroplasticity underlying dominance is not known. We previously reported that male pups raised by physically active (wheel-running, as opposed to sedentary) dams exhibit tube test dominance and increased reproductive fitness, and here we show that social isolation from weaning also increases dominance. By using single cell transcriptomics, we tested if increased dominance in these models is associated with a specific transcriptional profile in one or more cell-types in the mPFC. The preweaning maternal effect, but not postweaning social isolation, caused gene expression changes in pyramidal neurons. However, both the effect of maternal exercise and social isolation induced the coordinated downregulation of synaptic channel, receptor, and adhesion genes in parvalbumin positive (PV) interneurons, suggesting that development of dominance is accompanied by impaired PV interneuron-mediated inhibition of pyramidal cells. This study may help understand environmentally induced transcriptional plasticity in the PFC and its relationship to tube test dominance.

Sigma-1 receptor activation mediates the sustained antidepressant effect of ketamine in mice via increasing BDNF levels.

Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is a unique multi-tasking chaperone protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. Since S1R agonists exhibit potent antidepressant-like activity, S1R has become a novel target for antidepression therapy. With a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect, ketamine may also interact with S1R. In this study, we investigated whether the antidepressant action of ketamine was related to S1R activation. Depression state was evaluated in the tail suspension test (TST) and a chronic corticosterone (CORT) procedure was used to induce despair-like behavior in mice. The neuronal activities and structural changes of pyramidal neurons in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were assessed using fiber-optic recording and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. We showed that pharmacological manipulation of S1R modulated ketamine-induced behavioral effect. Furthermore, pretreatment with an S1R antagonist BD1047 (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p., for 3 consecutive days) significantly weakened the structural and functional restoration of pyramidal neuron in mPFC caused by ketamine (10 mg·kg-1, i.p., once). Ketamine indirectly triggered the activation of S1R and subsequently increased the level of BDNF. Pretreatment with an S1R agonist SA4503 (1 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p., for 3 consecutive days) enhanced the sustained antidepressant effect of ketamine, which was eliminated by knockdown of BDNF in mPFC. These results reveal a critical role of S1R in the sustained antidepressant effect of ketamine, and suggest that a combination of ketamine and S1R agonists may be more beneficial for depression patients.

Molecular changes underlying decay of sensory responses and enhanced seizure propensity in peritumoral neurons.

Glioblastoma growth impacts on the structure and physiology of peritumoral neuronal networks, altering the activity of pyramidal neurons which drives further tumor progression. It is therefore of paramount importance to identify glioma-induced changes in pyramidal neurons, since they represent a key therapeutic target. We longitudinal monitored visual evoked potentials after the orthotopic implant of murine glioma cells into the mouse occipital cortex. With laser microdissection, we analyzed layer II-III pyramidal neurons molecular profile and with local field potentials recordings we evaluated the propensity to seizures in glioma-bearing animals with respect to control mice. We determine the time course of neuronal dysfunction of glioma-bearing mice and we identify a symptomatic stage, based on the decay of visual response. At that time point, we microdissect layer II-III pyramidal neurons and evaluate the expression of a panel of genes involved in synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. Compared to the control group, peritumoral neurons show a decrease in the expression of the SNARE complex gene SNAP25 and the alpha1 subunit of the GABA-A receptor. No significant changes are detected in glutamatergic (ie, AMPA or NMDA receptor subunit) markers. Further reduction of GABA-A signaling by delivery of a benzodiazepine inverse agonist, DMCM (methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate) precipitates seizures in 2 mouse models of tumor-bearing mice. These studies reveal novel molecular changes that occur in the principal cells of the tumor-adjacent zone. These modifications may be therapeutically targeted to ameliorate patients' quality of life.

Особенности ультраструктуры нейронов неокортекса 5-суточных крыс в условиях пренатальной алкоголизации

The aim of this work was to study the ultrastructure of the internal pyramidal neurons of the neocortex of 5-day-old rat pups after antenatal alcoholization. The studies were carried out on female outbred white rats with an initial weight of 230 ± 20 g and their offspring. Prenatal alcoholization causes deep and varied ultrastructural changes in pyramidal neurons in the neocortex of 5-day-old rats. Moreover, these violations of direct action not only as a consequence of the damaging effect of alcohol, its metabolite acetehyde or the oxidative stress they cause on the membranes and organelles of neurons during embryogenesis, but also as a violation of the normal "program" of development" of neurons in the cortex.

Common Carotid Artery Occlusion and Double-Nucleated Cellular Structures In The Rat Sensorimotor Cerebral Cortex

The aim of the study. To study the double-nucleated cellular structures of the brain sensorimotor cortex (SMC) of sexually mature white rats after a 40-minute occlusion of the common carotid arteries.Methods. Acute ischemia was simulated in white Wistar rats by 40-minute occlusion of the common carotid arteries (OCCA). We performed comparative morphometric evaluation of cyto-, dendro-, synapto-, and glioar-chitectonics of the neocortex in intact animals (n=5), and 1 (n=5), 3 (n=5), and 7 days (n=5) after OCCA. We used Nissl, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical reactions for NSE, MAP-2, HSP-70, p38, caspase-3, GFAP, AIF1, and Ki-67. Numerical density of pyramidal neurons, oligodendrocytes (ODCs), mi-croglyocytes (MGCs), presence of dystrophic and necrobiotic neurons with one or more nucleoli, hetero- and dikaryons were assessed. Statistical hypotheses were tested using Statistica 8.0 software.Results. The percentage of dystrophic and necrobiotic neurons, nerve cells with two nuclei or two or more nucleoli, the total number (proliferation) and percentage of hypertrophic astrocytes, ODCs and MGCs increased significantly after OCCA. The total numerical density of SMC neurons decreased by 26.4% (P=0.001) in layer III and by 18.5% in layer V (Mann-Whitney U Test; P=0.01) after OCCA throughout the observation period. Pathological and compensatory changes were diffusely focal and more pronounced in layer III of the neocortex. The density of bi-nucleated heterokaryons and dikaryons remained unchanged on days 1 and 3 after OCCA vs control and was 3.5 (1.5-4.0)/mm2, and increased to 6.5 (5.0-8.5)/mm2 on day 7 (Mann-Whitney U Test; P=0.002). This increase occurred along with a higher density of ODCs and MGCs than in the control. The maximum number of neurons with two or more nucleoli was also noted in layer III and V during this period.Conclusion. After 40-minute OCCA in SMC, parallel to the dystrophic and necrobiotic changes of pyramidal neurons and activation of neuroglial cells, there was an increase in the formation of heterokaryons and neurons with amplified nucleolus. These changes were considered as a variant of neuronal response to ischemic damage.

Morphofunctional changes and expression of LAMP2 in the rat hippocampus in chronic cerebral ischemia

AbstractBackgroundThe hippocampus, part of the limbic system, is involved in the formation of the cognitive sphere and is one of the most vulnerable structures in chronic cerebral ischemia.MethodChronic cerebrovascular disorders modeled in rats by limiting blood flow with applying ligatures to the carotid arteries. Behavioral status, cognitive and mnemonic functions, the degree of neuronal damage, and the level of LAMP2 expression in the pyramidal layer of the hippocampus were investigated.ResultAfter a 20‐day subtotal cerebral ischemia, we revealed a change in the functional state of the nervous system, expressed in a decrease of the main reflexes, tentative‐research activity, as well as a decrease in memory. Dystrophic changes in pyramidal neurons were of different severity, determined by a significant increase in the number of hyperchromic neurons, and in most of them total nuclear and cytoplasmic hyperchromia was observed, combined with a picture of spongiosis due to pericellular edema. A significant increase in LAMP2 expression compared to the control in both the relative area by 0.8% (p <0.05) and the intensity of the expression was detected in the CA1 zone.ConclusionThe amplification of LAMP‐2 expression is a marker for the inclusion of autophagy mechanisms aimed at implementing compensatory processes in many disorders of the central nervous system, including chronic cerebral ischemia. The observed increase in the specific number of pyramidal neurons with signs of damage, sharp pericellular and perivascular edema in combination with increased expression of LAMP‐2 in the CA1 zone of the hippocampus indicates the important role of autophagy for the survival of neurons in chronic cerebral ischemia.

The Possible Neuroprotective Effect of Silymarin against Aluminum Chloride-Prompted Alzheimer's-Like Disease in Rats.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a worldwide rapidly growing neurodegenerative disease. Here, we elucidated the neuroprotective effects of silymarin (SM) on the hippocampal tissues of aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced Alzheimer-like disease in rats using biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural approaches. Forty rats were divided into control, SM, AlCl3, and AlCl3 + SM groups. Biochemically, AlCl3 administration resulted in marked elevation in levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) and decrease in levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, AlCl3 significantly increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Furthermore, myriad histological and ultrastructural alterations were recorded in the hippocampal tissues of AlCl3-treated rats represented as marked degenerative changes of pyramidal neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Additionally, some myelinated nerve fibers exhibited irregular arrangement of their myelin coats, while the others revealed focal degranulation of their myelin sheaths. Severe defects in the blood–brain barrier (BBB) were also recorded. However, co-administration of SM with AlCl3 reversed most of the biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural changes triggered by AlCl3 in rats. The results of the current study indicate that SM can potentially mend most of the previously evoked neuronal damage in the hippocampal tissues of AlCl3-kindled rats.

Morphological Changes of the Rat Hippocampal Neurons Following Excessive Fluoride Consumption

The purpose of present work was to characterize morphological alterations of rat hippocampal neurons after long-term (12-months) consumption of excessive doses of ionic fluoride (F – ). Material and methods. Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups. Animals from control group were given drinking water with background F – content of 0.4 mg/L, rats from other groups received the same water with 5, 20 and 50 mg/L (as NaF). The morphology of neurons in CA 3 and CA 1 hippocampal areas was evaluated after staining of brain slices with toluidine blue according to Nissl’s method. Results . Long-term intoxication of rats with F – resulted in disorganization of cellular layer and decline in numerical density of pyramidal neurons in CA 3 and CA 1 hippocampal areas, which most probably indicates the death of a part of the cells. The neurons of both hippocampus zones exhibited such pathological changes as unequal distribution of Nissl substance, shifting of nuclei to periphery, cytoplasm vacuolization. Some neurons underwent swelling, other, in contrast, shrunk, spindle neurons or cells with spiral-like outgrowths were also visualized. In hippocampus of F – -exposed rats, the number of normochromic neurons decreased, but amount of hyperchromic and hypochromic cells increased. Conclusion . Long-term intake of excessive F – doses by the rats was established to induce dystrophic and necrobiotic changes of pyramidal neurons in CA 3 and CA 1 hippocampal zones. The revealed pathological processes can be a cause of disturbances in inter-neuronal communications in the hippocampus and lead to development of various neurological and cognitive disorders.

Chronic Administration of Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra) on the Frontal Cortex of Adult Male Rats: An Ultrastructural Study

Objectives: Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is widely used as an aphrodisiac drug and for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The present study was planned to study the morphological changes that might occur in the frontal cortex of the adult rat in response to chronic intake of Viagra and discover whether these changes are reversible or irreversible. Material and Methods: Forty adult male rats were used where they were classified into three groups: A control group (10 rats), B experimental treated group (20 rats), and C recovery group (10 rats). The treated and recovery groups received therapeutic dose of Viagra for 30 days. The control and the treated group were sacrificed at the first day after the designated period (30 days), the recovery group was sacrificed two weeks after the end of experiment. Results: The pyramidal cell neurons are little in number; some of them are atrophic, degenerated. Their cytoplasm showed varied degree of cellular degenerative changes with vaculation of their myelinated axons. Pyramidal neurons of recovery animals showed nearly complete recovery. Conclusion: Chronic intake of Viagra produced reversible morphological changes in pyramidal neurons of the frontal cortex of adult male rats.

Early postnatal development of pyramidal neurons across layers of the mouse medial prefrontal cortex

Mammalian neocortex is a highly layered structure. Each layer is populated by distinct subtypes of principal cells that are born at different times during development. While the differences between principal cells across layers have been extensively studied, it is not known how the developmental profiles of neurons in different layers compare. Here, we provide a detailed morphological and functional characterisation of pyramidal neurons in mouse mPFC during the first postnatal month, corresponding to known critical periods for synapse and neuron formation in mouse sensory neocortex. Our data demonstrate similar maturation profiles of dendritic morphology and intrinsic properties of pyramidal neurons in both deep and superficial layers. In contrast, the balance of synaptic excitation and inhibition differs in a layer-specific pattern from one to four postnatal weeks of age. Our characterisation of the early development and maturation of pyramidal neurons in mouse mPFC not only demonstrates a comparable time course of postnatal maturation to that in other neocortical circuits, but also implies that consideration of layer- and time-specific changes in pyramidal neurons may be relevant for studies in mouse models of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Extreme Neuroplasticity of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons in Hibernating Mammalian Species.

In awake and behaving mammals (with core and brain temperatures at ~37°C), hippocampal neurons have anatomical and physiological properties that support formation of memories. However, studies of hibernating mammalian species suggest that as hippocampal temperature falls to values below ~10°C, CA1 neurons lose their ability to generate long term potentiation (LTP), a basic form of neuroplasticity. That is, the persistent increase in CA3-CA1 synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation of CA3 fibers (the hallmark of LTP generation at 37°C) is no longer observed at low brain temperatures although the neurons retain their ability to generate action potentials. In this review, we examine the relationship of LTP to recently observed CA1 structural changes in pyramidal neurons during the hibernation cycle, including the reversible formation of hyperphosphorylated tau. While CA1 neurons appear to be stripped of their ability to generate LTP at low temperatures, their ability to still generate action potentials is consistent with the longstanding proposal that they have projections to neural circuits controlling arousal state throughout the hibernation cycle. Recent anatomical studies significantly refine and extend previous studies of cellular plasticity and arousal state and suggest experiments that further delineate the mechanisms underlying the extreme plasticity of these CA1 neurons.

Structural and Histochemical Changes in Neurons in the Frontal Cortex of the Brain in Rats with Cholestasis

Objectives. To study structural and histochemical changes in neurons in the frontal cortex of the brain in rats after ligation of the common bile duct. Materials and methods. The cortex of the frontal lobe was studied in 72 mongrel adult white male rats weighing 200 ± 25 g. Ligation of the common bile duct and development of cholestasis (experimental group) and sham surgery (control group) was followed by histological and histochemical studies of microstructural changes in pyramidal neurons in all layers of the frontal cortex on days 2, 5, 10, 20, 45, and 90. Results. Ligation of the common bile duct in rats producing cholestasis led to profound histological and histochemical changes in neurons in the frontal cortex of the brain: changes in size and shape, and appearance of hyperchromic shrunken neurons and ghost cells. Impairments to energy and plastic metabolism in neurons led to the death of the experimental animals. The consequences of cholestasis in the brains of rats were apparent on days 2–5 and reached a maximum on days 10–20. In the later post-operative period (45–90 days), groups of survivors showed gradual reductions in these changes, though the consequences of cholestasis consisted of foci of neuron loss in all layers of the frontal cortex. Conclusions. It is suggested that survival of rats after ligation of the common bile duct is due to formation of bypass bile ducts, with elimination of cholestasis and the high adaptive potential of neurons.

Gene expression profile associated with postnatal development of pyramidal neurons in the human prefrontal cortex implicates ubiquitin ligase E3 in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia onset

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder with the typical age of onset of overt symptoms and deficits occurring during late adolescence or early adulthood, coinciding with the final maturation of the cortical network involving the prefrontal cortex. These observations have led to the hypothesis that disturbances of the developmental events that take place in the prefrontal cortex during this period, specifically the remodeling of synaptic connectivities between pyramidal neurons, may contribute to the onset of illness. In this context, we investigated the gene expression changes of pyramidal neurons in the human prefrontal cortex during normal periadolescent development in order to gain insight into the possible molecular mechanisms involved in synaptic remodeling of pyramidal neuronal circuitry. Our data suggest that genes associated with the ubiquitination system, which has been implicated in the biology of synaptic plasticity, may play a major role. Among these genes, UBE3B, which encodes the ubiquitin ligase E3, was found to undergo periadolescent increase and was validated at the protein level to be upregulated during periadolescent development. Furthermore, we found that the density of UBE3B-immunoreactive pyramidal neurons was decreased in schizophrenia subjects, consistent with the result of a previous study of decreased UBE3B mRNA expression in pyramidal neurons in this illness. Altogether these findings point to the novel hypothesis that this specific ligase may play a role in the developmental pathogenesis of schizophrenia onset by possibly altering the synaptic remodeling process.

Mitigation of chronic unpredictable stress–induced cognitive deficits in mice by <i>Lycium barbarum</i> L (Solanaceae) polysaccharides

Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) against concomitant cognitive dysfunction and changes in hippocampal CREB-BDNF signaling pathway in chronically unpredictable stressed mice.Methods: The mice were subjected to different unpredictable stressors for a period of 4 weeks. Behavioral tests, including open field (OFT) and Morris water maze (MWMT) tests were used to evaluate pharmacological effects. Serum corticosterone levels, protein expression level of BDNF and pCREB/CREB in hippocampus were assessed by ELISA, Western blot and immunohistochemistry methods, respectively. Morphological changes in pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus were studied by Nissl staining.Results: LBP improved mice performance in MWMT, indicating that it reversed chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced cognitive deficits. LBP treatment reduced serum corticosterone levels and prevented neuron loss in the hippocampus. It maintained expression levels of BDNF and phosphorylation of CREB in hippocampus during CUS procedure.Conclusion: Lycium barbarum polysaccharide protects CREB-BDNF signaling pathway in hippocampus and relieves CUS-induced cognitive deficits. These results suggest that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides is potentially an alternative neuro-protective agent against stress-induced psychopathological dysfunction.Keywords: Lycium barbarum, Polysaccharide, Chronic unpredictable stress, Cognitive deficits, Brainderived neurotrophic factor, Calcium/cyclic-AMP responsive binding protein

Different patterns of motor activity induce differential plastic changes in pyramidal neurons in the motor cortex of rats: A Golgi study.

Rehabilitation is a process which favors recovery after brain damage involving motor systems, and neural plasticity is the only real resource the brain has for inducing neurobiological events in order to bring about re-adaptation. Rats were placed on a treadmill and made to walk, in different groups, at different velocities and with varying degrees of inclination. Plastic changes in the spines of the apical and basal dendrites of fifth-layer pyramidal neurons in the motor cortices of the rats were detected after study with the Golgi method. Numbers of dendritic spines increased in the three experimental groups, and thin, mushroom, stubby, wide, and branched spines increased or decreased in proportion depending on the motor demands made of each group. Along with the numerical increase of spines, the present findings provide evidence that dendritic spines' geometrical plasticity is involved in the differential performance of motor activity.

Chronic administration of Vitamin C increases cognitive function in chronic stress induced rats

Background: Stress and increase in free radicals levels are known to alter cognition, learning, memory, and emotional responses. There is a marked impairment of hippocampus-dependent memory and suppression of long-term potentiation in the CA1 region of the hippocampus during stress. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the hypothesized neuroprotective effect of oral antioxidants and piracetam in chronic restraint stress-induced rats. Materials and Methods: Healthy Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 6) each. Control group received neither stress nor oral antioxidant. Stress group received chronic restraint stress for 6 h per day for 21 days. Three experimental groups were administered vitamin C (100 mg/kg), beta-carotene (7 mg/kg), and caffeine (8 mg/kg), respectively. Evaluation parameters were measurement of serum nerve growth factor (NGF) using ELISA method. The oxidative stress markers, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase, and malondialdehyde were measured. Histological analysis of CA1 region of the hippocampus was done to evaluate the structural changes of pyramidal neurons. Results: Vitamin C caused statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in serum NGF. The results revealed that vitamin C caused statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in antioxidant enzymes GPx, glutathione reductase. Vitamin C caused increase in neuronal cell size and volume in CA1 pyramidal layer of hippocampus. Conclusion: The findings of study are suggestive of neuroprotection, offered by administration of vitamin C compared to other antioxidants against chronic restraint stress-induced rats. These naturally available dietary vitamins might serve as an adjuvant therapy to avoid progression of brain damage during stress.

Subcutaneous administration of liraglutide ameliorates learning and memory impairment by modulating tau hyperphosphorylation via the glycogen synthase kinase-3β pathway in an amyloid β protein induced alzheimer disease mouse model

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The glucagon-like peptide-1 analog liraglutide, a novel long-lasting incretin hormone, has been used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, liraglutide has been shown to be neurotrophic and neuroprotective. Here, we investigated the effects of liraglutide on amyloid β protein (Aβ)-induced AD in mice and explored its mechanism of action. The results showed that subcutaneous administration of liraglutide (25nmol/day), once daily for 8 weeks, prevented memory impairments in the Y Maze and Morris Water Maze following Aβ1–42 intracerebroventricular injection, and alleviated the ultra-structural changes of pyramidal neurons and chemical synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region. Furthermore, liraglutide reduced Aβ1–42-induced tau phosphorylation via the protein kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase-3β pathways. Thus liraglutide may alleviate cognitive impairment in AD by at least decreasing the phosphorylation of tau.

Environmental Enrichment Ameliorates Neonatal Sevoflurane Exposure-Induced Cognitive and Synaptic Plasticity Impairments.

Early exposure to sevoflurane, an inhalation anesthetic, induces neurodegeneration in the developing brain and subsequent long-term neurobehavioral abnormalities. Here, we investigated whether an enriched environment could mitigate neonatal sevoflurane exposure-induced long-term cognitive and synaptic plasticity impairments. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 3 % sevoflurane 2 h daily for 3 days from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P8. The exposed mice were randomly allocated to an enriched environment for 2 h daily between P8 and P42 or to a standard environment. Their behavior and cognition were assessed using open field (P35) and fear conditioning tests (P41-P42). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to study morphological changes in pyramidal neurons of hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions. Synaptic plasticity alternations were assessed using western blotting, Golgi staining, and electrophysiological recording. We found that sevoflurane-exposed mice housed in a standard environment exhibited a reduced freezing response in the contextual test, decreased number of dendritic spines on pyramidal neurons and synaptic plasticity-related proteins in the hippocampus, and impaired long-term potentiation. However, in an enriched environment, some of these abnormities induced by repeated sevoflurane exposure. In conclusion, neonatal sevoflurane exposure-induced cognitive and synaptic plasticity impairments are ameliorated by an enriched environment.

Stress induced risk-aversion is reverted by D2/D3 agonist in the rat

Stress exposure triggers cognitive and behavioral impairments that influence decision-making processes. Decisions under a context of uncertainty require complex reward-prediction processes that are known to be mediated by the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system in brain areas sensitive to the deleterious effects of chronic stress, in particular the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Using a decision-making task, we show that chronic stress biases risk-based decision-making to safer behaviors. This decision-making pattern is associated with an increased activation of the lateral part of the OFC and with morphological changes in pyramidal neurons specifically recruited by this task. Additionally, stress exposure induces a hypodopaminergic status accompanied by increased mRNA levels of the dopamine receptor type 2 (Drd2) in the OFC; importantly, treatment with a D2/D3 agonist quinpirole reverts the shift to safer behaviors induced by stress on risky decision-making. These results suggest that the brain mechanisms related to risk-based decision-making are altered after chronic stress, but can be modulated by manipulation of dopaminergic transmission.

Region-specific dendritic spine loss of pyramidal neurons in dopamine transporter knockout mice.

Dopamine transporter (DAT) knockout (KO) mice show numerous behavioral alterations, including hyperlocomotion, cognitive deficits, impulsivity and impairment of prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI), phenotypes that may be relevant to frontostriatal disorders such as schizophrenia. Dendritic spine changes of pyramidal neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are among the most replicated of findings in postmortem studies of schizophrenia. The mechanisms that account for dendritic changes in the DLPFC in schizophrenia are unclear. Here, we report basal spine density of pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the motor cortex, the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and the basolateral amygdala in DAT KO mice. Pyramidal neurons were visualized using DAT KO mice crossbred with a Thy1-GFP transgenic mouse line. We observed a significant decrease in spine density of pyramidal neurons in the mPFC and the CA1 region of the hippocampus in DAT KO mice compared to that in WT mice. On the other hand, no difference was observed in spine density of pyramidal neurons in the motor cortex or the basolateral amygdala between DAT genotypes. These results suggest that decreased spine density could cause hypofunction of the mPFC and the hippocampus, and contribute to the behavioral abnormalities observed in DAT KO mice, including cognitive deficits. This might suggest that aberrant dopaminergic signaling may trigger dystrophic changes in dendrites of hippocampal and prefrontocortical pyramidal neurons in schizophrenia.