scholarly journals Engaging in paced mating, but neither exploratory, anti-anxiety, nor social behavior, increases 5α-reduced progestin concentrations in midbrain, hippocampus, striatum, and cortex

Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
pp. 663-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl A Frye ◽  
Jason J Paris ◽  
Madeline E Rhodes
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Partner Preference ◽  
Reproductive Behaviors ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
17Β Estradiol

Sequential actions of 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in the hypothalamus and the P4 metabolite, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) respectively mediate the initiation and intensity of lordosis of female rats and mayalso modulate anxietyand social behaviors, through actions in these, and/or other brain regions. Biosynthesis of E2, P4, and 3α,5α-THP can also occur in brain, independent of peripheral gland secretion, in response to environmental/behavioral stimuli. The extent to which engaging in tasks related to reproductive behaviors and/or mating increased E2 or progestin concentrations in brain was investigated. In Experiment 1, proestrous rats were randomly assigned to be tested in individual tasks, including the open field, elevated plus maze, partner preference, social interaction, or no test control, in conjunction with paced mating or no mating. Engaging in paced mating, but not other behaviors, significantly increased dihydroprogesterone (DHP) and 3α,5α-THP levels in midbrain, hippocampus, striatum, and cortex. In Experiment 2, proestrous rats were tested in the combinations of the above tasks (open field and elevated plus maze, partner preference, and social interaction) with or without paced mating. As in Experiment 1, only engaging in paced mating increased DHPand 3α,5α-THP concentrations in midbrain, hippocampus, striatum, and cortex. Thus, paced mating enhances concentrations of 5α-reduced progestins in brain areas associated with reproduction (midbrain), as well as exploration/anxiety (hippocampus and striatum) and social behavior (cortex).

scholarly journals Modulating Effects of Cholecalciferol Treatment on Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior of Adult Female Rats

Folia Medica ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Fedotova ◽  
Daria Zarembo ◽  
Jozef Dragasek ◽  
Martin Caprnda ◽  
Peter Kruzliak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elevated Plus Maze ◽  
Open Field Test ◽  
Estrogen Deficiency ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Ovx Rats ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
17Β Estradiol ◽  
Experimental Rat Model ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Estradiol 17Β

AbstractBackground:Vitamin D can be one of the candidate substances that are used as additional supplementation in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders in women with estrogen imbalance.Materials and methods:The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of chronic cholecalciferol administration (1.0, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg/day, s.c.) on the anxiety-like behavior and monoamines levels in the rat hippocampus following ovariectomy in female rats. Cholecalciferol was given to ovariectomized (OVX) rats and OVX rats treated with 17β-estradiol (17β-E2, 0.5 μg/rat, s.c.). The anxiety-like behavior was assessed in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the light-dark tests (LDT), locomotor and grooming activities were assessed in the open-field test (OFT).Results:Cholecalciferol in high doses alone or in combination with 17β-E2-induced anxiolytic-like effects in OVX and OVX rats treated with 17β-E2as evidenced in the EPM and LDT tests, and increased grooming activity in the OFT test. We found that DA and 5-HT levels increased while 5-HT turnover in the hippocampus decreased in these groups of OVX rats.Conclusion:Our results indicate that cholecalciferol in high doses has a marked anxiolytic-like effect due to an increase in the monoamines levels in the experimental rat model of estrogen deficiency.

scholarly journals Attachment Insecurity in Rats Subjected to Maternal Separation and Early Weaning: Sex Differences

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyan Zeng ◽  
Zijia Yu ◽  
Qingjun Huang ◽  
Haiyun Xu
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Maternal Separation ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze ◽  
Central Zone ◽  
Attachment Anxiety ◽  
Early Weaning ◽  
Attachment Insecurity ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
Field Rodents

Attachment insecurity in the forms of attachment anxiety and avoidance is associated with mental disorders in humans. In this research field, rodents, especially mice and rats, are commonly used to study social behaviors and underlying biological mechanisms due to their pronounced sociability. However, quantitative assessment of attachment security/insecurity in rodents has been a major challenge. The present study identified attachment insecurity behaviors in rats subjected to maternal separation (MS) during postnatal days (PD) 2–16 and early weaning (EW) during PD 17–21. This MSEW procedure has been used to mimic early life neglect in humans. After MSEW, rats continued to survive until early adulthood when they were subjected to open-field, social interaction, and elevated-plus maze tests. Compared to CNT rats in either gender, MSEW rats moved longer distances at higher velocities in the open-field. The MSEW rats also showed lower ratios of travel distance at central zone over that on whole arena of the open-field compared to CNT rats. In social interaction test, male CNT rats preferred to investigate an empty cage than females; whereas female CNT rats spent more time with a partner-containing cage as compared to males. This gender-specific difference was reversed in MSEW rats. On elevated-plus maze female CNT rats exhibited more risk-taking behaviors as compared to male counterparts. Moreover, female MSEW rats experienced a greater difficulty in making a decision on whether approaching to or averting from which arms of elevated-plus maze. Taken together, male MSEW rats behaved like attachment anxiety while females’ phenotype is alike to attachment avoidance described in humans. These results shall prompt further application of MSEW rat in abnormal psychology and biological psychiatry research.

scholarly journals Increasing 3α,5α-THP following inhibition of neurosteroid biosynthesis in the ventral tegmental area reinstates anti-anxiety, social, and sexual behavior of naturally receptive rats

Reproduction ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl A Frye ◽  
Jason J Paris ◽  
Madeline E Rhodes
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Ventral Tegmental Area ◽  
Mating Behavior ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
Ventral Tegmental ◽  
Behavior Inhibition ◽  
Progesterone Metabolite

The progesterone metabolite and neurosteroid, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), has actions in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) to modulate lordosis, but its effects on other reproductively relevant behaviors are not well understood. Effects on exploration, anxiety, and social behavior resulting from inhibition of 3α,5α-THP formation, as well as 3α,5α-THP enhancement, were investigated in the midbrain VTA. Naturally sexually receptive, female rats (n=8–10/group) received infusions aimed at the midbrain VTA of vehicle, PK11195 (an inhibitor of neurosteroidogenesis), and/or indomethacin (an inhibitor of 3α,5α-THP formation from prohormones), and were subsequently infused with vehicle or FGIN 1-27 (a neurosteroidogenesis enhancer). The rats were then assessed in a behavioral battery that examined exploration (open field), anxiety (elevated plus maze), social (social interaction), and sexual (paced mating) behavior. Inhibition of 3α,5α-THP formation decreased exploratory, anti-anxiety, social, and sexual behavior, as well as midbrain 3α,5α-THP levels. Infusions of FGIN 1-27 following 3α,5α-THP inhibition restored these behaviors and midbrain 3α,5α-THP levels to those commensurate with control rats that had not been administered inhibitors. These findings suggest that 3α,5α-THP formation in the midbrain VTA may influence appetitive, as well as consummatory, aspects of mating behavior.

scholarly journals Anxiolytic activity of aerial part hydroethanolic extract of Allium ascalonicum Linn. (Liliaceae) in mice

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abidemi J. Akindele ◽  
Hakeem A. Sanni ◽  
Pamela C. Edeh
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Aerial Part ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze ◽  
Anxiolytic Activity ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze Test ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
Hole Board ◽  
Hole Board Test ◽  
Hydroethanolic Extract

Background: Allium ascalonicum Linn. (Liliaceae) is a mildly aromatic annual herb used to flavor food. Ethnobotanical survey revealed application of A. ascalonicumin the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.  Objective: To investigate the anxiolytic activity of aerial part hydroethanolic extract of A. ascalonicum. Methods: The hole-board, elevated plus maze, light/dark exploration, open field and social interaction tests were used in this study. Groups of mice were treated orally with distilled water (10 ml/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg), and A. ascalonicum (50-400 mg/kg). Evaluations were done 1 h post-treatment and the duration of observation was mostly 5 min. In the hole-board test, mice were observed for number/duration of head dips and number of sectional crossings. In the elevated plus maze test, the time spent in the open/closed arms and the number of entries by mice were observed. In the light/dark exploration test, the latency of entry into the dark box, time spent in the light and dark compartments, number of rearing and assisted rearing were determined. In respect of the open field test, observations were made for the number of rearing, assisted rearing, and sectional crossings. In the social interaction test, pairs of mice were observed for number of interactions including sniffing, following, and partner grooming. Results: In the hole-board test, A. ascalonicum significantly (p<0.05, 0.01) increased the number/duration of head dips and number of sectional crossings. In the elevated plus maze test, A. ascalonicum significantly (p<0.05) increased the number of entries into the open arm with corresponding reduction in number of entries into the closed arm. In the light/dark exploration test, A. ascalonicum significantly (p<0.05, 0.01) increased the latency of entry into the dark box, time spent in the light box, and number of rearing and assisted rearing. In respect of the open field test, A. ascalonicum significantly (p<0.05, 0.01) increased the number of sectional crossings and rearing. Considering the social interaction test, A. ascalonicum significantly (p<0.05) increased the number of interactions. Peak anti-anxiety effects were mostly observed at the dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: The aerial part hydroethanolic extract of Allium ascalonicum possesses anxiolytic properties. Keywords: Allium ascalonicum, Liliaceae, anxiolytic activity, medicinal plants, traditional medicine.

scholarly journals Participation ofGABAAChloride Channels in the Anxiolytic-Like Effects of a Fatty Acid Mixture

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Francisco Rodríguez-Landa ◽  
Rosa Isela García-Ríos ◽  
Jonathan Cueto-Escobedo ◽  
Blandina Bernal-Morales ◽  
Carlos M. Contreras
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Field Test ◽  
Chloride Channels ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze ◽  
Open Field Test ◽  
Acid Mixture ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
Gaba Binding ◽  
Defensive Burying

Human amniotic fluid and a mixture of eight fatty acids (FAT-M) identified in this maternal fluid (C12:0, lauric acid, 0.9 μg%; C14:0, myristic acid, 6.9 μg%; C16:0, palmitic acid, 35.3 μg%; C16:1, palmitoleic acid, 16.4 μg%; C18:0, stearic acid, 8.5 μg%; C18:1cis, oleic acid, 18.4 μg%; C18:1trans, elaidic acid, 3.5 μg%; C18:2, linoleic acid, 10.1 μg%) produce anxiolytic-like effects that are comparable to diazepam in Wistar rats, suggesting the involvement ofγ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, a possibility not yet explored. Wistar rats were subjected to the defensive burying test, elevated plus maze, and open field test. In different groups, threeGABAAreceptor antagonists were administered 30 min before FAT-M administration, including the competitive GABA binding antagonist bicuculline (1 mg/kg),GABAAbenzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil (5 mg/kg), and noncompetitiveGABAAchloride channel antagonist picrotoxin (1 mg/kg). The FAT-M exerted anxiolytic-like effects in the defensive burying test and elevated plus maze, without affecting locomotor activity in the open field test. TheGABAAantagonists alone did not produce significant changes in the behavioral tests. Picrotoxin but not bicuculline or flumazenil blocked the anxiolytic-like effect of the FAT-M. Based on the specific blocking action of picrotoxin on the effects of the FAT-M, we conclude that the FAT-M exerted its anxiolytic-like effects throughGABAAreceptor chloride channels.

Dissimilar Anxiety-like Behavior in Prepubertal and Young Adult Female Rats on Acute Exposure to Aluminium

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trina Sengupta ◽  
Sutirtha Ghosh ◽  
Archana Gaur T. ◽  
Prasunpriya Nayak
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Acute Exposure ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Plus Maze

Background: Puberty is a developmental transition in which an estrogenic surge occurs, mediating the release of xenoestrogens, like aluminium. Aluminium’s effect on anxiety in rodents at the different developmental stages is inconsistent. Aims: This study aimed at investigating the effect of the metalloestrogenic property of aluminium on anxiety-like behavioral changes in prepubertal and young adult female rats. Objective: Considering this aim, our objective was to evaluate the anxiety-like behavior by the elevated plus maze in prepubertal and young adult female rats with or without acute exposure to aluminium. Methods: To address this property of aluminium, 5mg/Kg body weight (Al-5) and 10 mg/Kg body weight (Al-10) of aluminium was administered intraperitoneally to female rats at two developmental stages, prepubertal (PP; n = 8 for each dose) and young adult (YA; n = 6 for each dose) for two weeks. Post-treatment, three days behavioral assessment of the rats was done employing elevated plus maze. Results: Reduced escape latency was seen in Al-5, Al-10 pre-pubertal rats, and Al-5 young-adult rats on day 3. A significant reduction in open arm time was seen in the Al-5 young-adult rats. Aluminium treatment in the pre-pubertal rats reduced their head dipping and grooming. Reduced sniffing, head dipping, and stretch-attended posture in the treated young-adult female rats showed that they had impaired risk-taking tendency. Conclusion: Differential effect on the anxiety-like behavior in the pre-pubertal and young-adult female rats might be due to the metalloestrogenic property of aluminium, acting differently on the two age groups.

Neuropharmacological Activity of Various Fractions Obtained from Solanum aethiopicum (Linn.) Fruit in Mice.

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
pp. 12-23
Author(s):  
A.R. Abubakar ◽  
◽  
I.H. Sani ◽  
S. Malami ◽  
A.H. Yaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze ◽  
Toxicity Testing ◽  
Aqueous Fraction ◽  
Solanum Aethiopicum ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze Test ◽  
Board Test ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
Hole Board ◽  
Hole Board Test

Background: Solanum aethiopicum (L.), family Solanaceae, is known as garden eggs. The fruit is used in the treatment of insomnia, diabetes and constipation. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate anxiolytic-like activity of fractions obtained from crude methanol extract of Solanum aethiopicum fruit. Method: Acute toxicity testing was conducted according to the OECD guidelines 420 via oral and intraperitoneal routes (ip). n-Hexane (HF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl-acetate (EAF), n-butanol (BF) and residual aqueous fraction (RAF) at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg ip were experimented using the open field, elevated plus maze, staircase, light dark box and hole-board tests. Results: Results: In open field test, there was statistically significant increase in frequency of central square entry by EAF 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg and RAF 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg all at p<0.05 compared to distilled water (D/W) group. Elevated plus maze test showed statistically significant increases in open arm entry and duration by CHF 25mg/kg, RAF 25mg/kg and 50mg/kg again at p<0.05. Also, in the staircase test, statistically significant decrease in frequency of rearing with no effect on step climbing was observed by RAF 25mg/kg (p< 0.05) compared to D/W. Light and dark box test produced increased light box entry and duration by EAF 25mg/kg, RAF 25mg/kg and 50mg/ kg at p<0.05. Furthermore, the hole -board test showed statistically significant increases in number of head dips by EAF 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg as well as RAF 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100 mg/kg at p<0.05. Conclusion: The fractions obtained from Solanum aethiopicum fruits possesses anxiolytic-like activity.

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