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Questions and Answers

According to Jacobs and colleagues' theory, what role does adult hippocampal neurogenesis play in major depression?

  • Neurogenesis rates are unrelated to the development or recovery from depression.
  • Increased neurogenesis is a primary cause of major depression, while decreased neurogenesis aids in recovery.
  • Neurogenesis rates only affect the severity of depressive episodes, not the likelihood of developing the disorder.
  • Decreased neurogenesis underlies the development of major depression, while increased neurogenesis facilitates recovery. (correct)

Which of the following factors would be expected to increase the rate of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, according to Jacobs and colleagues?

  • Chronic stress
  • Increased glucocorticoids
  • Adversity
  • Antidepressant drugs (correct)

In the 2018 study, what specific changes were observed in the prefrontal cortex of mice subjected to chronic unpredictable stress?

  • No change in dendritic spine density, but a significant decrease in CSF1 messenger RNA levels.
  • Increased dendritic spine density on pyramidal neurons and decreased CSF1 messenger RNA levels.
  • Decreased dendritic spine density on pyramidal neurons and increased CSF1 messenger RNA levels. (correct)
  • Increased density of microglia and decreased CSF1 messenger RNA levels.

What is the role of microglia in the brain, as described in the study?

<p>To fending off infections and remodeling neural circuits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of preventing neurons from producing CSF1 in mice exposed to chronic stress?

<p>It prevented the development of both anxiety and depression-like symptoms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between reduced connectivity in the prefrontal cortex and depression, as suggested by the research?

<p>Limited connectivity in the prefrontal cortex has been linked to major depression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding increased CSF1 messenger RNA levels in the postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with depression?

<p>It indicates CSF1 plays a role in the pathophysiology of human depression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does chronic stress impact neural circuits in the brain, and what is the consequence of this alteration?

<p>Chronic stress alters neural circuits, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, what is the most likely mechanism by which stress-induced signaling impacts mental health?

<p>Interaction between neurons and microglia, affecting anxiety and depression. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the human hippocampal progenitor cell model, what effect does treatment with high doses of cortisol have on neurogenesis?

<p>Reduces the rate of neurogenesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is saliva sampling a common method for cortisol assessment in observational surveys?

<p>It is minimally intrusive and can be collected by participants themselves. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid and specific GR agonist, reduces the number of MAP2 positive neurons. How does Sertraline modulate this effect?

<p>Sertraline counteracts the reduction of MAP2 positive neurons caused by dexamethasone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is dexamethasone used in experiments studying the effects of glucocorticoids on cells?

<p>It selectively activates glucocorticoid (GR) receptors without affecting mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to study the cumulative effect of frequent HPA axis activation on chronic disease development. Which biological sample would be most suitable for measuring cortisol levels?

<p>Hair samples collected over a period of several months (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of using single saliva measurements for assessing cortisol levels?

<p>Single measurements only reflect short-term cortisol levels due to its pulsatile secretion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and when does it typically occur?

<p>A sharp increase in cortisol concentrations shortly after waking. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating the effects of chronic stress on HPA axis function. Which assessment method would be most suitable to analyze basal cortisol secretion patterns throughout the day?

<p>Sampling diurnal basal cortisol secretion at multiple time points. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, what was the primary method used to collect saliva samples for cortisol analysis?

<p>Participants collected samples at home at specific times. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a study comparing cortisol awakening response (CAR) between different groups, which of the following findings would suggest dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis?

<p>A significantly higher CAR in both remitted and current major depressive disorder groups compared to controls. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A study finds that a new antidepressant drug normalizes the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in depressed patients. What does this suggest about the drug's mechanism of action?

<p>The drug likely improves the regulation of the HPA axis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a practical advantage of using hair samples over urine samples for measuring cortisol levels?

<p>Hair sample collection is non-invasive and can be performed by non-healthcare workers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment using human hippocampal progenitor cells, researchers observe that the addition of a specific compound increases the number of doublecortin-positive neuroblasts, even in the presence of cortisol. What might this suggest about the compound?

<p>The compound counteracts the inhibitory effect of cortisol on neuroblast production. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before collecting saliva samples for cortisol measurement, participants are typically asked to refrain from certain activities. Which of the following is one of these activities?

<p>Brushing teeth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to investigate the relationship between long-term stress and the development of cardiovascular disease. Considering the properties of different biological samples, which would be the most appropriate for assessing long-term cortisol exposure?

<p>Segmental hair samples representing cortisol levels over several months. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the studies discussed, what might a higher cortisol awakening response indicate in individuals with a history of depression?

<p>An increased biological vulnerability to future depressive episodes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the study of postpartum women, what was a notable difference in cortisol levels between depressed and non-depressed women shortly after awakening?

<p>Depressed women had significantly higher cortisol levels at awakening with no increase 30 minutes later, unlike non-depressed women. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The study of postpartum women draws parallels between the cortisol response of depressed women and which other conditions?

<p>Post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Whitehall II study, what factors were independently associated with higher hair cortisol concentrations?

<p>Prevalent diabetes, use of systemic corticosteroids, and cardiovascular medication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Whitehall II study, how was depressive symptomatology associated with cortisol levels, after adjusting for physical disease and medication?

<p>Depressive symptomatology was associated with higher cortisol levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What scale was used in the Whitehall II study to assess mental health status and measure symptoms of depression in the general public?

<p>Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of stress responses, what characteristics are commonly observed in highly anxious individuals, as indicated by Weger and Sandi's diagram?

<p>Behavioural alterations and more reactive physiological stress responses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In rodent studies, what physiological change has been observed following exposure to fox odor, and what does this indicate about the nature of stress effects?

<p>A transient decrease in the number of new granule cells, indicating that stress effects, even in threatening situations, may not cause lasting harm. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cut-off point on the CES-D scale was used in the Whitehall II study to classify individuals as having depression?

<p>A cut-off of more than 16. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher aims to study the impact of chronic stress on neurogenesis in rats, which experimental manipulation would serve as an appropriate control group?

<p>Providing a stress-free environment with regular social interaction and enrichment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A study measures circulating corticosterone levels in rats exposed to a stressor. What would be a valid inference if the study finds no significant change in corticosterone levels after the stressor exposure?

<p>The stressor is not perceived as threatening by the rats, resulting in no activation of the adrenal axis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does adrenalectomy affect neurogenesis in rodents, and what does this reveal about the role of adrenal hormones in the brain?

<p>Adrenalectomy increases neurogenesis, indicating adrenal hormones inhibit the production of new neurons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of studying stress responses, why is it important to remember that 'what happens in the periphery is not necessarily what is happening in the brain'?

<p>Changes in circulating hormones or other peripheral markers may not directly correlate with or accurately represent changes occurring within the brain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher aims to investigate the effects of a novel stress-reducing drug on neurogenesis in rats exposed to fox odor, what would be the most appropriate design for the treatment and control groups?

<p>Treatment group: rats exposed to fox odor and given the drug; control group: rats exposed to fox odor and given a placebo. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher finds that a particular stressor significantly elevates circulating corticosterone levels in rats. Based on current knowledge, what downstream effect in the hippocampus would be most likely?

<p>Reduced neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the use of animal models, like rodents, considered valuable in studying the biological effects of stress, especially in comparison to human studies?

<p>Researchers can easily obtain brain samples and closely monitor physiological parameters in animals, which is more challenging in human studies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Studying Stress in Animals

Animal studies allow researchers to access blood and brain samples to study the biological effects of stress.

Studying Stress in Humans

In humans, stress effects can be studied through circulation, blood, urine, saliva, hair, and stem cells.

Periphery vs. Brain

What happens in the periphery (e.g., blood) may not always reflect what is happening in the brain.

Corticosterone

Corticosterone is the main glucocorticoid in rodents, equivalent to cortisol in humans.

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Adrenal Steroids & Neurogenesis

Adrenal steroids regulate both proliferation and differentiation of new neurons in the dentate gyrus.

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Stress & Neurogenesis (Rats)

Sustained increase in plasma corticosterone (stress) decreases neurogenesis in rats.

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Adrenalectomy Effect

Adrenalectomy (removal of adrenal glands) increases neurogenesis in rats as there isn't corticosterone present.

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Fox Odor Stress

Exposure to fox odor decreases cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus, linked to increased corticosterone.

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Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons in the brain.

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Jacobs' Neurogenesis Theory

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis may influence the development or recovery from major depression.

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Glucocorticoids (e.g., Cortisol)

A hormone released during stress; high levels can reduce neurogenesis.

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Microglia

The brain's resident immune cells that fend off infections and remodel neural circuits.

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Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS)

Mimics real-world stressors, provoking anxiety and depression-like behaviors in research animals.

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Colony Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF1)

A protein that influences the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of immune cells.

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Dendritic Spines

Small protrusions on dendrites that form the postsynaptic component of a synapse.

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Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

Area of the brain associated with higher-level cognitive functions and implicated in depression.

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Stress & Mental Health Treatment

Stress-induced signaling between neurons and microglia could be a target for treating anxiety and depression.

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Stem Cell Differentiation

Human hippocampal progenitor cells can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes.

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Cortisol's Effect on Neurogenesis

A reduction in neurogenesis (new neurons) is observed with high does of cortisol.

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Dexamethasone Effects

Dexamethasone, a GR agonist, decreases the number of MAP2-positive neurons and doublecortin-positive neuroblasts.

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Sertraline's Protective Effect

Sertraline, when co-treated with dexamethasone, can abolish the reduction of MAP2 and Dcx positive cells.

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Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)

Cortisol concentrations increase sharply shortly after awakening.

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HPA Axis Assessment Methods

Sampling diurnal basal secretion, stress tasks and pharmacological challenges, can assess the regulation of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

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Cortisol Receptors

Cortisol acts on mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors.

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Saliva Sample Restrictions

Refrain from eating, smoking, drinking, or brushing teeth 15 minutes prior.

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Limitations of Single Cortisol Measurements

Short-term cortisol levels from single measurements aren't useful for assessing long-term secretion.

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Long-Term Cortisol Level Importance

Frequent HPA axis activation cumulative effect may be associated with maladaptive effects of the organism.

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Measuring Long-Term Cortisol

Urine samples are impractical, hair samples offer a non-invasive alternative to measure long-term cortisol levels.

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Hair Sample Collection Advantages

Non-invasive and can be performed by non-healthcare workers at any time of the day.

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Depression and CAR

Showed a significantly higher cortisol awakening response compared with control subjects.

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Saliva Collection Frequency (CAR)

Saliva samples are collected by participants at home at awakening, and at 30, 45, and 60 minutes later.

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Cortisol Awakening Response & Depression

Elevated cortisol upon waking, may indicate a greater vulnerability to depression.

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Postnatal Depression & Cortisol

Women with postpartum depression show significantly higher cortisol levels at awakening with no increase 30 minutes later.

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Lack of Morning Cortisol Rise

Depressed women lack of morning cortisol rise is similar to PTSD and chronic fatigue syndrome.

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Whitehall II Study

Large study which found higher hair cortisol levels associated with prevalent diabetes, use of systemic corticosteroids and cardiovascular medication.

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Depression & Hair Cortisol

Depressive symptoms correlate with higher hair cortisol levels, even after accounting for physical disease and medication.

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CES-D Scale

Scale that measure symptoms of depression in the general public using a cut-off of more than 16 to classify depression.

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Anxiety and Stress Responses

Anxious individuals show behavioral changes and more reactive physiological stress responses.

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Factors Affecting Hair Cortisol

Hair cortisol levels are affected by factors like diabetes, medication and cardiovascular issues.

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Study Notes

  • Biological effects of stress can be studied in animals through blood and brain samples.
  • Human studies involve circulation, blood tests, urine samples, saliva, hair analysis, and stem cells.
  • Peripheral changes may not reflect brain activity, making stem cells useful in human stress studies.

Animal Studies

  • In rodents, corticosterone is the main glucocorticoid, equivalent to cortisol in humans.
  • Adrenal steroids regulate the proliferation and differentiation of new neurons in the dentate gyrus.
  • Increased plasma corticosterone in rats decreases neurogenesis.
  • Adrenalectomy (removal of adrenal glands) in rats, which eliminates corticosterone, increases neurogenesis.
  • Exposure to fox odor, but not other odors like mint or orange, rapidly decreases proliferating cells in the dentate gyrus.
  • The impact of fox odor on cell proliferation relies on stress-induced adrenal hormones.
  • Increased circulating corticosterone levels happen when an animal is exposed to fox odor.
  • Adrenalectomy prevents the suppression of cell proliferation after exposure to fox odor.
  • The decrease in new granule cells due to fox odor is transient, not causing permanent damage.

Neurogenesis and Depression

  • Jacobs and colleagues (2000) suggested that neurogenesis rates in the adult hippocampus might influence major depression or recovery.
  • Neurogenesis is changeable, with stress and high glucocorticoids decreasing it, and exercise and antidepressants increasing it.
  • High cortisol and adversity are depression risks, while exercise and antidepressants aid recovery.
  • Chronic stress alters brain neural circuits, raising the risk of depression and anxiety.
  • Researchers discovered a novel cellular pathway contributing to the pathophysiology of stress-induced disorders (January 2018).
  • Microglia, the brain's immune cells, help remodel neural circuits and are responsible for fending off infections.
  • Intermittent exposure to stressful conditions provoke anxiety and depression-like behaviours in mice.
  • Neurons in the prefrontal cortex show increased messenger RNA levels of colony stimulating factor one or CSF1 under stress conditions.
  • Changes occur in microglia, corresponding with reduced dendritic spine density on pyramidal neurons.
  • Limited connectivity in the prefrontal cortex links to major depression in clinical studies.
  • Increased CSF1 messenger RNA levels were observed In the postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with depression.
  • Preventing neurons from producing CSF1 through viral knockdown stops mice from developing anxiety or depression symptoms when exposed to chronic stress.
  • Stress-induced signaling between neurons and microglia is a potential target for treating anxiety and depression in patients.

Human Stem Cell Studies

  • Human stem cells can be used to study mental health.
  • Human hippocampal progenitor cells, genetically modified to proliferate indefinitely, differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes when growth factors and a chemical are removed.
  • High cortisol doses reduce neurogenesis
  • High cortisol doses reduce doublecortin-positive neuroblasts
  • High cortisol doses reduce MAP2-positive neurons

Antidepressants

  • Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid and GR agonist, reduces MAP2-positive neurons and doublecortin-positive neuroblasts (27% and 25%, respectively)
  • Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, plus dexamethasone abolishes the reduction of MAP2 and Dcx-positive cells.

Cortisol Measurements

  • Cortisol production follows a circadian rhythm.
  • Cortisol concentrations increase before awakening, peaking within 30-45 minutes after awakening, known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR).
  • Cortisol levels decrease during the day.
  • The HPA axis can be assessed through diurnal basal secretion, cortisol response to stress tasks or pharmacological challenges, and CAR.
  • CAR associates with lifestyle factors and psychological traits.

Saliva Sampling

  • Saliva samples are a common, minimally intrusive method for observational surveys.
  • Participants must avoid eating, smoking, drinking, or brushing teeth 15 minutes before collection.
  • Multiple saliva samples collected via swabs are centrifuged.
  • Single cortisol measurements reflect short-term levels due to pulsatile cortisol secretion.
  • Long-term cortisol levels are relevant to chronic diseases because frequent HPA axis activation has cumulative effects.
  • Urine samples are impractical for measuring cortisol levels over time.
  • Hair samples are a good alternative as they are non-invasive and can be taken by non-healthcare workers at any time.

Depression and Cortisol Studies

  • A Netherlands Society of Depression and Anxiety study compared control subjects, remitted major depression subjects, and current major depression diagnosis subjects.
  • Saliva samples were collected at home at awakening, and 30, 45, and 60 minutes later.
  • Remitted and current depressed groups showed a higher cortisol awakening response compared to control subjects.
  • Higher cortisol awakening response may indicate increased biological vulnerability for depression.

Postnatal Depression

  • A study of women with postpartum depression and non-perinatal controls collected saliva at awakening, 30 minutes post awakening, 3 hours post awakening and 12 hours post awakening.
  • Non-depressed postnatal women show a similar cortisol secretion pattern to non-perinatal controls over the day.
  • Depressed women had significantly higher cortisol levels at awakening and no increase at 30 minutes later.
  • The lack of morning rise in depressed women links to post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome, reflecting response in women to cortisol withdrawal after delivery.

Whitehall II Study

  • A study involving 3,500 London-based civil service participants measured hair cortisol concentrations.
  • Prevalent diabetes, use of systemic corticosteroids, and cardiovascular medication independently associated with higher cortisol levels.
  • Depressive symptoms, assessed using the CES-D scale, are associated with higher cortisol levels after adjusting for physical disease and medication

Anxiety, Stress and Depression

  • Highly anxious individuals show behavioral alterations and more reactive physiological stress responses.
  • Molecular variations in neurobiological systems (neurotransmitters, HPA axis) define the high anxiety trait phenotype.
  • High anxiety traits plus suboptimal environmental conditions create vulnerability for psychopathology.
  • Stressful life events associate with major depressive episodes.
  • Reactions to stress determine its impact.

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Explore adult hippocampal neurogenesis role in major depression and factors increasing its rate. Study the impact of chronic unpredictable stress on the prefrontal cortex and the effects of CSF1 production prevention on mice under chronic stress. Discover the link between reduced prefrontal cortex connectivity and depression.

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