Structural Organization of Cerebral Basolateral Nucleus of the Amygdaloid Complex in WAG-Rij Rats with Different Genotypes by the TAQ 1A Locus of Dopamine 2 Receptor Gene (DRD2).

Anxiety levels and structural organization of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdaloid complex were analyzed in WAG/Rij rats with genotypes A1/A1 and A2/A2 by DRD2 locus Taq 1A. Association of anxious behavior with A2/A2 genotype and the relationship between the structural organization of the nucleus and polymorphic variants of this locus are detected.

[The Amygdala in mechanisms of alcohol dependence].

In the present review for the first time systematized literature data about reactive changes, of neurons in the basolateral and medial nuclei of the Amygdala which occur in response to acute and chronic exposure of ethanol. Summarized information about the mechanisms of disturbances in glutamatergic-and GABAergic systems of the basolateral nucleus that determining an increased level of anxiety, which is seen as a main motivating factor of desire for alcohol, thus involved to the manifestation of alcohol dependence. Reviewed molecular and genetic aspects of rsearchs involvement of medial nucleus in the mechanisms of alcoholism.

[IMPAIRMENTS OF GLUTAMATERGIC TRANSMISSION IN THE BASOLATERAL NUCLEUS OF THE AMYGDALA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE].

In this review for the first time systematized literature data about the impairments of glutamatergic transmission in the basolateral nucleus of the Amygdala which leading to increased levels of anxiety. It is known that increased anxiety is seen as a main motivating factor of desire for alcohol, thus involved in the manifestation of alcohol dependence. Reviewed structural-functional alterations in ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors in acute, chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal. Presents the data on the role of glutamate transporters in the pathogenesis of alcoholism.

[NEUROENDOCRINE REPRODUCTIVE CENTERS OF CORTICOMEDIAL DIVISION OF THE AMYGDALA].

In this review for the first time systematized available in modern literature data, which characterize the structural and functional organization of the reproductive centers of corticomedial division of the Amygdala. Given information about physiological mechanisms of their involvement in the organization of sexual behavior, regulation of secretion and excretion of gonadotropines, influence on the processes of sexual maturation of organisms. Involvement of Amygdala in functional systems of the brain, which determine reproductive functions, predefined its participation in the processes of sexual differentiation of the brain. Important role in the implementation of reproductive functions plays the olfactory stimuli, which through the Amygdala switches to the centers of the pre-optic-hypothalamic region, which controls the secretion of gonadotropins and sexual behavior.

[Paleoamygdala: the morphogenesis of nuclear-type, paleocortical and intermediate formations in the perial of postnatal development in rats].

The cytoarchitectonics and expression of apoptosis (as an indicator of stabilization of formative processes) in nuclear, paleocortical, and intermediate formations of the paleoamygdala of the rat ondays 21, 24, 28, and 31 of postnatal development was studied. The results of analysis suggest that the morphogenesis of these formations is characterized by heterochrony due to the complexity of their structural organization predefined by the phylogenetic age. On day 21 of postnatal development of the rat, only the dorsomedial nucleus is well differentiated; on days 24-28, the posterior medial nucleus is well differentiated. The medial part of the posterior cortical nucleus (intermediate formation) is differentiated from the lateral part of this nucleus on day 28. The lateral part of the posterior cortical nucleus, which exhibits the characteristics of a paleocortical formation, acquires the cytoarchitectonics characteristic of an adult animal on day 31 of postnatal development. The dynamics of changes in the apoptotic index reflects the stabilization of morphogenetic processes characterized on the basis of cytoarchitectonic criteria. The results of this study and the neurogenetic data, indicating the presence of spatiotemporal gradients in the formation of the amygdaloid complex and the multiplicity of the original histogenetic domains, confirm the correctness of the previous concept (Akmaev and Kalimullina, 1993) on the substrate of this brain structure as a nuclear-paleocortical component of the brain.

Paleoamygdala: morphogenesis of the posterior cortical nucleus of the rat amygdaloid complex of the brain during the early juvenile period.

Sex-related differences and the dynamic of formation of the posterior cortical nucleus of the rat amygdaloid complex were revealed in the early juvenile period by planimetric characteristics, numbers of neurons and glial cells, and glial and apoptotic indexes reflecting morphological restructuring on postnatal days 21, 24, 28, and 31.

[Structural and functional organization of cart peptide-expressing neurons in brain amygdala].

The aim of the study was to identify the specific features of structural and functional organization of the neurons in dorsomedial nucleus of amygdala containing immunoreactive CART peptide. The study was carried out on 15 Wistar rats using an immunocytochemical demonstration of CART peptide and Golgi method. CART peptide-expressing neurons in subependymal zone of the nucleus were shown to be neuroblastoformal, while those located in its central zones were short-dendritic. These data demonstrate that CART peptide-expressing neurons are belong to a sparcely branched neuronal system. The results obtained in this work together with the analysis of the literature and the provisions of A.L. Polenov (1993) concept on the origin and evolution of the neuroendocrine cells and neurohormonal regulation in Metazoa, suggest that CART peptide appeared during the early stages of the formation of the regulatory chemical communication in the multicellular organisms.

[The main statements of a new concept about the substrate of paleoamygdala].

A new concept is presented about the substrate of paleoamygdala--a complex of the gray matter located in the periventricular zone of the lower horn of the lateral ventricle at the territory of the posterior part of the phylogenetically ancient cortical-medial grouping of the amygdalar complex. The argumentation is based on results of cytoarchitectonical analysis, consideration of peculiarities of neuronal organization, regularities of ontogenesis, and the literature data characterizing results of hodological and functional investigations.

Paleoamygdala and biogenic amines: effect of gender factor and sex steroid content on their content and metabolism.

The content of biogenic amines and their metabolism in the ancient part of the amygdala (paleoamygdala) differ in male and female rats and depended on the phase of the estrous cycle.

[Serotonine and sex steroids in the system of neuroendocrine regulation of amygdala functions].

This review contains modern information about the representation of serotoninergic system in the Amygdala with detailed characteristics of the localization of serotonine fibers and serotonine receptors in nuclear and paleocortical structures. These data indicate the joint participation of serotonine and sex steroids in the regulation of the neuroedocrine function of Amygdala, which have a modulating effect on the secretion and release gonadotropine centers and sexual behavior centers in the hypothalamic area of the brain. The survey also gives information about changes in the exchange of serotonine in the Amygdala's structures in the process of alimentary, maternal, aggressive-defensive and emotional behavior. Systematizes the data on the role of serotonin and sex steroids in the mechanisms involved in the stress response of Amygdala, and its participation in the formation of mood, emotions and the genesis of depression. Presented data on changes in morphometric characteristics of brain structures caused by polymorphic variants of genes of serotoninergic systems and data on the asymmetry of its content.

[Paleoamygdala: a comparative analysis of structural and functional organization in wAG/Rij and Wistar rats].

A comparative analysis of structural and functional organization of paleoamygdala was performed in 22 male WAG/Rij and Wistar rats using light microscopy (Nissl staining method and computer morphometric analysis), electron microscopy (using the criteria of the evaluation of the functional state of neurons) and the TUNEL method for apoptotic cell labeling. The results obtained suggest the involvement of the limbic brain structures in the pathogenesis of absence epilepsy. It was shown that the area occupied in the sections by amygdala was significantly greater in WAG/Rij rats (model of absence epilepsy). The assessment of ultrastructural characteristics of neurons in all the structures of paleoamygdala (dorsomedial, posterior medial and posterior cortical nuclei) has shown the signs of the reduction of their functional activity in WAG/Rij rats. In addition, WAG/Rij rats demonstrated the increased numbers of pyknomorphic neurons with the signs of apoptosis, as identified by the TUNEL method, which is indicative of the destructive processes.

[Sex steroids and monoamines in the system of neuroendocrine regulation of amygdala functions].

The aim of this review is a review of literature data, which characterize participation of monoamines brain systems and sex steroids in regulation (modulation) of the amygdalas' functions. Shown were characteristic noradrenergic, dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems and their representation in amygdala. Effect ofnoradrenaline, dopamine and serotonine on neurons of Amygdala was shown realized from appropriate cell receptors under modulated influence of sex steroids. Combined participation of monoamines and sex steroids occur in regulation of activity in cyclic centre of secretion and releasing of gonadotropins, constituted a base of forming adaptive (sexual, food and aggressive-defensive) behaviour, including stress reaction. The presented data could be used for understanding influence of gender factor on personality characteristics of humans, cognitive abilities and behavioural reactions, and also in application to development of optimal medicinal treatment of psychoneurological diseases.

[Experimental approaches to research role of genotype in locus TAG 1A of gene receptor dopamine second type in narcotic dependence].

The aim of this study was investigation into influence of genotype in locus TAG 1A of gene receptor dopamine second type on mechanisms forming narcotic dependence. Study of water schedule and behavior in "open field" test before and after compulsory alcoholization was performed on two groups of adult rats with genotypes A1/A1 and A2/A2 in locus TAG 1A. The results obtained suggest the effect that allele A1 (or genotype A1/A1) in locus TAG 1A of gene receptor dopamine second type exerts upon accelerated development of alcohol tolerance and forming of narcotic dependence. These results also confirm previously obtained data on association of allele A1 in locus TAG 1A of gene receptor dopamine second type with hard clinical course of alcoholism and narcotic dependence.

Localization of CART-positive neurons in the amygdaloid body and the relationship between their immunoreactivity and the sex steroid level.

This is the first study reporting the locations of neurons expressing CART peptide (cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript) throughout all the nuclear and paleocortical formations of the amygdaloid body (AB) and demonstrating the effects of sex steroids on immunoreactivity. The immunocytochemical reaction was performed on frontal brain sections from adult rats (seven females in estrus, seven females in metestrus, and seven males). The proportions of immunoreactive neurons to the total number of neurons in adjacent sections stained by the Nissl method were assessed in estrus and metestrus. In the dorsomedial and posterior cortical nuclei and the lateral capsular subnucleus of the central field, the relative numbers of immunoreactive neurons at estrus were significantly greater than at metestrus. These results provide evidence of the involvement of the olfactory and integrative centers of the AB in the pathogenesis of drug dependence and show that new and efficient methods of gene therapy might be developed using the intranasal route for drug administration.

[Neuroendocrine regulation of amygdala functions: the role of sex steroids and noradrenaline].

The aim of this review was to summarize the literature data, which characterize the participation of brain noradrenergic system and sex steroids in the regulation/modulation of amygdala functions. Structural organization of noradrenergic system and its representation in corticomedial and basolateral divisions of amygdala is described. This is important for further development of the understanding of the heterogeneity and structural organization complexity of the amygdale, which possesses functional multiplicity. The evidence is presented that may help in comprehension of the influence of gender factor on human personality characteristics, cognitive abilities and behavioral reactions. These data may also be applied for development of optimal clinical medicinal treatment of psychoneurological diseases.

[The system of neuroendocrine regulation of amygdala functions: the role of dopamine and sex steroids].

This review contains the data on the representation of dopaminergic system in the amygdala and its functional importance in the realization of neuroendocrine functions of the amygdala as a reproductive center. The evidence presented indicate the combined participation of dopamine and sex steroids in the regulation of amygdala activity, which exerts a modulating influence both on the centers of gonadotropin secretion and release and on centers of sexual behavior in the hypothalamic area of the brain. It is shown that a significant role in this process belongs to the chemosensory information coming to amygdala from the olfactory bulbs, in which the functional activity of dopaminergic system is also controlled by the amount of sex steroids. This review also presents the data indicating the changes in dopamine metabolism in amygdala structures in the process of formation of the stress-response, food, maternal, aggressive-defensive and deviant behavior.

Morphogenesis of the paleoamygdala during the early juvenile period in rats.

Structural rearrangements in the paleoamygdala during the early juvenile period of development were characterized in studies on 40 Wistar rats of both sexes on days 21, 24, 28, and 31 of postnatal life. Serial frontal sections of the brain stained with cresyl violet by the Nissl method were used to study the cytoarchitectonics of structures within the paleoamygdala (the dorsomedial (Med), the posterior medial (Mep), and posterior cortical (Cop) nuclei) and the dynamics of their formation by recording of planimetric characteristics, with measurements of the numbers of neurons and gliocytes and calculation of glial and apoptotic indexes. The results obtained from these experiments provided evidence for heterochronous morphogenesis and sex-related differences in the differentiation of paleoamygdalar structures. Only the Med was differentiated on day 21 (the beginning of the early juvenile period), while the Mep could be recognized on day 24 and the Cop acquired its characteristic cytoarchitectonics only on day 31 (the beginning of the late juvenile period). Significant gender-related differences in structure were seen in the Med from day 28 and in the Cop and Mep on day 31.

Expression of CART peptide in the paleoamygdala neurons and its relationship with sex hormone levels.

The location of CART peptide in the paleoamygdala neurons was studied by immunocytochemical reaction. Significant differences in the number of immunoreactive cells and optical density of CART-positive neurons detected over the course of the estrous cycle indicate modulating effects of sex steroids on the expression of CART peptide.

[Localization of CART-positive neurons in the amygdala and dependence of their immunoreactivity on the concentration of sex steroids].

During the study of all nuclear and paleocortical structures of amygdala, the CART-peptide (cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript) expressing neurons were for the first time demonstrated in this region, and their immunoreactivity was shown to be influenced by sex steroids. Immunocytochemical reaction was performed on frontal slices of adult rat brain (7 female rats in estrus stage, 7 female rats in metestrus stage and 7 male rats). The portion of immunopositive neurons in animals in estrus and metestrus was counted in relation to their numbers in adjoining slices (stained using Nissl's method). The relative number of immunoreactive neurons in dorsomedial, posterior cortical nuclei and latero-capsular subnucleus of the central nucleus was found to be significantly greater in estrus than in metestrus. The data obtained show that olfactory and integrative centers of amygdala may be involved in the pathogenesis of drug addiction and indicate the possibility of development of new effective methods of gene therapy with the application of an intranasal route of drug delivery.

Cytoarchitectonics, neuronal organization, and the effects of gender on the dendroarchitectonics of neurons in the posterior medial nucleus of the amygdaloid body in rats.

The aim of the present work was to analyze the cytoarchitectonics, neuronal organization, and effects of gender on the dendroarchitectonics of neurons in the posterior medial nucleus of the amygdaloid body of the brain. Studies were performed using 50 mature Wistar rats (25 male, 25 female) using the Nissl and Golgi methods. The nucleus was found to consists of large neurons, which on silver nitrate impregnation had the characteristics typical of long-axon sparsely branched and densely-branched neurons. In males, the dendrites of long-axon sparsely-branched neurons had higher levels of branching, while the dendrites of long-axon densely-branched neurons were longer than in females.