Positive Emotional Learning Induces Resilience to Depression: A Role for NMDA Receptor-mediated Synaptic Plasticity.
BACKGROUND
Positive emotions have been shown to induce resilience to depression and anxiety in humans, as well as increase cognitive abilities (learning, memory and problem solving) and improve overall health. In rats, frequency modulated 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (Hedonic 50-kHz USVs) reflect a positive affective state and are best elicited by rough-and-tumble play.


METHODS
The effect of positive affect induced by rough-and tumble play was examined on models of depression and learning and memory. The molecular and pharmacological basis of play induced positive affect was also examined.


RESULTS
Rough-and-tumble play induced Hedonic 50-kHz USVs, lead to resilience to depression and anxiety, and facilitation of learning and memory. These effects are mediated, in part, by increased NMDAR expression and activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.


CONCLUSIONS
We hypothesize that positive affect induces resilience to depression by facilitating NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex. Targeting MPFC synaptic plasticity may lead to novel treatments for depression.
Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 1801 Maple Ave., Suite 4300, Evanston, IL, 60201.
Jeffrey
J
Burgdorf
Elizabeth M
EM
Colechio
Patric
P
Stanton
Jaak
J
Panksepp
D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014828:Vocalization, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate