下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴紊乱对焦虑性抑郁模型大鼠海马结构的影响

目的研究下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺(HPA)轴紊乱对焦虑性抑郁模型大鼠海马结构的影响,探讨焦虑性抑郁的潜在发病机制。方法将大鼠随机分为空白组、溶媒组、焦虑组、抑郁组和焦虑性抑郁组,每组12只。采用慢性束缚应激联合皮质酮注射方法建立焦虑性抑郁大鼠模型,连续21 d;造模后采用高架十字迷宫(EPM)、旷场实验(OFT)、强迫游泳实验(FST)评价大鼠焦虑和抑郁样行为;HE染色检测大鼠HPA轴各组织及海马病理变化;ELISA检测大鼠血浆中促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素(CRH)、促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)、皮质酮(CORT)含量;Western blot检测大鼠海马糖皮质激素受体(GR)蛋白表达。结果焦虑性抑郁组大鼠进入开臂的时间、次数及自主活动次数均与焦虑组相当,不动时间显著增加,与对照组及抑郁组比较有显著差异(P0.01或P0.05);HPA轴各组织均出现不同程度损伤,海马神经元肿胀,呈空泡状;同时,血浆中CRH、ACTH和CORT含量显著增加(P0.01或P0.05),海马GR表达显著下降。结论焦虑性抑郁模型组大鼠具有显著的焦虑及抑郁样行为,其发病机制可能与机体HPA轴紊乱及其引发的脑内海马损伤密切相关。     

色氨酸羟化酶2在去卵巢抑郁症模型大鼠中缝核中表达减少

目的 观察去卵巢抑郁症大鼠模型海马5-羟色胺(5-HT)含量及其合成限速酶-色氨酸羟化酶2(TPH2)表达的变化.方法 雌性SD大鼠,在卵巢切除术的基础上,联合孤养和21 d慢性不可预见性温和刺激(CUMS)制备去卵巢抑郁症大鼠模型,以行为学测试进行评价.用高效液相色谱-电化学法((HPLC-ECD)测定海马5-HT含量;用RT-PCR技术检测中缝核TPH2 mRNA表达量;用荧光免疫组化检测中缝核TPH2蛋白表达.结果 21 d应激后,模型组大鼠直立活动得分及水平活动得分均减少,糖水消耗百分比下降;海马5-HT含量下降;中缝核TPH2 mRNA表达量及TPH2阳性神经元数量减少.结论 在卵巢切除术的基础上,联合孤养和21 d CUMS可造成去卵巢抑郁症大鼠模型;模型大鼠海马5-HT含量下降,可能是中缝核TPH2的表达减少所致.     

色氨酸羟化酶2在更年期抑郁症模型大鼠中缝核中表达减少

目的 观察更年期抑郁症大鼠模型海马5-羟色胺（5-HT）含量及其合成限速酶-色氨酸羟化酶2（TPH2）表达的变化。方法 雌性SD大鼠，在卵巢切除术的基础上，联合孤养和21d慢性不可预见性温和刺激（CUMS）制备更年期抑郁症大鼠模型，以行为学测试进行评价。用高效液相色谱-电化学法（(HPLC-ECD）测定海马5-HT含量；用RT-PCR技术检测中缝核TPH2 mRNA表达量；用荧光免疫组化检测中缝核TPH2蛋白表达。结果 21d应激后，模型组大鼠直立活动得分及水平活动得分均减少，糖水消耗百分比下降；海马5-HT含量下降；中缝核TPH2 mRNA表达量及TPH2阳性神经元数量减少。结论 在卵巢切除术的基础上，联合孤养和21d CUMS可造成更年期抑郁症大鼠模型；模型大鼠海马5-HT含量下降，可能是中缝核TPH2的表达减少所致。     

海马内注射Aβ1-42寡聚体影响大鼠焦虑、抑郁行为及突触可塑性

目的:探讨淀粉样β蛋白(Aβ)对大鼠焦虑和抑郁行为的影响及其可能的突触机制。方法:将SD大鼠随机分为对照组(n=10)和Aβ1-42注射组(n=10)。通过联合采用高架十字迷宫、强迫游泳及电生理实验技术,以动物在迷宫开臂和闭臂中停留时间百分比、在强迫游泳中的不动时间以及在体海马场兴奋性突触后电位(fEPSP)的幅度作为主要观察指标,系统研究了海马内注射Aβ1-42寡聚体对大鼠焦虑、抑郁行为及海马突触可塑性的影响。结果:(1)Aβ1-42组大鼠在高架十字迷宫开臂中所停留的时间百分比明显大于正常组(P0.01),在闭臂中停留的时间百分比则明显小于对照组(P0.01);(2)Aβ1-42组大鼠在强迫游泳测试中"不动"时间较对照组明显增加(P0.01),"游泳"时间则明显减少(P0.05);(3)高频刺激(HFS)后Aβ1-42组大鼠的海马LTP受到明显压抑,HFS后即刻以及HFS后30 min和60 min时fEPSP平均幅度均明显下降(P0.05或P0.01)。结论:海马内注射Aβ可导致大鼠行为脱抑制、引起抑郁样行为并伤害突触可塑性,提示海马LTP的异常不仅影响学习记忆功能,可能也与焦虑和抑郁等精神行为异常的发生有关。     

GSK650394对慢性应激抑郁症模型大鼠行为及海马神经营养的调节作用

目的探讨血清和糖皮质激素调节蛋白激酶1(SGK1)抑制剂GSK650394对抑郁症模型大鼠抑郁样行为及海马神经营养的调节作用。方法将SD大鼠随机分为对照组、抑郁模型(慢性温和不可预见性应激加孤养)组、GSK650394(2.8 g/L,按1 mL/kg腹腔注射)干预组;采用强迫游泳、糖水消耗、Morris水迷宫实验观察模型动物的情绪行为变化;用ELISA检测大鼠海马血浆和血清中皮质酮(CORT)、5-羟色胺(5-HT)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)含量;用Western blot检测海马中脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)、神经营养素3(NT-3)、神经生长因子(NGF)的表达。结果与对照组比较,模型组大鼠蔗糖水偏食度显著降低、游泳不动时间增加(P<0.01)、逃避潜伏期(EL)、目标象限的潜伏时间(Lat.T)均显著延长(P<0.05或P<0.01);血浆CORT显著升高(P<0.01)、血清5-HT、NE和海马NT-3、BDNF、NGF表达显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。与模型组比较,GSK650394可显著增加蔗糖水偏食度、降低游泳不动时间(P&l...     

N-棕榈酰乙醇胺对慢性束缚应激小鼠焦虑抑郁样行为的影响

目的:采用慢性束缚应激小鼠模型,研究N-棕榈酰乙醇胺(N-palmitoylethanolamide,PEA)对小鼠焦虑抑郁样行为的影响,进一步探讨PEA抗小鼠焦虑抑郁作用的可能机制。方法:小鼠分为正常对照组、模型组、氟西汀(10 mg/kg)组和PEA 2.5、5、10 mg/kg组,每天灌胃给药后30 min,将小鼠(除了正常对照组)放置于有机玻璃管内接受4 h的慢性束缚应激,持续21 d。第22天采用旷场实验和强迫应激实验观察PEA对慢性束缚应激小鼠抑郁样行为的影响;高架十字迷宫实验探讨PEA对慢性束缚应激小鼠焦虑样行为的影响;水迷宫方法分析PEA对慢性束缚应激小鼠学习、记忆、空间定向和认知功能等方面的作用;ELISA方法检测慢性束缚应激小鼠血清促肾上腺皮质激素(adrenocorticotropic hormone,ACTH)、皮质醇(cortisol,CORT)及海马5-羟色胺(5-hydroxytryptamine,5-HT)含量的变化;可见分光光度法检测海马乙酰胆碱酯酶(acetylcholinesterase,ACh E)活性的改变。结果:与模型组相比,在小鼠强迫应激实验中,PEA及氟西汀组小鼠不动时间明显减少;旷场试验中,PEA及氟西汀明显增加小鼠水平移动距离及运动总时间,但只有PEA 10 mg/kg及氟西汀组增加了小鼠直立次数;在高架十字迷宫实验中,PEA及氟西汀明显增加小鼠开臂进入次数、开臂停留时间百分比及在臂总移动距离;在水迷宫实验中,PEA 5、10mg/kg及氟西汀组明显缩短小鼠寻台潜伏期,PEA 10 mg/kg及氟西汀组明显缩短小鼠搜寻距离。与应激模型组比较,PEA 2.5~10 mg/kg及氟西汀显著降低小鼠血清中ACTH水平,PEA 5、10 mg/kg及氟西汀显著降低小鼠血清CORT水平及小鼠肾上腺指数,PEA 10 mg/kg及氟西汀显著增高海马5-HT含量,降低海马ACh E活性,但PEA 2.5和5 mg/kg组海马组织中5-HT含量及ACh E活性则无明显改变。结论:PEA对束缚应激模型小鼠的焦虑及抑郁样行为具有一定的拮抗作用,其具体作用机制可能与调节下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴功能、增加海马单胺类递质5-HT水平及参与中枢胆碱系统的调节有关。     

慢性应激抑郁模型大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴负反馈功能与蒙药槟榔十三味丸的干预

背景:抑郁症是具有很高的致死、致残率,严重威胁着人类健康的常见精神疾患。临床上应用槟榔十三味丸治疗抑郁症取得良好的疗效。但其作用机制尚未明确。目的:观察蒙药槟榔十三味丸对慢性应激抑郁模型大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴负反馈功能的影响,探讨槟榔十三味丸抗抑郁作用机制。方法:80只Wistar雄性大鼠,根据蔗糖水消耗量随机分为正常对照组、模型组、氟西汀组、槟榔十三味丸低、中、高剂量组、RU486组和槟榔十三味丸低、中、高剂量+RU486组,每组8只。除正常对照组外,其余大鼠均采用慢性应激结合孤养方法制备抑郁模型,槟榔十三味丸低、中、高剂量组大鼠在造模同时连续28 d灌胃槟榔十三味丸0.2,0.4,0.8 g/kg;正常对照组和模型组大鼠灌胃羧甲基纤维素钠;RU486组大鼠自造模第21天起腹部皮下注射糖皮质激素受体拮抗剂RU486;槟榔十三味丸低、中、高剂量+RU486组大鼠在造模同时灌胃槟榔十三味丸0.2,0.4,0.8 g/kg,且自造模第21天起腹部皮下注射RU486。结果与结论:与正常对照组相比,模型组及RU486组大鼠肾上腺皮质酮水平显著升高(P0.05),海马、下丘脑、垂体糖皮质激素受体m RNA表达显著下降,下丘脑促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素m RNA表达显著增多;与模型组相比,灌胃槟榔十三味丸的大鼠肾上腺皮质酮水平降低,海马、下丘脑、垂体糖皮质激素受体m RNA表达明显增多,下丘脑促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素m RNA表达水平显著降低;且与RU486组相比,同时灌胃槟榔十三味丸的大鼠肾上腺皮质酮、海马、下丘脑、垂体糖皮质激素受体m RNA、下丘脑促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素m RNA表达水平也出现改变。提示槟榔十三味丸对糖皮质激素的过度分泌有直接的调控作用,并可通过增强糖皮质激素受体m RNA的表达及降低促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素m RNA的表达,改善下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴负反馈中枢的功能障碍。当下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴负反馈通路被阻断后,槟榔十三味丸作用减弱。     

金雀异黄酮对创伤后应激障碍大鼠海马组织5-HT水平和神经元自噬的调节作用

目的:观察金雀异黄酮(Gen)对创伤后应激障碍(PTSD)大鼠海马组织5-羟色胺(5-HT)水平和神经元自噬的调节作用。方法:将SD大鼠随机分成5组,即对照组、PTSD模型组、低剂量(7 mg/kg)Gen组、高剂量(14 mg/kg)Gen组和氟西汀(阳性药物)组,每组20只。采用连续单一应激和足底电击相结合的方法建立PTSD模型。低、高剂量Gen组及氟西汀组大鼠均分别连续灌胃给药7和14 d,对照组及PTSD模型组大鼠每天给予等体积的药物溶剂灌胃。采用旷场实验、高架十字迷宫实验和僵立实验观察大鼠行为变化;尼氏染色法观察海马神经元结构变化;免疫荧光标记法观察海马beclin 1和LC3阳性神经元分布;Western blot法检测海马组织beclin 1和LC3的蛋白水平;ELISA法检测海马组织中5-HT的含量;Pearson相关分析分析海马组织5-HT含量与beclin 1和LC3蛋白水平之间的相关性。结果:与PTSD模型组相比,低、高剂量Gen组大鼠旷场箱内运动总路程、中央格停留时间和穿越中央格次数均显著增加(P0.01),进入开臂时间和次数的百分比显著增多(P0.01),木僵率显著降低(P0.01),海马神经元损伤减轻,beclin 1和LC3阳性神经元数量减少,海马组织beclin 1蛋白水平和LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ蛋白比值降低,5-HT含量升高,5-HT含量与beclin 1蛋白水平和LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ蛋白比值之间均呈显著负相关(P0.01)。结论:大鼠PTSD的发生可能与海马组织5-HT含量不足及海马神经元自噬增强有关。Gen可能是通过提高海马组织5-HT含量,调节海马神经元过度自噬,进而改善大鼠PTSD样行为的。     

毛蕊花糖苷通过调控BDNF-TrkB信号通路改善CUMS大鼠的抑郁样行为

目的:观察毛蕊花糖苷(acteoside)对慢性不可预见性温和应激(chronic unpredictable mild stress,CUMS)大鼠抑郁样行为的影响,并探讨脑源性神经营养因子-原肌球蛋白受体激酶B(brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B,BDNF-TrkB)信号通路在其中的作用机制。方法:采用CUMS结合孤养的方式制备抑郁模型大鼠,成模后随机分为模型组、盐酸氟西汀(20 mg/kg)组和毛蕊花糖苷(30 mg/kg、60 mg/kg和120 mg/kg)组,每组18只,另取18只正常大鼠作为对照组,连续灌胃给药3周。采用强迫游泳实验和糖水偏好实验检测大鼠抑郁样行为的变化;免疫荧光和Western blot法检测大鼠海马BDNF-TrkB信号通路相关蛋白的表达情况;ELISA法检测脑组织中单胺类神经递质5-羟色胺(5-HT)、多巴胺(DA)和去甲肾上腺素(NE)的含量。结果:与对照组比较,模型组大鼠强迫游泳不动时间明显延长,糖水偏好量明显下降,海马BDNF和TrkB的表达均明显降低,脑组织中5-HT、DA和NE含量均显著减少;与模型组比较,盐酸氟西汀组和毛蕊花糖苷各剂量组以上各检测指标均得到显著逆转(P0.05)。结论:毛蕊花糖苷可能通过上调海马BDNF-TrkB信号通路、增加脑内单胺类神经递质含量而改善CUMS大鼠的抑郁样行为。     

运动预干预对睡眠剥夺大鼠学习记忆及海马nNOS表达的影响

目的:探讨跑台运动预干预对完全睡眠剥夺(TSD)大鼠空间学习记忆能力、海马单胺类神经递质水平和神经元型一氧化氮合酶(nNOS)表达的影响。方法:将40只大鼠随机分为对照组(CON)、运动组(EX)、完全睡眠剥夺组(TSD)及睡眠剥夺运动组(EX+TSD)。除CON组及TSD组大鼠,EX组和EX+TSD组大鼠进行跑台运动预干预4周,运动结束后建立大鼠72 h睡眠剥夺模型(小平台水环境法),然后运用八臂迷宫实验(ERM)评估大鼠空间学习记忆能力,用高效液相-电化学法检测大鼠海马单胺类神经递质多巴胺(DA)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)、5-羟色胺(5-HT)的表达水平,用免疫组化法检测海马一氧化氮合酶(nNOS)神经元的表达。结果:(1)与CON组比较,ERM实验中TSD组大鼠工作记忆错误次数(WME)、参考记忆错误次数(RME)均显著增多,正确反应的次数(CN)减少,完成八臂迷宫时间显著延长(P 0. 01);海马内DA及NE的水平均显著下降(P 0. 01),而5-HT的水平增加(P 0. 01),海马nNOS阳性细胞平均光密度显著增加(P 0. 01);(2)与TSD组比较,ERM实验中EX+TSD组大鼠WME及RME均显著减少,CN增多,完成八臂迷宫时间均显著缩短(P均0. 05); EX+TSD组海马DA的表达水平显著增加(P 0. 05),5-HT的表达水平下降(P 0. 05),NE的表达水平则无显著变化(P 0. 05),海马nNOS阳性细胞平均光密度显著下降(P 0. 05)。结论:规律的跑台运动预干预可以增强TSD大鼠的学习记忆能力,其机制可能与此运动下调大鼠海马内nNOS活性、减弱高浓度NO的神经毒性纠正TSD大鼠单胺类神经系统紊乱,对睡眠剥夺引起的海马神经元损害具有保护作用有关。     

Brief daily postpartum separations from the litter alter dam response to psychostimulants and to stress

Neonatal handling induces several behavioral and neurochemical alterations in pups, including decreased responses to stress and reduced fear in new environments. However, there are few reports in the literature concerning the behavioral effects of this neonatal intervention on the dams during the postpartum period. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine if brief postpartum separation from pups has a persistent impact on the dam''s stress response and behavior. Litters were divided into two neonatal groups: 1) non-handled and 2) handled [10 min/day, from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 10]. Weaning occurred at PND 21 when behavioral tasks started to be applied to the dams, including sweet food ingestion (PND 21), forced swimming test (PND 28), and locomotor response to a psychostimulant (PND 28). On postpartum day 40, plasma was collected at baseline for leptin assays and after 1 h of restraint for corticosterone assay. Regarding sweet food consumption, behavior during the forced swimming test or plasma leptin levels did not differ between dams briefly separated and non-separated from their pups during the postpartum period. On the other hand, both increased locomotion in response to diethylpropion and increased corticosterone secretion in response to acute stress were detected in dams briefly separated from their pups during the first 10 postnatal days. Taken together, these findings suggest that brief, repeated separations from the pups during the neonatal period persistently impact the behavior and induce signs of dopaminergic sensitization in the dam.     

Is perinatal depression familial?

BACKGROUND: While major depressive disorder (MDD) is familial, it is not clear whether distinct familial-genetic factors influence vulnerability to depression during or after pregnancy. Here we examine familial aggregation of perinatal major depression (PND, any episode during pregnancy or the month after childbirth) and the subset of post-partum depression (PPD) in families with multiple cases of recurrent, early-onset MDD from the Genetics of Recurrent Early-Onset Depression dataset. METHODS: The dataset included 691 childbearing women who could be classified as PND (27.6%) or non-PND (NPND), of whom 328 were members of 148 sibships with two or more PND or NPND women. PND and NPND subjects were compared for differences in putative predictors. Prediction of sibling PND or PPD by the proband's history was examined using logistic regression and general estimating equation methods. RESULTS: PND was associated with fewer episodes and younger current age. Odds ratios for prediction of sibling status were significant for PND (2.28) and PPD (3.96), particularly when current age was under 46 (2.87 and 4.39, respectively). ORs for PPD were not significantly different from those for PND. The OR for PPD (3.52), but not for PND, remained significant after current age was introduced as a covariate, but not when both current age and number of episodes were included in the model. LIMITATIONS: Because detailed data were not collected for all pregnancies, we cannot determine whether current age and number of episodes mediated the observed effects due to recall bias or other factors (cohort effect, number of episodes). CONCLUSIONS: A familial component to PND, and particularly PPD, is suggested by the results. However more systematic study is needed to confirm this result. A greater understanding of both genetic and non-genetic familial factors could lead to improved prevention and clinical management.     

Pregnant couples at increased risk for common aneuploidies choose maximal information from invasive genetic testing

Genomic array detects more pathogenic chromosome aberrations than conventional karyotyping (CK), including genetic variants associated with a susceptibility for neurodevelopmental disorders; susceptibility loci (SL). Consensus regarding the scope of invasive prenatal diagnosis (PND) pregnant couples should be offered is lacking. This study examined pregnant couples' preferences, doubts and satisfaction regarding the scope of invasive PND. Eighty‐two couples choosing prenatal screening (PNS) and 59 couples choosing invasive PND were offered a choice between 5 (comparable to CK) and 0.5 Mb resolution array analysis outcomes, the latter with or without reporting SL. A pre‐test self‐report questionnaire and post‐test telephone interview assessed their choices in‐depth. Actual (PND) and hypothetical (PNS) choices differed significantly (p < 0.001). Ninety‐five percent of the couples in the PND group chose 0.5 Mb array, vs 69% in the PNS group. Seven percent of the PND group wished not to be informed of SL. Ninety percent was satisfied with their choice and wished to decide about the scope themselves. Pregnant couples wish to make their own choices regarding the scope of invasive PND. It therefore seems justified to offer them a choice in both the resolution of array and disclosure of SL.     

The EPDS-Lifetime: assessment of lifetime prevalence and risk factors for perinatal depression in a large cohort of depressed women

Perinatal depression (PND) is a common complication of pregnancy and postpartum associated with significant morbidity. We had three goals: (1) to explore the performance of a new lifetime version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS-Lifetime) to assess lifetime prevalence of PND; (2) to assess prevalence of lifetime PND in women with prior histories of major depressive episode (MDE); and (3) to evaluate risk factors for PND. Subjects were from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). The EPDS was modified by adding lifetime PND screening questions, assessing worst episode, and symptom timing of onset. Of 682 women with lifetime MDD and a live birth, 276 (40.4 %) had a positive EPDS score of ≥12 consistent with PND. Women with PND more often sought professional help (p?<?0.001) and received treatment (p?=?0.001). Independent risk indicators for PND included younger age, higher education, high neuroticism, childhood trauma, and sexual abuse. We found that two in five parous women with a history of MDD had lifetime PND and that the PND episodes were more severe than MDD occurring outside of the perinatal period. The EPDS-Lifetime shows promise as a tool for assessing lifetime histories of PND in clinical and research settings.     

Predicting postnatal depression

BACKGROUND: The contribution that recently identified risk factors for Postnatal Depression (PND) made to an existing prenatal screening tool ('Predictive Index' of PND; Cooper et al., 1996) was assessed in an attempt to improve the performance of this measure. METHOD: The Predictive Index and measures of appraisal and coping were administered during the final trimester of pregnancy (n=306). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Childcare Stress Inventory were completed at 6-weeks postpartum (n=223). RESULTS: The predictive index identified 23% of PND cases. The addition of specific appraisal and coping factors increased predictive performance by 26%. Inclusion of maternal reports of childcare stress in the early postpartum period resulted in a further 15% of PND cases being identified. LIMITATIONS: Diagnostic criteria were not used to assess the incidence of PND; instead PND case status was assessed using an established cut-off criterion on the EPDS. In addition, the contribution that women's prenatal appraisal and coping processes made to improving the predictive index was not assessed on a second independent sample. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of prenatal appraisal, coping and maternal reports of childcare stress in a screening tool for PND substantially increased predictive performance, resulting in 64% of PND cases being identified. These findings highlight the importance of negative prenatal appraisal and coping processes in the development of PND and have important implications for the prevention and treatment of this disorder.     

Validity of two case finding questions to detect postnatal depression: a review of diagnostic test accuracy

Background

Postnatal depression (PND) is a serious condition associated with negative consequences for the wellbeing of mother and infant. In the UK routine screening for PND is not currently recommended, although the use of two case finding questions in routine practice to identify PND has been advocated in policy guidance. The diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of the two questions has been reviewed in general population samples; however a review of their validity in postnatal populations is unknown. The aim of this rapid review was to identify studies of DTA of two case finding questions (2CFQ) for PND detection.

Methods

DTA studies were included which compared the 2CFQ to gold standard diagnostic criteria. Sources searched included Medline, PsychInfo, Medion, ARIF and cited reference search via Web of Science.

Results

Seven studies were identified which used a two question instrument to detect PND. Only one study compared the 2CFQ to standardised diagnostic criteria in a USA postnatal population. The test reported 100% sensitivity and 62% specificity at 4 postnatal weeks. The test was excellent at 'ruling out' PND given a negative response to both questions. False positive rates were high indicating unnecessary follow-up for a substantial number of women.

Conclusion

The review found limited evidence for use of the 2CFQ approach to detect PND. Further primary research should be undertaken to assess the DTA of the 2CFQ approach recommended for use in UK postnatal populations; this will ultimately inform the utility of current UK policy guidance.     

Medial prefrontal cortex lesions and spatial delayed alternation in the developing rat: recovery or sparing?

In Experiment 1, Long-Evans rat pups received medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) aspirations or sham surgery on Postnatal Day 10 (PND10) and were then trained on PND23 to perform one of two T-maze tasks: discrete-trials delayed alternation (DA) or simple position discrimination. Early PFC damage produced a selective failure to learn the DA task. In Experiment 2, pups given the same lesion or sham surgery were trained on DA on PND19, PND27, or PND33. In relation to sham-operated controls, pups with PFC damage were impaired on PND19, somewhat impaired on PND27, and entirely unimpaired when tested on PND33. In Experiment 3, pups given larger lesions of the frontal cortex on PND10 were impaired on DA when tested on PND23 but not when tested on PND33. These findings indicate that early PFC lesions result in a memory deficit around the time of weaning, which then recovers over the next 10-14 days of development. Moreover, the early deficit is selective for a late developing cognitive process (or processes) that is involved in acquisition of DA.     

A developmental dissociation of context and GABA effects on extinguished fear in rats

Although extinction has attracted considerable attention in recent years, there has been very little empirical work on extinction during development. Using Pavlovian fear conditioning, the authors provide evidence for developmental differences in extinction. Specifically, Postnatal Day (PND) 23 rats exhibited recovery of an extinguished freezing response to an auditory conditioned stimulus when tested in a context different from that in which extinction occurred (i.e., renewal) or when injected with the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) inverse agonist FG7142 prior to test. In contrast, PND 16 rats failed to exhibit either of these effects, although a subsequent experiment demonstrated that FG7142 alleviated spontaneous forgetting in PND 16 rats. Taken together, it appears that there are fundamental differences in the processes involved in extinction across development.     

Attitude of potential users in Sicily towards preimplantation genetic diagnosis for beta-thalassaemia and aneuploidies

This study aims to report the willingness of different populations of high-risk couples to undergo preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for beta-thalassaemia as an alternative to prenatal genetic diagnosis (PND), and the willingness of infertile couples to undergo PGD for aneuploidies. An information sheet and questionnaire presenting PGD and PND procedures were distributed to four population types: 54 high-risk couples for beta-thalassaemia coming for their first PND (population A); 51 similar couples coming for their second or further PND without previous experience of therapeutic abortion (population B-na); 50 similar couples coming for their second or further PND with previous experience of therapeutic abortion for beta-thalassaemia-affected fetus (population B-ab); and 74 infertile couples undergoing routine in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (population C). Favourable first impressions towards PGD compared with PND were observed in all four populations in the following proportions: 79.6% population A; 76.5% population B-na; 92.0% population B-ab; and 96.0% population C. Willingness to undergo PGD for beta-thalassaemia was as follows: 44.4% population A; 47.1% population B-na; and 72.0% population B-ab. We conclude that previous experience of PND for beta- thalassaemia is a crucial point in the willingness to accept the PGD procedure, and that couples belonging to population B-ab are the most suitable to undergo PGD for beta-thalassaemia. Some 96.0% of infertile couples in population C were ready to undergo PGD for aneuploidies.      

Role of age, post-training consolidation, and conjunctive associations in the ontogeny of the context preexposure facilitation effect

The context preexposure facilitation effect (CPFE) is a variant of contextual fear conditioning in which context learning and context‐shock associations occur on separate occasions. The CPFE with an immediate shock emerges between Postnatal Day (PND) 17 and 24 in the rat and depends on hippocampal NMDA‐receptor function in PND 24 rats (Schiffino et al. [2011] Neurobiology of Learning and Memory 95(2):190–198). This study investigated this ontogenetic effect further and reports three findings: First, the CPFE is absent on PND 19 but emerges modestly in rats given exposure on PND 21. Second, the absence of the CPFE on PND 17 does not reflect inability to consolidate the context‐shock association established on the training day. Lastly, the CPFE on PND 24 requires exposure to the combined features of the context. These results are the first to show that the early development of contextual fear conditioning depends on conjunctive representations and that processes underlying the CPFE begin to emerge around PND 21 in the rat. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals,Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54: 714–722, 2012.