Positive Emotional Learning Induces Resilience to Depression: A Role for NMDA Receptor-mediated Synaptic Plasticity

Title:Positive Emotional Learning Induces Resilience to Depression: A Role for NMDA Receptor-mediated Synaptic Plasticity

Volume: 15 Issue: 1

Author(s): Jeffrey Burgdorf, Elizabeth M. Colechio, Patric Stanton and Jaak Panksepp

Affiliation:

Keywords: Positive affect, rat, resilience, rough-and-tumble play, stress, ultrasonic vocalizations.

Abstract: 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.

Cite this article as:

Burgdorf Jeffrey, Colechio M. Elizabeth, Stanton Patric and Panksepp Jaak, Positive Emotional Learning Induces Resilience to Depression: A Role for NMDA Receptor-mediated Synaptic Plasticity, Current Neuropharmacology 2017; 15 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570159X14666160422110344

DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570159X14666160422110344	Print ISSN 1570-159X
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher	Online ISSN 1875-6190