Neuroanatomic differences associated with stress susceptibility and resilience
Open accessAbstract
Background We examined the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress susceptibility using structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging to determine neuroanatomic differences between stress-susceptible and resilient mice. We also examined synchronized anatomic differences between brain regions to gain insight into the plasticity of neural networks underlying stress susceptibility.Methods C57BL/6 mice underwent 10 days of social defeat stress and were subsequently tested for social avoidance. For magnetic resonance imaging, brains of stressed (susceptible, n = 11; resilient, n = 8) and control (n = 12) mice were imaged ex vivo at 56 µm resolution using a T2-weighted sequence. We tested for behavior-structure correlations by regressing social avoidance z-scores against local brain volume. For diffusion tensor imaging, brains were scanned with a diffusion-weighted fast spin echo sequence at 78 μm isotropic voxels. Structural covariance was assessed by correlating local volume between brain regions.Results Social avoidance correlated negatively with local volume of the cingulate cortex, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, raphe nuclei, and bed nucleus of the stria terminals. Social avoidance correlated positively with volume of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), habenula, periaqueductal gray, cerebellum, hypothalamus, and hippocampal CA3. Fractional anisotropy was increased in the hypothalamus and hippocampal CA3. We observed synchronized anatomic differences between the VTA and cingulate cortex, hippocampus and VTA, hippocampus and cingulate cortex, and hippocampus and hypothalamus. These correlations revealed different structural covariance between brain regions in susceptible and resilient mice.Conclusions Stress-integrative brain regions shape the neural architecture underlying individual differences in susceptibility and resilience to chronic stress.
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- Findingown data
In chronically stressed mice, social avoidance z score was negatively correlated with peak voxel volume in the cingulate cortex (r = −.79, p < .001).
“In addition, we found a significant negative correlation between social avoidance scores and peak voxel volumes of the cingulate cortex (r = −.79, p < .001) (Figure 2B), suggesting that the cingulate cortex is smaller in stress-susceptible mice.”
- Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
“Our structural analysis revealed that gray matter volume of the VTA increased as a function of social avoidance, whereas cingulate cortex and NAc volumes declined with increasing social avoidance.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
- Findingown data
In chronically stressed mice, social avoidance z score was positively correlated with peak voxel volume in the ventral tegmental area (r = .69, p < .001).
“Social avoidance scores correlated positively with VTA peak voxel volume (r = .69, p < .001) (Figure 2A), supporting a role of the VTA in promoting stress susceptibility.”
- Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
“Our structural analysis revealed that gray matter volume of the VTA increased as a function of social avoidance, whereas cingulate cortex and NAc volumes declined with increasing social avoidance.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
- Findingown data
In control mice, hippocampus and cingulate cortex volumes were positively correlated (r = .6, p = .001).
“In control mice (n = 12), we observed correlations only between the hippocampus and hypothalamus (r = .57, p = .04) (Supplemental Figure S6C) and between the hippocampus and cingulate cortex (r = .6, p = .001) (Supplemental Figure S6E), but not between any of the other brain regions analyzed (Supplemental Figure S6).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Hippocampal volume was positively correlated with VTA volume (r = .64, p = .003).
“Hippocampal volume is positively correlated with VTA volume (r = .64, p = .003) (Figure 4D) and negatively correlated with cingulate cortex volume (r = −.68, p = .001) (Figure 4E), suggesting an interaction of the hippocampus with the VTA and medial PFC (4).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the VTA, NAc, and cingulate cortex, fractional anisotropy correlated with behavioral z scores in the opposite direction from anatomic volume.
“Our DTI analysis revealed that FA correlated with behavioral z scores in opposite directions than anatomic volume in the VTA, NAc, and cingulate cortex.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Findingown data
In chronically stressed mice, social avoidance z score was positively correlated with peak voxel volume in the hypothalamus (r = .77, p < .01).
“We found significant positive correlations between social avoidance scores and peak voxel volumes of the hippocampus (r = .81, p < .001) (Figure 3A) and hypothalamus (r = .77, p < .01) (Figure 3B), suggesting that larger hypothalamus and hippocampal volumes are associated with stress susceptibility.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
DTI analysis showed a positive correlation between behavioral z scores and fractional anisotropy in the hippocampus.
“In addition, our DTI analysis revealed positive correlations between behavioral z scores and FA in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, indicating that diffusion in these structures is more anisotropic in susceptible mice (Figure 3A, B; graphs on the right).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was a trend toward a small negative correlation between VTA and NAc volumes (r = −.14, p = .06).
“We observed a trend toward a small negative correlation between the VTA and NAc in our analysis (r = −.14, p = .06) (Figure 4B).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Atlas-based comparisons confirmed that susceptible mice had larger hippocampal volume than resilient mice.
“Atlas-based comparisons of group-level structural differences confirmed larger hippocampal volume in susceptible (n = 11) compared with resilient (n = 8) mice (Supplemental Table S1 and Figure S4).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Hippocampal volume was negatively correlated with cingulate cortex volume (r = −.68, p = .001).
“Hippocampal volume is positively correlated with VTA volume (r = .64, p = .003) (Figure 4D) and negatively correlated with cingulate cortex volume (r = −.68, p = .001) (Figure 4E), suggesting an interaction of the hippocampus with the VTA and medial PFC (4).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In control mice, no significant correlations were found between social avoidance z score and volume of the same brain structures.
“No significant correlations were observed between social avoidance z score and volume of the same brain structures in control mice (n = 12) (Supplemental Figure S5).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Peak voxel volumes of the VTA and cingulate cortex were negatively correlated (r = −.61, p = .01).
“We found a negative correlation between peak voxel volumes of the VTA and the cingulate cortex (r = −.61, p = .01) (Figure 4A).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In chronically stressed mice, social avoidance z score was positively correlated with peak voxel volume in the amygdala (r = .77, p < .01).
“Social avoidance scores also correlated negatively with peak voxel volumes of the NAc (r = −.48, p < .05) (Figure 2C) and positively with peak voxel volumes of the amygdala (r = .77, p < .01) (Figure 2D) (25–27).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In control mice, hippocampus and hypothalamus volumes were positively correlated (r = .57, p = .04).
“In control mice (n = 12), we observed correlations only between the hippocampus and hypothalamus (r = .57, p = .04) (Supplemental Figure S6C) and between the hippocampus and cingulate cortex (r = .6, p = .001) (Supplemental Figure S6E), but not between any of the other brain regions analyzed (Supplemental Figure S6).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
There was a trend toward a negative correlation between hippocampus and NAc volumes (r = −.44, p = .06).
“We found a trend toward a negative correlation between the volume of the hippocampus and NAc (r = −.44, p = .06) (Figure 4F).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Social avoidance z score was positively correlated with ventral hippocampus volume (r = .81, p < .001).
“We found similar correlations when separately analyzing the dorsal (r = .80, p < .001) and ventral (r = .81, p < .001) hippocampus (Supplemental Figure S3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Susceptible and resilient mice clustered at opposite ends of the VTA-cingulate cortex volume correlation.
“Susceptible and resilient mice cluster at opposite ends of this correlation (Figure 4A; open circles, susceptible mice, n = 11; solid circles, resilient mice, n = 8).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
An interaction model found no significant group-dependent interactions for structure-structure correlations.
“Using this analysis, we did not find any interactions that were significant (Supplemental Table S3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Susceptible and resilient mice clustered at opposite ends of the hippocampus-hypothalamus volume correlation.
“Similar to our findings for the VTA and cingulate cortex, susceptible (n = 11, open circles) and resilient (n = 8, solid circles) mice cluster at opposite ends of this correlation, suggesting that stress susceptibility is associated with stronger structural covariance between the hippocampus and hypothalamus.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Social avoidance z score was positively correlated with dorsal hippocampus volume (r = .80, p < .001).
“We found similar correlations when separately analyzing the dorsal (r = .80, p < .001) and ventral (r = .81, p < .001) hippocampus (Supplemental Figure S3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the amygdala, fractional anisotropy-behavior and volume-behavior correlations had the same direction.
“In the amygdala, FA-behavior and volume-behavior correlations had the same direction (Supplemental Figure S2).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In chronically stressed mice, social avoidance z score was negatively correlated with peak voxel volume in the nucleus accumbens (r = −.48, p < .05).
“Social avoidance scores also correlated negatively with peak voxel volumes of the NAc (r = −.48, p < .05) (Figure 2C) and positively with peak voxel volumes of the amygdala (r = .77, p < .01) (Figure 2D) (25–27).”
- Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
“Our structural analysis revealed that gray matter volume of the VTA increased as a function of social avoidance, whereas cingulate cortex and NAc volumes declined with increasing social avoidance.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
- Findingown data
In chronically stressed mice, social avoidance z score was positively correlated with peak voxel volume in the hippocampus (r = .81, p < .001).
“We found significant positive correlations between social avoidance scores and peak voxel volumes of the hippocampus (r = .81, p < .001) (Figure 3A) and hypothalamus (r = .77, p < .01) (Figure 3B), suggesting that larger hypothalamus and hippocampal volumes are associated with stress susceptibility.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Across all chronically defeated mice, hippocampal volume and hypothalamus volume were positively correlated (r = .62, p = .005; n = 19).
“To investigate whether hippocampus-hypothalamus connectivity may determine individual differences in stress sensitivity, we correlated hippocampal volume with hypothalamus volume and found a positive correlation across all chronically defeated mice (r = .62, p = .005; n = 19) (Figure 4C).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The larger hippocampal volume associated with social avoidance was specifically observed in CA3.
“Larger hippocampal volume was specifically observed in CA3 (red areas in Figure 3A), a region of the hippocampus that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of stress (8,31).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
DTI analysis showed a positive correlation between behavioral z scores and fractional anisotropy in the hypothalamus.
“In addition, our DTI analysis revealed positive correlations between behavioral z scores and FA in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, indicating that diffusion in these structures is more anisotropic in susceptible mice (Figure 3A, B; graphs on the right).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Social avoidance scores were positively correlated with cerebellum volume (r = .78, p < .001).
“the periaqueductal gray (r = .66, p = .002) (Figure 5F), a region involved in fear responses and defensive behavior (43,44); and the cerebellum (r = .78, p < .001) (Figure 5G), which has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders (45).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In control mice, no correlations were found between the other analyzed brain regions.
“In control mice (n = 12), we observed correlations only between the hippocampus and hypothalamus (r = .57, p = .04) (Supplemental Figure S6C) and between the hippocampus and cingulate cortex (r = .6, p = .001) (Supplemental Figure S6E), but not between any of the other brain regions analyzed (Supplemental Figure S6).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Social avoidance scores were negatively correlated with raphe nuclei volume (r = −.64, p = .003).
“the raphe nuclei (r = −.64, p = .003) (Figure 5B), which are importantly involved in regulating serotoninergic tone (40,41);”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Atlas-based comparisons confirmed smaller corpus callosum volume in susceptible mice compared with resilient mice.
“This additional analysis confirmed smaller BNST and corpus callosum volume in susceptible compared with resilient mice (Supplemental Table S2 and Figure S4).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In control mice, no significant correlations were found between social avoidance and volume or fractional anisotropy of the novel brain regions.
“We did not find any significant correlations between social avoidance and volume or FA of any of these brain regions in control mice (n = 12).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Social avoidance scores were positively correlated with periaqueductal gray volume (r = .66, p = .002).
“the periaqueductal gray (r = .66, p = .002) (Figure 5F), a region involved in fear responses and defensive behavior (43,44); and the cerebellum (r = .78, p < .001) (Figure 5G), which has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders (45).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
For the BNST, thalamus, habenular commissure, periaqueductal gray, and cerebellum, fractional anisotropy-behavior correlations mostly occurred in the opposite direction from volume-behavior correlations.
“Similar to our observation in the VTA, cingulate cortex, and NAc, most of these correlations occurred in opposite directions than anatomic volume, again suggesting that increased volume may be associated with less anisotropic diffusion in these brain regions.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
DTI analysis showed correlations between fractional anisotropy and behavioral z scores for the BNST, thalamus, habenular commissure, periaqueductal gray, and cerebellum.
“Our DTI analysis showed correlations in FA with behavioral z scores for the BNST, thalamus, habenular commissure, periaqueductal gray, and cerebellum (Supplemental Figure S7).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Social avoidance scores were negatively correlated with thalamus volume (r = −.79, p < .001).
“the thalamus (r = −.79, p < .001) (Figure 5C), which controls consciousness and information relay; and the corpus callosum (r = −.77, p < .001) (Figure 5D), the central white matter tract connecting both cerebral hemispheres.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Social avoidance scores were negatively correlated with BNST volume (r = −.78, p < .001).
“Social avoidance scores correlated negatively with the volume of the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST) (r = −.78, p < .001) (Figure 5A), a brain structure involved in neuroendocrine regulation and anxiety-like behavior (36–39);”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Social avoidance scores were positively correlated with habenular commissure volume (r = .69, p = .001).
“Social avoidance scores also correlated positively with volume of the habenular commissure (r = .69, p = .001) (Figure 5E), a brain structure associated with depression and antidepressant response (42);”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Social avoidance scores were negatively correlated with corpus callosum volume (r = −.77, p < .001).
“the thalamus (r = −.79, p < .001) (Figure 5C), which controls consciousness and information relay; and the corpus callosum (r = −.77, p < .001) (Figure 5D), the central white matter tract connecting both cerebral hemispheres.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Atlas-based comparisons confirmed smaller BNST volume in susceptible mice compared with resilient mice.
“This additional analysis confirmed smaller BNST and corpus callosum volume in susceptible compared with resilient mice (Supplemental Table S2 and Figure S4).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Structural covariance between hippocampal CA3 and the hypothalamus was found in stressed and control mice.
“We found structural covariance between hippocampal CA3 and the hypothalamus in stressed as well as control mice, suggesting that structural synchrony between these regions generally exists in nonstressed individuals.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the study, local volume and FA correlated in opposite directions with social avoidance in the VTA, cingulate cortex, NAc, BNST, thalamus, periaqueductal gray, and cerebellum.
“In our study, local volume and FA correlate in opposite directions with social avoidance in the VTA, cingulate cortex, NAc, BNST, thalamus, periaqueductal gray, and cerebellum.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Susceptible mice had reduced raphe nuclei volume.
“We also found that susceptible mice exhibit reduced volume of the raphe nuclei”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the study, local volume and FA correlated positively with social avoidance in the hippocampus and hypothalamus.
“In contrast, local volume and FA positively correlate with social avoidance in the hippocampus and hypothalamus.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Periaqueductal gray volume increased with stress susceptibility.
“We also found increased volume of the periaqueductal gray as a function of stress susceptibility”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The atlas-based differences were less significant than the voxelwise correlations.
“However, the differences were less significant”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Stress susceptibility is associated with stronger structural covariance between the hippocampus and hypothalamus.
“Similar to our findings for the VTA and cingulate cortex, susceptible (n = 11, open circles) and resilient (n = 8, solid circles) mice cluster at opposite ends of this correlation, suggesting that stress susceptibility is associated with stronger structural covariance between the hippocampus and hypothalamus.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Chronic stress is a major risk factor for depression.
“Chronic stress is a major risk factor for depression (1); however, it is unclear why some individuals are more susceptible to the effects of stress than others.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] Kessler, 1997, The effects of stressful life events on depression, Annu Rev Psychol source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
Increased volume may be associated with less anisotropic diffusion in these brain regions.
“Similar to our observation in the VTA, cingulate cortex, and NAc, most of these correlations occurred in opposite directions than anatomic volume, again suggesting that increased volume may be associated with less anisotropic diffusion in these brain regions.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Brain reward pathways, including the VTA and NAc, as well as the PFC and amygdala, have been implicated in the neural circuitry mediating individual differences in stress susceptibility.
“Brain reward pathways, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc) (4) as well as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the amygdala (11,12), have been implicated in the neural circuitry mediating these differences in stress susceptibility.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [4] Chaudhury, 2013, Rapid regulation of depression-related behaviours by control of midbrain dopamine neurons, Nature source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [11] Narayanan, 2011, Social defeat: Impact on fear extinction and amygdala-prefrontal cortical theta synchrony in 5-HTT deficient mice, PLoS One source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [12] Fekete, 2009, Social defeat stress activates medial amygdala cells that express type 2 corticotropin-releasing factor receptor mRNA, Neuroscience source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Chronic social defeat stress is a well-validated mouse model that consistently produces susceptible and resilient phenotypes.
“Chronic social defeat stress is a well-validated mouse model that consistently generates susceptible and resilient phenotypes (10).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [10] Krishnan, 2007, Molecular adaptations underlying susceptibility and resistance to social defeat in brain reward regions, Cell source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Hippocampal connections to the hypothalamus inhibit glucocorticoid hormone release by suppressing the HPA axis.
“At the circuit level, hippocampal connections to the hypothalamus inhibit the release of glucocorticoid hormones via suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (13–15).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [13] Anacker, 2014, Early life adversity and the epigenetic programming of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [14] Anacker, 2011, The glucocorticoid receptor: Pivot of depression and of antidepressant treatment?, Psychoneuroendocrinology source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [15] Anacker, 2012, Can adult neurogenesis buffer stress responses and depressive behaviour?, Mol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
The hippocampus governs HPA axis activity by modulating hypothalamic function.
“The hippocampus governs HPA axis activity by modulating the function of the hypothalamus (30).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [30] Surget, 2011, Antidepressants recruit new neurons to improve stress response regulation, Mol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
The lack of a significant VTA-NAc correlation may suggest that structural differences in connectivity between the VTA, medial PFC, and NAc are primarily driven by covariance between the VTA and cingulate cortex.
“The lack of significant correlation between these two nuclei may suggest that, at the structural level, differences in connectivity between the VTA, medial PFC, and NAc may be primarily driven by covariance between the VTA and cingulate cortex.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The absence of a correlation between social avoidance and brain volume in control animals suggests that different anatomy and connectivity may be a consequence of stress exposure.
“The fact that social avoidance in our study is not correlated with brain volume in control animals suggests that different anatomy and connectivity may be the consequence of stress exposure.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
After stress, susceptible mice show greater volume associations between the hippocampus and hypothalamus than resilient mice.
“However, after stress, susceptible mice show greater volume associations between these regions than resilient mice, as indicated by the finding that susceptible and resilient mice cluster at opposite ends of the correlation (Figure 3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Reduced BNST volume in susceptible mice may reflect network abnormalities that disturb hippocampal information relay to the hypothalamus.
“Reduced volume of the BNST in susceptible mice may reflect network abnormalities by which hippocampal information relay to the hypothalamus could be disturbed.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Glutamatergic hippocampal outputs activate GABAergic inhibitory neurons of subcortical relay areas, including the BNST, which consequently inhibit neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
- Interpretationown data
Structural synchrony between hippocampal CA3 and the hypothalamus generally exists in nonstressed individuals.
“We found structural covariance between hippocampal CA3 and the hypothalamus in stressed as well as control mice, suggesting that structural synchrony between these regions generally exists in nonstressed individuals.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Synchronized anatomic differences between the VTA and cingulate cortex may reflect altered connectivity between these regions in susceptible and resilient mice.
“These synchronized anatomic differences may reflect altered connectivity between these regions in susceptible and resilient mice.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Disturbances in hippocampus-hypothalamus connectivity may be associated with enlarged hippocampal volume as compensatory changes aimed at reducing HPA axis hyperactivity.
“Such disturbances in hippocampus-hypothalamus connectivity may be associated with enlarged hippocampal volume as a result of compensatory changes in the hippocampus that are aimed at reducing HPA axis hyperactivity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Glutamatergic hippocampal outputs activate GABAergic inhibitory neurons of subcortical relay areas, including the BNST, which consequently inhibit neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
- Premisecitation
Some studies have observed an association between the number of stressful life events and increased hippocampal volume in elderly, nondepressed subjects.
“Some studies have observed an association between the number of stressful life events and increased hippocampal volume in elderly, nondepressed subjects (53).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [53] Zannas, 2013, Negative life stress and longitudinal hippocampal volume changes in older adults with and without depression, J Psychiatr Res source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Stress-integrative brain regions shape the neural architecture underlying individual differences in susceptibility and resilience to chronic stress.
“Stress-integrative brain regions shape the neural architecture underlying individual differences in susceptibility and resilience to chronic stress.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
The findings may at least in part reflect individual trait differences.
“Our findings, which confirm the result of this study, may at least in part also reflect individual trait differences.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
A recent longitudinal study suggested that stress-susceptible mice have larger hippocampal volume than resilient mice before stress onset.
“However, a recent longitudinal study suggested that stress-susceptible mice have larger hippocampal volume than resilient mice before stress onset (56).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [56] Tse, 2014, A longitudinal study of stress-induced hippocampal volume changes in mice that are susceptible or resilient to chronic social defeat, Hippocampus source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Anatomic differences in the VTA, cingulate cortex, and NAc may be associated with their previously established functional role in mediating individual differences in stress susceptibility.
“These data support the notion that anatomic differences in these brain regions may be associated with their previously established functional role in mediating individual differences in stress susceptibility.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Increased volumes of the hippocampus and hypothalamus may sensitize susceptible individuals to develop HPA axis abnormalities and social avoidance more than resilient mice.
“Increased volumes of two of the key regulators of the HPA axis may possibly sensitize susceptible individuals to develop HPA axis abnormalities and social avoidance more so than resilient mice.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The hippocampus may belong to a broad neuroanatomic network tied to stress sensitivity.
“suggesting that the hippocampus may be part of a comprehensive neuroanatomic network associated with stress sensitivity”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The lower significance of the atlas-based differences indicates that the z score behavioral measure is important for distinguishing individuals.
“indicating the importance of the z score measure of behavior for differentiating between individuals.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The z score measure of social avoidance is a valid and important behavioral measure for distinguishing susceptible and resilient individuals.
- Interpretationcitation
The increased periaqueductal gray volume suggests differences in fear and panic responses between susceptible and resilient mice.
“pointing toward differences in fear and panic responses between susceptible and resilient mice (43,44,59).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [43] Ballesteros, 2014, Effect of dorsal and ventral hippocampal lesions on contextual fear conditioning and unconditioned defensive behavior induced by electrical stimulation of the dorsal periaqueductal gray, PLoS One source
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- cites [44] Quintino-dos-Santos, 2014, Long-lasting marked inhibition of periaqueductal gray-evoked defensive behaviors in inescapably-shocked rats, Eur J Neurosci source
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- cites [59] Graeff, 2004, Serotonin, the periaqueductal gray and panic, Neurosci Biobehav Rev source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Combining MRI and DTI data from the same brain regions may offer initial insight into tissue microstructure differences linked to structural differences between susceptible and resilient brains.
“Our multiparametric approach of combining MRI and DTI data from the same brain regions may provide some first insight into differences in tissue microstructure associated with structural differences between susceptible and resilient brains.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
The BNST projects to hypothalamic targets that produce fear responses.
“Moreover, the BNST sends outputs to hypothalamic targets to produce fear responses (38,39)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [38] Davis, 2010, Phasic vs sustained fear in rats and humans: Role of the extended amygdala in fear vs anxiety, Neuropsychopharmacology source
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- cites [39] Sink, 2011, Calcitonin gene-related peptide in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis produces an anxiety-like pattern of behavior and increases neural activation in anxiety-related structures, J Neurosci source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
A simple gray-versus-white matter or cortical-versus-subcortical distinction does not appear sufficient to explain the observed behavior-FA and behavior-volume correlations.
“A simple distinction between gray and white matter or cortical and subcortical tissue does not seem sufficient to explain the observed behavior-FA and behavior-volume correlations.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The systems-level analysis of anatomic volume differences between susceptible and resilient mice identified many brain regions potentially relevant to anxiety and depression.
“Our systems-level analysis of anatomic volume differences in susceptible and resilient mice revealed numerous brain regions with potential relevance to anxiety and depression.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
BNST projections to hypothalamic fear-response targets may be especially relevant to social avoidance caused by defeat.
“which may be particularly relevant for defeat-induced social avoidance.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Brain structure, anisotropy, and cell number do not directly measure neuronal activity.
“In addition, a direct measure of neuronal activity is not provided by brain structure, anisotropy, or cell number.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Considering the study and recent work, a consensus appears to be emerging linking structural alterations, tissue diffusivity, and underlying tissue microstructure in key regions such as the hippocampus.
“In light of our study and this recent work, a consensus seems to emerge between structural alterations, tissue diffusivity, and underlying tissue microstructure in key brain regions, such as the hippocampus.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Microscopic changes in brain volume and anisotropy can arise from altered synaptogenesis, neuronal morphology, fiber density, and axonal branching, as well as from extraneuronal changes such as glial cell number or angiogenesis.
“Microscopic alterations in brain volume and anisotropy can be caused by changes in synaptogenesis, neuronal morphology, fiber density, and axonal branching as well as by extraneuronal changes, such as glial cell number or angiogenesis (65).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [65] Evans, 2013, Networks of anatomical covariance, Neuroimage source
Not checked in the free run.
- May combine two claims. 12
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 14
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataIn the study's mice, hippocampal volume correlated positively with VTA volume and negatively with cingulate cortex and NAc volume.
“We also found that hippocampal volume is positively correlated with VTA volume and negatively correlated with cingulate cortex and NAc volume”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataAtlas-based group-level analysis confirmed larger hippocampal volume and smaller BNST and corpus callosum volume in susceptible mice.
“This additional analysis confirmed larger hippocampal volume and smaller volume of the BNST and corpus callosum in susceptible mice.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataIn susceptible mice, smaller cingulate cortex volume predicted larger VTA volume, while in resilient mice larger cingulate cortex volume predicted smaller VTA volume.
“In susceptible mice, smaller cingulate cortex volume predicts larger VTA volume; in resilient mice, larger cingulate cortex volume predicts smaller VTA volume.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPrevious studies have shown smaller hippocampi in depressed patients and hippocampal atrophy following stress.
“Although increased hypothalamic volume supports the notion that HPA axis hyperactivity is associated with susceptibility to chronic stress, increased hippocampal volume may appear contrary to previous studies, which have shown smaller hippocampi in depressed patients (48,49) and hippocampal atrophy following stress (8,31,50–52).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 7 sources checked- cites [48] MacQueen, 2003, Course of illness, hippocampal function, and hippocampal volume in major depression, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [49] Sheline, 1996, Hippocampal atrophy in major depression: A result of depression-induced neurotoxicity?, Mol Psychiatry
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [8] Watanabe, 1992, Stress induces atrophy of apical dendrites of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons, Brain Res source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [31] Magariños, 1996, Chronic psychosocial stress causes apical dendritic atrophy of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons in subordinate tree shrews, J Neurosci source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [50] Woolley, 1990, Exposure to excess glucocorticoids alters dendritic morphology of adult hippocampal pyramidal neurons, Brain Res source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [51] Gould, 1991, Adrenal steroids regulate postnatal development of the rat dentate gyrus: I. Effects of glucocorticoids on cell death, J Comp Neurol source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [52] Lupien, 1999, Increased cortisol levels and impaired cognition in human aging: Implication for depression and dementia in later life, Rev Neurosci source
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationThe hippocampus regulates neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to stress.
“The hippocampus regulates neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to stress (13,14).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [13] Anacker, 2014, Early life adversity and the epigenetic programming of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [14] Anacker, 2011, The glucocorticoid receptor: Pivot of depression and of antidepressant treatment?, Psychoneuroendocrinology source
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
PremisecitationSocial defeat-induced anxiety and depressive-like behaviors were previously associated with decreased neuronal activity in the medial PFC and increased VTA and amygdala activity.
“Social defeat–induced anxiety and depressive-like behaviors were previously associated with decreased neuronal activity in the medial PFC (46) as well as increased VTA and amygdala activity (10–12).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked- cites [46] Vialou, 2014, Prefrontal cortical circuit for depression- and anxiety-related behaviors mediated by cholecystokinin: Role of ΔFosB, J Neurosci source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [10] Krishnan, 2007, Molecular adaptations underlying susceptibility and resistance to social defeat in brain reward regions, Cell source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [11] Narayanan, 2011, Social defeat: Impact on fear extinction and amygdala-prefrontal cortical theta synchrony in 5-HTT deficient mice, PLoS One source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [12] Fekete, 2009, Social defeat stress activates medial amygdala cells that express type 2 corticotropin-releasing factor receptor mRNA, Neuroscience source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPhasic firing of dopaminergic neurons from the VTA to the NAc promotes susceptibility, whereas firing from the VTA to the medial PFC promotes resilience.
“In particular, phasic firing of dopaminergic neurons from the VTA to the NAc promotes susceptibility, whereas firing of dopaminergic neurons from the VTA to the medial PFC promotes resilience (4).”
- Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
“At the functional level, previous studies showed that dopaminergic connections from the VTA to the medial PFC promote resilience to social defeat, whereas connections from the VTA to the NAc promote susceptibility (4,47).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [4] Chaudhury, 2013, Rapid regulation of depression-related behaviours by control of midbrain dopamine neurons, Nature source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [47] Walsh, 2014, Stress and CRF gate neural activation of BDNF in the mesolimbic reward pathway, Nat Neurosci source
Not checked in the free run.
- Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
May combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationStress-induced alterations may result from elevated glucocorticoid levels and differences in glucocorticoid release or sensitivity between susceptible and resilient mice.
“Such stress-induced alterations may result from elevated glucocorticoid levels and potential differences in glucocorticoid release or differences in sensitivity to glucocorticoids between susceptible and resilient mice (55).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [55] Hare, 2014, Exercise-associated changes in the corticosterone response to acute restraint stress: Evidence for increased adrenal sensitivity and reduced corticosterone response duration, Neuropsychopharmacology source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationMen with larger hippocampi show a greater cortisol awakening response and increased cortisol release in response to social stress.
“Moreover, men with larger hippocampi show a greater cortisol awakening response and increased cortisol release in response to social stress (54), suggesting that larger hippocampal volume may be associated with greater stress reactivity and HPA axis hyperactivity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [54] Pruessner, 2007, The associations among hippocampal volume, cortisol reactivity, and memory performance in healthy young men, Psychiatry Res source
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataThe search region was restricted to preselected regions of interest, and clusters with an extent of 273 voxels at |t| > 2.57 survived multiple comparisons at p < .05.
“The search region was restricted to the preselected regions of interest (volume, 90.91 mm3; 517,639 voxels), and a cluster-forming threshold of p < .01 was chosen. Resulting clusters with an extent of 273 voxels at a |t| > 2.57 survived multiple comparisons at p < .05.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Study design and conductcitationCluster thresholding from random field theory was used to control for multiple comparisons.
“Cluster thresholding from random field theory (24) was used to control for multiple comparisons.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [24] Worsley, 1996, A unified statistical approach for determining significant signals in images of cerebral activation, Hum Brain Mapp source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationHippocampal functional connections activate VTA neurons.
“Although functional connections from the hippocampus activate VTA neurons (57)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [57] Lisman, 2005, The hippocampal-VTA loop: Controlling the entry of information into long-term memory, Neuron source
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationThe raphe nuclei play a critical role in regulating serotoninergic tone.
“which are critically involved in regulating serotoninergic tone (40,41)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationPrior studies indicate that FA can predict cell number and tissue density, and that higher FA may reflect greater tissue integrity.
“Some studies showed that FA can predict cell number and tissue density (60,61) and that higher FA could indicate greater tissue integrity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [60] Beppu, 2005, Fractional anisotropy value by diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging as a predictor of cell density and proliferation activity of glioblastomas, Surg Neurol source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [61] Kinoshita, 2008, Fractional anisotropy and tumor cell density of the tumor core show positive correlation in diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of malignant brain tumors, Neuroimage source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataThe data suggest that local brain volume can be linked to either more or less restricted diffusion through underlying tissue, potentially indicating higher or lower tissue integrity.
“These data suggest that local brain volume can be associated with either more or less restricted diffusion through the underlying tissue, potentially indicating higher or lower tissue integrity, respectively.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationReduced raphe volume may alter serotonin signaling across the brain, contributing to stress reactivity and depressive-like behavior.
“Reduced raphe volume may affect serotonin signaling throughout the brain, contributing to stress reactivity and to the development of depressive-like behavior (58).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [58] Richardson-Jones, 2010, 5-HT1A autoreceptor levels determine vulnerability to stress and response to antidepressants, Neuron source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
InterpretationreasoningLongitudinal in vivo imaging at baseline and after stress may be a powerful translational method for detecting interindividual brain-region variations that may mark susceptible and resilient individuals before stress onset.
“In addition to our findings, in vivo longitudinal imaging at baseline and after stress may be a powerful method of translational relevance to detect interindividual variations in brain regions that may characterize susceptible and resilient individuals before stress onset.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The mouse social defeat model and its behavioral measures are valid for inferring human stress susceptibility, resilience, and depression risk.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationChanges in the cellular organization of a brain region can result from molecular processes that follow neuronal activity.
“Although changes in the cellular organization of a specific brain region can result from the molecular processes after neuronal activity (65,68)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
Interpretationnone givenNew measures of stress susceptibility and resilience in the mouse brain would permit testing novel interventions, including psychiatric drugs, for their effects on local brain volume in vivo.
“In conclusion, new measures of stress susceptibility and resilience in the mouse brain would allow the testing of novel interventions, including psychiatric drugs, for their effects on local brain volume in vivo.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The mouse social defeat model and its behavioral measures are valid for inferring human stress susceptibility, resilience, and depression risk.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
InterpretationreasoningIdentifying neuroanatomic differences that predispose individuals to depression after chronic stress may help target stress-preventive measures to reduce the burden of mental illness.
“Identifying neuroanatomic differences that predispose individuals to developing depression after chronic stress may help target stress-preventive measures to alleviate the burden of mental illness.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The mouse social defeat model and its behavioral measures are valid for inferring human stress susceptibility, resilience, and depression risk.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThis hypothesis is consistent with increased FA in compressed brain tissue after hematoma.
“This hypothesis agrees with an increased FA in compressed brain tissue after hematoma (64).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [64] Osuka, 2012, Elevated diffusion anisotropy in gray matter and the degree of brain compression, J Neurosurg source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
InterpretationreasoningAn overall volume change is likely to increase anisotropy in anisotropic compartments if the structure resists that volume change along its dominant axis.
“A change in overall volume is likely to increase anisotropy in anisotropic compartments if the structure itself resists the overall volume change along the dominant axis of the tissue anisotropy.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
InterpretationreasoningThe findings may be an initial step toward clinical use, because MRI and DTI could potentially help inform a clinical diagnosis of depression risk from neuroanatomic abnormalities in patients seeking psychiatric services.
“Our findings may be a first step toward clinical application, as MRI and DTI could potentially be used as biomedical tools to inform a clinical diagnosis of depression risk based on neuroanatomic abnormalities in patients seeking psychiatric services.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The mouse social defeat model and its behavioral measures are valid for inferring human stress susceptibility, resilience, and depression risk.
The paper relies on this without support.
Glutamatergic hippocampal outputs activate GABAergic inhibitory neurons of subcortical relay areas, including the BNST, which consequently inhibit neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
“Glutamatergic hippocampal outputs generally activate GABAergic inhibitory neurons of subcortical relay areas, including the BNST, which consequently inhibit neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The mouse social defeat model and its behavioral measures are valid for inferring human stress susceptibility, resilience, and depression risk.
“Our findings may be a first step toward clinical application, as MRI and DTI could potentially be used as biomedical tools to inform a clinical diagnosis of depression risk based on neuroanatomic abnormalities in patients seeking psychiatric services.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The z score measure of social avoidance is a valid and important behavioral measure for distinguishing susceptible and resilient individuals.
“indicating the importance of the z score measure of behavior for differentiating between individuals.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The stratification approach followed is in line with an emerging trend in the literature, taking into account individual differences in behavioral outcomes when examining underlying neurobiology.
“We should briefly note that the stratification approach that we have followed is in line with an emerging trend in the literature, taking into account individual differences in behavioral outcomes when examining underlying neurobiology36,39–44.”
Stress induces volume reduction in the nucleus accumbens of mice.
“Further, a recent study demonstrated stress-induced volume reduction is observed in the NAc of mice (35).”
From Emerging Role for Nucleus Accumbens Medium Spiny Neuron Subtypes in Depression (2017) · cites this paper as [35]
Social avoidance correlates with reductions in volume of the cingulate cortex, NAc, thalamus, raphe, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis.
“Indeed, social avoidance correlates with reductions in volume of the cingulate cortex, NAc, thalamus, raphe, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, suggesting the neurons in these regions may undergo structural atrophy [148].”
From The molecular and cellular mechanisms of depression: a focus on reward circuitry (2019) · cites this paper as [148]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Discussion cites the wrong figure for hippocampus-hypothalamus covariance
MinorThe discussion points to Figure 3 for the group clustering in the hippocampus-hypothalamus correlation, but the results identify that correlation and clustering as Figure 4C.
“However, after stress, susceptible mice show greater volume associations between these regions than resilient mice, as indicated by the finding that susceptible and resilient mice cluster at opposite ends of the correlation (Figure 3).”
“To investigate whether hippocampus-hypothalamus connectivity may determine individual differences in stress sensitivity, we correlated hippocampal volume with hypothalamus volume and found a positive correlation across all chronically defeated mice (r = .62, p = .005; n = 19) (Figure 4C).”
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Can adult neurogenesis buffer stress responses and depressive behaviour?
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“We also found increased volume of the periaqueductal gray as a function of stress susceptibility, pointing toward differences in fear and panic responses between susceptible and resilient mice (43,44,59).”
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Adult hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive flexibility — linking memory and mood
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Self-citationHippocampal neurogenesis confers stress resilience by inhibiting the ventral dentate gyrus
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Self-citationEmerging Role for Nucleus Accumbens Medium Spiny Neuron Subtypes in Depression
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The molecular and cellular mechanisms of depression: a focus on reward circuitry
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Early life stress alters transcriptomic patterning across reward circuitry in male and female mice
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The neuroimmunology of social-stress-induced sensitization
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Dendritic remodeling of D1 neurons by RhoA/Rho-kinase mediates depression-like behavior
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- Authors
- Anacker, C., Scholz, J., O’Donnell, K. J., Allemang-Grand, R., Diorio, J., Bagot, R. C., Nestler, E. J., Hen, R., Lerch, J. P., & Meaney, M. J.
- Affiliations
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CA)
- University of Toronto (CA)
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (US)
- Research Foundation For Mental Hygiene (US)
- Corresponding author
- Meaney, Michael J.
- ORCID
- Venue
- Biological Psychiatry
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2016-05
- Volume
- 79
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 840-849
- ISSN
- 0006-3223 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC5885767
- OpenAlex
- W1197974428
- Cited by
- 167
- References
- 72
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 24 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 7.05
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Biological Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- Hope for Depression Research Foundation
- Ontario Brain Institute
- German Research Foundation
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Resilience and Mental Health
- Keywords
- stress vulnerability, resilience, chronic stress, social defeat stress, social avoidance, hippocampal CA3, ventral tegmental area, cingulate cortex, hypothalamus, fractional anisotropy, individual differences, neural network plasticity, habenula, periaqueductal gray
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Avoidance Learning, Brain, Disease Susceptibility, Dominance-Subordination, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Neural Pathways, Organ Size, Stress, Psychological, Resilience, Psychological, Diffusion Tensor Imaging
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-05.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-05.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
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