0000000000003307
AUTHOR
Manuela Martinez
Effects of sublethal exposure to lead on levels of energetic compounds in Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852).
Lead is neither essential nor beneficial to living organisms; all existing data show that its metabolic effects are adverse. Lead is toxic to all phyla of aquatic biota. Most of the lead discharged into surface water is rapidly incorporated into suspended and bottom sediments. The American red crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, lives in a wide range of environmental conditions that include highly polluted waters. Lead present in take sediments can be available to aquatic animals such as P. clarkii because it is a detritivor and burrow into the sediment. In fact, we found remarkable levels of lead in tissues of P. clarkii caught in Albufera Lake and kept 15 days in clean water (e. g. 223 [mu]g/g…
Different profiles of mental and physical health and stress hormone response in women victims of intimate partner violence
Abstract Objectives To analyse the individual differences in the impact that intimate male partner violence (IPV) has on a woman's depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, and to determine the association of the different profiles of mental dysfunction with cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) basal saliva levels as well as physical health symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in which IPV victims (n=73) and control non-abused (n=31) women participated. Information was obtained through structured interviews and saliva samples were collected for hormonal assays under baseline conditions. Results There were three profiles of mental symptoms…
Central serotonin depletion modulates the behavioural, endocrine and physiological responses to repeated social stress and subsequent c-fos expression in the brains of male rats
Abstract Intraspecific confrontation has been used to study effect of depleting central serotonin on the adaptation of male rats to repeated social stress (social defeat). Four groups of adult male rats were used (serotonin depletion/sham: stressed; serotonin depletion/sham: non-stressed). Central serotonin was reduced (by 59–97%) by a single infusion of the neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxtryptamine (150 μg) into the cerebral ventricles; levels of dopamine and noradrenaline were unaltered (rats received appropriate uptake blockers prior to neurotoxic infusions). Sham-operated animals received solute only. Rats were then either exposed daily for 10 days to a second larger aggressive male in the latt…
Recovery of immune control over herpes simplex virus type 1 in female victims of intimate partner violence.
Objectives: To assess the course of immune control over Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) through three salivary measures: neutralization of HSV-1, levels of specific antibody against HSV-1 (HSV-1-sIgA) and total immunoglobulin A (total sIgA), and to determine the factors that contribute to its recovery or deterioration. Several studies have demonstrated that intimate partner violence (IPV) affects immune responses in women, but none have investigated the impact longitudinally over time. Methods: Women (n = 60), who participated in our previous cross-sectional study (T-1) and who had been either physically/psychologically (n = 22) or psychologically abused (n = 14) by their partners, were…
Chemical, biochemical and cellular responses in the digestive gland of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Spanish Mediterranean coast.
Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were sampled in March 1996 from five stations along the Western Mediterranean coast (Barcelona, Ebro Delta, Alboraya, Cullera, Denia) corresponding to urban, industrial and agricultural areas. Different biochemical and cellular markers were determined in the mussels in order to assess the effects and/or exposure to pollutants. The cytochrome P450 system, acetylcholinesterase and metallothioneins were among the biochemical markers selected for the study. Histochemical analysis of ß-glucuronidase and catalase activity were performed as marker enzymes for lysosomes and peroxisomes. Chemical analyses indicated that mussels from Barcelona and Denia as highly e…
Effects of competition and its outcome on serum testosterone, cortisol and prolactin.
In various species, competitive encounters influence hormonal responses in a different way depending on their outcome, victory or defeat. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sports competition and its outcome on hormonal response, comparing it with those displayed in situations involving non-effort and non-competitive effort. To this end, serum testosterone (T), cortisol (C) and prolactin (PRL) were measured in 26 judoists who participated in three sessions (control, judo fight and ergometry). The relationship between hormonal changes and psychological variables before and after the fight were also analysed. Our results showed a hormonal response to competition, which was especia…
Child abuse in the context of intimate partner violence against women: The impact of women's depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms on maternal behavior
Intimate male partner violence against women has been recognized as an important public health problem, with a high impact on women’s mental health, including depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, fathers who have been involved in intimate partner violence (IPV) have an increased probability of being violent toward their children. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between the mental health status of abused women, their partner’s violence toward the children, and their maternal behavior.
Intimate partner violence is associated with increased maternal hair cortisol in mother–child dyads
Abstract Background The chronic consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) on HPA activation are a topic of debate. The current study investigated hair cortisol concentrations in female victims of IPV and their children. Methods A total of 52 mother–child dyads were divided into two groups depending on exposure to IPV: IPV group (n = 27 dyads) and control group (n = 25 dyads). Hair cortisol concentration was measured in 1-cm-long hair strands, representing 30 days of exposure before assessment. PTSD and depression symptoms were assessed in the mother and child. Results Women reporting IPV presented with higher hair cortisol levels, depression and PTSD symptoms severity in comparison to…
Intimate male partner violence impairs immune control over herpes simplex virus type 1 in physically and psychologically abused women.
OBJECTIVE: Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a worldwide problem and a cause of significant distress and threat to health. Studies have focused mainly on mental health, and few have considered the effect on physiological systems. The aim of this research was to determine whether IPV also compromises the immune system, as evidenced by a decrease in immune regulation over herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the latent virus that causes cold sores. METHODS: Physically abused (N = 47) and psychologically abused women (N = 27) were compared with nonabused control women (N = 37). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime history of victimization, and mental heal…
Effect of Predatory Stress on Sucrose Intake and Behavior on the Plus-Maze in Male Mice
In this study, the effect of the exposure of male mice to sensory stimuli from rats was assessed on both sucrose intake and the elevated plus-maze tests. CDl male mice were trained in the sucrose intake task (the prestress phase) and, subsequently, distributed into two groups. The stressed group was accommodated in the same room as rats and the control group with mice (the stress phase). After being transferred, animals were tested on sucrose intake and the plus-maze (acute tests) and retested three times a week for sucrose intake and once on plus-maze on the last day (chronic tests). After acute exposure to the predator, the only difference between stressed and control animals was a higher…
Typology of human aggression and its biological control
Human aggression is considered a global public health problem with a tremendous impact on the victims. Scientists studying this behaviour can contribute to reducing this worldwide problem by identifying its causes and designing preventive interventions and treatment. Those working on its biological bases need to establish which types of human aggression may be candidates for a biological intervention, which makes it necessary to develop a typology of this behaviour. Considering the primary goal that guides the perpetrator to behave aggressively, a distinction is made between impulsive and premeditated types. However, to control aggression, the distinction should be made between individuals …
Effect of cadmium pre-exposure in cadmium accumulation by brine shrimp Artemia: Involvement of low-molecular-weight cadmium-binding ligands
Abstract Cadmium is a ubiquitous non-essential element that possesses high toxicity and is easily accumulated from the environment by aquatic organisms. It is known that pre-exposure to cadmium increases the resistance of animals to a subsequent exposure. In this work, we report studies of the effect of pre-exposure to cadmium on the accumulation of this metal from seawater by brine shrimp Artemia, as well as the involvement of low-molecular-weight cadmium-binding ligands in this process. During the pre-exposure experiments, animals were kept in seawater containing 20 mg/litre Cd for 24 h and then transferred to clean seawater for 48 h. Afterwards, pre-exposed and control animals were expos…
Social defeat and subordination as models of social stress in laboratory rodents: A review
This paper is a review of the main research topics currently investigated in laboratory rodents using the stress of defeat or subordination as ethologically relevant models of social stress. First, the main characteristics of the resident/intruder paradigm and the colony models are given. Second, a general description of the behavioral, neuroendocrinological, physiological, neurochemical, neurological, and immunological responses found with these models, and their temporal dynamics, are discussed. Finally, the studies carried out that compare the response induced by social stress with that observed with more conventional models are also reviewed. It is concluded that these animal models of …
Mapping Brain Response to Social Stress in Rodents With c-fos Expression: A Review
Social defeat is an important event in the life of many animals, and forms part of the process of social control. Adapting to social defeat is thus an intrinsic part of social "homeostasis", and mal-adaptation may have pathological sequelae. Experimental models of social defeat (e.g. inter-male aggression) have existed for many years. However, very few studies have investigated the changes in brain activity in male animals exposed to the social stress of being defeated by another conspecific male, and in all these studies the expression of the immediate-early gene c-fos has been used as the marker of neuronal activity. In general, the results obtained inform that many areas of the brain, es…
Quantification of cadmium-induced metallothionein in crustaceans by the silver-saturation method
Metallothionein (MT) has been proposed as a specific biochemical probe for metal exposure of aquatic organisms. It is recognized that its usefulness as a monitoring tool depends on the full understanding of its function and on the possibility of measuring its concentration in tissues. Therefore the study of MT in crustaceans is interesting from two different points of view: the need to understand mechanisms associated with the toxicology of metals, and the potential use of this protein for monitoring metal-contamined environments. Several methods have been developed for quantitative measurements of MT in biological samples. Immunochemical and electrochemical procedures are reliable techniqu…
The Potential of Antiestrogens as Centrally-Acting Antihostility Agents: Recent Animal Data
Recent studies suggest that motivations for certain forms of masculine behavior including social aggression are mediated by central estrogen receptors. Two studies using antiestrogens in rodent species were performed. Intact male LH rats were given Tamoxifen or vehicle for 4 or 8 days. The three possible pairings were videotaped for 60 min. Intact male OF1 mice were given CI-680 or vehicle over 25 days. Similar pairings were carried out but some CI-680 or vehicle animals were paired with anosmic opponents. Encounters were videotaped for 10 min. In both experiments evidence was obtained that the antiestrogen markedly reduced time allocated to offense. Any variations in defense were a consequ…
Ethopharmacological studies on the effects of antihormones on rodent agonistic behavior with especial emphasis on progesterone.
The effects of a range of antiandrogens and antiestrogens on conflict behaviors in laboratory rats and mice are reassessed in the light of recent studies applying ethophamacological analyses (recording the full spectrum of behaviors) to such investigations. It is argued that any antihostility properties of the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate are largely a consequence of indirect actions on odor communication, whereas antiestrogens (e.g., tamoxifen and CI 680) seem to have more fundamental motivational effects in addition to communicatory actions. A detailed example of the approach is provided in which progesterone (which can be antiandrogenic) is given to rats paired in different ways. The…
c-fos expression, behavioural, endocrine and autonomic responses to acute social stress in male rats after chronic restraint: modulation by serotonin
The effects in male rats of serotonin depletion (using the neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine) on the cross-sensitization of an acute social stress (defeat by a larger resident male) by previous repeated restraint stress (10 days, 60 min per day) was studied. Previous restraint increased freezing responses during social defeat in sham-operated rats, but this was not observed in those with depleted serotonin (83% or more in different regions of the brain). In contrast, neither heart rate (tachycardia) nor core temperature responses (hyperthermia) were accentuated in previously restrained rats (i.e. neither showed heterotypical sensitization), and neither adapted to repeated restraint (there …
Effect of cadmium exposure on zinc levels in the brine shrimp Artemia parthenogenetica
Zinc and cadmium have been reported as metabolic antagonists, such that high zinc intake afford animals some protection against the potentially toxic effects of cadmium exposure. There is considerable evidence to support a role of metallothioneins (MTs) in regulating or controlling the intracellular availability of essential metals and the non-essential metal. The effect of 24-h cadmium pre-exposure (10 mg Cd/l) on zinc concentrations in the brine shrimp Artemia parthenogenetica exposed to zinc (5 mg Zn/l) was studied. The zinc content of shrimps was not altered by cadmium. The homeostatic mechanism for zinc regulation appears not to be disturbed by cadmium exposure in shrimps kept in natur…
Recovery from depressive symptoms, state anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in women exposed to physical and psychological, but not to psychological intimate partner violence alone: A longitudinal study
Abstract Background It is well established that intimate male partner violence (IPV) has a high impact on women's mental health. It is necessary to further investigate this impact longitudinally to assess the factors that contribute to its recovery or deterioration. The objective of this study was to assess the course of depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and suicidal behavior over a three-year follow-up in female victims of IPV. Methods Women (n = 91) who participated in our previous cross-sectional study, and who had been either physically/psychologically (n = 33) or psychologically abused (n = 23) by their male partners, were evaluated three years late…
Endothelium-independent contractions of human cerebral arteries in response to vasopressin.
We studied the effects of vasopressin in isolated segments from branches (500-700 micrograms in external diameter) of human middle cerebral arteries obtained during autopsy of 15 patients who had died 3-8 hours before. Paired segments, one normal and the other de-endothelized by gentle rubbing, were mounted for isometric recording of tension in organ baths. In 11 normal segments, vasopressin produced concentration-dependent contractions with an EC50 of 7.0 X 10(-10) M. Removal of the endothelium from 12 segments did not significantly affect vasopressin-induced contractions. Vasopressin produced further contractions in arterial segments with (n = 4) or without (n = 5) endothelium precontract…
Changes in cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone in women victims of physical and psychological intimate partner violence
Background Although intimate partner violence (IPV) has a great impact on women's health, few studies have assessed the consequences on physiologic responses. Methods Women abused by their intimate male partners either physically (n = 70) or psychologically (n = 46) were compared with nonabused control women (n = 46). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, smoking, pharmacologic treatment, lifetime history of victimization (childhood and adulthood), and mental health status (depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD) was obtained through structured interviews. Saliva samples were collected at 8 am and 8 pm for 4 consecutive days to determine morning and eveni…
Studies on the Effects of the Antiandrogen Cyproterone Acetate on Social Encounters Between Pairs of Male Mice
An attempt was made in two experiments to reinvestigate the effects of the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate (CA) on mouse social behavior in a variety of ethologically-assessed paired encounters. The data confirm that CA reduces offense (threat and attack) in animals when both subjects receive the material but that CA has no such action in other pairings. This suggests that CA's major suppressive effect on "hostility" is expressed in mice via a reduction in "attack-promoting" pheromone production. Indeed, there was evidence in the more chronic study that CA, could augment (via a central mechanism?) offense in subjects paired with docile anosmic opponents. Changes in defense were largely res…
The Impact of Physical, Psychological, and Sexual Intimate Male Partner Violence on Women's Mental Health: Depressive Symptoms, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, State Anxiety, and Suicide
Objective: This study aimed to determine the impact of lifetime physical, psychological, and sexual intimate male partner violence (IPV) on the mental health of women, after controlling for the contribution of lifetime victimization. The comorbidity of depressive symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their relation to state anxiety and suicide were also assessed. Methods: Physically/psychologically (n 75) and psychologically abused women (n 55) were compared with nonabused control women (n 52). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime victimization, and mental health status (depressive and state anxiety symptoms, PTSD, and suicide) was obtained through fa…
Factors That Contribute or Impede the Physical Health Recovery of Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: A Longitudinal Study
Abstract Background Several cross-sectional studies have demonstrated the negative impact that intimate partner violence (IPV) has on the physical health of women. However, longitudinal studies are needed to establish the time course of this effect. This study assessed the physical health course of female IPV victims and established the factors that enhance or impede their recovery. Methods Women ( n = 91) who participated in a previous cross-sectional study (T-1) and were either victims of physical/psychological IPV ( n = 33) or psychological IPV ( n = 23) were evaluated 3 years later (T-2). A control group of women ( n = 35) was included for comparison. Structured interviews provided …
Cadmium induced metallothionein in hepatopancreas of Procambarus clarkii: Quantification by a silver-saturation method
Abstract 1. Cadmium induced metallothionein (MT) in crayfish hepatopancreas was measured by silver-saturation method. 2. An increase in MT content was recorded in crayfish hepatopancreas after 12 hr of exposure to 10 mg Cd/l. 3. There was found to be a linear relationship between MT concentrations in hepatopancreas and cadmium concentration in the water. 4. MT levels in hepatopancreas of 20 mg Cd/l exposed crayfish were 7-fold higher than those in control animals.
Behavioral changes in male rats exposed to repeated aggression
Research conducted on animal models has obtained information about the behavioral, hormonal, autonomic, neurochemical and immunological response in animals that are exposed to acute aggression by another conspecific animal. Research has also provided information about the pattern of adaptation that occurs when animals are repeatedly exposed to the experience of being attacked and defeated (for a review see1)
Hormonal Alterations in Victimized Women Explained by Their Hostile Reactions in Coping with Couple Violence
AbstractRecent studies have highlighted the dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and its end products, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in women with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. These studies analyzed several coping styles, but they neglected to examine the use of violent strategies to confront IPV and the way these strategies affect HPA functioning. This latter proposal would be based on the gender symmetry model of IPV, which sustains that IPV is generally symmetrical, but that women’s violence tends to be a reaction to male violence. Hence, the main objective of the present study was to examine whether women’s viol…
Successful intermale aggression and conditioned place preference in mice
A. SALVADOR AND V. M. SIMON. Successful intermale aggression and conditioned place preference in mice. PHYSIOL BEHAV 58(2) 323-328, 1995.--This study assessed the reinforcing properties of successful intermale agonistic encounters between OFI male mice using the conditioned place preference paradigm. A three compartment apparatus was used and the procedure consisted of three phases: preconditioning (3 days), conditioning (8 days) and postconditioning (3 tests). Individually housed male mice were allocated to two groups. The aggression group confronted docile opponents in the preconditioning "less-preferred" compartment and were left alone in the "preferred" one. The control group was left a…
Improvements in Empathy and Cognitive Flexibility after Court-Mandated Intervention Program in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: The Role of Alcohol Abuse.
Research assessing the effectiveness of intervention programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators has increased considerably in recent years. However, most of it has been focused on the analysis of psychological domains, neglecting neuropsychological variables and the effects of alcohol consumption on these variables. This study evaluated potential neuropsychological changes (emotional decoding, perspective taking, emotional empathy and cognitive flexibility) and their relationship with alcohol consumption in a mandatory intervention program for IPV perpetrators, as well as how these variables affect the risk of IPV recidivism. The sample was composed of 116 individuals with hi…
Behavioral changes over several successful agonistic encounters between male mice: Effects of type of “standard opponent”
This study assessed whether two types of non-aggressive “standard opponents” (“intact” and “anosmic” group-housed males) produced similar behavioral changes in isolated OF1 male mice given several experiences of victory. Experimental groups confronted either intact or anosmic opponents every two days until they had completed four encounters. The behavioral changes were recorded using a detailed ethologically inspired analysis. These changes were clearly different depending on the opponent type. When intact opponents were used, experimental subjects increased the time spent in digging, non-social exploration, explore from a distance, and attack over encounters, but showed decreased time spen…
Effect of anosmia on the behavior of standard non-aggressive male mice opponents during agonistic encounters
This study assessed whether the differences observed in a previous experiment [Martinez M, Salvador A, Simon VM (1994): Aggressive Behavior 20:441–451] in the behavior of isolated male mice over several agonistic encounters in which they confronted either an “anosmic” or an “intact” non-aggressive “standard opponent” were due to the differences in the behavior of the opponents themselves. Ethologically-inspired analysis was used to assess the behavior of the opponents during the first agonistic encounter. Anosmic opponents spent less time in social investigation and defense and more time in immobility than intact ones. These results suggest that the differences in the behavior of the oppone…