Neurobiological mechanisms linking early life stress with adult pathological aggression

old_uid13227
titleNeurobiological mechanisms linking early life stress with adult pathological aggression
start_date2013/12/20
schedule11h30
onlineno
location_infosalle de conférence CGFB
detailsSéminaire FBN. Invité par Katia Touyarot, NutrINeurO
summaryA major risk factor for violence perpetration is childhood exposure to violence, but the neurobiological mechanisms of these long-term effects remain uncertain. Using an animal model devoid of human cultural factors, we find that exposing peripubertal male rats to fear-inducing experiences produced pathological aggression both towards other male conspecifics and towards their female partners during adulthood. Importantly, their offspring also shows increased aggression towards females even without postnatal father-offspring interaction. In searching for key neurobiological mechanisms translating stress effects into increased aggression, we find alterations in amygdala-medial orbitofrontal circuit activity, the testosterone/corticosterone ratio, and the serotonergic system. We also find evidence for a programing role of glucocorticoids and for a link between altered polysialylation of the neural cell adhesion molecule during development and pathological aggression. These findings will be discussed within a broader context reflecting on the societal implications of stress.
responsiblesDeris