Abstract

This research proposal addresses physiological mechanisms and processes underlying the association between depression and cardiovascular disease. Human studies demonstrate a strong link between depression and coronary artery disease but have not progressed beyond correlational methods. The current proposal will examine the underlying mechanisms in depression and cardiovascular pathology by using a rodent model of depression (chronic mild stress) and a combination of behavioral, physiological, and pharmacological techniques. Rats will be exposed to chronic mild stress to induce the depression-associated sign of anhedonia (a reduced capacity to experience pleasure), and tested for cardiovascular impairments (Aim 1). Autonomic nervous system imbalance will be examined as a mechanism for the cardiovascular dysfunction (e.g., elevated heart rate and reduced heart rate variability) associated with the chronic mild stress model (Aim 2). In addition, central serotonin activity will be examined as a common pathophysiological factor underlying both depression and cardiovascular/autonomic dysfunction (Aim 3). This research will extend our knowledge of the interactions between psychological and physiological conditions, and possibly prompt the development of new treatments for patients with depression and/or cardiovascular disease.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31MH065839-02
Application #
6626082
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F10 (20))
Program Officer
Desmond, Nancy L
Project Start
2002-04-01
Project End
2003-05-16
Budget Start
2003-04-01
Budget End
2003-05-16
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$7,399
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of Iowa
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
062761671
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Country
United States
Zip Code
52242

  Publications

Grippo, Angela J (2011) The Utility of Animal Models in Understanding Links between Psychosocial Processes and Cardiovascular Health. Soc Personal Psychol Compass 5:164-179
Grippo, Angela J; Johnson, Alan Kim (2009) Stress, depression and cardiovascular dysregulation: a review of neurobiological mechanisms and the integration of research from preclinical disease models. Stress 12:1-21
Grippo, Angela J (2009) Mechanisms underlying altered mood and cardiovascular dysfunction: the value of neurobiological and behavioral research with animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 33:171-80
Moffitt, Julia A; Grippo, Angela J; Beltz, Terry G et al. (2008) Hindlimb unloading elicits anhedonia and sympathovagal imbalance. J Appl Physiol 105:1049-59
Grippo, Angela J; Beltz, Terry G; Weiss, Robert M et al. (2006) The effects of chronic fluoxetine treatment on chronic mild stress-induced cardiovascular changes and anhedonia. Biol Psychiatry 59:309-16
Johnson, A K; Grippo, A J (2006) Sadness and broken hearts: neurohumoral mechanisms and co-morbidity of ischemic heart disease and psychological depression. J Physiol Pharmacol 57 Suppl 11:5-29
Grippo, Angela J; Moffitt, Julia A; Beltz, Terry G et al. (2006) Reduced hedonic behavior and altered cardiovascular function induced by mild sodium depletion in rats. Behav Neurosci 120:1133-43
Grippo, Angela J; Francis, Joseph; Beltz, Terry G et al. (2005) Neuroendocrine and cytokine profile of chronic mild stress-induced anhedonia. Physiol Behav 84:697-706
Grippo, Angela J; Santos, Claudia M; Johnson, Ralph F et al. (2004) Increased susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in a rodent model of experimental depression. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 286:H619-26
Grippo, Angela J; Na, Elisa S; Johnson, Ralph F et al. (2004) Sucrose ingestion elicits reduced Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens of anhedonic rats. Brain Res 1019:259-64

Showing the most recent 10 out of 12 publications