The Influence of Dormitory Architecture On Resident Behavior

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66943/2/10.1177_001391657300500402.pd

The extracellular matrix component hyaluronic acid supports hippocampal synaptic plasticity by modulating postsynaptic L-type Ca2+ channels.

Although the extracellular matrix plays an important role in regulating use-dependent synaptic plasticity, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we examined the synaptic function of hyaluronic acid (HA), a major element of the extracellular matrix. Enzymatic removal of HA with hyaluronidase reduced nifedipine-sensitive whole-cell Ca2+ currents and Ca2+ transients mediated by L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (L-VDCCs) in individual dendritic shafts and spines of CA1 pyramidal cells, and abolished an L-VDCC-dependent component of long-term potentiation (LTP) at the CA3-CA1 synapses. Adding exogenous HA, either by bath perfusion or via local delivery near to recorded synapses, completely rescued this LTP component. In a heterologous expression system, HA increased currents mediated by Cav1.2 but not Cav1.3 subunit-containing L-VDCCs. Injection of hyaluronidase in the brain impaired contextual fear conditioning. Our observations unveil a previously unrecognized mechanism by which the perisynaptic HA-rich extracellular matrix influences use-dependent synaptic plasticity through regulation of dendritic Ca2+ channels

Attachment Dysfunction and Relationship Preoccupation

Insecure attachment has been associated with short-term mating strategies and higher numbers of extra-dyadic affairs. Research has found that insecure attachment is also related to sexual addiction. A sample of people seeking treatment for sexual addiction (N = 4,492) was used to explore the prevalence of attachment styles in such a population, and the degree to which insecure attachment predicts relationship preoccupation, and preoccupation with isolated sexual pursuits, both measured by the SDI-4.0 Preoccupation scales. Preoccupied and fearful avoidant attachment were the most prevalent attachment styles in this sample. Results found that anxious attachment was better than avoidant attachment in predicting relationship preoccupation and isolated fantasizing in both men and women, while avoidant attachment was a statistically significant predictor of relationship preoccupation, but more strongly predicted isolated sexual behaviors. In structural equation models women\u27s sexual cycling behaviors were better predicted by anxious attachment, whereas men\u27s sexual cycling behaviors were equally related to anxious and avoidant attachment. Anxious attachment was a better predictor of men\u27s sexual aversion, but in women aversion was better predicted by avoidant attachment. The relevance of these findings for clinical applications is discussed