Chronic mild stress induces behavioral and physiological changes, and may alter serotonin 1A receptor function, in male and cycling female rats

Interactions among stress, serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptors, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system have been proposed to influence the development of depression in humans. The investigation of depression-relevant behaviors and physiological responses to environmental stressors in animal models of depression may provide valuable insight regarding these mechanisms. The purpose of these experiments was to investigate the interactions among central 5-HT1A receptors, endocrine function, and behavior in an animal model of depression, chronic mild stress (CMS). The current study examined behavioral responses to a pleasurable stimulus (sucrose), estrous cycle length (in female rats), and plasma hormone levels following systemic administration of a selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist [(+)8-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT); 40 μ g/kg, s.c.; administered 15min prior to sacrifice], in male and female rats exposed to 4 weeks of CMS. Four weeks of CMS produced a reduction in the intake of 1% sucrose (anhedonia), as well as attenuated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) responses to 8-OH-DPAT in both male and female rats (22 and 18% lower than the control groups, respectively). Corticosterone and oxytocin responses to 8-OH-DPAT were not altered by exposure to CMS. In female rats, CMS induced a lengthening of the estrous cycle by ∼ 40%. CMS produces minor HPA disruptions along with behavioral disruptions. Alterations in 5-HT1A receptor function in specific populations of neurons in the central nervous system may be associated with the CMS model. The current findings contribute to our understanding of the relations that stress and neuroendocrine function have to depressive disorders

Optical Properties of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Materials and their Applications

Research on hybrid inorganic-organic materials has experienced an explosive growth since the 1980s, with the expansion of soft inorganic chemistry based processes. Indeed, mild synthetic conditions, low processing temperatures provided by \"chimie douce\" and the versatility of the colloidal state allow for the mixing of the organic and inorganic components at the nanometer scale in virtually any ratio to produce the so called hybrid materials. Today a high degree of control over both composition and nanostructure of these hybrids can be achieved allowing tunable structure-property relationships. This, in turn, makes it possible to tailor and fine-tune many properties (mechanical, optical, electronic, thermal, chemical.) in very broad ranges, and to design specific multifunctional systems for applications. In particular, the field of \"Hybrid-Optics\" has been very productive not only scientifically but also in terms of applications. Indeed, numerous optical devices based on hybrids are already in, or very close, to the market. This review describes most of the recent advances performed in this field. Emphasis will be given to luminescent, photochromic, NLO and plasmonic properties. As an outlook we show that the controlled coupling between plasmonics and luminescence is opening a land of opportunities in the field of \"Hybrid-Optics\"

Work–Family Interface and Crossover Effects: Exploring for the Effects of Gender

Despite mixed and sometimes confusing results posed by the role of gender in the work-family (W-F) interface, gender research in WF studies cannot be laid to rest. In this chapter we review W-F spillover and crossover literature involving dual earner couples in different cultural contexts – Anglo/European, Asian and Middle Eastern – to identify gendered patterns in spillover and crossover effects experienced by men (husbands) and women (wives). Gender asymmetry continues to be evident in dyadic couple relationships across cultures, especially when one considers crossover effects