In this thesis, we have studied the potential of the zebrafish larval model in studying the ECS, as a complementary model to the existing rodent models. More specifically, we have looked at the... Show moreIn this thesis, we have studied the potential of the zebrafish larval model in studying the ECS, as a complementary model to the existing rodent models. More specifically, we have looked at the role of the ECS in regulating locomotion and anxiety, and its interaction with the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis, or stress axis. This study has provided us with an interesting animal model which allows for pharmacological screening of Cnr1 agonists, and their involvement in the CNS, as shown by a change in locomotion, anxiety-like behavior and HPI axis activity. The zebrafish larval model can be used as a complementary model to the existing rodent animal models, to study the ECS. The zebrafish larval model brings several interesting features, such as optical transparency and possibilities for high-throughput screening. Furthermore, a complete ECS is present, there is lack of endogenous activity, allowing for exogenous compound screening, and zebrafish data is generally in line with rodent literature. Since the ECS is involved in many diseases, more research of this system may result in the discovery of novel drugs and drug targets. Show less
It is common in life to not perform at the very top of our cognitive abilities. This phenomenon usually exacerbates when we are under high levels of stress and in people with psychiatric disorders.... Show moreIt is common in life to not perform at the very top of our cognitive abilities. This phenomenon usually exacerbates when we are under high levels of stress and in people with psychiatric disorders. Attention to negative information is considered to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of these disorders, especially anxiety-related disorders. Attention to negative information is not necessarily bad as it is an evolutionary function to protect us from dangerous situations. However, it can be destructive when it occurs constantly or when we need to focus on an important task. There are many situations where we have to perform difficult cognitive tasks and we worry about our performance or other people’s evaluation. Trait cognitive control, the ability to control attention and maintain a goal-relevant behaviour, is suggested to play a key role in the relationships between anxiety/stress, attention to negative information, and cognitive performance. Yet, the evidence is limited and further investigation is needed. In the current thesis, the relations between anxiety/stress, attention to emotional information, and cognitive performance will be investigated in a multidisciplinary approach, synthesizing clinical and cognitive factors and neurobiological underpinnings, while focusing on the role of trait cognitive control. Show less
Schoorl, J.; Rijn, S. van; De Wied, M.; Goozen, S.H.M. van; Swaab, J.T. 2016
For a majority of people worries about upcoming stressful events are a common experience in daily life. The aim of this thesis was to examine the effects of common worries on somatic health. In... Show moreFor a majority of people worries about upcoming stressful events are a common experience in daily life. The aim of this thesis was to examine the effects of common worries on somatic health. In particular, the effects of worry on somatic health complaints, like headache and back pain, and on cardiac activity after stressful events were tested. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which worry was hypothesized to affect somatic health were investigated. The studies in this thesis add to the accumulating number of studies testing the perseverative cognition hypothesis stating that only perseverative cognitive representations of stressful events (worries) lead to prolonged stress-related physiological activity which, in turn, can lead to somatic disease. Taken together, the studies reported in this thesis provide evidence for the perseverative cognition hypothesis, that is, worry predicted adverse somatic health outcomes. In addition, the results of the studies presented in the second part of this thesis yielded several new and more specific hypotheses concerning the mechanisms behind the health effects of worry and the effects of worry on stress management therapies. All in all, evidence from real life and laboratory studies makes clear that worry might play a substantial role in somatic health. Show less
