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A Study of Spontaneous Self-Injurious Behavior and Neuroimaging in Rhesus Macaques
Ya-Li Zhang1,2, Yi-Cheng Qiao3,4, Yun-Chao Ji1,2,4
1National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility) and National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China.
This study identifies a neurobiological profile for spontaneous self-injurious behavior (SIB) in macaques, revealing brain and biochemical changes linked to self-harm. This nonhuman primate model offers insights into nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in humans.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primatology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is increasingly prevalent in adolescents, but its neurobiological basis is not well understood.
- Spontaneous self-injurious behavior (SIB) in nonhuman primates (NHPs) offers a potential animal model for studying NSSI.
- Previous research has not fully explored the translational value of SIB in NHPs using integrated behavioral and neuroimaging data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the neurobiological phenotype of spontaneous SIB in macaques.
- To evaluate the translational relevance of the NHP SIB model for human NSSI.
- To identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NSSI.
Main Methods:
- Identified spontaneously self-injurious macaques.
- Conducted multimodal assessments including ethological profiling, neuroendocrine assays, metabolomics, and neuroimaging.
- Utilized 3D deep-learning for behavioral analysis and network-based statistics for connectivity analysis.
Main Results:
- SIB macaques showed decreased locomotor and social interaction, sensory, emotional, and cognitive processing deficits.
- Observed reduced plasma cortisol, serotonin, and oxytocin levels.
- Neuroimaging revealed amygdala and midbrain enlargement, frontal/parietal gray matter reduction, and altered brain connectivity.
- Ketamine administration did not affect SIB or physical indices.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the neurobiological phenotype of spontaneous SIB in macaques.
- This NHP model demonstrates significant translational value for investigating NSSI pathogenesis.
- Findings highlight potential avenues for developing therapeutic interventions for human NSSI.
