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Results for “SOCIAL ISOLATION”

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PubMedDate not supplied

[A comparison of the effects of dopamine agonists on self-stimulation of the hypothalamus with destruction of the mesolimbic brain structures in rats raised under conditions of social isolation].

In rats bred in groups or under conditions of social isolation, amphetamine administration did not change significantly the basic rate of hypothalamic self-stimulation. The unilateral lesions of ventral tegmental area and medial prefrontal cortex in the early ontogeny (on the 17th day after birth) increased the sensitivity to amphetamine only in isolated rats. Apomorphine, the dopamine receptor agonist, in the dose which mainly affected the presynaptic receptors (0.05 mg/kg) inhibited self-stimulation by 21-23% both in grouped and socially isolated rats. Destruction of the ventral tegmental area did not change, but that of the medial prefrontal cortex doubled the sensitivity of isolated rats to apomorphine. It is suggested that the hypersensitivity of presynaptic dopamine receptors in the mesocorticolimbic system develops as a result of partial sensory and full intraspecies isolation in rats.

Amphetamine↗

PubMed1994

The importance of emotional and social isolation to loneliness among very old rural adults.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of emotional and social isolation to loneliness among very old rural adults. The sample (N = 119) was selected using a compact area cluster sampling design. Multiple regression analysis showed that emotional isolation--more specifically, the loss of spouse--accounted for more loneliness than social isolation. Hearing acuity and visits with siblings (social isolation variables) were also significant predictors of loneliness. The implications for loneliness interventions are discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Extreme social isolation, use of community-based senior support services, and mortality among African American elderly women.

The effect of extreme social isolation and use of community-based senior services on longevity was examined in a national sample of African American elderly women (ages 55-96). Consistent with previous research on the social integration/mortality link, African American elderly women who were extremely socially isolated were hypothesized to have a higher 5-year mortality rate. It was also hypothesized that use of community senior services would be negatively associated with 5-year mortality. Results of logistic regression analysis controlling for age, education, income, and health status found that extremely socially isolated African American elderly women were three times more likely than the nonisolated women to die within the 5-year period from the initial survey. Use of community senior services did not have a relationship on mortality. Results are discussed in terms of directions for future research and intervention.

Black or African American↗

PubMed2003

Decreased dendritic spine density on prefrontal cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons in postweaning social isolation rats.

The effects of postweaning social isolation (pwSI) on the morphology of the pyramidal neurons from the medial part of the prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus were investigated in rats. The animals were weaned on day 21 postnatal (P21) and isolated 8 weeks. After the isolation period, locomotor activity was evaluated through 60 min in the locomotor activity chambers and the animals were sacrificed by overdoses of sodium pentobarbital and perfused intracardially with 0.9% saline solution. The brains were removed, processed by the Golgi-Cox stain and analyzed by the Sholl method. The locomotor activity in the novel environment from the isolated rats was increased with respect to the controls. The dendritic morphology clearly showed that the pwSI animals presented a decrease in dendritic length of pyramidal cells from the CA1 of the hippocampus without changes in the pyramidal neurons of the mPFC. However, the density of dendritic spines was decreased in the pyramidal cells from mPFC and Hippocampus. In addition, the Sholl analyses showed that pwSI produced a decrease in the number of sholl intersections compared with the control group only in the hippocampus region. The present results suggest that pwSI may in part affect the dendritic morphology in the limbic structures such as mPFC and hippocampus that are implicated in schizophrenia.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Dopaminergic parameters during social isolation in low- and high-active mice.

Alterations induced by social isolation (1 day to 18 weeks) in low- and high-active mice (LAM and HAM) were studied in respect to locomotor activity, [3H]-spiperone binding in the striatum, striatal, and cortical dopamine metabolism, and presynaptic dopaminergic sensitivity to apomorphine (0.75 mg/kg; i.p.). Isolated HAM and LAM showed increased locomotor activity compared to group-housed mice after long-term isolation (6-18 weeks). Considering the studied dopaminergic parameters, it has been found that social isolation did not affect striatal D2 receptors, striatal and cortical dopamine metabolism, and apomorphine-mediated reduction of dopaminergic metabolism. The change of housing conditions was generally associated with an increase of cortical dopamine metabolism after 1 week. Activity type specific differences in group-housed LAM and HAM were found in the basal striatal dopamine metabolism and in the sensitivity of the nigrostriatal system to autoreceptor activation. The reduced striatal dopamine metabolism and the higher presynaptic sensitivity of HAM may be related to their high active running wheel behavior.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

PubMed2005

[The effect of social isolation during juvenile period on the sexual arousal in adult rats].

The effects of chronic postweaning social isolation combined with subsequent resocialization on the sexual arousal were studied in male rats with inherited stress-induced arterial hypertension (ISIAH strain) and in Wistar rats. Young males were isolated on the Day 21 of postnatal life for 6 weeks. Then they were kept in groups of 5. 4-month males underwent the partition test: a receptive female was introduced into the male's cage, but the male and the female were separated by a transparent partition. The number of approaches to the partition and total time spent near the partition during the test served as an index of sexual motivation. Hormonal component of sexual arousal was estimated by measuring plasma testosterone level. No interstrain differences in magnitude of the sexual arousal were observed. However, chronic social isolation during juvenile period caused a genotype-dependent diminution of sexual motivation in the adult male rats of both strains. The decrease of sexual motivation in ISIAH rats was more pronounced as compared to Wistar rats. Moreover, the social isolation during the juvenile period completely abolished the female-induced rise in plasma testosterone in ISIAH and Wistar male rats. Plasma corticosterone level was increased during the period of sexual arousal, but this rise of corticosterone was not affected by the social conditions during postweaning period.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Asian Immigrants Through the Lens of Sense of Coherence: Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies.

AIM: To explore the meaning older Asian immigrants attribute to social isolation and loneliness, their management strategies, utilisation of resources and impact on health. DESIGN: Systematic review of qualitative studies. DATA SOURCES: AgeLine, CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in September 2024. METHODS: Inclusion criteria: participants were Asian immigrants to Western countries aged 65 and over, community-living and experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence was used to frame the thematic analysis. RESULTS: Ten papers were included and analysed deductively using elements of the sense of coherence framework: • Comprehensibility: Social isolation and loneliness are viewed as multifaceted, influenced by cultural and environmental dislocation, language barriers, intergenerational conflicts, deteriorating health and mobility, and socioeconomic challenges. • Manageability: included engaging in culture-specific community programs, family and ethnic community support and living within ethnic enclaves mitigated isolation and loneliness. • Meaningfulness: Strong family ties, active community involvement, spirituality, volunteerism, and cultural practices fostered resilience. However, accepting the changing values of their new world, living independently, and carving their own niche provided meaning to their transformed reality. CONCLUSION: Older Asian immigrants experience social isolation and loneliness through a cultural lens, shaped by migration experiences, language barriers, and shifting family dynamics. Cultural roots, family ties, spirituality, community, acceptance, and independence enhance sense of coherence. Recognising the dynamic interplay between cultural identity, resilience, and adaptation is key to understanding their lived experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE: This review informs culturally sensitive interventions, guiding healthcare, community services, and policy to support social participation, mitigate loneliness through ethno-specific activities, and improve the quality of life for aging immigrant populations in Western countries. REPORTING METHOD: The review was undertaken and reported using the PRISMA guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: None. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42023425752).

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Social isolation and expression of serotonergic neurotransmission-related genes in several brain areas of male mice.

Early-life events influence brain development and evoke long-lasting behavioral consequences. Postweaning social isolation in rodents induces emotional and neurochemical alterations similar to those observed among some human psychopathologies. Central serotonergic neurotransmission is intimately involved in the observed adjustments, but the impact of social deprivation on serotonergic gene expression is unknown. We investigated the effects of prolonged early social isolation on emotion-related behaviors and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-related gene transcription in mice. After weaning, male C57BL/6J mice were reared singly or in groups of four for 6 weeks. Gene expression of 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C), 5-HT(3A), 5-HT(6) and 5-HT(7) receptors and of 5-HT transporter and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in distinct brain areas. Single-housed mice were hyperactive in a novel environment and showed signs of aggressive behavior. Housing condition did not alter weight gain or body temperature. Isolation markedly reduced transcription of all postsynaptic 5-HT receptors in the prefrontal cortex and reduced 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) in both hypothalamus and midbrain. In contrast, the only alteration in the hippocampus was 5-HT(6) overexpression. Neither 5-HT transporter nor synthetic enzyme gene transcription differed between housing conditions. In conclusion, early social isolation in mice induces robust changes in postsynaptic 5-HT receptors gene transcription, motor hyperactivity and behavioral disinhibition. The overall pattern of decreased gene expression in the prefrontal cortex highlights its high vulnerability to environment. Furthermore, this is the first study to present a general representation of 5-HT-related gene expression in specific brain areas after social isolation and identifies novel candidates that may be critical for underlying molecular mechanisms.

Aggression↗

PubMed1999

Role of interleukin-1 beta in impairment of contextual fear conditioning caused by social isolation.

Isolating rats immediately after conditioning impairs contextual but not auditory-cue fear conditioning. The reported experiments examine the involvement of brain interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in the impairment in contextual fear conditioning caused by social isolation. As measured by the conditioned freezing response, 5 h of social isolation after conditioning, impaired contextual but not auditory-cue fear conditioning in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Social isolation for 1 or 3 h after conditioning also increased IL-1beta protein in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. No differences in IL-1beta protein levels were found in the pituitary or the hypothalamus. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) given after conditioning prevented the impairment in contextual fear conditioning caused by isolation. ICV IL-1ra had no effect on auditory-cue fear conditioning in these same animals, nor did it affect the level of contextual fear conditioning displayed by home cage controls. Like isolation, ICV IL-1beta (10 or 20 ng) after conditioning also impaired contextual but not auditory-cue fear conditioning. These results suggest that increased levels of brain IL-1beta play a role in producing the impairment in contextual fear conditioning produced by social isolation. These findings also add to the generality of the idea that stressors induce IL-1beta activity in the brain and that IL-1beta may play physiological roles in the uninjured brain.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

PubMed2003

Long-term social isolation enhances picrotoxin seizure susceptibility in mice: up-regulatory role of endogenous brain allopregnanolone in GABAergic systems.

Allopregnanolone (ALLO, 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone), a positive allosteric modulator of actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA) at GABA(A) receptors, is synthesized in the brain from progesterone by the sequential action of two enzymes: a type I 5alpha-reductase and a 3alpha-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase. We previously demonstrated that long-term social isolation of mice caused a significant decrease in brain ALLO content via suppression of type I 5alpha-reductase and its mRNA expression. In this study, to clarify a physiological role of endogenous brain ALLO, we investigated changes in seizure susceptibility of mice following protracted social isolation and compared with those of mice treated with SKF105111 (SKF), an inhibitor of types I and II 5alpha-reductase. Social isolation of mice for 7 weeks prior to the experiments caused a significant increase of seizure susceptibility to the GABA(A) receptor antagonist picrotoxin but not to the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine or the glutamate receptor agonist kainic acid. The change in the seizure susceptibility was completely reversed by 2.5 mg/kg ip ALLO, a dose that per se had no effect on picrotoxin-induced seizure. Treatment of mice with SKF (20 mg/kg ip) also reduced a threshold dose of picrotoxin, but not that of strychnine or kainic acid, which was required to elicit seizure in group-housed mice. The effect of SKF was attenuated by ALLO (2.5 mg/kg ip). In contrast, SKF treatment had no effect on picrotoxin-induced seizure in socially isolated mice. These findings suggest that endogenous brain ALLO plays a suppressive role in seizure susceptibility via a positive modulation of GABA(A) receptor function and that social isolation enhances seizure susceptibility in mice via reduction of GABA(A) receptor function caused by a decrease of endogenous ALLO.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Aggressive behavior and HPA axis hormones after social isolation in adult rats of two different genetic animal models for depression.

In the current study we explored behavioral and endocrinological effects of exposure to social isolation during adulthood in two different genetic animal models of depression, the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL), and their controls, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) strain and their controls, Wistar rats. Behavioral patterns of the different strains in coping with an intruder were studied in the "aggression" or resident-intruder test. We also measured basal plasma levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hormones corticosterone and ACTH and their levels after chronic stress (isolation). Significant alterations in the levels of HPA hormones after social isolation were noted in the "depressed-like" strains. There were no significant behavioral differences between FSL and SD rats in the "aggression" test. In contrast, WKY rats exhibited less frequent aggressive-like and social behavior compared to Wistar controls. The results suggest that the FSL and WKY strains, both genetic animal models of depression, exhibit separate patterns of HPA axis modulation and aggressive-like behavior after social isolation. These different patterns may reflect two different types of depression. An "avoidant" or socially inhibited type of depressive-like behavior is seen most clearly in the WKY strain.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2002

Social isolation and domestic violence among female drug users.

The objective of this study was to examine the association between social isolation, domestic violence, and substance dependence among street-recruited female drug users. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to assess the independent contribution of social isolation and substance dependence to the likelihood that women will experience physical abuse. One hundred women (38.2%. N = 262) reported at least one incident of physical violence perpetrated by her most-recent sexual partner. Controlling for substance dependence and relationship status (the only significantly associated demographic variable), women reporting indicators of social isolation were more likely to have been physically abused by their most-recent sexual partners than nonisolated women. Substance dependence was not related significantly to domestic violence. Providers who have contact with female drug users should be aware of the high domestic violence rates and work to counterbalance the isolation these women may experience.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Effect of social isolation on stress-related behavioural and neuroendocrine state in the rat.

The present study investigated the effects of post-weaning social isolation (SI) on behavioural and neuroendocrine reactivity to stress of male and female rats. Innate aspects of fear and anxiety were assessed in the open field and elevated plus maze tests. Spontaneous startle reflex and conditioned fear response were further investigated. The neuroendocrine response of isolates was examined by measuring basal and stress release of ACTH and corticosterone and by evaluating the mRNA expression of mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors using in situ hybridization. Locomotor activity in the open field was not modified by chronic SI. In males, but not females, SI produced an anxiogenic profile in the elevated plus maze. Male isolates showed a trend towards increased startle reflex amplitude relative to socially-reared controls. Moreover, SI in males produced alterations of the HPA axis functioning as reflected by higher basal levels of ACTH, and enhanced release of ACTH and corticosterone following stress. In contrast, startle response or HPA axis functioning were not altered in female isolates. Social isolates from both genders showed reduced contextual fear-conditioning. Finally, the mRNA expression of MR and GR was not modified by SI. The results of the present study suggest that chronic SI increases emotional reactivity to stress and produces a hyperfunction of the HPA axis in adult rats, particularly in males.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The social isolation of young men with quadriplegia.

This article describes the results of a study undertaken to identify perceptions of possible social isolation among individuals who become quadriplegic as young adults. Two focus group sessions were held with 4 male participants in each group. All the young men were between the ages of 19 years and 35 years, and all had been disabled for more than 3 years. The results showed that the participants felt challenged by the environment and their resources but did not experience the feelings associated with social isolation as defined by Goffman (1963). The participants, however, identified important socially isolating stressors based on the human needs described by Maslow (1970) as existing in a hierarchy. The results of the study suggest that people with disabilities need interpersonal techniques that enable them to feel a sense of security and control of their time; rehabilitation nurses are ideally suited to assist clients in developing such techniques.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2000

Social isolation stress augments angiogenesis induced by colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells in mice.

We have previously shown that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which is an important angiogenesis-related factor, was over-secreted in male BALB/c mice under social isolation stress as compared with the control, and closely associated with a remarkable elevation of tumor invasion and metastasis of colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells. In the present study, we explored the effect of isolation stress on the angiogenesis caused by colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro. Social isolation lead to the enhancement of tumor growth after intrahepatic implantation with a fragment of colon 26-L5 tumor. Angiogenic response (number of vessels oriented towards tumor mass) and tumor growth (size) were significantly increased in the socially isolated mouse relative to that in the group-housed mice. Furthermore, higher protein level of hepatic TNF-alpha was found in the stressed mice than that in the control. Expression of mRNA for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were also elevated in the tumor regions and liver tissues of the stressed mice in comparison with that in group-housed mice. On the other hand, hepatic sinusoidal endothelial (HSE) cells treated with TNF-alpha exhibited a marked promotion of the migration, invasion, expression of mRNA for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and tube-like formation, but no cytotoxicity against the cells in vitro. The above data suggest that the social isolation stress augmented the tumor-induced angiogenesis probably by up-regulating the angiogenesis-related factors, including TNF-alpha, VEGF and HGF, and consequently mediating the functions of endothelial cells such as migration, invasion, and tube-like formation.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Effect of social isolation on behavioral parameters and sensitivity of rats to morphine and caffeine.

Social isolation is a stress factor increasing animal anxiety and impairing food-reinforced instrumental learning. Social isolation modulates sensitivity to psychoactive substances: it potentiated the depressive and analgesic effects of morphine, but attenuated the activating and anxiogenic effects of caffeine. These behavioral changes and changes in sensitivity to psychoactive agents can be explained by a well-known phenomenon of activation of the endogenous opioid system during stress.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

PubMed1998

Dynamic alterations of serotonergic metabolism and receptors during social isolation of low- and high-active mice.

Alterations induced by social isolation (1 day to 18 weeks) in low- and high-active mice (LAM and HAM) were studied in respect to serotonin metabolism, [3H]-8-OH-DPAT binding of presynaptic (midbrain), postsynaptic (hippocampus) 5-HT1A receptors and [3H]-ketanserin binding of cortical 5-HT2A receptors. Individual housing of mice was associated with reduction of serotonin metabolism, depending on isolation time and brain structure. Whereas a transient decrease in the striatum and cortex was detected between 1 week and 6 weeks, reduction of cerebellar and hippocampal serotonin metabolism was found later (12-18 weeks). Serotonergic systems of HAM were found to be more reactive to environmental disturbances, and their serotonin metabolism was more affected by social isolation. Isolation-induced upregulation of cortical 5-HT2A receptors was measured only in HAM. Densities of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the hippocampus did differ either in grouped or isolated mice. However, there were significant differences in hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor affinity, especially between 1 day and 3 weeks. Transient downregulation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the midbrain was found in isolated mice between 3 and 6 weeks. These results are discussed in terms of interactions between serotonergic alterations and isolation-induced aggression.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

PubMed1994

[Social isolation in the psychiatric department].

In this article account is given of a validation study, according to the nursing diagnosis 'social isolation'. The label, definition and cluster of defining characteristics according to cluster of defining characteristics according to Townsend (1990) are the starting point, the related factors are left out of consideration. The validation mentioned above was carried out in accordance with the Delphi-method, that consisted of three Delphi rounds. A panel of experts was asked particularly to compile defining characteristics that are relevant for 'social isolation' and to indicate the critical defining characteristics. This procedure generated a cluster of seven defining characteristics for 'social isolation' of which the content validity turned out to be considerably increased with regard to the cluster formulated by Townsend. The distinction between critical defining characteristics and supporting defining characteristics was not clarified by this study.

Delphi Technique↗