251
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Modulation of the endocannabinoid system by sex hormones: Implications for posttraumatic stress disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 94:302-320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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252
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Mendell AL, MacLusky NJ. Neurosteroid Metabolites of Gonadal Steroid Hormones in Neuroprotection: Implications for Sex Differences in Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:359. [PMID: 30344476 PMCID: PMC6182082 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal steroid hormones are neurotrophic and neuroprotective. These effects are modulated by local metabolism of the hormones within the brain. Such control is necessary to maintain normal function, as several signaling pathways that are activated by gonadal steroid hormones in the brain can also become dysregulated in disease. Metabolites of the gonadal steroid hormones—particularly 3α-hydroxy, 5α-reduced neurosteroids—are synthesized in the brain and can act through different mechanisms from their parent steroids. These metabolites may provide a mechanism for modulating the responses to their precursor hormones, thereby providing a regulatory influence on cellular responses. In addition, there is evidence that the 3α-hydroxy, 5α-reduced neurosteroids are neuroprotective in their own right, and therefore may contribute to the overall protection conferred by their precursors. In this review article, the rapidly growing body of evidence supporting a neuroprotective role for this class of neurosteroids will be considered, including a discussion of potential mechanisms that may be involved. In addition, we explore the hypothesis that differences between males and females in local neurosteroid production may contribute to sex differences in the development of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Loren Mendell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Neil James MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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253
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Reuveni I, Nugent AC, Gill J, Vythilingam M, Carlson PJ, Lerner A, Neumeister A, Charney DS, Drevets WC, Bonne O. Altered cerebral benzodiazepine receptor binding in post-traumatic stress disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:206. [PMID: 30287828 PMCID: PMC6172250 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0257-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Agonists of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor exert anxiolytic effects in anxiety disorders, raising the possibility that altered GABA-ergic function may play a role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few neuroimaging studies have assessed the function or binding potential of the central GABAA BZD receptor system in PTSD. Therefore, our aim was to compare the BZD receptor binding potential between PTSD patients and healthy controls. Twelve medication-free participants with a current diagnosis of PTSD and 15 matched healthy controls underwent positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using [11C] flumazenil. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained and co-registered to the PET images to permit co-location of neuroanatomical structures in the lower resolution PET image data. Compared to healthy controls, PTSD patients exhibited increased BZD binding in the caudal anterior cingulate cortex and precuneus (p's < 0.05). Severity of PTSD symptoms positively correlated with BZD binding in the left mid- and anterior insular cortices. This study extends previous findings by suggesting that central BZD receptor system involvement in PTSD includes portions of the default mode and salience networks, along with insular regions that support interoception and autonomic arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Reuveni
- 0000 0001 2221 2926grid.17788.31Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Allison C. Nugent
- 0000 0004 0464 0574grid.416868.5Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Jessica Gill
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dCenter for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Meena Vythilingam
- Deployment Health Clinical Center, Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, Silver Spring, MD USA
| | - Paul J. Carlson
- 0000 0001 2193 0096grid.223827.eDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Alicja Lerner
- 0000 0001 2243 3366grid.417587.8Controlled Substance Staff, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD USA
| | - Alexander Neumeister
- 0000 0001 2182 2255grid.28046.38Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Dennis S. Charney
- 0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cMood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Wayne C. Drevets
- grid.417429.dJanssen Research and Development, LLC of Johnson & Johnson Inc., Titusville, NJ USA
| | - Omer Bonne
- Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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254
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Joksimovic SL, Covey DF, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. Neurosteroids in Pain Management: A New Perspective on an Old Player. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1127. [PMID: 30333753 PMCID: PMC6176051 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the nervous system’s ability to produce steroid hormones, numerous studies have demonstrated their importance in modulating neuronal excitability. These central effects are mostly mediated through different ligand-gated receptor systems such as GABAA and NMDA, as well as voltage-dependent Ca2+ or K+ channels. Because these targets are also implicated in transmission of sensory information, it is not surprising that numerous studies have shown the analgesic properties of neurosteroids in various pain models. Physiological (nociceptive) pain has protective value for an organism by promoting survival in life-threatening conditions. However, more prolonged pain that results from dysfunction of nerves (neuropathic pain), and persists even after tissue injury has resolved, is one of the main reasons that patients seek medical attention. This review will focus mostly on the analgesic perspective of neurosteroids and their synthetic 5α and 5β analogs in nociceptive and neuropathic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja L Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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255
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Sieghart W, Savić MM. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CVI: GABAA Receptor Subtype- and Function-selective Ligands: Key Issues in Translation to Humans. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:836-878. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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256
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Mitchell SJ, Maguire EP, Cunningham L, Gunn BG, Linke M, Zechner U, Dixon CI, King SL, Stephens DN, Swinny JD, Belelli D, Lambert JJ. Early-life adversity selectively impairs α2-GABA A receptor expression in the mouse nucleus accumbens and influences the behavioral effects of cocaine. Neuropharmacology 2018; 141:98-112. [PMID: 30138693 PMCID: PMC6178871 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Haplotypes of the Gabra2 gene encoding the α2-subunit of the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) are associated with drug abuse, suggesting that α2-GABAARs may play an important role in the circuitry underlying drug misuse. The genetic association of Gabra2 haplotypes with cocaine addiction appears to be evident primarily in individuals who had experienced childhood trauma. Given this association of childhood trauma, cocaine abuse and the Gabra2 haplotypes, we have explored in a mouse model of early life adversity (ELA) whether such events influence the behavioral effects of cocaine and if, as suggested by the human studies, α2-GABAARs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are involved in these perturbed behaviors. In adult mice prior ELA caused a selective decrease of accumbal α2-subunit mRNA, resulting in a selective decrease in the number and size of the α2-subunit (but not the α1-subunit) immunoreactive clusters in NAc core medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Functionally, in adult MSNs ELA decreased the amplitude and frequency of GABAAR-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), a profile similar to that of α2 "knock-out" (α2-/-) mice. Behaviourally, adult male ELA and α2-/- mice exhibited an enhanced locomotor response to acute cocaine and blunted sensitisation upon repeated cocaine administration, when compared to their appropriate controls. Collectively, these findings reveal a neurobiological mechanism which may relate to the clinical observation that early trauma increases the risk for substance abuse disorder (SAD) in individuals harbouring haplotypic variations in the Gabra2 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Mitchell
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Edward P Maguire
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Cunningham
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin G Gunn
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Linke
- Institute of Human Genetics, Mainz University, Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ulrich Zechner
- Institute of Human Genetics, Mainz University, Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Claire I Dixon
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah L King
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - David N Stephens
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - Jerome D Swinny
- Institute for Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom.
| | - Delia Belelli
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Jeremy J Lambert
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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257
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Abstract
Astrocytes have historically been considered structural supporting cells for neurons. Thanks to new molecular tools, allowing specific cell ablation or over-expression of genes, new unexpected astrocytic functions have recently been unveiled. This review focus on emerging groundbreaking findings showing that hypothalamic astrocytes are pivotal for the regulation of whole body energy homeostasis. Hypothalamic astrocytes sense glucose and fatty acids, and express receptors for several peripheral hormones such as leptin and insulin. Furthermore, they display striking sexual dimorphism which may account, at least partially, for gender specific differences in energy homeostasis. Metabolic alterations have been shown to influence the initiation and progression of many neurodegenerative disorders. A better understanding of the roles and interplay between the different brain cells in regulating energy homeostasis could help develop new therapeutic strategies to prevent or cure neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Camandola
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
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258
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Konings G, Brentjens L, Delvoux B, Linnanen T, Cornel K, Koskimies P, Bongers M, Kruitwagen R, Xanthoulea S, Romano A. Intracrine Regulation of Estrogen and Other Sex Steroid Levels in Endometrium and Non-gynecological Tissues; Pathology, Physiology, and Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:940. [PMID: 30283331 PMCID: PMC6157328 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the intracrine (or local) regulation of estrogen and other steroid synthesis and degradation expanded in the last decades, also thanks to recent technological advances in chromatography mass-spectrometry. Estrogen responsive tissues and organs are not passive receivers of the pool of steroids present in the blood but they can actively modify the intra-tissue steroid concentrations. This allows fine-tuning the exposure of responsive tissues and organs to estrogens and other steroids in order to best respond to the physiological needs of each specific organ. Deviations in such intracrine control can lead to unbalanced steroid hormone exposure and disturbances. Through a systematic bibliographic search on the expression of the intracrine enzymes in various tissues, this review gives an up-to-date view of the intracrine estrogen metabolisms, and to a lesser extent that of progestogens and androgens, in the lower female genital tract, including the physiological control of endometrial functions, receptivity, menopausal status and related pathological conditions. An overview of the intracrine regulation in extra gynecological tissues such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, brain, colon and bone is given. Current therapeutic approaches aimed at interfering with these metabolisms and future perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonda Konings
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Linda Brentjens
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bert Delvoux
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Karlijn Cornel
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Marlies Bongers
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Roy Kruitwagen
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sofia Xanthoulea
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Romano
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
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259
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Kasaragod VB, Schindelin H. Structure-Function Relationships of Glycine and GABA A Receptors and Their Interplay With the Scaffolding Protein Gephyrin. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:317. [PMID: 30258351 PMCID: PMC6143783 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are the major determinants of inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS). These neurotransmitters target glycine and GABAA receptors, respectively, which both belong to the Cys-loop superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs). Interactions of the neurotransmitters with the cognate receptors result in receptor opening and a subsequent influx of chloride ions, which, in turn, leads to hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, thus counteracting excitatory stimuli. The majority of glycine receptors and a significant fraction of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) are recruited and anchored to the post-synaptic membrane by the central scaffolding protein gephyrin. This ∼93 kDa moonlighting protein is structurally organized into an N-terminal G-domain (GephG) connected to a C-terminal E-domain (GephE) via a long unstructured linker. Both inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors interact via a short peptide motif located in the large cytoplasmic loop located in between transmembrane helices 3 and 4 (TM3-TM4) of the receptors with a universal receptor-binding epitope residing in GephE. Gephyrin engages in nearly identical interactions with the receptors at the N-terminal end of the peptide motif, and receptor-specific interaction toward the C-terminal region of the peptide. In addition to its receptor-anchoring function, gephyrin also interacts with a rather large collection of macromolecules including different cytoskeletal elements, thus acting as central scaffold at inhibitory post-synaptic specializations. Dysfunctions in receptor-mediated or gephyrin-mediated neurotransmission have been identified in various severe neurodevelopmental disorders. Although biochemical, cellular and electrophysiological studies have helped to understand the physiological and pharmacological roles of the receptors, recent high resolution structures of the receptors have strengthened our understanding of the receptors and their gating mechanisms. Besides that, multiple crystal structures of GephE in complex with receptor-derived peptides have shed light into receptor clustering by gephyrin at inhibitory post-synapses. This review will highlight recent biochemical and structural insights into gephyrin and the GlyRs as well as GABAA receptors, which provide a deeper understanding of the molecular machinery mediating inhibitory neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram B Kasaragod
- Institute of Structural Biology, Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Schindelin
- Institute of Structural Biology, Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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260
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Alvarez LD, Pecci A. Structure and dynamics of neurosteroid binding to the α 1β 2γ 2 GABA A receptor. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 182:72-80. [PMID: 29705269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are the principal endogenous modulators of the γ-Aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs), pentameric membrane-bound proteins that can be assembled from at least 19 subunits. In the most abundant GABAAR arrangement (α1β2γ2), neurosteroids can potentiate the GABA action as well as produce a direct activation of the channel. The recent crystal structures of neurosteroids bound to α homopentameric GABAAR reveal binding to five equivalent sites. However, these results have been obtained using receptors that are not physiologically relevant, suggesting a need to investigate neurosteroid binding to heteropentameric receptors that exist in the central nervous system. In a previous work, we predicted the neurosteroid binding site by applying molecular modeling methods on the β3 homopentamer. Here we construct a homology model of the transmembrane domain of the heteropentameric α1β2γ2 receptor and then, by combining docking and molecular dynamics simulations, we analyzed neurosteroid binding. Results show that the five neurosteroid cavities are conserved in the α1β2γ2 receptor and all of them are able to bind neurosteroids. Two different binding modes were detected depending on the identity of the residue at position 241 in the transmembrane helix 1. These theoretical findings provide microscopic insights into neurosteroid binding at the heteropentameric GABAAR. The existence of two classes of sites may be associated with how neurosteroids modulate GABAAR. Our finding would represent the essential first step to reach a comprehensive understanding of how these endogenous molecules regulate the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lautaro D Alvarez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, UMYMFOR, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Adali Pecci
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBYNE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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261
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Gravielle MC. Regulation of GABAA receptors by prolonged exposure to endogenous and exogenous ligands. Neurochem Int 2018; 118:96-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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262
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Rossetti AO. Place of neurosteroids in the treatment of status epilepticus. Epilepsia 2018; 59 Suppl 2:216-219. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.14481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea O. Rossetti
- Neurology service; University Hospital (CHUV) and Faculty of Biology and Medicine; Lausanne Switzerland
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263
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Jung C, Fernández-Dueñas V, Plata C, Garcia-Elias A, Ciruela F, Fernández-Fernández JM, Valverde MA. Functional coupling of GABA A/B receptors and the channel TRPV4 mediates rapid progesterone signaling in the oviduct. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/543/eaam6558. [PMID: 30108184 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aam6558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism by which progesterone (P4) modulates the transport of ova and embryos along the oviduct is not fully resolved. We report a rapid response to P4 and agonists of γ-aminobutyric acid receptors A and B (GABAA/B) in the mouse oviduct that was characterized by oscillatory Ca2+ signals and increased ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Pharmacological manipulation, genetic ablation, and siRNA-mediated knockdown in oviductal cells, as well as overexpression experiments in HEK 293T cells, confirmed the participation of the cationic channel TRPV4, different subunits of GABAA (α1 to α3, β2, and β3), and GABAB1 in P4-induced responses. TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ entry in close proximity to the inositol trisphosphate receptor was required to initiate and maintain Ca2+ oscillations after P4 binding to GABAA and transactivation of Gi/o protein-coupled GABAB receptors. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments and imaging of native tissue and HEK 293T cells demonstrated the close association of GABAA and GABAB1 receptors and the activation of Gi/o proteins in response to P4 and GABA receptor agonists, confirming a molecular mechanism in which P4 and GABAergic agonists cooperatively stimulate cilial beating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Jung
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Victor Fernández-Dueñas
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Departament Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Institut d'Investigació Biomédica de Bellvitge-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08907, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Cristina Plata
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Anna Garcia-Elias
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Francisco Ciruela
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Departament Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Institut d'Investigació Biomédica de Bellvitge-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08907, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - José M Fernández-Fernández
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Miguel A Valverde
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
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264
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Pinna G. Biomarkers for PTSD at the Interface of the Endocannabinoid and Neurosteroid Axis. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:482. [PMID: 30131663 PMCID: PMC6091574 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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265
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Calvo-Flores Guzmán B, Vinnakota C, Govindpani K, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RL, Kwakowsky A. The GABAergic system as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2018; 146:649-669. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Calvo-Flores Guzmán
- Centre for Brain Research; Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Chitra Vinnakota
- Centre for Brain Research; Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Karan Govindpani
- Centre for Brain Research; Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Henry J. Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research; Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Richard L.M. Faull
- Centre for Brain Research; Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research; Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
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266
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Panzica G, Melcangi RC. Post-finasteride syndrome and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction: two sides of the same coin? Endocrine 2018; 61:180-193. [PMID: 29675596 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is a clinical condition due to different causes including the iatrogenic origin. For instance, it is well known that sexual dysfunction may occur in patients treated with antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). A similar side effect has been also reported during treatment with finasteride, an inhibitor of the enzyme 5alpha-reductase, for androgenetic alopecia. Interestingly, sexual dysfunction persists in both cases after drug discontinuation. These conditions have been named post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) and post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). In particular, feeling of a lack of connection between the brain and penis, loss of libido and sex drive, difficulty in achieving an erection and genital paresthesia have been reported by patients of both conditions. It is interesting to note that the incidence of these diseases is probably so far underestimated and their etiopathogenesis is not sufficiently explored. To this aim, the present review will report the state of art of these two different pathologies and discuss, on the basis of the role exerted by three different neuromodulators such as dopamine, serotonin and neuroactive steroids, whether the persistent sexual dysfunction observed could be determined by common mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Panzica
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze "Rita Levi Montalcini", Università degli studi di Torino, Neuroscience Institute Cavallieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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267
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Traish AM. The Post-finasteride Syndrome: Clinical Manifestation of Drug-Induced Epigenetics Due to Endocrine Disruption. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-018-0161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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268
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Claxton DP, Gouaux E. Expression and purification of a functional heteromeric GABAA receptor for structural studies. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201210. [PMID: 30028870 PMCID: PMC6054424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The GABA-gated chloride channels of the Cys-loop receptor family, known as GABAA receptors, function as the primary gatekeepers of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Formed by the pentameric arrangement of five identical or homologous subunits, GABAA receptor subtypes are defined by the subunit composition that shape ion channel properties. An understanding of the structural basis of distinct receptor properties has been hindered by the absence of high resolution structural information for heteromeric assemblies. Robust heterologous expression and purification protocols of high expressing receptor constructs are vital for structural studies. Here, we describe a unique approach to screen for well-behaving and functional GABAA receptor subunit assemblies by using the Xenopus oocyte as an expression host in combination with fluorescence detection size exclusion chromatography (FSEC). To detect receptor expression, GFP fusions were introduced into the α1 subunit isoform. In contrast to expression of α1 alone, co-expression with the β subunit promoted formation of monodisperse assemblies. Mutagenesis experiments suggest that the α and β subunits can tolerate large truncations in the non-conserved M3/M4 cytoplasmic loop without compromising oligomeric assembly or GABA-gated channel activity, although removal of N-linked glycosylation sites is negatively correlated with expression level. Additionally, we report methods to improve GABAA receptor expression in mammalian cell culture that employ recombinant baculovirus transduction. From these methods we have identified a well-behaving minimal functional construct for the α1/β1 GABAA receptor subtype that can be purified in milligram quantities while retaining high affinity agonist binding activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek P. Claxton
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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269
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Courtney CD, Christian CA. Subregion-Specific Impacts of Genetic Loss of Diazepam Binding Inhibitor on Synaptic Inhibition in the Murine Hippocampus. Neuroscience 2018; 388:128-138. [PMID: 30031126 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat neurological conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, and anxiety. The discovery of benzodiazepine-specific binding sites on γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptors (GABAARs) led to the hypothesis that the brain may produce endogenous benzodiazepine-binding site ligands. An endogenous peptide, diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), which can bind these sites, is thought to be capable of both enhancing and attenuating GABAergic transmission in different brain regions. However, the role that DBI plays in modulating GABAARs in the hippocampus remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of DBI in modulating synaptic inhibition in the hippocampus using a constitutive DBI knockout mouse. Miniature and evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs, eIPSCs) were recorded from CA1 pyramidal cells and dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. Loss of DBI signaling increased mIPSC frequency and amplitude in CA1 pyramidal cells from DBI knockout mice compared to wild-types. In DG granule cells, conversely, the loss of DBI decreased mIPSC amplitude and increased mIPSC decay time, indicating bidirectional modulation of GABAAR-mediated transmission in specific subregions of the hippocampus. eIPSC paired-pulse ratios were consistent across genotypes, suggesting that alterations in mIPSC frequency were not due to changes in presynaptic release probability. Furthermore, cells from DBI knockout mice did not display altered responsiveness to pharmacological applications of diazepam, a benzodiazepine, nor flumazenil, a benzodiazepine-binding site antagonist. These results provide evidence that genetic loss of DBI alters synaptic inhibition in the adult hippocampus, and that the direction of DBI-mediated modulation can vary discretely between specific subregions of the same brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor D Courtney
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Catherine A Christian
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.
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270
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Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids, neurosteroidogenesis and sex. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:1-17. [PMID: 29981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is a target and a source of steroids. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that target neurons and glial cells. They include hormonal steroids originated in the peripheral glands, steroids locally synthesized by the neurons and glial cells (neurosteroids) and synthetic steroids, some of them used in clinical practice. Here we review the mechanisms of synthesis, metabolism and action of neuroactive steroids, including the role of epigenetic modifications and the mitochondria in their sex specific actions. We examine sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels under physiological conditions and their role in the establishment of sex dimorphic structures in the nervous system and sex differences in its function. In addition, particular attention is paid to neuroactive steroids under pathological conditions, analyzing how pathology alters their levels and their role as neuroprotective factors, considering the influence of sex in both cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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271
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Olsen RW. GABA A receptor: Positive and negative allosteric modulators. Neuropharmacology 2018; 136:10-22. [PMID: 29407219 PMCID: PMC6027637 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission and the gene products involved were discovered during the mid-twentieth century. Historically, myriad existing nervous system drugs act as positive and negative allosteric modulators of these proteins, making GABA a major component of modern neuropharmacology, and suggesting that many potential drugs will be found that share these targets. Although some of these drugs act on proteins involved in synthesis, degradation, and membrane transport of GABA, the GABA receptors Type A (GABAAR) and Type B (GABABR) are the targets of the great majority of GABAergic drugs. This discovery is due in no small part to Professor Norman Bowery. Whereas the topic of GABABR is appropriately emphasized in this special issue, Norman Bowery also made many insights into GABAAR pharmacology, the topic of this article. GABAAR are members of the ligand-gated ion channel receptor superfamily, a chloride channel family of a dozen or more heteropentameric subtypes containing 19 possible different subunits. These subtypes show different brain regional and subcellular localization, age-dependent expression, and potential for plastic changes with experience including drug exposure. Not only are GABAAR the targets of agonist depressants and antagonist convulsants, but most GABAAR drugs act at other (allosteric) binding sites on the GABAAR proteins. Some anxiolytic and sedative drugs, like benzodiazepine and related drugs, act on GABAAR subtype-dependent extracellular domain sites. General anesthetics including alcohols and neurosteroids act at GABAAR subunit-interface trans-membrane sites. Ethanol at high anesthetic doses acts on GABAAR subtype-dependent trans-membrane domain sites. Ethanol at low intoxicating doses acts at GABAAR subtype-dependent extracellular domain sites. Thus GABAAR subtypes possess pharmacologically specific receptor binding sites for a large group of different chemical classes of clinically important neuropharmacological agents. This article is part of the "Special Issue Dedicated to Norman G. Bowery".
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Olsen
- Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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272
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Ivanova GP, Gorobets LN, Litvinov AV, Bulanov VS, Vasilenko LM. [A role of progesterone and its metabolites in regulation functions of the brain]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018; 118:129-137. [PMID: 29927417 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201811851129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The review presents literature data reflecting the nature and mechanism of the effect of progesterone and its metabolites on human and animal brain structures. Particular attention is paid to neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety and sedative properties of this hormone, which determines the prospect of its use for the prevention and treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders, including premenstrual and climacteric syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Ivanova
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - L N Gorobets
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Litvinov
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - V S Bulanov
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - L M Vasilenko
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
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273
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Çiçek SS. Structure-Dependent Activity of Natural GABA(A) Receptor Modulators. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23071512. [PMID: 29932138 PMCID: PMC6100244 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA(A) receptors are ligand-gated ion channels consisting of five subunits from eight subfamilies, each assembled in four hydrophobic transmembrane domains. This pentameric structure not only allows different receptor binding sites, but also various types of ligands, such as orthosteric agonists and antagonists, positive and negative allosteric modulators, as well as second-order modulators and non-competitive channel blockers. A fact, that is also displayed by the variety of chemical structures found for both, synthetic as well as nature-derived GABA(A)-receptor modulators. This review covers the literature for natural GABA(A)-receptor modulators until the end of 2017 and discusses their structure-activity relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhat Sezai Çiçek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Kiel University, Gutenbergstraße 76, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
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274
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Faroni A, Melfi S, Castelnovo LF, Bonalume V, Colleoni D, Magni P, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Reinbold R, Magnaghi V. GABA-B1 Receptor-Null Schwann Cells Exhibit Compromised In Vitro Myelination. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:1461-1474. [PMID: 29948947 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1158-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
GABA-B receptors are important for Schwann cell (SC) commitment to a non-myelinating phenotype during development. However, the P0-GABA-B1fl/fl conditional knockout mice, lacking the GABA-B1 receptor specifically in SCs, also presented axon modifications, suggesting SC non-autonomous effects through the neuronal compartment. In this in vitro study, we evaluated whether the specific deletion of the GABA-B1 receptor in SCs may induce autonomous or non-autonomous cross-changes in sensory dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. To this end, we performed an in vitro biomolecular and transcriptomic analysis of SC and DRG neuron primary cultures from P0-GABA-B1fl/fl mice. We found that cells from conditional P0-GABA-B1fl/fl mice exhibited proliferative, migratory and myelinating alterations. Moreover, we found transcriptomic changes in novel molecules that are involved in peripheral neuron-SC interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Faroni
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Simona Melfi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Franco Castelnovo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Bonalume
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Deborah Colleoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Magni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcos J Araúzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Rolland Reinbold
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Magnaghi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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275
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Bukanova JV, Solntseva EI, Kolbaev SN, Kudova E. Modulation of GABA and glycine receptors in rat pyramidal hippocampal neurones by 3α5β-pregnanolone derivatives. Neurochem Int 2018; 118:145-151. [PMID: 29886074 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability of pregnanolone glutamate (PA-Glu), pregnanolone hemisuccinate (PA-hSuc) and pregnanolone hemipimelate (PA-hPim), neuroactive steroids with a negative modulatory effect on excitatory N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, to influence the functional activity of inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid and glycine receptors was estimated. The GABA- and glycine-induced chloride currents (IGABA and IGly) were measured in isolated pyramidal neurons of the rat hippocampus using the patch-clamp technique. Compound PA-Glu was found to potentiate IGABA and to inhibit IGly, while PA-hSuc and PA-hPim inhibited both IGABA and IGly. Moreover, PA-Glu, PA-hSuc, and PA-hPim had a greater effect on desensitization than on the peak amplitude of IGly. At a high concentration of glycine (500 μM), the effect of neurosteroids on the peak amplitude of IGly disappeared, and the acceleration of desensitization remained. The conversion of PA-Glu into androstane glutamate (AND-Glu), an analogue that lacks the C-17 acetyl moiety, completely eliminated the effects on these receptors. Our results indicate that the C-17 acetyl moiety is crucial for the action on IGABA and IGly. Our results indicate that the pregnanolone derivatives, in contrast to the androstane analogues, modulate IGABA and IGly at low micromolar concentrations and this family of neurosteroids can be useful for future structure-activity relationship studies of the steroid modulation of other receptor types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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276
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Increased Superoxide Dismutase 2 by Allopregnanolone Ameliorates ROS-Mediated Neuronal Death in Mice with Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:1464-1475. [PMID: 29855848 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2561-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), along with dysfunction of the antioxidant defense system, such as that involving superoxide dismutase (SOD), may play a major role in neuronal death following status epilepticus (SE). Neurosteroids, which are allosteric modulators of the GABAA receptor in cerebral metabolism, have been suggested as being neuroprotective in various animal models; however, their effect to preventing ROS has not been examined. Herein, we investigate the neuroprotective role of allopregnanolone, the prototypical neurosteroid in the brain, in relation to the ROS-mediated neuronal injury. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to SE and treated with allopregnanolone. Hippocampal cell death was assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, and ROS production was investigated by in situ detection of oxidized hydroethidine. SOD2 expression was analyzed by both western blot and immunofluorescent staining in the hippocampal subfields. In mice treated with allopregnanolone after SE, hippocampal cell death, DNA fragmentation, oxidative DNA damage, and ROS production were reduced significantly compared to mice subjected to vehicle treatment after SE. Hippocampal SOD2 expression was significantly increased by allopregnanolone. These finding suggest that allopregnanolone plays a neuroprotective role, with not only anticonvulsant but also antioxidant effects, by increasing SOD2 in pilocarpine-induced SE model.
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277
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Sergeeva EG, Espinosa-Garcia C, Atif F, Pardue MT, Stein DG. Neurosteroid allopregnanolone reduces ipsilateral visual cortex potentiation following unilateral optic nerve injury. Exp Neurol 2018; 306:138-148. [PMID: 29729249 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In adult mice with unilateral optic nerve crush injury (ONC), we studied visual response plasticity in the visual cortex following stimulation with sinusoidal grating. We examined visually evoked potentials (VEP) in the primary visual cortex ipsilateral and contralateral to the crushed nerve. We found that unilateral ONC induces enhancement of visual response on the side ipsilateral to the injury that is evoked by visual stimulation to the intact eye. This enhancement was associated with supranormal spatial frequency thresholds in the intact eye when tested using optomotor response. To probe whether injury-induced disinhibition caused the potentiation, we treated animals with the neurosteroid allopregnanolone, a potent agonist of the GABAA receptor, one hour after crush and on post-injury days 3, 8, 13, and 18. Allopregnanolone diminished enhancement of the VEP and this effect was associated with the upregulated synthesis of the δ-subunit of the GABAA receptor. Our study shows a new aspect of experience-dependent plasticity following unilateral ONC. This hyper-activity in the ipsilateral visual cortex is prevented by upregulation of GABA inhibition with allopregnanolone. Our findings suggest the therapeutic potential of allopregnanolone for modulation of plasticity in certain eye and brain disorders and a possible role for disinhibition in ipsilateral hyper-activity following unilateral ONC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G Sergeeva
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University, 1365B Clifton Road NE, Suite 5100, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Claudia Espinosa-Garcia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University, 1365B Clifton Road NE, Suite 5100, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Fahim Atif
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University, 1365B Clifton Road NE, Suite 5100, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Donald G Stein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University, 1365B Clifton Road NE, Suite 5100, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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278
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James LE, Williams CJA, Bertelsen MF, Wang T. Anaesthetic induction with alfaxalone in the ball python ( Python regius ): dose response and effect of injection site. Vet Anaesth Analg 2018; 45:329-337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaa.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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279
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Maurice-Gélinas C, Deslauriers J, Monpays C, Sarret P, Grignon S. The 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride increases suicide-related aggressive behaviors and blocks clozapine-induced beneficial effects in an animal model of schizophrenia. Physiol Behav 2018; 191:65-72. [PMID: 29630964 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Death by suicide is 5 times higher among schizophrenia patients than in the general population. There is now compelling evidence suggesting that the pathophysiology of suicide in schizophrenia does not involve central serotonergic neurotransmission disturbances, as has been shown in other contexts. We recently developed and characterized a murine Two-Hit Model of Suicide-related behavior in a schizophrenia-like context (THMS) (gestational inflammation with polyI:C at gestational day 12 followed by post-weaning social isolation). In this THMS model, we have recently shown that the atypical antipsychotic clozapine normalized the prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits as well suicide-related, impulsive aggressive and anxiety-like behaviors. While the mechanisms underlying the suicide-reducing benefits of clozapine in schizophrenic patients are not well understood, previous works have revealed that clozapine alters brain levels of neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone. In the present study, we thus investigated the role of endogenous neurosteroids in clozapine action by evaluating whether the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride could overturn the ability of clozapine to reduce suicide-related behaviors. We found that clozapine significantly improved the PPI deficits in THMS mice, which could not be reversed by finasteride treatment. However, finasteride counteracted the ability of clozapine to decrease the exploratory behaviors in the open-field test. In the resident-intruder test, THMS mice showed exacerbated aggressiveness and impulsivity following finasteride alone. In this resident-intruder paradigm, clozapine alone effectively blocked the finasteride-enhanced effects on aggression and impulsivity. Altogether, these findings support the existence of a complex interaction between clozapine and neurosteroids in THMS mice. Further investigations are now required to clarify the details of the molecular mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Maurice-Gélinas
- Departement of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jessica Deslauriers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Cécile Monpays
- Departement of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Departement of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sylvain Grignon
- Departement of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 580 Bowen Sud, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada.
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280
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281
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Sharp S, Mitchell SJ, Vallée M, Kuzmanova E, Cooper M, Belelli D, Lambert JJ, Huang JTJ. Isotope Dilution-Based Targeted and Nontargeted Carbonyl Neurosteroid/Steroid Profiling. Anal Chem 2018; 90:5247-5255. [PMID: 29561593 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are brain-derived steroids, capable of rapidly modulating neuronal excitability in a nongenomic manner. Dysregulation of their synthesis or metabolism has been implicated in many pathological conditions. Here, we describe an isotope dilution based targeted and nontargeted (ID-TNT) profiling of carbonyl neurosteroids/steroids. The method combines stable isotope dilution, hydroxylamine derivatization, high-resolution MS scanning, and data-dependent MS/MS analysis, allowing absolute quantification of pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone, and 3β,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone, and relative quantification of other carbonyl containing steroids. The utility and validity of this approach was tested in an acute stress mouse model and via pharmacological manipulation of the steroid metabolic pathway with finasteride. We report that brain levels of 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone, a potent enhancer of GABAA receptor (GABAAR-mediated inhibitory function, from control mice is in the 5-40 pmol/g range, a value greater than previously reported. The approach allows the use of data from targeted analysis to guide the normalization strategy for nontargeted data. Furthermore, novel findings, including a striking increase of brain pregnenolone following finasteride administration were discovered in this study. Collectively, our results indicate that this approach has distinct advantages for examining targeted and nontargeted neurosteroid/steroid pathways in animal models and could facilitate a better understanding of the physiological and pathological roles of neurosteroids as modulators of brain excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Sharp
- School of Medicine , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 9SY , United Kingdom
| | - Scott J Mitchell
- School of Medicine , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 9SY , United Kingdom
| | - Monique Vallée
- Université Bordeaux , Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale , INSERM U1215, F-33000 , Bordeaux , France
| | - Elena Kuzmanova
- School of Medicine , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 9SY , United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Cooper
- School of Medicine , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 9SY , United Kingdom
| | - Delia Belelli
- School of Medicine , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 9SY , United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy J Lambert
- School of Medicine , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 9SY , United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey T-J Huang
- School of Medicine , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 9SY , United Kingdom
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282
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Cai H, Cao T, Zhou X, Yao JK. Neurosteroids in Schizophrenia: Pathogenic and Therapeutic Implications. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:73. [PMID: 29568275 PMCID: PMC5852066 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are a group of important endogenous molecules affecting many neural functions in the brain. Increasing evidence suggests a possible role of these neurosteroids in the pathology and symptomatology of schizophrenia (SZ) and other mental disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the neural functions of neurosteroids in the brain, and to evaluate the role of the key neurosteroids as candidate modulators in the etiology and therapeutics of SZ. The present paper provides a brief introduction of neurosteroid metabolism and distribution, followed by a discussion of the mechanisms underlying neurosteroid actions in the brain. The content regarding the modulation of the GABAA receptor is elaborated, given the considerable knowledge of its interactions with other neurotransmitter and neuroprotective systems, as well as its ameliorating effects on stress that may play a role in the SZ pathophysiology. In addition, several preclinical and clinical studies suggested a therapeutic benefit of neurosteroids in SZ patients, even though the presence of altered neurosteroid pathways in the circulating blood and/or brain remains debatable. Following treatment of antipsychotic drugs in SZ, therapeutic benefits have also been linked to the regulation of neurosteroid signaling. Specifically, the neurosteroids such as pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone affect a broad spectrum of behavioral functions through their unique molecular characteristics and may represent innovative therapeutic targets for SZ. Future investigations in larger cohorts with long-term follow-ups will be required to ascertain the neuropsychopharmacological role of this yet unexploited class of neurosteroid agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- HuaLin Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jeffrey K. Yao
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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283
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Wynn MAA, Ball BA, Legacki E, Conley A, Loux S, May J, Esteller-Vico A, Stanley S, Scoggin K, Squires E, Troedsson M. Inhibition of 5α-reductase alters pregnane metabolism in the late pregnant mare. Reproduction 2018; 155:251-258. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the latter half of gestation in the mare, progesterone concentrations decline to near undetectable levels while other 5α-reduced pregnanes are elevated. Of these, 5α-dihydroprogesterone and allopregnanolone have been reported to have important roles in either pregnancy maintenance or fetal quiescence. During this time, the placenta is necessary for pregnane metabolism, with the enzyme 5α-reductase being required for the conversion of progesterone to 5α-dihydroprogesterone. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of a 5α-reductase inhibitor, dutasteride on pregnane metabolism (pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, 20α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-3-one, 5α-pregnane-3β,20α-diol and allopregnanolone), to determine circulating dutasteride concentrations and to assess effects of dutasteride treatment on gestational parameters. Pregnant mares (n = 5) received dutasteride (0.01 mg/kg/day, IM) and control mares (n = 4) received vehicle alone from 300 to 320 days of gestation or until parturition. Concentrations of dutasteride, pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, 20α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-3-one, 5α-pregnane-3β,20α-diol, and allopregnanolone were evaluated via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were analyzed as both days post treatment and as days prepartum. No significant treatment effects were detected in pregnenolone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, 20α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-3-one, 5α-pregnane-3β,20α-diol or allopregnanolone for either analysis; however, progesterone concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) sixfold in dutasteride-treated mares compared to control mares. Dutasteride concentrations increased in the treated mares, with a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between dutasteride concentrations and pregnenolone or progesterone concentrations. Gestational length and neonatal outcomes were not significantly altered in dutasteride-treated mares. Although 5α-reduced metabolites were unchanged, these data suggest an accumulation of precursor progesterone with inhibition of 5α-reductase, indicating the ability of dutasteride to alter progesterone metabolism.
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284
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Seljeset S, Bright DP, Thomas P, Smart TG. Probing GABA A receptors with inhibitory neurosteroids. Neuropharmacology 2018; 136:23-36. [PMID: 29447845 PMCID: PMC6018617 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) are important components of the central nervous system and they are functionally tasked with controlling neuronal excitability. These receptors are subject to post-translational modification and also to modulation by endogenous regulators, such as the neurosteroids. These modulators can either potentiate or inhibit GABAAR function. Whilst the former class of neurosteroids are considered to bind to and act from the transmembrane domain of the receptor, the domains that are important for the inhibitory neurosteroids remain less clear. In this study, we systematically compare a panel of recombinant synaptic-type and extrasynaptic-type GABAARs expressed in heterologous cell systems for their sensitivity to inhibition by the classic inhibitory neurosteroid, pregnenolone sulphate. Generally, peak GABA current responses were inhibited less compared to steady-state currents, implicating the desensitised state in inhibition. Moreover, pregnenolone sulphate inhibition increased with GABA concentration, but showed minimal voltage dependence. There was no strong dependence of inhibition on receptor subunit composition, the exception being the ρ1 receptor, which is markedly less sensitive. By using competition experiments with pregnenolone sulphate and the GABA channel blocker picrotoxinin, discrete binding sites are proposed. Furthermore, by assessing inhibition using site-directed mutagenesis and receptor chimeras comprising α, β or γ subunits with ρ1 subunits, the receptor transmembrane domains are strongly implicated in mediating inhibition and most likely the binding location for pregnenolone sulphate in GABAARs. This article is part of the “Special Issue Dedicated to Norman G. Bowery”. A range of GABAA receptor subtypes are inhibited by pregenolone sulphate. Peak GABA curents are less sensitive to inhibition than steady-state currents. Desensitised state of GABAA receptors most sensitive to neurosteroid inhibition. Inhibition increases with GABA concentration, but not strongly voltage-dependent. Pregnenolone sulphate binding site located within subunit transmembrane domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Seljeset
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Damian P Bright
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor G Smart
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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285
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Antkowiak B, Rudolph U. New insights in the systemic and molecular underpinnings of general anesthetic actions mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2018; 29:447-53. [PMID: 27168087 DOI: 10.1097/aco.0000000000000358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The review highlights novel insights into the role of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors in mediating clinically relevant actions of anesthetic agents. RECENT FINDINGS GABAA receptors in the hippocampus are located on glutamatergic pyramidal cells and GABAergic interneurons. Etomidate-induced inhibition of a synaptic correlate of learning and memory is caused by receptors on nonpyramidal neurons, likely on interneurons that incorporate α5 subunits. Selective enhancement of α2 subunit containing GABAA receptors in the spinal cord provides antihyperalgesia against inflammatory and neuropathic pain without causing sedation, motor impairment, and tolerance development. Inflammation, traumatic brain injury, and exposure to anesthetic agents modify the expression patterns of GABAA receptors in a subtype-specific manner. These modifications may persist for weeks. The neuroactive steroid alphaxalone causes fast-onset and short-duration anesthesia in humans. Cardiovascular and respiratory side-effects are less severe than with propofol. SUMMARY Identification of the molecular and cellular substrates involved in anesthesia and insights into disease and drug-induced alterations in the expression patterns of GABAA receptors in the central nervous system are emphasizing the need for individualized anesthesia care. Introducing neuroactive steroids into clinical anesthesia is expected to reduce cardiovascular and respiratory side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Antkowiak
- aDepartment of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Experimental Anesthesiology Section bWerner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany cLaboratory of Genetic Neuropharmacology, McLean Hospital, Belmont dDepartment of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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286
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Taleb O, Patte-Mensah C, Meyer L, Kemmel V, Geoffroy P, Miesch M, Mensah-Nyagan AG. Evidence for effective structure-based neuromodulatory effects of new analogues of neurosteroid allopregnanolone. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 29265686 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) modulates neuroendocrine/neurobiological processes, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical activities, pain, anxiety, neurogenesis and neuroprotection. These observations raised the hope of developing AP-based therapies against neuroendocrine and/or neurodegenerative disorders. However, the pleiotropic actions of AP, particularly its cell-proliferation-promoting effects, hamper the development of selective/targeted therapies. For example, although AP-induced neurogenesis may serve to compensate neuronal loss in degenerative brains, AP-evoked cell-proliferation is contraindicated for steroid-sensitive cancer patients. To foster progress, we synthesised 4 novel AP analogues of neurosteroids (ANS) designated BR053 (12-oxo-epi-AP), BR297 (O-allyl-epi-AP), BR351 (O-allyl-AP) and BR338 (12-oxo-AP). First, because AP is well-known as allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors (GABAA-R), we used the electrophysiological patch-clamp technique to determine the structure-activity relationship of our ANS on GABAA-activated current in NCB20 cells expressing functional GABAA-R. We found that the addition of 12-oxo-group did not significantly change the respective positive or negative allosteric effects of 3α-AP or 3β-(epi)-AP analogues. Importantly, substitution of the 3α-hydroxyl-group by 3α-O-allyl highly modified the ANS activities. Unlike AP, BR351 induced a long-lasting desensitisation/inhibition of GABAA-R. Interestingly, replacement of the 3β-hydroxyl by 3β-O-allyl (BR297) completely reversed the activity from negative to positive allosteric action. In a second step, we compared the actions of AP and ANS on SH-SY5Y neuronal cell viability/proliferation using MTT-reduction assays. Different dose-response curves were demonstrated for AP and the ANS. By contrast to AP, BR297 was totally devoid of cell-proliferative effect. Finally, we compared AP and ANS abilities to protect against oxidative stress-induced neuronal death pivotally involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Both BR351 and BR297 had notable advantages over AP in protecting SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress-induced death. Thus, BR297 appears to be a potent neuroprotective compound devoid of cell-proliferative activity. Altogether, our results suggest promising perspectives for the development of neurosteroid-based selective and effective strategies against neuroendocrine and/or neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Taleb
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - C Patte-Mensah
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - L Meyer
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - V Kemmel
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - P Geoffroy
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique Synthétique, UMR 7177, Institut de Chimie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - M Miesch
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique Synthétique, UMR 7177, Institut de Chimie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - A-G Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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287
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De Nicola AF, Garay LI, Meyer M, Guennoun R, Sitruk-Ware R, Schumacher M, Gonzalez Deniselle MC. Neurosteroidogenesis and progesterone anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective effects. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 28675779 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone shows anti-inflammatory and promyelinating effects in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a commonly used model for multiple sclerosis (MS). Because neurosteroids have been implicated as protective factors for MS and EAE, we analysed the expression of neurosteroidogenic enzymes in the compromised spinal cord of EAE mice. EAE was induced in female C57Bl6 mice, which were then killed on day 16 after induction. Progesterone was given by pellet implantation 1 week before EAE induction. Untreated EAE mice showed decreased mRNAs for the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star), voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc), 5α-reductase, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSOR) and aromatase, whereas changes of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) were not significant. mRNA translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) was elevated, concomitantly with a reactive microgliosis. EAE mice also showed abnormal mitochondrial ultrastructure in axons and neuronal bodies, as well as reduced expression of fission and fusion protein mRNAs. Progesterone pretreatment before EAE induction increased Star, VDAC, P450scc, 5α-reductase type I, 3α-HSOR and aromatase mRNAs and did not modify 3β-HSD. TSPO mRNA was decreased, possibly as a result of reversal of microgliosis. Progesterone pretreatment also improved mitochondrial ultrastructure and increased fission/fusion protein mRNAs. These mitochondrial effects may be part of the progesterone recovery of neurosteroidogenesis. The enzymes 3β-HSD, 3α-HSOR and 5α-reductase are also responsible for the formation of androgens. Because MS patients and EAE rodents show changes of central androgen levels, it is likely that, together with progestins and oestrogens, neuroandrogens afford neuroprotection for EAE and MS. The data reviewed suggest that enhanced synthesis of neurosteroids contributes in an auto/paracrine manner to reinforce the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of exogenous progesterone given to EAE mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F De Nicola
- Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L I Garay
- Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Meyer
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and Université Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - M Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and Université Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - M C Gonzalez Deniselle
- The Population Council, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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288
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Bixo M, Johansson M, Timby E, Michalski L, Bäckström T. Effects of GABA active steroids in the female brain with a focus on the premenstrual dysphoric disorder. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 29072794 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) afflicts 3%-5% of women of childbearing age, and is characterised by recurrent negative mood symptoms (eg, irritability, depression, anxiety and emotional lability) during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The aetiology of PMDD is unknown, although a temporal association with circulating ovarian steroids, in particular progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone, has been established during the luteal phase. Allopregnanolone is a positive modulator of the GABAA receptor: it is sedative in high concentrations but may precipitate paradoxical adverse effects on mood at levels corresponding to luteal phase concentrations in susceptible women. Saccadic eye velocity (SEV) is a measure of GABAA receptor sensitivity; in experimental studies of healthy women, i.v. allopregnanolone decreases SEV. Women with PMDD display an altered sensitivity to an i.v. injection of allopregnanolone compared to healthy controls in this model. In functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, women with PMDD react differently to emotional stimuli in contrast to controls. A consistent finding in PMDD patients is increased amygdala reactivity during the luteal phase. Post-mortem studies in humans have revealed that allopregnanolone concentrations vary across different brain regions, although mean levels in the brain also reflect variations in peripheral serum concentrations. The amygdala processes emotions such as anxiety and aggression. This is interesting because allopregnanolone is detected at high concentrations within the region into which marked increases in blood flow are measured with fMRI following progesterone/allopregnanolone administration. Allopregnanolone effects are antagonised by its isomer isoallopregnanolone (UC1010), which significantly reduces negative mood symptoms in women with PMDD when administered s.c. in the premenstrual phase. This was shown in a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which the primary outcome was change in symptom scoring on the Daily Rating of Severity of Problems (DRSP): the treatment reduced negative mood scores (P < .005), as well as total DRSP scores (P < .01), compared to placebo in women with PMDD. In conclusion, the underlying studies of this review provide evidence that allopregnanolone is the provoking factor behind the negative mood symptoms in PMDD and that isoallopregnanolone could ameliorate the symptoms as a result of its ability to antagonise the allopregnanolone effect on the GABAA receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bixo
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Johansson
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - E Timby
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - L Michalski
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - T Bäckström
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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289
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Belelli D, Brown AR, Mitchell SJ, Gunn BG, Herd MB, Phillips GD, Seifi M, Swinny JD, Lambert JJ. Endogenous neurosteroids influence synaptic GABA A receptors during postnatal development. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 28905487 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
GABA plays a key role in both embryonic and neonatal brain development. For example, during early neonatal nervous system maturation, synaptic transmission, mediated by GABAA receptors (GABAA Rs), undergoes a temporally specific form of synaptic plasticity to accommodate the changing requirements of maturing neural networks. Specifically, the duration of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), resulting from vesicular GABA activating synaptic GABAA Rs, is reduced, permitting neurones to appropriately influence the window for postsynaptic excitation. Conventionally, programmed expression changes to the subtype of synaptic GABAA R are primarily implicated in this plasticity. However, it is now evident that, in developing thalamic and cortical principal- and inter-neurones, an endogenous neurosteroid tone (eg, allopregnanolone) enhances synaptic GABAA R function. Furthermore, a cessation of steroidogenesis, as a result of a lack of substrate, or a co-factor, appears to be primarily responsible for early neonatal changes to GABAergic synaptic transmission, followed by further refinement, which results from subsequent alterations of the GABAA R subtype. The timing of this cessation of neurosteroid influence is neurone-specific, occurring by postnatal day (P)10 in the thalamus but approximately 1 week later in the cortex. Neurosteroid levels are not static and change dynamically in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological scenarios. Given that GABA plays an important role in brain development, abnormal perturbations of neonatal GABAA R-active neurosteroids may have not only a considerable immediate, but also a longer-term impact upon neural network activity. Here, we review recent evidence indicating that changes in neurosteroidogenesis substantially influence neonatal GABAergic synaptic transmission. We discuss the physiological relevance of these findings and how the interference of neurosteroid-GABAA R interaction early in life may contribute to psychiatric conditions later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Belelli
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - A R Brown
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - S J Mitchell
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - B G Gunn
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - M B Herd
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - G D Phillips
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - M Seifi
- Institute for Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - J D Swinny
- Institute for Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - J J Lambert
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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290
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Cheng WWL, Chen ZW, Bracamontes JR, Budelier MM, Krishnan K, Shin DJ, Wang C, Jiang X, Covey DF, Akk G, Evers AS. Mapping two neurosteroid-modulatory sites in the prototypic pentameric ligand-gated ion channel GLIC. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:3013-3027. [PMID: 29301936 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are endogenous sterols that potentiate or inhibit pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) and can be effective anesthetics, analgesics, or anti-epileptic drugs. The complex effects of neurosteroids on pLGICs suggest the presence of multiple binding sites in these receptors. Here, using a series of novel neurosteroid-photolabeling reagents combined with top-down and middle-down mass spectrometry, we have determined the stoichiometry, sites, and orientation of binding for 3α,5α-pregnane neurosteroids in the Gloeobacter ligand-gated ion channel (GLIC), a prototypic pLGIC. The neurosteroid-based reagents photolabeled two sites per GLIC subunit, both within the transmembrane domain; one site was an intrasubunit site, and the other was located in the interface between subunits. By using reagents with photoreactive groups positioned throughout the neurosteroid backbone, we precisely map the orientation of neurosteroid binding within each site. Amino acid substitutions introduced at either site altered neurosteroid modulation of GLIC channel activity, demonstrating the functional role of both sites. These results provide a detailed molecular model of multisite neurosteroid modulation of GLIC, which may be applicable to other mammalian pLGICs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zi-Wei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Anesthesiology; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110; Department of Developmental Biology; Department of Psychiatry
| | - Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Alex S Evers
- Department of Anesthesiology; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110; Department of Developmental Biology.
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291
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Fujita M, Fukuda T, Sato Y, Takasusuki T, Tanaka M. Allopregnanolone suppresses mechanical allodynia and internalization of neurokinin-1 receptors at the spinal dorsal horn in a rat postoperative pain model. Korean J Pain 2018; 31:10-15. [PMID: 29372021 PMCID: PMC5780210 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.2018.31.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To identify a new strategy for postoperative pain management, we investigated the analgesic effects of allopregnanolone (Allo) in an incisional pain model, and also assessed its effects on the activities of the primary afferent fibers at the dorsal horn. Methods In experiment 1, 45 rats were assigned to Control, Allo small-dose (0.16 mg/kg), and Allo large-dose (1.6 mg/kg) groups (n = 15 in each). The weight bearing and mechanical withdrawal thresholds of the hind limb were measured before and at 2, 24, 48, and 168 h after Brennan's surgery. In experiment 2, 16 rats were assigned to Control and Allo (0.16 mg/kg) groups (n = 8 in each). The degree of spontaneous pain was measured using the grimace scale after the surgery. Activities of the primary afferent fibers in the spinal cord (L6) were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining. Results In experiment 1, the withdrawal threshold of the Allo small-dose group was significantly higher than that of the Control group at 2 h after surgery. Intergroup differences in weight bearing were not significant. In experiment 2, intergroup differences in the grimace scale scores were not significant. Substance P release in the Allo (0.16 mg/kg) group was significantly lower than that in the Control group. Conclusions Systemic administration of Allo inhibited mechanical allodynia and activities of the primary afferent fibers at the dorsal horn in a rat postoperative pain model. Allo was proposed as a candidate for postoperative pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahide Fujita
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tsukuba University Hospital, Tsukubba, Japan
| | - Taeko Fukuda
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tsuchiura Center for Medical Education and Training, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba (National Hospital Organization, Kasumigaura Medical Center), Tsuchiura, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Sato
- Social Welfare Organization, Mito-Saiseikai Hospital, Mito, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Takasusuki
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | - Makoto Tanaka
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Tsukuba, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba, Japan
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292
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Loiseau C, Cayetanot F, Joubert F, Perrin-Terrin AS, Cardot P, Fiamma MN, Frugiere A, Straus C, Bodineau L. Current Perspectives for the use of Gonane Progesteronergic Drugs in the Treatment of Central Hypoventilation Syndromes. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1433-1454. [PMID: 28721821 PMCID: PMC6295933 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170719104605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central alveolar hypoventilation syndromes (CHS) encompass neurorespiratory diseases resulting from congenital or acquired neurological disorders. Hypercapnia, acidosis, and hypoxemia resulting from CHS negatively affect physiological functions and can be lifethreatening. To date, the absence of pharmacological treatment implies that the patients must receive assisted ventilation throughout their lives. OBJECTIVE To highlight the relevance of determining conditions in which using gonane synthetic progestins could be of potential clinical interest for the treatment of CHS. METHODS The mechanisms by which gonanes modulate the respiratory drive were put into the context of those established for natural progesterone and other synthetic progestins. RESULTS The clinical benefits of synthetic progestins to treat respiratory diseases are mixed with either positive outcomes or no improvement. A benefit for CHS patients has only recently been proposed. We incidentally observed restoration of CO2 chemosensitivity, the functional deficit of this disease, in two adult CHS women by desogestrel, a gonane progestin, used for contraception. This effect was not observed by another group, studying a single patient. These contradictory findings are probably due to the complex nature of the action of desogestrel on breathing and led us to carry out mechanistic studies in rodents. Our results show that desogestrel influences the respiratory command by modulating the GABAA and NMDA signaling in the respiratory network, medullary serotoninergic systems, and supramedullary areas. CONCLUSION Gonanes show promise for improving ventilation of CHS patients, although the conditions of their use need to be better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laurence Bodineau
- Address correspondence to this author at the Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France; Tel: 33 1 40 77 97 15; Fax: 33 1 40 77 97 89; E-mail:
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293
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Giatti S, Mastrangelo R, D'Antonio M, Pesaresi M, Romano S, Diviccaro S, Caruso D, Mitro N, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids and diabetic complications in the nervous system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 48:58-69. [PMID: 28739507 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Important complications of diabetes mellitus in the nervous system are represented by diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy. In this context, an important link is represented by neuroactive steroids (i.e., steroids coming from peripheral glands and affecting nervous functionality as well as directly synthesized in the nervous system). Indeed, diabetes does not only affect the reproductive axis and consequently the levels of sex steroid hormones, but also those of neuroactive steroids. Indeed, as will be here summarized, the levels of these neuromodulators present in the central and peripheral nervous system are affected by the pathology in a sex-dimorphic way. In addition, some of these neuroactive steroids, such as the metabolites of progesterone or testosterone, as well as pharmacological tools able to increase their levels have been demonstrated, in experimental models, to be promising protective agents against diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - R Mastrangelo
- Division of Genetic and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT, Milano, Italy
| | - M D'Antonio
- Division of Genetic and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT, Milano, Italy
| | - M Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - D Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - N Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - R C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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294
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Holmberg E, Sjöstedt J, Malinina E, Johansson M, Turkmen S, Ragagnin G, Lundqvist A, Löfgren M, Jaukkuri L, Bixo M, Bäckström T. Allopregnanolone involvement in feeding regulation, overeating and obesity. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 48:70-77. [PMID: 28694181 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is strongly associated with ill health, primarily caused by consumption of excessive calories, and promoted (inter alia) by gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA) stimulating food intake by activating GABAA receptors (primarily with α3 and α2 subunits) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and paraventricular nucleus. Allopregnanolone is a potent positive GABAA receptor modulating steroid (GAMS). As reviewed here, elevated allopregnanolone levels are associated with increases in food intake, preferences for energy-rich food, and obesity in humans and other mammals. In women with polycystic ovarian disease, high serum allopregnanolone concentrations are linked to uncontrolled eating, and perturbed sensitivity to allopregnanolone. Increases in weight during pregnancy also correlate with increases in allopregnanolone levels. Moreover, Prader-Willis syndrome is associated with massive overeating, absence of a GABAA receptor (with compensatory >12-, >5- and >1.5-fold increases in α4, γ2, and α1, α3 subunits), and increases in the α4, βx, δ receptor subtype, which is highly sensitive to allopregnanolone. GABA and positive GABA-A receptor modulating steroids like allopregnanolone stimulates food intake and weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Holmberg
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - J Sjöstedt
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - E Malinina
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Johansson
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - S Turkmen
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - G Ragagnin
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - A Lundqvist
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Löfgren
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - L Jaukkuri
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Bixo
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - T Bäckström
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
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295
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Chuang SH, Reddy DS. Genetic and Molecular Regulation of Extrasynaptic GABA-A Receptors in the Brain: Therapeutic Insights for Epilepsy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 364:180-197. [PMID: 29142081 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.244673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA-A receptors play a pivotal role in many brain diseases. Epilepsy is caused by acquired conditions and genetic defects in GABA receptor channels regulating neuronal excitability in the brain. The latter is referred to as GABA channelopathies. In the last two decades, major advances have been made in the genetics of epilepsy. The presence of specific GABAergic genetic abnormalities leading to some of the classic epileptic syndromes has been identified. Advances in molecular cloning and recombinant systems have helped characterize mutations in GABA-A receptor subunit genes in clinical neurology. GABA-A receptors are the prime targets for neurosteroids (NSs). However, GABA-A receptors are not static but undergo rapid changes in their number or composition in response to the neuroendocrine milieu. This review describes the recent advances in the genetic and neuroendocrine control of extrasynaptic and synaptic GABA-A receptors in epilepsy and its impact on neurologic conditions. It highlights the current knowledge of GABA genetics in epilepsy, with an emphasis on the neuroendocrine regulation of extrasynaptic GABA-A receptors in network excitability and seizure susceptibility. Recent advances in molecular regulation of extrasynaptic GABA-A receptor-mediated tonic inhibition are providing unique new therapeutic approaches for epilepsy, status epilepticus, and certain brain disorders. The discovery of an extrasynaptic molecular mechanism represents a milestone for developing novel therapies such as NS replacement therapy for catamenial epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hui Chuang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
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296
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Rebas E, Radzik T, Boczek T, Zylinska L. Calcium-engaged Mechanisms of Nongenomic Action of Neurosteroids. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:1174-1191. [PMID: 28356049 PMCID: PMC5725547 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170329091935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 01/01/1970] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosteroids form the unique group because of their dual mechanism of action. Classically, they bind to specific intracellular and/or nuclear receptors, and next modify genes transcription. Another mode of action is linked with the rapid effects induced at the plasma membrane level within seconds or milliseconds. The key molecules in neurotransmission are calcium ions, thereby we focus on the recent advances in understanding of complex signaling crosstalk between action of neurosteroids and calcium-engaged events. METHODS Short-time effects of neurosteroids action have been reviewed for GABAA receptor complex, glycine receptor, NMDA receptor, AMPA receptor, G protein-coupled receptors and sigma-1 receptor, as well as for several membrane ion channels and plasma membrane enzymes, based on available published research. RESULTS The physiological relevance of neurosteroids results from the fact that they can be synthesized and accumulated in the central nervous system, independently from peripheral sources. Fast action of neurosteroids is a prerequisite for genomic effects and these early events can significantly modify intracellular downstream signaling pathways. Since they may exert either positive or negative effects on calcium homeostasis, their role in monitoring of spatio-temporal Ca2+ dynamics, and subsequently, Ca2+-dependent physiological processes or initiation of pathological events, is evident. CONCLUSION Neurosteroids and calcium appear to be the integrated elements of signaling systems in neuronal cells under physiological and pathological conditions. A better understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of nongenomic, calcium-engaged neurosteroids action could open new ways for therapeutic interventions aimed to restore neuronal function in many neurological and psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Rebas
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Radzik
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Ludmila Zylinska
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
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297
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Design of a randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy and biological mechanisms of web-prolonged exposure and present-centered therapy for PTSD among active-duty military personnel and veterans. Contemp Clin Trials 2017; 64:41-48. [PMID: 29128649 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Improved accessibility of effective and efficient evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for military personnel suffering with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an urgent need to meet the growing demand for timely care. In addition, a better understanding of the mechanism of action of behavioral therapy can inform the delivery of care to meet accessibility demands. Effective EBTs for PTSD are available, but logistical and stigma-related barriers to accessing behavioral healthcare can deter military personnel from receiving these treatments. Web-based treatments represent an innovative way to overcome these barriers. The efficacy of previously developed web-based treatments for PTSD appears promising; however, they were not developed based on treatment protocols with strong empirical support for their efficacy. No study to date has examined web-based treatment of PTSD using a well-established evidence-based treatment, nor delineated the biological mechanisms through which a web-based treatment exerts its effects. This paper describes the rationale and methods of a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and potential biological mediators of 10 sessions of a web-version of Prolonged Exposure (PE), "Web-PE," delivered over 8weeks compared to 10 sessions of in-person Present-Centered Therapy (PCT) delivered over 8weeks by a therapist in 120 active duty military personnel and veterans with PTSD.
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298
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Wang L, Wang T, Dai C, Li Y, Wang C. Nickel-Catalysed Synthesis of 17-Arylandrosta-5,16-Dienes. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.3184/174751917x15094552081206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An efficient Ni-catalysed coupling reaction between arylboronic acids and 17-trifluoromethanesulfonyl- 3β-acetoxyandrosta-5,16-diene which was obtained by the sulfonylation of 3β-acetoxylandrost-5-ene-17-one was developed to afford 17-aryl- 3β-acetoxy-androsta-5,16-dienes in moderate to good yields (52–85%). The structure of the 3,4-dimethoxyaryl product was confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhong Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Street, Yangzhou 225002, P.R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Taizhou Polytechnic College, Taizhou 225300, P.R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Street, Yangzhou 225002, P.R. China
| | - Chenlu Dai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Street, Yangzhou 225002, P.R. China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Street, Yangzhou 225002, P.R. China
| | - Cunde Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Street, Yangzhou 225002, P.R. China
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299
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Kilb W, Fukuda A. Taurine as an Essential Neuromodulator during Perinatal Cortical Development. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:328. [PMID: 29123472 PMCID: PMC5662885 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of experimental studies demonstrated that neurotransmitters are an important factor for the development of the central nervous system, affecting neurodevelopmental events like neurogenesis, neuronal migration, programmed cell death, and differentiation. While the role of the classical neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on neuronal development is well established, the aminosulfonic acid taurine has also been considered as possible neuromodulator during early neuronal development. The purpose of the present review article is to summarize the properties of taurine as neuromodulator in detail, focusing on the direct involvement of taurine on various neurodevelopmental events and the regulation of neuronal activity during early developmental epochs. The current knowledge is that taurine lacks a synaptic release mechanism but is released by volume-sensitive organic anion channels and/or a reversal of the taurine transporter. Extracellular taurine affects neurons and neuronal progenitor cells mainly via glycine, GABA(A), and GABA(B) receptors with considerable receptor and subtype-specific affinities. Taurine has been shown to directly influence neurogenesis in vitro as well as neuronal migration in vitro and in vivo. It provides a depolarizing signal for a variety of neuronal population in the immature central nervous system, thereby directly influencing neuronal activity. While in the neocortex, taurine probably enhance neuronal activity, in the immature hippocampus, a tonic taurinergic tone might be necessary to attenuate activity. In summary, taurine must be considered as an essential modulator of neurodevelopmental events, and possible adverse consequences on fetal and/or early postnatal development should be evaluated for pharmacological therapies affecting taurinergic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Kilb
- Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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300
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Crystal structures of a GABA A-receptor chimera reveal new endogenous neurosteroid-binding sites. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2017; 24:977-985. [PMID: 28967882 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs) are vital for controlling excitability in the brain. This is emphasized by the numerous neuropsychiatric disorders that result from receptor dysfunction. A critical component of most native GABAARs is the α subunit. Its transmembrane domain is the target for many modulators, including endogenous brain neurosteroids that impact anxiety, stress and depression, and for therapeutic drugs, such as general anesthetics. Understanding the basis for the modulation of GABAAR function requires high-resolution structures. Here we present the first atomic structures of a GABAAR chimera at 2.8-Å resolution, including those bound with potentiating and inhibitory neurosteroids. These structures define new allosteric binding sites for these modulators that are associated with the α-subunit transmembrane domain. Our findings will enable the exploitation of neurosteroids for therapeutic drug design to regulate GABAARs in neurological disorders.
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