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Pałasz A, Della Vecchia A, Saganiak K, Worthington JJ. Neuropeptides of the human magnocellular hypothalamus. J Chem Neuroanat 2021; 117:102003. [PMID: 34280488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2021.102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei with their large secretory neurons are unique and phylogenetically conserved brain structures involved in the continual regulation of important homeostatic and autonomous functions in vertebrate species. Both canonical and newly identified neuropeptides have a broad spectrum of physiological activity at the hypothalamic neuronal circuit level located within the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei. Magnocellular neurons express a variety of receptors for neuropeptides and neurotransmitters and therefore receive numerous excitatory and inhibitory inputs from important subcortical neural areas such as limbic and brainstem populations. These unique cells are also densely innervated by axons from other hypothalamic nuclei. The vast majority of neurochemical maps pertain to animal models, mainly the rodent hypothalamus, however accumulating preliminary anatomical structural studies have revealed the presence and distribution of several neuropeptides in the human magnocellular nuclei. This review presents a novel and comprehensive evidence based evaluation of neuropeptide expression in the human SON and PVN. Collectively this review aims to cast a new, medically oriented light on hypothalamic neuroanatomy and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for neuropeptide-related physiology and the nature of possible neuroendocrinal interactions between local regulatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67, Via Roma, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Karolina Saganiak
- Department of Anatomy, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, ul. Kopernika 12, 31-034, Kraków, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, UK
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2
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The accessory magnocellular neurosecretory system of the rostral human hypothalamus. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 373:487-498. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2818-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Pagida MA, Konstantinidou AE, Malidelis YI, Ganou V, Tsekoura E, Patsouris E, Panayotacopoulou MT. The human neurosecretory neurones under perinatal hypoxia: a quantitative immunohistochemical study of the supraoptic nucleus in autopsy material. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:1255-1263. [PMID: 24118231 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the rat, experimental manipulations that cause activation of the magnocellular neurosecretory neurones result in the synthesis, in addition to vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXY), of other neurotransmitters or peptides, including tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the first and rate limiting enzyme for catecholamine biosynthesis. In the human neonate, our previous study showed that TH was selectively increased in AVP neurones of subjects that died from prolonged perinatal hypoxia. The purpose of the present study was to quantitatively investigate the expression of TH, AVP, OXY and neurophysin in magnocellular neurones of the human neonate in relation to the severity/duration of perinatal hypoxia, as estimated by neuropathological criteria. Autopsy was performed after obtaining parental written consent for diagnostic and research purposes. The intensity of the immunohistochemical reactions and the cellular/nuclear size were measured in the dorsolateral supraoptic nucleus using a computerised image analysis system. We showed that prolonged perinatal hypoxia resulted in the activation of the magnocellular neuroendocrine neurones of the human neonate, as indicated by their increased neuronal and nuclear size. OXY neurones appeared larger than the AVP ones at birth, possibly indicating an active role of foetal OXY during labour or even earlier. The gradual increase in the duration of the insult resulted in the reduction of intracellular AVP content, in parallel with a dramatic increase in the expression of TH, indicating a functional interaction of these peptides under neuronal activation. Ιsolated evidence in our series, obtained from an infant of a diabetic mother, raises the probability that in the case of hyperglycaemia the above pathogenetic mechanisms are diversified.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Pagida
- First Department of Psychiatry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- University Mental Health Research Institute, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A E Konstantinidou
- First Department of Pathology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Y I Malidelis
- First Department of Psychiatry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- University Mental Health Research Institute, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - V Ganou
- First Department of Psychiatry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- University Mental Health Research Institute, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E Tsekoura
- Third Department of Pediatrics, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E Patsouris
- First Department of Pathology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - M T Panayotacopoulou
- First Department of Psychiatry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- University Mental Health Research Institute, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Nutritional programming of hypothalamic development: critical periods and windows of opportunity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY SUPPLEMENTS 2012; 2:S19-24. [PMID: 27152149 DOI: 10.1038/ijosup.2012.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world, particularly among children. Epidemiological and experimental data have suggested that suboptimal nutrition and growth during prenatal and/or postnatal life can have a significant role in the development of obesity and related diseases. Similarly, exposure to malnutrition during perinatal life can result in lifelong metabolic disorders. Although the precise biological mechanisms governing metabolic programming have not been fully elucidated, there is growing evidence that obesity and other metabolic diseases may result from a change in the underlying developmental program of the hypothalamic pathways that regulate energy balance. The hypothalamus undergoes tremendous growth beginning in the embryonic period and continuing through adolescence, and an alteration in perinatal nutrition can affect various developmental processes, including neurogenesis and axon growth, which can lead to abnormal hypothalamic development. Metabolic hormones, particularly leptin, are capable of transmitting signals to the developing hypothalamus in response to alterations in the nutritional environment and may underlie potential maladaptive responses to early metabolic perturbations. A better understanding of the optimal perinatal hormonal and nutritional environment during hypothalamic development may help ameliorate and reverse the metabolic malprogramming of the fetus and/or neonate.
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Ishii Y, Bouret SG. Embryonic birthdate of hypothalamic leptin-activated neurons in mice. Endocrinology 2012; 153:3657-67. [PMID: 22621961 PMCID: PMC3404363 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus plays a critical role in the regulation of energy balance. Neuroanatomical and mouse genetic data have defined a core circuitry in the hypothalamus that mediates many of the effects of leptin on feeding and energy balance regulation. The present study used 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (a marker of dividing cells) and a neuronal marker to systematically examine neurogenesis in the mouse embryonic hypothalamus, particularly the birth of neurons that relay leptin signaling. The vast majority of neurons in hypothalamic nuclei known to control energy balance is generated between embryonic days (E) 12 and E16, with a sharp peak of neurogenesis occurring on E12. Neurons in the dorsomedial and paraventricular nuclei and the lateral hypothalamic area are born between E12 and E14. The arcuate and ventromedial nuclei exhibit a relatively longer neurogenic period. Many neurons in these nuclei are born on E12, but some neurons are generated as late as E16. We also examined the birth of leptin-activated cells by coupling the 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine staining with cFos immunohistochemistry. Remarkably, the majority of leptin-activated cells in the adult hypothalamus were also born during a discrete developmental window on E12. These results provide new insight into the development of hypothalamic neurons that control feeding and identify important developmental periods when alterations in the intrauterine environment may affect hypothalamic neurogenesis and produce long-term consequences on hypothalamic cell numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Ishii
- The Saban Research Institute, Neuroscience Program, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, MS no. 135, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA
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Levin BE. Developmental gene x environment interactions affecting systems regulating energy homeostasis and obesity. Front Neuroendocrinol 2010; 31:270-83. [PMID: 20206200 PMCID: PMC2903638 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2010] [Revised: 02/25/2010] [Accepted: 02/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Most human obesity is inherited as a polygenic trait which is largely refractory to medical therapy because obese individuals avidly defend their elevated body weight set-point. This set-point is mediated by an integrated neural network that controls energy homeostasis. Epidemiological studies suggest that perinatal and pre-pubertal environmental factors can promote offspring obesity. Rodent studies demonstrate the important interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental factors in promoting obesity. This review covers issues of development and function of neural systems involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and the roles of leptin and insulin in these processes, the ways in which interventions at various phases from gestation, lactation and pre-pubertal stages of development can favorably and unfavorably alter the development of obesity n offspring. These studies suggest that early identification of obesity-prone humans and of the factors that can prevent them from becoming obese could provide an effective strategy for preventing the world-wide epidemic of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry E Levin
- Neurology Service, VA Medical Center, E. Orange, NJ 07018-1095, USA.
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Ettrup KS, Sørensen JC, Bjarkam CR. The anatomy of the Göttingen minipig hypothalamus. J Chem Neuroanat 2010; 39:151-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2009.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Levin BE. Interaction of perinatal and pre-pubertal factors with genetic predisposition in the development of neural pathways involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Brain Res 2010; 1350:10-7. [PMID: 20059985 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.12.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Revised: 12/28/2009] [Accepted: 12/29/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A majority of human obesity is inherited as a polygenic trait. Once obesity develops, over 90% of individuals repeatedly regain lost weight after dieting. Only surgical interventions offer long lasting weight loss. Thus, clinical data suggest that some individuals have a predisposition to develop and maintain an elevated body weight set-point once they are provided with sufficient calories to gain weight. This set-point is mediated by an integrated neural network that controls energy homeostasis. Unfortunately, currently available tools for identifying obesity-prone individuals and examining the functioning of these neural systems have insufficient resolution to identify specific neural factors that cause humans to develop and maintain the obese state. However, rodent models of polygenically inherited obesity allow us to investigate the factors that both predispose them to become obese and that prevent or enhance the development of such obesity. Maternal obesity during gestation and lactation in obesity-prone rodents enhances offspring obesity and alters their neural pathways involved in energy homeostasis regulation. Early postnatal exposure of obesity-resistant offspring to the milk of genetically obese dams alters their hypothalamic pathways involved in energy homeostasis causing them to become obese when fed a high fat diet as adults. Finally, short-term exercise begun in the early post-weaning period increases the sensitivity to the anorectic effects of leptin and protects obesity-prone offspring from becoming obese for months exercise cessation. Such studies suggest that early identification of obesity-prone humans and of the factors that can prevent them from becoming obese could provide an effective strategy for preventing the world wide epidemic of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry E Levin
- Neurology Service (127C), Veterans Administration Medical Center, and Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, New Jersey Medical School, E. Orange, Newark, NJ 07018-1095, USA.
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9
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Abstract
The incidence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate and this worldwide epidemic represents an ominous predictor of increases in diseases such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Epidemiological and animals studies suggest that maternal obesity and alterations in postnatal nutrition are associated with increased risks for obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes in the offspring. Furthermore, there is also growing appreciation that developmental programming of neuroendocrine systems by the perinatal environment represents a possible cause for these diseases. This review article provides a synthesis of recent evidence concerning the actions of perinatal hormones and nutrition in programming the development and organization of hypothalamic circuits that regulate body weight and energy balance. Particular attention is given to the neurodevelopmental actions of insulin and leptin.
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Ashwell KWS, Lajevardi SE, Cheng G, Paxinos G. The hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the echidna and platypus. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2006; 68:197-217. [PMID: 16809908 DOI: 10.1159/000094358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2005] [Accepted: 03/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The monotremes are an intriguing group of mammals that have major differences in their reproductive physiology and lactation from therian mammals. Monotreme young hatch from leathery skinned eggs and are nourished by milk secreted onto areolae rather than through nipples. Parturition and lactation are in part controlled through the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. We have used Nissl staining, enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase, calbindin, oxytocin, neurophysin and non-phosphorylated neurofilament protein, and carbocyanine dye tracing techniques to examine the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei and the course of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract in two monotremes: the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). In both monotremes, the supraoptic nucleus consisted of loosely packed neurons, mainly in the retrochiasmatic position. In the echidna, the paraventricular nucleus was quite small, but had similar chemoarchitectural features to therians. In the platypus, the paraventricular nucleus was larger and appeared to be part of a stream of magnocellular neurons extending from the paraventricular nucleus to the retrochiasmatic supraoptic nucleus. Immunohistochemistry for non-phosphorylated neurofilament protein and carbocyanine dye tracing suggested that hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract neurons in the echidna lie mainly in the retrochiasmatic supraoptic and lateral hypothalamic regions, but most neurophysin and oxytocin immunoreactive neurons in the echidna were found in the paraventricular, lateral hypothalamus and supraoptic nuclei and most oxytocinergic neurons in the platypus were distributed in a band from the paraventricular nucleus to the retrochiasmatic supraoptic nucleus. The small size of the supraoptic nucleus in the two monotremes might reflect functional aspects of monotreme lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken W S Ashwell
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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11
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Argiolas A, Melis MR. Central control of penile erection: Role of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Prog Neurobiol 2005; 76:1-21. [PMID: 16043278 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2005.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2004] [Revised: 05/02/2005] [Accepted: 06/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus is an integration centre between the central and peripheral autonomic nervous systems. It is involved in numerous functions from feeding, metabolic balance, blood pressure and heart rate, to erectile function and sexual behaviour. In particular, a group of oxytocinergic neurons originating in this nucleus and projecting to extra-hypothalamic brain areas (e.g., hippocampus, medulla oblongata and spinal cord) control penile erection in male rats. Activation of these neurons by dopamine and its agonists, excitatory amino acids (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid) or oxytocin itself, or by electrical stimulation leads to penile erection, while their inhibition by gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) and its agonists or by opioid peptides and opiate-like drugs inhibits this sexual response. The activation of these neurons is secondary to the activation of nitric oxide synthase, which produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide in turn causes, by a mechanism that is as yet unidentified, the release of oxytocin in extra-hypothalamic brain areas. Other compounds recently identified that facilitate penile erection by activating central oxytocinergic neurons are peptide analogues of hexarelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, pro-VGF-derived peptides, endogenous peptides that may be released by neuronal nerve endings impinging on oxytocinergic cell bodies, SR 141716A, a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, and, less convincingly, adrenocorticotropin-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (ACTH-MSH)-related peptides. Paraventricular oxytocinergic neurons and similar mechanisms are also involved in penile erection occurring in physiological contexts, namely noncontact erections that occur in male rats in the presence of an inaccessible receptive female, and during copulation. These findings show that the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus plays an important role in the control of erectile function and sexual activity. As the male rat is a model of sexual behaviour and penile physiology, which has largely increased in the last years our knowledge of peripheral and central mechanisms controlling erectile function (drugs that induce penile erection in male rats usually do so also in man), the above results may have great significance in terms of a human perspective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Argiolas
- Bernard B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, Centre of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Addictions, University of Cagliari, S.P. Sestu-Monserrato Km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Abstract
The organization of the human hypothalamus was studied in 31 brains aged from 9 weeks of gestation (w.g.) to newborn, using immunohistochemistry for parvalbumin, calbindin, calretinin, neuropeptideY, neurophysin, growth associated protein GAP43, synaptophysin and glycoconjugate, 3-fucosyl-N-acetyl-lactosamine. Morphogenetic periods 9-10 and 11-14 w.g. are characterized by differentiating structures of the lateral hypothalamic zone, which give rise to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and posterior hypothalamus. The perifornical nucleus differentiates at 18 w.g., from LH neurons which remain anchored in the perifornical position while most of the LH cells are displaced laterally. A transient supramamillary nucleus was apparent at 14 w.g. but not after 16 w.g. As the ventromedial nucleus differentiated at 13-16 w.g., three principal parts; the ventrolateral, the dorsomedial and the shell were revealed by distribution of calbindin, calretinin and GAP43 immunoreactivity. Morphogenetic periods 15-17, 18-23 and 24-33 w.g. are characterized by differentiation of the hypothalamic core, in which calbindin positive neurons revealed the medial preoptic nucleus at 16 w.g. abutted laterally by the intermediate nucleus. The dorsomedial nucleus was clearly defined at 10 w.g. and consisted of compact and diffuse parts, an organization that was lost after 15 w.g. Differentiation of the medial mamillary body into lateral and medial was seen at 13-16 w.g. Morphogenetic period after 34 w.g. was marked by differentiation of midline zone structures including suprachiasmatic, arcuate and paraventricular nuclei. The findings of the present study provide for a better understanding of the structural organization of the adult human hypothalamus, produce new evidence for homologies with the better studied rat hypothalamus and underpin staging system for fetal human hypothalamic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Koutcherov
- Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, The University of New South Wales, Barker Street, NSW 2031, Randwick, Australia.
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Swaab DF, Chung WCJ, Kruijver FPM, Hofman MA, Hestiantoro A. Sex differences in the hypothalamus in the different stages of human life. Neurobiol Aging 2003; 24 Suppl 1:S1-16; discussion S17-9. [PMID: 12829102 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-4580(03)00059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Quite a number of structural and functional sex differences have been reported in the human hypothalamus and adjacent structures that may be related to not only reproduction, sexual orientation and gender identity, but also to the often pronounced sex differences in prevalence of psychiatric and neurological diseases. One of the recent focuses of interest in this respect is the possible beneficial effect of sex hormones on cognition in Alzheimer patients. The immunocytochemical localization of estrogen receptors (ER) alpha, beta and androgen receptors has shown that there are indeed numerous targets for sex hormones in the adult human brain. Observations in the infundibular nucleus have, however, indicated that in this brain area the hyperactivity resulting from a lack of estrogens in the menopause seems to protect females against Alzheimer changes, in contrast to males. It is thus quite possible that estrogen replacement therapy may, in these brain areas, lead to inhibition of neuronal metabolism and thus to the same proportion of Alzheimer changes as are observed in men. Knowledge about the functional sex differences in the brain and the effect of sex hormones on neuronal metabolism may thus provide clues not only for the possible beneficial effects of these hormones (e.g., on cognition or hypertension), but also on possible central side effects of estrogen replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick F Swaab
- Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Koutcherov Y, Mai JK, Ashwell KWS, Paxinos G. Organization of human hypothalamus in fetal development. J Comp Neurol 2002; 446:301-24. [PMID: 11954031 DOI: 10.1002/cne.10175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The organization of the human hypothalamus was studied in 33 brains aged from 9 weeks of gestation (w.g.) to newborn, using immunohistochemistry for parvalbumin, calbindin, calretinin, neuropeptide Y, neurophysin, growth-associated protein (GAP)-43, synaptophysin, and the glycoconjugate 3-fucosyl- N-acetyl-lactosamine. Developmental stages are described in relation to obstetric trimesters. The first trimester (morphogenetic periods 9-10 w.g. and 11-14 w.g.) is characterized by differentiating structures of the lateral hypothalamic zone, which give rise to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and posterior hypothalamus. The PeF differentiates at 18 w.g. from LH neurons, which remain anchored in the perifornical position, whereas most of the LH cells are displaced laterally. A transient supramamillary nucleus was apparent at 14 w.g. but not after 16 w.g. As the ventromedial nucleus differentiated at 13-16 w.g., three principal parts, the ventrolateral part, the dorsomedial part, and the shell, were revealed by distribution of calbindin, calretinin, and GAP43 immunoreactivity. The second trimester (morphogenetic periods 15-17 w.g., 18-23 w.g., and 24-33 w.g.) is characterized by differentiation of the hypothalamic core, in which calbindin- positive neurons revealed the medial preoptic nucleus at 16 w.g. abutted laterally by the intermediate nucleus. The dorsomedial nucleus was clearly defined at 10 w.g. and consisted of compact and diffuse parts, an organization that was lost after 15 w.g. Differentiation of the medial mamillary body into lateral and medial was seen at 13-16 w.g. Late second trimester was marked by differentiation of periventricular zone structures, including suprachiasmatic, arcuate, and paraventricular nuclei. The subnuclear differentiation of these nuclei extends into the third trimester. The use of chemoarchitecture in the human fetus permitted the identification of interspecies nuclei homologies, which otherwise remain concealed in the cytoarchitecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Koutcherov
- Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia.
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Ugrumov MV. Magnocellular vasopressin system in ontogenesis: development and regulation. Microsc Res Tech 2002; 56:164-71. [PMID: 11810719 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.10021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This review is devoted to the development, functional activity, and regulation of the magnocellular vasopressin (VP) system in ontogenesis. Magnocellular VP neurons originate in embryos from the neuroepithelium of the third ventricle and migrate first to the supraoptic nucleus and then to the paraventricular nucleus and accessory nuclei. The preproVP gene and synthesis are expressed simultaneously in the newly formed neurons either during migration or just after arrival in magnocellular nuclei. Still, a number of VP-immunoreactive neurons increase in immature mammals to prepuberty, which is explained by VP expression in the initially "silent" neurons, or by an increase of VP synthesis that makes a cell distinguishable by immunocytochemistry. An enzymatic processing of preproVP is slightly delayed compared to the onset of preproVP synthesis. Axons of magnocellular neurons reach the pituitary posterior lobe before or just after the neuron arrival in magnocellular nuclei. The mechanisms of VP release from the axon terminals are developed in immature animals over the perinatal period. The VP neurons begin to react to functional (osmotic) stimulation by increased synthesis of VP mRNA and VP in immature animals from the end of fetal life. A functional maturation of the VP system is under control by neural afferents, neuropeptides, and some hormones of endocrine glands. Namely, glucocorticoids, VP, catecholamines, glutamate, and opioids provide short-term or long-lasting effects on differentiating VP neurons. Most of the intercellular signals inhibit the specific phenotype expression of differentiating VP neurons: VP gene and synthesis in normal conditions, as well as TH gene and synthesis under functional stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Ugrumov
- Institute of Developmental Biology RAS and Institute of Normal Physiology RAMS, Moscow, Russia.
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Mai JK, Krajewski S, Reifenberger G, Genderski B, Lensing-Höhn S, Ashwell KW. Spatiotemporal expression gradients of the carbohydrate antigen (CD15) (Lewis X) during development of the human basal ganglia. Neuroscience 1999; 88:847-58. [PMID: 10363822 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(98)00266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The developmental expression pattern of the carbohydrate epitope CD15 (Lewis X, Le X) (alpha1-->3-fucosyl-N-acetyl-lactosamine) has been immunocytochemically evaluated in paraffin sections within the human basal ganglia from 10 weeks gestation to three years after birth. At 11 weeks of gestation, CD15 (Le X) positive radial glial cells were located in the anterior and dorsal parts of the lateral ganglionic eminence. Their processes ran from the subventricular zone radially in a highly ordered fashion to the dorsolateral margin of the caudate nucleus and further to the lateral rim of the putamen. At 12 weeks of gestation, strands of CD15 (Le X) material continued to the pial surface, forming a continuous CD15 (Le X) positive borderline separating the accumbens nucleus and olfactory tubercle from the piriform cortex. At 13 weeks of gestation the dorsal putamen was completely CD15 (Le X) immunoreactive along its perimeter and CD15 (Le X) patches, consisting of fine granular material, appeared at the dorsolateral margin of the putamen at this age; while the first CD15 (Le X) patches in the caudate nucleus were observed four weeks later. The matrix compartment of the caudate and dorsal putamen became gradually stained by granular CD15 (Le X) positive material into which CD15 (Le X) immunoreactive somata were embedded. The striking contrast in staining between patch and matrix compartments disappeared shortly after birth. The ventral striatum did not become immunoreactive until the last few weeks before birth. After the formation of CD15 (Le X) positive patches in the striatum (from 12 weeks of gestation), delicate CD15 (Le X) fibres, often accumulated in bundles and related to the striatal patches, became apparent coursing towards the external pallidal lamina and the globus pallidus. Immunoreactivity in the globus pallidus itself was transient, emerging from 16 weeks of gestation, reaching a peak at 21 weeks of gestation and disappearing by birth. Both processes, i.e. the occurrence of CD15 (Le X) striatopallidal fibres and the emerging immunoreactivity in their pallidal target, may be interrelated, so that ingrowing CD15 (Le X) positive axons from the striatum provoke CD15 (Le X) expression in the external and internal pallidum. The variable patterns and intensities of CD15 (Le X) expression are possibly related to periods of maturation of the striatum and the establishment of functional interactions within the basal ganglia. Differential staining of patch and matrix in the developing neostriatum suggests that a distinct phase of cellular adhesion or dishesion mediated by the CD15 (Le X) epitope occurs during establishment of the patch and matrix regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Mai
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Germany
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Swaab DF. The human hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system in health and disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 1999; 119:577-618. [PMID: 10074813 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)61594-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The present paper reviews the changes observed in the human supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei, and their projections to the neurohypophysis, median eminence and to other brain areas in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D F Swaab
- Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Mai J, Winking R, Ashwell K. Transient CD15 expression reflects stages of differentiation and maturation in the human subcortical central auditory pathway. J Comp Neurol 1999. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9861(19990208)404:2<197::aid-cne5>3.0.co;2-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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