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Al-Omari A, Kecskés M, Gaszner B, Biró-Sütő T, Fazekas B, Berta G, Kuzma M, Pintér E, Kormos V. Functionally active TRPA1 ion channel is downregulated in peptidergic neurons of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus upon acute alcohol exposure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1046559. [PMID: 36704197 PMCID: PMC9872022 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1046559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) contributes to the control of alcohol consumption by its urocortin 1 (UCN1) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) co-expressing peptidergic neurons. Our group recently showed that the urocortinergic centrally projecting EWcp is the primary seat of central nervous system transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) cation channel mRNA expression. Here, we hypothesized that alcohol and its metabolites, that pass through the blood-brain barrier, may influence the function of urocortinergic cells in centrally projecting EWcp by activating TRPA1 ion channels. We aimed to examine the functional activity of TRPA1 in centrally projecting EWcp and its possible role in a mouse model of acute alcohol exposure. Methods: Electrophysiological measurements were performed on acute brain slices of C57BL/6J male mice containing the centrally projecting EWcp to prove the functional activity of TRPA1 using a selective, potent, covalent agonist JT010. Male TRPA1 knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) mice were compared with each other in the morphological studies upon acute alcohol treatment. In both genotypes, half of the animals was treated intraperitoneally with 1 g/kg 6% ethanol vs. physiological saline-injected controls. Transcardial perfusion was performed 2 h after the treatment. In the centrally projecting EWcp area, FOS immunohistochemistry was performed to assess neuronal activation. TRPA1, CART, and urocortin 1 mRNA expression as well as urocortin 1 and CART peptide content was semi-quantified by RNAscope in situ hybridization combined with immunofluorescence. Results: JT010 activated TRPA1 channels of the urocortinergic cells in acute brain slices. Alcohol treatment resulted in a significant FOS activation in both genotypes. Alcohol decreased the Trpa1 mRNA expression in WT mice. The assessment of urocortin 1 peptide immunoreactivity revealed lower basal urocortin 1 in KO mice compared to WTs. The urocortin 1 peptide content was affected genotype-dependently by alcohol: the peptide content decreased in WTs while it increased in KO mice. Alcohol exposure influenced neither CART and urocortin 1 mRNA expression nor the centrally projecting EWcp/CART peptide content. Conclusion: We proved the presence of functional TRPA1 receptors on urocortin 1 neurons of the centrally projecting EWcp. Decreased Trpa1 mRNA expression upon acute alcohol treatment, associated with reduced neuronal urocortin 1 peptide content suggesting that this cation channel may contribute to the regulation of the urocortin 1 release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Al-Omari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Kecskés
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Centre for Neuroscience, Medical School and Research Group for Mood Disorders, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tünde Biró-Sütő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Fazekas
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mónika Kuzma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Konkoly J, Kormos V, Gaszner B, Correia P, Berta G, Biró-Sütő T, Zelena D, Pintér E. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 ion channel expressed by the Edinger-Westphal nucleus contributes to stress adaptation in murine model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1059073. [PMID: 36561364 PMCID: PMC9763580 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1059073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) is involved in stress adaptation. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) mRNA was previously shown to be expressed abundantly in mouse and human EWcp urocortin 1 (UCN1) positive neurons and reacted to chronic stress. Since UCN1 neurons are deeply implicated in stress-related disorders, we hypothesized that TRPA1/UCN1 neurons are also affected in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We examined male Trpa1 wild type (WT) and gene-deficient (KO) mice in the single prolonged stress (SPS) model of PTSD. Two weeks later the behavioral changes were monitored by forced swim test (FST) and restraint. The Trpa1 and Ucn1 mRNA expression and the UCN1 peptide content were assessed by RNAscope in situ hybridization technique combined with immunofluorescence labeling in the EWcp. SPS-induced immobility was lower in Trpa1 KO compared to WT animals, both in the FST and restraint, corresponding to diminished depression-like behavior. The copy number of Trpa1 mRNA decreased significantly in EWcp of WT animals in response to SPS. Higher basal Ucn1 mRNA expression was observed in the EWcp of KO animals, that was not affected by SPS exposure. EWcp neurons of WT animals responded to SPS with substantially increased amount of UCN1 peptide content compared to control animals, whereas such changes were not observable in KO mice. The decreased Trpa1 mRNA expression in the SPS model of PTSD associated with increased neuronal UCN1 peptide content suggests that this cation channel might be involved in the regulation of stress adaptation and may contribute to the pathomechanism of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Konkoly
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary,*Correspondence: Viktória Kormos,
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Department of Physiology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary,Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tünde Biró-Sütő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Department of Physiology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
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Ujvári B, Pytel B, Márton Z, Bognár M, Kovács LÁ, Farkas J, Gaszner T, Berta G, Kecskés A, Kormos V, Farkas B, Füredi N, Gaszner B. Neurodegeneration in the centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus contributes to the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease in the rat. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:31. [PMID: 35109869 PMCID: PMC8809039 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02399-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropathological background of major depression and anxiety as non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease is much less understood than classical motor symptoms. Although, neurodegeneration of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in human Parkinson's disease is a known phenomenon, its possible significance in mood status has never been elucidated. In this work we aimed at investigating whether neuron loss and alpha-synuclein accumulation in the urocortin 1 containing (UCN1) cells of the centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal (EWcp) nucleus is associated with anxiety and depression-like state in the rat. METHODS Systemic chronic rotenone administration as well as targeted leptin-saporin-induced lesions of EWcp/UCN1 neurons were conducted. Rotarod, open field and sucrose preference tests were performed to assess motor performance and mood status. Multiple immunofluorescence combined with RNAscope were used to reveal the functional-morphological changes. Two-sample Student's t test, Spearman's rank correlation analysis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistics. RESULTS In the rotenone model, besides motor deficit, an anxious and depression-like phenotype was detected. Well-comparable neuron loss, cytoplasmic alpha-synuclein accumulation as well as astro- and microglial activation were observed both in the substantia nigra pars compacta and EWcp. Occasionally, UCN1-immunoreactive neuronal debris was observed in phagocytotic microglia. UCN1 peptide content of viable EWcp cells correlated with dopaminergic substantia nigra cell count. Importantly, other mood status-related dopaminergic (ventral tegmental area), serotonergic (dorsal and median raphe) and noradrenergic (locus ceruleus and A5 area) brainstem centers did not show remarkable morphological changes. Targeted partial selective EWcp/UCN1 neuron ablation induced similar mood status without motor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our findings collectively suggest that neurodegeneration of urocortinergic EWcp contributes to the mood-related non-motor symptoms in toxic models of Parkinson's disease in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Ujvári
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary.,Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Bence Pytel
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Zsombor Márton
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Máté Bognár
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - László Ákos Kovács
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary.,Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - József Farkas
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary.,Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary.,Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Angéla Kecskés
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Boglárka Farkas
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Nóra Füredi
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary.,Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12., 7624, Pecs, Hungary. .,Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary.
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Gaszner T, Farkas J, Kun D, Ujvári B, Berta G, Csernus V, Füredi N, Kovács LÁ, Hashimoto H, Reglődi D, Kormos V, Gaszner B. Fluoxetine treatment supports predictive validity of the three hit model of depression in male PACAP heterozygous mice and underpins the impact of early life adversity on therapeutic efficacy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:995900. [PMID: 36213293 PMCID: PMC9537566 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.995900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the three hit concept of depression, interaction of genetic predisposition altered epigenetic programming and environmental stress factors contribute to the disease. Earlier we demonstrated the construct and face validity of our three hit concept-based mouse model. In the present work, we aimed to examine the predictive validity of our model, the third willnerian criterion. Fluoxetine treatment was applied in chronic variable mild stress (CVMS)-exposed (environmental hit) CD1 mice carrying one mutated allele of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide gene (genetic hit) that were previously exposed to maternal deprivation (epigenetic hit) vs. controls. Fluoxetine reduced the anxiety level in CVMS-exposed mice in marble burying test, and decreased the depression level in tail suspension test if mice were not deprived maternally. History of maternal deprivation caused fundamental functional-morphological changes in response to CVMS and fluoxetine treatment in the corticotropin-releasing hormone-producing cells of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and central amygdala, in tyrosine-hydroxylase content of ventral tegmental area, in urocortin 1-expressing cells of the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus, and serotonergic cells of the dorsal raphe nucleus. The epigenetic background of alterations was approved by altered acetylation of histone H3. Our findings further support the validity of both the three hit concept and that of our animal model. Reversal of behavioral and functional-morphological anomalies by fluoxetine treatment supports the predictive validity of the model. This study highlights that early life stress does not only interact with the genetic and environmental factors, but has strong influence also on therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience & Szentágothai Research Centre, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Farkas
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience & Szentágothai Research Centre, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dániel Kun
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience & Szentágothai Research Centre, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Ujvári
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience & Szentágothai Research Centre, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Valér Csernus
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Nóra Füredi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience & Szentágothai Research Centre, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Ákos Kovács
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience & Szentágothai Research Centre, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Molecular Research Center for Children’s Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Transdimensional Life Imaging Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Dóra Reglődi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Group Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience & Szentágothai Research Centre, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Balázs Gaszner,
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5
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Pomrenze MB, Walker LC, Giardino WJ. Gray areas: Neuropeptide circuits linking the Edinger-Westphal and Dorsal Raphe nuclei in addiction. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108769. [PMID: 34481834 PMCID: PMC8484048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The circuitry of addiction comprises several neural networks including the midbrain - an expansive region critically involved in the control of motivated behaviors. Midbrain nuclei like the Edinger-Westphal (EW) and dorsal raphe (DR) contain unique populations of neurons that synthesize many understudied neuroactive molecules and are encircled by the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Despite the proximity of these special neuron classes to the ventral midbrain complex and surrounding PAG, functions of the EW and DR remain substantially underinvestigated by comparison. Spanning approximately -3.0 to -5.2 mm posterior from bregma in the mouse, these various cell groups form a continuum of neurons that we refer to collectively as the subaqueductal paramedian zone. Defining how these pathways modulate affective behavioral states presents a difficult, yet conquerable challenge for today's technological advances in neuroscience. In this review, we cover the known contributions of different neuronal subtypes of the subaqueductal paramedian zone. We catalogue these cell types based on their spatial, molecular, connectivity, and functional properties and integrate this information with the existing data on the EW and DR in addiction. We next discuss evidence that links the EW and DR anatomically and functionally, highlighting the potential contributions of an EW-DR circuit to addiction-related behaviors. Overall, we aim to derive an integrated framework that emphasizes the contributions of EW and DR nuclei to addictive states and describes how these cell groups function in individuals suffering from substance use disorders. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Pomrenze
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - William J Giardino
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA.
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6
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Cano G, Hernan SL, Sved AF. Centrally Projecting Edinger-Westphal Nucleus in the Control of Sympathetic Outflow and Energy Homeostasis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1005. [PMID: 34439626 PMCID: PMC8392615 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) is a midbrain neuronal group, adjacent but segregated from the preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus that projects to the ciliary ganglion. The EWcp plays a crucial role in stress responses and in maintaining energy homeostasis under conditions that require an adjustment of energy expenditure, by virtue of modulating heart rate and blood pressure, thermogenesis, food intake, and fat and glucose metabolism. This modulation is ultimately mediated by changes in the sympathetic outflow to several effector organs, including the adrenal gland, heart, kidneys, brown and white adipose tissues and pancreas, in response to environmental conditions and the animal's energy state, providing for appropriate energy utilization. Classic neuroanatomical studies have shown that the EWcp receives inputs from forebrain regions involved in these functions and projects to presympathetic neuronal populations in the brainstem. Transneuronal tracing with pseudorabies virus has demonstrated that the EWcp is connected polysynaptically with central circuits that provide sympathetic innervation to all these effector organs that are critical for stress responses and energy homeostasis. We propose that EWcp integrates multimodal signals (stress, thermal, metabolic, endocrine, etc.) and modulates the sympathetic output simultaneously to multiple effector organs to maintain energy homeostasis under different conditions that require adjustments of energy demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Cano
- Department of Neuroscience, A210 Langley Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (S.L.H.); (A.F.S.)
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Melanocortin 4 receptor ligands modulate energy homeostasis through urocortin 1 neurons of the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Neuropharmacology 2017; 118:26-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Parker LM, Le S, Wearne TA, Hardwick K, Kumar NN, Robinson KJ, McMullan S, Goodchild AK. Neurochemistry of neurons in the ventrolateral medulla activated by hypotension: Are the same neurons activated by glucoprivation? J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:2249-2264. [PMID: 28295336 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that a range of stimuli activate neurons, including catecholaminergic neurons, in the ventrolateral medulla. Not all catecholaminergic neurons are activated and other neurochemical content is largely unknown hence whether stimulus specific populations exist is unclear. Here we determine the neurochemistry (using in situ hybridization) of catecholaminergic and noncatecholaminergic neurons which express c-Fos immunoreactivity throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the ventrolateral medulla, in Sprague Dawley rats treated with hydralazine or saline. Distinct neuronal populations containing PPCART, PPPACAP, and PPNPY mRNAs, which were largely catecholaminergic, were activated by hydralazine but not saline. Both catecholaminergic and noncatecholaminergic neurons containing preprotachykinin and prepro-enkephalin (PPE) mRNAs were also activated, with the noncatecholaminergic population located in the rostral C1 region. Few GlyT2 neurons were activated. A subset of these data was then used to compare the neuronal populations activated by 2-deoxyglucose evoked glucoprivation (Brain Structure and Function (2015) 220:117). Hydralazine activated more neurons than 2-deoxyglucose but similar numbers of catecholaminergic neurons. Commonly activated populations expressing PPNPY and PPE mRNAs were defined. These likely include PPNPY expressing catecholaminergic neurons projecting to vasopressinergic and corticotrophin releasing factor neurons in the paraventricular nucleus, which when activated result in elevated plasma vasopressin and corticosterone. Stimulus specific neurons included noncatecholaminergic neurons and a few PPE positive catecholaminergic neuron but neurochemical codes were largely unidentified. Reasons for the lack of identification of stimulus specific neurons, readily detectable using electrophysiology in anaesthetized preparations and for which neural circuits can be defined, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Parker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sheng Le
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Travis A Wearne
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kate Hardwick
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Natasha N Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Katherine J Robinson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Simon McMullan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Ann K Goodchild
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
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9
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Taziaux M, Bakker J. Absence of Female-Typical Pheromone-Induced Hypothalamic Neural Responses and Kisspeptin Neuronal Activity in α-Fetoprotein Knockout Female Mice. Endocrinology 2015; 156:2595-607. [PMID: 25860032 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Pheromones induce sexually dimorphic neuroendocrine responses, such as LH secretion. However, the neuronal network by which pheromones are converted into signals that will initiate and modulate endocrine changes remains unclear. We asked whether 2 sexually dimorphic populations in the anteroventral periventricular and periventricular nuclei that express kisspeptin and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) are potential candidates that will transduce the olfactory signal to the neuroendocrine system. Furthermore, we assessed whether this transduction is sensitive to perinatal actions of estradiol by using female mice deficient in α-fetoprotein (AfpKO), which lack the protective actions of Afp against maternal estradiol. Wild-type (WT) and AfpKO male and female mice were exposed to same- versus opposite-sex odors and the expression of Fos (the protein product of the immediate early gene c-Fos) was analyzed along the olfactory projection pathways as well as whether kisspeptin, TH, and GnRH neurons are responsive to opposite-sex odors. Male odors induced a female-typical Fos expression in target forebrain sites of olfactory inputs involved in reproduction in WT, but not in AfpKO females, whereas female odors induced a male-typical Fos expression in males of both genotypes. In WT females, opposite-sex odors induced Fos in kisspeptin and TH neurons, whereas in AfpKO females and WT males, only a lower, but still significant, Fos expression was observed in TH but not in kisspeptin neurons. Finally, opposite-sex odors did not induce any significant Fos expression in GnRH neurons of both sexes or genotypes. Our results strongly suggest a role for fetal estrogen in the sexual differentiation of neural responses to sex-related olfactory cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Taziaux
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée Neurosciences (M.T., J.B.), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; and Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (J.B.), Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Julie Bakker
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée Neurosciences (M.T., J.B.), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; and Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (J.B.), Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Parker LM, Damanhuri HA, Fletcher SP, Goodchild AK. Hydralazine administration activates sympathetic preganglionic neurons whose activity mobilizes glucose and increases cardiovascular function. Brain Res 2015; 1604:25-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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11
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King CT, Garcea M, Spector AC. Restoration of quinine-stimulated Fos-immunoreactive neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala and gustatory cortex following reinnervation or cross-reinnervation of the lingual taste nerves in rats. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:2498-517. [PMID: 24477770 PMCID: PMC4157664 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Remarkably, when lingual gustatory nerves are surgically rerouted to inappropriate taste fields in the tongue, some taste functions recover. We previously demonstrated that quinine-stimulated oromotor rejection reflexes and neural activity (assessed by Fos immunoreactivity) in subregions of hindbrain gustatory nuclei were restored if the posterior tongue, which contains receptor cells that respond strongly to bitter compounds, was cross-reinnervated by the chorda tympani nerve. Such functional recovery was not seen if instead, the anterior tongue, where receptor cells are less responsive to bitter compounds, was cross-reinnervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve, even though this nerve typically responds robustly to bitter substances. Thus, recovery depended more on the taste field being reinnervated than on the nerve itself. Here, the distribution of quinine-stimulated Fos-immunoreactive neurons in two taste-associated forebrain areas was examined in these same rats. In the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), a rostrocaudal gradient characterized the normal quinine-stimulated Fos response, with the greatest number of labeled cells situated rostrally. Quinine-stimulated neurons were found throughout the gustatory cortex, but a "hot spot" was observed in its anterior-posterior center in subregions approximating the dysgranular/agranular layers. Fos neurons here and in the rostral CeA were highly correlated with quinine-elicited gapes. Denervation of the posterior tongue eliminated, and its reinnervation by either nerve restored, numbers of quinine-stimulated labeled cells in the rostralmost CeA and in the subregion approximating the dysgranular gustatory cortex. These results underscore the remarkable plasticity of the gustatory system and also help clarify the functional anatomy of neural circuits activated by bitter taste stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mircea Garcea
- Department of Psychology and Center for Smell and Taste, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Alan C. Spector
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee FL 32306
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12
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de Andrade JS, Viana MB, Abrão RO, Bittencourt JC, Céspedes IC. CRF family peptides are differently altered by acute restraint stress and chronic unpredictable stress. Behav Brain Res 2014; 271:302-8. [PMID: 24933190 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) acts to promote stress-like physiological and behavioral responses and is mainly expressed in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN). Urocortin 1 (Ucn1) is also a ligand to CRF type 1 and 2 receptors that has been associated with the stress response. Ucn1 neurons are primarily found in the Edinger-Westphal (EW) nucleus. It has been previously proposed that CRF and Ucn1 differently modulate stress responses to distinct types of stressors. The present study used male Wistar rats to compare the effects of acute restraint stress and unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) through Fos-immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) on CRF-containing neurons of PVN and Ucn1-containing EW centrally projecting neurons. Results showed that PVN neurons responded to both acute restraint and UCS. Also for the PVN, unspecific variables, dependent on the time animals remained in the laboratory, do not seem to alter Fos-ir, since no significant differences between acute and chronic control groups were found. On the other hand, EW neurons were only activated in response to acute restraint stress. Also, for this nucleus a significant difference was found between acute and chronic control groups, suggesting that unspecific variables, dependent on the time animals remain in the laboratory, interfere with the nucleus activation. These results suggest that CRF/Ucn1 neuronal circuits encompass two interconnected systems, which are coordinated to respond to acute stressors, but are differentially activated during chronic unpredictable stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- José S de Andrade
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Av. Ana Costa 95, UNIFESP, 11060-001 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Milena B Viana
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Av. Ana Costa 95, UNIFESP, 11060-001 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata O Abrão
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Av. Ana Costa 95, UNIFESP, 11060-001 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Jackson C Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Center of Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 1721, Bloco C, 05508-030, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabel C Céspedes
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Av. Ana Costa 95, UNIFESP, 11060-001 Santos, SP, Brazil.
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Bucharles C, Bizet P, Arthaud S, Arabo A, Leprince J, Lefranc B, Cartier D, Anouar Y, Lihrmann I. Concordant localization of functional urotensin II and urotensin II-related peptide binding sites in the rat brain: Atypical occurrence close to the fourth ventricle. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:2634-49. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.23553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Bucharles
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Patrice Bizet
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Sébastien Arthaud
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Arnaud Arabo
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Faculty of Sciences; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Benjamin Lefranc
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Dorthe Cartier
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Youssef Anouar
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Isabelle Lihrmann
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
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14
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Kormos V, Gaszner B. Role of neuropeptides in anxiety, stress, and depression: from animals to humans. Neuropeptides 2013; 47:401-19. [PMID: 24210138 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Major depression, with its strikingly high prevalence, is the most common cause of disability in communities of Western type, according to data of the World Health Organization. Stress-related mood disorders, besides their deleterious effects on the patient itself, also challenge the healthcare systems with their great social and economic impact. Our knowledge on the neurobiology of these conditions is less than sufficient as exemplified by the high proportion of patients who do not respond to currently available medications targeting monoaminergic systems. The search for new therapeutical strategies became therefore a "hot topic" in neuroscience, and there is a large body of evidence suggesting that brain neuropeptides not only participate is stress physiology, but they may also have clinical relevance. Based on data obtained in animal studies, neuropeptides and their receptors might be targeted by new candidate neuropharmacons with the hope that they will become important and effective tools in the management of stress related mood disorders. In this review, we attempt to summarize the latest evidence obtained using animal models for mood disorders, genetically modified rodent models for anxiety and depression, and we will pay some attention to previously published clinical data on corticotropin releasing factor, urocortin 1, urocortin 2, urocortin 3, arginine-vasopressin, neuropeptide Y, pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide, neuropeptide S, oxytocin, substance P and galanin fields of stress research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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15
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Distribution and neurochemical characterization of neurons in the rat ventrolateral medulla activated by glucoprivation. Brain Struct Funct 2013; 220:117-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-013-0642-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Van der Zee CEEM. Hypothalamic plasticity of neuropeptide Y is lacking in brain-type creatine kinase double knockout mice with defective thermoregulation. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 719:137-144. [PMID: 23891845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The neural substrate of adaptive thermoregulation in mice lacking both brain-type creatine kinase isoforms is further investigated. The cytosolic brain-type creatine kinase (CK-B) and mitochondrial ubiquitous creatine kinase (UbCKmit) are expressed in neural cells throughout the central and peripheral nervous system, where they have an important role in cellular energy homeostasis. Several integral functions appear altered when creatine kinases are absent in the brain (Jost et al., 2002; Streijger et al., 2004, 2005), which has been explained by inefficient neuronal transmission. The CK--/-- double knockout mice demonstrate every morning a body temperature drop of ~1.0 °C, and they have impaired thermogenesis, as revealed by severe hypothermia upon cold exposure. This defective thermoregulation is not associated with abnormal food intake, decreased locomotive activity, or increased torpor sensitivity. Although white and brown adipose tissue fat pads are diminished in CK--/-- mice, intravenous norepinephrine infusion results in a normal brown adipose tissue response with increasing core body temperatures, indicating that the sympathetic innervation functions correctly (Streijger et al., 2009). This study revealed c-fos changes following a cold challenge, and that neuropeptide Y levels were decreased in the paraventricular nucleus of wildtype, but not CK--/--, mice. A reduction in hypothalamic neuropeptide Y is coupled to increased uncoupling protein 1 expression in brown adipose tissue, resulting in thermogenesis. In CK--/-- mice the neuropeptide Y levels did not change. This lack of hypothalamic plasticity of neuropeptide Y might be the result of inefficient neuronal transmission or can be explained by the previous observation of reduced circulating levels of leptin in CK--/-- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina E E M Van der Zee
- Department of Cell Biology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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17
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Ryabinin AE, Cocking DL, Kaur S. Inhibition of VTA neurons activates the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus: evidence of a stress-reward link? J Chem Neuroanat 2013; 54:57-61. [PMID: 23792226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The primary site of urocortin 1 (Ucn1) expression in the brain is the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus. The EWcp is innervated by dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). To investigate whether activity of EWcp is regulated by the VTA, we investigated the effects of local pharmacological inhibition of VTA activity on the induction of Fos immunoreactivity in the EWcp of male C57BL/6J mice. A unilateral intracranial administration of the GABA agonist muscimol aimed at the VTA resulted in increased number of Fos-positive cells in the EWcp. This induction was lower than that produced by an intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 g/kg of ethanol. To investigate whether inhibition of dopaminergic neurons was responsible for induction of Fos, a second experiment was performed where the dopamine agonist quinpirole was unilaterally injected targeting the VTA. Injections of quinpirole also significantly induced Fos in the EWcp neurons. The induction occurred only on the side of the EWcp ipsilateral to the VTA injection. These results indicate that activity of EWcp is inhibited by tonic activity of dopaminergic VTA neurons, and that unilateral projections of VTA onto Ucn1-containing EWcp neurons provide a link between systems regulating approach and avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey E Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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18
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Parker LM, Kumar NN, Lonergan T, Goodchild AK. Neurochemical codes of sympathetic preganglionic neurons activated by glucoprivation. J Comp Neurol 2013; 521:2703-18. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.23310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M. Parker
- The Australian School of Advanced Medicine; Macquarie University; Macquarie Park; 2109 New South Wales; Australia
| | - Natasha N. Kumar
- The Australian School of Advanced Medicine; Macquarie University; Macquarie Park; 2109 New South Wales; Australia
| | - Tina Lonergan
- The Australian School of Advanced Medicine; Macquarie University; Macquarie Park; 2109 New South Wales; Australia
| | - Ann K. Goodchild
- The Australian School of Advanced Medicine; Macquarie University; Macquarie Park; 2109 New South Wales; Australia
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19
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Pál G, Vincze C, Renner É, Wappler EA, Nagy Z, Lovas G, Dobolyi A. Time course, distribution and cell types of induction of transforming growth factor betas following middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat brain. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46731. [PMID: 23056426 PMCID: PMC3466286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-βs (TGF-β1–3) are cytokines that regulate the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of various cell types. The present study describes the induction of TGF-β1–3 in the rat after focal ischemia at 3 h, 24 h, 72 h and 1 month after transient (1 h) or permanent (24 h) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) using in situ hybridization histochemistry and quantitative analysis. Double labeling with different markers was used to identify the localization of TGF-β mRNA relative to the penumbra and glial scar, and the types of cells expressing TGF-βs. TGF-β1 expression increased 3 h after MCAO in the penumbra and was further elevated 24 h after MCAO. TGF-β1 was present mostly in microglial cells but also in some astrocytes. By 72 h and 1 month after the occlusion, TGF-β1 mRNA-expressing cells also appeared in microglia within the ischemic core and in the glial scar. In contrast, TGF-β2 mRNA level was increased in neurons but not in astrocytes or microglial cells in layers II, III, and V of the ipsilateral cerebral cortex 24 h after MCAO. TGF-β3 was not induced in cells around the penumbra. Its expression increased in only a few cells in layer II of the cerebral cortex 24 h after MCAO. The levels of TGF-β2 and -β3 decreased at subsequent time points. Permanent MCAO further elevated the levels of all 3 subtypes of TGF-βs suggesting that reperfusion is not a major factor in their induction. TGF-β1 did not co-localize with either Fos or ATF-3, while the co-localization of TGF-β2 with Fos but not with ATF-3 suggests that cortical spreading depolarization, but not damage to neural processes, might be the mechanism of induction for TGF-β2. The results imply that endogenous TGF-βs are induced by different mechanisms following an ischemic attack in the brain suggesting that they are involved in distinct spatially and temporally regulated inflammatory and neuroprotective processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Pál
- Neuromorphological and Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Vincze
- Neuromorphological and Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Renner
- Neuromorphological and Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edina A. Wappler
- Cardiovascular Center, Department Section of Vascular Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Nagy
- Cardiovascular Center, Department Section of Vascular Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Lovas
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Jahn Ferenc Teaching Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arpád Dobolyi
- Neuromorphological and Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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20
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Xu L, Scheenen WJJM, Roubos EW, Kozicz T. Peptidergic Edinger-Westphal neurons and the energy-dependent stress response. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 177:296-304. [PMID: 22166814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The continuously changing environment demands for adequate stress responses to maintain the internal dynamic equilibrium of body and mind. A successful stress response requires energy, in an amount matching the severity of the stressor and the type of response ('fight, flight or freeze'). The stress response is generated by the central nervous system, which needs to be informed about both the threatening stressor and the availability of energy. In this review, evidence is considered for a role of the midbrain Edinger-Westphal centrally projecting neuron population (EWcp; synonym: non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus) in the energy-dependent stress adaptation response. It deals with studies on the neurochemical organization of the EWcp with particular reference to the neuropeptides urocortin-1 and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide, on the EWcp responses to different types of stressor (e.g., acute and chronic) and a changed energy state (e.g., fasting and leptin change), and on the sex-specificity of these responses. Finally, a model is presented for the way the EWcp might contribute to the coordination of the energy-dependent stress adaptation response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xu
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Currie PJ, Coiro CD, Duenas R, Guss JL, Mirza A, Tal N. Urocortin I inhibits the effects of ghrelin and neuropeptide Y on feeding and energy substrate utilization. Brain Res 2012; 1385:127-34. [PMID: 21303672 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.01.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Revised: 01/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The corticotropin releasing hormone-related ligand, urocortin-I (UcnI), suppresses food intake when injected into multiple hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic areas. UcnI also alters energy substrate utilization, specifically via enhanced fat oxidation as reflected in reductions in respiratory quotient (RQ). In the present study we compared the feeding and metabolic effects of ghrelin and NPY following pretreatment with UcnI. Direct PVN injections of NPY (50 pmol) and ghrelin (50 pmol) were orexigenic while UcnI (10-40 pmol) reliably suppressed food intake. Both ghrelin and NPY increased RQ, indicating enhanced utilization of carbohydrates and the preservation of fat stores. UcnI alone suppressed RQ responses. PVN UcnI attenuated the effects of both ghrelin and NPY on food intake and energy substrate utilization. While ghrelin (5 pmol) potentiated the effect of NPY (25 pmol) on RQ and food intake, these responses were inhibited by pretreatment with UcnI (10 pmol). In conclusion, PVN NPY and ghrelin stimulate eating and promote carbohydrate oxidation while inhibiting fat utilization. These effects are blocked by UcnI which alone suppresses appetite and promotes fat oxidation. Overall these findings are consistent with a possible interactive role of PVN NPY, ghrelin and urocortin in the modulation of appetite and energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Currie
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202, USA.
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Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide plays a key role in nitroglycerol-induced trigeminovascular activation in mice. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 45:633-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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23
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Gaszner B, Kormos V, Kozicz T, Hashimoto H, Reglodi D, Helyes Z. The behavioral phenotype of pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide-deficient mice in anxiety and depression tests is accompanied by blunted c-Fos expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus, ventral lateral septum, and dorsal raphe nucleus. Neuroscience 2011; 202:283-99. [PMID: 22178610 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been implicated in the (patho)physiology of stress-adaptation. PACAP deficient (PACAP(-/-)) mice show altered anxiety levels and depression-like behavior, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms in stress-related brain areas. Therefore, we aimed at investigating PACAP(-/-) mice in light-dark box, marble burying, open field, and forced swim paradigms. We also analyzed whether the forced swim test-induced c-Fos expression would be affected by PACAP deficiency in the following stress-related brain areas: magno- and parvocellular paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN); basolateral (BLA), medial (MeA), and central (CeA) amygdaloid nuclei; ventral (BSTv), dorsolateral (BSTdl), dorsomedial (BSTdm), and oval (BSTov) nuclei of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis; dorsal (dLS) and ventral parts (vLS) of lateral septal nucleus, central projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp), dorsal (dPAG) and lateral (lPAG) periaqueductal gray matter, dorsal raphe nucleus (DR). Our results revealed that PACAP(-/-) mice showed greatly reduced anxiety and increased locomotor activity compared with wildtypes. In forced swim test PACAP(-/-) mice showed increased depression-like behavior. Forced swim exposure increased c-Fos expression in all examined brain areas in wildtypes, whereas this was markedly blunted in the DR, EWcp, BSTov, BSTdl, BSTv, PVN, vLS, dPAG, and in the lPAG of PACAP(-/-) mice vs. wildtypes, strongly suggesting their involvement in the behavioral phenotype of PACAP(-/-) mice. PACAP deficiency did not influence the c-Fos response in the CeA, MeA, BSTdm, and dLS. Therefore, we propose that PACAP exerts a brain area-specific effect on stress-induced neuronal activation and it might contribute to stress-related mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, PTE-MTA Lendület PACAP Research Team, University of Pécs, Faculty of Medicine, H-7624, Pécs, Szigeti u. 12., Hungary.
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Giardino WJ, Cocking DL, Kaur S, Cunningham CL, Ryabinin AE. Urocortin-1 within the centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus is critical for ethanol preference. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26997. [PMID: 22046429 PMCID: PMC3203949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging lines of evidence point to the involvement of neurons of the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) containing the neuropeptide Urocortin-1 (Ucn1) in excessive ethanol (EtOH) intake and EtOH sensitivity. Here, we expanded these previous findings by using a continuous-access, two-bottle choice drinking paradigm (3%, 6%, and 10% EtOH vs. tap water) to compare EtOH intake and EtOH preference in Ucn1 genetic knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Based on previous studies demonstrating that electrolytic lesion of the EWcp attenuated EtOH intake and preference in high-drinking C57BL/6J mice, we also set out to determine whether EWcp lesion would differentially alter EtOH consumption in Ucn1 KO and WT mice. Finally, we implemented well-established place conditioning procedures in KO and WT mice to determine whether Ucn1 and the corticotropin-releasing factor type-2 receptor (CRF-R2) were involved in the rewarding and aversive effects of EtOH (2 g/kg, i.p.). Results from these studies revealed that (1) genetic deletion of Ucn1 dampened EtOH preference only in mice with an intact EWcp, but not in mice that received lesion of the EWcp, (2) lesion of the EWcp dampened EtOH intake in Ucn1 KO and WT mice, but dampened EtOH preference only in WT mice expressing Ucn1, and (3) genetic deletion of Ucn1 or CRF-R2 abolished the conditioned rewarding effects of EtOH, but deletion of Ucn1 had no effect on the conditioned aversive effects of EtOH. The current findings provide strong support for the hypothesis that EWcp-Ucn1 neurons play an important role in EtOH intake, preference, and reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Giardino
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Davelle L. Cocking
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Simranjit Kaur
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Christopher L. Cunningham
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Andrey E. Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kozicz T, Bittencourt JC, May PJ, Reiner A, Gamlin PDR, Palkovits M, Horn AKE, Toledo CAB, Ryabinin AE. The Edinger-Westphal nucleus: a historical, structural, and functional perspective on a dichotomous terminology. J Comp Neurol 2011; 519:1413-34. [PMID: 21452224 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The eponymous term nucleus of Edinger-Westphal (EW) has come to be used to describe two juxtaposed and somewhat intermingled cell groups of the midbrain that differ dramatically in their connectivity and neurochemistry. On one hand, the classically defined EW is the part of the oculomotor complex that is the source of the parasympathetic preganglionic motoneuron input to the ciliary ganglion (CG), through which it controls pupil constriction and lens accommodation. On the other hand, EW is applied to a population of centrally projecting neurons involved in sympathetic, consumptive, and stress-related functions. This terminology problem arose because the name EW has historically been applied to the most prominent cell collection above or between the somatic oculomotor nuclei (III), an assumption based on the known location of the preganglionic motoneurons in monkeys. However, in many mammals, the nucleus designated as EW is not made up of cholinergic, preganglionic motoneurons supplying the CG and instead contains neurons using peptides, such as urocortin 1, with diverse central projections. As a result, the literature has become increasingly confusing. To resolve this problem, we suggest that the term EW be supplemented with terminology based on connectivity. Specifically, we recommend that 1) the cholinergic, preganglionic neurons supplying the CG be termed the Edinger-Westphal preganglionic (EWpg) population and 2) the centrally projecting, peptidergic neurons be termed the Edinger-Westphal centrally projecting (EWcp) population. The history of this nomenclature problem and the rationale for our solutions are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Kozicz
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Kozicz T, Sterrenburg L, Xu L. Does midbrain urocortin 1 matter? A 15-year journey from stress (mal)adaptation to energy metabolism. Stress 2011; 14:376-83. [PMID: 21438786 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2011.563806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes some of the milestones of the research on the biological functions(s) of midbrain urocortin 1 (Ucn1) since its discovery 15 years ago. Detailed characterization of Ucn1 in the midbrain revealed its overall significance in food intake and regulation of homeostatic equilibrium and mood under stress. In addition, we have recently found a conspicuous alteration in midbrain Ucn1 levels in brains of depressed suicide victims. Furthermore, from the results from the genetically modified animals, a picture is emerging where corticotrophin-releasing factor promotes the initial reactions to stress, whereas Ucn1 seems to be crucial for management of the later adaptive phase. In the case of imbalance in action of these principle stress mediators, vulnerability to stress-related brain diseases is enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Kozicz
- Cellular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Rouwette T, Klemann K, Gaszner B, Scheffer G, Roubos E, Scheenen W, Vissers K, Kozicz T. Differential responses of corticotropin-releasing factor and urocortin 1 to acute pain stress in the rat brain. Neuroscience 2011; 183:15-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Revised: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Abstract
The complex mechanisms controlling human parturition involves mother, fetus, and placenta, and stress is a key element activating a series of physiological adaptive responses. Preterm birth is a clinical syndrome that shares several characteristics with term birth. A major role for the neuroendocrine mechanisms has been proposed, and placenta/membranes are sources for neurohormones and peptides. Oxytocin (OT) is the neurohormone whose major target is uterine contractility and placenta represents a novel source that contributes to the mechanisms of parturition. The CRH/urocortin (Ucn) family is another important neuroendocrine pathway involved in term and preterm birth. The CRH/Ucn family consists of four ligands: CRH, Ucn, Ucn2, and Ucn3. These peptides have a pleyotropic function and are expressed by human placenta and fetal membranes. Uterine contractility, blood vessel tone, and immune function are influenced by CRH/Ucns during pregnancy and undergo major changes at parturition. Among the others, neurohormones, relaxin, parathyroid hormone-related protein, opioids, neurosteroids, and monoamines are expressed and secreted from placental tissues at parturition. Preterm birth is the consequence of a premature and sustained activation of endocrine and immune responses. A preterm birth evidence for a premature activation of OT secretion as well as increased maternal plasma CRH levels suggests a pathogenic role of these neurohormones. A decrease of maternal serum CRH-binding protein is a concurrent event. At midgestation, placental hypersecretion of CRH or Ucn has been proposed as a predictive marker of subsequent preterm delivery. While placenta represents the major source for CRH, fetus abundantly secretes Ucn and adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone in women with preterm birth. The relevant role of neuroendocrine mechanisms in preterm birth is sustained by basic and clinic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Petraglia
- University of Siena, Policlinico, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, Viale Bracci, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Roubos EW, Jenks BG, Xu L, Kuribara M, Scheenen WJJM, Kozicz T. About a snail, a toad, and rodents: animal models for adaptation research. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2010; 1:4. [PMID: 22649351 PMCID: PMC3355873 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2010.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 09/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural adaptation mechanisms have many similarities throughout the animal kingdom, enabling to study fundamentals of human adaptation in selected animal models with experimental approaches that are impossible to apply in man. This will be illustrated by reviewing research on three of such animal models, viz. (1) the egg-laying behavior of a snail, Lymnaea stagnalis: how one neuron type controls behavior, (2) adaptation to the ambient light condition by a toad, Xenopus laevis: how a neuroendocrine cell integrates complex external and neural inputs, and (3) stress, feeding, and depression in rodents: how a neuronal network co-ordinates different but related complex behaviors. Special attention is being paid to the actions of neurochemical messengers, such as neuropeptide Y, urocortin 1, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. While awaiting new technological developments to study the living human brain at the cellular and molecular levels, continuing progress in the insight in the functioning of human adaptation mechanisms may be expected from neuroendocrine research using invertebrate and vertebrate animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W. Roubos
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Bruce G. Jenks
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Miyuki Kuribara
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Wim J. J. M. Scheenen
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tamás Kozicz
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegen, Netherlands
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Xu L, Bloem B, Gaszner B, Roubos EW, Kozicz T. Stress-related changes in the activity of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript and nesfatin neurons in the midbrain non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the rat. Neuroscience 2010; 170:478-88. [PMID: 20638450 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Revised: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and nesfatin-1/nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) are assumed to play a role in feeding and adaptation to stress. Both peptides are highly expressed in the midbrain non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus (npEW), a center implicated in the regulation of stress adaptation and in the pathogenesis of stress-induced brain disorders, in a sex-specific manner. The present study was undertaken to test whether CART and nesfatin are involved in these actions of the npEW in the rat. Acute restraint and chronic variable mild stress were used. Following stress, physiological parameters (serum corticosterone levels, body, adrenal and thymus weights) were determined, CART and nesfatin-like immunoreactivity (LI) as well as mRNA expression were analyzed in the npEW nucleus. Our results depict the following changes: (1) Acute stress resulted in an increase in serum corticosterone levels that was higher in females; (2) In males, data on corticosterone and body weight gain and in females, data on body weight gain revealed an effect of chronic stress; (3) Both acute and chronic stress activated npEW neurons expressing CART and nesfatin-LI, as shown by increased cFos immunoreactivity; (4) Chronic, but not acute stress increased the amount of CART and nesfatin-LI in both males and females; (5) Neither acute nor chronic stress had an effect on CART and NUCB2 mRNA contents of npEW neurons in either sex. Taken together, our data suggest that CART and nesfatin are involved in the response of npEW neurons to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Xu
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Dept. of Cellular Animal Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Morawski M, Brückner G, Jäger C, Seeger G, Arendt T. Neurons associated with aggrecan-based perineuronal nets are protected against tau pathology in subcortical regions in Alzheimer's disease. Neuroscience 2010; 169:1347-63. [PMID: 20497908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Revised: 04/14/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The biological basis for the selective vulnerability of neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is elusive. Aggrecan-based perineuronal nets (PNs) of the extracellular matrix have been considered to contribute to neuroprotection in the cerebral cortex. In the present study, we investigated the organization of the aggrecan-based extracellular matrix in subcortical regions known to be preferentially affected by tau pathology in AD. Immunocytochemistry of aggrecan core protein was combined with detection of neurofibrillary degeneration. The results show that many regions affected by tau pathology in AD, such as the basal nucleus of Meynert, the dorsal thalamus, hypothalamic nuclei, raphe nuclei, and the locus coeruleus were devoid of a characteristic aggrecan-based extracellular matrix. Regions composed of nuclei with clearly different intensity of tau pathology, such as the amygdala, the thalamus and the oculomotor complex, showed largely complementary distribution patterns of neurofibrillary tangles and PNs. Quantification in the rostral interstitial nucleus of the longitudinal fascicle potentially affected by tau pathology in AD revealed that tau pathology was not accompanied by loss of aggrecan-based PNs. Neuro-fibrillary tangles in net-associated neurons extremely rarely occurred in the pontine reticular formation. We conclude that the low vulnerability of neurons ensheathed by PNs previously described for cortical areas in AD represents a more general phenomenon that also applies to subcortical regions. The aggrecan-based extracellular matrix of PNs may thus, be involved in neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Morawski
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Jahnallee 59, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany.
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Expression of Hydroxyindole-O-Methyltransferase Enzyme in the Human Central Nervous System and in Pineal Parenchymal Cell Tumors. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2010; 69:498-510. [DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e3181db7d3c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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33
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Hundahl C, Hannibal J, Fahrenkrug J, Dewilde S, Hay-Schmidt A. Neuroglobin expression in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus: Colocalization, innervation, and response to light. J Comp Neurol 2010; 518:1556-69. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.22290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Rouwette TPH, Kozicz T, Olde Loohuis NFM, Gaszner B, Vreugdenhil E, Scheffer GJ, Roubos EW, Vissers KC, Scheenen WJJM. Acute pain increases phosphorylation of DCLK-long in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus but not in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of the rat. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2010; 11:930-40. [PMID: 20418180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2009.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The doublecortin-like kinase (DCLK) gene is crucially involved in neuronal plasticity and microtubule-guided retrograde transport of signaling molecules. We have explored the possibility that DCLK is involved in pain-induced signaling events in adult male Wistar rats. Our results show that both DCLK-short and DCLK-long splice variants are present in the cell body and proximal dendrites of neurons in stress-related nuclei, ie, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and the non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus (npEW) in the rostroventral periaqueductal grey. We found that DCLK-long but not DCLK-short is phosphorylated in its serine/proline-rich domain. Furthermore, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of DCLK-long in the npEW is increased by acute pain, whereas DCLK-long phosphorylation in the PVN remains unaffected. This is the first report revealing that DCLK isoforms in the PVN and npEW occur in the adult mammalian brain and that pain differentially affects DCLK-long-mediated neuronal plasticity in these 2 stress-sensitive brain centers. PERSPECTIVE Pain is a burden for society and the individual, and although the mechanisms underlying pain are relatively well known, its treatment remains difficult and incomplete. Pain stress can lead to diseases like chronic pain and depression. The differential DCLK-phosphorylation in stress-sensitive brain areas is a potential novel therapeutic target in pain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom P H Rouwette
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Okere B, Xu L, Roubos EW, Sonetti D, Kozicz T. Restraint stress alters the secretory activity of neurons co-expressing urocortin-1, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide and nesfatin-1 in the mouse Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Brain Res 2010; 1317:92-9. [PMID: 20043894 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Central stress regulatory pathways utilize various neuropeptides, such as urocortin-1 (Ucn1) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART). Ucn1 is most abundantly expressed in the non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus (npEW). In addition to Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1 are highly expressed in neurons of the npEW, but the way these three neuropeptides act together in response to acute stress is not known. We hypothesized that Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1 are colocalized in npEW neurons and that these neurons are recruited by acute stress. Using quantitative immunocytochemistry and the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we support this hypothesis, by showing in B6C3F1/Crl mice that Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1 occur in the same neurons of the npEW nucleus. More specifically, Ucn1 and CART revealed a complete colocalization in the same perikarya, while 90% of these neurons are also nesfatin-1-immunoreactive. Furthermore, acute (restraint) stress stimulates the general secretory activity of these npEW neurons (increased presence of Fos) and the production of Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1: Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1(NUCB2) mRNAs have been increased compared to controls by x1.8, x2.0 and x2.6, respectively (p<0.01). We conclude that Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1/NUCB2 are specifically involved in the response of npEW neurons to acute stress in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Okere
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi, 213/D, 41100 Modena, Italy
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36
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Derks NM, Gaszner B, Roubos EW, Kozicz LT. Sex differences in urocortin 1 dynamics in the non-preganglionic Edinger–Westphal nucleus of the rat. Neurosci Res 2010; 66:117-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2009] [Revised: 08/31/2009] [Accepted: 10/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Xu L, Bloem B, Gaszner B, Roubos EW, Kozicz T. Sex-specific effects of fasting on urocortin 1, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide and nesfatin-1 expression in the rat Edinger–Westphal nucleus. Neuroscience 2009; 162:1141-9. [PMID: 19426783 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Revised: 04/23/2009] [Accepted: 05/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Xu
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, EURON, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Do Rego JL, Seong JY, Burel D, Leprince J, Luu-The V, Tsutsui K, Tonon MC, Pelletier G, Vaudry H. Neurosteroid biosynthesis: enzymatic pathways and neuroendocrine regulation by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Front Neuroendocrinol 2009; 30:259-301. [PMID: 19505496 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Revised: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 05/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids synthesized in neuronal tissue, referred to as neurosteroids, are implicated in proliferation, differentiation, activity and survival of nerve cells. Neurosteroids are also involved in the control of a number of behavioral, neuroendocrine and metabolic processes such as regulation of food intake, locomotor activity, sexual activity, aggressiveness, anxiety, depression, body temperature and blood pressure. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the existence, neuroanatomical distribution and biological activity of the enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the brain of vertebrates, and we review the neuronal mechanisms that control the activity of these enzymes. The observation that the activity of key steroidogenic enzymes is finely tuned by various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides strongly suggests that some of the central effects of these neuromodulators may be mediated via the regulation of neurosteroid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Luc Do Rego
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 413, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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Gaszner B, Jensen K, Farkas J, Reglődi D, Csernus V, Roubos EW, Kozicz T. Effects of maternal separation on dynamics of urocortin 1 and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in the rat non‐preganglionic Edinger‐Westphal nucleus. Int J Dev Neurosci 2009; 27:439-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Revised: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 05/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Cellular Animal PhysiologyDonders Centre for Neuroscience, EURON, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of PécsPécsHungary
| | | | | | - Dóra Reglődi
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of PécsPécsHungary
| | | | - Eric W. Roubos
- Department of Cellular Animal PhysiologyDonders Centre for Neuroscience, EURON, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Tamás Kozicz
- Department of Cellular Animal PhysiologyDonders Centre for Neuroscience, EURON, Radboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
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May PJ, Reiner AJ, Ryabinin AE. Comparison of the distributions of urocortin-containing and cholinergic neurons in the perioculomotor midbrain of the cat and macaque. J Comp Neurol 2008; 507:1300-16. [PMID: 18186029 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin is a novel neurotransmitter that appears to play a role in eating and drinking behavior. Most urocortin-positive (urocortin(+)) neurons in rodents are found in the cytoarchitecturally defined Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW). However, the EW is traditionally described as the source of the preganglionic parasympathetic outflow to the ciliary ganglion. We examined the distribution of urocortin(+) cells and motoneurons by use of immunohistochemical staining for this peptide and for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in macaque monkeys, in which most preganglionic motoneurons inhabit the EW, and in cats, in which most do not. In both species, lack of overt double labeling indicated that the ChAT(+) and urocortin(+) cells are separate populations. In the monkey, most nonoculomotor ChAT(+) neurons were found within the EW. In contrast, urocortin(+) cells were distributed mainly between the oculomotor nuclei and in the supraoculomotor area. In the cat, most nonoculomotor ChAT(+) cells were located in the supraoculomotor area and anteromedian nucleus. Few were present in the cat EW. Instead, this nucleus was filled with urocortin(+) cells. These results highlight the fact the term EW has come to indicate different nuclei in different species. Consequently, we have adopted the identifiers preganglionic (EW(PG)) and urocortin-containing (EW(U)) to designate the cytoarchitecturally defined EW nuclei in monkeys and cats, respectively. Furthermore, we propose a new open-ended nomenclature for the perioculomotor (pIII) cells groups that have distinctive projections and neurochemical signatures. This will allow more effective scientific discourse on the connections and function of groups such as the periculomotor urocortin (pIII(U)) and preganglionic (pIII(PG)) populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J May
- Department of Anatomy, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39202, USA.
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Gender-related urocortin 1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the adult human midbrain of suicide victims with major depression. Neuroscience 2008; 152:1015-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2007] [Revised: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/12/2007] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Pan W, Kastin AJ. Urocortin and the brain. Prog Neurobiol 2007; 84:148-56. [PMID: 18078706 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2007.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2007] [Revised: 09/17/2007] [Accepted: 10/31/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Urocortin is a member of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family of peptides. In the brain, its potent suppression of food intake is mediated by CRH receptors (CRHR). Urocortin also participates in the regulation of anxiety, learning, memory, and body temperature, and it shows neuroprotection. This review will summarize the location of urocortin-producing neurons and their projections, the pharmacological evidence of its actions in the CNS, and information acquired from knockout mice. Urocortin interacts with leptin, neuropeptide Y, orexin, and corticotropin in the brain. Also produced by the GI tract, heart, and immune cells, urocortin has blood concentrations ranging from 13 to 152 pg/ml. Blood-borne urocortin stimulates the cerebral endothelial cells composing the blood-brain barrier and crosses the blood-brain barrier by a unique transport system. Overall, urocortin acts on a broad neuronal substrate as a neuromodulator important for basic survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Pan
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, United States.
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Kozicz T. On the role of urocortin 1 in the non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus in stress adaptation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2007; 153:235-40. [PMID: 17517410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2006] [Revised: 03/21/2007] [Accepted: 04/01/2007] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of novel members of the CRF neuropeptide family, urocortin 1 (Ucn1), urocortin 2 and 3 has provided important insights into stress adaptation pathways, and predicted that stress adaptation involves more systems than the HPA-axis alone. This mini-review aims to summarize our recent data and research by others indicating that an important role is played by Ucn1 in the non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus (npEW). These results point to an intriguing possibility that CRF/Ucn1 neuronal circuits comprise two separate, but functionally interrelated entities, which are coordinately regulated by acute stressors, but are inversely coupled during chronic stress. Such collaboration between the two systems would implicate a very important role of Ucn1 in adaptation to stress, and, as a consequence, in stress-related disorders like anxiety, major depression and use of drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Kozicz
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Integrative Physiology, EURON European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Fatima A, Haroon MF, Wolf G, Engelmann M, Spina MG. Reduced urocortin 1 immunoreactivity in the non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus during late pregnancy in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 143:34-8. [PMID: 17391780 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2007.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2006] [Revised: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 02/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is accompanied by an array of adaptive changes that play an important role in pre- and postnatal events. In rats, urocortin 1, a corticotropin-releasing factor-like peptide, is expressed mainly in the non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus. We investigated the number of neurons immunoreactive for urocortin 1 at three different levels of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in female rats by immunohistochemistry. The number of urocortin 1 immunoreactive cells was found to be decreased in pregnant rats compared to virgin rats. These results indicate that the hormonal status of the female rat affects urocortin 1 immunoreactive neurons in the non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus and its signaling to target brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fatima
- Institute of Medical Neurobiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.
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