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Granger SJ, May V, Hammack SE, Akman E, Jobson SA, Olson EA, Pernia CD, Daskalakis NP, Ravichandran C, Carlezon WA, Ressler KJ, Rauch SL, Rosso IM. Circulating PACAP levels are associated with altered imaging measures of entorhinal cortex neurite density in posttraumatic stress disorder. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2335793. [PMID: 38590134 PMCID: PMC11005872 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2335793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) regulates plasticity in brain systems underlying arousal and memory and is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research in animal models suggests that PACAP modulates entorhinal cortex (EC) input to the hippocampus, contributing to impaired contextual fear conditioning. In PTSD, PACAP is associated with higher activity of the amygdala to threat stimuli and lower functional connectivity of the amygdala and hippocampus. However, PACAP-affiliated structural alterations of these regions have not been investigated in PTSD. Here, we examined whether peripheral PACAP levels were associated with neuronal morphology of the amygdala and hippocampus (primary analyses), and EC (secondary) using Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging.Methods: Sixty-four (44 female) adults (19 to 54 years old) with DSM-5 Criterion A trauma exposure completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), a blood draw, and magnetic resonance imaging. PACAP38 radioimmunoassay was performed and T1-weighted and multi-shell diffusion-weighted images were acquired. Neurite Density Index (NDI) and Orientation Dispersion Index (ODI) were quantified in the amygdala, hippocampus, and EC. CAPS-5 total score and anxious arousal score were used to test for clinical associations with brain structure.Results: Higher PACAP levels were associated with greater EC NDI (β = 0.0099, q = 0.032) and lower EC ODI (β = -0.0073, q = 0.047), and not hippocampal or amygdala measures. Neither EC NDI nor ODI was associated with clinical measures.Conclusions: Circulating PACAP levels were associated with altered neuronal density of the EC but not the hippocampus or amygdala. These findings strengthen evidence that PACAP may impact arousal-associated memory circuits in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Granger
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor May
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | | | - Eylül Akman
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Sydney A. Jobson
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Olson
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cameron D. Pernia
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Basic Neuroscience Division, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nikos P. Daskalakis
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Basic Neuroscience Division, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Ravichandran
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Lexington, MA, USA
| | - William A. Carlezon
- Basic Neuroscience Division, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kerry J. Ressler
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott L. Rauch
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabelle M. Rosso
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Yavas E, Zhuravka I, Fanselow MS. PAC1 receptor modulation of freezing and flight behavior in periaqueductal gray. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 22:e12873. [PMID: 37983568 PMCID: PMC10733566 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) region is a critical anatomical regulator of fear-related species-specific defensive reactions (SSDRs). Pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), and its main receptor PAC1, play an important role in fear-related behavior and anxiety disorders. However, the function of the PACAP-PAC1 system within the PAG with regards to SSDRs has received little attention. To address this gap, we used transgenic PAC1flox/flox mice to examine both conditional and unconditional defensive reactions. We performed conditional PAC1 gene deletion within the ventrolateral(vl)PAG of PAC1flox/flox mice using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) coding for Cre recombinase. Following viral expression, we used a white noise fear conditioning preparation that produces both an unconditional activity burst to the onset of noise that is followed by conditional freezing. On Day 1, mice received five white noise foot-shock pairings, whereas on Day 2, they were exposed to white noise five times without shock and we scored the activity burst and freezing to the white noise. Following behavioral testing, histology for immunofluorescent analysis was conducted in order to identify PACAP positive cells and stress-induced c-fos activity respectively. We found that PAC1 deletion in vlPAG increased the unconditional activity burst response but disrupted conditional freezing. PAC1 deletion was accompanied by higher c-fos activity following the behavioral experiments. Furthermore, a significant portion of PACAP-EGFP positive cells showed overlapping expression with VGAT, indicating their association with inhibitory neurons. The findings suggested that intact PACAP-PAC1 mechanisms are essential for SSDRs in vlPAG. Therefore, midbrain PACAP contributes to the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating fear responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersin Yavas
- Department of PsychologyBartın UniversityBartınTurkey
| | - Irina Zhuravka
- Staglin Center for Brain and Behavioral HealthDepartment of Psychology, UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael S. Fanselow
- Staglin Center for Brain and Behavioral HealthDepartment of Psychology, UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral SciencesUCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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3
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Rajbhandari AK, Barson JR, Gilmartin MR, Hammack SE, Chen BK. The functional heterogeneity of PACAP: Stress, learning, and pathology. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 203:107792. [PMID: 37369343 PMCID: PMC10527199 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is a highly conserved and widely expressed neuropeptide that has emerged as a key regulator of multiple neural and behavioral processes. PACAP systems, including the various PACAP receptor subtypes, have been implicated in neural circuits of learning and memory, stress, emotion, feeding, and pain. Dysregulation within these PACAP systems may play key roles in the etiology of pathological states associated with these circuits, and PACAP function has been implicated in stress-related psychopathology, feeding and metabolic disorders, and migraine. Accordingly, central PACAP systems may represent important therapeutic targets; however, substantial heterogeneity in PACAP systems related to the distribution of multiple PACAP isoforms across multiple brain regions, as well as multiple receptor subtypes with several isoforms, signaling pathways, and brain distributions, provides both challenges and opportunities for the development of new clinically-relevant strategies to target the PACAP system in health and disease. Here we review the heterogeneity of central PACAP systems, as well as the data implicating PACAP systems in clinically-relevant behavioral processes, with a particular focus on the considerable evidence implicating a role of PACAP in stress responding and learning and memory. We also review data suggesting that there are sex differences in PACAP function and its interactions with sex hormones. Finally, we discuss both the challenges and promise of harnessing the PACAP system in the development of new therapeutic avenues and highlight PACAP systems for their critical role in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica R Barson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marieke R Gilmartin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Briana K Chen
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) / New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, United States.
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4
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Fehér M, Márton Z, Szabó Á, Kocsa J, Kormos V, Hunyady Á, Kovács LÁ, Ujvári B, Berta G, Farkas J, Füredi N, Gaszner T, Pytel B, Reglődi D, Gaszner B. Downregulation of PACAP and the PAC1 Receptor in the Basal Ganglia, Substantia Nigra and Centrally Projecting Edinger-Westphal Nucleus in the Rotenone model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11843. [PMID: 37511603 PMCID: PMC10380602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease (PD) demonstrate that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) conveys its strong neuroprotective actions mainly via its specific PAC1 receptor (PAC1R) in models of PD. We recently described the decrease in PAC1R protein content in the basal ganglia of macaques in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of PD that was partially reversed by levodopa therapy. In this work, we tested whether these observations occur also in the rotenone model of PD in the rat. The rotarod test revealed motor skill deterioration upon rotenone administration, which was reversed by benserazide/levodopa (B/L) treatment. The sucrose preference test suggested increased depression level while the open field test showed increased anxiety in rats rendered parkinsonian, regardless of the received B/L therapy. Reduced dopaminergic cell count in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) diminished the dopaminergic fiber density in the caudate-putamen (CPu) and decreased the peptidergic cell count in the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp), supporting the efficacy of rotenone treatment. RNAscope in situ hybridization revealed decreased PACAP mRNA (Adcyap1) and PAC1R mRNA (Adcyap1r1) expression in the CPu, globus pallidus, dopaminergic SNpc and peptidergic EWcp of rotenone-treated rats, but no remarkable downregulation occurred in the insular cortex. In the entopeduncular nucleus, only the Adcyap1r1 mRNA was downregulated in parkinsonian animals. B/L therapy attenuated the downregulation of Adcyap1 in the CPu only. Our current results further support the evolutionarily conserved role of the PACAP/PAC1R system in neuroprotection and its recruitment in the development/progression of neurodegenerative states such as PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Máté Fehér
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Tallián Gy. u. 20-32, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Zsombor Márton
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - János Kocsa
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Hunyady
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Ákos Kovács
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Ujvári
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopic Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Farkas
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Nóra Füredi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bence Pytel
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Reglődi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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5
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Ago Y, Van C, Condro MC, Hrncir H, Diep AL, Rajbhandari AK, Fanselow MS, Hashimoto H, MacKenzie-Graham AJ, Waschek JA. Overexpression of VIPR2 in mice results in microencephaly with paradoxical increased white matter volume. Exp Neurol 2023; 362:114339. [PMID: 36717013 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Large scale studies in populations of European and Han Chinese ancestry found a series of rare gain-of-function microduplications in VIPR2, encoding VPAC2, a receptor that binds vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide with high affinity, that were associated with an up to 13-fold increased risk for schizophrenia. To address how VPAC2 receptor overactivity might affect brain development, we used a well-characterized Nestin-Cre mouse strain and a knock-in approach to overexpress human VPAC2 in the central nervous system. Mice that overexpressed VPAC2 were found to exhibit a significant reduction in brain weight. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis confirmed a decrease in brain size, a specific reduction in the hippocampus grey matter volume and a paradoxical increase in whole-brain white matter volume. Sex-specific changes in behavior such as impaired prepulse inhibition and contextual fear memory were observed in VPAC2 overexpressing mice. The data indicate that the VPAC2 receptor may play a critical role in brain morphogenesis and suggest that overactive VPAC2 signaling during development plays a mechanistic role in some forms of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Ago
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan.
| | - Christina Van
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Doctoral Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael C Condro
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Haley Hrncir
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anna L Diep
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Abha K Rajbhandari
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Staglin Center for Brain and Behavioral Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michael S Fanselow
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Staglin Center for Brain and Behavioral Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, 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 565-0871, Japan; Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Department of Molecular Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Allan J MacKenzie-Graham
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - James A Waschek
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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6
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Girard BM, Campbell SE, Vizzard MA. Stress-induced symptom exacerbation: Stress increases voiding frequency, somatic sensitivity, and urinary bladder NGF and BDNF expression in mice with subthreshold cyclophosphamide (CYP). FRONTIERS IN UROLOGY 2023; 3:1079790. [PMID: 37811396 PMCID: PMC10558155 DOI: 10.3389/fruro.2023.1079790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Symptom exacerbation due to stress is prevalent in many disease states, including functional disorders of the urinary bladder (e.g., overactive bladder (OAB), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS)); however, the mechanisms underlying the effects of stress on micturition reflex function are unclear. In this study we designed and evaluated a stress-induced symptom exacerbation (SISE) mouse model that demonstrates increased urinary frequency and somatic (pelvic and hindpaw) sensitivity. Cyclophosphamide (CYP) (35 mg/kg; i.p., every 48 hours for a total of 4 doses) or 7 days of repeated variate stress (RVS) did not alter urinary bladder function or somatic sensitivity; however, both CYP alone and RVS alone significantly (p ≤ 0.01) decreased weight gain and increased serum corticosterone. CYP treatment when combined with RVS for 7 days (CYP+RVS) significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased serum corticosterone, urinary frequency and somatic sensitivity and decreased weight gain. CYP+RVS exposure in mice significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased (2.6-fold) voiding frequency as we determined using conscious, open-outlet cystometry. CYP+RVS significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased baseline, threshold, and peak micturition pressures. We also evaluated the expression of NGF, BDNF, CXC chemokines and IL-6 in urinary bladder in CYP alone, RVS alone and CYP+RVS mouse cohorts. Although all treatments or exposures increased urinary bladder NGF, BDNF, CXC and IL-6 content, CYP+RVS produced the largest increase in all inflammatory mediators examined. These results demonstrated that CYP alone or RVS alone creates a change in the inflammatory environment of the urinary bladder but does not result in a change in bladder function or somatic sensitivity until CYP is combined with RVS (CYP+RVS). The SISE model of CYP+RVS will be useful to develop testable hypotheses addressing underlying mechanisms where psychological stress exacerbates symptoms in functional bladder disorders leading to identification of targets and potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice M Girard
- The Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Department of Neurological Sciences, Burlington, VT, 05405
| | - Susan E Campbell
- The Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Department of Neurological Sciences, Burlington, VT, 05405
| | - Margaret A Vizzard
- The Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Department of Neurological Sciences, Burlington, VT, 05405
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Zuccaro E, Piol D, Basso M, Pennuto M. Motor Neuron Diseases and Neuroprotective Peptides: A Closer Look to Neurons. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:723871. [PMID: 34603008 PMCID: PMC8484953 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.723871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons (MNs) are specialized neurons responsible for muscle contraction that specifically degenerate in motor neuron diseases (MNDs), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Distinct classes of MNs degenerate at different rates in disease, with a particular class named fast-fatigable MNs (FF-MNs) degenerating first. The etiology behind the selective vulnerability of FF-MNs is still largely under investigation. Among the different strategies to target MNs, the administration of protective neuropeptides is one of the potential therapeutic interventions. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with beneficial effects in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and more recently SBMA. Another neuropeptide that has a neurotrophic effect on MNs is insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), also known as somatomedin C. These two peptides are implicated in the activation of neuroprotective pathways exploitable in the amelioration of pathological outcomes related to MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Zuccaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center, Padua, Italy
| | - Diana Piol
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Manuela Basso
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Maria Pennuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center, Padua, Italy
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8
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Boucher MN, May V, Braas KM, Hammack SE. PACAP orchestration of stress-related responses in neural circuits. Peptides 2021; 142:170554. [PMID: 33865930 PMCID: PMC8592028 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a pleiotropic polypeptide that can activate G protein-coupled PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2 receptors, and has been implicated in stress signaling. PACAP and its receptors are widely distributed throughout the nervous system and other tissues and can have a multitude of effects. Human and animal studies suggest that PACAP plays a role responding to a variety of threats and stressors. Here we review the roles of PACAP in several regions of the central nervous system (CNS) as they relate to several behavioral functions. For example, in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), PACAP is upregulated following chronic stress and may drive anxiety-like behavior. PACAP can also influence both the consolidation and expression of fear memories, as demonstrated by studies in several fear-related areas, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. PACAP can also mediate the emotional component of pain, as PACAP in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is able to decrease pain sensitivity thresholds. Outside of the central nervous system, PACAP may drive glucocorticoid release via enhanced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and may participate in infection-induced stress responses. Together, this suggests that PACAP exerts effects on many stress-related systems and may be an important driver of emotional behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa N Boucher
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States
| | - Victor May
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States.
| | - Karen M Braas
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States
| | - Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States
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9
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May V, Johnson GC, Hammack SE, Braas KM, Parsons RL. PAC1 Receptor Internalization and Endosomal MEK/ERK Activation Is Essential for PACAP-Mediated Neuronal Excitability. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:1536-1542. [PMID: 33675454 PMCID: PMC8450765 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01821-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP, Adcyap1) activation of PAC1 receptors (Adcyap1r1) can significantly increase the excitability of diverse neurons through differential mechanisms. For guinea pig cardiac neurons, the modulation of excitability can be mediated in part by PAC1 receptor plasma membrane G protein-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase and downstream signaling cascades. By contrast, PAC1 receptor-mediated excitability of hippocampal dentate gyrus granule cells appears independent of membrane-delimited AC/cAMP/PKA and PLC/PKC signaling. For both neuronal types, there is mechanistic convergence demonstrating that endosomal PAC1 receptor signaling has prominent roles. In these models, neuronal exposure to Pitstop2 to inhibit β-arrestin/clathrin-mediated PAC1 receptor internalization eliminates PACAP modulation of excitability. β-arrestin is a scaffold for a number of effectors especially MEK/ERK and notably, paradigms that inhibit PAC1 receptor endosome formation and ERK signaling also blunt the PACAP-induced increase in excitability. Detailed PAC1 receptor internalization and endosomal ERK signaling mechanisms have been confirmed in HEK PAC1R-EGFP cells and shown to be long lasting which appear to recapitulate the sustained electrophysiological responses. Thus, PAC1 receptor internalization/endosomal recruitment efficiently and efficaciously activates MEK/ERK signaling and appears to represent a singular and critical common denominator in regulating neuronal excitability by PACAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor May
- Departmental of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Gregory C Johnson
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Karen M Braas
- Departmental of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Rodney L Parsons
- Departmental of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
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10
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Gilmartin MR, Ferrara NC. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide in Learning and Memory. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:663418. [PMID: 34239418 PMCID: PMC8258392 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.663418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a highly conserved neuropeptide that regulates neuronal physiology and transcription through Gs/Gq-coupled receptors. Its actions within hypothalamic, limbic, and mnemonic systems underlie its roles in stress regulation, affective processing, neuroprotection, and cognition. Recently, elevated PACAP levels and genetic disruption of PAC1 receptor signaling in humans has been linked to maladaptive threat learning and pathological stress and fear in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PACAP is positioned to integrate stress and memory in PTSD for which memory of the traumatic experience is central to the disorder. However, PACAP's role in memory has received comparatively less attention than its role in stress. In this review, we consider the evidence for PACAP-PAC1 receptor signaling in learning and plasticity, discuss emerging data on sex differences in PACAP signaling, and raise key questions for further study toward elucidating the contribution of PACAP to adaptive and maladaptive fear learning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole C Ferrara
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
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11
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Rajbhandari AK, Octeau CJ, Gonzalez S, Pennington ZT, Mohamed F, Trott J, Chavez J, Ngyuen E, Keces N, Hong WZ, Neve RL, Waschek J, Khakh BS, Fanselow MS. A Basomedial Amygdala to Intercalated Cells Microcircuit Expressing PACAP and Its Receptor PAC1 Regulates Contextual Fear. J Neurosci 2021; 41:3446-3461. [PMID: 33637560 PMCID: PMC8051692 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2564-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Trauma can cause dysfunctional fear regulation leading some people to develop disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The amygdala regulates fear, whereas PACAP (pituitary adenylate activating peptide) and PAC1 receptors are linked to PTSD symptom severity at genetic/epigenetic levels, with a strong link in females with PTSD. We discovered a PACAPergic projection from the basomedial amygdala (BMA) to the medial intercalated cells (mICCs) in adult mice. In vivo optogenetic stimulation of this pathway increased CFOS expression in mICCs, decreased fear recall, and increased fear extinction. Selective deletion of PAC1 receptors from the mICCs in females reduced fear acquisition, but enhanced fear generalization and reduced fear extinction in males. Optogenetic stimulation of the BMA-mICC PACAPergic pathway produced EPSCs in mICC neurons, which were enhanced by the PAC1 receptor antagonist, PACAP 6-38. Our findings show that mICCs modulate contextual fear in a dynamic and sex-dependent manner via a microcircuit containing the BMA and mICCs, and in a manner that was dependent on behavioral state.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Traumatic stress can affect different aspects of fear behaviors, including fear learning, generalization of learned fear to novel contexts, how the fear of the original context is recalled, and how fear is reduced over time. While the amygdala has been studied for its role in regulation of different aspects of fear, the molecular circuitry of this structure is quite complex. In addition, aspects of fear can be modulated differently in males and females. Our findings show that a specific circuitry containing the neuropeptide PACAP and its receptor, PAC1, regulates various aspects of fear, including acquisition, generalization, recall, and extinction in a sexually dimorphic manner, characterizing a novel pathway that modulates traumatic fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha K Rajbhandari
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
- Staglin Center for Brain and Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Christopher J Octeau
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Sarah Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
- Staglin Center for Brain and Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Zachary T Pennington
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Farzanna Mohamed
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Jeremy Trott
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
- Staglin Center for Brain and Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Jasmine Chavez
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Erin Ngyuen
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Natasha Keces
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Weizhe Z Hong
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Rachael L Neve
- Gene Delivery Technology Core, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, California 02114
| | - James Waschek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Michael S Fanselow
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
- Staglin Center for Brain and Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
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12
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Zhang L, Hernandez VS, Gerfen CR, Jiang SZ, Zavala L, Barrio RA, Eiden LE. Behavioral role of PACAP signaling reflects its selective distribution in glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal subpopulations. eLife 2021; 10:61718. [PMID: 33463524 PMCID: PMC7875564 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide PACAP, acting as a co-transmitter, increases neuronal excitability, which may enhance anxiety and arousal associated with threat conveyed by multiple sensory modalities. The distribution of neurons expressing PACAP and its receptor, PAC1, throughout the mouse nervous system was determined, in register with expression of glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal markers, to develop a coherent chemoanatomical picture of PACAP role in brain motor responses to sensory input. A circuit role for PACAP was tested by observing Fos activation of brain neurons after olfactory threat cue in wild-type and PACAP knockout mice. Neuronal activation and behavioral response, were blunted in PACAP knock-out mice, accompanied by sharply downregulated vesicular transporter expression in both GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons expressing PACAP and its receptor. This report signals a new perspective on the role of neuropeptide signaling in supporting excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the nervous system within functionally coherent polysynaptic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.,Section on Molecular Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States
| | - Vito S Hernandez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Charles R Gerfen
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States
| | - Sunny Z Jiang
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States
| | - Lilian Zavala
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael A Barrio
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States.,Department of Complex Systems, Institute of Physics, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico, Mexico
| | - Lee E Eiden
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States
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13
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Hammack SE, Braas KM, May V. Chemoarchitecture of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis: Neurophenotypic diversity and function. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 179:385-402. [PMID: 34225977 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819975-6.00025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a compact but neurophenotypically complex structure in the ventral forebrain that is structurally and functionally linked to other limbic structures, including the amygdala nuclear complex, hypothalamic nuclei, hippocampus, and related midbrain structures, to participate in a wide range of functions, especially emotion, emotional learning, stress-related responses, and sexual behaviors. From a variety of sensory inputs, the BNST acts as a node for signal integration and coordination for information relay to downstream central neuroendocrine and autonomic centers for appropriate homeostatic physiological and behavioral responses. In contrast to the role of the amygdala in fear, the BNST has gained wide interest from work suggesting that it has main roles in mediating sustained responses to diffuse, unpredictable and/or long-duration threats that are typically associated with anxiety-related responses. Further, some BNST subregions are highly sexually dimorphic which appear contributory to the differential stress and social interactive behaviors, including reproductive responses, between males and females. Notably, maladaptive BNST neuroplasticity and function have been implicated in chronic pain, depression, anxiety-related abnormalities, and other psychopathologies including posttraumatic stress disorders. The BNST circuits are predominantly GABAergic-the glutaminergic neurons represent a minor population-but the complexity of the system results from an overlay of diverse neuropeptide coexpression in these neurons. More than a dozen neuropeptides may be differentially coexpressed in BNST neurons, and from variable G protein-coupled receptor signaling, may inhibit or activate downstream circuit activities. The mechanisms and roles of these peptides in modulating intrinsic BNST neurocircuit signaling and BNST long-distance target cell projections are still not well understood. Nevertheless, an understanding of some of the principal players may allow assembly of the circuit interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Karen M Braas
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Victor May
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States.
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14
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Intrabladder PAC1 Receptor Antagonist, PACAP(6-38), Reduces Urinary Bladder Frequency and Pelvic Sensitivity in Mice Exposed to Repeated Variate Stress (RVS). J Mol Neurosci 2020; 71:1575-1588. [PMID: 32613552 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress causes symptom exacerbation in functional disorders of the urinary bladder. However, the potential mediators and underlying mechanisms of stress effects on micturition reflex function are unknown. We have characterized PACAP (Adcyap1) and PAC1 receptor (Adcyap1r1) signaling in stress-induced urinary bladder dysfunction in mice. We determined PACAP and PAC1 transcripts and protein expressions in the urinary bladder and lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord in repeated variate stress (RVS) or control mouse (handling only) groups. RVS in mice significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased serum corticosterone and urinary bladder NGF content and decreased weight gain. PACAP and PAC1 mRNA and protein were differentially regulated in lower urinary tract tissues with changes observed in lumbosacral DRG and spinal cord but not in urinary bladder. RVS exposure in mice significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased (2.5-fold) voiding frequency as determined using conscious cystometry. Intrabladder administration of the PAC1 receptor antagonist, PACAP(6-38) (300 nM), significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased infused volume (1.5-2.7-fold) to elicit a micturition event and increased the intercontraction interval (i.e., decreased voiding frequency) in mice exposed to RVS and in control mice, but changes were smaller in magnitude in control mice. We also evaluated the effect of PAC1 blockade at the level of the urinary bladder on pelvic sensitivity in RVS or control mouse groups using von Frey filament testing. Intrabladder administration of PACAP(6-38) (300 nM) significantly (p ≤ 0.01) reduced pelvic sensitivity following RVS. PACAP/receptor signaling in the CNS and PNS contributes to increased voiding frequency and pelvic sensitivity following RVS and may represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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15
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Johnson GC, Parsons R, May V, Hammack SE. The Role of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) Signaling in the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:111. [PMID: 32425759 PMCID: PMC7203336 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP, ADCYAP1) dysregulation has been associated with multiple stress-related psychopathologies that may be related to altered hippocampal function. In coherence, PACAP- and PAC1 receptor (ADCYAP1R1)-null mice demonstrate changes in hippocampal-dependent behavioral responses, implicating the PACAPergic system function in this structure. Within the hippocampus, the dentate gyrus (DG) may play an important role in discerning the differences between similar contexts, and DG granule cells appear to both highly express PAC1 receptors and receive inputs from PACAP-expressing terminals. Here, we review the evidence from our laboratories and others that PACAP is an important regulator of activity within hippocampal circuits, particularly within the DG. These data are consistent with an increasing literature implicating PACAP circuits in stress-related pathologies such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and implicate the hippocampus, and in particular the DG, as a critical site in which PACAP dysregulation can alter stress-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Johnson
- Department of Psychological Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Rodney Parsons
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Victor May
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychological Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
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16
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Johnson GC, Parsons RL, May V, Hammack SE. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-induced PAC1 receptor internalization and recruitment of MEK/ERK signaling enhance excitability of dentate gyrus granule cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C870-C878. [PMID: 32186931 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00065.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP; ADCYAP1) is a pleiotropic neuropeptide widely distributed in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. PACAP and its specific cognate PAC1 receptor (ADCYAP1R1) play critical roles in the homeostatic maintenance of multiple physiological and behavioral systems. Notably, maladaptations in the PACAPergic system have been associated with several psychopathologies related to fear and anxiety. PAC1 receptor transcripts are highly expressed in granule cells of the dentate gyrus (DG). Here, we examined the direct effects of PACAP on DG granule cells in brain slices using whole cell patch recordings in current clamp mode. PACAP significantly increased the intrinsic excitability of DG granule cells via PAC1 receptor activation. This increased excitability was not mediated by adenylyl cyclase/cAMP or phospholipase C/PKC activation, but instead via activation of an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway initiated through PAC1 receptor endocytosis/endosomal signaling. PACAP failed to increase excitability in DG granule cells pretreated with the persistent sodium current blocker riluzole, suggesting that the observed PACAP effects required this component of the inward sodium current.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Johnson
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Rodney L Parsons
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Victor May
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
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17
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Köves K, Szabó E, Kántor O, Heinzlmann A, Szabó F, Csáki Á. Current State of Understanding of the Role of PACAP in the Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal Gonadotropin Functions of Mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:88. [PMID: 32210912 PMCID: PMC7067695 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PACAP was discovered 30 years ago in Dr. Akira Arimura's laboratory. In the past three decades since then, it has become evident that this peptide plays numerous crucial roles in mammalian organisms. The most important functions of PACAP are the following: 1. neurotransmitter, 2. neuromodulator, 3. hypophysiotropic hormone, 4. neuroprotector. This paper reviews the accumulated data regarding the distribution of PACAP and its receptors in the mammalian hypothalamus and pituitary gland, the role of PACAP in the gonadotropin hormone secretion of females and males. The review also summarizes the interaction between PACAP, GnRH, and sex steroids as well as hypothalamic peptides including kisspeptin. The possible role of PACAP in reproductive functions through the biological clock is also discussed. Finally, the significance of PACAP in the hypothalamo-hypophysial system is considered and the facts missing, that would help better understand the function of PACAP in this system, are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Köves
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Enikő Szabó
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kántor
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Heinzlmann
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Flóra Szabó
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Ágnes Csáki
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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18
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Lindberg PT, Mitchell JW, Burgoon PW, Beaulé C, Weihe E, Schäfer MKH, Eiden LE, Jiang SZ, Gillette MU. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Peptide (PACAP)-Glutamate Co-transmission Drives Circadian Phase-Advancing Responses to Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell Projections by Suprachiasmatic Nucleus. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1281. [PMID: 31866806 PMCID: PMC6909886 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Results from a variety of sources indicate a role for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in light/glutamate-induced phase resetting of the circadian clock mediated by the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT). Attempts to block or remove PACAP’s contribution to clock-resetting have generated phenotypes that differ in their responses to light or glutamate. For example, previous studies of circadian behaviors found that period-maintenance and early-night phase delays are intact in PACAP-null mice, yet there is a consistent deficit in behavioral phase-resetting to light stimulation in the late night. Here we report rodent stimulus–response characteristics of PACAP release from the RHT, and map these to responses of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in intact and PACAP-deficient mouse hypothalamus with regard to phase-resetting. SCN of PACAP-null mice exhibit normal circadian rhythms in neuronal activity, but are “blind” to glutamate stimulating phase-advance responses in late night, although not in early night, consistent with previously reported selective lack of late-night light behavioral responsiveness of these mice. Induction of CREB phosphorylation, a hallmark of the light/glutamate response of the SCN, also is absent in SCN-containing ex vivo slices from PACAP-deficient mouse hypothalamus. PACAP replacement to the SCN of PACAP-null mice restored wild-type phase-shifting of firing-rate patterns in response to glutamate applied to the SCN in late night. Likewise, ex vivo SCN of wild-type mice post-orbital enucleation are unresponsive to glutamate unless PACAP also is restored. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the period of efficacy of PACAP at SCN nerve terminals corresponds to waxing of PACAP mRNA expression in ipRGCs during the night, and waning during the day. These results validate the use of PACAP-deficient mice in defining the role and specificity of PACAP as a co-transmitter with glutamate in ipRGC-RHT projections to SCN in phase advancing the SCN circadian rhythm in late night.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder T Lindberg
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Jennifer W Mitchell
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Penny W Burgoon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Christian Beaulé
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Eberhard Weihe
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Center of Mind, Brain and Behaviour, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin K-H Schäfer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Center of Mind, Brain and Behaviour, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lee E Eiden
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Regulation, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sunny Z Jiang
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Regulation, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Martha U Gillette
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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19
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Tseng A, Singh P, Marquez P, Hamid A, Lutfy K. The role of endogenous pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in nicotine self-administration, reward and aversion. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 181:46-52. [PMID: 31028757 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its receptors (PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2) are localized in brain regions implicated in stress response, reward seeking and aversive responses, raising the possibility that PACAP may be involved in motivational effects of nicotine. To test this hypothesis, we used two-bottle choice (TBC) and place conditioning paradigms and assessed if nicotine preference or conditioned place preference (CPP) or aversion (CPA) induced by nicotine would be altered in mice lacking PACAP compared to their wild-type controls. In the TBC paradigm, mice had access to two water bottles during the first week and then one of the water bottles was switched to nicotine solution (20, 40 and then 80 μg/mL). The volume of water and nicotine consumed was measured every day. In the place conditioning paradigm, mice were tested for baseline place preference on day 1, received conditioning with saline versus a low (0.25) or high (1 mg/kg) dose nicotine and, respectively, tested for CPP or CPA 24 h following the last conditioning. We discovered that mice lacking PACAP compared to their wild-type controls exhibited more preference for nicotine over water in the TBC paradigm, particularly at the two higher concentrations of nicotine. While the rewarding action of the low dose nicotine was not altered in mice lacking PACAP, the aversive effect of the high dose nicotine was blunted in these mice compared to their wild-type controls. The present results suggest that endogenous PACAP may play a functional role in nicotine preference and its aversive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Tseng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Prableen Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Paul Marquez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Abdul Hamid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Kabirullah Lutfy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America.
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20
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Asnaghi L, White DT, Key N, Choi J, Mahale A, Alkatan H, Edward DP, Elkhamary SM, Al-Mesfer S, Maktabi A, Hurtado CG, Lee GY, Carcaboso AM, Mumm JS, Safieh LA, Eberhart CG. ACVR1C/SMAD2 signaling promotes invasion and growth in retinoblastoma. Oncogene 2018; 38:2056-2075. [PMID: 30401983 PMCID: PMC6430693 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0543-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular cancer in children. While the primary tumor can often be treated by local or systemic chemotherapy, metastatic dissemination is generally resistant to therapy and remains a leading cause of pediatric cancer death in much of the world. In order to identify new therapeutic targets in aggressive tumors, we sequenced RNA transcripts in five snap frozen retinoblastomas which invaded the optic nerve and five which did not. A three-fold increase was noted in mRNA levels of ACVR1C/ALK7, a type I receptor of the TGF-β family, in invasive retinoblastomas, while downregulation of DACT2 and LEFTY2, negative modulators of the ACVR1C signaling, was observed in most invasive tumors. A two- to three-fold increase in ACVR1C mRNA was also found in invasive WERI Rb1 and Y79 cells as compared to non-invasive cells in vitro. Transcripts of ACVR1C receptor and its ligands (Nodal, Activin A/B, and GDF3) were expressed in six retinoblastoma lines, and evidence of downstream SMAD2 signaling was present in all these lines. Pharmacological inhibition of ACVR1C signaling using SB505124, or genetic downregulation of the receptor using shRNA potently suppressed invasion, growth, survival, and reduced the protein levels of the mesenchymal markers ZEB1 and Snail. The inhibitory effects on invasion, growth, and proliferation were recapitulated by knocking down SMAD2, but not SMAD3. Finally, in an orthotopic zebrafish model of retinoblastoma, a 55% decrease in tumor spread was noted (p=0.0026) when larvae were treated with 3 μM of SB505124, as compared to DMSO. Similarly, knockdown of ACVR1C in injected tumor cells using shRNA also resulted in a 54% reduction in tumor dissemination in the zebrafish eye as compared to scrambled shRNA control (p=0.0005). Our data support a role for the ACVR1C/SMAD2 pathway in promoting invasion and growth of retinoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Asnaghi
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David T White
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nolan Key
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua Choi
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alka Mahale
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind Alkatan
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deepak P Edward
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sahar M Elkhamary
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Azza Maktabi
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Christopher G Hurtado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Grace Y Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jeff S Mumm
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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21
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Retrovirus-Mediated Transfection of the Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator Gene Results in Increased Thrombolysis of Blood Clots. Biochem Genet 2018; 57:234-247. [PMID: 30218285 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-018-9887-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is involved in the lysis of blood clots. In this study, we attempted to target thrombolysis and enhance blood clot lysis by generating a construct (pLEGFP-N1-tPA) to integrate tPA gene into the genome of different cell lines. pLEGFP-N1-tPA construct was generated and used to target the tPA gene in different cell lines. The thrombolytic effects mediated by the supernatant from transfected HeLa cells and Linx cells were assessed using plasma thrombus plates. Furthermore, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), which was fused to the tPA gene in the pLEGFP-N1-tPA construct, was analyzed under the fluorescent microscope to assess tPA localization. We also monitored tPA activity and expression in the transfected cell lines. As part of the study, we successfully generated the pLEGFP-N1-tPA construct. The sequence of this construct was verified and the construct was subsequently used to generate the PT67/pLEGFP-N1-tPA cell line. The pLEGFP-N1-tPA construct was also used to transfect HeLa cells and Linx cells. We observed that supernatants from transfected cells were capable of lysing thrombi. In addition, tPA activity and tPA concentration were elevated in the latter supernatants and tPA was rapidly and stably expressed in the transfected cell lines. These results reveal a potentially important thrombolytic role for tPA-targeted gene therapy following cardiac valve replacement.
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22
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Noseda R, Copenhagen D, Burstein R. Current understanding of photophobia, visual networks and headaches. Cephalalgia 2018; 39:1623-1634. [PMID: 29940781 DOI: 10.1177/0333102418784750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review clinical and pre-clinical evidence supporting the role of visual pathways, from the eye to the cortex, in the development of photophobia in headache disorders. BACKGROUND Photophobia is a poorly understood light-induced phenomenon that emerges in a variety of neurological and ophthalmological conditions. Over the years, multiple mechanisms have been proposed to explain its causes; however, scarce research and lack of systematic assessment of photophobia in patients has made the search for answers quite challenging. In the field of headaches, significant progress has been made recently on how specific visual networks contribute to photophobia features such as light-induced intensification of headache, increased perception of brightness and visual discomfort, which are frequently experienced by migraineurs. Such progress improved our understanding of the phenomenon and points to abnormal processing of light by both cone/rod-mediated image-forming and melanopsin-mediated non-image-forming visual pathways, and the consequential transfer of photic signals to multiple brain regions involved in sensory, autonomic and emotional regulation. CONCLUSION Photophobia phenotype is diverse, and the relative contribution of visual, trigeminal and autonomic systems may depend on the disease it emerges from. In migraine, photophobia could result from photic activation of retina-driven pathways involved in the regulation of homeostasis, making its association with headache more complex than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Noseda
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Copenhagen
- Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rami Burstein
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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DeLaney K, Buchberger AR, Atkinson L, Gründer S, Mousley A, Li L. New techniques, applications and perspectives in neuropeptide research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/3/jeb151167. [PMID: 29439063 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.151167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are one of the most diverse classes of signaling molecules and have attracted great interest over the years owing to their roles in regulation of a wide range of physiological processes. However, there are unique challenges associated with neuropeptide studies stemming from the highly variable molecular sizes of the peptides, low in vivo concentrations, high degree of structural diversity and large number of isoforms. As a result, much effort has been focused on developing new techniques for studying neuropeptides, as well as novel applications directed towards learning more about these endogenous peptides. The areas of importance for neuropeptide studies include structure, localization within tissues, interaction with their receptors, including ion channels, and physiological function. Here, we discuss these aspects and the associated techniques, focusing on technologies that have demonstrated potential in advancing the field in recent years. Most identification and structural information has been gained by mass spectrometry, either alone or with confirmations from other techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and other spectroscopic tools. While mass spectrometry and bioinformatic tools have proven to be the most powerful for large-scale analyses, they still rely heavily on complementary methods for confirmation. Localization within tissues, for example, can be probed by mass spectrometry imaging, immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassays. Functional information has been gained primarily from behavioral studies coupled with tissue-specific assays, electrophysiology, mass spectrometry and optogenetic tools. Concerning the receptors for neuropeptides, the discovery of ion channels that are directly gated by neuropeptides opens up the possibility of developing a new generation of tools for neuroscience, which could be used to monitor neuropeptide release or to specifically change the membrane potential of neurons. It is expected that future neuropeptide research will involve the integration of complementary bioanalytical technologies and functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen DeLaney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Amanda R Buchberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Louise Atkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Angela Mousley
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA .,School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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24
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Girard BM, Tooke K, Vizzard MA. PACAP/Receptor System in Urinary Bladder Dysfunction and Pelvic Pain Following Urinary Bladder Inflammation or Stress. Front Syst Neurosci 2017; 11:90. [PMID: 29255407 PMCID: PMC5722809 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2017.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex organization of CNS and PNS pathways is necessary for the coordinated and reciprocal functions of the urinary bladder, urethra and urethral sphincters. Injury, inflammation, psychogenic stress or diseases that affect these nerve pathways and target organs can produce lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction. Numerous neuropeptide/receptor systems are expressed in the neural pathways of the LUT and non-neural components of the LUT (e.g., urothelium) also express peptides. One such neuropeptide receptor system, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP; Adcyap1) and its cognate receptor, PAC1 (Adcyap1r1), have tissue-specific distributions in the LUT. Mice with a genetic deletion of PACAP exhibit bladder dysfunction and altered somatic sensation. PACAP and associated receptors are expressed in the LUT and exhibit neuroplastic changes with neural injury, inflammation, and diseases of the LUT as well as psychogenic stress. Blockade of the PACAP/PAC1 receptor system reduces voiding frequency in preclinical animal models and transgenic mouse models that mirror some clinical symptoms of bladder dysfunction. A change in the balance of the expression and resulting function of the PACAP/receptor system in CNS and PNS bladder reflex pathways may underlie LUT dysfunction including symptoms of urinary urgency, increased voiding frequency, and visceral pain. The PACAP/receptor system in micturition pathways may represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention to reduce LUT dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice M Girard
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Katharine Tooke
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Margaret A Vizzard
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
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25
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Ago Y, Hayata-Takano A, Kawanai T, Yamauchi R, Takeuchi S, Cushman JD, Rajbhandari AK, Fanselow MS, Hashimoto H, Waschek JA. Impaired extinction of cued fear memory and abnormal dendritic morphology in the prelimbic and infralimbic cortices in VPAC2 receptor (VIPR2)-deficient mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 145:222-231. [PMID: 29030297 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The structurally related neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) have been implicated in stress regulation and learning and memory. Several bodies of research have shown the impact of the PACAP specific receptor PAC1 on fear memory, but the roles of other PACAP receptors in regulating fear stress responses remain to be elucidated. Here we aimed to investigate the effects of genetic deletion of VIPR2 encoding the VPAC2 receptor, which binds both VIP and PACAP, on fear-related memory and on dendritic morphology in the brain regions of the fear circuitry. Male VPAC2 receptor knockout (VPAC2-KO) and littermate wild-type control mice were subjected to Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigm. VPAC2-KO mice displayed normal acquisition of fear conditioning, contextual and cued fear memory, but impaired extinction of cued fear memory. Morphological analyses revealed reductions in cell body size and total branch number and length of apical and basal dendrites of prelimbic cortex neurons in VPAC2-KO mice. In addition, Sholl analysis indicated that the amount of dendritic material distal to the soma was decreased, while proximal dendritic material was increased. In the infralimbic cortex, the amount of apical dendritic material proximal to the soma was increased in VPAC2-KO mice, while other indices of morphology did not differ. Finally, there were no differences in dendritic morphology in basolateral amygdala neurons between genotypes. These findings suggest that the VPAC2 receptor plays an important role in the fear extinction processes and the regulation of the dendritic morphology in the prelimbic and infralimbic cortices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Ago
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Atsuko Hayata-Takano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, 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 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takuya Kawanai
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Yamauchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shuto Takeuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Jesse D Cushman
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC 27709, USA; Department of Psychology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Abha K Rajbhandari
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael S Fanselow
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, 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 565-0871, Japan; Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - James A Waschek
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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26
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Ramikie TS, Ressler KJ. Stress-related disorders, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP)ergic system, and sex differences. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2017. [PMID: 28179812 PMCID: PMC5286726 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2016.18.4/kressler] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Trauma-related disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are remarkably common and debilitating, and are often characterized by dysregulated threat responses. Across numerous epidemiological studies, females have been found to have an approximately twofold increased risk for PTSD and other stress-related disorders. Understanding the biological mechanisms of this differential risk is of critical importance. Recent data suggest that the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) pathway is a critical regulator of the stress response across species. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that this pathway is regulated by both stress and estrogen modulation and may provide an important window into understanding mechanisms of sex differences in the stress response. We have recently shown that PACAP and its receptor (PAC1R) are critical mediators of abnormal processes after psychological trauma. Notably, in heavily traumatized human subjects, there appears to be a robust sex-specific association of PACAP blood levels and PAC1R gene variants with fear physiology, PTSD diagnosis, and symptoms, specifically in females. The sex-specific association occurs within a single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2267735) that resides in a putative estrogen response element involved in PAC1R gene regulation. Complementing these human data, the PAC1R messenger RNA is induced with fear conditioning or estrogen replacement in rodent models. These data suggest that perturbations in the PACAP-PAC1R pathway are regulated by estrogen and are involved in abnormal fear responses underlying PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teniel S Ramikie
- Department of Psychiatry, McClean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, McClean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
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27
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Abstract
Stressor exposure is associated with the onset and severity of many psychopathologies that are more common in women than men. Moreover, the maladaptive expression and function of stress-related hormones have been implicated in these disorders. Evidence suggests that PACAP has a critical role in the stress circuits mediating stress-responding, and PACAP may interact with sex hormones to contribute to sex differences in stress-related disease. In this review, we describe the role of the PACAP/PAC1 system in stress biology, focusing on the role of stress-induced alterations in PACAP expression and signaling in the development of stress-induced behavioral change. Additionally, we present more recent data suggesting potential interactions between stress, PACAP, and circulating estradiol in pathological states, including PTSD. These studies suggest that the level of stress and circulating gonadal hormones may differentially regulate the PACAPergic system in males and females to influence anxiety-like behavior and may be one mechanism underlying the discrepancies in human psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bradley King
- a Department of Psychological Science , University of Vermont , Burlington , VT , USA
| | - Donna J Toufexis
- a Department of Psychological Science , University of Vermont , Burlington , VT , USA
| | - Sayamwong E Hammack
- a Department of Psychological Science , University of Vermont , Burlington , VT , USA
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28
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Ramikie TS, Ressler KJ. Stress-related disorders, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP)ergic system, and sex differences. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2016; 18:403-413. [PMID: 28179812 PMCID: PMC5286726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Trauma-related disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are remarkably common and debilitating, and are often characterized by dysregulated threat responses. Across numerous epidemiological studies, females have been found to have an approximately twofold increased risk for PTSD and other stress-related disorders. Understanding the biological mechanisms of this differential risk is of critical importance. Recent data suggest that the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) pathway is a critical regulator of the stress response across species. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that this pathway is regulated by both stress and estrogen modulation and may provide an important window into understanding mechanisms of sex differences in the stress response. We have recently shown that PACAP and its receptor (PAC1R) are critical mediators of abnormal processes after psychological trauma. Notably, in heavily traumatized human subjects, there appears to be a robust sex-specific association of PACAP blood levels and PAC1R gene variants with fear physiology, PTSD diagnosis, and symptoms, specifically in females. The sex-specific association occurs within a single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2267735) that resides in a putative estrogen response element involved in PAC1R gene regulation. Complementing these human data, the PAC1R messenger RNA is induced with fear conditioning or estrogen replacement in rodent models. These data suggest that perturbations in the PACAP-PAC1R pathway are regulated by estrogen and are involved in abnormal fear responses underlying PTSD.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptation, Psychological/physiology
- Animals
- Biomarkers/blood
- Estrogens/physiology
- Fear/physiology
- Female
- Gene-Environment Interaction
- Humans
- Male
- Memory/physiology
- Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide/blood
- Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide/genetics
- Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide/physiology
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, Type I/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, Type I/physiology
- Risk Factors
- Sex Characteristics
- Sex Factors
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/blood
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/genetics
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/physiopathology
- Stress, Physiological/genetics
- Stress, Physiological/physiology
- Stress, Psychological/genetics
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Teniel S Ramikie
- Department of Psychiatry, McClean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, McClean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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Rajbhandari AK, Zhu R, Adling C, Fanselow MS, Waschek JA. Graded fear generalization enhances the level of cfos-positive neurons specifically in the basolateral amygdala. J Neurosci Res 2016; 94:1393-1399. [PMID: 27661774 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Fear is an important emotional reaction in response to threatening stimuli and is important for survival. However, when fear occurs in inappropriate circumstances, it can lead to pathological conditions including an increased vulnerability for developing anxiety disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients with PTSD generalize fear to contexts or to environments that are not associated with the trauma. We sought to explore if increasing the level of dissimilarity relative to the context in which mice learn fear results in changes in the level of fear responding to the new context. We also determined with this procedure if the number of cells expressing the immediate early gene cfos changes with the corresponding level of expressed fear within brain regions known to be important in modulating fear, including the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and hippocampus. Our results indicate that mice that were tested in increasingly different contexts showed significantly different levels of fear responses. Freezing level was higher in the context most similar to the acquisition context than the one that was highly different. The level of cfos within the BLA, but not hippocampus, was also significantly different between the test contexts, with higher levels in the somewhat similar compared with the most different context. Overall, these results highlight the BLA as a critical region in the node of fear circuitry for modulating fear generalization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha K Rajbhandari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ruoyan Zhu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Cora Adling
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael S Fanselow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - James A Waschek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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