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Laham BJ, Murthy SS, Hanani M, Clappier M, Boyer S, Vasquez B, Gould E. The estrous cycle modulates early-life adversity effects on mouse avoidance behavior through progesterone signaling. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7537. [PMID: 36476469 PMCID: PMC9729614 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35068-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) increases the likelihood of neuropsychiatric diagnoses, which are more prevalent in women than men. Since changes in reproductive hormone levels can also increase the probability of anxiety disorders in women, we examined the effects of ELA on adult female mice across the estrous cycle. We found that during diestrus, when progesterone levels are relatively high, ELA mice exhibit increased avoidance behavior and increased theta oscillation power in the ventral hippocampus (vHIP). We also found that diestrus ELA mice had higher levels of progesterone and lower levels of allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid metabolite of progesterone, in the vHIP compared with control-reared mice. Progesterone receptor antagonism normalized avoidance behavior in ELA mice, while treatment with a negative allosteric modulator of allopregnanolone promoted avoidance behavior in control mice. These results suggest that altered vHIP progesterone and allopregnanolone signaling during diestrus increases avoidance behavior in ELA mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake J Laham
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ, 08450, USA
| | | | - Monica Hanani
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ, 08450, USA
| | - Mona Clappier
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ, 08450, USA
| | - Sydney Boyer
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ, 08450, USA
| | - Betsy Vasquez
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ, 08450, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gould
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ, 08450, USA.
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Vozella V, Cruz B, Natividad LA, Benvenuti F, Cannella N, Edwards S, Zorrilla EP, Ciccocioppo R, Roberto M. Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Mifepristone Does Not Alter Innate Anxiety-Like Behavior in Genetically-Selected Marchigian Sardinian (msP) Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3095. [PMID: 33803557 PMCID: PMC8003048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats serve as a unique model of heightened alcohol preference and anxiety disorders. Their innate enhanced stress and poor stress-coping strategies are driven by a genetic polymorphism of the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1) in brain areas involved in glucocorticoid signaling. The activation of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) regulates the stress response, making GRs a candidate target to treat stress and anxiety. Here, we examined whether mifepristone, a GR antagonist known to reduce alcohol drinking in dependent rats, decreases innate symptoms of anxiety in msPs. Male and female msPs were compared to non-selected Wistar counterparts across three separate behavioral tests. We assessed anxiety-like behavior via the novelty-induced hypophagia (NIH) assay. Since sleep disturbances and hyperarousal are common features of stress-related disorders, we measured sleeping patterns using the comprehensive lab monitoring system (CLAMS) and stress sensitivity using acoustic startle measures. Rats received an acute administration of vehicle or mifepristone (60 mg/kg) 90 min prior to testing on NIH, acoustic startle response, and CLAMS. Our results revealed that both male and female msPs display greater anxiety-like behaviors as well as enhanced acoustic startle responses compared to Wistar counterparts. Male msPs also displayed reduced sleeping bout duration versus Wistars, and female msPs displayed greater acoustic startle responses versus male msPs. Importantly, the enhanced anxiety-like behavior and startle responses were not reduced by mifepristone. Together, these findings suggest that increased expression of stress-related behaviors in msPs are not solely mediated by acute activation of GRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vozella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.V.); (B.C.); (E.P.Z.)
| | - Bryan Cruz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.V.); (B.C.); (E.P.Z.)
| | - Luis A. Natividad
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
| | - Federica Benvenuti
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (F.B.); (N.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Nazzareno Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (F.B.); (N.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Scott Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University, Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Eric P. Zorrilla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.V.); (B.C.); (E.P.Z.)
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (F.B.); (N.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.V.); (B.C.); (E.P.Z.)
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Bou Khalil R, Smayra V, Saliba Y, Hajal J, Bakhos JJ, Souaiby L, Richa S, Tamraz J, Farès N. Mifepristone reduces hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and restores weight loss in rats subjected to dietary restriction and methylphenidate administration. Neurosci Res 2017; 135:46-53. [PMID: 29288690 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.12.008] [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: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates the efficacy of mifepristone on weight restoration in rats subjected to dietary restriction and methylphenidate administration. 25 female rats aged between 9 and 12 months were divided into 2 groups: 5 controls (exposed only to dietary restriction) and 20 rats that were administered 5 mg/kg/d of methylphenidate before meal exposure, for 36 days. Among rats who responded to methylphenidate (weight loss of 15-25%) weeks after its administration, a group of 6 rats continued to receive only methylphenidate ("Met" group), and another group received 10 mg/kg/d of mifepristone in addition to methylphenidate for 18 days ("Met+Mif" group; n = 6). The mean weight of the "Met+Mif" group remained significantly lower when compared to the control group (87.63 ± 2.83% vs 96.29 ± 3.26%; p < 0.001 respectively) but was significantly higher than that of the "Met" group (87.63 ± 2.83% vs. 80.61 ± 3.52%; p < 0.001 respectively). Plasma concentrations of adiponectin and gene expression of its receptors in rats brain were significantly higher in the "Met" group as compared to the "Met+Mif" and control groups (p < 0.01). Accordingly, mifepristone reduces HPA axis activation and restores weight through adipose tissue recovering. It might be considered a promising treatment for anorexia nervosa patients in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Bou Khalil
- Saint Joseph University, Hôtel Dieu de France Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Beirut, Lebanon; Saint Joseph University, Research Laboratory in Physiology and Physiopathology, LRPP, Beirut, Lebanon; Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Viviane Smayra
- Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youakim Saliba
- Saint Joseph University, Research Laboratory in Physiology and Physiopathology, LRPP, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Hajal
- Saint Joseph University, Research Laboratory in Physiology and Physiopathology, LRPP, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jules-Joël Bakhos
- Saint Joseph University, Research Laboratory in Physiology and Physiopathology, LRPP, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lama Souaiby
- National mental health program, Ministry of public health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sami Richa
- Saint Joseph University, Hôtel Dieu de France Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Beirut, Lebanon; Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon; Saint Joseph University, Head of department of Psychiatry, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jean Tamraz
- Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon; Saint Joseph University, Hôtel Dieu de France Hospital, Department of Neuroimaging, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nassim Farès
- Saint Joseph University, Research Laboratory in Physiology and Physiopathology, LRPP, Beirut, Lebanon; Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
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The importance of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis as a therapeutic target in anorexia nervosa. Physiol Behav 2016; 171:13-20. [PMID: 28043861 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder, mainly affecting women, with a lifetime prevalence of about 1%, that can run a chronic course. While an effective pharmacotherapy is lacking, it is hypothesized that the progesterone and type II glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone (RU486) might be useful, as it is well known that the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is activated in AN. Even if secondary to the eating disorder, an active HPA axis may contribute to maintaining the neuroendocrine, emotional and behavioral effects observed in AN. More specifically, it is suggested that the HPA axis interacts with limbic structures, including the insular and prefrontal cortices, to uphold the changes in interoceptive and emotional awareness seen in AN. As such, it is proposed that mifepristone (RU486) reverses these effects by acting on these limbic regions. In conclusion, the theoretical efficacy of mifepristone (RU486) in improving symptoms of AN should be tested in randomized clinical trials.
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Beckley EH, Scibelli AC, Finn DA. Progesterone receptor antagonist CDB-4124 increases depression-like behavior in mice without affecting locomotor ability. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:824-33. [PMID: 21163582 PMCID: PMC3081939 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2010] [Revised: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone withdrawal has been proposed as an underlying factor in premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression. Progesterone withdrawal induces forced swim test (FST) immobility in mice, a depression-like behavior, but the contribution of specific receptors to this effect is unclear. The role of progesterone's GABA(A) receptor-modulating metabolite allopregnanolone in depression- and anxiety-related behaviors has been extensively documented, but little attention has been paid to the role of progesterone receptors. We administered the classic progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone (RU-38486) and the specific progesterone receptor antagonist CDB-4124 to mice that had been primed with progesterone for five days, and found that both compounds induced FST immobility reliably, robustly, and in a dose-dependent fashion. Although CDB-4124 increased FST immobility, it did not suppress initial activity in a locomotor test. These findings suggest that decreased progesterone receptor activity contributes to depression-like behavior in mice, consistent with the hypothesis that progesterone withdrawal may contribute to the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan H. Beckley
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Angela C. Scibelli
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Deborah A. Finn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239
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Tetel MJ, Pfaff DW. Contributions of estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-ß to the regulation of behavior. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2010; 1800:1084-9. [PMID: 20097268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Studies of the mechanisms by which estrogens influence brain function and behavior have advanced from the explication of individual hormone receptors, neural circuitry and individual gene expression. Now, we can report patterns of estrogen receptor subtype contributions to patterns of behavior. Moreover, new work demonstrates important contributions of nuclear receptor coactivator expression in the central nervous system. In this paper, our current state of knowledge is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc J Tetel
- Neuroscience Program, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
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Gholipour T, Jabbarzadeh A, Riazi K, Rasouli A, Nezami BG, Sharifzadeh M, Dehpour AR. Role of nitric oxide in the anticonvulsive effect of progesterone. Epilepsy Behav 2008; 13:579-84. [PMID: 18703162 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2007] [Revised: 07/23/2008] [Accepted: 07/26/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Described here is an investigation of the potential interaction of the nitric oxide signaling pathway with the anticonvulsant effects of progesterone. In ovariectomized Swiss mice, the threshold for seizures induced by intravenous infusion of pentylenetetrazole was determined after treatment with progesterone (25, 50, or 75 mg/kg, given subcutaneously 6h before seizure testing) or vehicle. Progesterone induced significant anticonvulsive activity at moderate (50 mg/kg) and high (75 mg/kg) doses. This effect of progesterone was abolished by the NO precursor compound L-arginine (200 mg/kg). Moreover, when subeffective doses of progesterone (25 mg/kg) and the NO synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg) were injected, a strong anticonvulsant effect was observed. These findings suggest a potential role for NO signaling as an anticonvulsant target in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Gholipour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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