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Chang Y, Xie X, Liu Y, Liu M, Zhang H. Exploring clinical applications and long-term effectiveness of benzodiazepines: An integrated perspective on mechanisms, imaging, and personalized medicine. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116329. [PMID: 38401518 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines have been long-established treatments for various conditions, including anxiety disorders and insomnia. Recent FDA warnings emphasize the risks of misuse and dependence associated with benzodiazepines. This article highlights their benefits and potential drawbacks from various perspectives. It achieves this by explaining how benzodiazepines work in terms of neuroendocrinology, immunomodulation, sleep, anxiety, cognition, and addiction, ultimately improving their clinical effectiveness. Benzodiazepines play a regulatory role in the HPA axis and impact various systems, including neuropeptide Y and cholecystokinin. Benzodiazepines can facilitate sleep-dependent memory consolidation by promoting spindle wave activity, but they can also lead to memory deficits in older individuals due to reduced slow-wave sleep. The cognitive effects of chronic benzodiazepines use remain uncertain; however, no adverse findings have been reported in clinical imaging studies. This article aims to comprehensively review the evidence on benzodiazepines therapy, emphasizing the need for more clinical studies, especially regarding long-term benzodiazepines use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiheng Chang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xueting Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yudan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Meichen Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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Logge W, Hurzeler T, Arunogiri S, Towers E, Baillie A, Haber PS, Morley K. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical response in alcohol-dependent patients during baclofen treatment and association with clinical outcome: Preliminary results. Alcohol 2023; 112:25-29. [PMID: 37244449 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Baclofen has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption in some individuals with alcohol use disorder. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate i) the effect of baclofen versus placebo on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical activity (HPA axis), as measured by cortisol, and ii) the relationship between clinical outcomes such as alcohol consumption on a randomized controlled trial of baclofen (BAC) versus placebo (PL) (Kirsten C. Morley et al., 2018; K. C. Morley, Leung, Baillie, & Haber, 2013). We hypothesized that baclofen will reduce HPA-axis activity following a mild stressor in patients with alcohol dependence. Plasma cortisol levels were taken from N = 25 alcohol-dependent patients at two time points, approximately 60 (pre-MRI scan: PreCortisol) and 180 min (post MRI scan: PostCortisol) following administration of PL, BAC 10 mg, or BAC 25 mg. Participants were followed up for the remaining 10 weeks as part of the trial for clinical outcome (percentage days abstinent). Mixed models revealed a significant main effect of medication on cortisol levels (F = 3.88, p = 0.037), no significant effect of time (F = 0.04, p = 0.84), and a significant time × medication interaction (F = 3.54, p = 0.049). Linear regression (F = 6.98, p = 0.01, R2 = 0.66) revealed that abstinence at follow-up, weighted by gender, was predicted by blunted cortisol response (β = -0.48 p = 0.023), in addition to medication (β = 0.73 p = 0.003). In conclusion, our preliminary data suggest that baclofen moderates HPA-axis activity, as measured by blood cortisol, and that these alterations may play a role in long-term treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Logge
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tristan Hurzeler
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shalini Arunogiri
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ellen Towers
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Baillie
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul S Haber
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsten Morley
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Nadia H, Fabienne M, Pierard C, Nicole M, Daniel B. Preventive Effects of Baclofen but Not Diazepam on Hippocampal Memory and Glucocorticoid Alterations After Prolonged Alcohol Withdrawal in Mice. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:799225. [PMID: 35686185 PMCID: PMC9171496 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.799225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study aims at comparing in C57/Bl male mice, the impact of repeated injections of baclofen (an agonist of GABAB receptor) or diazepam (a benzodiazepine acting through a positive allosteric modulation of GABAA receptor) administered during the alcohol-withdrawal period on hippocampus-dependent memory impairments and brain regional glucocorticoid dysfunction after a short (1-week) or a long (4-week) abstinence. Hence, mice were submitted to a 6-month alcohol consumption (12%v/v) and were progressively withdrawn to water. Then, after a 1- or 4-weeks abstinence, they were submitted to a contextual memory task followed by measurements of corticosterone concentrations in the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Results showed that 1- and 4-week withdrawn mice exhibited a severe memory deficit and a significant abnormal rise of the test-induced increase of corticosterone (TICC) in the dHPC, as compared to water-controls or to mice still under alcohol consumption. Repeated daily systemic administrations of decreasing doses of diazepam (ranged from 0.5 to 0.12 mg/kg) or baclofen (ranged from 1.5 to 0.37 mg/kg) during the last 15 days of the withdrawal period, normalized both memory and TICC scores in the dHPC in 1-week withdrawn animals; in contrast, only baclofen-withdrawn mice showed both normal memory performance and TICC scores in the dHPC after a 4-week withdrawal period. In conclusion, the memory improvement observed in 4-week withdrawn mice administered with baclofen stem from the protracted normalization of glucocorticoid activity in the dHPC, a phenomenon encountered only transitorily in diazepam-treated withdrawn mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henkous Nadia
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
| | - Martins Fabienne
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
| | - Christophe Pierard
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Place Général Valérie André, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Mons Nicole
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
| | - Beracochea Daniel
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA), Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
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Drug addiction co-morbidity with alcohol: Neurobiological insights. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 157:409-472. [PMID: 33648675 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic disorder that consists of a three-stage cycle of binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation. These stages involve, respectively, neuroadaptations in brain circuits involved in incentive salience and habit formation, stress surfeit and reward deficit, and executive function. Much research on addiction focuses on the neurobiology underlying single drug use. However, alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be co-morbid with substance use disorder (SUD), called dual dependence. The limited epidemiological data on dual dependence indicates that there is a large population of individuals suffering from addiction who are dependent on more than one drug and/or alcohol, yet dual dependence remains understudied in addiction research. Here, we review neurobiological data on neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems that are known to contribute to addiction pathology and how the involvement of these systems is consistent or divergent across drug classes. In particular, we highlight the dopamine, opioid, corticotropin-releasing factor, norepinephrine, hypocretin/orexin, glucocorticoid, neuroimmune signaling, endocannabinoid, glutamate, and GABA systems. We also discuss the limited research on these systems in dual dependence. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the use of multiple drugs can produce neuroadaptations that are distinct from single drug use. Further investigation into the neurobiology of dual dependence is necessary to develop effective treatments for addiction to multiple drugs.
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Tafet GE, Nemeroff CB. Pharmacological Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: The Role of the HPA Axis. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:443. [PMID: 32499732 PMCID: PMC7243209 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress in general, and early life stress in particular, has been associated with the development of anxiety and mood disorders. The molecular, biological and psychological links between stress exposure and the pathogenesis of anxiety and mood disorders have been extensively studied, resulting in the search of novel psychopharmacological strategies aimed at targets of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hyperactivity of the HPA axis has been observed in certain subgroups of patients with anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the effects of different anti-anxiety agents on various components of the HPA axis has been investigated, including benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). For example, benzodiazepines, including clonazepam and alprazolam, have been demonstrated to reduce the activity of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the hypothalamus. TCAs and SSRIs are also effective anti-anxiety agents and these may act, in part, by modulating the HPA axis. In this regard, the SSRI escitalopram inhibits CRF release in the central nucleus of the amygdala, while increasing glucocorticoid receptor (GRs) density in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The molecular effects of these anti-anxiety agents in the regulation of the HPA axis, taken together with their clinical efficacy, may provide further understanding about the role of the HPA axis in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo E. Tafet
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Maimónides University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Charles B. Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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Shim HS, Park HJ, Woo J, Lee CJ, Shim I. Role of astrocytic GABAergic system on inflammatory cytokine-induced anxiety-like behavior. Neuropharmacology 2019; 160:107776. [PMID: 31513788 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that not only neurons but astrocytes contain a considerable amount of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can be released and activate the receptors responsive to GABA. The purpose of this study is to test whether gliotransmitters from astrocytes may play a role in etiology of anxiety symptoms. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), one of potent inflammatory cytokines, induced anxiety-like behaviors and activated the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Pretreatment with astrocytes toxin, l-α-aminoadipate (L-AAA) reduced anxiety-like behaviors and the GFAP expression in the PVN. Intraparaventricular nucleus (iPVN) infusion of IL-1β produced markedly anxiety-like behaviors and increased release of GABA from astrocytes. However, treatment of glial cell inhibitor, L-AAA or blocker of Bestrophin-1 (Best1), 5-Nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) markedly inactivated astrocytes and also reduced the anxiety-like behaviors. Treatment of L-AAA or NPPB decreased IL-1β-induced gliotransmitter GABA release measured by in vivo microdialysis. These results suggest that selective inhibition of astrocytes or astocytic GABA release in the PVN may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for treating anxiety and affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Soo Shim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongys0daemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea; Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongys0daemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea; Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyonggi University, 154-42, Gwanggyosan-ro, Youngtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16227, South Korea
| | - Junsung Woo
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, South Korea
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, South Korea
| | - Insop Shim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongys0daemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
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Wardzinski EK, Friedrichsen L, Dannenberger S, Kistenmacher A, Melchert UH, Jauch-Chara K, Oltmanns KM. Double transcranial direct current stimulation of the brain increases cerebral energy levels and systemic glucose tolerance in men. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12688. [PMID: 30659676 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory method that has been tested experimentally and has already been used as an adjuvant therapeutic option to treat a number of neurological disorders and neuropsychiatric diseases. Beyond its well known local effects within the brain, tDCS also transiently promotes systemic glucose uptake and reduces the activity of the neurohormonal stress axes. We aimed to test whether the effects of a single tDCS application could be replicated upon double stimulation to persistently improve systemic glucose tolerance and stress axes activity in humans. In a single-blinded cross-over study, we examined 15 healthy male volunteers. Anodal tDCS vs sham was applied twice in series. Systemic glucose tolerance was investigated by the standard hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic glucose clamp procedure, and parameters of neurohormonal stress axes activity were measured. Because tDCS-induced brain energy consumption has been shown to be part of the mechanism underlying the assumed effects, we monitored the cerebral high-energy phosphates ATP and phosphocreatine by 31 phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy. As hypothesised, analyses revealed that double anodal tDCS persistently increases glucose tolerance compared to sham. Moreover, we observed a significant rise in cerebral high-energy phosphate content upon double tDCS. Accordingly, the activity of the neurohormonal stress axes was reduced upon tDCS compared to sham. Our data demonstrate that double tDCS promotes systemic glucose uptake and reduces stress axes activity in healthy humans. These effects suggest that repetitive tDCS may be a future non-pharmacological option for combating glucose intolerance in type 2 diabetes patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina K Wardzinski
- Section of Psychoneurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Lisa Friedrichsen
- Section of Psychoneurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sina Dannenberger
- Section of Psychoneurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Alina Kistenmacher
- Section of Psychoneurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Uwe H Melchert
- Section of Psychoneurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Kamila Jauch-Chara
- Section of Psychoneurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Kerstin M Oltmanns
- Section of Psychoneurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
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Rabat Y, Henkous N, Corio M, Nogues X, Beracochea D. Baclofen but Not Diazepam Alleviates Alcohol-Seeking Behavior and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Stressed Withdrawn Mice. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:238. [PMID: 31105600 PMCID: PMC6492502 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compares the impact of repeated injections of baclofen (an agonist of GABAB receptors) or diazepam (a benzodiazepine having an agonist action on GABAA receptors) given during the alcohol-withdrawal period on the stress-induced restoration of alcohol-seeking behavior and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction after a long (4 weeks) abstinence. Thus, C57BL/6 mice were submitted to a 6-month alcohol consumption [12% volume/volume (v/v)] and were progressively withdrawn to water before testing. Diazepam (Valium®, Roche) and baclofen (Baclofen®, Mylan) were administered intraperitoneally for 15 consecutive days (1 injection/day) during the withdrawal period at decreasing doses ranging from 1.0 mg/kg (Day 15) to 0.25 mg/kg (Day 1) for diazepam and from 1.5 mg/kg (Day 15) to 0.37 mg/kg (Day 1) for baclofen. Alcohol-seeking behavior was evaluated by alcohol-place preference in an odor recognition task. In the stress condition, mice received three electric footshocks 45 min before behavioral testing. Blood was sampled immediately after behavioral testing, and plasma corticosterone concentrations were measured by commercial enzyme immunoassay kits. Results showed that non-stressed withdrawn mice did not exhibit alcohol-place preference or alteration of plasma corticosterone concentrations relative to water controls. After stress, however, withdrawn mice exhibited a significant alcohol-place preference and higher circulating corticosterone concentrations as compared to stressed water controls. Interestingly, repeated administration during the withdrawal phase of baclofen but not diazepam suppressed both the alcohol-place preference and normalized corticosterone levels in stressed withdrawn animals. In conclusion, this study evidences that a pre-treatment with baclofen but not with diazepam during the withdrawal phase normalized, even after a long period of abstinence, the HPA axis response to stress, which contributes to the long-term preventing effects of this compound on alcohol-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolaine Rabat
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA), CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
| | - Nadia Henkous
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA), CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
| | - Marc Corio
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA), CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
| | | | - Daniel Beracochea
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA), CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
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Béracochéa D, Mons N, David V. Targeting the Glucocorticoid Receptors During Alcohol Withdrawal to Reduce Protracted Neurocognitive Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:580. [PMID: 31620025 PMCID: PMC6759466 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent regional glucocorticoid (GC) dysregulation in alcohol-withdrawn subjects emerges as a key factor responsible for protracted molecular and neural alterations associated with long-term cognitive dysfunction. Regional brain concentrations of corticosterone vary independently from plasma concentrations in alcohol-withdrawn subjects, which may account for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced persistent pathology. Thus, from a pharmacological point of view, a main issue remains to determine the relative efficacy of compounds targeting the GC receptors to attenuate or suppress the long-lasting persistence of brain regional GC dysfunctions in abstinent alcoholics, as well as persistent changes of neural plasticity. Data from animal research show that acting directly on GC receptors during the withdrawal period, via selective antagonists, can significantly counteract the development and persistence of cognitive and neural plasticity disorders during protracted abstinence. A critical remaining issue is to better assess the relative long-term efficacy of GC antagonists and other compounds targeting the corticotropic axis activity such as gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) and GABAB agonists. Indeed, benzodiazepines (acting indirectly on GABAA receptors) and baclofen (agonist of the GABAB receptor) are the compounds most widely used to reduce alcohol dependence. Clinical and preclinical data suggest that baclofen exerts an effective and more powerful counteracting action on such persistent cognitive and endocrine dysfunctions as compared to diazepam, even though its potential negative effects on memory processes, particularly at high doses, should be better taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Béracochéa
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France.,CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France
| | - Nicole Mons
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France.,CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France
| | - Vincent David
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France.,CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France
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10
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Kim G, Jung S, Son H, Kim S, Choi J, Lee DH, Roh GS, Kang SS, Cho GJ, Choi WS, Kim HJ. The GABAB receptor associates with regulators of G-protein signaling 4 protein in the mouse prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus. BMB Rep 2015; 47:324-9. [PMID: 24286319 PMCID: PMC4163873 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2014.47.6.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins regulate certain G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated signaling pathways. The GABAB receptor (GABABR) is a GPCR that plays a role in the stress response. Previous studies indicate that acute immobilization stress (AIS) decreases RGS4 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hypothalamus (HY) and suggest the possibility of a signal complex composed of RGS4 and GABABR. Therefore, in the present study, we tested whether RGS4 associates with GABABR in these brain regions. We found the co-localization of RGS4 and GABABR subtypes in the PFC and HY using double immunohistochemistry and confirmed a direct association between GABAB2R and RGS4 proteins using co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, we found that AIS decreased the amount of RGS4 bound to GABAB2R and the number of double-positive cells. These results indicate that GABABR forms a signal complex with RGS4 and suggests that RGS4 is a regulator of GABABR. [BMB Reports 2014; 47(6): 324-329]
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyeongwha Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Soonwoong Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Hyeonwi Son
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Sujeong Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Jungil Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Gu Seob Roh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Sang Soo Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Gyeong Jae Cho
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Wan Sung Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
| | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-290, Korea
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11
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Neuroendocrine immunoregulation in multiple sclerosis. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:705232. [PMID: 24382974 PMCID: PMC3870621 DOI: 10.1155/2013/705232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Revised: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Currently, it is generally accepted that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex multifactorial disease involving genetic and environmental factors affecting the autoreactive immune responses that lead to damage of myelin. In this respect, intrinsic or extrinsic factors such as emotional, psychological, traumatic, or inflammatory stress as well as a variety of other lifestyle interventions can influence the neuroendocrine system. On its turn, it has been demonstrated that the neuroendocrine system has immunomodulatory potential. Moreover, the neuroendocrine and immune systems communicate bidirectionally via shared receptors and shared messenger molecules, variously called hormones, neurotransmitters, or cytokines. Discrepancies at any level can therefore lead to changes in susceptibility and to severity of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Here we provide an overview of the complex system of crosstalk between the neuroendocrine and immune system as well as reported dysfunctions involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity, including MS. Finally, possible strategies to intervene with the neuroendocrine-immune system for MS patient management will be discussed. Ultimately, a better understanding of the interactions between the neuroendocrine system and the immune system can open up new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of MS as well as other autoimmune diseases.
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Helms CM, Rossi DJ, Grant KA. Neurosteroid influences on sensitivity to ethanol. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:10. [PMID: 22654852 PMCID: PMC3356014 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review will highlight a variety of mechanisms by which neurosteroids affect sensitivity to ethanol, including physiological states associated with activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, and the effects of chronic exposure to ethanol, in addition to behavioral implications. To date, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A)) receptor mechanisms are a major focus of the modulation of ethanol effects by neuroactive steroids. While NMDA receptor mechanisms are gaining prominence in the literature, these complex data would be best discussed separately. Accordingly, GABA(A) receptor mechanisms are emphasized in this review with brief mention of some NMDA receptor mechanisms to point out contrasting neuroactive steroid pharmacology. Overall, the data suggest that neurosteroids are virtually ubiquitous modulators of inhibitory neurotransmission. Neurosteroids appear to affect sensitivity to ethanol in specific brain regions and, consequently, specific behavioral tests, possibly related to the efficacy and potency of ethanol to potentiate the release of GABA and increase neurosteroid concentrations. Although direct interaction of ethanol and neuroactive steroids at common receptor binding sites has been suggested in some studies, this proposition is still controversial. It is currently difficult to assign a specific mechanism by which neuroactive steroids could modulate the effects of ethanol in particular behavioral tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa M. Helms
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research CenterBeaverton, OR, USA
- *Correspondence: Christa M. Helms, Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, L-584, 505 North-West 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA. e-mail:
| | - David J. Rossi
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland, OR, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Grant
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research CenterBeaverton, OR, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland, OR, USA
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Abstract
Estradiol (E(2)) is an important modifier of the activity of the fetal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. We have reported that estradiol-3-sulfate (E(2)SO(4)) circulates in fetal blood in far higher concentrations than E(2) and that the fetal brain expresses steroid sulfatase, required for local deconjugation of E(2)SO(4). We performed the present study to test the hypothesis that chronic infusion of E(2)SO(4) chronically increases ACTH and cortisol secretion and that it shortens gestation. Chronically catheterized fetal sheep were treated with E(2)SO(4) intracerebroventricular (n = 5), E(2)SO(4) iv (n = 4), or no steroid infusion (control group, n = 5). Fetuses were subjected to arterial blood sampling every other day until spontaneous birth for plasma hormone analysis. Treatment with E(2)SO(4) attenuated preparturient increases in ACTH secretion near term without affecting the ontogenetic rise in plasma cortisol. Infusion of E(2)SO(4) intracerebroventricularly significantly increased plasma E(2), plasma E(2)SO(4), and plasma progesterone and shortened gestation compared with all other groups. These results are consistent with the conclusion that E(2)SO(4): 1) interacts with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis primarily by stimulating cortisol secretion and inhibiting ACTH and pro-ACTH secretion by negative feedback; and 2) stimulates the secretion of E(2) and E(2)SO(4). We conclude that the endocrine response to E(2)SO(4) in the fetus is not identical with the response to E(2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Wood
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0274, USA. mail
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Mostalac-Preciado CR, de Gortari P, López-Rubalcava C. Antidepressant-like effects of mineralocorticoid but not glucocorticoid antagonists in the lateral septum: interactions with the serotonergic system. Behav Brain Res 2011; 223:88-98. [PMID: 21515309 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2010] [Revised: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The lateral septum (LS) is a limbic brain region that receives serotonergic projections from raphe neurons and participates in the modulation of stress responses and affective states. The present study determined whether mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and/or glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) located in the LS interact with the serotonergic system in the regulation of depressive-like behavior of rats subjected to the forced swimming test (FST). We also studied the effect of corticosterone release induced by the FST on MR- and GR-mRNA expression in the LS. Specifically, we studied the antidepressant-like effects of spironolactone (a MR antagonist), mifepristone (a GR antagonist), and the antidepressant clomipramine (CMI) administered directly into the LS. In addition, spironolactone and CMI actions were studied in animals with serotonergic depletion induced by dl-p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA). Finally, adrenalectomized and Sham-operated rats were subjected to the FST to determine MR- and GR-mRNA expression in the LS at different post-FST intervals. The results showed that intraseptal injection of spironolactone, but not mifepristone induced antidepressant-like actions in the FST; this effect was blocked by pCPA treatment. CMI and spironolactone increased 5-HT concentrations in the LS of rats subjected to the FST. Increases in corticosterone release, induced by the FST, correlated with a decrease in MR-mRNA expression in the LS; no correlation was found with GR-mRNA expression. In conclusion, MRs in the lateral septum, but not GRs, participate in the regulation of depressive-like behavior of animals subjected to the FST. Both serotonin and corticosterone play an important role in MR actions in the LS.
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Béracochéa D, Tronche C, Coutan M, Dorey R, Chauveau F, Piérard C. Interaction between Diazepam and Hippocampal Corticosterone after Acute Stress: Impact on Memory in Middle-Aged Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:14. [PMID: 21516247 PMCID: PMC3079857 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines (BDZ) are widely prescribed in the treatment of anxiety disorders associated to aging. Interestingly, whereas a reciprocal interaction between the GABAergic system and HPA axis has been evidenced, there is to our knowledge no direct evaluation of the impact of BDZ on both hippocampus (HPC) corticosterone concentrations and HPC-dependent memory in stressed middle-aged subjects. We showed previously that an acute stress induced in middle-aged mice severe memory impairments in a hippocampus-dependent task, and increased in parallel hippocampus corticosterone concentrations, as compared to non-stressed middle-aged controls (Tronche et al., 2010). Based on these findings, the aims of the present study were to evidence the impact of diazepam (a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor) on HPC glucocorticoids concentrations and in parallel on HPC-dependent memory in acutely stressed middle-aged mice. Microdialysis experiments showed an interaction between diazepam doses and corticosterone concentrations into the HPC. From 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg, diazepam dose-dependently reduces intra-HPC corticosterone concentrations and in parallel, dose-dependently increased hippocampal-dependent memory performance. In contrast, the highest (1.0 mg/kg) diazepam dose induces a reduction in HPC corticosterone concentration, which was of greater magnitude as compared to the two other diazepam doses, but however decreased the hippocampal-dependent memory performance. In summary, our study provides first evidence that diazepam restores in stressed middle-aged animals the hippocampus-dependent response, in relation with HPC corticosterone concentrations. Overall, our data illustrate how stress and benzodiazepines could modulate cognitive functions depending on hippocampus activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Béracochéa
- UMR-CNRS 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Universités de Bordeaux Talence, France
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16
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Lang N, Rothkegel H, Reiber H, Hasan A, Sueske E, Tergau F, Ehrenreich H, Wuttke W, Paulus W. Circadian Modulation of GABA-Mediated Cortical Inhibition. Cereb Cortex 2011; 21:2299-306. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhr003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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Freeman-Daniels E, Beck SG, Kirby LG. Cellular correlates of anxiety in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells of 5-HT1A receptor knockout mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 213:453-63. [PMID: 20981413 PMCID: PMC3110650 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-2030-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE 5-HT(1A) receptor knockout (1AKO) mice have a robust anxiety phenotype. Tissue-specific "rescue" strategies and electrophysiology have implicated a critical role for postsynaptic 5-HT(1A) receptors, particularly in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. OBJECTIVES In this study, we evaluated differences in membrane properties and synaptic activity in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells between 1AKOs and wild-type (WT) controls to better understand the cellular correlates of anxiety in this mouse model. METHODS Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were conducted in CA1 pyramidal cells in hippocampal brain slices from 1AKOs and WTs that had previously been screened for anxiety with the elevated-plus maze. Spontaneous miniature inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs and EPSCs) and stimulus-evoked eIPSCs and eEPSCs were recorded in addition to the effect of the benzodiazepine agonist diazepam or the inverse agonist FG 7142 on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic eIPSCs. RESULTS Evoked EPSC amplitude was greater in 1AKOs than WTs. When subjects were pooled across genotypes, anxiety measures correlated with eEPSC amplitude, indicating enhanced postsynaptic glutamate synaptic activity under conditions of synaptic activation in anxious subjects. While GABA synaptic activity and sensitivity to diazepam were not affected by genotype or correlated with anxiety, sensitivity to the anxiogenic FG 7142 was smaller in anxious subjects. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate enhanced postsynaptic glutamate receptor sensitivity and decreased GABAergic inhibition by a benzodiazepine inverse agonist in CA1 hippocampal neurons of anxious mice are produced by deletion of the 5-HT(1A) receptor. These data provide new information about interactions between 5-HT, GABA, and glutamate systems during the expression of chronic anxiety.
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de Souza LM, Franci CR. Differential immunoreactivity of glucocorticoid receptors and vasopressin in neurons of the anterior and medial parvocellular subdvisions of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Brain Res Bull 2010; 82:271-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2010.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Revised: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Ibarra A, Feuillere N, Roller M, Lesburgere E, Beracochea D. Effects of chronic administration of Melissa officinalis L. extract on anxiety-like reactivity and on circadian and exploratory activities in mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2010; 17:397-403. [PMID: 20171069 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2010.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of chronic (15 consecutive days of treatment) per os administration of Melissa officinalis L. extract (Cyracos, Naturex) on anxiety-like reactivity in mice. As measured by HPLC, Cyracos contains significant amounts of rosmarinic acid and the triterpenoids oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, which inhibit gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) activity and increase GABA levels in the brain (Awad et al., 2007; Awad et al., 2009). Thus, we evaluated Cyracos use in independent groups of C57BL/6 mice with regard to anxiety-like reactivity in an elevated plus maze and an open field task. We found that Cyracos significantly reduced anxiety-like reactivity in the elevated plus maze dose-dependently, but no significant effect was observed in the open field task. Parallel experiments in independent groups of mice showed that the Cyracosdose at which it exerted anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus maze did not alter exploratory or circadian activities. Therefore, our results demonstrate that Cyracos has anxiolytic-like effects under moderate stress conditions and does not alter activity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Ibarra
- Naturex Inc, 375 Huyler St, South Hackensack, NJ 07606, USA
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20
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Seo YJ, Kwon MS, Choi SM, Lee JK, Park SH, Jung JS, Sim YB, Suh HW. Possible involvement of the hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin gene and beta-endorphin expression on acute morphine withdrawal development. Brain Res Bull 2009; 80:359-70. [PMID: 19723567 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2009.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Revised: 08/13/2009] [Accepted: 08/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effects of supraspinally administered morphine on the expression of the hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene and beta-endorphin. Mice were administered morphine intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) either once or 5 times for 5 days (once/day). A single morphine administration significantly increased the hypothalamic POMC gene and beta-endorphin expression at 2h after application in dose-dependent fashion; however, repeated morphine administration had no effect on the hypothalamic POMC gene and beta-endorphin expression. In the immunoblot and immunohistochemical study, the increase of beta-endorphin was observed in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Moreover, the expressions of c-Fos, phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-IIalpha (pCaMK-IIalpha), and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) were increased by a single i.c.v. morphine injection at various time points, but the expressions of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (pERK1/2) and phosphorylated IkappaB (pIkappaB) were not. We also found that the expressions of c-Fos, pCaMKIIalpha, and pCREB were co-localized with the POMC expression. Meanwhile, naloxone as well as muscimol and baclofen significantly attenuated the increases of the POMC gene expression induced by a single morphine administration. Furthermore, the pretreatment of muscimol and baclofen 10 min before morphine injection robustly attenuated the withdrawal behavior induced by a single morphine administration. These results imply that the hypothalamic POMC gene and beta-endorphin expression may play an important role in the development of an acute physical dependency of morphine. In that, GABAergic neurotransmission appear to be involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic POMC gene expression induced by supraspinal morphine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jun Seo
- Advanced Therapy Products Research Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Korea Food and Drug Administration, 194 Tongilro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul 122-704, Republic of Korea
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21
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Cortez MA, Shen L, Wu Y, Aleem IS, Trepanier CH, Sadeghnia HR, Ashraf A, Kanawaty A, Liu CC, Stewart L, Snead OC. Infantile spasms and Down syndrome: a new animal model. Pediatr Res 2009; 65:499-503. [PMID: 19190545 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e31819d9076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Infantile spasms is a catastrophic childhood seizure disorder for which few animal models exist. Children with Down syndrome are highly susceptible to infantile spasms. The Ts65Dn mouse is a valid model for Down syndrome; therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the Ts65Dn mouse represents a substrate for an animal model of infantile spasms. The baseline of naïve Ts65Dn mice showed spontaneous spike-and-wave discharges, a pattern that worsened with baclofen and gamma-butyrolactone, which induced acute epileptic extensor spasms (AEES) associated with epileptiform polyspike bursts and an electrodecremental response on the EEG. GABABR-agonist-induced AEES were significantly reduced with vigabatrin, rodent ACTH fragment, valproic acid, ethosuximide, and CGP 35348. Porcine ACTH had no effect. GABABR protein expression was significantly increased in the thalamus and medulla oblongata of Ts65D mice in comparison with wild-type controls. The GABABR agonist-treated Ts65Dn mouse shows the unique clinical, electrographic, and pharmacologic signature of infantile spasms and represents a valid, acute model of this disorder. GABABR-mediated mechanisms may contribute to the increased susceptibility of children with Down syndrome to infantile spasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Cortez
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
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22
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Cui R, Li B, Suemaru K, Araki H. The effect of baclofen on alterations in the sleep patterns induced by different stressors in rats. J Pharmacol Sci 2009; 109:518-24. [PMID: 19352076 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.08068fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported that sleep patterns are significantly affected by both physical and psychological stress induced by a communication box; however, the mechanism by which stress alters sleep patterns was not established. In the present study, we investigated the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acting through the GABA(B) receptor, on stress-induced changes in sleep patterns. Our results show that physical stress increased the total wakefulness time by increasing sleep latency and inhibiting both rapid eye movement (REM) and non rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep during a 6 h sleep-recording period. The GABA(B) agonist baclofen (20 pmol/2 microl) attenuated the effects of physical stress on sleep latency, total wakefulness, and NREM sleep, but not total REM sleep. In contrast, psychological stress enhanced total REM sleep and shortened REM sleep latency without altering other sleep patterns. The effect of psychological stress on total REM sleep was also reversed by baclofen. These results suggest that GABA via GABA(B) receptors may play a role in the regulation of specific sleep patterns by both physical and psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranji Cui
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Brain Science, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa Toon, Ehime, Japan
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Marques de Souza L, Franci CR. GABAergic mediation of stress-induced secretion of corticosterone and oxytocin, but not prolactin, by the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Life Sci 2008; 83:686-92. [PMID: 18840449 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2008.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2007] [Revised: 08/17/2008] [Accepted: 09/13/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) participates in mediating the response to stressful stimuli. Within the HPA, neurons in the medial parvocellular region of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus integrate excitatory and inhibitory signals triggering secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), the main secretagogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Stressful situations alter CRH secretion as well as other hormones, including prolactin and oxytocin. Most inputs to the PVN are of local origin, half of which are GABAergic neurons, and both GABA-A and GABA-B receptors are present in the PVN. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of GABA-A and GABA-B receptors in the PVN's control of stress-induced corticosterone, oxytocin and prolactin secretion. Rats were microinjected with saline or different doses (0.5, 5 and 50 pmol) of GABA-A (bicuculine) or GABA-B (phaclofen) antagonists in the PVN. Ten minutes later, they were subjected to a stressor (ether inhalation) and blood samples were collected 30 min before and 10, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the stressful stimulus to measure hormone levels by radioimmunoassay. Our results indicate that GABA acts in the PVN to inhibit stress-induced corticosterone secretion via both its receptor subtypes, especially GABA-B. In contrast, GABA in the PVN stimulates oxytocin secretion through GABA-B receptors and does not alter prolactin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Marques de Souza
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil
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Cui R, Li B, Suemaru K, Araki H. Psychological stress-induced changes in sleep patterns and their generation mechanism. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2008; 128:405-11. [PMID: 18311060 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.128.405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent findings have increasingly shown that sleep patterns are significantly influenced by psychological stress, such as social defeat, novelty stress, contextual fear stress, and psychological stress induced by the communication box. However, the exact association between psychological stress and sleep is still poorly understood. Therefore, in the present paper we will review related work based on our recent investigations. We have previously reported that total rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but not non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep that is enhanced by psychological stress induced by the communication box in rats (Cui et al., 2007). In past decades strong evidence showed that neurotransmitters play a key role in the variations of the sleep patterns, such as acetylcholine, GABA and others. In addition to neurotransmitters, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is another important factor which influences sleep patterns. Therefore, this review will focus on the involvement of the neurotransmitters and the HPA axis in the changes of sleep patterns in response to psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranji Cui
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Brain Science, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, and Ehime University Hospital, Toon City, Japan
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25
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Heberlein A, Bleich S, Kornhuber J, Hillemacher T. Neuroendocrine pathways in benzodiazepine dependence: new targets for research and therapy. Hum Psychopharmacol 2008; 23:171-81. [PMID: 18088080 DOI: 10.1002/hup.911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Benzodiazepines are known to modulate the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis by antagonizing the effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRH). Besides regulating the HPA axis CRH evolves properties of a neurotransmitter in the limbic system that is closely involved in the delivery of the emotional consequences of the stress response. At a superordinated level Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Cholecystokinin (CCK) affect the release of CRH and modulate thereby the intensity of the physiological stress response. Benzodiazepine treatment interferes not only with the release of CRH but also with the release of NPY and CCK. Alterations in the intracortical ratio of NPY, CCK and CRH are correlated with behavioural changes like increased respectively decreased anxiety and subsequent alterations in the activity of the HPA axis. Recent research offers the possibility that the alterations of plasma levels of these neuropeptides are not only a secondary phenomenon due to drug intake, but that low levels of those neuropeptides that modulate anxiety and fear can possibly explain addiction to substances that counterbalance these deficits. Depending on the available results possible implications of NPY and CCK on benzodiazepine addiction and withdrawal symptoms are reviewed, thereby providing topics for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Heberlein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany.
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26
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Biggio G, Concas A, Follesa P, Sanna E, Serra M. Stress, ethanol, and neuroactive steroids. Pharmacol Ther 2007; 116:140-71. [PMID: 17555824 PMCID: PMC3000046 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2007] [Accepted: 04/06/2007] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids play a crucial role in stress, alcohol dependence and withdrawal, and other physiological and pharmacological actions by potentiating or inhibiting neurotransmitter action. This review article focuses on data showing that the interaction among stress, ethanol, and neuroactive steroids may result in plastic molecular and functional changes of GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission. The molecular mechanisms by which stress-ethanol-neuroactive steroids interactions can produce plastic changes in GABA(A) receptors have been studied using different experimental models in vivo and in vitro in order to provide useful evidence and new insights into the mechanisms through which acute and chronic ethanol and stress exposure modulate the activity of GABAergic synapses. We show detailed data on a) the effect of acute and chronic stress on peripheral and brain neurosteroid levels and GABA(A) receptor gene expression and function; b) ethanol-stimulated brain steroidogenesis; c) plasticity of GABA(A) receptor after acute and chronic ethanol exposure. The implications of these new mechanistic insights to our understanding of the effects of ethanol during stress are also discussed. The understanding of these neurochemical and molecular mechanisms may shed new light on the physiopathology of diseases, such as anxiety, in which GABAergic transmission plays a pivotal role. These data may also lead to the need for new anxiolytic, hypnotic and anticonvulsant selective drugs devoid of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Biggio
- Department of Experimental Biology, Center of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Grossman A, Costa A, Navarra P, Tsagarakis S. The regulation of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor release: in vitro studies. CIBA FOUNDATION SYMPOSIUM 2007; 172:129-43; discussion 143-50. [PMID: 8491084 DOI: 10.1002/9780470514368.ch7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Although there are various ways in which the regulation of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) may be investigated, the most direct is by the study of CRF secretion from rat hypothalami incubated in vitro. Using this technique, we have found stimulation of secretion by noradrenaline, acetylcholine, serotonin, neuropeptide Y, and interleukins 1 and 6; inhibitory modulation was shown by GABA, substance P, atrial natriuretic peptide, opioid peptides and precursors of nitric oxide. Studies of these interactions demonstrated certain non-linear characteristics which may allow appropriate mathematical models to be devised; this may aid in our understanding of clinical disorders associated with CRF excess.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grossman
- Department of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
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Serra M, Pisu MG, Mostallino MC, Sanna E, Biggio G. Changes in neuroactive steroid content during social isolation stress modulate GABAA receptor plasticity and function. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 57:520-30. [PMID: 17920688 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2007.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2007] [Revised: 06/28/2007] [Accepted: 06/29/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Rats deprived of social contact with other rats at a young age experience a form of prolonged stress that leads to long-lasting alteration in their behavior profile. This chronic stress paradigm is thus thought to be anxiogenic for these normally gregarious animals and their abnormal reactivity to environmental stimuli, when reared under this condition, is thought to be a product of prolonged stress. Neurochemical, molecular, and electrophysiological evidences demonstrate that social isolation is associated with alteration in the structure and function of GABA(A) receptors and suggest that endogenous content of the progesterone metabolite 3alpha,5alpha-TH PROG may be an important determinant in regulating brain excitability and sensitivity to stimuli and point out its possible role in psychiatric and neurological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Serra
- Department of Experimental Biology, Center of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- George P Chrousos
- First Department of Pediatrics and Unit on Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Knapp DJ, Overstreet DH, Breese GR. Baclofen blocks expression and sensitization of anxiety-like behavior in an animal model of repeated stress and ethanol withdrawal. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2007; 31:582-95. [PMID: 17374037 PMCID: PMC2864137 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2007.00342.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeated exposures to forced ethanol diets (EDs) or restraint stress sensitize anxiety-like behavior during a future ethanol withdrawal. The present investigation assessed whether pretreatment of rats with agents targeting receptor systems thought to be important in treating relapse in alcoholic patients would prevent sensitization of anxiety-like behavior. METHODS Groups of rats were exposed to either (1) three 5-day cycles of ED with 2 days of withdrawal between cycles, (2) continuous ED, or (3) 5 days of ED in a single cycle preceded by 2 episodes of restraint stress 6 days apart. Drugs [baclofen, acamprosate, naloxone, lamotrigine, ifenprodil, dizocilpine (MK-801), CGS19755, diazepam, flumazenil, or 6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl)pyridine] were given prophylactically during the first and second withdrawal periods only or, in separate baclofen experiments, acutely during the third withdrawal or during withdrawal from continuous ED. Baclofen administration preceded each stress session in the stress-withdrawal protocols. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed in the social interaction (SI) test 5 hours after the ethanol was removed or after 3 days of abstinence. RESULTS Baclofen (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg), flumazenil (5 mg/kg), and diazepam (1 mg/kg) blocked the reduction in SI induced by ethanol withdrawal. Among the drugs that alter glutamate function, only acamprosate (300 mg/kg) was effective. In the stress protocols, baclofen (5 mg/kg) given before each of the 2 restraint stress sessions before ethanol exposure or before stress during abstinence also attenuated SI deficits. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that GABAB and GABAA, but not glutamate or opioid mechanisms, are involved in adaptive changes associated with anxiety-like behavior induced by these repeated ethanol-withdrawal and stress-withdrawal paradigms. The lack of action of agents attenuating different aspects of glutamate function suggests that acamprosate's action is related to some other, as yet undetermined, mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darin J Knapp
- Department of Psychiatry, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7178, USA.
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Verleye M, André N, Gillardin JM. Lack of interaction between etifoxine and CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in rodents. Neurosci Res 2007; 56:53-60. [PMID: 16769145 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2006.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Revised: 04/14/2006] [Accepted: 05/10/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Hyperactivity of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system occurs in some patients with anxiety disorders and depression. Blockade of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors can underlie the anxiolytic effects of drugs. In the present investigation, in vivo and in vitro studies were designed to determine whether the anxiolytic drug etifoxine, known to enhance GABAergic synaptic transmission, behaves also as a CRF1 and CRF2 receptor antagonist. A drug exerting multiple actions may be of clinical interest in the treatment of various different forms of mood disorders. Using two animal models, it was found that etifoxine reversed the excess CRF-induced grooming but not the hypo-locomotion of the rat placed in an open field. Etifoxine attenuated the CRF-induced gastric emptying delay in the mouse. On the other hand, in vitro, binding of etifoxine to CRF1 and CRF2 receptors on rat brain membranes was negligible and functionally, etifoxine did not block the CRF1 and CRF2 activation-induced cAMP production in presence of CRF in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. The selective anxiolytic properties of etifoxine appear unrelated to an antagonist activity at the CRF1 and CRF2 receptors. The decrease in CRF activity produced by etifoxine may be related to its GABAergic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Verleye
- Biocodex, Département de Pharmacologie, Zac de Mercières, 60200 Compiègne, France.
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Abstract
Stress is a state of threatened homeostasis or disharmony caused by intrinsic or extrinsic adverse forces and is counteracted by an intricate repertoire of physiologic and behavioral responses that aim to reestablish the challenged body equilibrium. The adaptive stress response depends upon an elaborate neuroendocrine, cellular, and molecular infrastructure, the stress system. Crucial functions of the stress system response are mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the central and peripheral components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The integrity of the HPA axis and the ANS and their precise interactions with other CNS components are essential for a successful response to the various stressors. Chronic stress represents a prolonged threat to homeostasis by persistent or frequently repeated stressors and may lead to manifestations that characterize a wide range of diseases and syndromes. Such states progressively lead to a deleterious overload with complications caused by both the persistent stressor and the detrimental prolongation of the adaptive response. The metabolic syndrome can be described as a state of deranged metabolic homeostasis characterized by the combination of central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The incidence of both obesity and the metabolic syndrome in modern Western societies has taken epidemic proportions over the past decades and often correlates with indices of stress in the affected populations. Stress, primarily through hyperactivation of the HPA axis, appears to contribute to the accumulation of fat tissue, and vice versa, obesity itself seems to constitute a chronic stressful state and may cause HPA axis dysfunction. In addition, the description of obesity as a systemic low grade inflammatory condition that contributes to the derangement of the metabolic equilibrium implies that the proinflammatory cytokines which are secreted by the adipocytes hold a potentially important pathogenetic role. In this article we describe the physiology of the stress system response, with emphasis on metabolism, and review the recent data that implicate several neuroendocrine and inflammatory mechanisms mobilized during chronic stress in the development of the metabolic complications that characterize central obesity and the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Kyrou
- Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes Unit, Evgenidion Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, 115 28, Greece
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Vedder H. Physiology of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenocortical Axis. THE HYPOTHALAMUS-PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-7443(07)00202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Tulipano G, Rizzetti C, Bianchi I, Fanzani A, Spano P, Cocchi D. Clozapine-induced alteration of glucose homeostasis in the rat: the contribution of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation. Neuroendocrinology 2007; 85:61-70. [PMID: 17374945 DOI: 10.1159/000100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2006] [Accepted: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To our knowledge, a suitable animal model to investigate how atypical antipsychotics may induce diabetes in patients has not received much attention. METHODS We investigated the effects of acute as well as subchronic administration of clozapine on food intake, body weight gain, glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in response to glucose in Sprague-Dawley rats. We then evaluated the effects of clozapine on corticosterone secretion and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD-1) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) expression in the liver. We investigated the in vitro effects of clozapine on glucose uptake and development of differentiated myotubes in skeletal muscle cell (C2C12) cultures. RESULTS Clozapine administration caused hyperglycemia (p < 0.05) in female rats. In male rats, the increase of plasma glucose levels after clozapine injection was not statistically significant. The increase of plasma insulin concentrations and the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test results proved that clozapine reduced insulin sensitivity in female rats. These endocrine and metabolic effects of clozapine were not related to changes in feeding behavior of fat accumulation. We observed a stimulatory effect of clozapine on corticosterone (p < 0.01) secretion in both female and male rats. Chronic clozapine administration upregulated PEPCK and 11beta-HSD-1 expression in rat liver. Clozapine did not inhibit basal and insulin-induced glucose transport in murine myotubes but it was able to antagonize the stimulatory effect of alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine on glucose uptake. CONCLUSION Clozapine induces sex-related alterations of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in rodents. We discussed the possible contribution of clozapine-induced activation of HPA and clozapine antagonistic activity at peripheral 5-HT(2A) receptors to the observed metabolic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tulipano
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Serra M, Sanna E, Mostallino MC, Biggio G. Social isolation stress and neuroactive steroids. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2007; 17:1-11. [PMID: 16626946 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2006.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2006] [Accepted: 03/07/2006] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation of rats immediately after weaning is associated to a reduction in the cerebrocortical and plasma concentrations of progesterone and its metabolites 3alpha,5alpha-TH PROG and 3alpha,5alpha-THDOC. Although we found that the basal plasma concentration of adrenocorticotropic hormone in isolated rats was slightly decreased compared with that in group-housed animals no other significant changes were found in the steroidogenic machinery (peripheral benzodiazepine receptors, steroidogenic regulatory protein (StAR)). However, the functional response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis HPA axis to an acute stressful stimulus (foot shock), or to an acute injection of ethanol or isoniazid is markedly increased in isolated rats. Behavioral studies have also indicated that the ability of ethanol to inhibit isoniazid-induced convulsions is greater in isolated rats than in group-housed animals and this effect of isolation is prevented by treatment with the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride. Social isolation modified the effects of ethanol on the amounts of StAR mRNA and protein in the brain suggesting an alteration in the mechanism of cholesterol transport in mitochondria. Moreover, the amounts of the alpha4 and delta subunits of the GABA(A) receptor in the hippocampus were increased in isolated rats, and these effects were accompanied by an increase in GABA(A) receptor-mediated tonic inhibitory currents in granule cells of the dentate gyrus. Ethanol also increased the amplitude of GABA(A) receptor-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSC) recorded from CA1 pyramidal neurons with a greater potency in hippocampal slices prepared from socially isolated rats than in those from group-housed, an effect inhibited by finasteride.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Serra
- Department of Experimental Biology, Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09100, Italy.
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Welt T, Engelmann M, Renner U, Erhardt A, Müller MB, Landgraf R, Holsboer F, Keck ME. Temazepam triggers the release of vasopressin into the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus: novel insight into benzodiazepine action on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system activity during stress. Neuropsychopharmacology 2006; 31:2573-9. [PMID: 16395302 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the influence of a representative classical benzodiazepine on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity both under basal conditions and stress. Adult male Wistar rats were intravenously administered with temazepam (0.5, 1, and 3 mg/kg body weight) and plasma concentrations of corticotropin (ACTH) and vasopressin (AVP) were measured in blood samples collected via chronically implanted jugular venous catheters. Simultaneously, the release of AVP within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was monitored via microdialysis. Plasma AVP levels remained unaffected by the different treatment conditions. Temazepam blunted the stressor exposure-induced secretion of ACTH in a dose-dependent manner. Concurrently, and also in a dose-dependent manner temazepam enhanced the intra-PVN release of AVP, known to originate from magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamic neurohypophyseal system. Furthermore, temazepam did not affect the in vitro secretion of ACTH from the adenohypophyseal cells. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that temazepam modulates the central nervous regulation of the HPA axis by altering intra-PVN AVP release. An increasingly released AVP of magnocellular origin seems to provide a negative tonus on ACTH secretion most probably via inhibiting the release of ACTH secretagogues from the median eminence into hypophyseal portal blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Welt
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
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Millan MJ. Multi-target strategies for the improved treatment of depressive states: Conceptual foundations and neuronal substrates, drug discovery and therapeutic application. Pharmacol Ther 2006; 110:135-370. [PMID: 16522330 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 11/28/2005] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Major depression is a debilitating and recurrent disorder with a substantial lifetime risk and a high social cost. Depressed patients generally display co-morbid symptoms, and depression frequently accompanies other serious disorders. Currently available drugs display limited efficacy and a pronounced delay to onset of action, and all provoke distressing side effects. Cloning of the human genome has fuelled expectations that symptomatic treatment may soon become more rapid and effective, and that depressive states may ultimately be "prevented" or "cured". In pursuing these objectives, in particular for genome-derived, non-monoaminergic targets, "specificity" of drug actions is often emphasized. That is, priority is afforded to agents that interact exclusively with a single site hypothesized as critically involved in the pathogenesis and/or control of depression. Certain highly selective drugs may prove effective, and they remain indispensable in the experimental (and clinical) evaluation of the significance of novel mechanisms. However, by analogy to other multifactorial disorders, "multi-target" agents may be better adapted to the improved treatment of depressive states. Support for this contention is garnered from a broad palette of observations, ranging from mechanisms of action of adjunctive drug combinations and electroconvulsive therapy to "network theory" analysis of the etiology and management of depressive states. The review also outlines opportunities to be exploited, and challenges to be addressed, in the discovery and characterization of drugs recognizing multiple targets. Finally, a diversity of multi-target strategies is proposed for the more efficacious and rapid control of core and co-morbid symptoms of depression, together with improved tolerance relative to currently available agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Millan
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Centre de Recherches de Croissy, Psychopharmacology Department, 125, Chemin de Ronde, 78290-Croissy/Seine, France.
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Zimmerberg B, Brunelli SA, Fluty AJ, Frye CA. Differences in affective behaviors and hippocampal allopregnanolone levels in adult rats of lines selectively bred for infantile vocalizations. Behav Brain Res 2005; 159:301-11. [PMID: 15817193 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2004.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2004] [Revised: 11/08/2004] [Accepted: 11/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3 alpha,5 alpha-THP), a progesterone metabolite, is an endogenous neurosteroid mediating affective behaviors via its positive modulation of GABA(A) receptors. In order to better understand the role of this neurosteroid in individual differences in affective behavior, we used an animal model based on selective breeding for an infantile affective trait, ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Adult male and female (in either proestrus or diestrus) rats that had been bred for low (low line) or high (high line) rates of USV after maternal separation were tested in a series of affective behavioral tests: open field, emergence, social interaction, defensive freezing, and the Porsolt forced swim task. Concentrations of allopregnanolone in combined hippocampus and amygdala tissue were then measured. low line subjects showed significantly lower anxiety and depression responses in the emergence, open field, and Porsolt forced swim tasks than did high line subjects. Proestrus females exhibited less affective behaviors than diestrus females or males. Allopregnanolone levels in hippocampus/amygdala were significantly higher in low line subjects compared to high line subjects, and in proestrus females compared to diestrus females and males. These data indicate that: (1) affective behaviors in lines selectively bred for an infantile anxiety trait exhibit selection persistence into adulthood; and (2) levels of allopregnanolone in the limbic system parallel selected disparities in affective behavior, suggesting a selection for alterations in the neurosteroid/GABA(A) receptor system in these lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Zimmerberg
- Department of Psychology, Williams College, 18 Hoxsey Street, Williamstown, MA 01267, USA.
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Abstract
The stress response is subserved by the stress system, which is located both in the central nervous system and the periphery. The principal effectors of the stress system include corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH); arginine vasopressin; the proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and beta-endorphin, the glucocorticoids; and the catecholamines norepinephrine and epinephrine. Appropriate responsiveness of the stress system to stressors is a crucial prerequisite for a sense of well-being, adequate performance of tasks, and positive social interactions. By contrast, inappropriate responsiveness of the stress system may impair growth and development and may account for a number of endocrine, metabolic, autoimmune, and psychiatric disorders. The development and severity of these conditions primarily depend on the genetic vulnerability of the individual, the exposure to adverse environmental factors, and the timing of the stressful events, given that prenatal life, infancy, childhood, and adolescence are critical periods characterized by increased vulnerability to stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Charmandari
- Pediatric and Reproductive Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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Rosmond R. Role of stress in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2005; 30:1-10. [PMID: 15358437 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2004.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2004] [Revised: 04/29/2004] [Accepted: 05/04/2004] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Excess body fat, obesity, is one of the most common disorders in clinical practice. In addition, there is a clustering of several risk factors with obesity, including hypertension, glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia, which is observed more frequently than by chance alone. This has led to the suggestion that these represent a single syndrome and is referred to as the Metabolic Syndrome. A growing body of evidence suggests that glucocorticoid secretion is associated with this complex phenotype. Continuously changing and sometimes threatening external environment may, when the challenge exceeds a threshold, activate central pathways that stimulate the adrenals to release glucocorticoids. In this review, we will discuss how such processes mediate a pathogenetic role in the Metabolic Syndrome.
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Herman JP, Mueller NK, Figueiredo H. Role of GABA and glutamate circuitry in hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical stress integration. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004; 1018:35-45. [PMID: 15240350 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1296.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
GABA and glutamate play a major role in central integration of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) stress responses. Recent work in our group has focused on mechanisms whereby GABAergic and glutamatergic circuits interact with parvocellular paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons controlling the HPA axis. GABAergic neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, preoptic area, and hypothalamus can directly inhibit PVN outflow and thereby reduce ACTH secretion. In contrast, glutamate activates the HPA axis, presumably by way of hypothalamic and brainstem projections to the PVN. These inhibitory and excitatory PVN-projecting neurons are controlled by descending information from limbic forebrain structures, including glutamatergic neurons of the ventral subiculum, prefrontal cortex, and GABAergic cells from the amygdala and perhaps septum. Lesion studies indicate that the ventral subiculum and prefrontal cortex are involved in inhibition of HPA axis responses to psychogenic stimuli, whereas the amygdala is positioned to enhance hormone secretion by way of GABA-GABA disinhibitory connections. Thus, it seems the psychogenic responses to stress are gated by discrete sets of GABAergic neurons in the basal forebrain and hypothalamus. As such, these neurons are positioned to summate limbic inputs into net inhibitory tone on the PVN and may thus play a major role in HPA dysfunction seen in affective disease states and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Herman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati, Psychiatry North, Bldg. 43, UC E, 2nd Fl., 2170 East Galbraith Road, Reading, OH 45237-0506, USA.
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Porcu P, Sogliano C, Ibba C, Piredda M, Tocco S, Marra C, Purdy RH, Biggio G, Concas A. Failure of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid both to increase neuroactive steroid concentrations in adrenalectomized-orchiectomized rats and to induce tolerance to its steroidogenic effect in intact animals. Brain Res 2004; 1012:160-8. [PMID: 15158173 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2004] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a drug proposed in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, increases the cerebrocortical and plasma concentrations of the neuroactive steroids allopregnanolone and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC). In the present study, we examined the role of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the effect of GHB by measuring the concentrations of these steroids in the brain and plasma of adrenalectomized-orchiectomized (Adx-Orx) rats. The acute administration of GHB (500 mg/kg, i.p.) induced in 30 min an increase in the concentrations of allopregnanolone, THDOC and their precursors pregnenolone and progesterone in different brain areas (cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and cerebellum) and plasma of sham-operated rats but had no effect on the concentrations of these compounds in Adx-Orx rats, suggesting that activation of the HPA axis mediates the effect of GHB on brain and plasma concentrations of neuroactive steroids. Moreover, we evaluated whether repeated exposure of GHB induces tolerance to its steroidogenic effects. Chronic administration of GHB (500 mg/kg, i.p., twice a day for 10 days) to intact animals failed to affect the levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, or THDOC measured 3 or 48 h after the last drug administration, whereas a challenge injection of GHB or ethanol was still able to increase the concentrations of these steroids in brain and plasma. These results indicate that repeated exposure to GHB fails to induce tolerance or cross-tolerance to the steroidogenic action of GHB or ethanol, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Porcu
- Department of Experimental Biology, Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Chevassus H, Mourand I, Molinier N, Lacarelle B, Brun JF, Petit P. Assessment of single-dose benzodiazepines on insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness in healthy volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over trial [ISRCTN08745124]. BMC CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 2004; 4:3. [PMID: 15102335 PMCID: PMC387833 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6904-4-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2003] [Accepted: 03/04/2004] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed at investigating in healthy volunteers the effects of diazepam and clonazepam on beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness based on the frequently sampled intravenous (0.5 gkg-1) glucose tolerance test with minimal-model analysis. METHODS The study was designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial. Diazepam (10 mg) and clonazepam (1 mg) were infused during 30 min to 15 male subjects with a mean age of 22 years (range: 20-29), after informed consent was given. Benzodiazepines were assayed by capillary gas chromatography with electron capture, insulin by radioimmunoassay and glucose by the enzymatic glucose oxidase method. RESULTS Both benzodiazepines induced significant psychotropic effects. The acute insulin responses (AIR) were significantly and negatively correlated with the clonazepam plasma concentrations (r = -0.609, P < 0.05, n = 14). However, the mean AIR was not significantly different between the benzodiazepine-treated subjects and the controls. In addition, the parameters of glucose assimilation were significantly decreased as compared with placebo in the subgroup of 7 subjects with plasma clonazepam concentrations higher than 6.0 ng ml-1 (median and lower limit of effective therapeutic concentrations): 1.37 +/- 0.3 versus 2.84 +/- 0.60 x 10(-2)min-1 (P = 0.028) for the coefficient of glucose tolerance (Kg), 2.18 +/- 0.29 versus 3.71 +/- 0.89 x 10(-4)microUml-1min-1 (P = 0.018) for insulin sensitivity (Si) and 1.80 +/- 0.39 versus 3.59 +/- 0.71 x 10(-2)min-1 (P = 0.028) for glucose effectiveness at basal insulin (Sg). These parameters were not significantly modified when diazepam was administered; plasma levels of this drug however, were below the effective therapeutic concentrations (300 ng ml-1) from min 15 after the end of the perfusion. CONCLUSION The present results suggest that a benzodiazepine, in particular clonazepam, may alter insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity after a single administration in healthy volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Chevassus
- Clinical Investigation Center, Saint-Eloi University Hospital, Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Montpellier, France
- Center for Pharmacology and Health Biotechnology, CNRS UMR 5160, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Mourand
- Clinical Investigation Center, Saint-Eloi University Hospital, Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Montpellier, France
- Center for Pharmacology and Health Biotechnology, CNRS UMR 5160, Montpellier, France
| | - Nathalie Molinier
- Clinical Investigation Center, Saint-Eloi University Hospital, Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Lacarelle
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, La Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Frédéric Brun
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Lapeyronie University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Petit
- Clinical Investigation Center, Saint-Eloi University Hospital, Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Montpellier, France
- Center for Pharmacology and Health Biotechnology, CNRS UMR 5160, Montpellier, France
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Regulation of vasopressin gene expression by cAMP and glucocorticoids in parvocellular neurons of the paraventricular nucleus in rat hypothalamic organotypic cultures. J Neurosci 2003. [PMID: 14614081 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.23-32-10231.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the parvocellular neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is known to play an important role in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. In the present study, we examined how cAMP and glucocorticoids regulate AVP gene expression in the parvocellular neurons of the PVN in rat hypothalamic organotypic cultures with in situ hybridization. AVP heteronuclear (hn) RNA, an indicator for gene transcription, was induced in the PVN with incubation of forskolin as reported previously, and AVP mRNA was increased by forskolin in the presence of the gene transcription inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB). These data indicate that cAMP could increase not only gene transcription but also mRNA stability. Dexamethasone treatment, in contrast, significantly decreased AVP mRNA expression levels in the PVN, but this inhibitory action was abolished in the presence of DRB or the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX). However, when the hypothalamic slices were treated with forskolin, dexamethasone decreased AVP mRNA expression even in the presence of DRB and/or TTX. Furthermore, AVP hnRNA expression induced by forskolin was attenuated by dexamethasone treatment in the presence of TTX. These data indicate that dexamethasone could act on AVP cells independently of action potentials to decrease mRNA stability and to suppress AVP gene transcription during stimulation by cAMP. Thus, it was demonstrated that: (1) cAMP upregulates AVP gene transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, (2) the mode of action of glucocorticoids was dependent on whether the cells were stimulated by cAMP, and (3) the interactions between cAMP and glucocorticoids encompass both gene transcription and mRNA stability.
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Charmandari E, Kino T, Souvatzoglou E, Chrousos GP. Pediatric stress: hormonal mediators and human development. Horm Res Paediatr 2003; 59:161-79. [PMID: 12649570 DOI: 10.1159/000069325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress activates the central and peripheral components of the stress system, i.e., the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the arousal/sympathetic system. The principal effectors of the stress system are corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), arginine vasopressin, the proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and beta-endorphin, the glucocorticoids, and the catecholamines norepinephrine and epinephrine. Appropriate responsiveness of the stress system to stressors is a crucial prerequisite for a sense of well-being, adequate performance of tasks and positive social interactions. By contrast, inappropriate responsiveness of the stress system may impair growth and development, and may account for a number of endocrine, metabolic, autoimmune and psychiatric disorders. The development and severity of these conditions primarily depend on the genetic vulnerability of the individual, the exposure to adverse environmental factors and the timing of the stressful event(s), given that prenatal life, infancy, childhood and adolescence are critical periods characterized by increased vulnerability to stressors. The developing brain undergoes rapid growth and is characterized by high turnover of neuronal connections during the prenatal and early postnatal life. These processes and, hence, brain plasticity, slow down during childhood and puberty, and plateau in young adulthood. Hormonal actions in early life, and to a much lesser extent later, can be organizational, i.e., can have effects that last for long periods of time, often for the entire life of the individual. Hormones of the stress system and sex steroids have such effects, which influence the behavior and certain physiologic functions of individuals for life. Exposure of the developing brain to severe and/or prolonged stress may result in hyperactivity/hyperreactivity of the stress system, with resultant amygdala hyperfunction (fear reaction), decreased activity of the hippocampus (defective glucocorticoid-negative feedback, cognition), and the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system (dysthymia, novelty-seeking, addictive behaviors), hyperactivation of the HPA axis (hypercortisolism), suppression of reproductive, growth, thyroid and immune functions, and changes in pain perception. These changes may be accompanied by abnormal childhood, adolescent and adult behaviors, including excessive fear ('inhibited child syndrome') and addictive behaviors, dysthymia and/or depression, and gradual development of components of the metabolic syndrome X, including visceral obesity and essential hypertension. Prenatal stress exerted during the period of sexual differentiation may be accompanied by impairment of this process with behavioral and/or somatic sequelae. The vulnerability of individuals to develop varying degrees and/or components of the above life-long syndrome is defined by as yet unidentified genetic factors, which account for up to 60% of the variance. CRH has marked kindling and glucocorticoids have strong consolidating properties, hence both of these hormones are crucial in development and can alone produce the above syndrome. CRH and glucocorticoids may act in synergy, as in acoustic startle, while glucocorticoids may suppress or stimulate CRH, as in the hypothalamus and amygdala, respectively. A CRH type 1 receptor antagonist, antalarmin, inhibits both the development and expression of conditioned fear in rats, and has anxiolytic properties in monkeys. Profound stressors, such as those from sexual abuse, may elicit the syndrome in older children, adolescents and adults. Most frequently, chronic dysthymia and/or depression may develop in association with gastrointestinal complaints and/or the premenstrual tension syndrome. A lesser proportion of individuals may develop the classic posttraumatic stress disorder, which is characterized by hypocortisolism and intrusive and avoidance symptoms; in younger individuals it may present as dissociative personality disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Charmandari
- Pediatric and Reproductive Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Eskandari F, Webster JI, Sternberg EM. Neural immune pathways and their connection to inflammatory diseases. Arthritis Res Ther 2003; 5:251-65. [PMID: 14680500 PMCID: PMC333413 DOI: 10.1186/ar1002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2003] [Revised: 08/08/2003] [Accepted: 08/18/2003] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and inflammatory responses are modulated by a bidirectional communication between the neuroendocrine and immune system. Many lines of research have established the numerous routes by which the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS) communicate. The CNS signals the immune system through hormonal pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the hormones of the neuroendocrine stress response, and through neuronal pathways, including the autonomic nervous system. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and sex hormones also have an important immunoregulatory role. The immune system signals the CNS through immune mediators and cytokines that can cross the blood-brain barrier, or signal indirectly through the vagus nerve or second messengers. Neuroendocrine regulation of immune function is essential for survival during stress or infection and to modulate immune responses in inflammatory disease. This review discusses neuroimmune interactions and evidence for the role of such neural immune regulation of inflammation, rather than a discussion of the individual inflammatory mediators, in rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Eskandari
- Section on Neuroendocrine Immunology and Behavior, NIMH/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Serra M, Pisu MG, Floris I, Cara V, Purdy RH, Biggio G. Social isolation-induced increase in the sensitivity of rats to the steroidogenic effect of ethanol. J Neurochem 2003; 85:257-63. [PMID: 12641747 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01680.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Social isolation of rats for 30 days immediately after weaning results in marked decreases in the cerebrocortical and plasma concentrations of pregnenolone, progesterone, 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-TH PROG), and 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (3alpha,5alpha-TH DOC), as well as a moderate increase in the plasma concentration of corticosterone. This mildly stressful condition has now been shown to increase the sensitivity of rats to the effect of acute ethanol administration on the cerebrocortical and plasma concentrations of neuroactive steroids. The percentage increases in the brain and plasma concentrations of pregnenolone, progesterone, 3alpha,5alpha-TH PROG, and 3alpha,5alpha-TH DOC, apparent 20 min after a single intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (1 g/kg), were thus markedly greater in isolated rats than in group-housed animals. A subcutaneous injection of isoniazid (300 mg/kg) also induced greater percentage increases in the concentrations of these steroids in isolated rats than in group-housed animals. These results suggest that mild chronic stress, such as that induced by social isolation, enhances the steroidogenic effect of ethanol, a drug abused by humans under stress or affected by neuropsychiatric disorders. Social isolation also induced hyper-responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as was apparent after reduction of GABA-mediated inhibitory tone by isoniazid administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Serra
- Department of Experimental Biology, Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Drug Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Grottoli S, Giordano R, Maccagno B, Pellegrino M, Ghigo E, Arvat E. The stimulatory effect of canrenoate, a mineralocorticoid antagonist, on the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is abolished by alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002; 87:4616-20. [PMID: 12364444 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2002-020331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) in the hippocampus play a major role in the control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, mediating the proactive feedback of glucocorticoids in the maintenance of basal activity. Intracerebroventricular and intrahippocampal MR blockade stimulates HPA axis in animals; the systemic administration of mineralocorticoid antagonists enhances spontaneous and CRH-stimulated ACTH and cortisol secretion in humans. Benzodiazepines, namely alprazolam, activate central gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic receptors, which are mainly distributed in the hippocampus. Alprazolam has a inhibitory effect on HPA axis either in basal conditions or after central nervous system-mediated stimuli. In humans, alprazolam strongly reduces the corticotroph responsiveness to removal of glucocorticoid feedback by metyrapone. We studied the effect of alprazolam (0.02 mg/kg, orally) on the effect of canrenoate (CAN), an MR antagonist (200 mg as an iv bolus, followed by 200 mg infused in 250 ml saline) or placebo on ACTH, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) secretion in six normal young women (aged 25-32 yr; body mass index, 19-23 kg/m(2)). During placebo, ACTH, cortisol, and DHEA secretion showed a progressive decrease (baseline vs. nadir, mean +/- SEM, from 1830-2400 h, 2.6 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.4 +/- 0.3 pmol/liter, 133.2 +/- 16.4 vs. 46.9 +/- 5.2 nmol/liter, and 22.6 +/- 2.3 vs. 18.6 +/- 2.3 nmol/liter, respectively), although statistical significance was obtained for ACTH and cortisol only (P < 0.05). During CAN treatment, ACTH, cortisol, and DHEA secretion showed a progressive rise, which began at approximately 2100 h and peaked between 2300 and 2400 h (2.9 +/- 0.3 pmol/liter, 172.6 +/- 27.9 nmol/liter, and 45.3 +/- 10.7 nmol/liter, respectively; P < 0.05). Alprazolam abolished the CAN-induced increases in ACTH, cortisol, and DHEA levels (1.8 +/- 0.1 pmol/liter, 59.7 +/- 8.6 nmol/liter, and 19.8 +/- 6.7 nmol/liter; P < 0.05), inducing hormonal peaks overlapping with those recorded after placebo in the absence of any treatment. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the inhibitory effect of GABAergic activation by alprazolam overrides the stimulatory effect of mineralocorticoid blockade by canrenoate on the HPA axis in humans. These findings emphasize the role of GABA in the control of the HPA axis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Grottoli
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Rosmond R, Bouchard C, Björntorp P. Allelic variants in the GABA(A)alpha6 receptor subunit gene (GABRA6) is associated with abdominal obesity and cortisol secretion. Int J Obes (Lond) 2002; 26:938-41. [PMID: 12080446 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0802022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2001] [Revised: 02/06/2002] [Accepted: 02/11/2002] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cortisol is involved in the regulation of adipose-tissue differentiation, function and distribution, and in excess causes abdominal obesity. At the level of the brain, cortisol secretion is partly controlled by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain, and acts by binding to GABA(A) receptors. METHOD We examined the potential impact of a 1519T>C polymorphism in the GABA(A)alpha6 receptor subunit (GABRA6) gene on obesity and obesity-related phenotypes as well as circulating hormones, including salivary cortisol in 284 unrelated Swedish men born in 1944. The subjects were genotyped by using PCR amplification of the 3' non-coding region of the GABRA6 gene followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme AlwNI. RESULTS The frequency of allele T was 0.54 and 0.46 for allele C. Carriers for the T allele (n=211) had borderline significantly higher waist-to-hip ratio (P=0.094) and abdominal sagittal diameter (P=0.084) compared to homozygotes for the C allele (n=56). The homozygotes for the T allele had, in comparison to heterozygotes, significantly (P=0.004-0.024) higher mean cortisol levels at 11:45 am, and 30, 45 and 60 min after a standardized lunch and, finally, at 5:00 pm. In addition, T/T subjects had significantly (P=0.031) higher diurnal cortisol secretion compared to T/C subjects. Other hormones, glucose and serum lipids were not different across the genotype groups. CONCLUSION These findings suggest a role of the 1519T>C polymorphism in GABRA6 in the predisposition to hypercortisolism and perhaps abdominal obesity. The pathophysiology may involve various environmental factors, particularly stress, that destabilize the GABA-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal systems in those with genetic vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rosmond
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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Abstract
Many lines of research have established the numerous routes by which the immune and central nervous systems (CNS) communicate. The CNS signals the immune system via hormonal and neuronal pathways and the immune system signals the CNS through similar routes via immune mediators and cytokines. The primary hormonal pathway by which the CNS regulates the immune system is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, through the hormones of the neuroendocrine stress response. The sympathetic nervous system regulates immune system function primarily via adrenergic neurotransmitters released through neuronal routes. Neuroendocrine regulation of immune function is essential for survival during stress or infection and to modulate immune responses in inflammatory disease. Glucocorticoids are the main effector endpoint of the neuroendocrine response system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Eskandari
- Section on Neuroendocrine Immunology and Behavior, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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