Regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acidB (GABAB) receptors in cerebral cortex during the estrous cycle

Sex Differences in Excitatory and Inhibitory Function in the Primary Somatosensory Cortex during the Early Follicular Phase: A Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We examined sex differences in the excitatory and inhibitory functions of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) between males and females during the early follicular phase, when estradiol hormones are unaffected.

METHODS

Fifty participants (25 males and 25 females) underwent measurement of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and paired-pulse inhibition (PPI) in the S1; SEPs and PPI were elicited by constant current square-wave pulses (0.2 ms duration) delivered to the right median nerve by electrical stimulation. Paired-pulse stimulation occurred at 30- and 100-ms interstimulus intervals. Participants were randomly presented with 1500 (500 stimuli each) single- and paired-pulse stimuli at 2 Hz.

RESULTS

The N20 amplitude was significantly larger in female subjects than in male subjects, and the PPI-30 ms was significantly potentiated in female subjects compared to that in male subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The excitatory and inhibitory functions in S1 differ between male and female subjects, at least during the early follicular phase.

GABA System Modifications During Periods of Hormonal Flux Across the Female Lifespan

The female lifespan is marked by periods of dramatic hormonal fluctuation. Changes in the ovarian hormones estradiol and progesterone, in addition to the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, are among the most significant and have been shown to have widespread effects on the brain. This review summarizes current understanding of alterations that occur within the GABA system during the major hormonal transition periods of puberty, the ovarian cycle, pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as reproductive aging. The functional impacts of altered inhibitory activity during these times are also discussed. Lastly, avenues for future research are identified, which, if pursued, can broaden understanding of the GABA system in the female brain and potentially lead to better treatments for women experiencing changes in brain function at each of these hormonal transition periods.

Physiopathological Role of Neuroactive Steroids in the Peripheral Nervous System

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) refers to many conditions involving damage to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Usually, PN causes weakness, numbness and pain and is the result of traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, or exposure to chemicals. Despite the high prevalence of PN, available treatments are still unsatisfactory. Neuroactive steroids (i.e., steroid hormones synthesized by peripheral glands as well as steroids directly synthesized in the nervous system) represent important physiological regulators of PNS functionality. Data obtained so far and here discussed, indeed show that in several experimental models of PN the levels of neuroactive steroids are affected by the pathology and that treatment with these molecules is able to exert protective effects on several PN features, including neuropathic pain. Of note, the observations that neuroactive steroid levels are sexually dimorphic not only in physiological status but also in PN, associated with the finding that PN show sex dimorphic manifestations, may suggest the possibility of a sex specific therapy based on neuroactive steroids.

Mechanisms and Regulation of Neuronal GABAB Receptor-Dependent Signaling

γ-Aminobutyric acid B receptors (GABA_BRs) are broadly expressed throughout the central nervous system where they play an important role in regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. GABA_BRs are G protein-coupled receptors that mediate slow and sustained inhibitory actions via modulation of several downstream effector enzymes and ion channels. GABA_BRs are obligate heterodimers that associate with diverse arrays of proteins to form modular complexes that carry out distinct physiological functions. GABA_BR-dependent signaling is fine-tuned and regulated through a multitude of mechanisms that are relevant to physiological and pathophysiological states. This review summarizes the current knowledge on GABA_BR signal transduction and discusses key factors that influence the strength and sensitivity of GABA_BR-dependent signaling in neurons.

Long-lasting changes in hippocampal GABAB-receptor mediated inhibition following early-life seizures in kindling-prone but not kindling-resistant rats

The hypotheses that hippocampal GABA_B receptor dysfunction is a long-lasting consequence of early-life seizures, and its dependence on genetic background, were tested. Two strains of rats bred to be prone (FAST) or resistant (SLOW) to amygdala kindling were used. On postnatal day (PND) 10, control rats were injected with saline, and seizure rats with kainic acid to induce status epilepticus (SE) for 2 h. A significantly lower dose of kainic acid was found to induce SE in FAST as compared to SLOW rats. Population excitatory postsynaptic potentials (pEPSPs) and population spikes (PSs) were recorded in CA1 of hippocampal slices of adult rats in vitro, following stimulation of stratum radiatum. Input-output relation of the single-pulse pEPSP and PS did not show a significant difference between seizure and control rats, sex, or strain (FAST and SLOW). Paired-pulse PSs were significantly enhanced at 10-50 ms interpulse intervals, in FAST seizure male rats compared to FAST male controls, but not in other groups. In adult FAST but not SLOW rats, significantly lower suppression of pEPSPs at 250-300 ms following heterosynaptic burst stimulation was found in seizure rats compared to control rats; the heterosynaptic suppression of the pEPSP was blocked by selective GABA_B receptor antagonist CGP55845A. The results provide evidence that an early-life SE has a long-lasting effect in decreasing GABA_B receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition in the hippocampus, in FAST but not in SLOW rats.

Impact of strain, sex, and estrous cycle on gamma butyrolactone-evoked absence seizures in rats

Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is the most common pediatric epilepsy syndrome and is characterized by typical absence seizures (AS). AS are non-convulsive epileptic seizures characterized by a sudden loss of awareness and bilaterally generalized synchronous 2.5-4 Hz spike and slow-wave discharges (SWD). Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is an acute pharmacological model of AS and induces bilaterally synchronous SWDs and behavioral arrest. Despite the long use of this model, little is known about its strain and sex-dependent features. We compared the dose-response profile of GBL-evoked SWDs in three rat strains (Long Evans, Sprague-Dawley, and Wistar), and examined the modulatory effects of estrous cycle on SWDs in female Wistar rats. We evaluated the number of seizures, the cumulative time seizing, and the average seizure duration as a function of dose, strain, and sex/estrous phase. Long Evans rats displayed the greatest sensitivity to GBL, followed by Wistar rats, and then by Sprague-Dawley rats. GBL-evoked SWDs were modulated by estrous cycle in female rats, with the lowest sensitivity to GBL occurring during metestrus. Wistar rats showed the greatest variability as a function of dose, and the least variability within dose; these features make this strain desirable for interventional studies. Moreover, our finding that the SWD response to GBL differs as a function of estrous cycle underscores the importance of cycle monitoring in studies examining female animals using this model. Together, these strain and sex-dependent findings provide guidance for future studies.

[A role of progesterone and its metabolites in regulation functions of the brain]

The review presents literature data reflecting the nature and mechanism of the effect of progesterone and its metabolites on human and animal brain structures. Particular attention is paid to neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety and sedative properties of this hormone, which determines the prospect of its use for the prevention and treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders, including premenstrual and climacteric syndromes.

The role of ovarian hormone-derived neurosteroids on the regulation of GABAA receptors in affective disorders

RATIONALE

Neuroactive derivatives of steroid hormones, neurosteroids, can act on GABAA receptors (GABAARs) to potentiate the effects of GABA on these receptors. Neurosteroids become elevated to physiologically relevant levels under conditions characterized by increased steroid hormones. There is considerable evidence for plasticity of GABAARs associated with altered levels of neurosteroids which may counteract the fluctuations in the levels of these allosteric modulators.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to summarize the current literature on GABAAR plasticity under conditions characterized by alterations in neurosteroid levels, such as over the estrous cycle, during puberty, and throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

RESULTS

The expression of specific GABAAR subunits is altered over the estrous cycle, at puberty, and throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Inability to regulate δ subunit-containing GABAARs throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period is associated with depression-like behavior restricted to the postpartum period.

CONCLUSIONS

GABAAR plasticity associated with alterations in neurosteroid levels represents a homeostatic compensatory mechanism to maintain an ideal level of inhibition to offset the potentiating effects of neurosteroids on GABAergic inhibition. Failure to properly regulate GABAARs under conditions of altered neurosteroid levels may increase vulnerability to mood disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and postpartum depression.

Oral baclofen reduces visceral pain-related pseudo-affective responses to colorectal distension in rats: relation between plasma exposure and efficacy

OBJECTIVE

We previously showed that activation of GABA(B) receptors by intravenous baclofen reduces pseudo-affective responses to colorectal distension in rats. Here we evaluate the potential clinical significance of these observations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinically relevant colorectal distension protocols were used to assess the effects of oral baclofen on visceromotor and autonomic cardiovascular responses in conscious rats. Plasma levels of baclofen were monitored to provide clinical relevance to the doses used. Conscious female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to repeated noxious colorectal distension (12 × 80 mmHg), ascending-phasic colorectal distension (10-80 mmHg, 10 mmHg increments) or ramp colorectal distension (10 min ramp at 8 mmHg/min). Visceromotor and cardiovascular responses (mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate) were monitored. Pain-related response thresholds were assessed using ascending-phasic and ramp colorectal distension.

RESULTS

Baclofen (1-10 μmol/kg, p.o.) reduced the visceromotor response to colorectal distension, reaching a 40% maximal inhibition (p < 0.05). The highest dose (10 μmol/kg, p.o.) also inhibited pain-related cardiovascular responses in telemetrized rats (50-55% reduction in colorectal distension-evoked hypertensive and tachycardic responses; p < 0.05). Similar thresholds for pain-related visceromotor responses were determined during ramp or ascending-phasic colorectal distension (34.1 ± 1.9 and 31.7 ± 3.2 mmHg, respectively). Baclofen (10 μmol/kg, p.o.) increased thresholds to 71.1 ± 3.7 and 77.5 ± 1.8 mmHg during ramp and ascending-phasic colorectal distension, respectively (p < 0.001). Plasma levels of baclofen were 3.3 ± 0.2 μmol/l at 90 min post-dosing, corresponding to the end of the colorectal distension procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral baclofen, at plasma levels similar to those reported safe and within a therapeutic range in humans, produced significant visceral anti-nociceptive effects in rats.

The absence of information about hormones and absence

Hormonal Regulation of Absence Seizures

Persad V, Ting Wong CG, Cortez MA, Wang YT, Snead OC 3rd

Ann Neurol 2004;44:353–361

A time course study that examined the effects of the female estrous cycle on the chronic slow spike-and-wave discharges (SSWDs), GABAB-receptor (GABABR) binding, and GABABR protein expression was conducted in Long-Evans hooded rats treated during development with a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor AY9944 (AY). In addition, a pharmacologic study using the hormones progesterone, 17 β-estradiol, mifepristone (intracellular progesterone-receptor antagonist), tamoxifen (intracellular estrogen-receptor antagonist), and allopregnanolone (progesterone metabolite) was performed to determine their effects on AY-induced seizures. The data indicate that a significant increase occurs in both the duration of SSWDs and GABABR binding in the AY model during the proestrus stage of the estrous cycle, the stage during which the levels of progesterone are at their highest. No changes in GABABR1a or R2 protein levels were observed. In addition, the administration of both progesterone and allopregnanolone exacerbated seizures in the AY model, whereas 17 β-estradiol attenuated the SSWD duration. Neither mifepristone nor tamoxifen blocked the effects of progesterone and 17 β-estradiol, respectively, on SSWD duration in the AY model, suggesting that these two sex hormones are working in a manner independent of their intracellular receptors. These data suggest an important role for steroid hormones in the regulation and maintenance of AY-induced atypical absence seizures.

Steroid hormone fluctuations and GABA(A)R plasticity

Conditions of changing steroid hormone levels are a particularly vulnerable time for the manifestation of neurological disorders, including catamenial epilepsy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and postpartum depression. The pathophysiology of these disorders may be related to changes in neurosteroid levels, which can dramatically impact neuronal excitability. Robust changes in neurosteroid levels, such as those that occur following stress, over the ovarian cycle, and throughout pregnancy, profoundly alter GABAA receptor (GABAAR) structure and function and underlie the associated changes in neuronal excitability. A moderate and brief exposure to elevated neurosteroids, such as those that occur over the ovarian cycle and following an acute stressful episode, result in a decrease in GABAAR gamma2 subunit expression and an increase in GABAAR delta subunit expression. These changes are accompanied by a decrease in seizure susceptibility and decreased anxiety-like behavior in mice, demonstrating altered neuronal excitability associated with changes in the receptor composition. More robust changes in steroid hormone levels, such as those that occur throughout pregnancy, result in a decrease in both GABAAR gamma2 and delta subunit expression and are associated with an increase in neuronal excitability evident from the shift in the input-output relationship. Alterations in GABAAR subunit composition may represent a homeostatic mechanism to maintain an ideal level of inhibition in the face of fluctuating neurosteroid levels. Neurosteroids potentiate the effects of GABA on GABAARs, particularly those containing the delta subunit, and reorganization of these receptors may be necessary to prevent sedation and/or anaesthesia in the face of high levels of neurosteroids or to prevent hyperexcitability in the absence of these compounds. Alterations in GABAARs under conditions of altered steroid hormone levels result in measurable changes in neuronal excitability and dysregulation of GABAARs may play a role in steroid hormone-associated neurological disorders.

Hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone expression in female monkeys with different sensitivity to stress

Psychosocial stress, combined with mild dieting and moderate exercise, are observed in women seeking treatment for hypothalamic amenorrhea. Using female cynomolgus macaques, we previously reported that the same combination of mild stresses suppressed reproductive hormone secretion and menstrual cycles in some individuals (stress-sensitive, SS), but not in others (highly stress-resilient, HSR). Compared to HSR monkeys, SS monkeys exhibited lower oestradiol and progesterone levels at the midcycle peak and decreased gene expression in the central serotonergic system during nonstressed cycles. Because steroids and serotonin impinge upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, we hypothesised that the differences between SS and HSR monkeys in the sensitivity of the HPG axis to stress may ultimately manifest in differences in the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system. GnRH in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry were performed with hypothalamic sections from SS and HSR animals, euthanised in the early follicular phase of a nonstressed menstrual cycle. Compared to HSR monkeys, SS monkeys exhibited a significantly higher number and density of GnRH cell bodies, as well as a higher number of soma with extremely robust expression of GnRH mRNA, but SS monkeys exhibited a lower density of immunostained GnRH fibres in the median eminence. We suggest that neuronal mechanisms involved in the control of GnRH synthesis, transport and release differ in SS compared to HSR animals.

Neuroactive steroids and peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy, either inherited or acquired, represents a very common disorder for which effective clinical treatments are not available yet. Observations here summarized indicate that neuroactive steroids, such as progesterone, testosterone and their reduced metabolites, might represent a promising therapeutic option. Peripheral nerves are able to synthesize and metabolize neuroactive steroids and are a target for these molecules, since they express classical and non-classical steroid receptors. Neuroactive steroids modulate the expression of key transcription factors for Schwann cell function, regulate Schwann cell proliferation and promote the expression of myelin proteins involved in the maintenance of myelin multilamellar structure, such as myelin protein zero and peripheral myelin protein 22. These actions may result in the protection and regeneration of peripheral nerves affected by different forms of pathological alterations. Indeed, neuroactive steroids are able to counteract biochemical, morphological and functional alterations of peripheral nerves in different experimental models of neuropathy, including the alterations caused by aging, diabetic neuropathy and physical injury. Therefore, neuroactive steroids, pharmacological agents able to increase their local synthesis and synthetic ligands for their receptors have a promising potential for the treatment of different forms of peripheral neuropathy.

Adenohypophyseal and hypothalamic GABA B receptor subunits are downregulated by estradiol in adult female rats

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) participates in neuroendocrine regulation. Since steroid hormones have been shown to modulate the GABAergic system, here we evaluated the effect of chronic in vivo estradiol administration on GABA B receptor (GABA(B)R) expression. GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) subunits were analyzed by Western Blot and RT-PCR, in hypothalami and anterior pituitaries of adult female rats: a) treated for 1 week with estradiol-valerate (a single dose of 100 mug /kg: E1), b) implanted with a 10 mg pellet of estradiol-benzoate for 5 weeks (E5) or c) on proestrous (P), d) ovariectomized (OVX). Pituitary GABA(B)R levels were correlated to a biological effect: baclofen, a GABA(B)R agonist, action on intracellular calcium titers ([Ca(2+)](i)) in pituitary cells. E5 pituitaries showed a significant decrease in the expression of GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) mRNAs compared to P. The GABA(B1a) splice variant of GABA(B1) was always more abundant than GABA(B1b) in this tissue. Similar to the pituitary, hypothalamic GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) mRNAs decreased in E5; this was confirmed at the protein level. In the hypothalamus GABA(B1b) was the main variant expressed in P rats, and was the one significantly sensitive to estradiol-induced decrease, as determined by Western Blots. Castration did not modify GABA(B)R expression with regards to P in either tissue. In P pituitary cells baclofen induced a decrease in [Ca(2+)](i), in contrast this effect was lost in E5 cells. We conclude that chronic estradiol treatment negatively regulates the expression of the GABA(B)R subunits in the pituitary and the hypothalamus. This effect is coupled to a loss of baclofen action on intracellular calcium in pituitary cells.

Peripheral nerves: a target for the action of neuroactive steroids

Peripheral nervous system possesses both classical and non-classical steroid receptors and consequently may represent a target for the action of neuroactive steroids. The present review summarizes the state of art of this intriguing field of research reporting data which indicate that neuroactive steroids, like for instance progesterone, dihydroprogesterone, tetrahydroprogesterone, dihydrotestosterone and 3alpha-diol, stimulate the expression of two important proteins of the myelin of peripheral nerves, the glycoprotein P0 (P0) and the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22). Interestingly, the mechanisms by which neuroactive steroids exert their effects involve classical steroid receptors, like for instance progesterone and androgen receptors, in case of P0 and non-classical steroid receptors, like GABA(A) receptor, in case of PMP22. Moreover, neuroactive steroids not only control the expression of these specific myelin proteins, but also influence the morphology of myelin sheaths and axons suggesting that these molecules may represent an interesting new therapeutic approach to maintain peripheral nerve integrity during neurodegenerative events.

Effect of androgens on sexual differentiation of pituitary gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit GABA(B) expression

Previous work demonstrated a sexually dimorphic ontogenic expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA(B)R) in rat pituitary. As sex steroids determine sex-specific expression patterns, we now studied the effect of sex hormones on pituitary GABA(B)R expression. GABA(B)R subunits, measured by Western blot and by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone measured by RIA were determined in two experimental designs: First experimental design: 8- and 15-day-old females (8F, 15F); 8F and 15F treated with 100 mug testosterone propionate (TP) on day 1 of life (8F100TP, 15F100TP), 8- and 15-day-old males (8M, 15M) and 8M and 15M castrated on day 1 (8MC, 15MC). Second experimental design: 8-day-old female and male animals: 8F, 8F100TP, 8F treated with 1 mug/day TP on days 1-4 (8F1TP), 8F treated with the androgen antagonist Flutamide (Flut: 2.5 mg/100 g BW of pregnant mother on days E17-E23) (8F-Flut), 8M, 8MC, 8M treated with Flut as above (8M-Flut) and 8MC-Flut. In these animals, in addition, GABA, glutamate, aspartate and taurine were measured by HPLC in hypothalami and cortex. In the first set of experiments, GABA(B1)R mRNA/protein expression was higher in 8F than in 15F, 8M or 15M. In 8F100TP, GABA(B1)R mRNA/protein decreased to male levels. TP treatment did not alter GABA(B1)R expression in 15F. There was no difference in GABA(B1)R expression between 8M and 15M and neonatal castration did not modify its expression. In the second set of experiments, TP (1 mug) or Flut did not modify GABA(B1)R in 8F, while 100 microg TP continued to decrease GABA(B1)R expression. In 8M, Flut, alone or with castration, increased GABA(B1)R mRNA/protein expression to 8F. Hypothalamic GABA content followed the same pattern as pituitary GABA(B)R expression in 8-day-old animals, suggesting a cross-regulation. With regard to hormonal levels, 100 microg, but not 1 microg TP altered gonadotropins at 8 days, although both treatments effectively androgenized females as evidenced by lack of cycling. We conclude that androgens, acting pre- and postnatally, decrease pituitary GABA(B)R subunit expression.

Hormonal regulation of atypical absence seizures

A time course study that examined the effects of the female estrous cycle on the chronic slow spike-and-wave discharges (SSWDs), gamma-aminobutyric B receptor (GABA(B)R) binding, and GABA(B)R protein expression was conducted in Long Evans hooded rats treated during development with a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor AY9944 (AY). In addition, a pharmacological study using the hormones progesterone, 17 beta-estradiol, mifepristone (intracellular progesterone receptor antagonist), tamoxifen (intracellular estrogen receptor antagonist), and allopregnanolone (progesterone metabolite) was performed to determine their effects on AY-induced seizures. The data indicate that there is a significant increase in both the duration of SSWD and GABA(B)R binding in the AY model, during the proestrus stage of the estrous cycle, the stage during which the levels of progesterone are at their highest. No changes in GABA(B)R1a or R2 protein levels were observed. In addition, the administration of both progesterone and allopregnanolone exacerbated seizures in the AY model, whereas 17 beta-estradiol attenuated the SSWD duration. Neither mifepristone nor tamoxifen blocked the effects of progesterone and 17 beta-estradiol, respectively, on SSWD duration in the AY model, suggesting that these two sex hormones are working in a manner independent of their intracellular receptors. These data suggest an important role for steroid hormones in the regulation and maintenance of AY-induced atypical absence seizures.

Influence of menstrual cycle on the pharmacokinetics of paracetamol through salivary compartment in healthy subjects

Hormonal changes during the different phases of menstrual cycle may influence drug disposition. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the menstrual cycle on the pharmacokinetics of paracetamol through salivary compartment in young healthy Indian women (n = 12) with regular menstrual cycles. The subjects received an oral dose of 1 g paracetamol on the 3rd, 13th, and 23rd days of their menstrual cycle in a 3 x 3 randomized crossover design. Saliva samples were collected at predetermined time intervals and the paracetamol content in them was estimated using an established HPLC method. The pharmacokinetics of paracetamol was worked out using a model-independent method employing WinNonlin 3.1. The mean Cmax of paracetamol was significantly (p < 0.05) lower (31.5%) in the ovulatory phase than in the follicular phase. The mean AUC0-t and AUC0-infinity values were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the ovulatory phase than those in the luteal phase. These changes could be due to increased first-pass metabolism and decreased bioavailability of paracetamol during the ovulatory phase.

Growth hormone secretion after baclofen administration in different phases of the menstrual cycle in healthy women

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of baclofen administration on growth hormone (GH) secretion during different phases of the menstrual cycle.

METHODS

Twelve healthy women (33.6 +/- (SD) 2.8 years; range 23-40 years) with regular menstrual cycles were enrolled. The phases of the menstrual cycle were determined using transvaginal ultrasonography (TV-US) and detecting hormonal serum levels. Plasma GH levels were evaluated during the early follicular, periovulatory and luteal phases of the cycle before and after the baclofen challenge test.

RESULTS

After acute baclofen administration, GH levels increased significantly (p < 0.001) compared to basal values during the periovulatory and luteal phases, while no significant variation was detected during the early follicular phase. In addition, plasma GH levels resulted significantly (p < 0.001) higher during the luteal phase than during the periovulatory phase.

CONCLUSION

Acute baclofen administration induces a significant increase in plasma GH levels in healthy females during the periovulatory and luteal phases, but not during the early follicular phase. These data suggest a modulator role of plasma sex steroids levels on GH release induced by baclofen.

Spatial reference memory and neocortical neurochemistry vary with the estrous cycle in C57BL/6 mice

Estrous cycle-related variations of spatial reference memory and neurochemistry in intact female mice were examined. Spatial reference memory was tested in cycling females, ovariectomized (OVX) females, and males by using a 1-day water maze protocol. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activities were measured in the hippocampus and neocortex. Estrus females exhibited worse spatial acquisition and 30-min retention than did proestrus and metestrus females, higher neocortical ChAT activity than proestrus females, and higher neocortical GAD activity than OVX females and males. Neocortical, rather than hippocampal, neurochemistry was more sensitive to hormonal modulation, suggesting that hormonal mediation of neocortical function may play a critical role in regulating spatial reference memory in female mice.

Steroid fluctuations modify functional cerebral asymmetries: the hypothesis of progesterone-mediated interhemispheric decoupling

This study examines the modulation of functional cerebral asymmetries by gonadal hormones in three distinct groups. Young, normally cycling women performed a prototypical left (lexical decision) and two prototypical right-hemispheric tasks (figural comparison and face discrimination) during the low steroid menses and the high steroid midluteal phase. Saliva progesterone levels were measured with radioimmunoassay (RIA). Parallel to younger females, young men, and postmenopausal women were tested at matching time intervals. Results revealed significant interactions between cycle phase and visual half-field in the accuracy of all three tasks for the younger women; stronger lateralization patterns occurring during menses, while a more bilateral or at least less asymmetric cerebral organization predominated the midluteal phase, when highest levels of progesterone appear. Progesterone seemed to have a significant influence on lateralization in the figural comparison task, with high hormone levels enhancing the performance of the left hemisphere (for this task subdominant), thereby decreasing asymmetry. After menopause, when the levels of gonadal hormones are lower and more stable, the lateralization patterns for all three tasks were similar to those of men and normally cycling women during menses. These results make it likely that steroids and especially progesterone are able to reduce cerebral asymmetries. We hypothesize that progesterone attenuates the effect of glutamate on non-NMDA receptors. This could diminish cortico-cortical transmission which is mostly dependent on a glutamate-induced initial EPSP in pyramidal neurons which receive transcallosal input. The reduction in callosal transfer could then suppress the functional asymmetries.

Acute and long-term effects of 17beta-estradiol on G(i/o) coupled neurotransmitter receptor function in the female rat brain as assessed by agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding

Estrogens exert effects on mood, mental state, memory and other central nervous system (CNS) functions by modulating neurotransmitter receptor systems in the brain. Studies were designed to investigate the effect of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) on agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in membranes to assess the first step in the intracellular signal transduction cascade in a functional assay following: (1) an acute, one-time bolus subcutaneous injection, or (2) 14-day continuous exposure by a slow-release pellet implanted subcutaneously. In rats treated with E(2) acutely, the maximal response produced by activation of serotonin(1A) (5-HT(1A)) receptors was decreased approximately 25% in the hippocampus, cortex, and amygdala. Similarly, acute E(2) administration desensitized 5-HT(1B) and GABA(B) receptors in hypothalamus and cerebellum, respectively, and cannabinoid receptors in hippocampus and cortex. Although the maximal responses were decreased, acute E(2) treatment did not alter the EC(50) of any of the aforementioned receptors. The incubation of membranes prepared from the cortex of ovariectomized (OVX) rats with E(2) (1 microM) in vitro did not alter 5-HT(1A) or cannabinoid receptor-mediated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. By contrast to acute treatment in vivo, 14-day E(2) administration to OVX rats did not alter the maximal responses produced by activation of 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(1B), GABA(B), or cannabinoid receptors in any of the brain regions examined. Thus, it is concluded that acute E(2) administration in vivo modulates multiple G(i/o) coupled receptors in various regions of the female rat brain. Because these effects are observed only in vivo, it is concluded that cytosolic, nuclear and/or extraneuronal factors are required.

GABA(B) receptor antagonists elevate both mRNA and protein levels of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) but not neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in brain and spinal cord of rats

In this study we show that single, physiologically-active and non-convulsive doses of the three GABA(B) receptor antagonists CGP 36742, CGP 56433A and CGP 56999A increase NGF and BDNF mRNA levels by 200-400% and protein levels by 200-250% in rat neocortex, hippocampus as well as spinal cord. In all areas examined the increase in NGF protein preceded that of BDNF. Peak levels of both neurotrophins are transient and occur between 24 and 72 h, depending on the region. In contrast, NT-3 protein concentrations in the neocortex and hippocampus were decreased significantly to 50% of control values within 48-96 h. The decrease in the spinal cord was less than 30% and did not reach significant levels. These data clearly demonstrate that GABA(B) receptor antagonists induce a specific neurotrophin expression in the central nervous system at physiologically relevant doses, as opposed to the extreme conditions of seizure paradigms. The results are in line with the concept that neuronal neurotrophin synthesis and release in brain are controlled by afferent nerve activity. GABA(B) receptor antagonists could therefore be a valuable new approach to selectively increase endogenous neurotrophin levels in the central nervous system.

Regulation of cyclic AMP level by progesterone in ovariectomized rat neocortex

Exposure of neocortical slices to progesterone, without prior treatment with estrogen, augmented forskolin-induced cyclic AMP within 15 min. 30 nM progesterone produced approximately 1/2 the maximal effect but as little as 10 nM progesterone produced a detectable increase in cyclic AMP. When forskolin was replaced by dideoxyforskolin, an analog that does not directly stimulate adenylyl cyclase but shares many of its other actions, progesterone did not augment cyclic AMP. Progesterone also failed to affect increased cyclic AMP that followed exposure to norepinephrine or isoproterenol. The effect of progesterone upon cyclic AMP was also evident when tetrodotoxin was added to block voltage-dependent sodium channels, suggesting that intercellular communication that is dependent upon action potentials was not necessary. The effect of progesterone was at least partially blocked by antagonists of GABAA receptor action, suggesting the involvement of GABAA or GABAA-like receptors. The effect of progesterone was also not homogeneous over the neo cortex. While forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP was augmented by progesterone in the parietal and occipital regions, it was suppressed in the frontal region. These results are envisioned as a progesterone action upon a small and perhaps compartmentalized component of the cellular cyclic AMP system, an effect that is made detectable in our whole-tissue assay by the well known ability of forskolin to potentiate many hormonal effects upon cyclic AMP.

Human somatosensory cortical activation strengths: comparison between males and females and age-related changes

The amplitudes of many scalp-recorded evoked potential (EP) deflections are higher in females than in males, and in elderly than in young subjects. Since EPs critically depend on the electric conductivity of the cranium, it is not known whether these differences reflect age- and gender-dependent changes in the intensity of neuronal activation, or changes in the volume conductor. Evoked magnetic fields are not significantly affected by the conductivities of the cranial tissues and therefore reflect more directly the neuronal activation than EPs. We report here on the effects of age and gender on somatosensory evoked fields (SEFs) from the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) in 43 healthy subjects (21 males) aged from 20 to 73 years (males 51+/-18 years, females 51+/-14 years). The intensity of neuronal activation was estimated with equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) found at the peaks of the N20m, P35m and P60m deflections from the left SI after right median nerve stimulation. The peak latencies of N20m and P35m (but not of P60m) were shorter in females than in males. The N20m latency was positively correlated with age in males, but otherwise the latencies did not correlate with age. The ECD amplitudes did not differ between males and females for any of the deflections. The N20m ECD strength showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.39, p<0.01) with age while P35m and P60m ECD strengths did not. The results thus did not disclose gender differences in the activation strengths of the somatosensory cortex, implying that such differences in evoked potentials may possibly be due to gender differences in the volume conductor. On the other hand, the results suggest a slight age-related increase in cortical excitability.

Effect of the estrous cycle on olfactory bulb response to vaginocervical stimulation in the rat: results from electrophysiology and Fos immunocytochemistry experiments

To determine whether the stage of the estrous cycle modified the response of olfactory bulb neurons to vaginocervical stimulation, (1) vaginocervical stimulation was applied to animals in proestrus-estrus and metestrus-diestrus and the extracellular electrophysiological response of units in the mitral cell layer of the main olfactory bulb was compared, and (2) the effect of vaginocervical or sham stimulation and the effect of the estrous cycle on the number of neurons stained immunocytochemically for Fos in the main and accessory olfactory bulb was examined. Animals in proestrus-estrus had basal firing rates of 21.8 +/- 1.8 spikes per 5 s and vaginocervical stimulation produced an increase in firing rate. In contrast, animals in metestrus-diestrus had a slower basal firing rate (14.3 +/- 2.3 spikes per 5 s) and vaginocervical stimulation produced a decrease in the firing rate. For animals in proestrus-estrus, vaginocervical stimulation increased the number of Fos-stained cells in the granular cell layer of the accessory olfactory bulb, and in the glomerular and in external plexiform layers of the main olfactory bulb. In contrast, the number of Fos-stained cells decreased in the granular cell layer of the main olfactory bulb after stimulation was applied to animals in proestrus-estrus. The number of Fos-stained cells in the granular layer of the accessory olfactory bulb and the granular and glomerular cell layers of the main olfactory bulb was modulated by the estrous cycle. Therefore, olfactory bulb activity, measured both electrophysiologically and by Fos staining, was affected by the estrous cycle and vaginocervical stimulation, and the two variables interacted. It is likely that integration of interoceptive and environmental stimulation is important for the normal expression of sexual behavior in the female rat.

Acute exposure to 25-hydroxy-cholesterol selectively reduces GABAb and not GABAa receptor-mediated synaptic inhibition

Intracellular recording techniques were used to study the effects of the cholesterol oxide, 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OH-Chol), on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in brain slices of the rat lateral septum. Superfusion of 25-OH-Chol increased the peak amplitude of the GABAa IPSP in more than half of the neurons tested, many of which exhibited a similar increase in the GABAb IPSP. However, some neurons exhibited a gradual decrease in input resistance and a selective reduction or blockade of the GABAb IPSP during prolonged exposure. Cholesterol partly mimicked the effects of 25-OH-Chol. These findings indicate that 25-OH-Chol can selectively reduce or block metabotropic GABAb while sparing ionotropic GABAa receptor-mediated synaptic inhibition. Our results indicate that brain slices can be used to study the effects of short term alterations in cholesterol on the excitability and synaptic integration properties of neurons.

Possible role of cytochrome P450 in inactivation of testosterone in immortalized hippocampal neurons

The hippocampus as part of the limbic system is sensitive to gonadal hormones. The time-dependent expression of steroid receptors and the testosterone converting enzyme aromatase (CYP19) is well studied. In contrast, little is known about other cytochrome P450 enzymes in hippocampus which inactivate the gonadal hormones. For investigation of the total cytochrome P450 content and the expression of testosterone degrading CYP2B10 we used embryonic (E18) in comparison to postnatal (P21) immortalized hippocampal neurons. These embryonic neurons were demonstrated to react to hormones according a 'critical period' of sexual differentiation: testosterone treatment (1 microM to 5 microM in the culture medium) resulted in a decrease of beta-tubulin, as showed by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Measurements with reduced CO-difference spectrum elucidated that the P450 concentration in the embryonic neurons (10.2 pmol/mg protein; S.D. +/- 1.9) was twice as high as in the postnatal ones (5.2 pmol/mg protein; S.D. +/- 1.0). Correspondingly, a high value of the mitochondrial subfraction of approx. 141 pmol P450/mg protein was found in the embryonic neurons relative to the mitochondrial value of 37.7 pmol P450/mg protein in the postnatal neurons. Our results suggest a differential expression of cytochrome P450 during development. CYP2B10 was proved by electron microscopy and hormone degrading activity.

Effects of estrogen on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons vary as a function of dose and duration of treatment

Studies suggest that estrogen replacement can influence learning and memory processes via effects on cholinergic neurons located in specific regions of the basal forebrain. In the present study, immunocytochemical techniques were used to examine the effects of estrogen on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons as a function of the dose and duration of estrogen treatment. Ovariectomized rats received 2, 10, 25, or 100 microg estradiol every other day for a period of 1, 2, or 4 weeks. Sections through the basal forebrain were then processed for the detection of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) or the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75NGFR), and the number of immunoreactive cells in the medial septum (MS), the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (HDB) and the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) were counted. The effects of dose and duration of estrogen treatment were evaluated by analysis of variance and individual group means were compared with ovariectomized controls using a two-tailed Dunnets test. Administration of 2, 10, or 25 microg estradiol for 1 week produced a dose-related increase in the number of ChAT-like immunoreactive (IR) cells detected in the MS. Likewise treatment with 10 microg estradiol for 1 week, or with 2 microg estradiol for 2 weeks resulted in a significant increase in the number of ChAT-IR cells detected in the NBM. These effects were not observed following treatment with higher doses of estradiol. Nor were they maintained following repeated administration of estradiol for longer periods of time. In contrast, repeated administration of estradiol for 2 or 4 weeks resulted in significant decreases in the number of p75NGFR-IR cells detected in the MS, with the greatest effects observed following treatment with the higher doses of estradiol for longer periods of time. These findings demonstrate that (1) estrogen replacement produces regionally selective effects on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons which vary as a function of both the dose and duration of estrogen treatment, and (2) estrogen has both short-term and longer-term effects on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, each of which may contribute to the effects of estrogen on learning and memory process and the development of age- and disease-related cognitive decline.

Binding characteristics of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid as a weak but selective GABAB receptor agonist

The aim of this study was to reexamine the concept that gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a weak but selective agonist at gamma-aminobutyric acidB (GABAB) receptors, using binding experiments with several radioligands. Ki values of GHB were similar (approximately equal to 100 microM) in three agonist radioligand assays for GABAB receptors, [3H]baclofen (beta-para-chlorophenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid), [3H]CGP 27492 (3-aminopropyl-phosphinic acid) and [3H]GABA, in the presence of the GABAA receptor agonist isoguvacine with rat cortical, cerebellar and hippocampal membranes. In competition experiments between GHB and the GABAB receptor antagonist, [3H]CGP 54626 (3-N [1-{(S)-3,4-dichlorophenyl}-ethylamino]-2-(S)-hydroxypropyl cyclo-hexylmethyl phosphinic acid), the IC50 values were significantly increased with 300 microM of 5'-guanyl-imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p), which suggested that guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins) modulate GHB binding on GABAB receptors. The inhibition by GHB of [3H]CGP 27492 binding in cortical membranes was not altered in the presence of 0.3 or 3 mM of the two GHB dehydrogenase inhibitors, valproate and ethosuximide. Thus, GHB is not reconverted into GABA by GHB dehydrogenase. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrated that GHB is an endogenous weak but selective agonist at GABAB receptors.

Estrogen increases the bradycardia elicited by central administration of the serotonin1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT in conscious rats

Studies determined if estradiol modulates cardiovascular responses evoked by administration of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, into the lateral cerebral ventricle. 8-OH-DPAT (100 nmol) produced equivalent decreases in blood pressure in male and ovariectomized female (OVX) rats with or without estradiol replacement. By contrast, the bradycardia elicited by 8-OH-DPAT (3-100 nmol) was greatest in OVX rats with estradiol. Estradiol did not alter the bradycardia produced by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve. In summary, estradiol selectively enhanced the bradycardia elicited by 8-OH-DPAT suggesting that estrogen modulates the function of central 5-HT1A receptors regulating heart rate.

GABAB receptors

GABAB receptors are a distinct subclass of receptors for the major inhibitory transmitter 4-aminobutanoic acid (GABA) that mediate depression of synaptic transmission and contribute to the inhibition controlling neuronal excitability. The development of specific agonists and antagonists for these receptors has led to a better understanding of their physiology and pharmacology, highlighting their diverse coupling to different intracellular effectors through Gi/G(o) proteins. This review emphasises our current knowledge of the neurophysiology and neurochemistry of GABAB receptors, including their heterogeneity, as well as the therapeutic potential of drugs acting at these sites.