Dynamism of chemoarchitecture in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus as a central hub for the estrogenic modulation of neuroendocrine function and behavior

Estradiol and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) help coordinate reproduction with body physiology, growth and metabolism. PVN integrates hormonal and neural signals originating in the periphery, generating an output mediated both by its long-distance neuronal projections, and by a variety of neurohormones produced by its magnocellular and parvocellular neurosecretory cells. Here we review the cyto-and chemo-architecture, the connectivity and function of PVN and the sex-specific regulation exerted by estradiol on PVN neurons and on the expression of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neuropeptides and neurohormones in PVN. Classical and non-classical estrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in neuronal afferents to PVN and in specific PVN interneurons, projecting neurons, neurosecretory neurons and glial cells that are involved in the input-output integration and coordination of neurohormonal signals. Indeed, PVN ERs are known to modulate body homeostatic processes such as autonomic functions, stress response, reproduction, and metabolic control. Finally, the functional implications of the estrogenic modulation of the PVN for body homeostasis are discussed.

Organization of the neuroendocrine and autonomic hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus

A major function of the nervous system is to maintain a relatively constant internal environment. The distinction between our external environment (i.e., the environment that we live in and that is subject to major changes, such as temperature, humidity, and food availability) and our internal environment (i.e., the environment formed by the fluids surrounding our bodily tissues and that has a very stable composition) was pointed out in 1878 by Claude Bernard (1814-1878). Later on, it was indicated by Walter Cannon (1871-1945) that the internal environment is not really constant, but rather shows limited variability. Cannon named the mechanism maintaining this limited variability homeostasis. Claude Bernard envisioned that, for optimal health, all physiologic processes in the body needed to maintain homeostasis and should be in perfect harmony with each other. This is illustrated by the fact that, for instance, during the sleep-wake cycle important elements of our physiology such as body temperature, circulating glucose, and cortisol levels show important variations but are in perfect synchrony with each other. These variations are driven by the biologic clock in interaction with hypothalamic target areas, among which is the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), a core brain structure that controls the neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous systems and thus is key for integrating central and peripheral information and implementing homeostasis. This chapter focuses on the anatomic connections between the biologic clock and the PVN to modulate homeostasis according to the daily sleep-wake rhythm. Experimental studies have revealed a highly specialized organization of the connections between the clock neurons and neuroendocrine system as well as preautonomic neurons in the PVN. These complex connections ensure a logical coordination between behavioral, endocrine, and metabolic functions that helps the organism maintain homeostasis throughout the day.

Effect of tianeptine on the hypothalamic control of the corticotropic response to stress

Stress-induced stimulation of corticotropic function involves the activation of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), which can be measured by improved methods of neuroendocrine investigation. The antiserotoninergic tricyclic antidepressant, tianeptine, reduces the corticotropic response to stress, as shown by a reduction in hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal CRH and AVP levels.

Convergent neuronal projections from paraventricular nucleus, parabrachial nucleus, and brainstem onto gastrocnemius muscle, white and brown adipose tissue in male rats

When energy balance is altered by aerobic exercise, starvation, and cold exposure, for example, there appears to be coordination of the responses of skeletal muscle, white adipose (WAT), and brown adipose (BAT) tissues. We hypothesized that WAT, BAT, and skeletal muscle may share an integrated regulation by the central nervous system (CNS); specifically, that neurons in brain regions associated with energy balance would possess neuroanatomical connections to permit coordination of multiple, complementary responses in these downstream tissues. To study this, we used trans-neuronal viral retrograde tract tracing, using isogenic strains of pseudorabies virus (PRV) with distinct fluorescent reporters (either eGFP or mRFP), injected pairwise into male rat gastrocnemius, subcutaneous WAT and interscapular BAT, coupled with neurochemical characterization of specific cell populations for cocaine- and amphetamine-related transcript (CART), oxytocin (OX), corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Cells in the paraventricular (PVN) and parabrachial (PBN) nuclei and brainstem showed dual projections to muscle + WAT, muscle + BAT, and WAT + BAT. Dual PRV-labeled cells were found in parvocellular, magnocellular and descending/pre-autonomic regions of the PVN, and multiple structural divisions of the PBN and brainstem. In most PBN subdivisions, more than 50% of CGRP cells dually projected to muscle + WAT and muscle + BAT. Similarly, 31-68% of CGRP cells projected both to WAT + BAT. However, dual PRV-labeled cells in PVN only occasionally expressed OX or CRH but not CART. These studies reveal for the first time both separate and shared outflow circuitries among skeletal muscle and subcutaneous WAT and BAT.

Thalamic integration of social stimuli regulating parental behavior and the oxytocin system

Critically important components of the maternal neural circuit in the preoptic area robustly activated by suckling were recently identified. In turn, suckling also contributes to hormonal adaptations to motherhood, which includes oxytocin release and consequent milk ejection. Other reproductive or social stimuli can also trigger the release of oxytocin centrally, influencing parental or social behaviors. However, the neuronal pathways that transfer suckling and other somatosensory stimuli to the preoptic area and oxytocin neurons have been poorly characterized. Recently, a relay center of suckling was determined and characterized in the posterior intralaminar complex of the thalamus (PIL). Its neurons containing tuberoinfundibular peptide 39 project to both the preoptic area and oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus. The present review argues that the PIL is a major relay nucleus conveying somatosensory information supporting maternal behavior and oxytocin release in mothers, and may be involved more generally in social cue evoked oxytocin release, too.

Anatomy, development, and plasticity of the neurosecretory hypothalamus in zebrafish

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus harbors diverse neurosecretory cells with critical physiological roles for the homeostasis. Decades of research in rodents have provided a large amount of information on the anatomy, development, and function of this important hypothalamic nucleus. However, since the hypothalamus lies deep within the brain in mammals and is difficult to access, many questions regarding development and plasticity of this nucleus still remain. In particular, how different environmental conditions, including stress exposure, shape the development of this important nucleus has been difficult to address in animals that develop in utero. To address these open questions, the transparent larval zebrafish with its rapid external development and excellent genetic toolbox offers exciting opportunities. In this review, we summarize recent information on the anatomy and development of the neurosecretory preoptic area (NPO), which represents a similar structure to the mammalian PVN in zebrafish. We will then review recent studies on the development of different cell types in the neurosecretory hypothalamus both in mouse and in fish. Lastly, we discuss stress-induced plasticity of the PVN mainly discussing the data obtained in rodents, but pointing out tools and approaches available in zebrafish for future studies. This review serves as a primer for the currently available information relevant for studying the development and plasticity of this important brain region using zebrafish.

The neuroanatomic complexity of the CRF and DA systems and their interface: What we still don't know

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a neuropeptide that mediates the stress response. Long known to contribute to regulation of the adrenal stress response initiated in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA), a complex pattern of extrahypothalamic CRF expression is also described in rodents and primates. Cross-talk between the CRF and midbrain dopamine (DA) systems links the stress response to DA regulation. Classically CRF + cells in the extended amygdala and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) are considered the main source of this input, principally targeting the ventral tegmental area (VTA). However, the anatomic complexity of both the DA and CRF system has been increasingly elaborated in the last decade. The DA neurons are now recognized as having diverse molecular, connectional and physiologic properties, predicted by their anatomic location. At the same time, the broad distribution of CRF cells in the brain has been increasingly delineated using different species and techniques. Here, we review updated information on both CRF localization and newer conceptualizations of the DA system to reconsider the CRF-DA interface.

c-Fos expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus after a single treatment with a typical haloperidol and nine atypical antipsychotics: a pilot study

Objective. The aim of the present study was to find out whether acute effect of different doses of selected antipsychotics including aripiprazole (ARI), amisulpride (AMI), asenapine (ASE), haloperidol (HAL), clozapine (CLO), risperidone (RIS), quetiapine (QUE), olanzapine (OLA), ziprasidone (ZIP), and paliperidone (PAL) may have a stimulatory impact on the c-Fos expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons.

Methods. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 280–300 g were used. They were injected intraperitoneally with vehicle or antipsychotics in the following doses (mg/kg of b.w.): ARI (1, 10, 30), AMI (10, 30), ASE (0.3), HAL (1.0, 2.0), CLO (10, 20), RIS (0.5, 2.0), QUE (10, 20), OLA (5, 10), ZIP (10, 30), and PAL (1.0). Ninety min later, the animals were anesthetized with Zoletil and Xylariem and sacrificed by a transcardial perfusion with 60 ml of saline containing 450 μl of heparin (5000 IU/l) followed by 250 ml of fixative containing 4% paraformaldehyde in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (PB, pH 7.4). The brains were postfixed in a fresh fixative overnight, washed two times in 0.1 M PB, infiltrated with 30% sucrose for 2 days at 4 °C, frozen at −80 °C for 120 min, and cut into 30 μm thick serial coronal sections at −16 °C. c-Fos profiles were visualized by nickel intensified DAB immunohistochemistry and examined under Axio-Imager A1 (Zeiss) light microscope.

Results. From ten sorts of antipsychotics tested, only six (ARI-10, CLO-10 and CLO-20, HAL-2, AMI-30, OLA-10, RIS-2 mg/kg b.w.) induced distinct c-Fos expression in the PVN. The antipsychotics predominantly targeted the medial parvocellular subdivision of the PVN.

Conclusions. The present pilot study revealed c-Fos expression increase predominantly in the PVN medial parvocellular subdivision neurons by action of only several sorts of antipsychotics tested indicating that this structure of the brain does not represent a common extra-striatal target area for all antipsychotics.

BK Channels and the Control of the Pituitary

The pituitary gland provides the important link between the nervous system and the endocrine system and regulates a diverse range of physiological functions. The pituitary is connected to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk and is comprised primarily of two lobes. The anterior lobe consists of five hormone-secreting cell types which are electrically excitable and display single-spike action potentials as well as complex bursting patterns. Bursting is of particular interest as it raises intracellular calcium to a greater extent than spiking and is believed to underlie secretagogue-induced hormone secretion. BK channels have been identified as a key regulator of bursting in anterior pituitary cells. Experimental data and mathematical modeling have demonstrated that BK activation during the upstroke of an action potential results in a prolonged depolarization and an increase in intracellular calcium. In contrast, the posterior lobe is primarily composed of axonal projections of magnocellular neurosecretory cells which extend from the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. In these neuroendocrine cells, BK channel activation results in a decrease in excitability and hormone secretion. The opposite effect of BK channels in the anterior and posterior pituitary highlights the diverse role of BK channels in regulating the activity of excitable cells. Further studies of pituitary cell excitability and the specific role of BK channels would lead to a greater understanding of how pituitary cell excitability is regulated by both hypothalamic secretagogues and negative feedback loops, and could ultimately lead to novel treatments to pituitary-related disorders.

Physiological mechanisms, behavioral and psychological factors influencing the transfer of milk from mothers to their young

This article is part of a Special Issue "Parental Care".Producing milk to support the growth of their young is a central element of maternal care in mammals. In spite of the facts that ecological constraints influence nursing frequency, length of time until weaning and the composition of milk, there is considerable similarity in the anatomy and physiology of milk production and delivery across mammalian species. Here we provide an overview of cross species variation in nursing patterns and milk composition as well as the mechanisms underlying mammary gland development, milk production and letdown. Not all women breastfeed their infants, thus in later sections we review studies of factors that facilitate or impede the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. The results of these investigations suggest that the decisions to initiate and maintain breastfeeding are influenced by an array of personal, social and biological factors. Finally, studies comparing the development of breastfed and formula fed infants as well as those investigating associations between breastfeeding, maternal health and mother/infant interaction are reviewed. Leading health agencies including the World Health Organization and CDC advocate breastfeeding for at least the first 6months postpartum. To achieve these rates will require not only institutional support but also a focus on individual mother/infant dyads and their experience.

Physiology, signaling, and pharmacology of galanin peptides and receptors: three decades of emerging diversity

Galanin was first identified 30 years ago as a "classic neuropeptide," with actions primarily as a modulator of neurotransmission in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Other structurally-related peptides-galanin-like peptide and alarin-with diverse biologic actions in brain and other tissues have since been identified, although, unlike galanin, their cognate receptors are currently unknown. Over the last two decades, in addition to many neuronal actions, a number of nonneuronal actions of galanin and other galanin family peptides have been described. These include actions associated with neural stem cells, nonneuronal cells in the brain such as glia, endocrine functions, effects on metabolism, energy homeostasis, and paracrine effects in bone. Substantial new data also indicate an emerging role for galanin in innate immunity, inflammation, and cancer. Galanin has been shown to regulate its numerous physiologic and pathophysiological processes through interactions with three G protein-coupled receptors, GAL1, GAL2, and GAL3, and signaling via multiple transduction pathways, including inhibition of cAMP/PKA (GAL1, GAL3) and stimulation of phospholipase C (GAL2). In this review, we emphasize the importance of novel galanin receptor-specific agonists and antagonists. Also, other approaches, including new transgenic mouse lines (such as a recently characterized GAL3 knockout mouse) represent, in combination with viral-based techniques, critical tools required to better evaluate galanin system physiology. These in turn will help identify potential targets of the galanin/galanin-receptor systems in a diverse range of human diseases, including pain, mood disorders, epilepsy, neurodegenerative conditions, diabetes, and cancer.

Coexpression analysis of nine neuropeptides in the neurosecretory preoptic area of larval zebrafish

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus in mammals coordinates neuroendocrine, autonomic and behavioral responses pivotal for homeostasis and the stress response. A large amount of studies in rodents has documented that the PVN contains diverse neuronal cell types which can be identified by the expression of distinct secretory neuropeptides. Interestingly, PVN cell types often coexpress multiple neuropeptides whose relative coexpression levels are subject to environment-induced plasticity. Due to their small size and transparency, zebrafish larvae offer the possibility to comprehensively study the development and plasticity of the PVN in large groups of intact animals, yet important anatomical information about the larval zebrafish PVN-homologous region has been missing. Therefore we recently defined the location and borders of the larval neurosecretory preoptic area (NPO) as the PVN-homologous region in larval zebrafish based on transcription factor expression and cell type clustering. To identify distinct cell types present in the larval NPO, we also generated a comprehensive 3D map of 9 zebrafish homologs of typical neuropeptides found in the mammalian PVN (arginine vasopressin (AVP), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), proenkephalin a (penka)/b (penkb), neurotensin (NTS), oxytocin (OXT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), cholecystokinin (CCK), and somatostatin (SST)). Here we extend this chemoarchitectural map to include the degrees of coexpression of two neuropeptides in the same cell by performing systematic pairwise comparisons. Our results allowed the subclassification of NPO cell types, and differences in variability of coexpression profiles suggest potential targets of biochemical plasticity. Thus, this work provides an important basis for the analysis of the development, function, and plasticity of the primary neuroendocrine brain region in larval zebrafish.

Molecular neuroanatomy and chemoarchitecture of the neurosecretory preoptic-hypothalamic area in zebrafish larvae

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in mammals is the main hypothalamic nucleus controlling hormone release in the pituitary and plays pivotal roles in homeostasis. While the location of a PVN-homologous region has been described in adult fish as the neurosecretory preoptic area (NPO), this region has not been clearly defined in larval zebrafish due to the difficulty in defining cytoarchitectonic nuclear boundaries in the larval brain. Here we identify the precise location of the larval zebrafish NPO using conserved transcription factor and neuropeptide gene expressions. Our results identify the dorsal half of the preoptic-hypothalamic orthopedia a (otpa) domain as the larval NPO and the homologous region to the mammalian PVN. Further, by reconstructing the locations of cells producing zebrafish neuropeptides found in the mammalian PVN (CCK, CRH, ENK, NTS, SS, VIP, OXT, AVP), we provide the first 3D arrangement map of NPO neuropeptides in the larval zebrafish brain. Our results show striking conservation of transcription factor expression (otp, arx, dlx5a, isl1) in and around the NPO/PVN together with neuropeptide expression within it. Finally, we describe the exact anatomical location of cells producing Oxt and Avp in the adult zebrafish. Thus, our results identify the definitive borders and extent of the PVN homologous region in larval zebrafish and serve as an important basis for cross-species comparisons of PVN/NPO structure and function.

Paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus glutamate neurotransmission modulates autonomic, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to acute restraint stress in rats

In the present study, the involvement of paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) glutamate receptors in the modulation of autonomic (arterial blood pressure, heart rate and tail skin temperature) and neuroendocrine (plasma corticosterone) responses and behavioral consequences evoked by the acute restraint stress in rats was investigated. The bilateral microinjection of the selective non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist NBQX (2 nmol/ 100 nL) into the PVN reduced the arterial pressure increase as well as the fall in the tail cutaneous temperature induced by the restraint stress, without affecting the stress-induced tachycardiac response. On the other hand, the pretreatment of the PVN with the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol/100 nL) was able to increase the stress-evoked pressor and tachycardiac response, without affecting the fall in the cutaneous tail temperature. The treatment of the PVN with LY235959 also reduced the increase in plasma corticosterone levels during stress and inhibited the anxiogenic-like effect observed in the elevated plus-maze 24h after the restraint session. The present results show that NMDA and non-NMDA receptors in the PVN differently modulate responses associated to stress. The PVN glutamate neurotransmission, via non-NMDA receptors, has a facilitatory influence on stress-evoked autonomic responses. On the other hand, the present data point to an inhibitory role of PVN NMDA receptors on the cardiovascular responses to stress. Moreover, our findings also indicate an involvement of PVN NMDA glutamate receptors in the mediation of the plasma corticosterone response as well as in the delayed emotional consequences induced by the restraint stress.

Norepinephrine plays an important role in antinociceptive modulation of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in the rat

Our previous study has proven that hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) plays a role in antinociception. The effects of studied classical neurotransmitter on PVN antinociceptive modulation were investigated in the rat. The results showed: (1) Pain stimulation increased norepinephrine (NE), but not epinephrine, dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DA metabolic product), homovanilic acid (DA metabolic product), serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HT metabolic product), acetycholine (Ach), choline (Ach metabolic product), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and L-glutamate acid concentrations in the PVN perfusion liquid; (2) PVN stimulation with L-glutamate sodium, which excited local neurons only, did not influence the concentrations of the studied classical neurotransmitter and metabolic product in the PVN perfusion liquid; (3) Microinjection of NE, epinephrine, or L-glutamate sodium into the PVN elevated pain threshold, and local administration of GABA decreased pain threshold in a dose-dependent manner, but PVN administration of Ach, DA, or 5-HT did not change pain threshold; (4) Microinjection of phentolamine (alpha-receptor antagonist) or MK801 [NMDA-receptor antagonist] into the PVN reduced pain threshold, and local administration of bicuculline (GABA-receptor antagonist) raised pain threshold, but PVN administration of propranolol (beta-receptor antagonist), atropine (Muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist), 6-OH gallamine (Nicotinic cholinergic receptor antagonist), fluperidol (DA-receptor antagonist), or cyproheptadine (5-HT-receptor antagonist) did not alter pain threshold. The data suggested that endogenous NE, not epinephrine, 5-HT, Ach, GABA, and L-glutamate acid played an important role in the PVN antinociceptive modulation.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis adaptation processes in a depressive-like state induced by chronic restraint stress

Depression is potentially life-threatening. The most important neuroendocrine abnormality in this disorder is hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis hyperactivity. Recent findings suggest that all depression treatments may boost the neurotrophin production especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Moreover, BDNF is highly involved in the regulation of HPA axis activity. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of chronic stress (restraint 3h/day for 3 weeks) on animal behavior and HPA axis activity in parallel with hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary BDNF levels. Chronic stress induced changes in anxiety (light/dark box test) and anhedonic states (sucrose preference test) and in depressive-like behavior (forced swimming test); general locomotor activity and body temperature were modified and animal body weight gain was reduced by 17%. HPA axis activity was highly modified by chronic stress, since basal levels of mRNA and peptide hypothalamic contents in CRH and AVP and plasma concentrations in ACTH and corticosterone were significantly increased. The HPA axis response to novel acute stress was also modified in chronically stressed rats, suggesting adaptive mechanisms. Basal BDNF contents were increased in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary in chronically stressed rats and the BDNF response to novel acute stress was also modified. This multiparametric study showed that chronic restraint stress induced a depressive-like state that was sustained by mechanisms associated with BDNF regulation.

Correlation of nitric oxide (NO) activity and gonadal function in Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica following temporal phase relation of serotonergic and dopaminergic oscillations

Nitric oxide (NO), a highly reactive and short-lived radical, is considered to be an important trigger molecule for several physiological mechanisms including gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion in mammals, although there is no such information in avian literature. On the other hand, specific temporal phase relation of circadian neural (serotonergic and dopaminergic) oscillations is reported to modulate reproductive activity in many avian species including Japanese quail. The present study was undertaken to investigate the correlation of NO activity and gonadal function of Japanese quail. In experiment I, the effect of serotonin and dopamine precursors, (5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and L-dihydroxyphenyalanine (L-DOPA) respectively; 5 mg per 100g body weight) administered at intervals of 8 or 12h over a period of 13 days, was studied on reproductive responses and NO activity. Measurements of body weight, cloacal gland size, testosterone concentration, spermatogenesis, nitrite-nitrate concentration in plasma, hypothalamus and testes, and NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity in testes were made on the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 11th days of treatment and 2nd and 30th day post-treatment. In experiment II, quail were divided into five groups including the control. One experimental group received 13 daily injections of 5-HTP and L-DOPA at intervals of 8h along with 0.1 ml of normal saline administered orally (8-hr+Veh), while another group of 8-hr quail received NO donor (sodium nitroprusside (SNP), 5 mg per 100 g body weight) orally (8-hr+SNP). The third experimental group received 5-HTP and L-DOPA at intervals of 12h along with normal saline (12-hr+Veh), while the fourth group of quail along with 5-HTP and L-DOPA at intervals of 12h also received the NOS inhibitor (N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME, 25 microg per 100 g body weight) intraperitoneally (12-hr+L-NAME) for 13 days. This experiment was terminated after 21 days of the treatment. Results indicate that 5-HTP and L-DOPA administered 8h apart (8-hr) suppressed but if given 12h apart (12-hr) stimulated the reproductive system and NO activity compared to the control. These effects were apparent on the 6th day of injections and were maintained 30 days following the termination of the treatment. A significant decrease in nitrite and nitrate concentration and NADPH-d activity in reproductively inhibited 8-hr group and an increase in reproductively stimulated 12-hr quail was also evident. In contrast, these activities were stimulated in 8-hr+SNP quail and were suppressed in 12-hr+L-NAME group quail. It is concluded that activity of the reproductive system and NO activity waxes and wanes simultaneously in Japanese quail. Moreover, experimental modulation of gonadal activity (following changes in the phase relation of serotonergic and dopaminergic activity) or NO activity (following the administration of NO modulator or inhibitor) affects each other maintaining a parallel relation between the two systems. Further, it is interesting to note that the gonado-stimulatory effect of SNP overpowers the gonado-inhibitory effects of the 8-hr time interval and inhibitory effects of L-NAME mask the stimulatory effects of 12-hr temporal relation of 5-HTP and L-DOPA administration. These findings strongly suggest that reproductive effects may be induced via changes in NO activity, however the exact mechanism by which NO drives gonadal axis needs to be ascertained.

The effect of adrenalectomy on Fos expression in vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic neurons in response to stress in the rat

This study evaluated the responses of vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) neurons to alterations in hypothalamo-pituitary axis activity by adrenalectomy (ADX) or after restraint stress compared with basal conditions. Wistar male rats were perfuse-fixed by cardiac perfusion under anesthesia 3 h, 1, 3 and 14 days after ADX or Sham surgery. Coronal hypothalamic sections were used for evaluation of Fos, AVP and OT expression by immunohistochemistry. Under basal conditions and after stress, Fos-AVP double labeling showed no difference in the magnocellular subdivisions of the paraventricular nuclei (PVN) or in the supraoptic nuclei (SON), suggesting that the magnocellular AVP system is unlikely to contribute to ACTH secretion after restraint in both Sham and ADX rats. Fos-AVP double labeling in the parvocellular medial paraventricular nucleus (PaMP) in ADX groups was increased after 3 h in basal conditions, and in all periods after restraint stress. There were no differences between Sham and ADX groups in Fos-OT double labeling in any subdivision of the PVN; however, in the SON, the number of Fos-OT double labeled cells was increased at all time-points after stress in the ADX group. Fos expression was increased in the PaMP after 3 h and after restraint stress in the Sham and ADX groups, especially in the ADX group. In conclusion, Fos expression in different cell populations of the PVN can be differentially regulated by short- and long-term absence of glucocorticoid negative feedback and also by stress-related excitatory and/or inhibitory neural inputs. The Fos-AVP double labeling findings in the PaMP also indicate a minor participation of these vasopressinergic neurons in the regulation of the HPA axis after ADX.

Neuroactive steroids modulate HPA axis activity and cerebral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels in adult male rats

Depression is characterized by hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis hyperactivity. In this major mood disorder, neurosteroids and neurotrophins, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), seem to be implicated and have some antidepressant effects. BDNF is highly involved in regulation of the HPA axis, whereas neurosteroids effects have never been clearly established. In this systematic in vivo study, we showed that the principal neuroactive steroids, namely dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), pregnenolone (PREG) and their sulfate esters (DHEA-S and PREG-S), along with allopregnanolone (ALLO), stimulated HPA axis activity, while also modulating central BDNF contents. In detail, DHEA, DHEA-S, PREG, PREG-S and ALLO induced corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and/or arginine vasopressin (AVP) synthesis and release at the hypothalamic level, thus enhancing plasma adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations. This stimulation of the HPA axis occurred concomitantly with BDNF modifications at the hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus levels. We showed that these neurosteroids induced rapid effects, probably via neurotransmitter receptors and delayed effects perhaps after metabolization in other neuroactive steroids. We highlighted that they had peripheral effects directly at the adrenal level by inducing CORT release, certainly after estrogenic metabolization. In addition, we showed that, at the dose used, only DHEA, DHEA-S and PREG-S had antidepressant effects. In conclusion, these results highly suggest that part of the HPA axis and antidepressant effects of neuroactive steroids could be mediated by BDNF, particularly at the amygdala level. They also suggest that neurosteroids effects on central BDNF could partially explain the trophic properties of these molecules.

Effects of acute heat exposure on prosencephalic c-Fos expression in normohydrated, water-deprived and salt-loaded rats

In the present study, the distribution pattern of c-Fos protein immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) in prosencephalic areas of the brain involved in thermoregulatory and osmoregulatory responses was investigated, in rats exposed or not exposed to a hyperthermic environment, under three different conditions: normohydration, dehydration induced by water deprivation and hyperosmolarity induced by an acute intragastric salt load. Normohydrated, water-deprived or salt-loaded male Wistar rats (270+/-30 g) were submitted or not to acute heat exposure (33 degrees C for 45 min). A separate group of animals was submitted to the same experimental protocol and had blood samples collected before and after the heating period to measure serum osmolarity and sodium. The brains were processed for c-Fos immunohistochemistry using the avidin-biotin peroxidase method. After analyzing Fos-IR in the brains of animals in the present study, three different types of prosencephalic areas were identified: (1) those that respond to hydrational and to heat conditions, with an interaction between these two factors (PaMP and SON); (2) those that respond to hydrational and to heat conditions, but with no interaction between these factors (MnPO, LSV and OVLT); and (3) those that respond only to hydrational status (SFO and PaLM).

The hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the echidna and platypus

The monotremes are an intriguing group of mammals that have major differences in their reproductive physiology and lactation from therian mammals. Monotreme young hatch from leathery skinned eggs and are nourished by milk secreted onto areolae rather than through nipples. Parturition and lactation are in part controlled through the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. We have used Nissl staining, enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase, calbindin, oxytocin, neurophysin and non-phosphorylated neurofilament protein, and carbocyanine dye tracing techniques to examine the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei and the course of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract in two monotremes: the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). In both monotremes, the supraoptic nucleus consisted of loosely packed neurons, mainly in the retrochiasmatic position. In the echidna, the paraventricular nucleus was quite small, but had similar chemoarchitectural features to therians. In the platypus, the paraventricular nucleus was larger and appeared to be part of a stream of magnocellular neurons extending from the paraventricular nucleus to the retrochiasmatic supraoptic nucleus. Immunohistochemistry for non-phosphorylated neurofilament protein and carbocyanine dye tracing suggested that hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract neurons in the echidna lie mainly in the retrochiasmatic supraoptic and lateral hypothalamic regions, but most neurophysin and oxytocin immunoreactive neurons in the echidna were found in the paraventricular, lateral hypothalamus and supraoptic nuclei and most oxytocinergic neurons in the platypus were distributed in a band from the paraventricular nucleus to the retrochiasmatic supraoptic nucleus. The small size of the supraoptic nucleus in the two monotremes might reflect functional aspects of monotreme lactation.

Continuous i.c.v. infusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor modifies hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, locomotor activity and body temperature rhythms in adult male rats

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a neurotrophin belonging to the nerve growth factor family, which is involved in the differentiation and survival of many types of neurons. It also participates in neuroprotection and neuronal plasticity in adult rats. Our previous studies showed that a single brain-derived neurotrophic factor injection modifies hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in adult male rats. To investigate the effect of chronic brain-derived neurotrophic factor administration on some physiological parameters, adult rats were implanted with osmotic micro-pumps to deliver brain-derived neurotrophic factor continuously for 14 days in the lateral ventricle (12 microg/day/rat). mRNA levels were evaluated by in situ hybridization analysis, peptide contents and plasma hormone concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Animals were also equipped with telemetric transmitters to study locomotor activity and temperature rhythms modifications, since hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is known to modulate these two parameters. Decreased body weight was used as a control of brain-derived neurotrophic factor access to hypothalamic areas as already documented. In the hypothalamus the continuous brain-derived neurotrophic factor treatment increases: (i) the mRNA steady state levels of corticotropin releasing hormone and arginin-vasopressin in the paraventricular nucleus, the supraoptic nucleus, and the suprachiasmatic nucleus; (ii) the surface of corticotropin releasing hormone and arginin-vasopressin mRNA signals in these nuclei as detected by in situ hybridization, and (iii) the corticotropin releasing hormone and arginin-vasopressin contents. The plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone were decreased and increased, respectively. Finally, this treatment increased daily locomotor activity and temperature, and provoked some circadian perturbations. These results obtained after chronic brain-derived neurotrophic factor administration extend data on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor involvement in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation and illustrate its effects on the locomotor and temperature rhythms. They also allow demonstrating that the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by brain-derived neurotrophic factor differs according to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor administration mode, i.e. acute injection or chronic administration.

Only arginine vasopressin, not oxytocin and endogenous opiate peptides, in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus play a role in acupuncture analgesia in the rat

Our previous study proved that hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH) plays an important role in acupuncture analgesia. The effect of acupuncture on the concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OXT), leucine-enkephaline (L-Ek), beta-endorphin (beta-Ep) and dynorphinA(1-13) (DynA(1-13)) was investigated in rat PVH. Electrical acupuncture of "Zusanli" points (St. 36) 30 min increased the AVP, not OXT, L-Ek, beta-Ep and DynA(1-13) concentrations in PVH tissue using micropunch and radioimmunoassay, which showed a negative relationship between the pain threshold and AVP concentrations in PVH tissue. Electrical acupuncture could elevate the AVP concentrations in PVH perfuse liquid during acupuncture, and then reduce the AVP concentrations in PVH perfuse liquid after acupuncture. But no change in OXT, L-Ek, beta-Ep and DynA(1-13) concentrations was detected in PVH perfuse liquid. Electrical acupuncture decreased the number of AVP, not OXT, L-Ek, beta-Ep and DynA(1-13) immunoreactive cells in PVH using immunocytochemistry. The results suggested that only AVP, not OXT and endogenous opiate peptides in PVH involved acupuncture analgesia in the rat.

Through the central V2, not V1 receptors influencing the endogenous opiate peptide system, arginine vasopressin, not oxytocin in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus involves in the antinociception in the rat

Our previous study has proven that hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) played a role in the antinociception. The central bioactive substances involving in the PVN regulating antinociception were investigated in the rat. The results showed that electrical stimulation of the PVN increased the pain threshold, and L-glutamate sodium injection into the PVN elevated the pain threshold, but the PVN cauterization decreased the pain threshold; pain stimulation raised the arginine vasopressin (AVP), not oxytocin (OXT), leucine-enkephalin (L-Ek), beta-endorphin (beta-Ep) and DynorphinA1-13 (DynA1-13) concentrations in the PVN tissue using micropunch method, heightened AVP, L-Ek, beta-Ep and DynA1-13, not OXT concentrations in the PVN perfuse liquid, and reduced the number of AVP-, not OXT, L-Ek, beta-Ep and DynA1-13-immunoreactive neurons in the PVN especially in the posterior magnocellular part of the PVN using immunocytochemistry. There was a negative relationship between the PVN AVP concentration and the pain threshold; pain stimulation enhanced the AVP, not OXT mRNA expression in the PVN using in situ hybridization and RT-PCR; intraventricular injection of anti-AVP serum completely reversed L-glutamate sodium injection into the PVN-induced antinociception, and administration of naloxone - the opiate peptide antagonist, partly blocked this L-glutamate sodium effect, but anti-OXT serum pretreatment did not influence this L-glutamate sodium effect; L-glutamate sodium injection into the PVN-induced analgesia was inhibited by V2 receptor antagonist - d(CH2)5[D-Ile2, Ile4, Ala-NH2(9)]AVP, not V1 receptor antagonist - d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP. The data suggested that the PVN was limited to the central AVP, not OXT, which was through V2, not V1 receptors influencing the endogenous opiate peptide system, to regulate antinociception.

Through central arginine vasopressin, not oxytocin and endogenous opiate peptides, glutamate sodium induces hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus enhancing acupuncture analgesia in the rat

Our previous study proved that the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH) plays an important role in acupuncture analgesia. The neuropeptides involving in the PVH regulation of acupuncture analgesia was investigated in the rat. The changes of pain threshold, which was induced by electrical acupuncture of "Zusanli" points (St. 36), were measured as acupuncture analgesia. Microinjection of l-glutamate sodium into the PVH, which only excites the PVH neurons, could dose-dependently enhance the acupuncture analgesia, but microinjection of l-glutamate sodium into the area nearby the PVH did not alter acupuncture analgesia. Removing pituitary did not influence this effect of l-glutamate sodium. Microinjection of l-glutamate sodium into the PVH only increased the arginine vasopressin (AVP), not oxytocin (OXT), leucine enkephaline (L-Ek), beta-endorphine (beta-Ep) and dynorphinA(1-13) (DynA(1-13)) concentrations in the PVH perfuse liquid using radioimmunoassay. Intraventricular injection of anti-arginine vasopressin serum (AAVPS) could completely reverse the effect of microinjection of l-glutamate sodium into the PVH enhancing acupuncture analgesia. Intraventricular injection of naloxone, one opiate peptide antagonist, partly attenuated this effect of l-glutamate sodium, and intraventricular of anti-oxytocin serum (AOXTS) did not change this effect of l-glutamate sodium. The results suggested that l-glutamate sodium induces the PVH enhancing acupuncture analgesia only through AVP, not OXT and endogenous opiate peptides in central nervous system.

Interleukin-1beta depolarizes magnocellular neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through prostaglandin-mediated activation of a non selective cationic conductance

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is involved in hypothalamic regulation of the neuroimmune response by influencing the synthesis and secretion of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), vasopressin (VP) and other stress-related mediators. VP secretion from magnocellular (MNC) neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus at the posterior pituitary and/or median eminence contributes to increasing adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) output and ultimately glucocorticoid release, which then contributes to the stress response. In this study, using whole-cell patch clamp recordings from neurons in a slice preparation of the rat PVN, we show that MNC neurons are also influenced by IL-1beta. In response to 1 nM IL-1beta, 62% of MNC neurons tested depolarized (mean depolarization=10.9+/-1.4 mV); effects which were maintained in the presence of a sodium channel blocker, tetrodotoxin (TTX). The effects of IL-1beta on MNC neurons were blocked in the presence of a specific cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, NS-398, indicating a dependence on prostaglandins (PG) in mediating these effects. In response to direct application of 1 muM PGE2, 57% of MNC neurons depolarized, exhibiting a membrane potential change similar to that induced by IL-1beta (mean depolarization=7.8+/-1.1 mV). Voltage clamp experiments examining the effects of PGE2 on the currents evoked by slow voltage ramps revealed activation of a conductance characteristic of a non-selective cationic conductance (NSCC) (voltage-independent, with a reversal potential of -41.8+/-7.6 mV), suggesting that this prostanoid directly modifies cationic currents in MNC neurons. These data provide evidence that IL-1beta depolarizes MNC neurons in the PVN as a result of prostaglandin-mediated activation of a NSCC.

Prostaglandin E2 mediates cellular effects of interleukin-1beta on parvocellular neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus

Abstract Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is involved in hypothalamic regulation of corticotrophin-releasing hormone secretion, autonomic activation and consequent downstream modulation of the neuroimmune response. Previously, we have shown that IL-1beta depolarises parvocellular neurones in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and these effects are dependent on attenuation of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)-ergic input. In the present study, using whole-cell patch clamp recordings of rat neurones in a slice preparation of the PVN, we show that the effects of IL-1beta are abolished in the presence of a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, NS-398, indicating a dependence on prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and activation. In response to 1 microM PGE2, 64% of parvocellular neurones tested exhibited a clear depolarisation, which was abolished in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX). Furthermore, neurones responsive to both IL-1beta and PGE2 exhibited a decrease in the frequency of inhibitory post-synaptic potentials, suggesting that effects of these modulators are mediated via a decrease in GABA-ergic input to these neurones. A proportion (44% and 40%, respectively) of putative GABA-ergic neurones in the halo region surrounding the PVN demonstrated hyperpolarising responses to 1 nM IL-1beta and 1 microM PGE2, and these effects were maintained in TTX. Furthermore, direct hyperpolarising effects of IL-1beta were blocked in the presence of NS-398. Together, these data suggest that PGE2, synthesised in response to IL-1beta-activation of COX-2 expressing cells, directly hyperpolarises putative GABA-ergic neurones in the halo zone surrounding and projecting to the PVN, resulting in a decrease in GABA-ergic input to parvocellular neurones and consequent depolarisation. These data further elucidate the cellular mechanisms by which IL-1beta exerts its neuroimmune-related actions in the PVN.

Estrogen modulates endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression via an estrogen receptor beta-dependent mechanism in hypothalamic slice cultures

Although it is evident that estrogen has important physiological effects in the brain, the signaling mechanisms mediating these effects remain unclear. We recently showed that estrogen mediates attenuated blood pressure responses to psychological stress in ovariectomized female rats through brain nitric oxide (NO). An area likely to mediate these effects is the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), because here NO exerts inhibitory effects on autonomic output to the periphery. Because little is known about how estrogen acts on the NO system in the PVN, our aim was to study the effects of estrogen on the NO system in the PVN of hypothalamic slices cultures. We show that 17beta-estradiol (E2; 1 nm) increases endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression and decreases the numbers of neuronal NOS (nNOS)-positive neurons in the PVN after 8 and 24 h, respectively. Using the nonselective estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, ICI 182,780 (10 nm), we determined that E2-induced changes in NOS expression in the PVN are ER dependent. Using the ERbeta agonist, genistein (0.1 microm), we determined that activation of ERbeta induces increased eNOS expression and a decreased number of nNOS-positive neurons. We used the selective ERalpha agonist, propyl-pyrazole-triol (10 nm), and antagonist, methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (1 microm), to exclude the possibility that ERalpha is involved in the E2-induced increase in eNOS and nNOS in the PVN. These results demonstrate that E2 induces changes in NOS expression in the PVN and that these effects are ERbeta dependent.

A single brain-derived neurotrophic factor injection modifies hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenocortical axis activity in adult male rats

Immobilization stress induces in adult male rats rapid activation of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) preceding the increases in corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and arginin-vasopressin (AVP) expression. The BDNF mRNA signal belatedly co-localizes with CRH and AVP mRNA signals in the PVN, as determined by in situ hybridization. Intracerebroventricular BDNF injections (5 microg/rat) in non-anesthetized adult male rats induce a gradual increase in the CRH mRNA signal whereas AVP mRNA signal progressively decreases in the parvocellular and magnocellular PVN portions. At the same time, the CRH hypothalamic content decreases while the AVP content increases. These variations are accompanied by increases in ACTH and corticosterone plasma concentrations. These results strongly suggest that BDNF could be a stress-responsive intercellular messenger since when it is exogenously administered acts as an important and early component in the activation and recruitment of hypothalamic CRH and AVP neurons.

Alteration of NO-producing system in the basal forebrain and hypothalamus of Ts65Dn mice: an immunohistochemical and histochemical study of a murine model for Down syndrome

Ts65Dn mice have been developed as a model for Down syndrome (DS). Because of its involvement in complex behaviors, including sexual and aggressive behaviors, we investigated the nitric oxide (NO) system in specific brain regions of these mutant mice (TS) after isolation-induced aggression. Male TS mice displayed significantly higher aggression than wild type (WT) mice and the comparison of the NO system, both with immunohistochemical and histochemical methods, resulted in robust differences between TS and WT mice in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, in the nucleus of the diagonal band and in the medial septum, but not in the striatum of TS mice. In conclusion, we document alterations in the neuronal NO system of the TS mouse model of DS, suggesting a correlation of the behavioral aggressiveness with deficient NO production.

Vasopressinergic regulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and stress adaptation

Vasopressin (VP) stimulates pituitary ACTH secretion through interaction with receptors of the V1b subtype (V1bR, V3R), located in the plasma membrane of the pituitary corticotroph, mainly by potentiating the stimulatory effects of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). Chronic stress paradigms associated with corticotroph hyperresponsiveness lead to preferential expression of hypothalamic VP over CRH and upregulation of pituitary V1bR, suggesting an important role for VP during adaptation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress. Vasopressinergic regulation of ACTH secretion depends on the number of V1bRs as well as coupling of the receptor to phospholipase C (PLC) in the pituitary. Regulation of V1bR gene transcription may involve a number of regulatory elements in the promoter region, of which a GAGA box was shown to be essential. Although V1bR gene transcription is necessary to maintain V1bR mRNA levels, the lack of correlation between VP binding and V1bR mRNA suggests that regulation of mRNA translation is a major regulatory step of the number of V1bRs. V1bR translation appears to be under tonic inhibition by upstream minicistrons and positive regulation through protein kinase C (PKC) activation of an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of the mRNA. The data provide mechanisms by which regulation of hypothalamic VP and pituitary V1bR content contribute to controlling HPA axis activity during chronic stress.

From galactorrhea to osteopenia: rethinking serotonin-prolactin interactions

The widespread use of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been accompanied by numerous reports describing a potential association with hyperprolactinemia. Antipsychotics are commonly known to elevate serum prolactin (PRL) through blockade of dopamine receptors in the pituitary. However, there is little awareness of the mechanisms by which SSRIs stimulate PRL release. Hyperprolactinemia may result in overt symptoms such as galactorrhea, which may be accompanied by impaired fertility. Long-term clinical sequelae include decreased bone density and the possibility of an increased risk of breast cancer. Through literature review, we explore the possible pathways involved in serotonin-induced PRL release. While the classic mechanism of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia directly involves dopamine cells in the tuberoinfundibular pathway, SSRIs may act on this system indirectly through GABAergic neurons. Alternate pathways involve serotonin stimulation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and oxytocin (OT) release. We conclude with a comprehensive review of clinical sequelae associated with hyperprolactinemia, and the potential role of SSRIs in this phenomenon.

Nitric oxide and homeostatic control: an intercellular signalling molecule contributing to autonomic and neuroendocrine integration?

Accumulated evidence indicates that nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in the central control of bodily homeostasis, including cardiovascular and fluid balance regulation. Two major neuronal substrates mediating NO actions in the control of homeostasis are the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, considered a key center for the integration of neuroendocrine and autonomic functions, and the supraoptic nucleus (SON). In this work, a comprehensive review of NO modulatory actions within the SON/PVN, including NO actions on neuroendocrine and autonomic outputs, as well as the cellular mechanisms underlying these effects is provided. Furthermore, this review comprises recent progress from our laboratory that adds to our current understanding of the cellular sources, targets and mechanisms underlying NO actions within neuroendocrine and autonomic hypothalamic neuronal circuits. By combining in vitro patch clamp recordings, tract-tracing neuroanatomy, immunohistochemistry and live imaging techniques, we started to shed light into the cellular sources and signals driving NO production within the SON and PVN, as well as NO actions and mechanisms targeting discrete neuronal populations within these circuits. Based on this new information, we have expanded one of the current working models in the field, highlighting a key role for NO as a signaling molecule that facilitates crosstalk among various cell types and systems. We propose that this dynamic NO signaling mechanisms may constitute a neuroanatomical and functional substrate underlying the ability of the SON and PVN to coordinate complex neuroendocrine and autonomic output patterns.

Effects of V1 and angiotensin receptor subtypes of the paraventricular nucleus on the water intake induced by vasopressin injected into the lateral septal area

In this study, we investigated the influence of d(CH(2))(5)-Tyr (Me)-AVP (AAVP) an antagonist of V(1) receptors of arginine(8)-vasopressin (AVP) and the effects of losartan and CGP42112A (selective ligands of the AT(1) and AT(2) angiotensin receptors, respectively) injections into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on the thirst effects of AVP stimulation of the lateral septal area (LSA). AVP injection into the LSA increased the water intake in a dose-dependent manner. AAVP injected into the PVN produced a dose-dependent reduction of the drinking responses elicited by LSA administration of AVP. Both the AT(1) and AT(2) ligands administered into the PVN elicited a concentration-dependent inhibition in the water intake induced by AVP injected into the LSA, but losartan was more effective than CGP42112A the increase in the AVP response. These results indicate that LSA dipsogenic effects induced by AVP are mediated primarily by PVN AT(1) receptors. However, doses of losartan were more effective when combined with CGP42112A than when given alone, suggesting that the thirst induced by AVP injections into LSA may involve activation of multiple angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor subtypes. These results also suggests that facilitatory effects of AVP on water intake into the LSA are mediated through the activation of V(1)-receptors and that the inhibitory effect requires V(2)-receptors. Based on the present findings, we suggest that the administration of AVP into the LSA may play a role in the PVN control of water control.

Central mechanisms of stress integration: hierarchical circuitry controlling hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical responsiveness

Appropriate regulatory control of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical stress axis is essential to health and survival. The following review documents the principle extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms responsible for regulating stress-responsive CRH neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, which summate excitatory and inhibitory inputs into a net secretory signal at the pituitary gland. Regions that directly innervate these neurons are primed to relay sensory information, including visceral afferents, nociceptors and circumventricular organs, thereby promoting 'reactive' corticosteroid responses to emergent homeostatic challenges. Indirect inputs from the limbic-associated structures are capable of activating these same cells in the absence of frank physiological challenges; such 'anticipatory' signals regulate glucocorticoid release under conditions in which physical challenges may be predicted, either by innate programs or conditioned stimuli. Importantly, 'anticipatory' circuits are integrated with neural pathways subserving 'reactive' responses at multiple levels. The resultant hierarchical organization of stress-responsive neurocircuitries is capable of comparing information from multiple limbic sources with internally generated and peripherally sensed information, thereby tuning the relative activity of the adrenal cortex. Imbalances among these limbic pathways and homeostatic sensors are likely to underlie hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical dysfunction associated with numerous disease processes.

Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in acute myocardial infarction treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: effect of time of presentation

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with a stimulation of cortisol which lasts 24 hours in patients treated by thrombolysis. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is an alternative treatment for AMI which reduces the length of myocardial ischemia. Our objective was the determination of the amplitude and duration of cortisol and other hormones of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis release in patients undergoing PTCA. These responses were also analyzed in relation with the time of onset of AMI. The effect of coronarography with or without angioplasty in patients without AMI was also studied. Plasma ACTH, cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone and arginine vasopressin levels were determined during the first 48 hours in 20 patients with first AMI, treated by PTCA and in 10 patients without AMI undergoing coronarography (and angioplasty in five of them). A strong stimulation of the HPA axis was observed in AMI patients, but the duration of cortisol secretion was significantly reduced (less than 8 hours) as compared with previous studies in patients treated with thrombolysis. A clear-cut ACTH-cortisol dissociation was also observed after the third hour. ACTH and cortisol stimulation was higher in patients admitted between 04:00 h and 16:00 h than in patients admitted between 16:00 h and 04:00 h In patients without AMI, coronarography induced a moderate, but significant short-lasting ACTH and cortisol stimulation. In conclusion, our data suggest that the degree of stimulation of the HPA axis may depend upon the type of treatment and the circadian rhythm of this axis.

Central osmotic regulation of sympathetic nerve activity

AIM

In this review, we will focus on the central neural mechanisms that couple osmotic perturbations to changes in sympathetic nerve discharge, and the possible impact these actions have in cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension and congestive heart failure.

RESULTS

Changes in extracellular fluid osmolality lead to specific regulatory responses in defence of body fluid and cardiovascular homeostasis. Systemic hyperosmolality is well known to stimulate thirst and the release of antidiuretic hormone. These responses are largely due to osmosensing neurones in the forebrain lamina terminalis and hypothalamus and are critical elements in a control system that operates to restore body fluid osmolality. An equally important, but less characterized, target of central osmoregulatory processes is the sympathetic nervous system.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the neurobiology of sympathetic responses to changes in osmolality has important implications for body fluid and cardiovascular physiology. By stabilizing osmolality, vascular volume is preserved and thereby relatively normal levels of cardiac output and arterial pressure are maintained.

Immobilization stress rapidly modulates BDNF mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of adult male rats

We demonstrated that short times (15 min) of immobilization stress application induced a very rapid increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in rat hypothalamus followed by a BDNF protein increase. The early change in total BDNF mRNA level seems to reflect increased expression of the BDNF transcript containing exon III, which was also rapidly (15 min) modified. The paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, two hypothalamic nuclei closely related to the stress response and known to express BDNF mRNA, were analyzed by in situ hybridization following immobilization stress. In the parvocellular region of the paraventricular nucleus, BDNF mRNA levels increased very quickly as early as 15 min. In contrast, in the two other regions examined, the lateral and ventral magnocellular regions of the paraventricular nucleus, as well as in the supraoptic nucleus, signals above control were increased later, at 60 min. After stress application, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone levels were strongly and significantly increased at 15 min. These studies demonstrated that immobilization stress challenge very rapidly enhanced BDNF mRNA levels as well as the protein, suggesting that BDNF may play a role in plasticity processes related to the stress response.

Vaginocervical stimulation releases oxytocin within the spinal cord in rats

Vaginocervical stimulation (VS) significantly elevated the concentration of oxytocin (OT) in spinal cord superfusates of 8 intact urethane-anesthetized rats measured 10-15 min after VS (median [interquartile range]: 1.7 [1.00-3.37] pg/ml) compared to that measured 10-15 min before VS (1.1 [1.01-1.40] pg/ml). When VS was administered once (n = 8), it produced a 55% increase over baseline values; when administered a second time 45 min later (n = 6), it produced only a 22% increase over pre-VS values. The effects of estrogen on the VS-induced release of OT were then investigated using ovariectomized rats that were treated either with estradiol benzoate (EB; 10 microg/100 g bw) (n = 6) or with an oil vehicle (n = 6) subcutaneously for 3 days. The EB treatment significantly elevated the basal levels of OT released into spinal cord superfusates above vehicle control levels. Within 5-10 min after the onset of VS, OT concentrations in the superfusates were significantly higher in EB-treated than in vehicle-treated rats. The vehicle-treated rats did not show a significant elevation in OT concentration following VS. To rule out the possibility that the posterior pituitary gland was the source of this OT, the effect of hypophysectomy (HYPOX) was assessed on the VS-induced release of OT into spinal cord superfusates and plasma. The concentration of OT in spinal cord superfusates of both the HYPOX (n = 5) and intact rats (n = 6) increased significantly from 5.8 [4.4-6.5] pg/ml pre-VS to 7.9 [6.7-10.3] pg/ml immediately after VS, and from 4.4 [3.8-5] pg/ml pre-VS to 5.1 [4.6-5.7] pg/ml immediately after VS, respectively. There was no significant difference in baseline levels of OT in cerebrospinal fluid between the two groups. By contrast, plasma OT levels, while significantly elevated in response to VS from 3.42 [2.9-5.34] pg/ml baseline to 7.25 [5.33-15.77] pg/ml in the intact group, failed to respond significantly to VS in the HYPOX group (n = 5). The present findings provide evidence of a direct estrogen-dependent release of OT within the spinal cord in response to VS, presumably via descending oxytocinergic neurons.

Forced swimming stimulates the expression of vasopressin and oxytocin in magnocellular neurons of the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus

Previous studies have shown that a 10-min forced swimming session triggers the release of both vasopressin and oxytocin into the extracellular fluid of the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) in rats. At the same time oxytocin, but not vasopressin, was released from the axon terminals into the blood. Here we combined forced swimming with in situ hybridization to investigate whether (i) the stressor-induced release of vasopressin and oxytocin within the PVN originates from parvo- or magnocellular neurons of the nucleus, and (ii) central release with or without concomitant peripheral secretion is followed by changes in the synthesis of vasopressin and/or oxytocin. Adult male Wistar rats were killed 2, 4 or 8 h after a 10-min forced swimming session and their brains processed for in situ hybridization using 35S-labelled oligonucleotide probes. As measured on photo-emulsion-coated slides, cellular vasopressin mRNA concentration increased in magnocellular PVN neurons 2 and 4 h after swimming (P < 0.05). Similarly, oxytocin mRNA concentration was significantly increased in magnocellular neurons of the PVN at 2 and 8 h (P < 0.05). We failed to observe significant effects on vasopressin and oxytocin mRNA levels in the parvocellular PVN and in the SON. Taken together with results from previous studies, our data suggest that magnocellular neurons are the predominant source of vasopressin and oxytocin released within PVN in response to forced swimming. Furthermore, in the case of vasopressin, central release in the absence of peripheral secretion is followed by increased mRNA levels, implying a refill of depleted somato-dendritic vasopressin stores. Within the SON, however, mRNA levels are poor indicators of the secretory activity of magnocellular neurons during stress.

Bromocriptine-induced dissociation of hyperglycemia and prolactin response to restraint

The present study investigated the effects of immobilization (restraint stress) on rat chronically treated with a D(2) receptor agonist (bromocriptine, 0.4 mg/100 g body weight, injected daily intraperitoneally (ip) for 2 weeks) on plasma glucose, prolactin, and insulin levels. During restraint, the plasma prolactin of vehicle-treated (VEH) rats increased rapidly, reaching a peak at 10 min (57.9 +/- 8.1 ng/ml, P < .01). In contrast, restraint failed to induce any significant change in the plasma prolactin levels of bromocriptine-treated (BR) rats. The hyperglycemic response to immobilization was 97% higher (P < .05) in BR rats than in VEH rats. Our data demonstrate that prolactin secretion and hyperglycemia in response to restraint can be dissociated by chronic treatment with BR, which also increased the hyperglycemic response to immobilization probably due to central D(2) dopaminergic activity.

Vasopressinergic regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: implications for stress adaptation

In addition to its role on water conservation, vasopressin (VP) regulates pituitary ACTH secretion by potentiating the stimulatory effects of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). The pituitary actions of VP are mediated by plasma membrane receptors of the V1b subtype, coupled to calcium-phospholipid signaling systems. VP is critical for adaptation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress as indicated by preferential expression of VP over CRH in parvocellular neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, and the upregulation of pituitary VP receptors during stress paradigms associated with corticotroph hyperresponsiveness. V1b receptor mRNA levels and coupling of the receptor to phospolipase C are stimulated by glucocorticoids, effects which may contribute to the refractoriness of VP-stimulated ACTH secretion to glucocorticoid feedback. The data suggest that vasopressinergic regulation of the HPA axis is critical for sustaining corticotroph responsiveness in the presence of high circulating glucocorticoid levels during chronic stress.

Acute transcranial magnetic stimulation of frontal brain regions selectively modulates the release of vasopressin, biogenic amines and amino acids in the rat brain

Using intracerebral microdialysis in urethane-anaesthetized adult male Wistar rats, we monitored the effects of acute repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS; 20 trains of 20 Hz, 2.5 s) on the intrahypothalamic release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and selected amino acids (glutamate, glutamine, aspartate, serine, arginine, taurine, gamma-aminobutyric acid) and the intrahippocampal release of monoamines (dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin) and their metabolites (homovanillic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid). The stimulation parameters were adjusted according to the results of accurate computer reconstructions of the current density distributions induced by rTMS in the rat and human brains, ensuring similar stimulation patterns in both cases. There was a continuous reduction in AVP release of up to 50% within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in response to rTMS. In contrast, the release of taurine, aspartate and serine was selectively stimulated within this nucleus by rTMS. Furthermore, in the dorsal hippocampus the extracellular concentration of dopamine was elevated in response to rTMS. Taken together, these data provide the first in vivo evidence that acute rTMS of frontal brain regions has a differentiated modulatory effect on selected neurotransmitter/neuromodulator systems in distinct brain areas.

Differential regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone and vasopressin transcription by glucocorticoids

CRH and vasopressin (VP), the main regulators of pituitary ACTH secretion, co-exist in parvocellular cells of the PVN, but their levels of expression are regulated differentially during manipulations of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The effects of glucocorticoids on this system was studied using in situ hybridization with intronic and exonic probes to measure changes in CRH and VP messenger RNA (mRNA) and heteronuclear (hn) RNA in 48-h adrenalectomized (ADX) rats receiving injections of corticosterone (2.8 mg/100 g, ip) or vehicle. We also determined the time course of changes in VP expression following the first 72 h of ADX. Levels of VP heteronuclear (hn) RNA and the number of parvocellular cells containing VP hnRNA remained very low in sham operated rats, whereas biphasic changes were observed after ADX. Grain density levels increased 11.5-fold over sham-operated controls by 6 h, declined to 2-fold by 18 h, to increase again to 10- and 20-fold by 48 and 72 h, respectively. In 48-h ADX rats, vehicle injection increased CRH hnRNA levels transiently (11-fold the basal by 15 and 30 min), returning to basal at 60 min, whereas VP hnRNA levels increased progressively up to 28-fold the basal by 2 h. Corticosterone injection had no significant effect on vehicle-induced increases in CRH hnRNA, in spite of marked elevations in circulating corticosterone. In contrast to CRH, VP hnRNA levels increased only transiently by 15 min, and then decreased below basal (near sham-ADX levels) by 2 h. The data show that in normal conditions the responsiveness of parvocellular neurons to stress is under marked inhibition by the low resting levels of glucocorticoids, and that the sensitivity of CRH and VP transcription to glucocorticoid feedback is markedly different.

Renal effects of angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 and 2-selective ligands injected into the paraventricular nucleus of conscious rats

We determined the effects of losartan and CGP42112A (selective ligands of the AT1 and AT2 angiotensin receptors, respectively) and salarasin (a relatively nonselective angiotensin receptor antagonist) on urinary volume and urinary sodium and potassium excretion induced by administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of conscious rats. Both the AT1 and AT2 ligands and salarasin administered in the presence of ANG II elicited a concentration-dependent inhibition of urine excretion, but losartan inhibited only 75% of this response. The IC50 for salarasin, CGP42112A, and losartan was 0.01, 0.05, and 6 nM, respectively. Previous treatment with saralasin, CGP42112A and losartan competitively antagonized the natriuretic responses to PVN administration of ANG II, and the IC50 values were 0.09, 0.48, and 10 nM, respectively. The maximum response to losartan was 65% of that obtained with saralasin. Pretreatment with saralasin, losartan, and CGP42112A injected into the PVN caused shifts to the right of the concentration-response curves, but the losartan concentrations were disproportionately greater compared with salarasin or CGP42112A. The IC50 values were 0.06, 0.5, and 7.0 for salarasin, CGP42112A, and losartan, respectively. These results suggest that both AT1 and AT2 receptor subtypes in the PVN are involved in ANG II-related urine, sodium, and potassium excretion, and that the inhibitory responses to AT2 blockade are predominant.

Expression of the galanin receptor subtype Gal-R2 mRNA in the rat hypothalamus

The distribution of galanin receptor subtype 2 (Gal-R2) mRNA-expressing cells was examined by in situ hybridization in the rat hypothalamus using a full-length rat 35S-riboprobe. Gal-R2 receptor mRNA-expressing cells were found at moderate to high levels of expression in most nuclei and regions of hypothalamus. The labeling was observed within well-defined anatomical nuclei: preoptic, suprachiasmatic, periventricular, paraventricular, arcuate, dorsomedial, mammillary nuclei. The supraoptic and ventromedial nuclei were almost devoid of labeling. Some scattered labeled cells were also observed in the pituitary. This distribution of Gal-R2 mRNA-expressing cells corresponds well with that of galanin binding sites studies. As compared to the distribution of the galanin receptor subtype 1 (Gal-R1), our results indicate that the Gal-R2 type is differentially distributed, although a significant overlap exists in some regions such the preoptic area, arcuate and dorsomedial nuclei. The functional implications of these results are discussed in light of the role of galanin receptors plays in neuroendocrine regulation and feeding behavior.