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Munoz-Muriedas J. Large scale meta-analysis of preclinical toxicity data for target characterisation and hypotheses generation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252533. [PMID: 34101743 PMCID: PMC8186779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advances in the field of big data have increased our capabilities to query large databases and combine information from different domains and disciplines. In the area of preclinical studies, initiatives like SEND (Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data) will also contribute to collect and present nonclinical data in a consistent manner and increase analytical possibilities. With facilitated access to preclinical data and improvements in analytical algorithms there will surely be an expectation for organisations to ensure all the historical data available to them is leveraged to build new hypotheses. These kinds of analyses may soon become as important as the animal studies themselves, in addition to being critical components to achieve objectives aligned with 3Rs. This article proposes the application of meta-analyses at large scale in corporate databases as a tool to exploit data from both preclinical studies and in vitro pharmacological activity assays to identify associations between targets and tissues that can be used as seeds for the development of causal hypotheses to characterise of targets. A total of 833 in-house preclinical toxicity studies relating to 416 compounds reported to be active (pXC50 ≥ 5.5) against a panel of 96 selected targets of interest for potential off-target non desired effects were meta-analysed, aggregating the data in tissue-target pairs. The primary outcome was the odds ratio (OR) of the number of animals with observed events (any morphology, any severity) in treated and control groups in the tissue analysed. This led to a total of 2139 meta-analyses producing a total of 364 statistically significant associations (random effects model), 121 after adjusting by multiple comparison bias. The results show the utility of the proposed approach to leverage historical corporate data and may offer a vehicle for researchers to share, aggregate and analyse their preclinical toxicological data in precompetitive environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Munoz-Muriedas
- Computational Toxicology, Data and Computational Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Leposavić GM, Pilipović IM. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Thymic Adrenergic Networks: Sex Steroid-Dependent Plasticity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:13. [PMID: 29441042 PMCID: PMC5797573 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is sexually differentiated organ providing microenvironment for T-cell precursor differentiation/maturation in the major histocompatibility complex-restricted self-tolerant T cells. With increasing age, the thymus undergoes involution leading to the decline in efficacy of thymopoiesis. Noradrenaline from thymic nerve fibers and "(nor)adrenergic" cells is involved in the regulation of thymopoiesis. In rodents, noradrenaline concentration in thymus and adrenoceptor (AR) expression on thymic cells depend on sex and age. These differences are suggested to be implicated in the development of sexual diergism and the age-related decline in thymopoiesis. The programming of both thymic sexual differentiation and its involution occurs during the critical early perinatal period and may be reprogrammed during peripubertal development. The thymic (re)programming is critically dependent on circulating levels of gonadal steroids. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been elucidated fully, it is assumed that the gonadal steroid action during the critical perinatal/peripubertal developmental periods leads to long-lasting changes in the efficacy of thymopoiesis partly through (re)programming of "(nor)adrenergic" cell networks and AR expression on thymic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Momčilo Leposavić
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Gordana Momčilo Leposavić,
| | - Ivan M. Pilipović
- Immunology Research Centre “Branislav Janković”, Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera “Torlak”, Belgrade, Serbia
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Leposavić G, Pilipović I, Perišić M. Cellular and nerve fibre catecholaminergic thymic network: steroid hormone dependent activity. Physiol Res 2011; 60:S71-82. [PMID: 21777027 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.932175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining the peripheral T-cell pool. It does so by providing a microenvironment within which T-cell precursors differentiate and undergo selection processes to create a functional population of major histocompatibility complex-restricted, self-tolerant T cells. These cells are central to adaptive immunity. Thymic T-cell development is influenced by locally produced soluble factors and cell-to-cell interactions, as well as by sympathetic noradrenergic and endocrine system signalling. Thymic lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells have been shown not only to express beta- and alpha(1)- adrenoceptors (ARs), but also to synthesize catecholamines (CAs). Thus, it is suggested that CAs influence T-cell development via both neurocrine/endocrine and autocrine/paracrine action, and that they serve as immunotransmitters between thymocytes and nerves. CAs acting at multiple sites along the thymocyte developmental route affect T-cell generation not only numerically, but also qualitatively. Thymic CA level and synthesis, as well as AR expression exhibit sex steroid-mediated sexual dimorphism. Moreover, the influence of CAs on T-cell development exhibits glucocorticoid-dependent plasticity. This review summarizes recent findings in this field and our current understanding of complex and multifaceted neuroendocrine-immune communications at thymic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Leposavić
- Immunology Research Centre Branislav Janković, Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera Torlak, Belgrade, Serbia.
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4
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Roggero E, Besedovsky HO, del Rey A. The role of the sympathetic nervous system in the thymus in health and disease. Neuroimmunomodulation 2011; 18:339-49. [PMID: 21952686 DOI: 10.1159/000329581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The existence of a network of immunoneuroendocrine interactions that results in the reciprocal modulation of the classical functions of each system is well established at present. Most of the evidence derives from studies on secondary lymphoid organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes. In this article, several aspects relevant to understand the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the establishment of these interactions in the thymus are discussed. At present, the sympathetic innervation of the thymus, the expression of adrenergic receptors in thymic cells, particularly of β-adrenergic receptors, and the effect of sympathetic neurotransmitters, although mainly derived from in vitro or pharmacological studies, seem to be relatively well studied. However, other aspects, such as the relevance that immune-sympathetic interactions at the thymic level may have for certain diseases, specially autoimmune or other diseases that primarily involve the activation of the immune system, as well as how the integration of sympathetic and hormonal signals at local levels may affect thymic functions, certainly deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Roggero
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Rosario, Argentina
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Leposavić G, Pilipović I, Perišić M. Age-associated remodeling of neural and nonneural thymic catecholaminergic network affects thymopoietic productivity. Neuroimmunomodulation 2011; 18:290-308. [PMID: 21952681 DOI: 10.1159/000329499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is associated with a progressive decline in thymic cytoarchitecture followed by a less efficient T cell development and decreased emigration of naïve T cells to the periphery. These thymic changes are linked to increased morbidity and mortality from infectious, malignant and autoimmune diseases in old age. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to understand the thymic homeostatic processes across the life span, as well as to identify factors and elucidate mechanisms driving or contributing to the thymic involution. Catecholamines (CAs) derived from sympathetic nerves and produced locally by thymic cells represent an important component of the thymic microenvironment. In young rats, they provide a subtle tonic suppressive influence on T cell development acting via β(2)- and α(1)-adrenoceptors (ARs) expressed on thymic nonlymphoid cells and thymocytes. In the face of thymic involution, a progressive increase in the thymic noradrenaline level, reflecting a rise in the density of noradrenergic nerve fibers and CA-synthesizing cells, occurs. In addition, the density of β(2)- and α(1)-AR-expressing thymic nonlymphoid cells and the α(1)-AR thymocyte surface density also exhibit a pronounced increase with age. The data obtained from studies investigating effects of AR blockade on T cell development indicated that age-related changes in CA-mediated thymic communications, certainly those involving α(1)-ARs, may contribute to diminished thymopoietic efficiency in the elderly. Having in mind thymic plasticity in the course of ageing, and broadening possibilities for pharmacological modulation of CA signaling, we here present and discuss the progress in research related to a role of CAs in thymic homeostasis and age-related decay in the thymic naïve T cell output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Leposavić
- Immunology Research Centre 'Branislav Janković', Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera 'Torlak', Belgrade, Serbia. Gordana.Leposavic @ pharmacy.bg.ac.rs
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6
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Aita M, Benedetti F, Carafelli E, Caccia E, Romano N. Effects of hypophyseal or thymic allograft on thymus development in partially decerebrate chicken embryos: expression of PCNA and CD3 markers. Eur J Histochem 2010; 54:e37. [PMID: 20819775 PMCID: PMC3167313 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2010.e37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in chicken embryo thymus after partial decerebration (including the hypophysis) and after hypophyseal or thymic allograft were investigated. Chicken embryos were partially decerebrated at 36–40 h of incubation and on day 12 received a hypophysis or a thymus allograft from 18-day-old donor embryos. The thymuses of normal, sham-operated and partially decerebrate embryos were collected on day 12 and 18. The thymuses of the grafted embryos were collected on day 18. The samples were examined with histological method and tested for the anti-PCNA and anti-CD3 immune-reactions. After partial decerebration, the thymic cortical and medullary compartments diminished markedly in size. Anti-PCNA and anti-CD3 revealed a reduced immunereaction, verified also by statistical analysis. In hypophyseal or grafted embryos, the thymic morphological compartments improved, the anti-PCNA and anti-CD3 immune-reactions recovered much better after the thymic graft, probably due to the thymic growth factors and also by an emigration of thymocytes from the same grafted thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aita
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Vittorio Erspamer, Faculty of Medicine, University La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Rome, Italy.
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7
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Leposavić G, Pilipović I, Radojević K, Pešić V, Perišić M, Kosec D. Catecholamines as immunomodulators: A role for adrenoceptor-mediated mechanisms in fine tuning of T-cell development. Auton Neurosci 2008; 144:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2008.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Accepted: 09/16/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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8
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Morale MC, Serra PA, L'episcopo F, Tirolo C, Caniglia S, Testa N, Gennuso F, Giaquinta G, Rocchitta G, Desole MS, Miele E, Marchetti B. Estrogen, neuroinflammation and neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease: glia dictates resistance versus vulnerability to neurodegeneration. Neuroscience 2005; 138:869-78. [PMID: 16337092 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2005] [Revised: 07/11/2005] [Accepted: 07/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Post-menopausal estrogen deficiency is recognized to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of a number of age-related diseases in women, such as osteoporosis, coronary heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. There are also sexual differences in the progression of diseases associated with the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, such as Parkinson's disease, a chronic progressive degenerative disorder characterized by the selective degeneration of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in the substancia nigra pars compacta. The mechanism(s) responsible for dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease are still unknown, but oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are believed to play a key role in nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron demise. Estrogen neuroprotective effects have been widely reported in a number of neuronal cell systems including the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, via both genomic and non-genomic effects, however, little is known on estrogen modulation of astrocyte and microglia function in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine model of Parkinson's disease. We here highlight estrogen modulation of glial neuroinflammatory reaction in the protection of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons and emphasize the cardinal role of glia-neuron crosstalk in directing neuroprotection vs neurodegeneration. In particular, the specific role of astroglia and its pro-/anti-inflammatory mechanisms in estrogen neuroprotection are presented. This study shows that astrocyte and microglia response to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine injury vary according to the estrogenic status with direct consequences for dopaminergic neuron survival, recovery and repair. These findings provide a new insight into the protective action of estrogen that may possibly contribute to the development of novel therapeutic treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Morale
- OASI Institute for Research and Care on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging (IRCCS), Neuropharmacology Section, Troina, Italy
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9
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Morale MC, Gallo F, Tirolo C, L'Episcopo F, Gennuso F, Testa N, Caniglia S, Spina-Purrello V, Avola R, Scoto GM, Marchetti B. The reproductive system at the neuroendocrine-immune interface: focus on LHRH, estrogens and growth factors in LHRH neuron-glial interactions. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2003; 25:21-46. [PMID: 12963097 DOI: 10.1016/s0739-7240(03)00043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bidirectional communication between the neuroendocrine and immune systems plays a pivotal role in health and disease. Signals generated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis (i.e. luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, LHRH, and sex steroids) are major players coordinating the development immune system function. Conversely, products generated by immune system activation exert powerful and longlasting effects on HPG axis activity. In the central nervous system (CNS), one chief neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) compartment is represented by the astroglial cell population and its mediators. Of special interest, the major supporting cells of the brain and the thymus, astrocytes and thymic epithelial cells, share a similar origin and a similar set of peptides, transmitters, hormones and cytokines functioning as paracrine/autocrine regulators. This may explain some fundamental analogies in LHRH regulation of both cell types during ontogeny and in adult life. Hence, the neuropeptide LHRH significantly modulates astrocyte and thymic cell development and function. Here we focus this work on LHRH neuron-glial signaling cascades which dictate major changes during LHRH neuronal differentiation and growth as well as in response to hormonal manipulations and pro-inflammatory challenges. The interplay between LHRH, growth factors, estrogens and pro-inflammatory mediators will be discussed, and the potential physiopathological implications of these findings summarized. The overall study highlights the plasticity of this intersystem cross-talk and emphasize neuron-glial interactions as a key regulatory level of neuroendocrine axes activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Morale
- Department of Neuropharmacology, OASI Institute for Research and Care (IRCCS) on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy
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10
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Marchetti B, Morale MC, Testa N, Tirolo C, Caniglia S, Amor S, Dijkstra CD, Barden N. Stress, the immune system and vulnerability to degenerative disorders of the central nervous system in transgenic mice expressing glucocorticoid receptor antisense RNA. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2001; 37:259-72. [PMID: 11744091 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Current research evidence suggests that interactions between genetic and environmental factors contribute to modulate the susceptibility to degenerative disorders, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). In this context, bidirectional communication between the neuroendocrine and immune systems during ontogeny plays a pivotal role in programming the development of neuroendocrine and immune responses in adult life, thereby influencing the predisposition to several disease entities. Glucocorticoids (GCs), the end products of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, gender and signals generated by hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis are major players coordinating the development of immune system function and exerting powerful effects in the susceptibility to autoimmune disorders, including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the experimental model for multiple sclerosis (MS). In particular, GCs exert their beneficial immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory disorders of the CNS, after binding to their cytoplasmic receptors (GRs). Here we review our work using transgenic (Tg) mice with a dysfunctional GR from early embryonic life on programming vulnerability to EAE. The GR-deficiency of these Tg mice confers resistance to active EAE induction. The interplay between GCs, proinflammatory mediators, gender and EAE is summarized. On the basis of our data, it does appear that exposure to a defective GR through development programs major changes in endogenous neuroendocrine and immune mechanisms controlling the vulnerability to EAE. These studies highlight the plasticity of the HPA-immune axis and its pharmacological manipulation in autoimmune diseases of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Marchetti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Sassari 07100, Sassari, Italy.
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11
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Morale MC, Gallo F, Tirolo C, Testa N, Caniglia S, Marletta N, Spina-Purrello V, Avola R, Caucci F, Tomasi P, Delitala G, Barden N, Marchetti B. Neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) circuitry from neuron-glial interactions to function: Focus on gender and HPA-HPG interactions on early programming of the NEI system. Immunol Cell Biol 2001; 79:400-17. [PMID: 11488988 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1711.2001.01030.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bidirectional communication between the neuroendocrine and immune systems during ontogeny plays a pivotal role in programming the development of neuroendocrine and immune responses in adult life. Signals generated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (i.e. luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, LHRH, and sex steroids), and by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (glucocorticoids (GC)), are major players coordinating the development of immune system function. Conversely, products generated by immune system activation exert a powerful and long-lasting regulation on neuroendocrine axes activity. The neuroendocrine-immune system is very sensitive to preperinatal experiences, including hormonal manipulations and immune challenges, which may influence the future predisposition to several disease entities. We review our work on the ongoing mutual regulation of neuroendocrine and immune cell activities, both at a cellular and molecular level. In the central nervous system, one chief compartment is represented by the astroglial cell and its mediators. Hence, neuron-glial signalling cascades dictate major changes in response to hormonal manipulations and pro-inflammatory triggers. The interplay between LHRH, sex steroids, GC and pro-inflammatory mediators in some physiological and pathological states, together with the potential clinical implications of these findings, are summarized. The overall study highlights the plasticity of this intersystem cross-talk for pharmacological targeting with drugs acting at the neuroendocrine-immune interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Morale
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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12
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Marchetti B, Gallo F, Farinella Z, Tirolo C, Testa N, Caniglia S, Morale MC. Gender, neuroendocrine-immune interactions and neuron-glial plasticity. Role of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 917:678-709. [PMID: 11268397 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2000.tb05434.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Signals generated by the hypothalamic-pitutary-gonadal (HPG) axis powerfully modulate immune system function. This article summarizes some aspects of the impact of gender in neuroendocrine immunomodulation. Emphasis is given to the astroglial cell compartment, defined as a key actor in neuroendocrine immune communications. In the brain, the principal hormones of the HPG axis directly interact with astroglial cells. Thus, luteinizing hormone releasing hormone, LHRH, influences hypothalamic astrocyte development and growth, and hypothalamic astrocytes direct LHRH neuron differentiation. Hormonally induced changes in neuron-glial plasticity may dictate major changes in CNS output, and thus actively participate in sex dimorphic immune responses. The impact of gender in neuroimmunomodulation is further underlined by the sex dimorphism in the expression of genes encoding for neuroendocrine hormones and their receptors within the thymus, and by the potent modulation exerted by circulating sex steroids during development and immunization. The central role of glucocorticoids in the interactive communication between neuroendocrine and immune systems, and the impact of gender on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis modulation is underscored in transgenic mice expressing a glucocorticoid receptor antisense RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Marchetti
- Department of Pharmacology and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Leposavić G, Obradović S, Kosec D, Pejcić-Karapetrović B, Vidić-Danković B. In vivo modulation of the distribution of thymocyte subsets by female sex steroid hormones. Int Immunopharmacol 2001; 1:1-12. [PMID: 11367507 DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5769(00)00006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of the principal ovarian steroids, 17 beta-estradiol (E) and progesterone (P), on the thymic structure and on the intrathymic development of T-cells. Adult female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated for 14 days with physiological doses of either E or P; controls received an equivalent volume of vehicle. Ovariectomy produced a marked increase (vs. sham-operated controls) in thymus weight, which was associated with an increase in the volume and cellularity of both the medulla and cortex. Treatment of OVX rats with E reduced the thymic weight to value, which was significantly lower than that of sham-operated controls decreasing the volume of cortex below level in sham-OVX rats, and reversing the effect of ovariectomy on the volume of medulla. P only prevented the increases in thymus weight and cortical volume induced by OVX. However, unlike E, it had no discernable effect on the medullary volume. E treatment reduced the cellularity of the cortex and medulla to values, which were lower than those of sham-OVX rats, while P only reversed the effects of OVX on the cellularity of both the compartments. Ovariectomy also had a profound effect on the thymocyte profile, increasing the proportion of CD4+8+TCR alpha beta- cells and producing a corresponding decrease in the relative proportions of all TCR alpha beta high cell subsets. The decrease in the latter was opposed by treatment with E or P. However, the sensitivity of the less mature cells (except CD4-8-TCR alpha beta-, the percentage of which was reduced by both hormones) to the two hormones differed. E reduced the relative proportion of CD4-8+TCR alpha beta-, CD4-8+TCR alpha beta low and CD4+8+TCR alpha beta- cells, while P increased the percentage of CD4-8+TCR alpha beta low cells. The results suggest that E and P affect both the lymphoid and nonlymphoid compartments of the thymus, and that while P increases the volume of the nonlymphoid component of the medulla, E has the opposite effect. The finding that ovariectomy decreased while E and P increased the relative proportion of the most mature thymocytes, which include CD4-8-TCR alpha beta high cells that are believed to harbour potentially autoreactive cell clones, is particularly interesting and may relate to the high propensity of autoimmune diseases in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Leposavić
- Immunology Research Center Branislav Jankovic, Institute for Immunology and Virology Torlak, Yugoslavia.
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14
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Marchetti B, Gallo F, Farinella Z, Tirolo C, Testa N, Romeo C, Morale MC. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone is a primary signaling molecule in the neuroimmune network. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1998; 840:205-48. [PMID: 9629252 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb09564.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The brain-pituitary-reproductive axis and the brain thymus-lymphoid axis are linked by an array of internal mechanisms of communication that use similar signals (neurotransmitters, peptides, growth factors, hormones) acting on similar recognition targets. Moreover, such communication networks form the basis and control each step and every level of reproductive physiology. This presentation highlights the extent to which endocrine, neural, glial, or immunologically competent cells may achieve their specific functions using common mechanisms, but employing them to different degrees. In particular, this work will focus on LHRH, the chief hormone orchestrating reproductive events. Within the thymus LHRH plays a unique role of immunomodulator, contributing to the sex-dependent changes in immune responsiveness during the estrous-menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy. From the recent cloning and sequencing of lymphocyte LHRH, the expression of LHRH receptor mRNA in lymphocyte, the transduction mechanisms involved, and the steroidogenic sensitivity of the intralymphocyte LHRH system. It would appear that this peptide may act as an immunological response modifier in the brain-pituitary-lymphoid-gonadal axis. The interplay between neuronal, endocrine, and immune compartments is further emphasized in the study of LHRH-astroglial interactions. Astrocytes are able to manufacture a wide variety of signaling agents and can secrete immunoregulatory molecules that influence immune cells, as well as the glial cells themselves. Astroglia and the immortalized hypothalamic LHRH (GT1-1) neurons communicate with an array of mechanisms, via soluble mediators as well as cell-to-cell contacts. Manipulation of astroglial-derived cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in GT1-1 neuron-astroglia cocultures, underscores a potential cross-talk between different intra/inter-cellular mediators in the dynamic control of LHRH release. Further studies aimed to disclose at a biochemical and a molecular level such bidirectional, informative network will give us new insights into more general issues concerned with the malfunction of the neuroendocrine-immune axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Marchetti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Catania, Italy.
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15
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Mihovilovic M, Denning S, Mai Y, Whichard LP, Patel DD, Roses AD. Thymocytes and cultured thymic epithelial cells express transcripts encoding alpha-3, alpha-5 and beta-4 subunits of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: preferential transcription of the alpha-3 and beta-4 genes by immature CD4 + 8 + thymocytes. J Neuroimmunol 1997; 79:176-84. [PMID: 9394790 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(97)00120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Thymic tissues express transcripts encoding the alpha-3, alpha-5 and beta-4 subunits of nicotinic neuronal acetylcholine receptors (AcChRs) suggesting that neuronal AcChRs similar to those expressed in ganglia are expressed in the thymus. Transcription occurs in both isolated thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells. RT-PCR analyses of thymocyte subsets indicate that immature CD4 + 8 + thymocytes express higher levels of the alpha-3 and beta-4 transcripts than more mature thymocytes. Compared to freshly isolated thymocytes, peripheral blood lymphocytes do not express alpha-3 and beta-4 AcChR subunit transcripts. Cultured thymocytes rapidly down-regulate transcription of the alpha-3 and beta-4 AcChR subunit genes by a process that is not reversed by stimulation with phytohemagglutinin and IL-2. Thus our results indicate that there is transcriptional regulation of neuronal AcChR subunit genes during the process of thymocyte maturation and that factors within the thymic microenvironment influence expression of the alpha-3 and beta-4 AcChR subunit genes by developing T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mihovilovic
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Pierpaoli W, Bulian D, Dall'Ara A, Marchetti B, Gallo F, Morale MC, Tirolo C, Testa N. Circadian melatonin and young-to-old pineal grafting postpone aging and maintain juvenile conditions of reproductive functions in mice and rats. Exp Gerontol 1997; 32:587-602. [PMID: 9315459 DOI: 10.1016/s0531-5565(96)00163-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic, night administration of melatonin to aging mice and transplantation of a young pineal gland into the thymic rudiment of older mice and rats have been studied with the aim of evaluating their effects on aging of gonadal, sexual, and reproductive functions. Both melatonin administration and young-to-old pineal grafting positively affect size and function of testes and maintenance of juvenile hippocampal and testicular LHRH-receptors and beta-adrenergic receptors in the tests of old rats and mice. These results demonstrate that a pineal-directed circadian function and cyclicity is fundamental for the regulation of sexual, reproductive physiology, and that proper intervention with melatonin may potentially postpone aging of both neural and gonadal sexual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Pierpaoli
- INTERBION Foundation for Basic Biomedical Research, Bellinzoma, Switzerland
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Marchetti B, Gallo F, Farinella Z, Romeo C, Morale MC. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptors in the neuroendocrine-immune network. Biochemical bases and implications for reproductive physiopathology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1996; 784:209-36. [PMID: 8651571 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1996.tb16238.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
It seems apparent that the brain-pituitary-reproductive axis and the brain-thymus-lymphoid axis are linked by an array of internal mechanisms of communication that use similar signals (neurotransmitters, peptides, growth factors, hormones) acting on similar recognition targets. Moreover, such communication networks form the basis and control of each step and every level of reproductive physiology. This work has focused on the LHRH system, a primary central and peripheral clock of both neuroendocrine and immune functions. From the initiation of a sexually organized response, the detection of sexual odors, and the induction of mating behavior, extrahypothalamic and hypothalamic LHRH orchestrates the neuroendocrine modulation of gonadotropin secretion, while its expression within the ovary directly controls specific events such as follicular atresia. The presence of LHRH receptors in oocytes clearly anticipates a potential action of the decapeptide during the process of fertilization and/or implantation. Within the thymus and other peripheral immune organs, LHRH plays a unique role of immunomodulator, contributing to the sex-dependent changes in immune responsiveness during the estrous-menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy. The reciprocity of the neuroendocrine-immune signaling systems is further supported by the ability of sex steroids to modulate thymus-dependent immune functions via direct effects on specific target genes involved in the development of sex dimorphism and sex-dimorphic immune responses, including the downregulation of immune response observed during pregnancy. Such cyclic changes in immune responsiveness could have a physiological implication, such as the decrease or suppression in cell-mediated immunity observed in the postovulatory phase of the cycle and in pregnancy, respectively, and might play a role during the implantation process and the establishment of pregnancy. In this context, the ability of corticosterone to directly inhibit both GR transcript levels as well as a cell-mediated immune response within the thymus, and the modulation of such an inhibitory effect by the sex steroid hormone milieu, may offer an explanation and a molecular mechanism whereby stress may be deleterious for reproduction, also via immunomodulation. On the other hand, hormonally mediated alterations in immunity might also have a pathological implication in sexually related immune diseases. For example, in mouse and humans, lupus erythematosus is more prevalent in females and estrogen accelerates the disease process, while menstruation is known to exacerbate idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura. Sex steroid hormone milieu might also have a role in controlling the stress response through immunomodulation. Within the placenta, an intricate network of signaling systems controls a delicate interplay between the neuroendocrine hormones, growth factors, and cytokines that are susceptible to play a major local role in the processes of implantation and the establishment and completion of pregnancy. The neuroendocrine and immunomodulatory role of LHRH continues well after parturition because the presence of LHRH-like material within the mammary gland and milk participates in the physiological modulation of hypophyseal, gonadal, and immune functions of the pups. Such a significant role played by the hypothalamic peptide in the modulation of immune responsiveness would indicate LHRH as the signal conveying information to both neuroendocrine and immune cells, with the role of informing and then transducing the messages into appropriate biological responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)
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Affiliation(s)
- B Marchetti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Catania Medical School, Italy
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Marchetti B, Morale MC, Gallo F, Batticane N, Farinella Z, Cioni M. Neuroendocrineimmunology (NEI) at the turn of the century: towards a molecular understanding of basic mechanisms and implications for reproductive physiopathology. Endocrine 1995; 3:845-61. [PMID: 21153213 DOI: 10.1007/bf02738890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/1995] [Accepted: 09/15/1995] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The interactions between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems require a complex communication network. The central nervous system (CNS) affects the immune system through endocrine, paracrine and neuronal mechanisms. Evidence that this bidirectional communication plays a vital role in the regulation of physiological homeostatic mechanisms while a disfunction of the neuroendocrineimmune balance favors the susceptibility to a number of diseases is derived largely by animal models but also by an increasing number of clinical studies in different fields, including endocrinology, reproductive physiology, pediatrics, oncology, neurology and psychiatry. An increasing number of endocrine hormones, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides are expressed in immune tissues and cells and are actively involved in the physiological regulation of immunity. Conversely, the endocrine and nervous systems harbor receptors for a wide variety of immunologically-derived substances, suggesting potential regulatory feedback loops between the three major integrative bodily systems. Major implications for the reproductive endocrinology field are that psychoneuroendocrine processes may alter fertility via immunomodulation, and that events that occur as part of immune responses influence the neuroendocrine axes, which in turn counter-regulate immune function. In the present article, some features of reproductive-immune interactions will be described, and the neuroendocrineimmune dialogue via the chief reproductive hormone, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), will be summarized as prototype of intersystem crosstalk. A particular emphasis will be given to the cytokine-LHRH interrelationships both at central (i.e. especially with the astroglial compartment) and peripheral levels. The surprisingly similar communication network systems used by the gonads and the thymus will be summarized, and the sexually-driven dimorphisms dictating female versus male reproductive and immunological capacities reviewed. Evidence that neural, endocrine and immune systems work together as a single unit are emphasized in animal models and human pathologies where interruption of NEI feedback loops results in long lasting pathological consequences for the nervous, endocrine and immune functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Marchetti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
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Marchetti B, Peiffer A, Morale MC, Batticane N, Gallo F, Barden N. Transgenic animals with impaired type II glucocorticoid receptor gene expression. A model to study aging of the neuroendocrine-immune system. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994; 719:308-27. [PMID: 8010603 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1994.tb56839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B Marchetti
- Department of Pharmacology Medical School, University of Catania, Italy
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Morale MC, Batticane N, Cioni M, Marchetti B. Upregulation of lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptor in Down's syndrome: a biological marker of a neuroimmune deficit. J Neuroimmunol 1992; 38:185-98. [PMID: 1318320 DOI: 10.1016/0165-5728(92)90012-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
To test the hypothesis of an altered central nervous system influence upon the immune system of Down's syndrome (DS) patients and in order to establish a peripheral biological marker of neuroimmune deficit, we have studied the characteristics of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (B2AR) system in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) of 12 pre-pubertal (six boys and six girls) individuals and correlated alterations in binding with changes in distribution of lymphocyte subsets. Using the very potent beta-adrenergic antagonist, iodocyanopindolol ([125I]CYP), as a ligand, the present study shows that a typical BAR population of the beta 2-subtype is present in PBMC from DS children, with binding kinetics and structural specificity similar to those measured in PBMC from patients with other (non-genetic) forms of mental retardation, or in PBMC from age-matched healthy subjects. On the other hand, this study revealed a significant increase in B2AR binding capacity of PBMC from DS subjects (Bmax = 5258 +/- 470 sites/cell) compared to the values measured in the control population of retarded children (Bmax = 1965 +/- 280 sites/cell), characterized by an approximately three-fold increase in the Bmax, without changes in binding affinity (KD = 40.5 +/- 2.0 and 36.6 +/- 2.5 pM in DS and retarded patients, respectively). The flowcytometric analysis of lymphocyte subsets using a panel of monoclonal antibodies against a series of lymphocyte markers revealed a profound alteration in the distribution of lymphocyte subtypes with an almost 50% decrease in B cell and T-helper populations, a three-fold increase in T-cytotoxic suppressor, a seven-fold increase in lymphocyte-activated killer cells (LAK) and 30% increase in natural killer (NK) subpopulations. When fluorescence-labelled lymphocytes were visualized in the cytofluorograph and sorted for their use in the radioreceptor assay, B cells had approximately twice the number of B2AR when compared to T cells; and cytotoxic/suppressor showed a higher binding capacity compared to T-helper cells. On the other hand, labelled lymphocytes from DS patients showed a specific increase in receptor number in B cells, T-cytotoxic suppressor and NK subpopulations. It is concluded that a profound catecholaminergic dysfunction not previously appreciated in DS is reflected by a significant alteration in lymphocyte subset distribution and by a specific up-regulation of lymphocyte B2AR in phenotypically and functionally distinct T and B cells as well NK subpopulations, suggesting a possible denervation supersensitivity phenomenon.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Morale
- OASI Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging (IRCCS), Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Immunology, Troina, Italy
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