GnRH mediates estrous behavior induced by ring A reduced progestins and vaginocervical stimulation

Kisspeptin participates in the positive reward state induced by paced mating and modulates sexual receptivity and paced mating behavior in female rats

Kisspeptin (Kp), a potent regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis, was recently shown to be involved in partner preference and sexual receptivity in females. Interestingly, Kp and its receptor (Kiss1r) are expressed in brain regions involved in the reward and motivation of reinforcing behaviors. Therefore, in the present study, we designed 3 experiments to determine the participation of Kp in female sexual behavior and the positive affective (PA) reward state induced by paced mating (PM). In all experiments, we used sexually naïve ovariectomized Wistar female rats primed with estradiol benzoate (EB, 2.5 μg/rat) 48 h before behavioral tests. In experiment 1 (n = 9), we tested the effect of Kp on PM. We demonstrated that Kp-10 (14 nmol) induced similar levels of receptivity to treatment with EB + progesterone and facilitated PM by reducing the return latency after intromissions. In experiment 2 (n = 8), we evaluated the effect of p234 penetratin, a Kiss1r antagonist, on PM. The administration of p234 in doses of 7.5 nmol and 15 nmol reduced the mean lordosis intensity and increased mount and intromission return latencies. Finally, in Experiment 3, we tested the capacity of Kp to induce a PA state or the antagonist to block the reward state induced by PM. Kp-10 (7 and 14 nmol) induced a clear conditioned place preference. This reward state and that produced by PM were blocked by p234 (15 nmol). Our findings underscore the critical role of Kp in modulating female sexual behavior and the PA state associated with PM, highlighting its potential to enhance sexual motivation.

Participation of kisspeptin, progesterone, and GnRH receptors on lordosis behavior induced by kisspeptin

The neuropeptide kisspeptin (Kiss) is crucial in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is produced by two main groups of neurons in the hypothalamus: the rostral periventricular region around the third ventricle and the arcuate nucleus. Kiss is the peptide product of the KiSS-1 gene and serves as the endogenous agonist for the GPR54 receptor. The Kiss/GPR54 system functions as a critical regulator of the reproductive system. Thus, we examined the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of 3 μg of Kiss to the right lateral ventricle of ovariectomized rats primed with a dose of 5 μg subcutaneous (sc) of estradiol benzoate (EB). Kiss treatment increased the lordosis quotient at all times tested. However, the lordosis reflex score was comparatively lower yet still significant compared to the control group. To investigate receptor specificity and downstream mechanisms on lordosis, we infused 10 μg of GPR54 receptor antagonist, Kiss-234, 5 μg of the progestin receptor antagonist, RU486, or 3 μg of antide, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) receptor antagonist, to the right lateral ventricle 30 min before an infusion of 3 μg of Kiss. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in the facilitation of lordosis behavior by Kiss at 60 and 120 min when Kiss-234, RU486, or antide were administered. These findings suggest that Kiss stimulates lordosis expression by activating GPR54 receptors on GnRH neurons and that Kiss/GPR54 system is an essential intermediary by which progesterone activates GnRH.

Participation of the nitric oxide pathway in lordosis induced by apelin-13 in female rats

The present study investigated the participation of the nitric oxide pathway in facilitating lordosis behavior induced by intrahypothalamic administration of apelin-13 in ovariectomized rats primed with estradiol benzoate (EB). The experiments involved the administration of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) or a nitric oxide-dependent, soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (ODQ), and an inhibitor of protein kinase G (KT5823) to the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of EB-primed rats 30 min before infusion of apelin-13 (0.75 μg/μl). This dose of apelin-13 consistently induces lordosis behavior at 30 min, 120 min, and 240 min following infusion. Results showed that injections of either L-NAME or KT5823 significantly reduced the lordosis induced by apelin at 120 and 240 min. However, VMH infusion of ODQ 30 min before apelin-13 infusion reduced but did not significantly inhibit, the lordosis elicited by this peptide at the same time points. We conclude that the nitric oxide pathway in the VMH plays an important role in lordosis induced by apelin-13 in EB-primed rats.

Estradiol and progesterone-induced lordosis behavior is modulated by both the Kisspeptin receptor and melanin-concentrating hormone in estradiol benzoate-primed rats

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of estradiol benzoate (E₂B) and progesterone (P) induces intense lordosis behavior in ovariectomized rats primed peripherally with E₂B. The present study tested the hypothesis that the Kisspeptin (Kiss) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) pathways regulate female sexual behavior induced by these steroid hormones. In Experiment 1, we tested the relevance of the Kiss pathway by ICV infusion of its inhibitor, kiss-234, before administration of E₂B or P in estrogen-primed rats. Lordosis induced by E₂B alone or with the addition of P was reduced significantly at 30, 120, and 240 min. In Experiment 2, ICV infusion of MCH 30 min before E₂B or P significantly reduced lordosis in rats primed with E₂B alone. These data support the hypothesis that the Kiss and MCH pathways, which can release or modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), are involved in E₂B- and P-induced lordosis.

Apelin-13 facilitates lordosis behavior following infusions to the ventromedial hypothalamus or preoptic area in ovariectomized, estrogen-primed rats

In normal hormonal conditions, increased neuronal activity in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) induces lordosis whereas activation of the preoptic area (POA) exerts an opposite effect. In the present work, we explored the effect of bilateral infusion of different doses of the apelin-13 (0.37, 0.75, 1.5, and 15 μg) in both brain areas on the expression of lordosis behavior. Lordosis quotient and lordosis reflex score were performed at 30, 120, and 240 min. Weak lordosis was observed following the 0.37 μg dose of apelin-13 at 30 min in the VMH of EB-primed rats; however, the rest of the doses induced significant lordosis relative to the control group. At 120 min, all doses induced lordosis behavior, while at 240 min, the highest dose of 15 μg did not induce significant differences. Interestingly, only the 0.75 μg infusion of apelin in the POA induced significant lordosis at 120 and 240 min. These results indicate that apelin-13 acts preferably in HVM and slightly in POA to initiate lordosis behavior in estrogen-primed rats.

Oxytocin induces lordosis behavior in female rats through the prostaglandin E2/GnRH signaling system

Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of oxytocin (OT) induces robust lordosis behavior (lordosis quotient and lordosis intensity) in estrogen-primed rats. The present study explored the hypothesis that the OT-Prostaglandin E2-GnRH pathway (a pathway produced in astrocytes) is involved in the facilitation of lordosis behavior by icv infusion of OT (2 μg). In Experiment 1, we tested the involvement of the OT receptor (OTR) by infusion of the OTR antagonist, atosiban (ATO). OT-induced lordosis was significantly reduced at both 30 and 120 min by prior infusion of ATO. In Experiment 2, we studied the effects of aspirin (COX2 inhibitor) and ONO-AE3-208 (ONO; EP4 prostaglandin receptor antagonist) on OT-induced lordosis. Infusions of both compounds diminished OT-induced lordosis at both 120 and 240 min. In Experiment 3, the involvement of the GnRH-1 receptor inhibitor antide on OT-induced lordosis was evaluated. Antide significantly inhibited OT-induced lordosis at all times tested. These data indicate that the OT/PGE2/GnRH pathway is involved in the expression of OT-induced lordosis behavior, an effect that may be occurring directly in hypothalamic astrocytes.

Lordosis facilitated by GPER-1 receptor activation involves GnRH-1, progestin and estrogen receptors in estrogen-primed rats

The present study assessed the participation of membrane G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) and gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 (GnRH-1) receptor in the display of lordosis induced by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of G1, a GPER-1 agonist, and by unesterified 17β-estradiol (free E₂). In addition, we assessed the participation of both estrogen and progestin receptors in the lordosis behavior induced by G1 in ovariectomized (OVX), E₂-benzoate (EB)-primed rats. In Experiment 1, icv injection of G1 induced lordosis behavior at 120 and 240min. In Experiment 2, icv injection of the GPER-1 antagonist G15 significantly reduced lordosis behavior induced by either G1 or free E₂. In addition, Antide, a GnRH-1 receptor antagonist, significantly depressed G1 facilitation of lordosis behavior in OVX, EB-primed rats. Similarly, icv injection of Antide blocked the stimulatory effect of E₂ on lordosis behavior. In Experiment 3, systemic injection of either tamoxifen or RU486 significantly reduced lordosis behavior induced by icv administration of G1 in OVX, EB-primed rats. The results suggest that GnRH release activates both estrogen and progestin receptors and that this activation is important in the chain of events leading to the display of lordosis behavior in response to activation of GPER-1 in estrogen-primed rats.

Estrogen receptors regulate the estrous behavior induced by progestins, peptides, and prostaglandin E2

The role of classical estrogen receptors (ERs) in priming female reproductive behavior has been studied previously; however, the participation of this receptor during activation of estrous behavior has not been extensively studied. The purpose of this work was to test the possibility that the facilitation of lordosis behavior in estrogen-primed rats by progesterone (P) and its 5α- and 5β-reduced metabolites, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leptin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and vagino-cervical stimulation (VCS) involves interactions with classical ERs by using the selective ER modulator, tamoxifen. To further assess the role of ERs, we also explored the effects of the pure ER antagonist, ICI182780 (ICI), on estrous behavior induced by P and GnRH. Ovariectomized, estrogen-primed rats (5μg estradiol benzoate 40h earlier) were injected intraventricularly with the above-mentioned compounds, or they received VCS. All compounds and VCS effectively facilitated estrous behavior when tested at 60, 120 or 240min after infusion or application of VCS. Intraventricular infusion of tamoxifen (5μg), 30min before, significantly attenuated estrous behaviors induced in estradiol-primed rats by P, most of its 5α- and 5β-reduced metabolites, GnRH, and PGE2, but not by VCS. Although there was a trend for reduction, tamoxifen did not significantly decrease lordosis in females treated with 5β-pregnan-3,20-dione. ICI also inhibited lordosis behavior induced by P and GnRH at some testing intervals. These results suggest that activation of classical ERs participates in the triggering effects on estrous behavior induced by agents with different chemical structures that do not bind directly to ERs.

Src kinase signaling mediates estrous behavior induced by 5β-reduced progestins, GnRH, prostaglandin E2 and vaginocervical stimulation in estrogen-primed rats

The progesterone receptor (PR) is a dual function protein that acts in the nucleus as a transcriptional factor and at the cytoplasm as a scaffold for the Src-MAPK signaling pathway. Several agents lacking affinity for the PR, such as 5β-reduced progestins, GnRH or prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) facilitate estrous behavior in ovariectomized (ovx), estrogen-primed rats yet their action is blocked by the antiprogestin RU486. We hypothesize that these agents act by using the PR-Src-mitogen activated protein kinase alternative pathway. To test this hypothesis we used PP2, a specific inhibitor of the Src kinase family. Intraventricular infusion of 30 μg of PP2, 30 min before behavioral testing, significantly attenuated estrous behaviors induced in estradiol benzoate (E(2)B)-primed rats by 5β-dihydroprogesterone (5β-DHP), 5β-pregnan-3β-ol-20-one (5β,3β-Pgl), GnRH, PGE(2) and by manual flank/vaginocervical stimulation. These results suggest that the Src signaling system, by activating mitogen-activated protein kinases, participates in the facilitation of estrous behavior in E(2)B-primed rats induced by agents lacking affinity for the PR.

Progesterone turnover to its 5α-reduced metabolites in the ventral tegmental area of the midbrain is essential for initiating social and affective behavior and progesterone metabolism in female rats

BACKGROUND

Among women and female rodents, progesterone (P) influences social affiliation and affect. These effects may be partly due to formation of its 5α-reduced, 3α- hydroxylated metabolite, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α- THP).

AIM

To elucidate whether actions of 3α,5α-THP in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) are both necessary and sufficient to enhance non-sexual and sexual social behaviors, affect, and central 3α,5α-THP metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

P and 3α,5α-THP formation were unperturbed or blocked in VTA via infusions of vehicle, PK11195 (400 ng), and/or indomethacin (10 μg). Rats then received subsequent infusions of vehicle or 3α,5α-THP (100 ng) and were assessed in a battery of tasks that included open field (exploration), elevated plus maze (anxiety behavior), social interaction (social affiliation), and paced mating (sexual behavior) or were not tested. Metabolic turnover of P to its 5α-reduced metabolites was assessed in plasma, midbrain, hippocampus, frontal cortex, diencephalon, and remaining subcortical tissues (control interbrain).

RESULTS

Infusions of any combination of inhibitors significantly reduced social and affective behavior in all tasks compared to vehicle, concomitant with reduced turnover of P to its 5α-reduced metabolites, in midbrain only. Subsequent infusions of 3α,5α-THP significantly reinstated/enhanced anti- anxiety behavior, lordosis, and P turnover to its 5α-reduced metabolites in midbrain, as well as hippocampus, cortex, and diencephalon (but not plasma or interbrain).

CONCLUSIONS

These data are the first to provide direct evidence that actions of 3α,5α-THP in the VTA are both necessary and sufficient for social and affective behavior, as well as initiation of central 5α-reduction.

Differential effects of progesterone and genital stimulation on sequential inhibition of estrous behavior and progesterone receptor expression in the rat brain

The effect of genital stimulation, either by vaginocervical stimulation (VCS) using a calibrated vaginal probe combined with manual flank stimulation (FS), or by mounts performed by the male, on the hypothalamus and preoptic area concentration of the progesterone receptors A (PR-A) and B (PR-B) was assessed in ovariectomized (ovx) estrogen-primed rats. VCS/FS or stimulation provided by male mounts, even without intromission, significantly decreased PR-B concentration in the hypoythalamus. Down regulation of PR produced by genital stimulation was quantitatively similar to that elicited by progesterone (P) administration. Bilateral or unilateral transection of the pelvic or the pudendal nerves prevented down regulation elicited by VCS/FS. Repeated VCS/FS elicited lordosis behavior in most ovx estrogen primed rats, but the lordosis intensity was lower than that observed in response to P. P administered to ovx estrogen primed rats, induced sequential inhibition, i.e., failure to display estrous behavior in response to a second P injection (24h after the initial P injection). VCS/FS failed to elicit sequential inhibition, since rats responded with normal estrous behavior to the second injection of P. This suggests that down regulation by VCS, by contrast with P, failed to inhibit the subpopulation of PR involved in the facilitation of estrous behavior by P.

Nitric oxide and ERK/MAPK mediation of estrous behavior induced by GnRH, PGE2 and db-cAMP in rats

We tested the hypothesis that GnRH, PGE2 and db-cAMP act via the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP and MAPK pathways to facilitate estrous behavior (lordosis and proceptivity) in estradiol-primed female rats. Estradiol-primed rats received intracerebroventricular (icv) infusions of pharmacological antagonists of NO synthase (L-NAME), NO-dependent soluble guanylyl cyclase (ODQ), protein kinase G (KT5823), or the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 15 min before icv administration of 50 ng of GnRH, 1 microg of PGE2 or 1 microg of db-cAMP. Icv infusions of GnRH, PGE2 and db-cAMP enhanced estrous behavior at 1 and 2 h after drug administration. Both L-NAME and ODQ blocked the estrous behavior induced by GnRH, PGE2 and db-cAMP at some of the times tested. The protein kinase G inhibitor KT5823 reduced PGE2 and db-cAMP facilitation of estrous behavior but did not affect the behavioral response to GnRH. In contrast, PD98059 blocked the estrous behavior induced by all three compounds. These data support the hypothesis that the NO-cGMP and ERK/MAPK pathways are involved in the lordosis and proceptive behaviors induced by GnRH, PGE2 and db-cAMP. However, cGMP mediation of GnRH-facilitated estrous behavior is independent of protein kinase G.