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Pletzer B, Winkler-Crepaz K, Hillerer K. Progesterone and contraceptive progestin actions on the brain: A systematic review of animal studies and comparison to human neuroimaging studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101060. [PMID: 36758768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In this review we systematically summarize the effects of progesterone and synthetic progestins on neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination and six neurotransmitter systems. Several parallels between progesterone and older generation progestin actions emerged, suggesting actions via progesterone receptors. However, existing results suggest a general lack of knowledge regarding the effects of currently used progestins in hormonal contraception regarding these cellular and molecular brain parameters. Human neuroimaging studies were reviewed with a focus on randomized placebo-controlled trials and cross-sectional studies controlling for progestin type. The prefrontal cortex, amygdala, salience network and hippocampus were identified as regions of interest for future preclinical studies. This review proposes a series of experiments to elucidate the cellular and molecular actions of contraceptive progestins in these areas and link these actions to behavioral markers of emotional and cognitive functioning. Emotional effects of contraceptive progestins appear to be related to 1) alterations in the serotonergic system, 2) direct/indirect modulations of inhibitory GABA-ergic signalling via effects on the allopregnanolone content of the brain, which differ between androgenic and anti-androgenic progestins. Cognitive effects of combined oral contraceptives appear to depend on the ethinylestradiol dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg Austria.
| | | | - Katharina Hillerer
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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2
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Zhang W, Huang J, Gao F, You Q, Ding L, Gong J, Zhang M, Ma R, Zheng S, Sun X, Zhang Y. Lactobacillus reuteri normalizes altered fear memory in male Cntnap4 knockout mice. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104323. [PMID: 36395738 PMCID: PMC9672961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disease, characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviours, and impaired fear memory processing. Severe gastrointestinal dysfunction and altered gut microbiome have been reported in ASD patients and animal models. Contactin associated protein-like 4 (CNTNAP4) has been suggested to be a novel risk gene, though its role in ASD remains unelucidated. METHODS Cntnap4-/- mice were generated to explore its role in ASD-related behavioural abnormalities. Electrophysiological recording was employed to examine GABAergic transmission in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and prefrontal cortex. RNA-sequencing was performed to assess underlying mechanisms. 16S rDNA analysis was performed to explore changes in faecal microbial composition. Male Cntnap4-/- mice were fed with Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) or faecal microbiota to evaluate the effects of microbiota supplementation on the impaired fear conditioning mediated by Cntnap4 deficiency. FINDINGS Male Cntnap4-/- mice manifested deficiency in social behaviours and tone-cue fear conditioning. Notably, reduced GABAergic transmission and GABA receptor expression were found in the BLA but not the prefrontal cortex. In addition, gut Lactobacillus were less abundant in male Cntnap4-/- mice, and L. reuteri treatment or faecal microbiota transplantation rescued abnormal tone-cued fear memory and improved local GABAergic transmission in the BLA of male Cntnap4-/- mice. INTERPRETATION Cntnap4 shapes GABAergic transmission of amygdala and fear conditioning, and microbial intervention represents a promising therapy in ASD intervention. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation of China, Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangzhou, Guangzhou Medical University, and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Qianglong You
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Liuyan Ding
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Junwei Gong
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Mengran Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Runfang Ma
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Shaohui Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Xiangdong Sun
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yunlong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
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3
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Gilfarb RA, Leuner B. GABA System Modifications During Periods of Hormonal Flux Across the Female Lifespan. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:802530. [PMID: 35783228 PMCID: PMC9245048 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.802530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The female lifespan is marked by periods of dramatic hormonal fluctuation. Changes in the ovarian hormones estradiol and progesterone, in addition to the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, are among the most significant and have been shown to have widespread effects on the brain. This review summarizes current understanding of alterations that occur within the GABA system during the major hormonal transition periods of puberty, the ovarian cycle, pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as reproductive aging. The functional impacts of altered inhibitory activity during these times are also discussed. Lastly, avenues for future research are identified, which, if pursued, can broaden understanding of the GABA system in the female brain and potentially lead to better treatments for women experiencing changes in brain function at each of these hormonal transition periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Gilfarb
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Benedetta Leuner
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Benedetta Leuner,
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4
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Hornung R, Pritchard A, Kinchington PR, Kramer PR. Reduced activity of GAD67 expressing cells in the reticular thalamus enhance thalamic excitatory activity and varicella zoster virus associated pain. Neurosci Lett 2020; 736:135287. [PMID: 32763361 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Within the reticular thalamic nucleus neurons express gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and these cells project to the ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus. When GABA activity decreases the activity of excitatory cells in the ventral posteromedial nucleus would be expected to increase. In this study, we addressed the hypothesis that attenuating GABAergic cells in the reticular thalamic nucleus increases excitatory activity in the ventral posteromedial nucleus increasing varicella zoster virus (VZV) associated pain in the orofacial region. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) was infused in the reticular thalamic nucleus of Gad1-Cre rats. This virus transduced a G inhibitory designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) gene that was Cre dependent. A dose of estradiol that was previously shown to reduce VZV pain and increase GABAergic activity was administered to castrated and ovariectomized rats. Previous studies suggest that estradiol attenuates herpes zoster pain by increasing the activity of inhibitory neurons and decreasing the activity of excitatory cells within the lateral thalamic region. The ventral posteromedial nucleus was infused with AAV containing a GCaMP6f expression construct. A glass lens was implanted for miniscope imaging. Our results show that the activity of GABA cells within the reticular thalamic region decreased with clozapine N-oxide treatment concomitant with increased calcium activity of excitatory cells in the ventral posteromedial nucleus and an increased orofacial pain response. The results suggest that estradiol attenuates herpes zoster pain by increasing the activity of inhibitory neurons within the reticular thalamus that then inhibit excitatory activity in ventral posteromedial nucleus causing a reduction in orofacial pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Hornung
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, 75246, United States
| | - Addison Pritchard
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, 75246, United States
| | - Paul R Kinchington
- Dept Ophthalmology, Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, The Campbell Laboratory for Infectious Eye Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburg, 203 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Phillip R Kramer
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, 75246, United States.
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5
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Dong XZ, Zhao ZR, Hu Y, Lu YP, Liu P, Zhang L. LncRNA COL1A1-014 is involved in the progression of gastric cancer via regulating CXCL12-CXCR4 axis. Gastric Cancer 2020; 23:260-272. [PMID: 31650323 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-019-01011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is found in various types of cancers and also showed its association with the occurrence and development of gastric cancer (GC). We found lncRNA COL1A1-014 was frequently upregulated in GC. METHODS This study investigated COL1A1-014 for its biological function at both cellular and animal levels, using MTT, flow cytometry, colony formation and transwell assays. The expression levels of COL1A1-014 and other genes were detected by RT-PCR and western blot. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the potential binding of miR-1273h-5p to COL1A1-014 and CXCL12. RESULTS We found that COL1A1-014 was frequently upregulated in GC tissues as well as cells. COL1A1-014 increased cell proliferation, colony forming efficiency, migration ability, invasion ability, and weight and volume of grafted tumors, while reduced cell apoptosis. Overexpression of COL1A1-014 increased the mRNA expression of chemokine (CXCmotif) ligand (CXCL12) and high levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 proteins in GC cells. The levels of miR-1273h-5p showed an inverse correlation with COL1A1-014 and CXCL12 in GC cells transfected with miR-1273h-5p. The mRNAs of wild-type COL1A1-014 and CXCL12 showed reduction in HEK293 cells transfected with miR-1273h-5p. This suggested that COL1A1-014 functions as an efficient miR-1273h-5p sponge and as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate CXCL12. The proliferative activity of COL1A1-014 on GC cells was blocked by CXCL12-CXCR4 axis inhibitor AMD-3100. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that COL1A1-014 play an important regulatory role in GC development by functioning as a ceRNA in regulating the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis via sponging miR-1273h-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Zhe Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Zi-Run Zhao
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yu-Pan Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China. .,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China.
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6
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Stinson C, Logan SM, Bellinger LL, Rao M, Kinchington PR, Kramer PR. Estradiol Acts in Lateral Thalamic Region to Attenuate Varicella Zoster Virus Associated Affective Pain. Neuroscience 2019; 414:99-111. [PMID: 31271831 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) results in chicken pox and herpes zoster. Female rats show a higher level of herpes zoster associated pain than males, consistent with human studies. In this study, we addressed the novel hypothesis that sex difference in herpes zoster associated pain is due, in part, to estradiol modulating activity in the thalamus. To test this hypothesis a high and low physiological dose of estradiol was administered to castrated and ovariectomized rats and the affective pain response was measured after injection of VZV into the whisker pad. Thalamic infusion of the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 concomitant with a high dose of estradiol addressed the role of estradiol binding to its receptor to effect pain. Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (pERK) positive cells were measured in excitatory (glutaminase positive) and inhibitory (glutamate decarboxylase 67 positive) cells of the lateral thalamic region. Our results show that a high dose of estradiol significantly reduced the pain response in both males and females. pERK significantly increased in excitatory cells after treatment with a low dose of estradiol and increased in inhibitory cells after treatment with a high dose of estradiol. Administration of ICI 182,780 significantly increased the pain response, reduced expression of GABA related genes in the thalamic region and significantly reduced the number of inhibitory cells expressing pERK. The results suggest that estradiol attenuates herpes zoster pain by increasing the activity of inhibitory neurons within the thalamus and that this reduction includes an estrogen receptor dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Stinson
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, United States of America
| | - Shaun M Logan
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, United States of America
| | - Larry L Bellinger
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, United States of America
| | - Mahesh Rao
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, United States of America
| | - Paul R Kinchington
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Room 1020 EEI building 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Phillip R Kramer
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, United States of America.
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7
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Long T, Yao JK, Li J, Kirshner ZZ, Nelson D, Dougherty GG, Gibbs RB. Comparison of transitional vs surgical menopause on monoamine and amino acid levels in the rat brain. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 476:139-147. [PMID: 29738870 PMCID: PMC6120792 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Loss of ovarian function has important effects on neurotransmitter production and release with corresponding effects on cognitive performance. To date, there has been little direct comparison of the effects of surgical and transitional menopause on neurotransmitter pathways in the brain. In this study, effects on monoamines, monoamine metabolites, and the amino acids tryptophan (TRP) and tyrosine (TYR) were evaluated in adult ovariectomized (OVX) rats and in rats that underwent selective and gradual ovarian follicle depletion by daily injection of 4-vinylcyclohexene-diepoxide (VCD). Tissues from the hippocampus (HPC), frontal cortex (FCX), and striatum (STR) were dissected and analyzed at 1- and 6-weeks following OVX or VCD treatments. Tissues from gonadally intact rats were collected at proestrus and diestrus to represent neurochemical levels during natural states of high and low estrogens. In gonadally intact rats, higher levels of serotonin (5-HT) were detected at proestrus than at diestrus in the FCX. In addition, the ratio of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)/5HT in the FCX and HPC was lower at proestrus than at diestrus, suggesting an effect on 5-HT turnover in these regions. No other significant differences between proestrus and diestrus were observed. In OVX- and VCD-treated rats, changes were observed which were both brain region- and time point-dependent. In the HPC levels of norepinephrine, 5-HIAA, TRP and TYR were significantly reduced at 1 week, but not 6 weeks, in both OVX and VCD-treated rats relative to proestrus and diestrus. In the FCX, dopamine levels were elevated at 6 weeks after OVX relative to diestrus. A similar trend was observed at 1 week (but not 6 weeks) following VCD treatment. In the STR, norepinephrine levels were elevated at 1 week following OVX, and HVA levels were elevated at 1 week, but not 6 weeks, following VCD treatment, relative to proestrus and diestrus. Collectively, these data provide the first comprehensive analysis comparing the effects of two models of menopause on multiple neuroendocrine endpoints in the brain. These effects likely contribute to effects of surgical and transitional menopause on brain function and cognitive performance that have been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Long
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Medical Research Service, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Medical Research Service, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Junyi Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Ziv Z Kirshner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Doug Nelson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - George G Dougherty
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Medical Research Service, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Robert B Gibbs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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8
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Kramer PR, Rao M, Stinson C, Bellinger LL, Kinchington PR, Yee MB. Aromatase Derived Estradiol Within the Thalamus Modulates Pain Induced by Varicella Zoster Virus. Front Integr Neurosci 2018; 12:46. [PMID: 30369871 PMCID: PMC6194186 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2018.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes zoster or shingles is the result of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection and often results in chronic pain that lasts for months after visible symptoms subside. Testosterone often attenuates pain in males. Previous work demonstrates ovarian estrogen effects γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling in the thalamus, reducing pain but the role of testosterone within the thalamus is currently unknown. Because aromatase affects pain and is present in the thalamus we tested a hypothesis that testosterone converted to estrogen in the thalamus attenuates herpes zoster induced pain. To address this hypothesis, male Sprague-Dawley rats received whisker pad injection of either MeWo cells or MeWo cells containing VZV. To reduce aromatase derived estrogen in these animals we injected aromatase inhibitor letrozole systemically or infused it into the thalamus. To test if estrogen was working through the estrogen receptor (ER) agonist, 4, 4′, 4″-(4-Propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (PPT) was infused concomitant with letrozole. Motivational and affective pain was measured after letrozole and/or PPT treatment. Vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) is important in pain signaling. Because estrogen effects VGAT expression we measured its transcript and protein levels after letrozole treatment. Virus injection and letrozole significantly increased the pain response but thalamic infusion of PPT reduced zoster pain. Letrozole increased the number of thalamic neurons staining for phosphorylated ERK (pERK) but decreased VGAT expression. The results suggest in male rats aromatase derived estradiol interacts with the ER to increase VGAT expression and increase neuronal inhibition in the thalamus to attenuate VZV induced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip R Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Mahesh Rao
- Department of Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Crystal Stinson
- Department of Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Larry L Bellinger
- Department of Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Paul R Kinchington
- Department of Ophthalmology and of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Eye and Ear Foundation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael B Yee
- Department of Ophthalmology and of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Eye and Ear Foundation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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9
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Eghlidi DH, Luna SL, Brown DI, Garyfallou VT, Kohama SG, Urbanski HF. Gene expression profiling of the SCN in young and old rhesus macaques. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 61:57-67. [PMID: 29743294 PMCID: PMC6054827 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the location of a master circadian pacemaker. It receives photic signals from the environment via the retinal hypothalamic tract, which play a key role in synchronizing the body's endogenously generated circadian rhythms with the 24-h rhythm of the environment. Therefore, it is plausible that age-related changes within the SCN contribute to the etiology of perturbed activity-rest cycles that become prevalent in humans during aging. To test this hypothesis, we used gene arrays and quantitative RT-PCR to profile age-related gene expression changes within the SCN of male rhesus macaques - a pragmatic translational animal model of human aging, which similarly displays an age-related attenuation of daytime activity levels. As expected, the SCN showed high expression of arginine vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, calbindin and nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group D, member 1 (NR1D1) (also known as reverse strand of ERBA (REV-ERBα), both at the mRNA and protein level. However, no obvious difference was detected between the SCNs of young (7-12 years) and old animals (21-26 years), in terms of the expression of core clock genes or genes associated with SCN signaling and neurotransmission. These data demonstrate the resilience of the primate SCN to normal aging, at least at the transcriptional level and, at least in males, suggest that age-related disruption of activity-rest cycles in humans may instead stem from changes within other components of the circadian system, such as desynchronization of subordinate oscillators in other parts of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique H Eghlidi
- Department of Neurology and Division of Sleep MedicineHarvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Selva L Luna
- Escuela de Química y FarmaciaFacultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Donald I Brown
- Instituto de BiologíaFacultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Vasilios T Garyfallou
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Steven G Kohama
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral NeuroscienceOregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyOregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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10
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Hoffman MA, Doeringer JR, Norcross MF, Johnson ST, Chappell PE. Presynaptic inhibition decreases when estrogen level rises. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2018; 28:2009-2015. [PMID: 29744948 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to determine estrogen's influence on control of a skeletal muscle through measurements of motorneuron excitability (H:M ratio) and presynaptic inhibition (PI). Estrogen serum concentrations were measured at menses and ovulation of female subjects and compared to male controls. Data were analyzed from 12 women and 13 men reporting no history of knee ligament injury. Women reported regular menstrual cycles and no hormone-based contraceptive use for the previous year. Women were tested at menses (Time1) and ovulation (Time2). Men were tested twice, approximately 14 days apart. Analysis indicated no difference in the H:M ratio between the sexes at either time point. A significant difference for the sexes was detected in the magnitude of estrogen change (∆EST) between observations. At Time1, the male and female estrogen concentrations were not different; however, they were different at Time2, primarily due to the large rise observed in the women. A significant difference between the sexes was also seen in the magnitude of change for PI (∆PI) between observations. As with EST, the levels of PI between the sexes at Time1 were not different; however, a difference existed at Time 2. Estrogen interacts with GABA at several nervous system locations affecting inhibition of synaptic transmission. This is the first study to investigate changes in PI of a skeletal muscle between times of low and high estrogen. Improving the understanding of estrogen's influence on skeletal muscles may provide answers to why noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee occur more frequently in women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J R Doeringer
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
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11
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McGregor C, Riordan A, Thornton J. Estrogens and the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia: Possible neuroprotective mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 47:19-33. [PMID: 28673758 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric illness with marked sex differences. Women have later onset and lesser symptoms, which has led to the hypothesis that estrogens are protective in schizophrenia. Cognitive dysfunction is a hallmark of the disease and the symptom most correlated with functional outcome. Here we describe a number of mechanisms by which estrogens may be therapeutic in schizophrenia, with a focus on cognitive symptoms. We review the relationship between estrogens and brain derived neurotrophic factor, neuroinflammation, NMDA receptors, GABA receptors, and luteinizing hormone. Exploring these pathways may enable novel treatments for schizophrenia and a greater understanding of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire McGregor
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA.
| | - Alexander Riordan
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| | - Janice Thornton
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
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Learning Modulate Down Regulation of GABAAα1 Receptors in Amygdala and Cerebellum of Rats Exposed to Bisphenol A. ARCHIVES OF NEUROSCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.5812/archneurosci.37297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Wang Z, Zhang A, Zhao B, Gan J, Wang G, Gao F, Liu B, Gong T, Liu W, Edden RA. GABA+ levels in postmenopausal women with mild-to-moderate depression: A preliminary study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4918. [PMID: 27684829 PMCID: PMC5265922 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000004918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is increasingly being recognized that alterations of the GABAergic system are implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. This study aimed to explore in vivo gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the anterior cingulate cortex/medial prefrontal cortex (ACC/mPFC) and posterior-cingulate cortex (PCC) of postmenopausal women with depression using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS). METHODS Nineteen postmenopausal women with depression and thirteen healthy controls were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent H-MRS of the ACC/mPFC and PCC using the "MEGA Point Resolved Spectroscopy Sequence" (MEGA-PRESS) technique. The severity of depression was assessed by 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Quantification of MRS data was performed using Gannet program. Differences of GABA+ levels from patients and controls were tested using one-way analysis of variance. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the linear associations between GABA+ levels and HAMD scores, as well as estrogen levels. RESULTS Significantly lower GABA+ levels were detected in the ACC/mPFC of postmenopausal women with depression compared to healthy controls (P = 0.002). No significant correlations were found between 17-HAMD/14-HAMA and GABA+ levels, either in ACC/mPFC (P = 0.486; r = 0.170/P = 0.814; r = -0.058) or PCC (P = 0.887; r = 0.035/ P = 0.987; r = -0.004) in the patients; there is also no significant correlation between GABA+ levels and estrogen levels in patients group (ACC/mPFC: P = 0.629, r = -0.018; PCC: P = 0.861, r = 0.043). CONCLUSION Significantly lower GABA+ levels were found in the ACC/mPFC of postmenopausal women with depression, suggesting that the dysfunction of the GABAergic system may also be involved in the pathogenesis of depression in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhensong Wang
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute Affiliated to Shandong University
- No. 2 Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine University
| | - Aiying Zhang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine University
| | - Bin Zhao
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute Affiliated to Shandong University
| | - Jie Gan
- No. 2 Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine University
| | - Guangbin Wang
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute Affiliated to Shandong University
- Correspondence: Guangbin Wang, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 324, Jing-Wu Road, Jinan, China (e-mail: )
| | - Fei Gao
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute Affiliated to Shandong University
| | - Bo Liu
- Qi Lu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute Affiliated to Shandong University
| | - Wen Liu
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute Affiliated to Shandong University
| | - Richard A.E. Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- FM Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
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Velíšková J, Iacobas D, Iacobas S, Sidyelyeva G, Chachua T, Velíšek L. Oestradiol Regulates Neuropeptide Y Release and Gene Coupling with the GABAergic and Glutamatergic Synapses in the Adult Female Rat Dentate Gyrus. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:911-20. [PMID: 26541912 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an endogenous modulator of neuronal activity affecting both GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission. Previously, we found that oestradiol modifies the number of NPY immunoreactive neurones in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. In the present study, we investigated which oestrogen receptor type is responsible for these changes in the number of NPY-positive neurones. Furthermore, we determined the effects of oestrogen receptor activation on NPY release. Finally, we examined the contribution of oestrogen toward the remodelling of the GABAergic and glutamatergic gene networks in terms of coupling with Npy gene expression in ovariectomised rats. We found that activation of either oestrogen receptor type (ERα or ERβ) increases the number of NPY-immunopositive neurones and enhances NPY release in the dentate gyrus. We also found that, compared to oestrogen-lacking ovariectomised rats, oestrogen replacement increases the probability of synergistic/antagonistic coupling between the Npy and GABAergic synapse genes, whereas the glutamatergic synapse genes are less likely to be coupled with Npy under similar conditions. The data together suggest that oestrogens play a critical role in the regulation of NPY system activity and are also involved in the coupling/uncoupling of the Npy gene with the GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses in the female rat dentate gyrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Velíšková
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - D Iacobas
- Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- DP Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - S Iacobas
- Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - G Sidyelyeva
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - T Chachua
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - L Velíšek
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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15
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Frick KM. Molecular mechanisms underlying the memory-enhancing effects of estradiol. Horm Behav 2015; 74:4-18. [PMID: 25960081 PMCID: PMC4573242 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and cognition". Since the publication of the 1998 special issue of Hormones and Behavior on estrogens and cognition, substantial progress has been made towards understanding the molecular mechanisms through which 17β-estradiol (E2) regulates hippocampal plasticity and memory. Recent research has demonstrated that rapid effects of E2 on hippocampal cell signaling, epigenetic processes, and local protein synthesis are necessary for E2 to facilitate the consolidation of object recognition and spatial memories in ovariectomized female rodents. These effects appear to be mediated by non-classical actions of the intracellular estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, and possibly by membrane-bound ERs such as the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). New findings also suggest a key role of hippocampally-synthesized E2 in regulating hippocampal memory formation. The present review discusses these findings in detail and suggests avenues for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA.
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16
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Sandhu KV, Yanagawa Y, Stork O. Transcriptional regulation of glutamic acid decarboxylase in the male mouse amygdala by dietary phyto-oestrogens. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:285-92. [PMID: 25650988 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Phyto-oestrogens are biologically active components of many human and laboratory animal diets. In the present study, we investigated, in adult male mice with C57BL/6 genetic background, the effects of a reduced phyto-oestrogens intake on anxiety-related behaviour and associated gene expression in the amygdala. After 6 weeks on a low-phyto-oestrogen diet (< 20 μg/g cumulative phyto-oestrogen content), animals showed reduced centre exploration in an open-field task compared to their littermates on a soybean-based standard diet (300 μg/g). Freezing behaviour in an auditory fear memory task, in contrast, was not affected. We hypothesised that this mildly increased anxiety may involve changes in the function of GABAergic local circuit neurones in the amygdala. Using GAD67(+/GFP) mice, we could demonstrate reduced transcription of the GAD67 gene in the lateral and basolateral amygdala under the low-phyto-oestrogen diet. Analysis of mRNA levels in microdissected samples confirmed this regulation and demonstrated concomitant changes in expression of the second glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) isoform, GAD65, as well as the anxiolytic neuropeptide Y. These molecular and behavioural alterations occurred without apparent changes in circulating oestrogens or testosterone levels. Our data suggest that expression regulation of interneurone-specific gene products in the amygdala may provide a mechanism for the control of anxiety-related behaviour through dietary phyto-oestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Sandhu
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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Mas S, Pagerols M, Gassó P, Ortiz A, Rodriguez N, Morer A, Plana MT, Lafuente A, Lazaro L. Role ofGAD2andHTR1Bgenes in early-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder: results from transmission disequilibrium study. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2014; 13:409-17. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Mas
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Barcelona Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM); Barcelona Spain
| | - M. Pagerols
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - P. Gassó
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Barcelona Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM); Barcelona Spain
| | - A. Ortiz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology; Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - N. Rodriguez
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - A. Morer
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Barcelona Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM); Barcelona Spain
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology; Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - M. T. Plana
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology; Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - A. Lafuente
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Barcelona Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM); Barcelona Spain
| | - L. Lazaro
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Barcelona Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM); Barcelona Spain
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology; Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
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Daendee S, Thongsong B, Kalandakanond-Thongsong S. Effects of time of estrogen deprivation on anxiety-like behavior and GABAA receptor plasticity in ovariectomized rats. Behav Brain Res 2013; 246:86-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Weber H, Scholz CJ, Domschke K, Baumann C, Klauke B, Jacob CP, Maier W, Fritze J, Bandelow B, Zwanzger PM, Lang T, Fehm L, Ströhle A, Hamm A, Gerlach AL, Alpers GW, Kircher T, Wittchen HU, Arolt V, Pauli P, Deckert J, Reif A. Gender differences in associations of glutamate decarboxylase 1 gene (GAD1) variants with panic disorder. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37651. [PMID: 22662185 PMCID: PMC3360757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Panic disorder is common (5% prevalence) and females are twice as likely to be affected as males. The heritable component of panic disorder is estimated at 48%. Glutamic acid dehydrogenase GAD1, the key enzyme for the synthesis of the inhibitory and anxiolytic neurotransmitter GABA, is supposed to influence various mental disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders. In a recent association study in depression, which is highly comorbid with panic disorder, GAD1 risk allele associations were restricted to females. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Nineteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tagging the common variation in GAD1 were genotyped in two independent gender and age matched case-control samples (discovery sample n = 478; replication sample n = 584). Thirteen SNPs passed quality control and were examined for gender-specific enrichment of risk alleles associated with panic disorder by using logistic regression including a genotype×gender interaction term. The latter was found to be nominally significant for four SNPs (rs1978340, rs3762555, rs3749034, rs2241165) in the discovery sample; of note, the respective minor/risk alleles were associated with panic disorder only in females. These findings were not confirmed in the replication sample; however, the genotype×gender interaction of rs3749034 remained significant in the combined sample. Furthermore, this polymorphism showed a nominally significant association with the Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire sum score. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The present study represents the first systematic evaluation of gender-specific enrichment of risk alleles of the common SNP variation in the panic disorder candidate gene GAD1. Our tentative results provide a possible explanation for the higher susceptibility of females to panic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Weber
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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Porcu P, Mostallino MC, Sogliano C, Santoru F, Berretti R, Concas A. Long-term administration with levonorgestrel decreases allopregnanolone levels and alters GABA(A) receptor subunit expression and anxiety-like behavior. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 102:366-72. [PMID: 22634062 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Fluctuations in the concentrations of the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone are thought to influence γ-amino-butyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor gene expression and function. Long-term treatment with ethinyl estradiol (EE) plus levonorgestrel (LNG), two of the most widely used steroids in the hormonal contraceptive pill, decreases allopregnanolone levels in rat cerebral cortex and plasma, alters GABA(A) receptor expression and induces anxiety-like behavior. We evaluated which component of the hormonal contraceptive pill is responsible for the aforementioned changes. Female rats were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) with EE (0.030 mg) or LNG (0.125 mg) once a day for 4 weeks. Compared to the respective vehicle-treated control groups, EE decreased cerebral cortical levels of allopregnanolone, progesterone and pregnenolone by 76, 72 and 33%, respectively and hippocampal levels by 52, 56 and 50%, respectively. Likewise, LNG decreased cerebral cortical levels of allopregnanolone, progesterone and pregnenolone by 75, 68 and 33%, respectively, and hippocampal levels by 55, 65 and 60%, respectively. Administration of LNG, but not EE, increased the abundance of the γ2 subunit peptide in cerebral cortex and hippocampus by 38 and 59%, respectively. Further, LNG, but not EE, decreased the time spent and the number of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze by 56 and 43%, respectively, an index of anxiety-like behavior. These results suggest that alterations in GABA(A) receptor subunit expression and anxiety-like behavior induced by long-term treatment with combined EE/LNG appear to be caused by LNG. Given that both EE and LNG decrease allopregnanolone levels in a similar manner, these results further suggest that changes in allopregnanolone levels are not associated with GABA(A) receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Porcu
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Section of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Haley GE, Eghlidi DH, Kohama SG, Urbanski HF, Raber J. Association of microtubule associated protein-2, synaptophysin, and apolipoprotein E mRNA and protein levels with cognition and anxiety levels in aged female rhesus macaques. Behav Brain Res 2012; 232:1-6. [PMID: 22475553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dendritic protein microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP-2), the presynaptic marker synaptophysin (SYN), and apolipoprotein E (APOE), a protein which plays a role in lipid transport and metabolism and affects synaptic activity show changes with age. We analyzed post-mortem tissue from aged female rhesus macaques cognitively tested in a spatial maze and classified as good spatial performers (GSP) or poor spatial performers (PSP) and behaviorally tested in a playroom and classified as bold or reserved animals. MAP2, SYN, and APOE mRNA and protein levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and amygdala, were assessed using qRT-PCR and western blot. In the amygdala, bold monkeys had higher levels of MAP2 and SYN mRNA than reserved monkeys. MAP2 mRNA correlated positively with amygdala size on the right, left, and combined left and right sides, while SYN mRNA levels correlated positively with the size of the right amygdala. In the hippocampus, SYN and APOE protein levels were higher in GSP than PSP animals. Thus, in aged nonhuman primates, classification of measures of anxiety is associated with differences in selected mRNA, but not protein, levels. In contrast, classification of cognitive performance is associated with differences in selected protein, but not mRNA, levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolen E Haley
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Helms CM, Grant KA. The effect of age on the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol and its GABA(A) receptor mediation in cynomolgus monkeys. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 216:333-43. [PMID: 21340471 PMCID: PMC3134136 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2219-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 02/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Excessive alcohol consumption is less common among aged compared to young adults, with aged adults showing greater sensitivity to many behavioral effects of ethanol. OBJECTIVES This study compared the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol in young and middle-aged adult cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and its γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptor mediation. METHODS Two male and two female monkeys trained to discriminate ethanol (1.0 g/kg, i.g.; 60-min pre-treatment interval) from water at 5-6 years of age (Grant et al. in Psychopharmacology 152:181-188, 2000) were re-trained in the current study more than a decade later (19.3 ± 1.0 years of age) for a within-subjects comparison. Also, four experimentally naïve middle-aged (mean ± SEM, 17.0 ± 1.5 years of age) female monkeys were trained to discriminate ethanol for between-subjects comparison with published data from young adult naïve monkeys. RESULTS Two of the naïve middle-aged monkeys attained criterion performance, with weak stimulus control and few discrimination tests, despite greater blood-ethanol concentration 60 min after 1.0 g/kg ethanol in middle-aged compared to young adult female monkeys (Green et al. in Alcohol Clin Exp Res 23:611-616, 1999). The efficacy of the GABA(A) receptor positive modulators pentobarbital, midazolam, allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, and androsterone to substitute for the discriminative stimulus effects of 1.0 g/kg ethanol was maintained from young adulthood to middle age. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that 1.0 g/kg ethanol is a weak discriminative stimulus in naive middle-aged monkeys. Nevertheless, the GABA(A) receptor mechanisms mediating the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol, when learned as a young adult, appear stable across one third of the primate lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa M Helms
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006-6448, USA.
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Urbanski HF. Role of circadian neuroendocrine rhythms in the control of behavior and physiology. Neuroendocrinology 2011; 93:211-22. [PMID: 21508622 PMCID: PMC3128131 DOI: 10.1159/000327399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 03/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hormones play a major role in regulating behavior and physiology, and their efficacy is often dependent on the temporal pattern in which they are secreted. Significant insights into the mechanisms underlying rhythmic hormone secretion have been gained from transgenic rodent models, suggesting that many of the body's rhythmic functions are regulated by a coordinated network of central and peripheral circadian pacemakers. Some neuroendocrine rhythms are driven by transcriptional-posttranslational feedback circuits comprising 'core clock genes', while others represent a cyclic cascade of neuroendocrine events. This review focuses on recent data from the rhesus macaque, a non-human primate model with high clinical translation potential. With primary emphasis on adrenal and gonadal steroids, it illustrates the rhythmic nature of hormone secretion, and discusses the impact that fluctuating hormone levels have on the accuracy of clinical diagnoses and on the design of effective hormone replacement therapies in the elderly. In addition, this minireview raises awareness of the rhythmic expression patterns shown by many genes, and discusses how this could impact interpretation of data obtained from gene profiling studies, especially from nocturnal rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oreg., USA.
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Eghlidi DH, Haley GE, Noriega NC, Kohama SG, Urbanski HF. Influence of age and 17beta-estradiol on kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and prodynorphin gene expression in the arcuate-median eminence of female rhesus macaques. Endocrinology 2010; 151:3783-94. [PMID: 20519367 PMCID: PMC2940528 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptides kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin A (collectively abbreviated as KNDy) are, respectively, encoded by KiSS-1, NKB, and PDYN and are coexpressed by neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). Here, using quantitative real-time PCR, we examined age-related changes in the expression of genes encoding KNDy and associated receptors G protein-coupled receptor 54 (encoded by GPR54), neurokinin 3 receptor (encoded by NK3), and kappa-opioid receptor (encoded by KOR), in the female rhesus macaque ARC-median eminence (ARC-ME). Expression of KiSS-1 and NKB was highly elevated in old perimenopausal compared with young or middle-aged premenopausal animals. To test whether these age-related changes could be attributed to perimenopausal loss of sex steroids, we then examined KNDy, GPR54, NK3, and KOR expression changes in response to ovariectomy (OVX) and exposure to 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). Short-term (7 months) OVX (with or without 1 month of estrogen replacement) failed to modulate the expression of any of the KNDy-related genes. In contrast, long-term ( approximately 4 yr) OVX significantly increased KiSS-1 and NKB expression, and this was reversed by E(2) administration. Finally, we examined the expression of KNDy-related genes in young adult females during the early follicular, late follicular, or midluteal phases of their menstrual cycle but found no difference. Together, the results suggest that short-term alterations in circulating E(2) levels, such as those occurring during the menstrual cycle, may have little effect on the ARC-ME expression of KNDy and associated receptors. Nevertheless, they clearly demonstrate that loss of ovarian steroid negative feedback that occurs during perimenopause plays a major role in modulating the activity of KNDy circuits of the aging primate ARC-ME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique H Eghlidi
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA
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Noriega NC, Kohama SG, Urbanski HF. Microarray analysis of relative gene expression stability for selection of internal reference genes in the rhesus macaque brain. BMC Mol Biol 2010; 11:47. [PMID: 20565976 PMCID: PMC2914640 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-11-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Normalization of gene expression data refers to the comparison of expression values using reference standards that are consistent across all conditions of an experiment. In PCR studies, genes designated as "housekeeping genes" have been used as internal reference genes under the assumption that their expression is stable and independent of experimental conditions. However, verification of this assumption is rarely performed. Here we assess the use of gene microarray analysis to facilitate selection of internal reference sequences with higher expression stability across experimental conditions than can be expected using traditional selection methods. We recently demonstrated that relative gene expression from qRT-PCR data normalized using GAPDH, ALG9 and RPL13A expression values mirrored relative expression using quantile normalization in Robust Multichip Analysis (RMA) on the Affymetrix® GeneChip® rhesus Macaque Genome Array. Having shown that qRT-PCR and Affymetrix® GeneChip® data from the same hormone replacement therapy (HRT) study yielded concordant results, we used quantile-normalized gene microarray data to identify the most stably expressed among probe sets for prospective internal reference genes across three brain regions from the HRT study and an additional study of normally menstruating rhesus macaques (cycle study). Gene selection was limited to 575 previously published human "housekeeping" genes. Twelve animals were used per study, and three brain regions were analyzed from each animal. Gene expression stabilities were determined using geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper software packages. Results Sequences co-annotated for ribosomal protein S27a (RPS27A), and ubiquitin were among the most stably expressed under all conditions and selection criteria used for both studies. Higher annotation quality on the human GeneChip® facilitated more targeted analysis than could be accomplished using the rhesus GeneChip®. In the cycle study, multiple probe sets annotated for actin, gamma 1 (ACTG1) showed high signal intensity and were among the most stably expressed. Conclusions Using gene microarray analysis, we identified genes showing high expression stability under various sex-steroid environments in different regions of the rhesus macaque brain. Use of quantile-normalized microarray gene expression values represents an improvement over traditional methods of selecting internal reference genes for PCR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel C Noriega
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
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Noriega NC, Kohama SG, Urbanski HF. Gene expression profiling in the rhesus macaque: methodology, annotation and data interpretation. Methods 2009; 49:42-9. [PMID: 19467334 PMCID: PMC2739830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2009.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene microarray analyses represent potentially effective means for high-throughput gene expression profiling in non-human primates. In the companion article, we emphasize effective experimental design based on the in vivo physiology of the rhesus macaque, whereas this article emphasizes considerations for gene annotation and data interpretation using gene microarray platforms from Affymetrix. Initial annotation of the rhesus genome array was based on Affymetrix human GeneChips. However, annotation revisions improve the precision with which rhesus transcripts are identified. Annotation of the rhesus GeneChip is under continuous revision with large percentages of probesets under multiple annotation systems having undergone multiple reassignments between March 2007 and November 2008. It is also important to consider that quantitation and comparison of gene expression levels across multiple chips requires appropriate normalization. External corroboration of microarray results using PCR-based methodology also requires validation of appropriate internal reference genes for normalization of expression values. Many tools are now freely available to aid investigators with microarray normalization and selection of internal reference genes to be used for independent corroboration of microarray results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel C Noriega
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
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