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Kimura R, Kondo D, Takemi S, Fujishiro M, Tsukahara S, Sakai T, Sakata I. The role of central corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor signalling in plasma glucose maintenance through ghrelin secretion in calorie-restricted mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12961. [PMID: 33675127 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Under severe calorie restriction (CR), the ghrelin-growth hormone axis in mice is involved in the maintenance of plasma glucose levels. Ghrelin, a stomach-derived acylated peptide, is up-regulated by the sympathetic nerve in the negative energy status. Central corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor (CRF-R) signalling stimulates the sympathetic tone. The present study aimed to examine the effect of central CRF-R signalling on the maintenance of plasma glucose concentrations in severe calorie-restricted mice with the involvement of ghrelin. Intracerebroventricular injections of urocorin-1 and urocorin-2, which are natural ligands for CRF-R1 and CRF-R2, elevated plasma ghrelin concentrations and ghrelin elevation with an i.c.v. injection of urocorin-1 was cancelled by atenolol (β1 adrenergic receptor antagonist) administration. We then established a mice model of 60% CR and found that the administration of [d-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (a ghrelin receptor antagonist) in mice under 60% CR reduced the plasma glucose concentration more compared to the vehicle mice. Similarly, the atenolol injection in mice under 60% CR significantly reduced the plasma glucose concentration, which was rescued by the co-administration of ghrelin. An i.c.v. injection of the alpha helical CRH, a non-selective corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor antagonist, in mice under 60% CR significantly reduced the plasma glucose concentration, although the co-administration of α-helical CRH with ghrelin maintained plasma glucose levels. These results suggest that central CRF-R signalling is involved in the maintenance of plasma glucose levels in mice under severe CR via the sympathetic-ghrelin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa Kimura
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kondo
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shota Takemi
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Miyuki Fujishiro
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
- Nikkol Group Cosmos Technical Center Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
- Division of Strategy Research, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Area of Life-NanoBio, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | | | - Ichiro Sakata
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
- Division of Strategy Research, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Area of Life-NanoBio, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
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Martínez-Laorden E, Navarro-Zaragoza J, Milanés MV, Laorden ML, Almela P. Cardiac Protective Role of Heat Shock Protein 27 in the Stress Induced by Drugs of Abuse. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3623. [PMID: 32455528 PMCID: PMC7279295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSP) are induced after different stress situations. Some of these proteins, particularly HSP-27, function as markers to indicate cellular stress or damage and protect the heart during addictive processes. Morphine withdrawal induces an enhancement of sympathetic activity in parallel with an increased HSP-27 expression and phosphorylation, indicating a severe situation of stress. HSP-27 can interact with different intracellular signaling pathways. Propranolol and SL-327 were able to antagonize the activation of hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and the phosphorylation of HSP-27 observed during morphine withdrawal. Therefore, β-adrenergic receptors and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway would be involved in HPA axis activity, and consequently, in HSP-27 activation. Finally, selective blockade of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF)-1 receptor and the genetic deletion of CRF1 receptors antagonize cardiac adaptive changes. These changes are increased noradrenaline (NA) turnover, HPA axis activation and decreased HSP-27 expression and phosphorylation. This suggests a link between the HPA axis and HSP-27. On the other hand, morphine withdrawal increases µ-calpain expression, which in turn degrades cardiac troponin T (cTnT). This fact, together with a co-localization between cTnT and HSP-27, suggests that this chaperone avoids the degradation of cTnT by µ-calpain, correcting the cardiac contractility abnormalities observed during addictive processes. The aim of our research is to review the possible role of HSP-27 in the cardiac changes observed during morphine withdrawal and to understand the mechanisms implicated in its cardiac protective functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Navarro-Zaragoza
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (E.M.-L.); (M.V.M.); (M.L.L.); (P.A.)
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Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Family: A Stress Hormone-Receptor System's Emerging Role in Mediating Sex-Specific Signaling. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040839. [PMID: 32244319 PMCID: PMC7226788 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
No organ in the body is impervious to the effects of stress, and a coordinated response from all organs is essential to deal with stressors. A dysregulated stress response that fails to bring systems back to homeostasis leads to compromised function and ultimately a diseased state. The components of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, an ancient and evolutionarily conserved stress hormone-receptor system, helps both initiate stress responses and bring systems back to homeostasis once the stressors are removed. The mammalian CRF family comprises of four known agonists, CRF and urocortins (UCN1–3), and two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF1 and CRF2. Evolutionarily, precursors of CRF- and urocortin-like peptides and their receptors were involved in osmoregulation/diuretic functions, in addition to nutrient sensing. Both CRF and UCN1 peptide hormones as well as their receptors appeared after a duplication event nearly 400 million years ago. All four agonists and both CRF receptors show sex-specific changes in expression and/or function, and single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with a plethora of human diseases. CRF receptors harbor N-terminal cleavable peptide sequences, conferring biased ligand properties. CRF receptors have the ability to heteromerize with each other as well as with other GPCRs. Taken together, CRF receptors and their agonists due to their versatile functional adaptability mediate nuanced responses and are uniquely positioned to orchestrate sex-specific signaling and function in several tissues.
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Sun FF, Wang R, Li N, Zhao XC, Wang L, Song M, Yu LL, Chen YN, An CX, Wang XY. Effects of early trauma and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 gene polymorphism on adult visual spatial memory. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e974. [PMID: 31637879 PMCID: PMC6900365 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study sought to determine the effects of earthquake on the working memory of adults who experienced earthquake either as infants or fetuses and also investigates whether earthquake exposure and corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor 1 (CRHR1) variants rs242924 and rs7209436 interacted with each other in modulating working memory. Methods We enrolled subjects who experienced the Tangshan Earthquake as fetuses (group I) or infants (group II), as well as those who did not experience the earthquake (group III). Their working memory was measured using Brief Visuospatial Memory Test‐Revised (BVMT‐R) and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test‐Revised (HVLT‐R). Two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CRHR1 rs242924 and rs7209436 were analyzed by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The study enrolled 535 subjects, including 172 subjects in group I, 176 subjects group II, and 187 subjects in group III. Both group I and II had significantly lower BVMT‐R scores than group III (p < .05). Moreover, no difference was observed in HVLT‐R scores among the three groups (p > .05). The allele frequency was 84.7% for AA, 82.8% for TT, 13.6% for AC, and 15.9% for TC. C gene carriers in group II (t = −4.231, p < .01) and group I (t = −3.201, p < .05) had significantly lower visual spatial memory scores than group III. Furthermore, AT gene carriers had significantly lower visual spatial memory scores than C gene carriers in group III (t = 2.215, p < .05). Moreover, there was significant interaction between earthquake exposure and CRHR1 genotype in their effects on visual spatial memory (F = 4.028, p < .05). Conclusions Our cross‐sectional study has demonstrated that infant or fetus exposure to earthquake impairs visual spatial memory during adulthood and CRHR1 polymorphisms and earthquake exposure may interact with each other to accentuate this impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Fei Sun
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Na Li
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiao-Chuan Zhao
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mei Song
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lu-Lu Yu
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ya-Nan Chen
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Cui-Xia An
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xue-Yi Wang
- Institute of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Squillacioti C, Pelagalli A, Liguori G, Mirabella N. Urocortins in the mammalian endocrine system. Acta Vet Scand 2019; 61:46. [PMID: 31585551 PMCID: PMC6778379 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-019-0480-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortins (Ucns), peptides belonging to the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family, are classified into Ucn1, Ucn2, and Ucn3. They are involved in regulating several body functions by binding to two G protein-coupled receptors: receptor type 1 (CRHR1) and type 2 (CRHR2). In this review, we provide a historical overview of research on Ucns and their receptors in the mammalian endocrine system. Although the literature on the topic is limited, we focused our attention particularly on the main role of Ucns and their receptors in regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and thyroid axes, reproductive organs, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues characterized by “diffuse” endocrine cells in mammals. The prominent function of these peptides in health conditions led us to also hypothesize an action of Ucn agonists/antagonists in stress and in various diseases with its critical consequences on behavior and physiology. The potential role of the urocortinergic system is an intriguing topic that deserves further in-depth investigations to develop novel strategies for preventing stress-related conditions and treating endocrine diseases.
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Yang LZ, Chen Y. Research on the Effects of the Chronic Treatment With Different Doses of Urocortin 2 in Heart Failure Rats. Dose Response 2019; 17:1559325819860018. [PMID: 31263386 PMCID: PMC6595674 DOI: 10.1177/1559325819860018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor type 2 (CRF2) exists in both cardiomyocytes and neurocytes. The purpose of this research was to explore if chronic treatment with urocortin 2 (UCN2), a CRF2 receptor agonist, at different doses can improve prognosis and regulate the expression of CRF2 receptor and calcium handling proteins without any adverse effects on behavior in heart failure. Heart failure was established in Sprague-Dawley rats and was confirmed by echocardiography. Heart failure rats were injected intraperitoneally with UCN2 (5, 10, or 20 µg·kg−1·d−1) for 30 days. Survival rate, cardiac function, expressions of cardiac CRF2 receptor, RyR2, SERCA2, and hypothalamic and hippocampal c-FOS, CRF receptor type 1 (CRF1) and CRF2 receptor were determined. Behavior was evaluated by Morris Water-Maze and Open-Field tests. Results showed that chronic peripheral UCN2 treatment improved survival rate in a dose–response manner and increased cardiac function and expression of CRF2 receptor and SERCA2 in heart failure, especially at the high dosage. Moreover, cellular-fos (c-FOS), CRF1 receptor, and CRF2 receptor expressions of both hypothalamic and hippocampal tissues were significantly increased in high dosage group. Furthermore, the behavior tests suggested that chronic UCN2 treatment did not exacerbate stress/anxiety-like behavior in HF. In conclusion, chronic peripheral treatment with UCN2 increases survival in a dose–response manner in heart failure rats without inducing stress/anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhen Yang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Squillacioti C, Pelagalli A, De Luca A, Liguori G, Ali S, Mirabella N. Urocortinergic system in the epididymis of the normal and cryptorchid dogs. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:956-963. [PMID: 31004535 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is associated with changes in the gonads and the spermatic duct system, which may cause infertility problems. Urocortin (UCN) is a corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-related peptide, which affects several functions of male genital organs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of UCN and its receptors CRHR1 and CRHR2 using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in tissues collected from the epididymis of normal and cryptorchid dogs. The lumen of the cryptic epididymal duct was found to be relatively smaller than that of the normal one, and interstitial tissue was abundant in the cryptic epididymis. In addition, only a few spermatids were observed in the lumen of the epididymal duct. Results showed that UCN, CRHR2 and CRHR1 were expressed in tissues collected from normal and cryptic epididymal ducts. Urocortin- and CRHR2-immunoreactivities (IRs) were detected in the principal cells of the caput, corpus and cauda of the normal and cryptic epididymides. CRHR1-IR was detected in vascular smooth muscles and fibromuscular cells surrounding epididymal tubules of the normal and cryptorchid dogs. Expression levels of UCN and CRHR2 mRNA were higher in cryptic epididymal ducts than that in normal epididymal ducts. These results suggest that UCN and its receptors might play a role in regulating the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. These findings indicated that the expression of these proteins could be modulated by the cryptorchidism condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Squillacioti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pelagalli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Adriana De Luca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Liguori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Ali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Mirabella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Li-Tempel T, Suer T, Tempel T, Larra MF, Winnikes U, Schächinger H, Meyer J, Schote AB. Promoter haplotypes of the corticotropin-releasing hormone encoding gene modulate the physiological stress response in vitro and in vivo. Stress 2019; 22:44-52. [PMID: 30481088 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2018.1501020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a neuropeptide mediating stress responses. CRH exerts effects via the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis as well as immediate effects on the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system. Genetic variants of the CRH promoter were previously found to be associated with altered CRH promoter activity and physiological reactions. Functional characterization of three CRH promoter haplotypes have been performed in vitro using a reporter gene assay under different stimulation conditions. Furthermore, 232 healthy subjects were genotyped and the influence of CRH haplotypes on basal parameters such as post-awakening cortisol and blood pressure as well as on stress reactivity measured after socially evaluated cold pressor test (SeCPT) was investigated. In vitro, CRH haplotype 2 showed the highest promoter activity under baseline conditions and after forskolin stimulation compared with other haplotypes. Forskolin treatment resulted in a two fold increase of haplotype 2 promoter activity compared with the baseline condition. Cell line-dependent promoter activation was found after hydrocortisone treatment. In vivo, CRH haplotype 2 carriers showed significant higher baseline blood pressure (p = .002) and blood pressure after SeCPT (p < .001), but did not differ in cortisol levels. This study provides converging evidence for the importance of CRH promoter variants on physiological stress response parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li-Tempel
- a Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics , University of Trier , Trier , Germany
| | - Tobias Suer
- a Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics , University of Trier , Trier , Germany
| | - Tobias Tempel
- b Department of Psychology , University of Trier , Trier , Germany
| | - Mauro F Larra
- c Institute of Psychobiology, Division of Clinical Psychophysiology , University of Trier , Trier , Germany
| | - Ulrike Winnikes
- a Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics , University of Trier , Trier , Germany
| | - Hartmut Schächinger
- c Institute of Psychobiology, Division of Clinical Psychophysiology , University of Trier , Trier , Germany
| | - Jobst Meyer
- a Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics , University of Trier , Trier , Germany
| | - Andrea B Schote
- a Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics , University of Trier , Trier , Germany
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Methamphetamine withdrawal induces activation of CRF neurons in the brain stress system in parallel with an increased activity of cardiac sympathetic pathways. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2018; 391:423-434. [PMID: 29383398 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-018-1470-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) addiction is a major public health problem in some countries. There is evidence to suggest that METH use is associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic METH administration and withdrawal on the activation of the brain stress system and cardiac sympathetic pathways. Mice were treated with METH (2 mg/kg, i.p.) for 10 days and left to spontaneous withdraw for 7 days. The number of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), c-Fos, and CRF/c-Fos neurons was measured by immunohistochemistry in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and the oval region of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (ovBNST), two regions associated with cardiac sympathetic control. In parallel, levels of catechol-o-methyl-transferase (COMT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) were measured in the heart. In the brain, chronic-METH treatment enhanced the number of c-Fos neurons and the CRF neurons with c-Fos signal (CRF+/c-Fos+) in PVN and ovBNST. METH withdrawal increased the number of CRF+ neurons. In the heart, METH administration induced an increase in soluble (S)-COMT and membrane-bound (MB)-COMT without changes in phospho (p)-TH, Hsp27, or pHsp27. Similarly, METH withdrawal increased the expression of S- and MB-COMT. In contrast to chronic treatment, METH withdrawal enhanced levels of (p)TH and (p)Hsp27 in the heart. Overall, our results demonstrate that chronic METH administration and withdrawal activate the brain CRF systems associated with the heart sympathetic control and point towards a METH withdrawal induced activation of sympathetic pathways in the heart. Our findings provide further insight in the mechanism underlining the cardiovascular risk associated with METH use and proposes targets for its treatment.
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Stengel A, Taché YF. Activation of Brain Somatostatin Signaling Suppresses CRF Receptor-Mediated Stress Response. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:231. [PMID: 28487631 PMCID: PMC5403923 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is the hallmark brain peptide triggering the response to stress and mediates—in addition to the stimulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—other hormonal, behavioral, autonomic and visceral components. Earlier reports indicate that somatostatin-28 injected intracerebroventricularly counteracts the acute stress-induced ACTH and catecholamine release. Mounting evidence now supports that activation of brain somatostatin signaling exerts a broader anti-stress effect by blunting the endocrine, autonomic, behavioral (with a focus on food intake) and visceral gastrointestinal motor responses through the involvement of distinct somatostatin receptor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stengel
- Division of Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlin, Germany
| | - Yvette F Taché
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center, G Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA, USA.,VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care SystemLos Angeles, CA, USA
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Harada Y, Ro S, Ochiai M, Hayashi K, Hosomi E, Fujitsuka N, Hattori T, Yakabi K. Ghrelin enhancer, rikkunshito, improves postprandial gastric motor dysfunction in an experimental stress model. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:1089-97. [PMID: 26088415 PMCID: PMC4744783 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common disorders of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. However, no curable treatment is available for FD because the detailed mechanism of GI dysfunction in stressed conditions remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the association between endogenous acylated ghrelin signaling and gastric motor dysfunction and explore the possibility of a drug with ghrelin signal-enhancing action for FD treatment. METHODS Solid gastric emptying (GE) and plasma acylated ghrelin levels were evaluated in an urocortin1 (UCN1) -induced stress model. To clarify the role of acylated ghrelin on GI dysfunction in the model, exogenous acylated ghrelin, an endogenous ghrelin enhancer, rikkunshito, or an α2 -adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonist was administered. Postprandial motor function was investigated using a strain gauge force transducer in a free-moving condition. KEY RESULTS Exogenous acylated ghrelin supplementation restored UCN1-induced delayed GE. Alpha2 -AR antagonist and rikkunshito inhibited the reduction in plasma acylated ghrelin and GE in the stress model. The action of rikkunshito on delayed GE was blocked by co-administration of the ghrelin receptor antagonist. UCN1 decreased the amplitude of contraction in the antrum while increasing it in the duodenum. The motility index of the antrum but not the duodenum was significantly reduced by UCN1 treatment, which was improved by acylated ghrelin or rikkunshito. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The UCN1-induced gastric motility dysfunction was mediated by abnormal acylated ghrelin dynamics. Supplementation of exogenous acylated ghrelin or enhancement of endogenous acylated ghrelin secretion by rikkunshito may be effective in treating functional GI disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Harada
- Tsumura Research LaboratoriesTsumura & Co.IbarakiJapan
| | - S. Ro
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologySaitama Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan,Central Research LaboratoriesTeikyo University Chiba Medical CenterChibaJapan
| | - M. Ochiai
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologySaitama Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - K. Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologySaitama Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - E. Hosomi
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologySaitama Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - N. Fujitsuka
- Tsumura Research LaboratoriesTsumura & Co.IbarakiJapan
| | - T. Hattori
- Tsumura Research LaboratoriesTsumura & Co.IbarakiJapan
| | - K. Yakabi
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologySaitama Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
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Hayward LF, Hampton EE, Ferreira LF, Christou DD, Yoo JK, Hernandez ME, Martin EJ. Chronic heart failure alters orexin and melanin concentrating hormone but not corticotrophin releasing hormone-related gene expression in the brain of male Lewis rats. Neuropeptides 2015; 52:67-72. [PMID: 26111703 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic heart failure (HF; 16 weeks post left coronary artery ligation) on the brain's orexin (ORX) and related neuropeptide systems. METHODS Indicators of cardiac function, including the percent fractional shortening (%FS) left ventricular posterior wall shortening velocity (LVPWSV) were assessed via echocardiography at 16 weeks post myocardial infarction or sham treatment in male Lewis rats (n=5/group). Changes in gene expression in HF versus control (CON) groups were quantified by real-time PCR in the hypothalamus, amygdala and dorsal pons. RESULTS HF significantly reduced both the %FS and LVPWSV when compared to CON animals (P<0.02). In the hypothalamus ORX gene expression was significantly reduced in HF and correlated with changes in cardiac function when compared to CON (P<0.02). No significant changes in hypothalamic ORX receptor (type 1 or type 2) gene expression were identified. Alternatively hypothalamic melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) gene expression was significantly upregulated in HF animals and negatively correlated with LVPWSV (P<0.006). In both the amygdala and dorsal pons ORX type 2 receptor expression was significantly down-regulated in HF compared to CON. ORX receptor type 1, CRH and CRH type 1 and type 2 receptor expressions were unchanged by HF in all brain regions analyzed. CONCLUSION These observations support previous work demonstrating that cardiovascular disease modulates the ORX system and identify that in the case of chronic HF the ORX system is altered in parallel with changes in MCH expression but independent of any significant changes in the central CRH system. This raises the new possibility that ORX and MCH systems may play an important role in the pathophysiology of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda F Hayward
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Physiological Sciences, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Erin E Hampton
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Physiological Sciences, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Leonardo F Ferreira
- University of Florida, College of Health and Human Performance, Dept. of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Demetra D Christou
- University of Florida, College of Health and Human Performance, Dept. of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Jeung-Ki Yoo
- University of Florida, College of Health and Human Performance, Dept. of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Morgan E Hernandez
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Physiological Sciences, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Eric J Martin
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Physiological Sciences, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
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Yang LZ, Zhu YC. Urocortin2 prolongs action potential duration and modulates potassium currents in guinea pig myocytes and HEK293 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 758:97-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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García-Carmona JA, Martínez-Laorden E, Milanés MV, Laorden ML. Sympathetic activity induced by naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal is blocked in genetically engineered mice lacking functional CRF1 receptor. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2015; 283:42-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Bortolato A, Doré AS, Hollenstein K, Tehan BG, Mason JS, Marshall FH. Structure of Class B GPCRs: new horizons for drug discovery. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:3132-45. [PMID: 24628305 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Class B GPCRs of the secretin family are important drug targets in many human diseases including diabetes, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease and psychiatric disorders. X-ray crystal structures for the glucagon receptor and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 have now been published. In this review, we analyse the new structures and how they compare with each other and with Class A and F receptors. We also consider the differences in druggability and possible similarity in the activation mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the potential for the design of small-molecule modulators for these important targets in drug discovery. This new structural insight allows, for the first time, structure-based drug design methods to be applied to Class B GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bortolato
- Heptares Therapeutics Limited, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK
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Engineering G Protein-Coupled Receptors for Drug Design. MULTIFACETED ROLES OF CRYSTALLOGRAPHY IN MODERN DRUG DISCOVERY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-9719-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Martínez-Laorden E, García-Carmona JA, Baroja-Mazo A, Romecín P, Atucha NM, Milanés MV, Laorden ML. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor-1 is involved in cardiac noradrenergic activity observed during naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:688-700. [PMID: 24490859 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The negative affective states of withdrawal involve the recruitment of brain and peripheral stress circuitry [noradrenergic activity, induction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and activation of heat shock proteins (Hsps)]. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) pathways are important mediators in the negative symptoms of opioid withdrawal. We performed a series of experiments to characterize the role of the CRF₁ receptor in the response of stress systems to morphine withdrawal and its effect in the heart using genetically engineered mice lacking functional CRF₁ receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Wild-type and CRF₁ receptor-knockout mice were treated with increasing doses of morphine. Precipitated withdrawal was induced by naloxone. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels, the expression of myocardial Hsp27, Hsp27 phosphorylated at Ser⁸², membrane (MB)- COMT, soluble (S)-COMT protein and NA turnover were evaluated by RIA, immunoblotting and HPLC. KEY RESULTS During morphine withdrawal we observed an enhancement of NA turnover in parallel with an increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in wild-type mice. In addition, naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal induced an activation of HPA axis and Hsp27. The principal finding of the present study was that plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels, MB-COMT, S-COMT, NA turnover, and Hsp27 expression and activation observed during morphine withdrawal were significantly inhibited in the CRF₁ receptor-knockout mice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrate that CRF/CRF₁ receptor activation may contribute to stress-induced cardiovascular dysfunction after naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal and suggest that CRF/CRF₁ receptor pathways could contribute to cardiovascular disease associated with opioid addiction.
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Activation of urocortin 1 and ghrelin signaling in the basolateral amygdala induces anxiogenesis. Neuroreport 2014; 25:60-4. [PMID: 24113112 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prior anatomical and functional studies have demonstrated the importance of the basolateral region of the amygdala in the regulation of anxiogenic and anxiolytic behaviors. In the present report we investigated the anxiety-inducing effects of the corticotropin-releasing hormone-related peptide urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and the gut-brain peptide ghrelin. Both peptides were injected directly into the basolateral amygdala of male Sprague-Dawley rats and performance in the elevated plus maze was assessed. Ghrelin was administered at doses of 3-300 pmol and Ucn1 at doses of 0.01-1.0 pmol. Separate groups of rats were pretreated with Ucn1 before ghrelin treatment. In all experiments each test was performed as a single trial per animal. Results indicated that both ghrelin and Ucn1 elicited an increase in anxiogenic behavior. Moreover, Ucn1 pretreament potentiated the anxiogenic action of ghrelin. Overall these findings provide support for an integrated role of ghrelin and urocortin signaling within the basolateral amygdala in the expression of anxiogenesis.
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Walther S, Pluteanu F, Renz S, Nikonova Y, Maxwell JT, Yang LZ, Schmidt K, Edwards JN, Wakula P, Groschner K, Maier LS, Spiess J, Blatter LA, Pieske B, Kockskämper J. Urocortin 2 stimulates nitric oxide production in ventricular myocytes via Akt- and PKA-mediated phosphorylation of eNOS at serine 1177. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 307:H689-700. [PMID: 25015964 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00694.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) is a cardioactive peptide exhibiting beneficial effects in normal and failing heart. In cardiomyocytes, it elicits cAMP- and Ca(2+)-dependent positive inotropic and lusitropic effects. We tested the hypothesis that, in addition, Ucn2 activates cardiac nitric oxide (NO) signaling and elucidated the underlying signaling pathways and mechanisms. In isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes, Ucn2 caused concentration- and time-dependent increases in phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473, Thr308), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) (Ser1177), and ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204). ERK1/2 phosphorylation, but not Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, was suppressed by inhibition of MEK1/2. Increased Akt phosphorylation resulted in increased Akt kinase activity and was mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor 2 (CRF2) receptors (astressin-2B sensitive). Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) diminished both Akt as well as eNOS phosphorylation mediated by Ucn2. Inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) reduced Ucn2-induced phosphorylation of eNOS but did not affect the increase in phosphorylation of Akt. Conversely, direct receptor-independent elevation of cAMP via forskolin increased phosphorylation of eNOS but not of Akt. Ucn2 increased intracellular NO concentration ([NO]i), [cGMP], [cAMP], and cell shortening. Inhibition of eNOS suppressed the increases in [NO]i and cell shortening. When both PI3K-Akt and cAMP-PKA signaling were inhibited, the Ucn2-induced increases in [NO]i and cell shortening were attenuated. Thus, in rabbit ventricular myocytes, Ucn2 causes activation of cAMP-PKA, PI3K-Akt, and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling. The MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway is not required for stimulation of NO signaling in these cells. The other two pathways, cAMP-PKA and PI3K-Akt, converge on eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 and result in pronounced and sustained cellular NO production with subsequent stimulation of cGMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Walther
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Florentina Pluteanu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical and Pharmacological Centre Marburg, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Renz
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yulia Nikonova
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical and Pharmacological Centre Marburg, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Joshua T Maxwell
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Li-Zhen Yang
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group of the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany, and Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kurt Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Karl-Franzens-University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Joshua N Edwards
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Paulina Wakula
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Klaus Groschner
- Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Translational Heart Failure Research, Graz, Austria; Institute of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lars S Maier
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine II, University Clinics Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; and
| | - Joachim Spiess
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group of the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany, and Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii; Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Lothar A Blatter
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Burkert Pieske
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Translational Heart Failure Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Jens Kockskämper
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical and Pharmacological Centre Marburg, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany;
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Liguori G, Squillacioti C, De Luca A, Ciarcia R, Vittoria A, Mirabella N. Presence and Distribution of Urocortin and its Receptors in the Epididymis of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos). Anat Histol Embryol 2014; 44:66-71. [DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Liguori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - C. Squillacioti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - A. De Luca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - R. Ciarcia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - A. Vittoria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - N. Mirabella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
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De Luca A, Liguori G, Squillacioti C, Paino S, Germano G, Alì S, Mirabella N. Expression of urocortin and its receptors in the rat epididymis. Reprod Biol 2014; 14:140-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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22
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Slominski AT, Zmijewski MA, Zbytek B, Tobin DJ, Theoharides TC, Rivier J. Key role of CRF in the skin stress response system. Endocr Rev 2013; 34:827-84. [PMID: 23939821 PMCID: PMC3857130 DOI: 10.1210/er.2012-1092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or CRH defining the upper regulatory arm of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, along with the identification of the corresponding receptors (CRFRs 1 and 2), represents a milestone in our understanding of central mechanisms regulating body and local homeostasis. We focused on the CRF-led signaling systems in the skin and offer a model for regulation of peripheral homeostasis based on the interaction of CRF and the structurally related urocortins with corresponding receptors and the resulting direct or indirect phenotypic effects that include regulation of epidermal barrier function, skin immune, pigmentary, adnexal, and dermal functions necessary to maintain local and systemic homeostasis. The regulatory modes of action include the classical CRF-led cutaneous equivalent of the central HPA axis, the expression and function of CRF and related peptides, and the stimulation of pro-opiomelanocortin peptides or cytokines. The key regulatory role is assigned to the CRFR-1α receptor, with other isoforms having modulatory effects. CRF can be released from sensory nerves and immune cells in response to emotional and environmental stressors. The expression sequence of peptides includes urocortin/CRF→pro-opiomelanocortin→ACTH, MSH, and β-endorphin. Expression of these peptides and of CRFR-1α is environmentally regulated, and their dysfunction can lead to skin and systemic diseases. Environmentally stressed skin can activate both the central and local HPA axis through either sensory nerves or humoral factors to turn on homeostatic responses counteracting cutaneous and systemic environmental damage. CRF and CRFR-1 may constitute novel targets through the use of specific agonists or antagonists, especially for therapy of skin diseases that worsen with stress, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej T Slominski
- MD, PhD, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center; 930 Madison Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, Tennessee 38163.
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Squillacioti C, De Luca A, Alì S, Ciarcia R, Germano G, Vittoria A, Mirabella N. Presence and distribution of urocortin and corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptors in the bovine thyroid gland. Anat Histol Embryol 2013; 43:429-34. [PMID: 24219151 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin (UCN), a 40 amino acid peptide, is a corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-related peptide. The biological actions of CRH family peptides are mediated via two types of G-protein-coupled receptors, CRH type 1 (CRHR1) and CRH type 2 (CRHR2). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of UCN, CRHR1 and CRHR2 by immunoprecipitation, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR in the bovine thyroid gland. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis showed that tissue extracts reacted with the anti-UCN, anti-CRHR1 and anti-CRHR2 antibodies. RT-PCR experiments demonstrated that mRNAs of UCN, CRHR1 and CRHR2 were expressed. UCN immunoreactivity (IR) and CRHR2-IR were found in the thyroid follicular and parafollicular cells and CRHR1-IR in the smooth muscle of the blood vessels. These results suggest that a regulatory system exists in the bovine thyroid gland based on UCN, CRHR1 and CRHR2 and that UCN plays a role in the regulation of thyroid physiological functions through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Squillacioti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni animali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Via Federico Delpino, 1-80137, Napoli, Italia
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Subbannayya T, Balakrishnan L, Sudarshan G, Advani J, Kumar S, Mahmood R, Nair B, Sirdeshmukh R, Mukherjee KK, Umathe SN, Raju R, Prasad TSK. An integrated map of corticotropin-releasing hormone signaling pathway. J Cell Commun Signal 2013; 7:295-300. [PMID: 23504413 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-013-0197-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tejaswini Subbannayya
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560 066, India,
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Cárdenas-Jaramillo LM, Quintanar-Stephano A, Jarillo-Luna RA, Rivera-Aguilar V, Oliver-Aguillón G, Campos-Rodríguez R, Kovacs K, Berczi I. Regulation of intestinal morphology and GALT by pituitary hormones in the rat. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1261:72-8. [PMID: 22823396 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06648.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Here, the effects of neurointermediate (NIL), anterior (AL), and total hypophysectomy (HYPOX) on ileal mucosa cells and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) are reported. Compared with the sham-operated (SHAM) rats, the villi height and goblet cells numbers were significantly decreased in all groups. Lamina propria area decreased in AL and HYPOX, but not in NIL animals. CD8(+) but not CD4(+) lymphocytes decreased in the HYPOX and NIL groups. Paneth cells did not change, while IgA cells, IgM cells, and secretory IgA were significantly decreased in all groups. NIL but not AL animals lost significant numbers of IgA cells and secretory IgA. In summary, pituitary hormones exert lobe-specific regulatory effects on the gut and on GALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz María Cárdenas-Jaramillo
- Departamento de Morfología, Laboratorio de Morfología Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, México
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Brailoiu GC, Deliu E, Tica AA, Chitravanshi VC, Brailoiu E. Urocortin 3 elevates cytosolic calcium in nucleus ambiguus neurons. J Neurochem 2012; 122:1129-36. [PMID: 22774996 PMCID: PMC3433571 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07869.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin 3 (also known as stresscopin) is an endogenous ligand for the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF(2)). Despite predominant G(s) coupling of CRF(2), promiscuous coupling with other G proteins has been also associated with the activation of this receptor. As urocortin 3 has been involved in central cardiovascular regulation at hypothalamic and medullary sites, we examined its cellular effects on cardiac vagal neurons of nucleus ambiguus, a key area for the autonomic control of heart rate. Urocortin 3 (1 nM-1000 nM) induced a concentration-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration that was blocked by the CRF(2) antagonist K41498. In the case of two consecutive treatments with urocortin 3, the second urocortin 3-induced Ca(2+) response was reduced, indicating receptor desensitization. The effect of urocortin 3 was abolished by pre-treatment with pertussis toxin and by inhibition of phospolipase C with U-73122. Urocortin 3 activated Ca(2+) influx via voltage-gated P/Q-type channels as well as Ca(2+) release from endoplasmic reticulum. Urocortin 3 promoted Ca(2+) release via inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptors, but not ryanodine receptors. Our results indicate a novel Ca(2+) -mobilizing effect of urocortin 3 in vagal pre-ganglionic neurons of nucleus ambiguus, providing a cellular mechanism for a previously reported role for this peptide in parasympathetic cardiac regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cristina Brailoiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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Squillacioti C, De Luca A, Alì S, Paino S, Liguori G, Mirabella N. Expression of urocortin and corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors in the horse thyroid gland. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 350:45-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1450-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Squillacioti C, De Luca A, Liguori G, Paino S, Mirabella N. Expression of urocortin and corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors in the bovine adrenal gland. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 172:416-22. [PMID: 21504748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin (UCN), a 40 amino acid peptide, is a corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-related peptide. The biological actions of CRH family peptides are mediated via two types of G protein-coupled receptors, CRH type 1 receptor (CRHR1) and CRH type 2 receptor (CRHR2). The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of UCN, CRHR1 and CRHR2 by immunohistochemistry, western blot and real-time RT-PCR in the bovine adrenal gland to clarify the mechanisms of the intra-adrenal CRH-based regulatory system. The results showed that UCN, CRHR1 and CRHR2 were expressed in both the cortex and medulla. Specifically, UCN-immunoreactivity (IR) was distributed in the outer part of the zona fasciculata and in the zona reticularis of the cortex and in the medulla. UCN and CRHR2 mRNA expression levels were higher in the cortex than in the medulla, while CRHR1 mRNA levels were undetectable in the cortex. These results suggest that UCN, CRHR1 and CRHR2 are expressed in the bovine adrenal gland and that UCN might play a role in the intra-adrenal CRH-based regulatory system through an autocrine mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Squillacioti
- Department of Structure, Functions and Biological Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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Yakabi K, Noguchi M, Ohno S, Ro S, Onouchi T, Ochiai M, Takabayashi H, Takayama K, Harada Y, Sadakane C, Hattori T. Urocortin 1 reduces food intake and ghrelin secretion via CRF(2) receptors. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2011; 301:E72-82. [PMID: 21540451 PMCID: PMC3129836 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00695.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although it is known that urocortin 1 (UCN) acts on both corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRF(1) and CRF(2)), the mechanisms underlying UCN-induced anorexia remain unclear. In contrast, ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, stimulates food intake. In the present study, we examined the effects of CRF(1) and CRF(2) receptor antagonists (CRF(1)a and CRF(2)a) on ghrelin secretion and synthesis, c-fos mRNA expression in the caudal brain stem, and food intake following intracerebroventricular administration of UCN. Eight-week-old, male Sprague-Dawley rats were used after 24-h food deprivation. Acylated and des-acylated ghrelin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expressions of preproghrelin and c-fos were measured by real-time RT-PCR. The present study provided the following important insights into the mechanisms underlying the anorectic effects of UCN: 1) UCN increased acylated and des-acylated ghrelin levels in the gastric body and decreased their levels in the plasma; 2) UCN decreased preproghrelin mRNA levels in the gastric body; 3) UCN-induced reduction of plasma ghrelin and food intake were restored by CRF(2)a but not CRF(1)a; 4) UCN-induced increase of c-fos mRNA levels in the caudal brain stem containing the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) was inhibited by CRF(2)a; and 5) UCN-induced reduction of food intake was restored by exogenous ghrelin and rikkunshito, an endogenous ghrelin secretion regulator. Thus, UCN increases neuronal activation in the caudal brain stem containing NTS via CRF(2) receptors, which may be related to UCN-induced inhibition of both ghrelin secretion and food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yakabi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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Dono LM, Currie PJ. The cannabinoid receptor CB₁ inverse agonist AM251 potentiates the anxiogenic activity of urocortin I in the basolateral amygdala. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:192-9. [PMID: 21736884 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala is reported to play an important role in the neural bases of emotional processing. Previous studies have shown that injections of urocortin I (UcnI) into the basolateral amygdala (BLA) elicit anxiety-like behaviors in animal models. The present study examined the anxiogenic effects of UcnI administered directly into the BLA of male Sprague-Dawley rats. UcnI was administered at doses of 0.1-10.0 pmol and rats were then placed in an elevated plus maze for 10 min. UcnI reliably decreased the percent time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze (EPM) as well as open arm entries. This effect was observed across all doses tested, indicating the induction of anxiety-like behavior. In separate groups of rats, the CB(1) inverse agonist AM251 was administered systemically (0.03-3.0 mg/kg IP) or directly into the BLA (0.25-25.0 pmol) and EPM performance assessed. Both routes of AM251 administration produced a reduction in open arm entries and in time spent in the open arms. Moreover, when rats were pretreated with AM251 either systemically or directly into the BLA, the anxiogenic effect of UcnI was potentiated. That is, co-administration of AM251 and UcnI produced a greater suppression of percent time spent in the open arms and open arm entries as compared to UcnI alone. Based on these findings, we propose that urocortin and endocannabinoid signaling are part of an integrated neural axis modulating anxiety states within the basolateral amygdala. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Dono
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202, USA
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Yang LZ, Kockskämper J, Khan S, Suarez J, Walther S, Doleschal B, Unterer G, Khafaga M, Mächler H, Heinzel FR, Dillmann WH, Pieske B, Spiess J. cAMP- and Ca²(+) /calmodulin-dependent protein kinases mediate inotropic, lusitropic and arrhythmogenic effects of urocortin 2 in mouse ventricular myocytes. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162:544-56. [PMID: 20942811 PMCID: PMC3031072 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Urocortin 2 is beneficial in heart failure, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are not completely understood. Here we have characterized the functional effects of urocortin 2 on mouse cardiomyocytes and elucidated the underlying signalling pathways and mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mouse ventricular myocytes were field-stimulated at 0.5 Hz at room temperature. Fractional shortening and [Ca²(+)](i) transients were measured by an edge detection and epifluorescence system respectively. Western blots were carried out on myocyte extracts with antibodies against total phospholamban (PLN) and PLN phosphorylated at serine-16. KEY RESULTS Urocortin 2 elicited time- and concentration-dependent positive inotropic and lusitropic effects (EC₅₀ : 19 nM) that were abolished by antisauvagine-30 (10 nM, n= 6), a specific antagonist of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) CRF₂ receptors. Urocortin 2 (100 nM) increased the amplitude and decreased the time constant of decay of the underlying [Ca²(+)](i) transients. Urocortin 2 also increased PLN phosphorylation at serine-16. H89 (2 µM) or KT5720 (1 µM), two inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA), as well as KN93 (1 µM), an inhibitor of Ca²(+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), suppressed the urocortin 2 effects on shortening and [Ca²(+)](i) transients. In addition, urocortin 2 also elicited arrhythmogenic events consisting of extra cell shortenings and extra [Ca²(+)](i) increases in diastole. Urocortin 2-induced arrhythmogenic events were significantly reduced in cells pretreated with KT5720 or KN93. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Urocortin 2 enhanced contractility in mouse ventricular myocytes via activation of CRF₂ receptors in a cAMP/PKA- and Ca²(+)/CaMKII-dependent manner. This enhancement was accompanied by Ca²(+)-dependent arrhythmogenic effects mediated by PKA and CaMKII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhen Yang
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental MedicineGoettingen, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, CA, USA
- Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2 of the John A. Burns School of Medicine of the University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Jens Kockskämper
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps-University of MarburgMarburg, Germany
| | - Shelina Khan
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jorge Suarez
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stefanie Walther
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernhard Doleschal
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gregor Unterer
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mounir Khafaga
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Heinrich Mächler
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Frank R Heinzel
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang H Dillmann
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, CA, USA
| | - Burkert Pieske
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Joachim Spiess
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental MedicineGoettingen, Germany
- Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2 of the John A. Burns School of Medicine of the University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI, USA
- Sanford Burnham Medical Research InstituteLa Jolla, CA, USA
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Pal K, Swaminathan K, Xu HE, Pioszak AA. Structural basis for hormone recognition by the Human CRFR2{alpha} G protein-coupled receptor. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:40351-61. [PMID: 20966082 PMCID: PMC3001015 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.186072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 10/10/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)/urocortin (Ucn) peptide hormones include four structurally similar peptides, CRF, Ucn1, Ucn2, and Ucn3, that regulate stress responses, metabolism, and cardiovascular function by activating either of two related class B G protein-coupled receptors, CRFR1 and CRFR2. CRF and Ucn1 activate both receptors, whereas Ucn2 and Ucn3 are CRFR2-selective. The molecular basis for selectivity is unclear. Here, we show that the purified N-terminal extracellular domains (ECDs) of human CRFR1 and the CRFR2α isoform are sufficient to discriminate the peptides, and we present three crystal structures of the CRFR2α ECD bound to each of the Ucn peptides. The CRFR2α ECD forms the same fold observed for the CRFR1 and mouse CRFR2β ECDs but contains a unique N-terminal α-helix formed by its pseudo signal peptide. The CRFR2α ECD peptide-binding site architecture is similar to that of CRFR1, and binding of the α-helical Ucn peptides closely resembles CRF binding to CRFR1. Comparing the electrostatic surface potentials of the ECDs suggests a charge compatibility mechanism for ligand discrimination involving a single amino acid difference in the receptors (CRFR1 Glu104/CRFR2α Pro-100) at a site proximate to peptide residue 35 (Arg in CRF/Ucn1, Ala in Ucn2/3). CRFR1 Glu-104 acts as a selectivity filter preventing Ucn2/3 binding because the nonpolar Ala-35 is incompatible with the negatively charged Glu-104. The structures explain the mechanisms of ligand recognition and discrimination and provide a molecular template for the rational design of therapeutic agents selectively targeting these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuntal Pal
- From the Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 and
- the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | | | - H. Eric Xu
- From the Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 and
| | - Augen A. Pioszak
- From the Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 and
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