1
|
Nijboer ACS, Sellitto M, Ruitenberg MFL, Kerkkänen KIL, Schomaker J. Food-related exploration across the menstrual cycle. Appetite 2024; 196:107261. [PMID: 38342313 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
When deciding what to eat we constantly weigh different aspects of the options at hand and make trade-offs between exploiting opportunities with a known outcome (e.g., eating your usual meal) and exploring novel opportunities with a potentially better outcome (e.g., trying a new dish). Environmental factors, such as scarcity, have previously been shown to tip the balance towards either exploration or exploitation. Studies in animals have further linked female steroid hormones (including estradiol and progesterone) to exploratory behavior. Previous work in humans has suggested that food preferences and food intake also change over the menstrual cycle. However, it remains unknown whether exploratory behavior in food choices also changes across the menstrual phases in humans. In a rating phase, 112 adult women (age range 18-45 years) on or off hormonal birth control rated 40 food items on desirability. In the choice phase, participants made binary choices between food items. On some trials, a surprise box replaced one of the two food options, allowing us to examine exploratory choices. Women off hormonal birth control reported their average cycle length and time since the first day of their last menstruation. Analysis of the percentage surprise choices across the menstrual cycle indicated a small, but significant effect, with exploratory choice behavior tending to increase around the middle of/later during the cycle. This provides preliminary novel evidence that hormonal fluctuations are associated with food-related exploratory choice behavior. Importantly, these effects were observed beyond effects of other food-related factors. Future studies should investigate the nature of these effects using more direct hormonal measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C S Nijboer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M Sellitto
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M F L Ruitenberg
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - K I L Kerkkänen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J Schomaker
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Miller CK, Meitzen J. No detectable changes in anxiety-related and locomotor behaviors in adult ovariectomized female rats exposed to estradiol, the ERβ agonist DPN or the ERα agonist PPT. Horm Behav 2023; 152:105363. [PMID: 37087765 PMCID: PMC10247449 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The sex steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (estradiol) and its Estrogen Receptors (ERs) have been linked to modulation of anxiety-related and locomotor behaviors in female rodents. Research suggests that estradiol mitigates anxiety-related behaviors through activating Estrogen Receptor (ER)β and increases locomotor behaviors through ERα. The influence of ERs on these behaviors cannot always be detected. Here we discuss two experiments in which we tested the hypothesis that anxiety-related behaviors would decrease after ERβ activation and locomotor behaviors would increase after ERα activation, and also assessed the persistence of these behavioral effects by varying the timing of behavioral testing. Two cohorts of adult female ovariectomized rats were exposed to estradiol, the ERβ agonist DPN, the ERα agonist PPT, or oil for four consecutive days. Body mass was assessed throughout as a positive control. In both cohorts, open field behaviors were assessed on the first day of exposure. In one cohort (Experiment 1), open field, light/dark box, and elevated plus maze behaviors were assessed on the final day of injections. In the second cohort (Experiment 2), these behaviors were assessed 24 h after the final exposure. As expected, significant differences in body mass were detected in response to estradiol and PPT exposure, validating the estradiol and ER manipulation. No significant differences were observed in anxiety-related or locomotor behaviors across treatment groups, indicating that the efficacy of these agonists as therapeutic agents may be limited. We review these results in the context of previous literature, emphasizing relevant variables that may obscure ER-related actions on behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christiana K Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America; Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baskaran C, Kumar P, Plessow F, Nimmala S, Ackerman KE, Eddy KT, Pizzagalli DA, Misra M. Depressive and anxiety symptoms, and neural correlates of reward and punishment anticipation in female athletes with amenorrhea. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:976050. [PMID: 37274342 PMCID: PMC10233051 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.976050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Studies in estrogen deficiency states such as primary ovarian insufficiency and Turner syndrome suggest that estrogen status may be an important modulator of mood and emotions. In this study we compared depressive and anxiety symptoms between adolescent and young adult female oligo-amenorrheic athletes (AA) and eumenorrheic females (EM), and explored structural, and functional changes in related brain areas during reward processing, a behavioral construct that is altered in depression and anxiety. Methods We included (i) 24 AA participating in ≥4 hours/week of aerobic exercise or running ≥20 miles/week for ≥6 months in the preceding year, with lack of menstrual cycles for ≥3 months within at least 6 preceding months of oligo-amenorrhea, OR in premenarchal girls, absence of menses at >15 years), and (ii) 27 EM aged 14-25 years. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (MASQ). Structural MRI and brain activation during a functional MRI (fMRI) task that probes reward and punishment processing was examined in a subset of 10 AA and 23 EM. Results Median (IQR) age and BMI of AA and EM groups were 20.6 (19.0-22.6) vs. 20.6 (19.2-23.7) years, p=0.6 and v 20.3 (18.8-21.5) vs. 21.9 (19.6-23.5) kg/m2, p=0.005, respectively. While groups did not differ for BDI-II scores, AA had higher anhedonic depression MASQ scores (p=0.04), and STAI (p=0.03) scores vs. EM. In the fMRI subset, AA had higher caudate volumes vs. EM [F(1, 29)=9.930, p=0.004]. Lower activation observed in the right caudate during reward anticipation in AA compared with EM (p=0.036) suggests blunted reward processing in the striatum in estrogen deficient states. Conclusion Athletes with amenorrhea had higher depressive and anxiety symptomatology compared to eumenorrheic young women. Exploratory analyses demonstrated increased caudate volumes and decreased caudate activation during reward processing in athletes with amenorrhea suggesting that estrogen may play a role in reward processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charumathi Baskaran
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Poornima Kumar
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Supritha Nimmala
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Ackerman
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Sports Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kamryn T. Eddy
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Diego A. Pizzagalli
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Koebele SV, Poisson ML, Palmer JM, Berns-Leone C, Northup-Smith SN, Peña VL, Strouse IM, Bulen HL, Patel S, Croft C, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Evaluating the Cognitive Impacts of Drospirenone, a Spironolactone-Derived Progestin, Independently and in Combination With Ethinyl Estradiol in Ovariectomized Adult Rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:885321. [PMID: 35692432 PMCID: PMC9177129 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.885321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral contraceptives and hormone therapies require a progestogen component to prevent ovulation, curtail uterine hyperplasia, and reduce gynecological cancer risk. Diverse classes of synthetic progestogens, called progestins, are used as natural progesterone alternatives due to progesterone’s low oral bioavailability. Progesterone and several synthetic analogs can negatively impact cognition and reverse some neuroprotective estrogen effects. Here, we investigate drospirenone, a spironolactone-derived progestin, which has unique pharmacological properties compared to other clinically-available progestins and natural progesterone, for its impact on spatial memory, anxiety-like behavior, and brain regions crucial to these cognitive tasks. Experiment 1 assessed three drospirenone doses in young adult, ovariectomized rats, and found that a moderate drospirenone dose benefited spatial memory. Experiment 2 investigated this moderate drospirenone dose with and without concomitant ethinyl estradiol (EE) treatment, the most common synthetic estrogen in oral contraceptives. Results demonstrate that the addition of EE to drospirenone administration reversed the beneficial working memory effects of drospirenone. The hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and perirhinal cortex were then probed for proteins known to elicit estrogen- and progestin- mediated effects on learning and memory, including glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)65, GAD67, and insulin-like growth factor receptor protein expression, using western blot. EE increased GAD expression in the perirhinal cortex. Taken together, results underscore the necessity to consider the distinct cognitive and neural impacts of clinically-available synthetic estrogen and progesterone analogs, and why they produce unique cognitive profiles when administered together compared to those observed when each hormone is administered separately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V. Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Mallori L. Poisson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Justin M. Palmer
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Claire Berns-Leone
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Steven N. Northup-Smith
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Veronica L. Peña
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Isabel M. Strouse
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Haidyn L. Bulen
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Shruti Patel
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Corissa Croft
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hernández-Hernández OT, Herrera-Pérez JJ, Chavira R, Lemini C, Martínez-Mota L. Effects of post-ovariectomy time frame and age on the antidepressant-like actions of estradiol and prolame in female rats. Horm Behav 2022; 141:105154. [PMID: 35306314 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is an effective treatment for symptoms associated with climacteric and depression some women experience during perimenopause and menopause. The antidepressant-like effects of ERT may depend on the type of estrogen, age, and time when restitution is initiated after hormonal decline. Prolame is a synthetic steroid with estrogenic and antidepressant-like effects that may produce fewer adverse effects. We hypothesize that such actions of prolame on females depend on age and the duration of hormone deprivation period. We assessed the antidepressant-like effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) and prolame in young and middle-aged rats across different post-ovariectomy (Ovx) time frames. Independent groups of young adults and middle-aged female rats were tested in the forced swimming test (FST) at 3, 8, 16, and 24 weeks post-Ovx. Prolame and E2 were administered in a sub-chronic schedule consisting of three injections before the FST. Likewise, the utero-trophic effects of these hormones were analyzed. We found that E2 and prolame reduced immobility in young rats 3 and 8 weeks after Ovx; in contrast, only prolame produced this effect in middle-aged rats three weeks post-Ovx. E2 and prolame increased the animals' utero-somatic index at all post-Ovx times, but the action of E2 and prolame produced a greater response in young adult rats. Our findings showed that the antidepressant-like effects of E2 and prolame depend on the post-Ovx time frame, age, and estrogen type. Interestingly, our results indicate that, in contrast to E2, prolame maintained its antidepressant effect in middle-aged rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Tania Hernández-Hernández
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología Research Fellow, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Jaime Herrera-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Roberto Chavira
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Cristina Lemini
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad No. 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Delegación Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rodríguez-Landa JF. Considerations of Timing Post-ovariectomy in Mice and Rats in Studying Anxiety- and Depression-Like Behaviors Associated With Surgical Menopause in Women. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:829274. [PMID: 35309685 PMCID: PMC8931748 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.829274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
7
|
Koebele SV, Quihuis AM, Lavery CN, Plumley ZMT, Castaneda AJ, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Oestrogen treatment modulates the impact of cognitive experience and task complexity on memory in middle-aged surgically menopausal rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13002. [PMID: 34378820 PMCID: PMC9124643 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Menopause has been linked to changes in memory. Oestrogen-containing hormone therapy is prescribed to treat menopause-related symptoms and can ameliorate memory changes, although the parameters impacting oestrogen-related memory efficacy are unclear. Cognitive experience and practice have been shown to be neuroprotective and to improve learning and memory during ageing, with the type of task playing a role in subsequent cognitive outcomes. Whether task complexity matters, and whether these outcomes interact with menopause and oestrogen status, remains unknown. To investigate this, we used a rat model of surgical menopause to systematically assess whether maze task complexity, as well as order of task presentation, impacts spatial learning and memory during middle age when rats received vehicle, low-17β-oestradiol (E2 ) or high-E2 treatment. The direction, and even presence, of the effects of prior maze experience differed depending on the E2 dose. Surgical menopause without E2 treatment yielded the least benefit, as prior maze experience did not have a substantial effect on subsequent task performance for vehicle treated rats regardless of task demand level during the first exposure to maze experience or final testing. High-dose E2 yielded a variable benefit, and low-dose E2 produced the greatest benefit. Specifically, low-dose E2 broadly enhanced learning and memory in surgically menopausal rats that had prior experience on another task, regardless of the complexity level of this prior experience. These results demonstrate that E2 dose influences the impact of prior cognitive experience on learning and memory during ageing, and highlights the importance of prior cognitive experience in subsequent learning and memory outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V. Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alicia M. Quihuis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Courtney N. Lavery
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Zachary M. T. Plumley
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Arthur J. Castaneda
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lung cancer aggressiveness in an intermittent hypoxia murine model of postmenopausal sleep apnea. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 27:706-713. [PMID: 32108736 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intermittent hypoxia (IH)-a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-enhances lung cancer progression in mice via altered host immune responses that are also age and sex-dependent. However, the interactions of menopause with IH on tumor malignant properties remain unexplored. Here, we aimed to investigate lung cancer outcomes in the context of ovariectomy (OVX)-induced menopause in a murine model of OSA. METHODS Thirty-four female mice (C57BL/6, 12-week-old) were subjected to bilateral OVX or to Sham intervention. Six months after surgery, mice were pre-exposed to either IH or room air (RA) for 2 weeks. Then, 10 lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells were injected subcutaneously in the left flank, with IH or RA exposures continued for 4 weeks. Tumor weight, tumor invasion, and spontaneous lung metastases were assessed. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were isolated and subjected to flow cytometry polarity evaluation along with assessment of TAMs modulation of LLC1 proliferation in vitro. To determine the effect of IH and OVX on each experimental variable, a two-way analysis of variance was performed. RESULTS IH and OVX promoted a similar increase in tumor growth (∼2-fold; P = 0.05 and ∼1.74-fold; P < 0.05, respectively), and OVX-IH further increased it. Regarding lung metastasis, the concurrence of OVX in mice exposed to IH enhanced the number of metastases (23.7 ± 8.0) in comparison to those without OVX (7.9 ± 2.8; P < 0.05). The pro-tumoral phenotype of TAMS, assessed as M2/M1 ratio, was increased in OVX (0.06 ± 0.01; P < 0.01) and IH (0.06 ± 0.01; P < 0.01) compared with sham/RA conditions (0.14 ± 0.03). The co-culture of TAMS with naive LLC1 cells enhanced their proliferation only under IH. CONCLUSION In female mice, both the IH that is characteristically present in OSA and OVX as a menopause model emerge as independent contributors that promote lung cancer aggressiveness and seemingly operate through alterations in the host immune response.
Collapse
|
9
|
Prakapenka AV, Peña VL, Strouse I, Northup-Smith S, Schrier A, Ahmed K, Bimonte-Nelson HA, Sirianni RW. Intranasal 17β-Estradiol Modulates Spatial Learning and Memory in a Rat Model of Surgical Menopause. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E1225. [PMID: 33348722 PMCID: PMC7766209 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exogenously administered 17β-estradiol (E2) can improve spatial learning and memory, although E2 also exerts undesired effects on peripheral organs. Clinically, E2 has been solubilized in cyclodextrin for intranasal administration, which enhances brain-specific delivery. Prior work shows that the cyclodextrin structure impacts region-specific brain distribution of intranasally administered small molecules. Here, we investigated (1) cyclodextrin type-specific modulation of intranasal E2 brain distribution, and (2) cognitive and peripheral tissue effects of intranasal E2 in middle-aged ovariectomized rats. First, brain and peripheral organ distribution of intranasally administered, tritiated E2 was measured for E2 solubilized freely or in one of four cyclodextrin formulations. The E2-cyclodextrin formulation with greatest E2 uptake in cognitive brain regions versus uterine horns was then compared to free E2 on learning, memory, and uterine measures. Free E2 improved spatial reference memory, whereas E2-cyclodextrin impaired spatial working memory compared to their respective controls. Both E2 formulations increased uterine horn weights relative to controls, with E2-cyclodextrin resulting in the greatest uterine horn weight, suggesting increased uterine stimulation. Thus, intranasal administration of freely solubilized E2 is a strategic delivery tool that can yield a cognitively beneficial impact of the hormone alongside decreased peripheral effects compared to intranasal administration of cyclodextrin solubilized E2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alesia V. Prakapenka
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.V.P.); (V.L.P.); (I.S.); (S.N.-S.); (A.S.); (K.A.); (H.A.B.-N.)
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Veronica L. Peña
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.V.P.); (V.L.P.); (I.S.); (S.N.-S.); (A.S.); (K.A.); (H.A.B.-N.)
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Isabel Strouse
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.V.P.); (V.L.P.); (I.S.); (S.N.-S.); (A.S.); (K.A.); (H.A.B.-N.)
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Steven Northup-Smith
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.V.P.); (V.L.P.); (I.S.); (S.N.-S.); (A.S.); (K.A.); (H.A.B.-N.)
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Ally Schrier
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.V.P.); (V.L.P.); (I.S.); (S.N.-S.); (A.S.); (K.A.); (H.A.B.-N.)
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Kinza Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.V.P.); (V.L.P.); (I.S.); (S.N.-S.); (A.S.); (K.A.); (H.A.B.-N.)
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.V.P.); (V.L.P.); (I.S.); (S.N.-S.); (A.S.); (K.A.); (H.A.B.-N.)
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Rachael W. Sirianni
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, UTHealth Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Renczés E, Borbélyová V, Steinhardt M, Höpfner T, Stehle T, Ostatníková D, Celec P. The Role of Estrogen in Anxiety-Like Behavior and Memory of Middle-Aged Female Rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:570560. [PMID: 33117285 PMCID: PMC7575693 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.570560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging in women is associated with low estrogen, but also with cognitive decline and affective disorders. Whether low estrogen is causally responsible for these behavioral symptoms is not clear. Thus, we aimed to examine the role of estradiol in anxiety-like behavior and memory in rats at middle age. Twelve-month old female rats underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or were treated with 1 mg/kg of letrozole-an aromatase inhibitor. In half of the OVX females, 10 μg/kg of 17β-estradiol was supplemented daily for 4 weeks. Vehicle-treated sham-operated and OVX females served as controls. For behavioral assessment open field, elevated plus maze and novel object recognition tests were performed. Interaction between ovarian condition and additional treatment had the main effect on anxiety-like behavior of rats in the open field test. In comparison to control females, OVX females entered less frequently into the center zone of the open field (p < 0.01) and showed lower novel object discrimination (p = 0.05). However, estradiol-supplemented OVX rats had higher number of center-zone entries (p < 0.01), spent more time in the center zone (p < 0.05), and showed lower thigmotaxis (p < 0.01) when compared to OVX group. None of the hormonal manipulations affected anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test significantly, but a mild effect of interaction between ovarian condition and treatment was shown (p = 0.05). In conclusion, ovariectomy had slight negative effect on open-field ambulation and short-term recognition memory in middle-aged rats. In addition, a test-specific anxiolytic effect of estradiol supplementation was found. In contrast, letrozole treatment neither affected anxiety-like behavior nor memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emese Renczés
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Borbélyová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Manuel Steinhardt
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tim Höpfner
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Thomas Stehle
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatníková
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Celec
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cueto-Escobedo J, Andrade-Soto J, Lima-Maximino M, Maximino C, Hernández-López F, Rodríguez-Landa JF. Involvement of GABAergic system in the antidepressant-like effects of chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) in ovariectomized rats in the forced swim test: comparison with neurosteroids. Behav Brain Res 2020; 386:112590. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
12
|
Koebele SV, Nishimura KJ, Bimonte-Nelson HA, Kemmou S, Ortiz JB, Judd JM, Conrad CD. A long-term cyclic plus tonic regimen of 17β-estradiol improves the ability to handle a high spatial working memory load in ovariectomized middle-aged female rats. Horm Behav 2020; 118:104656. [PMID: 31862208 PMCID: PMC7286486 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The influence of estrogens on modifying cognition has been extensively studied, revealing that a wide array of factors can significantly impact cognition, including, but not limited to, subject age, estrogen exposure duration, administration mode, estrogen formulation, stress history, and progestogen presence. Less known is whether long-term, extended exposure to estrogens would benefit or otherwise impact cognition. The present study examined the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) exposure for seven months, beginning in late adulthood and continuing into middle age, using a regimen of cyclic exposure (bi-monthly subcutaneous injection of 10 μg E2), or Cyclic+Tonic exposure (bi-monthly subcutaneous injection of 10 μg E2 + Silastic capsules of E2) in ovariectomized female Fischer-344-CDF rats. Subjects were tested on a battery of learning and memory tasks. All groups learned the water radial-arm maze (WRAM) and Morris water maze tasks in a similar fashion, regardless of hormone treatment regimen. In the asymptotic phase of the WRAM, rats administered a Cyclic+Tonic E2 regimen showed enhanced performance when working memory was taxed compared to Vehicle and Cyclic E2 groups. Assessment of spatial memory on object placement and object recognition was not possible due to insufficient exploration of objects; however, the Cyclic+Tonic group showed increased total time spent exploring all objects compared to Vehicle-treated animals. Overall, these data demonstrate that long-term Cyclic+Tonic E2 exposure can result in some long-term cognitive benefits, at least in the spatial working memory domain, in a surgically menopausal rat model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Kenji J Nishimura
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Salma Kemmou
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - J Bryce Ortiz
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Jessica M Judd
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Cheryl D Conrad
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zárate SC, Traetta ME, Codagnone MG, Seilicovich A, Reinés AG. Humanin, a Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Released by Astrocytes, Prevents Synapse Loss in Hippocampal Neurons. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:123. [PMID: 31214013 PMCID: PMC6555273 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglial cells are crucial for central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. They undergo complex morpho-functional changes during aging and in response to hormonal milieu. Ovarian hormones positively affect different astroglia parameters, including regulation of cell morphology and release of neurotrophic and neuroprotective factors. Thus, ovarian hormone loss during menopause has profound impact in astroglial pathophysilogy and has been widely associated to the process of brain aging. Humanin (HN) is a secreted mitochondrial-encoded peptide with neuroprotective effects. It is localized in several tissues with high metabolic rate and its expression decreases with age. In the brain, humanin has been found in glial cells in physiological conditions. We previously reported that surgical menopause induces hippocampal mitochondrial dysfunction that mimics an aging phenotype. However, the effect of ovarian hormone deprivation on humanin expression in this area has not been studied. Also, whether astrocytes express and release humanin and the regulation of such processes by ovarian hormones remain elusive. Although humanin has also proven to be beneficial in ameliorating cognitive impairment induced by different insults, its putative actions on structural synaptic plasticity have not been fully addressed. In a model of surgical menopause in rats, we studied hippocampal humanin expression and localization by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and double immunohistochemistry, respectively. Humanin production and release and ovarian hormone regulation of such processes were studied in cultured astrocytes by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Humanin effects on glutamate-induced structural synaptic alterations were determined in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons by immunocytochemistry. Humanin expression was lower in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats and its immunoreactivity colocalized with astroglial markers. Chronic ovariectomy also promoted the presence of less complex astrocytes in this area. Ovarian hormones increased humanin intracellular content and release by cultured astrocytes. Humanin prevented glutamate-induced dendritic atrophy and reduction in puncta number and total puncta area for pre-synaptic marker synaptophysin in cultured hippocampal neurons. In conclusion, astroglial functional and morphological alterations induced by chronic ovariectomy resemble an aging phenotype and could affect astroglial support to neuronal function by altering synaptic connectivity and functionality. Reduced astroglial-derived humanin may represent an underlying mechanism for synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline after menopause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cristina Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marianela Evelyn Traetta
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Gabriel Codagnone
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana Seilicovich
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Gabriela Reinés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Plessow F, Singhal V, Toth AT, Micali N, Eddy KT, Misra M. Estrogen administration improves the trajectory of eating disorder pathology in oligo-amenorrheic athletes: A randomized controlled trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 102:273-280. [PMID: 30639922 PMCID: PMC6664444 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Estrogen replacement prevents worsening body dissatisfaction with weight gain in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. However, the impact of estrogen administration on eating disorder (ED) pathology in normal-weight young women with exercise-induced amenorrhea is unknown. We hypothesized that (1) normal-weight oligo-amenorrheic athletes (OA) would show greater ED pathology than eumenorrheic athletes (EA) and non-athletes (NA), and (2) 12 months of estrogen replacement would improve those symptoms. TRIAL DESIGN Randomized trial. METHODS One hundred seventeen OA, 50 EA, and 41 NA completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) for measures of Drive for Thinness (DT) and Body Dissatisfaction (BD) and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-R18). OA were then randomized to receive 100 mcg transdermal 17β-estradiol with cyclic progesterone (PATCH), an oral contraceptive pill (30 mcg ethinyl estradiol + 0.15 mg desogestrel) (PILL), or no estrogen (E-) for 12 months. Data are reported for the subset that completed questionnaires at 0 and 12 months between 11/2009 and 10/2016. RESULTS OA showed higher EDI-2 DT and TFEQ-R18 Cognitive Restraint scores than EA and NA and higher EDI-2 BD scores than EA. Over 12 months, the E+ group (PATCH+PILL), compared to E-, showed improved trajectories for EDI-2 DT and BD scores. In 3-group comparisons, PATCH outperformed E- for decreases in EDI-2 DT and BD, and the PILL for TFEQ-R18 Uncontrolled Eating. CONCLUSION In OA, 12 months of estrogen replacement improves ED pathology trajectories, emphasizing the broad importance of normalizing estrogen levels. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00946192.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Vibha Singhal
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander T. Toth
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nadia Micali
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kamryn T. Eddy
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Puga-Olguín A, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Rovirosa-Hernández MDJ, Germán-Ponciano LJ, Caba M, Meza E, Guillén-Ruiz G, Olmos-Vázquez OJ. Long-term ovariectomy increases anxiety- and despair-like behaviors associated with lower Fos immunoreactivity in the lateral septal nucleus in rats. Behav Brain Res 2019; 360:185-195. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
17
|
The Phytoestrogen Genistein Produces Similar Effects as 17 β-Estradiol on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats at 12 Weeks after Ovariectomy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:9073816. [PMID: 29226152 PMCID: PMC5684542 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9073816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The phytoestrogen genistein produces anxiolytic-like effects in ovariectomized rats, which highlights its potential therapeutic effect in ameliorating anxiety in surgical menopausal women. However, no studies have directly compared the effects of identical doses of genistein and 17β-estradiol, the main estrogen used in hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women. The present study evaluated the anxiolytic-like effects of identical doses of genistein and 17β-estradiol (0.045, 0.09, and 0.18 mg/kg/7 days, s.c.) in a surgical menopause model in rats in the elevated plus maze and locomotor activity tests at 12 weeks after ovariectomy. Additionally, the participation of estrogen receptor-β in the anxiolytic-like effect of genistein and 17β-estradiol was explored by previous administration of the 5 mg/kg tamoxifen antagonist. Genistein and 17β-estradiol (0.09 and 0.18 mg/kg) similarly reduced anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and also increased the time spent grooming and rearing, without affecting crossing in locomotor activity test. These effects were blocked by tamoxifen. Present results indicate that the phytoestrogen genistein has a similar behavioral profile as 17β-estradiol in rats at 12 weeks after ovariectomy through action at the estrogen receptor-β. Thus genistein has potential for reducing anxiety-like behavior associated with low concentrations of ovarian hormones, which normally occurs during natural and surgical menopause.
Collapse
|
18
|
Zárate S, Astiz M, Magnani N, Imsen M, Merino F, Álvarez S, Reinés A, Seilicovich A. Hormone deprivation alters mitochondrial function and lipid profile in the hippocampus. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:1-14. [PMID: 28130408 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common hallmark in aging. In the female, reproductive senescence is characterized by loss of ovarian hormones, many of whose neuroprotective effects converge upon mitochondria. The functional integrity of mitochondria is dependent on membrane fatty acid and phospholipid composition, which are also affected during aging. The effect of long-term ovarian hormone deprivation upon mitochondrial function and its putative association with changes in mitochondrial membrane lipid profile in the hippocampus, an area primarily affected during aging and highly responsive to ovarian hormones, is unknown. To this aim, Wistar adult female rats were ovariectomized or sham-operated. Twelve weeks later, different parameters of mitochondrial function (O2 uptake, ATP production, membrane potential and respiratory complex activities) as well as membrane phospholipid content and composition were evaluated in hippocampal mitochondria. Chronic ovariectomy reduced mitochondrial O2 uptake and ATP production rates and induced membrane depolarization during active respiration without altering the activity of respiratory complexes. Mitochondrial membrane lipid profile showed no changes in cholesterol levels but higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids and a higher peroxidizability index in mitochondria from ovariectomized rats. Interestingly, ovariectomy also reduced cardiolipin content and altered cardiolipin fatty acid profile leading to a lower peroxidizability index. In conclusion, chronic ovarian hormone deprivation induces mitochondrial dysfunction and changes in the mitochondrial membrane lipid profile comparable to an aging phenotype. Our study provides insights into ovarian hormone loss-induced early lipidomic changes with bioenergetic deficits in the hippocampus that may contribute to the increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and other age-associated disorders observed in postmenopause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET)Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de HistologíaEmbriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Astiz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP, UNLP-CONICET) and Cátedra de Bioquímica y Biología MolecularFacultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Natalia Magnani
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular (IBIMOL, UBA-CONICET)Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Imsen
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET)Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Merino
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET)Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Álvarez
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular (IBIMOL, UBA-CONICET)Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Reinés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias 'Prof. E. De Robertis' (IBCN, UBA-CONICET)Facultad de Medicina and Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana Seilicovich
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET)Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de HistologíaEmbriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by altered body image, persistent food restriction and low body weight, and is associated with global endocrine dysregulation in both adolescent girls and women. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis includes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with relative oestrogen and androgen deficiency, growth hormone resistance, hypercortisolaemia, non-thyroidal illness syndrome, hyponatraemia and hypooxytocinaemia. Serum levels of leptin, an anorexigenic adipokine, are suppressed and levels of ghrelin, an orexigenic gut peptide, are elevated in women with anorexia nervosa; however, levels of peptide YY, an anorexigenic gut peptide, are paradoxically elevated. Although most, but not all, of these endocrine disturbances are adaptive to the low energy state of chronic starvation and reverse with treatment of the eating disorder, many contribute to impaired skeletal integrity, as well as neuropsychiatric comorbidities, in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Although 5-15% of patients with anorexia nervosa are men, only limited data exist regarding the endocrine impact of the disease in adolescent boys and men. Further research is needed to understand the endocrine determinants of bone loss and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in anorexia nervosa in both women and men, as well as to formulate optimal treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Schorr
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bulfinch 457B, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Karen K Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bulfinch 457B, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Koebele SV, Bimonte-Nelson HA. The endocrine-brain-aging triad where many paths meet: female reproductive hormone changes at midlife and their influence on circuits important for learning and memory. Exp Gerontol 2016; 94:14-23. [PMID: 27979770 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Female mammals undergo natural fluctuations in sex steroid hormone levels throughout life. These fluctuations span from early development, to cyclic changes associated with the menstrual or estrous cycle and pregnancy, to marked hormone flux during perimenopause, and a final decline at reproductive senescence. While the transition to reproductive senescence is not yet fully understood, the vast majority of mammals experience this spontaneous, natural phenomenon with age, which has broad implications for long-lived species. Indeed, this post-reproductive life stage, and its transition, involves significant and enduring physiological changes, including considerably altered sex steroid hormone and gonadotropin profiles that impact multiple body systems, including the brain. The endocrine-brain-aging triad is especially noteworthy, as many paths meet and interact. Many of the brain regions affected by aging are also sensitive to changes in ovarian hormone levels, and aging and reproductive senescence are both associated with changes in memory performance. This review explores how menopause is related to cognitive aging, and discusses some of the key neural systems and molecular factors altered with age and reproductive hormone level changes, with an emphasis on brain regions important for learning and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Datta S, Samanta D, Sinha P, Chakrabarti N. Gender features and estrous cycle variations of nocturnal behavior of mice after a single exposure to light at night. Physiol Behav 2016; 164:113-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
22
|
Levels and actions of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions: Sex-specific features. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
23
|
Vega Rivera NM, Gallardo Tenorio A, Fernández-Guasti A, Estrada Camarena E. The Post-Ovariectomy Interval Affects the Antidepressant-Like Action of Citalopram Combined with Ethynyl-Estradiol in the Forced Swim Test in Middle Aged Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9020021. [PMID: 27153072 PMCID: PMC4932539 DOI: 10.3390/ph9020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of a combined therapy with low doses of estrogens plus antidepressants to treat depression associated to perimenopause could be advantageous. However the use of these combinations is controversial due to several factors, including the time of intervention in relation to menopause onset. This paper analyzes whether time post-OVX influences the antidepressant-like action of a combination of ethynyl-estradiol (EE2) and citalopram (CIT) in the forced swim test (FST). Middle-aged (15 months old) female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and after one or three weeks treated with EE2 (1.25, 2.5 or 5.0 µg/rat, s.c.; −48 h) or CIT (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 or 10 mg/kg, i.p./3 injections in 24 h) and tested in the FST. In a second experiment, after one or three weeks of OVX, rats received a combination of an ineffective dose of EE2 (1.25 µg/rat, s.c., −48 h) plus CIT (2.5 mg/kg, i.p./3 injections in 24 h) and subjected to the FST. Finally, the uteri were removed and weighted to obtain an index of the peripheral effects of EE2 administration. EE2 (2.5 or 5.0 µg/rat) reduced immobility after one but not three weeks of OVX. In contrast, no CIT dose reduced immobility at one or three weeks after OVX. When EE2 (1.25 µg/rat) was combined with CIT (2.5 mg/kg) an antidepressant-like effect was observed at one but not three weeks post-OVX. The weight of the uteri augmented when EE2 was administrated three weeks after OVX. The data suggest that the time post-OVX is a crucial factor that contributes to observe the antidepressant-like effect of EE2 alone or in combination with CIT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelly M Vega Rivera
- Neuropsicofarmacología, Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz", INPRFM, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col San Lorenzo Huipulco 14370, Mexico.
| | - Alfredo Gallardo Tenorio
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados-Sede Sur. IPN, Calzada de los Tenorios 235, Col Granjas Coapa 14330, Mexico.
| | - Alonso Fernández-Guasti
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados-Sede Sur. IPN, Calzada de los Tenorios 235, Col Granjas Coapa 14330, Mexico.
| | - Erika Estrada Camarena
- Neuropsicofarmacología, Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz", INPRFM, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col San Lorenzo Huipulco 14370, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Koebele SV, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Modeling menopause: The utility of rodents in translational behavioral endocrinology research. Maturitas 2016; 87:5-17. [PMID: 27013283 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The human menopause transition and aging are each associated with an increase in a variety of health risk factors including, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, stroke, sexual dysfunction, affective disorders, sleep disturbances, and cognitive decline. It is challenging to systematically evaluate the biological underpinnings associated with the menopause transition in the human population. For this reason, rodent models have been invaluable tools for studying the impact of gonadal hormone fluctuations and eventual decline on a variety of body systems. While it is essential to keep in mind that some of the mechanisms associated with aging and the transition into a reproductively senescent state can differ when translating from one species to another, animal models provide researchers with opportunities to gain a fundamental understanding of the key elements underlying reproduction and aging processes, paving the way to explore novel pathways for intervention associated with known health risks. Here, we discuss the utility of several rodent models used in the laboratory for translational menopause research, examining the benefits and drawbacks in helping us to better understand aging and the menopause transition in women. The rodent models discussed are ovary-intact, ovariectomy, and 4-vinylcylohexene diepoxide for the menopause transition. We then describe how these models may be implemented in the laboratory, particularly in the context of cognition. Ultimately, we aim to use these animal models to elucidate novel perspectives and interventions for maintaining a high quality of life in women, and to potentially prevent or postpone the onset of negative health consequences associated with these significant life changes during aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Arevalo MA, Azcoitia I, Gonzalez-Burgos I, Garcia-Segura LM. Signaling mechanisms mediating the regulation of synaptic plasticity and memory by estradiol. Horm Behav 2015; 74:19-27. [PMID: 25921586 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and Cognition". Estradiol participates in the regulation of the function and plasticity of synaptic circuits in key cognitive brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. The mechanisms elicited by estradiol are mediated by the regulation of transcriptional activity by nuclear estrogen receptors and by intracellular signaling cascades activated by estrogen receptors associated with the plasma membrane. In addition, the mechanisms include the interaction of estradiol with the signaling of other factors involved in the regulation of cognition, such as brain derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 and Wnt. Modifications in these signaling pathways by aging or by a long-lasting ovarian hormone deprivation after menopause may impair the enhancing effects of estradiol on synaptic plasticity and cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, E-28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo Azcoitia
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense, Calle José Antonio Novais 12, Ciudad Universitaria, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Gonzalez-Burgos
- Laboratorio de Psicobiología, División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jal. Mexico
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, E-28002 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bastos CP, Pereira LM, Ferreira-Vieira TH, Drumond LE, Massensini AR, Moraes MFD, Pereira GS. Object recognition memory deficit and depressive-like behavior caused by chronic ovariectomy can be transitorialy recovered by the acute activation of hippocampal estrogen receptors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 57:14-25. [PMID: 25867995 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that estradiol (E2) replacement therapy is effective on restoring memory deficits and mood disorders that may occur during natural menopause or after surgical ovarian removal (ovariectomy, OVX). However, it is still unknown the effectiveness of acute and localized E2 administration on the effects of chronic OVX. Here we tested the hypothesis that the intra-hippocampal E2 infusion, as well as specific agonists of estrogen receptors (ERs) alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), are able to mend novel object recognition (NOR) memory deficit and depressive-like behavior caused by 12 weeks of OVX. We found that both ERα and ERβ activation, at earlier stages of consolidation, recovered the NOR memory deficit caused by 12 w of OVX. Conversely, only the ERβ activation was effective in decreasing the depressive-like behavior caused by 12 w of OVX. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of OVX on hippocampal volume and ERs expression. The structural MRI showed no alteration in the hippocampus volume of 12 w OVX animals. Interestingly, ERα expression in the hippocampus decreased after one week of OVX, but increased in 12 w OVX animals. Overall, we may conclude that the chronic estrogen deprivation, induced by 12 weeks of OVX, modulates the hippocampal ERα expression and induces NOR memory deficit and depressive-like behaviors. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that the acute effects of E2 on NOR memory and depressive-like behavior are still apparent even after 12 weeks of OVX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane P Bastos
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil
| | - Luciana M Pereira
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil
| | - Talita H Ferreira-Vieira
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil
| | - Luciana E Drumond
- Centro de Tecnologia e Pesquisa em Magneto-Ressonância, CTPMAG, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Universidade Federal de São João Del Rey, Brazil
| | - André R Massensini
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil
| | - Márcio F D Moraes
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil; Centro de Tecnologia e Pesquisa em Magneto-Ressonância, CTPMAG, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grace S Pereira
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
A Golgi study of the plasticity of dendritic spines in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus during the estrous cycle of female rats. Neuroscience 2015; 298:74-80. [PMID: 25892700 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol-induced plasticity involves changes in dendritic spine density and in the relative proportions of the different dendritic spine types that influence neurons and neural circuits. Such events affect brain structures that control the timing of neuroendocrine and behavioral processes, influencing both reproductive and cognitive functions during the estrous cycle. Accordingly, to investigate the dendritic spine-related plastic changes that may affect the neural processes involved in mating, estradiol-mediated dendritic spine plasticity was studied in type II cells situated in the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) of female, adult rats. The rats were assigned to four different groups (n=6) in function of their stage in the estrous cycle: proestrus, estrus, metaestrus, and diestrus. Dendritic spine density and the proportions of the different spine types on type II neurons were analyzed in the ventrolateral region of the VMN of these animals. Dendritic spine density on primary dendrites of VMN type II neurons was significantly lower in metaestrus than in diestrus, proestrus and estrus (with no differences between these latter stages). However, a significant variation in the proportional density of the different spine types was found, with a higher proportion of thin spines in diestrus, proestrus and estrus than in metaestrus. Likewise, a higher proportion of mushroom spines was seen in diestrus and proestrus than in metaestrus, and a higher proportion of stubby spines in estrus than in diestrus and metaestrus. Very few branched spines were found during proestrus and they were not detected during estrus or metaestrus. The different types of dendritic spines in non-projection neurons of the VMN could serve to maintain greater synaptic excitatory activity when receptivity and estradiol levels are maximal. However, they may also fulfill an additional functional role when receptivity and estradiol decline. To date specific roles of the different types of spines in neural hypothalamic activity during the estrous cycle remain unknown and they clearly deserve further study.
Collapse
|
28
|
Krishna S, Keralapurath MM, Lin Z, Wagner JJ, de La Serre CB, Harn DA, Filipov NM. Neurochemical and electrophysiological deficits in the ventral hippocampus and selective behavioral alterations caused by high-fat diet in female C57BL/6 mice. Neuroscience 2015; 297:170-81. [PMID: 25849614 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mounting experimental evidence, predominantly from male rodents, demonstrates that high-fat diet (HFD) consumption and ensuing obesity are detrimental to the brain. To shed additional light on the neurological consequences of HFD consumption in female rodents and to determine the relatively early impact of HFD in the likely continuum of neurological dysfunction in the context of chronic HFD intake, this study investigated effects of HFD feeding for up to 12weeks on selected behavioral, neurochemical, and electrophysiological parameters in adult female C57BL/6 mice; particular focus was placed on the ventral hippocampus (vHIP). Selected locomotor, emotional and cognitive functions were evaluated using behavioral tests after 5weeks on HFD or control (low-fat diet) diets. One week later, mice were sacrificed and brain regional neurochemical (monoamine) analysis was performed. Behaviorally naïve mice were maintained on their respective diets for an additional 5-6weeks at which time synaptic plasticity was determined in ex vivo slices from the vHIP. HFD-fed female mice exhibited increased: (i) locomotor activity in the open field testing, (ii) mean turn time on the pole test, (iii) swimming time in the forced swim test, and (iv) number of marbles buried in the marble burying test. In contrast, the novel object recognition memory was unaffected. Mice on HFD also had decreased norepinephrine and dopamine turnover, respectively, in the prefrontal cortex and the vHIP. HFD consumption for a total of 11-12weeks altered vHIP synaptic plasticity, evidenced by significant reductions in the paired-pulse ratio and long-term potentiation (LTP) magnitude. In summary, in female mice, HFD intake for several weeks induced multiple behavioral alterations of mainly anxiety-like nature and impaired monoamine pathways in a brain region-specific manner, suggesting that in the female, certain behavioral domains (anxiety) and associated brain regions, i.e., the vHIP, are preferentially targeted by HFD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Krishna
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - M M Keralapurath
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Z Lin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - J J Wagner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - C B de La Serre
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - D A Harn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - N M Filipov
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Arevalo MA, Azcoitia I, Garcia-Segura LM. The neuroprotective actions of oestradiol and oestrogen receptors. Nat Rev Neurosci 2014; 16:17-29. [PMID: 25423896 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hormones regulate homeostasis by communicating through the bloodstream to the body's organs, including the brain. As homeostatic regulators of brain function, some hormones exert neuroprotective actions. This is the case for the ovarian hormone 17β-oestradiol, which signals through oestrogen receptors (ERs) that are widely distributed in the male and female brain. Recent discoveries have shown that oestradiol is not only a reproductive hormone but also a brain-derived neuroprotective factor in males and females and that ERs coordinate multiple signalling mechanisms that protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, affective disorders and cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo Azcoitia
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mueller SC, Grissom EM, Dohanich GP. Assessing gonadal hormone contributions to affective psychopathologies across humans and animal models. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 46:114-28. [PMID: 24882164 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing acknowledgement of hormonal contributions to mood and anxiety disorders, the underlying mechanisms by which gonadal hormones influence psychopathology-related behaviours remain unknown. This review focuses on recent research that examines the influence of gonadal steroid hormones, including androgens, oestrogens, and progesterone, on mood and anxiety-related behaviours in human health and disease. To this aim, the literature was surveyed for studies that assess conditions with suspected underlying hormonal imbalances in otherwise healthy participants (e.g., premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postmenopausal depression) as well as conditions linked to congenital endocrine abnormalities (e.g., Turner Syndrome, Klinefelter Syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, familial male precocious puberty, androgen insensitivity syndrome). Furthermore, to better inform clinical work and to create a translational bridge, a second goal was to set human psychopathologies and animal models of these conditions side-by-side. In the second part of the review, based on consistencies revealed in the existing literature across conditions, a new model for the impact of gonadal hormones on anxious and depressed behavioural states is proposed. Finally, we conclude by proposing directions for future research, including the development of specific tasks suitable for cross-species comparisons to increase our knowledge of the role of gonadal hormones in mood and anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S C Mueller
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - E M Grissom
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - G P Dohanich
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Misra M, Katzman DK, Estella NM, Eddy KT, Weigel T, Goldstein MA, Miller KK, Klibanski A. Impact of physiologic estrogen replacement on anxiety symptoms, body shape perception, and eating attitudes in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa: data from a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Psychiatry 2013; 74:e765-71. [PMID: 24021517 PMCID: PMC4017248 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.13m08365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa is characterized by low weight, aberrant eating attitudes, body image distortion, and hypogonadism. Anxiety is a common comorbid condition. Estrogen replacement reduces anxiety in animal models, and reported variations in food intake across the menstrual cycle may be related to gonadal steroid levels. The impact of estrogen replacement on anxiety, eating attitudes, and body image has not been reported in anorexia nervosa. We hypothesized that physiologic estrogen replacement would ameliorate anxiety and improve eating attitudes without affecting body image in anorexia nervosa. METHOD Girls 13-18 years old with anorexia nervosa (DSM-IV) were randomized to transdermal estradiol (100 μg twice weekly) with cyclic progesterone or placebo patches and pills for 18-months, between 2002 and 2010. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2), and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34) were administered. 72 girls completed these measures at baseline (n=38 [girls receiving estrogen] and n=34 [girls receiving placebo]) and 37 at 18 months (n=20 [girls receiving estrogen] and n=17 [girls receiving placebo]). The primary outcome measure was the change in these scores over 18 months. RESULTS Estrogen replacement caused a decrease in STAIC-trait scores (-3.05 [1.22] vs. 2.07 [1.73], P=.02), without impacting STAIC-state scores (-1.11 [2.17] vs. 0.20 [1.42], P=.64). There was no effect of estrogen replacement on EDI-2 or BSQ-34 scores. Body mass index (BMI) changes did not differ between groups, and effects of estrogen replacement on STAIC-trait scores persisted after controlling for BMI changes (P=.03). Increases in serum estradiol were significantly associated with decreases in STAIC-trait scores (Spearman ρ = -0.45, P=.03). CONCLUSIONS Estrogen replacement improved trait anxiety (the tendency to experience anxiety) but did not impact eating attitudes or body shape perception. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00088153.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhusmita Misra
- BUL 457, Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Debra K. Katzman
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
| | - Nara Mendes Estella
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kamryn T. Eddy
- Harris Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
| | | | - Mark A. Goldstein
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Karen K. Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
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]
|
33
|
Handa RJ, Mani SK, Uht RM. Estrogen receptors and the regulation of neural stress responses. Neuroendocrinology 2012; 96:111-8. [PMID: 22538291 PMCID: PMC3526110 DOI: 10.1159/000338397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that estrogens can influence a panoply of physiological and behavioral functions. In many instances, the effects of estrogens are mediated by the 'classical' actions of two different estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα or ERβ. ERα and ERβ appear to have opposing actions in the control of stress responses and modulate different neurotransmitter or neuropeptide systems. Studies elucidating the molecular mechanisms for such regulatory processes are currently in progress. Furthermore, the use of ERα and ERβ knockout mouse lines has allowed the exploration of the importance of these receptors in behavioral responses such as anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors. This review examines some of the recent advances in our knowledge of hormonal control of neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to stress and underscore the importance of these receptors as future therapeutic targets for control of stress-related signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Handa
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|