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Novello M, Bosman LWJ, De Zeeuw CI. A Systematic Review of Direct Outputs from the Cerebellum to the Brainstem and Diencephalon in Mammals. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:210-239. [PMID: 36575348 PMCID: PMC10864519 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01499-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum is involved in many motor, autonomic and cognitive functions, and new tasks that have a cerebellar contribution are discovered on a regular basis. Simultaneously, our insight into the functional compartmentalization of the cerebellum has markedly improved. Additionally, studies on cerebellar output pathways have seen a renaissance due to the development of viral tracing techniques. To create an overview of the current state of our understanding of cerebellar efferents, we undertook a systematic review of all studies on monosynaptic projections from the cerebellum to the brainstem and the diencephalon in mammals. This revealed that important projections from the cerebellum, to the motor nuclei, cerebral cortex, and basal ganglia, are predominantly di- or polysynaptic, rather than monosynaptic. Strikingly, most target areas receive cerebellar input from all three cerebellar nuclei, showing a convergence of cerebellar information at the output level. Overall, there appeared to be a large level of agreement between studies on different species as well as on the use of different types of neural tracers, making the emerging picture of the cerebellar output areas a solid one. Finally, we discuss how this cerebellar output network is affected by a range of diseases and syndromes, with also non-cerebellar diseases having impact on cerebellar output areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuele Novello
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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2
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Al-Omari A, Kecskés M, Gaszner B, Biró-Sütő T, Fazekas B, Berta G, Kuzma M, Pintér E, Kormos V. Functionally active TRPA1 ion channel is downregulated in peptidergic neurons of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus upon acute alcohol exposure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1046559. [PMID: 36704197 PMCID: PMC9872022 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1046559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) contributes to the control of alcohol consumption by its urocortin 1 (UCN1) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) co-expressing peptidergic neurons. Our group recently showed that the urocortinergic centrally projecting EWcp is the primary seat of central nervous system transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) cation channel mRNA expression. Here, we hypothesized that alcohol and its metabolites, that pass through the blood-brain barrier, may influence the function of urocortinergic cells in centrally projecting EWcp by activating TRPA1 ion channels. We aimed to examine the functional activity of TRPA1 in centrally projecting EWcp and its possible role in a mouse model of acute alcohol exposure. Methods: Electrophysiological measurements were performed on acute brain slices of C57BL/6J male mice containing the centrally projecting EWcp to prove the functional activity of TRPA1 using a selective, potent, covalent agonist JT010. Male TRPA1 knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) mice were compared with each other in the morphological studies upon acute alcohol treatment. In both genotypes, half of the animals was treated intraperitoneally with 1 g/kg 6% ethanol vs. physiological saline-injected controls. Transcardial perfusion was performed 2 h after the treatment. In the centrally projecting EWcp area, FOS immunohistochemistry was performed to assess neuronal activation. TRPA1, CART, and urocortin 1 mRNA expression as well as urocortin 1 and CART peptide content was semi-quantified by RNAscope in situ hybridization combined with immunofluorescence. Results: JT010 activated TRPA1 channels of the urocortinergic cells in acute brain slices. Alcohol treatment resulted in a significant FOS activation in both genotypes. Alcohol decreased the Trpa1 mRNA expression in WT mice. The assessment of urocortin 1 peptide immunoreactivity revealed lower basal urocortin 1 in KO mice compared to WTs. The urocortin 1 peptide content was affected genotype-dependently by alcohol: the peptide content decreased in WTs while it increased in KO mice. Alcohol exposure influenced neither CART and urocortin 1 mRNA expression nor the centrally projecting EWcp/CART peptide content. Conclusion: We proved the presence of functional TRPA1 receptors on urocortin 1 neurons of the centrally projecting EWcp. Decreased Trpa1 mRNA expression upon acute alcohol treatment, associated with reduced neuronal urocortin 1 peptide content suggesting that this cation channel may contribute to the regulation of the urocortin 1 release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Al-Omari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Kecskés
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Centre for Neuroscience, Medical School and Research Group for Mood Disorders, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tünde Biró-Sütő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Fazekas
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mónika Kuzma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School and Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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3
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Li J, Ryabinin AE. Oxytocin Receptors in the Mouse Centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal Nucleus and their Potential Functional Significance for Thermoregulation. Neuroscience 2022; 498:93-104. [PMID: 35803493 PMCID: PMC9420781 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) has been shown to contribute to regulation of multiple functions, including responses to stress and fear, attention, food consumption, addiction, body temperature and maternal behaviors. However, receptors involved in regulation of these behaviors through EWcp remain poorly characterized. On the other hand, the oxytocin peptide (OXT) is also known to regulate a substantial number of physiological responses and behaviors. Here we show that mRNA encoding OXT receptors (Oxtr) is expressed in EWcp of male and female C57BL/6J mice. These receptors are present on urocortin 1 (Ucn) mRNA-containing neurons and, to a lesser extent, on neurons in EWcp expressing the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) mRNA of EWcp. Using RNAscope in situ hybridization, we show that neurons containing Ucn and Vglut2 mRNAs are two intermingled, but independent subpopulations in EWcp and characterize their relationship with other populations of neurons in the vicinity of this nucleus. Using immunohistochemistry, we show that intraperitoneal (IP) administration of OXT can induce FOS in Oxtr-containing neurons, suggesting that these receptors on EWcp neurons are functional. A follow up study showed that injection of OXT (2.3 or 7.7 mg/kg, IP) is accompanied by a decrease in body temperature. Since EWcp is known to be involved in regulation of body temperature, we hypothesize that OXT's effects on body temperature could be mediated through the EWcp. The contribution of OXTR in EWcp to regulation of various functions of EWcp and OXT needs to be deciphered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Li
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Andrey E Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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4
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Topilko T, Diaz SL, Pacheco CM, Verny F, Rousseau CV, Kirst C, Deleuze C, Gaspar P, Renier N. Edinger-Westphal peptidergic neurons enable maternal preparatory nesting. Neuron 2022; 110:1385-1399.e8. [PMID: 35123655 PMCID: PMC9090132 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Optimizing reproductive fitness in mammalians requires behavioral adaptations during pregnancy. Maternal preparatory nesting is an essential behavior for the survival of the upcoming litter. Brain-wide immediate early gene mapping in mice evoked by nesting sequences revealed that phases of nest construction strongly activate peptidergic neurons of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in pregnant mice. Genetic ablation, bidirectional neuromodulation, and in vitro and in vivo activity recordings demonstrated that these neurons are essential to modulate arousal before sleep to promote nesting specifically. We show that these neurons enable the behavioral effects of progesterone on preparatory nesting by modulating a broad network of downstream targets. Our study deciphers the role of midbrain CART+ neurons in behavioral adaptations during pregnancy vital for reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Topilko
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Silvina L Diaz
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia Prof. E de Robertis (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catarina M Pacheco
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Florine Verny
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Charly V Rousseau
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Christoph Kirst
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Deleuze
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Gaspar
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Renier
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
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5
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Pomrenze MB, Walker LC, Giardino WJ. Gray areas: Neuropeptide circuits linking the Edinger-Westphal and Dorsal Raphe nuclei in addiction. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108769. [PMID: 34481834 PMCID: PMC8484048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The circuitry of addiction comprises several neural networks including the midbrain - an expansive region critically involved in the control of motivated behaviors. Midbrain nuclei like the Edinger-Westphal (EW) and dorsal raphe (DR) contain unique populations of neurons that synthesize many understudied neuroactive molecules and are encircled by the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Despite the proximity of these special neuron classes to the ventral midbrain complex and surrounding PAG, functions of the EW and DR remain substantially underinvestigated by comparison. Spanning approximately -3.0 to -5.2 mm posterior from bregma in the mouse, these various cell groups form a continuum of neurons that we refer to collectively as the subaqueductal paramedian zone. Defining how these pathways modulate affective behavioral states presents a difficult, yet conquerable challenge for today's technological advances in neuroscience. In this review, we cover the known contributions of different neuronal subtypes of the subaqueductal paramedian zone. We catalogue these cell types based on their spatial, molecular, connectivity, and functional properties and integrate this information with the existing data on the EW and DR in addiction. We next discuss evidence that links the EW and DR anatomically and functionally, highlighting the potential contributions of an EW-DR circuit to addiction-related behaviors. Overall, we aim to derive an integrated framework that emphasizes the contributions of EW and DR nuclei to addictive states and describes how these cell groups function in individuals suffering from substance use disorders. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Pomrenze
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - William J Giardino
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA.
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6
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Cano G, Hernan SL, Sved AF. Centrally Projecting Edinger-Westphal Nucleus in the Control of Sympathetic Outflow and Energy Homeostasis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1005. [PMID: 34439626 PMCID: PMC8392615 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) is a midbrain neuronal group, adjacent but segregated from the preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus that projects to the ciliary ganglion. The EWcp plays a crucial role in stress responses and in maintaining energy homeostasis under conditions that require an adjustment of energy expenditure, by virtue of modulating heart rate and blood pressure, thermogenesis, food intake, and fat and glucose metabolism. This modulation is ultimately mediated by changes in the sympathetic outflow to several effector organs, including the adrenal gland, heart, kidneys, brown and white adipose tissues and pancreas, in response to environmental conditions and the animal's energy state, providing for appropriate energy utilization. Classic neuroanatomical studies have shown that the EWcp receives inputs from forebrain regions involved in these functions and projects to presympathetic neuronal populations in the brainstem. Transneuronal tracing with pseudorabies virus has demonstrated that the EWcp is connected polysynaptically with central circuits that provide sympathetic innervation to all these effector organs that are critical for stress responses and energy homeostasis. We propose that EWcp integrates multimodal signals (stress, thermal, metabolic, endocrine, etc.) and modulates the sympathetic output simultaneously to multiple effector organs to maintain energy homeostasis under different conditions that require adjustments of energy demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Cano
- Department of Neuroscience, A210 Langley Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (S.L.H.); (A.F.S.)
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7
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Romero-Leguizamón CR, Kohlmeier KA. Stress-related endogenous neuropeptides induce neuronal excitation in the Laterodorsal Tegmentum. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 38:86-97. [PMID: 32768153 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a physiological response that promotes maintenance of balance against harmful stimuli. Unfortunately, chronic activation of stress systems facilitates the development of psychiatric disorders. A stress-mediated hypercholinergic state could underlie this facilitation, as cholinergic mechanisms have been suggested to play a role in anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder (SUD). Stimulation by stress hormones, urocortin (Ucn1) or corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), of the CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) of acetylcholine-containing neurons of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT) could be involved in modulation of cholinergic transmission during periods of stress hormone activation, which could play a role in psychiatric disorders as cholinergic LDT neurons project to, and control activity in, mood-, arousal- and SUD-controlling regions. The present study investigated for the first time the membrane effects and intracellular outcomes of CRFR1 activation by endogenous stress hormones on LDT neurons. Patch clamp recordings of immunohistochemically-identified cholinergic and non-cholinergic LDT neurons with concurrent calcium imaging were used to monitor cellular responses to CRFR1 stimulation with Ucn1 and CRF. Postsynaptically-mediated excitatory currents were elicited in LDT cholinergic neurons, accompanied by an enhancement in synaptic events. In addition, CRFR1 activation resulted in rises in intracellular calcium levels. CRFR1 stimulation recruited MAPK/ERK and SERCA-ATPase involved pathways. The data presented here provide the first evidence that Ucn1 and CRF exert pre and postsynaptic excitatory membrane actions on LDT cholinergic neurons that could underlie the hypercholinergic state associated with stress which could play a role in the heightened risk of psychiatric disorders associated with a chronic stress state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar R Romero-Leguizamón
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Kristi A Kohlmeier
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark.
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8
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Zuniga A, Ryabinin AE. Involvement of Centrally Projecting Edinger-Westphal Nucleus Neuropeptides in Actions of Addictive Drugs. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10020067. [PMID: 31991932 PMCID: PMC7071833 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) is a brain region distinct from the preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWpg). In contrast to the EWpg, the EWcp does not send projections to the ciliary ganglion and appears not to regulate oculomotor function. Instead, evidence is accumulating that the EWcp is extremely sensitive to alcohol and several other drugs of abuse. Studies using surgical, genetic knockout, and shRNA approaches further implicate the EWcp in the regulation of alcohol sensitivity and self-administration. The EWcp is also known as the site of preferential expression of urocortin 1, a peptide of the corticotropin-releasing factor family. However, neuroanatomical data indicate that the EWcp is not a monotypic brain region and consists of several distinct subpopulations of neurons. It is most likely that these subpopulations of the EWcp are differentially involved in the regulation of actions of addictive drugs. This review summarizes and analyzes the current literature of the EWcp's involvement in actions of drugs of abuse in male and female subjects in light of the accumulating evidence of complexities of this brain region.
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Szabadi E. Functional Organization of the Sympathetic Pathways Controlling the Pupil: Light-Inhibited and Light-Stimulated Pathways. Front Neurol 2018; 9:1069. [PMID: 30619035 PMCID: PMC6305320 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pupil dilation is mediated by a sympathetic output acting in opposition to parasympathetically mediated pupil constriction. While light stimulates the parasympathetic output, giving rise to the light reflex, it can both inhibit and stimulate the sympathetic output. Light-inhibited sympathetic pathways originate in retina-receptive neurones of the pretectum and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN): by attenuating sympathetic activity, they allow unimpeded operation of the light reflex. Light stimulates the noradrenergic and serotonergic pathways. The hub of the noradrenergic pathway is the locus coeruleus (LC) containing both excitatory sympathetic premotor neurones (SympPN) projecting to preganglionic neurones in the spinal cord, and inhibitory parasympathetic premotor neurones (ParaPN) projecting to preganglionic neurones in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWN). SympPN receive inputs from the SCN via the dorsomedial hypothalamus, orexinergic neurones of the latero-posterior hypothalamus, wake- and sleep-promoting neurones of the hypothalamus and brain stem, nociceptive collaterals of the spinothalamic tract, whereas ParaPN receive inputs from the amygdala, sleep/arousal network, nociceptive spinothalamic collaterals. The activity of LC neurones is regulated by inhibitory α2-adrenoceptors. There is a species difference in the function of the preautonomic LC. In diurnal animals, the α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine stimulates mainly autoreceptors on SymPN, causing miosis, whereas in nocturnal animals it stimulates postsynaptic α2-arenoceptors in the EWN, causing mydriasis. Noxious stimulation activates SympPN in diurnal animals and ParaPN in nocturnal animals, leading to pupil dilation via sympathoexcitation and parasympathetic inhibition, respectively. These differences may be attributed to increased activity of excitatory LC neurones due to stimulation by light in diurnal animals. This may also underlie the wake-promoting effect of light in diurnal animals, in contrast to its sleep-promoting effect in nocturnal species. The hub of the serotonergic pathway is the dorsal raphe nucleus that is light-sensitive, both directly and indirectly (via an orexinergic input). The light-stimulated pathways mediate a latent mydriatic effect of light on the pupil that can be unmasked by drugs that either inhibit or stimulate SympPN in these pathways. The noradrenergic pathway has widespread connections to neural networks controlling a variety of functions, such as sleep/arousal, pain, and fear/anxiety. Many physiological and psychological variables modulate pupil function via this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elemer Szabadi
- Developmental Psychiatry, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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10
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Wagner S. Urocortins and their unfolding role in mammalian social behavior. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:133-142. [PMID: 30465153 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system is well known for its major role in coordinating the endocrine, autonomic and behavioral responses to stress. These functions have been shown to be mediated mainly by the binding of the CRF neuropeptide to its specific receptor CRFR1. Yet, the CRF system comprises several more neuropeptides, including the three urocortins, UCN1, UCN2 and UCN3, of which the latter two bind specifically to a distinct receptor-CRFR2. Unlike the brain-wide abundant expression of CRF and CRFR1, the brain expression of the urocortins and CRFR2 is rather restricted and seems to be focused in limbic areas associated with social behavior. Here, we will review accumulating evidence from recent studies that unfold the role of UCN2 and UCN3 in regulating mammalian social behavior, via activation of CRFR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
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11
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Kovács LÁ, Schiessl JA, Nafz AE, Csernus V, Gaszner B. Both Basal and Acute Restraint Stress-Induced c-Fos Expression Is Influenced by Age in the Extended Amygdala and Brainstem Stress Centers in Male Rats. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:248. [PMID: 30186150 PMCID: PMC6113579 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is the main regulator of the stress response. The key of the HPA is the parvocellular paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (pPVN) controlled by higher-order limbic stress centers. The reactivity of the HPA axis is considered to be a function of age, but to date, little is known about the background of this age-dependency. Sporadic literature data suggest that the stress sensitivity as assessed by semi-quantitation of the neuronal activity marker c-Fos may also be influenced by age. Here, we aimed at investigating the HPA activity and c-Fos immunoreactivity 2 h after the beginning of a single 60 min acute restraint stress in eight age groups of male Wistar rats. We hypothesized that the function of the HPA axis (i.e., pPVN c-Fos and blood corticosterone (CORT) level), the neuronal activity of nine stress-related limbic areas (i.e., magnocellular PVN (mPVN), medial (MeA), central (CeA), basolateral nuclei of the amygdala, the oval (ovBNST), dorsolateral (dlBNST), dorsomedial (dmBNST), ventral and fusiform (fuBNST) divisions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST)), and two brainstem stress centers such as the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (cpEW) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) show age dependency in their c-Fos response. The somatosensory barrel cortex area (S1) was evaluated to test whether the age dependency is specific for stress-centers. Our results indicate that the stress-induced rise in blood CORT titer was lower in young age reflecting relatively low HPA activity. All 12 stress-related brain areas showed c-Fos response that peaked at 2 months of age. The magnitude of c-Fos immunoreactivity correlated negatively with age in seven regions (MeA, CeA, ovBNST, dlBNST, dmBNST, fuBNST and pPVN). Unexpectedly, the CeA, ovBNST and cpEW showed a considerable basal c-Fos expression in 1-month-old rats which decreased with age. The S1 showed a U-shaped age-related dynamics in contrast to the decline observed in stress centers. We conclude that the age- and brain area dependent dynamics in stress-induced neuronal activity pattern may contribute to the age dependance of the stress reactivity. Further studies are in progress to determine the neurochemical identity of neurons showing age-dependent basal and/or stress-induced c-Fos expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Ákos Kovács
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Center for Neuroscience, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | | | - Valér Csernus
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Center for Neuroscience, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
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12
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Company V, Moreno-Bravo JA, Perez-Balaguer A, Puelles E. The Amniote Oculomotor Complex. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 302:446-451. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Company
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC; Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante 03550 Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Moreno-Bravo
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC; Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante 03550 Spain
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision; 17 Rue Moreau, Paris 75012 France
| | - Ariadna Perez-Balaguer
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC; Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante 03550 Spain
| | - Eduardo Puelles
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC; Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante 03550 Spain
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Pereira RF, Cintra LTA, Tessarin GWL, Chiba FY, de Lima Coutinho Mattera MS, Scaramele NF, Tsosura TVS, Ervolino E, de Oliveira SHP, Sumida DH. Periapical Lesions Increase Macrophage Infiltration and Inflammatory Signaling in Muscle Tissue of Rats. J Endod 2017; 43:982-988. [DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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14
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Melanocortin 4 receptor ligands modulate energy homeostasis through urocortin 1 neurons of the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Neuropharmacology 2017; 118:26-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Giardino WJ, Rodriguez ED, Smith ML, Ford MM, Galili D, Mitchell SH, Chen A, Ryabinin AE. Control of chronic excessive alcohol drinking by genetic manipulation of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus urocortin-1 neuropeptide system. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1021. [PMID: 28140406 PMCID: PMC5299395 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Midbrain neurons of the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) are activated by alcohol, and enriched with stress-responsive neuropeptide modulators (including the paralog of corticotropin-releasing factor, urocortin-1). Evidence suggests that EWcp neurons promote behavioral processes for alcohol-seeking and consumption, but a definitive role for these cells remains elusive. Here we combined targeted viral manipulations and gene array profiling of EWcp neurons with mass behavioral phenotyping in C57BL/6 J mice to directly define the links between EWcp-specific urocortin-1 expression and voluntary binge alcohol intake, demonstrating a specific importance for EWcp urocortin-1 activity in escalation of alcohol intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Giardino
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - E D Rodriguez
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - M L Smith
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - M M Ford
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - D Galili
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - S H Mitchell
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - A Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel,Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - A E Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA. E-mail:
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16
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Cohen N, Moyal N, Henik A. Executive control suppresses pupillary responses to aversive stimuli. Biol Psychol 2015; 112:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Dos Santos Júnior ED, Da Silva AV, Da Silva KRT, Haemmerle CAS, Batagello DS, Da Silva JM, Lima LB, Da Silva RJ, Diniz GB, Sita LV, Elias CF, Bittencourt JC. The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus--I: Efferents in the rat brain. J Chem Neuroanat 2015. [PMID: 26206178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The oculomotor accessory nucleus, often referred to as the Edinger-Westphal nucleus [EW], was first identified in the 17th century. Although its most well known function is the control of pupil diameter, some controversy has arisen regarding the exact location of these preganglionic neurons. Currently, the EW is thought to consist of two different parts. The first part [termed the preganglionic EW-EWpg], which controls lens accommodation, choroidal blood flow and pupillary constriction, primarily consists of cholinergic cells that project to the ciliary ganglion. The second part [termed the centrally projecting EW-EWcp], which is involved in non-ocular functions such as feeding behavior, stress responses, addiction and pain, consists of peptidergic neurons that project to the brainstem, the spinal cord and prosencephalic regions. However, in the literature, we found few reports related to either ascending or descending projections from the EWcp that are compatible with its currently described functions. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to systematically investigate the ascending and descending projections of the EW in the rat brain. We injected the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine into the EW or the retrograde tracer cholera toxin subunit B into multiple EW targets as controls. Additionally, we investigated the potential EW-mediated innervation of neuronal populations with known neurochemical signatures, such as melanin-concentrating hormone in the lateral hypothalamic area [LHA] and corticotropin-releasing factor in the central nucleus of the amygdala [CeM]. We observed anterogradely labeled fibers in the LHA, the reuniens thalamic nucleus, the oval part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the medial part of the central nucleus of the amygdala, and the zona incerta. We confirmed our EW-LHA and EW-CeM connections using retrograde tracers. We also observed moderate EW-mediated innervation of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the posterior hypothalamus. Our findings provide anatomical bases for previously unrecognized roles of the EW in the modulation of several physiologic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmilson D Dos Santos Júnior
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André V Da Silva
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Três Lagoas 79600-080, MS, Brazil
| | - Kelly R T Da Silva
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos A S Haemmerle
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniella S Batagello
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Center of Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, 05508-030 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Joelcimar M Da Silva
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro B Lima
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata J Da Silva
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovanne B Diniz
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciane V Sita
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carol F Elias
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jackson C Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Center of Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, 05508-030 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Xu L, Janssen D, van der Knaap N, Roubos EW, Leshan RL, Myers MG, Gaszner B, Kozicz T. Integration of stress and leptin signaling by CART producing neurons in the rodent midbrain centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:8. [PMID: 24624061 PMCID: PMC3939672 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin targets the brain to regulate feeding, neuroendocrine function and metabolism. The leptin receptor is present in hypothalamic centers controlling energy metabolism as well as in the centrally projecting Edinger–Westphal nucleus (EWcp), a region implicated in the stress response and in various aspects of stress-related behaviors. We hypothesized that the stress response by cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART)-producing EWcp-neurons would depend on the animal’s energy state. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of changes in energy state (mimicked by low, normal and high leptin levels, which were achieved by 24 h fasting, normal chow and leptin injection, respectively) on the response of CART neurons in the EWcp of rats subjected or not to acute restraint stress. Our data show that leptin treatment alone significantly increases CART mRNA expression in the rat EWcp and that in leptin receptor deficient (db/db) mice, the number of CART producing neurons in this nucleus is reduced. This suggests that leptin has a stimulatory effect on the production of CART in the EWcp under non-stressed condition. Under stressed condition, however, leptin blunts stress-induced activation of EWcp neurons and decreases their CART mRNA expression. Interestingly, fasting, does not influence the stress-induced activation of EWcp-neurons, and specifically EWcp-CART neurons are not activated. These results suggest that the stress response by the EWcp depends to some degree on the animal’s energy state, a mechanism that may contribute to a better understanding of the complex interplay between obesity and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Donny Janssen
- Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Noortje van der Knaap
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Eric W Roubos
- Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Rebecca L Leshan
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes - Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI, USA
| | - Martin G Myers
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes - Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI, USA
| | | | - Tamás Kozicz
- Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre Nijmegen, Netherlands
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