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Jiang Z, He M, Young C, Cai J, Xu Y, Jiang Y, Li H, Yang M, Tong Q. Dopaminergic Neurons in Zona Incerta Drives Appetitive Self-Grooming. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308974. [PMID: 39099402 PMCID: PMC11422805 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons are known to play a key role in controlling behaviors. While DA neurons in other brain regions are extensively characterized, those in zona incerta (ZITH or A13) receive much less attention and their function remains to be defined. Here it is shown that optogenetic stimulation of these neurons elicited intensive self-grooming behaviors and promoted place preference, which can be enhanced by training but cannot be converted into contextual memory. Interestingly, the same stimulation increased DA release to periaqueductal grey (PAG) neurons and local PAG antagonism of DA action reduced the elicited self-grooming. In addition, A13 neurons increased their activity in response to various external stimuli and during natural self-grooming episodes. Finally, monosynaptic retrograde tracing showed that the paraventricular hypothalamus represents one of the major upstream brain regions to A13 neurons. Taken together, these results reveal that A13 neurons are one of the brain sites that promote appetitive self-grooming involving DA release to the PAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Jiang
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michelle He
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Summer Undergraduate Research Program, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Claire Young
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jing Cai
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center & UTHealth Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yuanzhong Xu
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hongli Li
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Maojie Yang
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Qingchun Tong
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center & UTHealth Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Ugrumov MV. Hypothalamic neurons fully or partially expressing the dopaminergic phenotype: development, distribution, functioning and functional significance. A review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 75:101153. [PMID: 39128801 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The hypothalamus is a key link in neuroendocrine regulations, which are provided by neuropeptides and dopamine. Until the late 1980 s, it was believed that, along with peptidergic neurons, hypothalamus contained dopaminergic neurons. Over time, it has been shown that besides dopaminergic neurons expressing the dopamine transporter and dopamine-synthesizing enzymes - tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) - the hypothalamus contains neurons expressing only TH, only AADC, both enzymes or only dopamine transporter. The end secretory product of TH neurons is L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, while that of AADC neurons and bienzymatic neurons lacking the dopamine transporter is dopamine. During ontogenesis, especially in the perinatal period, monoenzymatic neurons predominate in the hypothalamic neuroendocrine centers. It is assumed that L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and dopamine are released into the neuropil, cerebral ventricles, and blood vessels, participating in the regulation of target cell differentiation in the perinatal period and the functioning of target cells in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Ugrumov
- Laboratory of Neural and Neuroendocrine Regulations, Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Wang J, O'Reilly M, Cooper IA, Chehrehasa F, Moody H, Beecher K. Mapping GABAergic projections that mediate feeding. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105743. [PMID: 38821151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105743] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Neuroscience offers important insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of obesity by investigating neural circuits underpinning appetite and feeding. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain, and its associated receptors represent an array of pharmacologically targetable mediators of appetite signalling. Targeting the GABAergic system is therefore an increasingly investigated approach to obesity treatment. However, the many GABAergic projections that control feeding have yet to be collectively analysed. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between GABAergic signalling and appetite by examining both foundational studies and the results of newly emerging chemogenetic/optogenetic experiments. A current snapshot of these efforts to map GABAergic projections influencing appetite is provided, and potential avenues for further investigation are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Wang
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia.
| | - Max O'Reilly
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Building 71/918 Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Fatemeh Chehrehasa
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - Hayley Moody
- Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate Beecher
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Building 71/918 Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia
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Liu X, He J, Jiang W, Wen S, Xiao Z. The Roles of Periaqueductal Gray and Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Dopaminergic Systems in the Mechanisms of Thermal Hypersensitivity and Depression in Mice. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1213-1228. [PMID: 36796500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Depression and thermal hypersensitivity share pathogenic features and symptomology, but their pathophysiologic interactions have not been fully elucidated. Dopaminergic systems in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) and dorsal raphe nucleus have been implicated in these conditions due to their antinociception and antidepression effects, although their specific roles and underlying mechanisms remain obscure. In this study, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CMS) was used to induce depression-like behaviors and thermal hypersensitivity in C57BL/6J (wild-type) or dopamine transporter promoter mice to establish a mouse model of pain and depression comorbidity. Microinjections of quinpirole, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, up-regulated D2 receptor expression in dorsal raphe nucleus and reduced depressive behaviors and thermal hypersensitivity with CMS, while dorsal raphe nucleus injections of JNJ-37822681, an antagonist of D2 receptors, had the reciprocal effect on dopamine D2 receptor expression and behaviors. Moreover, using a chemical genetics approach to activate or inhibit dopaminergic neurons in vlPAG ameliorated or exacerbated depression-like behaviors and thermal hypersensitivity, respectively, in dopamine transporter promoter-Cre CMS mice. Collectively these results demonstrated the specific role of vlPAG and dorsal raphe nucleus dopaminergic systems in the regulation of pain and depression comorbidity in mice. PERSPECTIVE: The current study provides insights into the complex mechanisms underlying thermal hypersensitivity induced by depression, and the findings suggest that pharmacological and chemogenetic modulation of dopaminergic systems in the vlPAG and dorsal raphe nucleus may be a promising therapeutic strategy to simultaneously mitigate pain and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfeng Liu
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jingxin He
- Graduate School, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Graduate School, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Song Wen
- Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhi Xiao
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
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The laterodorsal tegmentum-ventral tegmental area circuit controls depression-like behaviors by activating ErbB4 in DA neurons. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1027-1045. [PMID: 33990773 PMCID: PMC8590712 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical to coping with stress. However, molecular mechanisms regulating their activity and stress-induced depression were not well understood. We found that the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4 in VTA was activated in stress-susceptible mice. Deleting ErbB4 in VTA or in DA neurons, or chemical genetic inhibition of ErbB4 kinase activity in VTA suppressed the development of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depression-like behaviors. ErbB4 activation required the expression of NRG1 in the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDTg); LDTg-specific deletion of NRG1 inhibited depression-like behaviors. NRG1 and ErbB4 suppressed potassium currents of VTA DA neurons and increased their firing activity. Finally, we showed that acute inhibition of ErbB4 after stress attenuated DA neuron hyperactivity and expression of depression-like behaviors. Together, these observations demonstrate a critical role of NRG1-ErbB4 signaling in regulating depression-like behaviors and identify an unexpected mechanism by which the LDTg-VTA circuit regulates the activity of DA neurons.
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Wasinski F, Chaves FM, Pedroso JA, Mansano NS, Camporez JP, Gusmão DO, List EO, Kopchick JJ, Frazão R, Szawka RE, Donato J. Growth hormone receptor in dopaminergic neurones regulates stress-induced prolactin release in male mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12957. [PMID: 33769619 PMCID: PMC9670090 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Arcuate nucleus (ARH) dopaminergic neurones regulate several biological functions, including prolactin secretion and metabolism. These cells are responsive to growth hormone (GH), although it is still unknown whether GH action on ARH dopaminergic neurones is required to regulate different physiological aspects. Mice carrying specific deletion of GH receptor (GHR) in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)- or dopamine transporter (DAT)-expressing cells were produced. We investigated possible changes in energy balance, glucose homeostasis, fertility, pup survival and restraint stress-induced prolactin release. GHR deletion in DAT- or TH-expressing cells did not cause changes in food intake, energy expenditure, ambulatory activity, nutrient oxidation, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and counter-regulatory response to hypoglycaemia in male and female mice. In addition, GHR deletion in dopaminergic cells caused no gross effects on reproduction and pup survival. However, restraint stress-induced prolactin release was significantly impaired in DAT- and TH-specific GHR knockout male mice, as well as in pegvisomant-treated wild-type males, whereas an intact response was observed in females. Patch clamp recordings were performed in ARH DAT neurones and, in contrast to prolactin, GH did not cause acute changes in the electrical activity of DAT neurones. Furthermore, TH phosphorylation at Ser40 in ARH neurones and median eminence axonal terminals was not altered in DAT-specific GHR knockout male mice during restraint stress. In conclusion, GH action in dopaminergic neurones is required for stress-induced prolactin release in male mice, suggesting the existence of sex differences in the capacity of GHR signalling to affect prolactin secretion. The mechanism behind this regulation still needs to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Wasinski
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M. Chaves
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João A.B. Pedroso
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Naira S. Mansano
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Camporez
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de Fisiologia, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniela O. Gusmão
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Edward O. List
- Edison Biotechnology Institute and Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - John J. Kopchick
- Edison Biotechnology Institute and Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Renata Frazão
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raphael E. Szawka
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Altered baseline and amphetamine-mediated behavioral profiles in dopamine transporter Cre (DAT-Ires-Cre) mice compared to tyrosine hydroxylase Cre (TH-Cre) mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3553-3568. [PMID: 32778904 PMCID: PMC10120402 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05635-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Transgenic mouse lines expressing Cre-recombinase under the regulation of either dopamine transporter (DAT) or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoters are commonly used to study the dopamine (DA) system. While use of the TH promoter appears to have less liability to changes in native gene expression, transgene insertion in the DAT locus results in reduced DAT expression and function. This confound is sometimes overlooked in genetically targeted behavioral experiments. OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the suitability of DAT-Ires-Cre and TH-Cre transgenic lines for behavioral pharmacology experiments with DA agonists. We hypothesized that DAT-Ires-Cre expression would impact DAT-mediated behaviors, but no impact of TH-Cre expression would be observed. METHODS DAT-Ires-Cre and TH-Cre mice bred on mixed 129S6/C57BL/6 and pure C57BL/6 backgrounds were evaluated for novelty-induced, baseline, and amphetamine (AMPH)-induced locomotion, and for AMPH and D1 agonist (SKF-38393)-induced preservative behaviors. RESULTS DAT-Ires-Cre mice on both mixed 129S6/C57BL/6 and pure C57BL/6 backgrounds displayed increased novelty-induced activity and decreased AMPH-induced locomotion, with mixed results for AMPH-induced stereotypy. TH-Cre mice on both backgrounds showed typical baseline activity and AMPH-induced stereotypy, with a difference in AMPH-induced locomotion observed only on the mixed background. Both transgenic lines displayed unaltered SKF-38393-induced grooming behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the DAT-Ires-Cre transgenic line may lead to confounds for experiments that are dependent on DAT expression. The TH-Cre transgenic line studied here may be a more useful option, depending on background strain, because of its lack of baseline and drug-induced phenotypes. These data highlight the importance of appropriate controls in studies employing transgenic mice.
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Cornejo MP, Barrile F, Cassano D, Aguggia JP, García Romero G, Reynaldo M, Andreoli MF, De Francesco PN, Perello M. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor in dopamine neurons controls appetitive and consummatory behaviors towards high-fat diet in ad-libitum fed mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 119:104718. [PMID: 32535402 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), the receptor for ghrelin, is expressed in key brain nuclei that regulate food intake. The dopamine (DA) pathways have long been recognized to play key roles mediating GHSR effects on feeding behaviors. Here, we aimed to determine the role of GHSR in DA neurons controlling appetitive and consummatory behaviors towards high fat (HF) diet. For this purpose, we crossed reactivable GHSR-deficient mice with DA transporter (DAT)-Cre mice, which express Cre recombinase under the DAT promoter that is active exclusively in DA neurons, to generate mice with GHSR expression limited to DA neurons (DAT-GHSR mice). We found that DAT-GHSR mice show an increase of c-Fos levels in brain areas containing DA neurons after ghrelin treatment, in a similar fashion as seen in wild-type mice; however, they did not increase food intake or locomotor activity in response to systemically- or centrally-administered ghrelin. In addition, we found that satiated DAT-GHSR mice displayed both anticipatory activity to scheduled HF diet exposure and HF intake in a binge-like eating protocol similar to those in wild-type mice, whereas GHSR-deficient mice displayed impaired responses. We conclude that GHSR expression in DA neurons is sufficient to both mediate increased anticipatory activity to a scheduled HF diet exposure and fully orchestrate binge-like HF intake, but it is insufficient to restore the acute orexigenic or locomotor effects of ghrelin treatment. Thus, GHSR in DA neurons affects appetitive and consummatory behaviors towards HF diet that take place in the absence of caloric needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Paula Cornejo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco Barrile
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Cassano
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Paola Aguggia
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guadalupe García Romero
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mirta Reynaldo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Andreoli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurodevelopment, Institute of Development and Pediatric Research (IDIP), La Plata Children's Hospital and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA)], La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Nicolás De Francesco
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Tyrosine Hydroxylase Neurons Regulate Growth Hormone Secretion via Short-Loop Negative Feedback. J Neurosci 2020; 40:4309-4322. [PMID: 32317389 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2531-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Classical studies suggest that growth hormone (GH) secretion is controlled by negative-feedback loops mediated by GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)- or somatostatin-expressing neurons. Catecholamines are known to alter GH secretion and neurons expressing TH are located in several brain areas containing GH-responsive cells. However, whether TH-expressing neurons are required to regulate GH secretion via negative-feedback mechanisms is unknown. In the present study, we showed that between 50% and 90% of TH-expressing neurons in the periventricular, paraventricular, and arcuate hypothalamic nuclei and locus ceruleus of mice exhibited STAT5 phosphorylation (pSTAT5) after an acute GH injection. Ablation of GH receptor (GHR) from TH cells or in the entire brain markedly increased GH pulse secretion and body growth in both male and female mice. In contrast, GHR ablation in cells that express the dopamine transporter (DAT) or dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH; marker of noradrenergic/adrenergic cells) did not affect body growth. Nevertheless, less than 50% of TH-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus were found to express DAT. Ablation of GHR in TH cells increased the hypothalamic expression of Ghrh mRNA, although very few GHRH neurons were found to coexpress TH- and GH-induced pSTAT5. In summary, TH neurons that do not express DAT or DBH are required for the autoregulation of GH secretion via a negative-feedback loop. Our findings revealed a critical and previously unidentified group of catecholaminergic interneurons that are apt to sense changes in GH levels and regulate the somatotropic axis in mice.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Textbooks indicate until now that the pulsatile pattern of growth hormone (GH) secretion is primarily controlled by GH-releasing hormone and somatostatin neurons. The regulation of GH secretion relies on the ability of these cells to sense changes in circulating GH levels to adjust pituitary GH secretion within a narrow physiological range. However, our study identifies a specific population of tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing neurons that is critical to autoregulate GH secretion via a negative-feedback loop. The lack of this mechanism in transgenic mice results in aberrant GH secretion and body growth. Since GH plays a key role in cell proliferation, body growth, and metabolism, our findings provide a major advance to understand how the brain regulates the somatotropic axis.
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Godefroy D, Boukhzar L, Dubessy C, Montero-Hadjadje M, Yon L, Eiden LE, Anouar Y. Three-dimensional mapping of tyrosine hydroxylase in the transparent brain and adrenal of prenatal and pre-weaning mice: Comprehensive methodological flowchart and quantitative aspects of 3D mapping. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 335:108596. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Esteves FF, Matias D, Mendes AR, Lacoste B, Lima SQ. Sexually dimorphic neuronal inputs to the neuroendocrine dopaminergic system governing prolactin release. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12781. [PMID: 31419363 PMCID: PMC6851580 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) is a pleiotropic hormone that was identified in the context of maternal care and its release from the anterior pituitary is primarily controlled by neuroendocrine dopaminergic (NEDA) neurones of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. The sexually dimorphic nature of PRL physiology and associated behaviours is evident in mammals, even though the number and density of NEDA neurones is reported as not being sexually dimorphic in rats. However, the underlying circuits controlling NEDA neuronal activity and subsequent PRL release are largely uncharacterised. Thus, we mapped whole-brain monosynaptic NEDA inputs in male and female mice. Accordingly, we employed a rabies virus based monosynaptic tracing system capable of retrogradely mapping inputs into genetically defined neuronal populations. To gain genetic access to NEDA neurones, we used the dopamine transporter promoter. Here, we unravel 59 brain regions that synapse onto NEDA neurones and reveal that male and female mice, despite monomorphic distribution of NEDA neurones in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, receive sexually dimorphic amount of inputs from the anterior hypothalamic nucleus, anteroventral periventricular nucleus, medial preoptic nucleus, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, posterior periventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, lateral supramammillary nucleus, tuberal nucleus and periaqueductal grey. Beyond highlighting the importance of considering sex as a biological variable when evaluating connectivity in the brain, these results illustrate a case where a neuronal population with similar anatomical distribution has a subjacent sexually dimorphic connectivity pattern, potentially capable of contributing to the sexually dimorphic nature of PRL release and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diogo Matias
- Champalimaud ResearchPrograma Champalimaud de NeurociênciasLisboaPortugal
| | - Ana R. Mendes
- Champalimaud ResearchPrograma Champalimaud de NeurociênciasLisboaPortugal
| | - Bertrand Lacoste
- Champalimaud ResearchPrograma Champalimaud de NeurociênciasLisboaPortugal
| | - Susana Q. Lima
- Champalimaud ResearchPrograma Champalimaud de NeurociênciasLisboaPortugal
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Huguet G, Temel Y, Kádár E, Pol S, Casaca-Carreira J, Segura-Torres P, Jahanshahi A. Altered expression of dopaminergic cell fate regulating genes prior to manifestation of symptoms in a transgenic rat model of Huntington's disease. Brain Res 2019; 1712:101-108. [PMID: 30711400 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hyperactivity of the dopaminergic pathway is thought to contribute to clinical symptoms in the early stages of Huntington's disease (HD). It is suggested to be result of a reduced dopaminergic inhibition by degeneration of medium spiny neurons in the striatum. Previously, we have shown that the number of dopaminergic cells is increased in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of HD patients and transgenic HD (tgHD) rats during the manifestation phase of the disease; as well as in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) of tgHD rats. To address whether these changes are secondary to neurodegeneration or take place in the pre-manifest phase of the disease, we examined the expression of genes controlling neuronal cell fate and genes that define dopaminergic cell phenotype. In the SNc-VTA of tgHD rats, Msx1 was upregulated, which correlated with an altered expression of transcription factors Zbtb16 and Tcf12. Zbtb16 was upregulated in the DRN and it was the only gene that showed a correlated expression in the tgHD rats between SNc-VTA and DRN. Zbtb16 may be a candidate for regionally tuning its cell populations, resulting in the increase in dopaminergic cells observed in our previous studies. Here, we demonstrated an altered expression of genes related to dopaminergic cell fate regulation in the brainstem of 6 months-old tgHD rats. This suggests that changes in dopaminergic system in HD precede the manifestation of clinical symptoms, contradicting the theory that hyperdopaminergic status in HD is a consequence of neurodegeneration in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Huguet
- Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Yasin Temel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Elisabet Kádár
- Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Sylvana Pol
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Joao Casaca-Carreira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Pilar Segura-Torres
- Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ali Jahanshahi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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13
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Brown RSE, Khant Aung Z, Phillipps HR, Barad Z, Lein HJ, Boehm U, Szawka RE, Grattan DR. Acute Suppression of LH Secretion by Prolactin in Female Mice Is Mediated by Kisspeptin Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1323-1332. [PMID: 30901026 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hyperprolactinemia causes infertility, but the specific mechanism is unknown. It is clear that elevated prolactin levels suppress pulsatile release of GnRH from the hypothalamus, with a consequent reduction in pulsatile LH secretion from the pituitary. Only a few GnRH neurons express prolactin receptors (Prlrs), however, and thus prolactin must act indirectly in the underlying neural circuitry. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that prolactin-induced inhibition of LH secretion is mediated by kisspeptin neurons, which provide major excitatory inputs to GnRH neurons. To evaluate pulsatile LH secretion, we collected serial blood samples from diestrous mice and measured LH levels by ultrasensitive ELISA. Acute prolactin administration decreased LH pulses in wild-type mice. Kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus and in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V) acutely responded to prolactin, but prolactin-induced signaling in kisspeptin neurons was up to fourfold higher in the arcuate nucleus when compared with the RP3V. Consistent with this, conditional knockout of Prlr specifically in arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons prevented prolactin-induced suppression of LH secretion. Our data establish that during hyperprolactinemia, suppression of pulsatile LH secretion is mediated by Prlr on arcuate kisspeptin neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary S E Brown
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Zin Khant Aung
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hollian R Phillipps
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Zsuzsanna Barad
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hsin-Jui Lein
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Raphael E Szawka
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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14
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Evans MC, Kumar NS, Inglis MA, Anderson GM. Leptin and insulin do not exert redundant control of metabolic or emotive function via dopamine neurons. Horm Behav 2018; 106:93-104. [PMID: 30292429 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Leptin and insulin's hunger-suppressing and activity-promoting actions on hypothalamic neurons are well characterized, yet the mechanisms by which they modulate the midbrain dopamine system to influence energy balance remain less clear. A subset of midbrain dopamine neurons express receptors for leptin (Lepr) and insulin (Insr). Leptin-dopamine signaling reduces running reward and homecage activity. However, dopamine-specific deletion of Lepr does not affect body weight or food intake in mice. We hypothesized insulin-dopamine signaling might compensate for disrupted leptin-dopamine signaling. To investigate the degree to which insulin and leptin exert overlapping (i.e. redundant) versus discrete control over dopamine neurons, we generated transgenic male and female mice exhibiting dopamine-specific deletion of either Lepr (Lepr KO), Insr (Insr KO) or both Lepr and Insr (Dbl KO) and assessed their feeding behavior, voluntary activity, and energy expenditure compared to control mice. No differences in body weight, daily food intake, energy expenditure or hyperphagic feeding of palatable chow were observed between Lepr, Insr or Dbl KO mice and control mice. However, consistent with previous findings, Lepr KO (but not Insr or Dbl KO) male mice exhibited significantly increased running wheel activity compared to controls. These data demonstrate that insulin and leptin do not exert redundant control of dopamine neuron-mediated modulation of energy balance. Furthermore, our results indicate neither leptin nor insulin plays a critical role in the modulation of dopamine neurons regarding hedonic feeding behavior or anxiety-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie C Evans
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Nivesh S Kumar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Megan A Inglis
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Greg M Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
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15
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Koblinger K, Jean-Xavier C, Sharma S, Füzesi T, Young L, Eaton SEA, Kwok CHT, Bains JS, Whelan PJ. Optogenetic Activation of A11 Region Increases Motor Activity. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 12:86. [PMID: 30364230 PMCID: PMC6193508 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbic brain regions drive goal-directed behaviors. These behaviors often require dynamic motor responses, but the functional connectome of limbic structures in the diencephalon that control locomotion is not well known. The A11 region, within the posterior diencephalon has been postulated to contribute to motor function and control of pain. Here we show that the A11 region initiates movement. Photostimulation of channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) transfected neurons in A11 slice preparations showed that neurons could follow stimulation at frequencies of 20 Hz. Our data show that photostimulation of ChR2 transfected neurons in the A11 region enhances motor activity often leading to locomotion. Using vGluT2-reporter and vGAT-reporter mice we show that the A11 tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH) dopaminergic neurons are vGluT2 and vGAT negative. We find that in addition to dopaminergic neurons within the A11 region, there is another neuronal subtype which expresses the monoenzymatic aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), but not TH, a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of catecholamines including dopamine. This monoaminergic-based motor circuit may be involved in the control of motor behavior as part of a broader diencephalic motor region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Koblinger
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Céline Jean-Xavier
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sandeep Sharma
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tamás Füzesi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Leanne Young
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shane E A Eaton
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Charlie Hong Ting Kwok
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jaideep Singh Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Patrick J Whelan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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16
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Development of neuroendocrine neurons in the mammalian hypothalamus. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:23-39. [PMID: 29869716 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2859-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine system consists of a heterogeneous collection of (mostly) neuropeptidergic neurons found in four hypothalamic nuclei and sharing the ability to secrete neurohormones (all of them neuropeptides except dopamine) into the bloodstream. There are, however, abundant hypothalamic non-neuroendocrine neuropeptidergic neurons developing in parallel with the neuroendocrine system, so that both cannot be entirely disentangled. This heterogeneity results from the workings of a network of transcription factors many of which are already known. Olig2 and Fezf2 expressed in the progenitors, acting through mantle-expressed Otp and Sim1, Sim2 and Pou3f2 (Brn2), regulate production of magnocellular and anterior parvocellular neurons. Nkx2-1, Rax, Ascl1, Neurog3 and Dbx1 expressed in the progenitors, acting through mantle-expressed Isl1, Dlx1, Gsx1, Bsx, Hmx2/3, Ikzf1, Nr5a2 (LH-1) and Nr5a1 (SF-1) are responsible for tuberal parvocellular (arcuate nucleus) and other neuropeptidergic neurons. The existence of multiple progenitor domains whose progeny undergoes intricate tangential migrations as one source of complexity in the neuropeptidergic hypothalamus is the focus of much attention. How neurosecretory cells target axons to the medial eminence and posterior hypophysis is gradually becoming clear and exciting progress has been made on the mechanisms underlying neurovascular interface formation. While rat neuroanatomy and targeted mutations in mice have yielded fundamental knowledge about the neuroendocrine system in mammals, experiments on chick and zebrafish are providing key information about cellular and molecular mechanisms. Looking forward, data from every source will be necessary to unravel the ways in which the environment affects neuroendocrine development with consequences for adult health and disease.
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