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Du R, Lu G, Luo WJ, He T, Li CL, Yu Y, Wei N, Luo X, Chen J. Dyadic social interaction paradigm reveals selective role of ovarian estrogen in the caring behavior and socially transferred pain in female mice. Neuropharmacology 2024:110138. [PMID: 39244013 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
When a naïve observer meets with a familiar conspecific in pain, mice may have a myriad of social (sniffing, allolicking, allogrooming, huddling) and non-social (self-grooming) behaviors under dyadic social interaction (DSI) paradigm. Unlike male, female observers express more allolicking behavior toward injury site of a familiar female in pain, but with less body allogrooming. In current study, we investigated roles of natural estrus cycle phases and ovarian estrogen in these behaviors and results showed that: (1) there was no changes in above behaviors in terms of latency, time and bouts across different natural estrus cycle phases in intact female. (2) however, ovariectomy (OVX) changed estrus cycle phases, lowered circulating level of ovarian estrogen, reduced time and bouts of allolicking behavior and increased time of self-grooming without affecting other behaviors. Moreover, OVX in observers decreased social buffering effect of DSI on spontaneous pain-related behavior in demonstrator relative to naïve and sham controls. (3) treatment of OVX-female with β-estradiol (E2) or progesterone (PROG) as replacement therapies, only E2 reversed impairment of allolicking behavior. (4) Additionally, socially transferred pain could be identified in intact female across all estrus cycle phases post-DSI, but disappeared in OVX-female, which could be reversed completely by E2 but not by PROG. (5) Finally, serum levels of estrogen, PROG, oxytocin, arginine vasopressin (AVP), prolactin, norepinephrine and 5-HT were examined by ELISA after E2, results showed only AVP level was significantly increased. These results suggest both injury site-targeted caring behavior and socially transferred pain are selectively dependent on ovarian estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, P. R. China
| | - Guofang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Jun Luo
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, P. R. China
| | - Ting He
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Li Li
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, P. R. China
| | - Na Wei
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Luo
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, P. R. China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, P. R. China; Sanhang Institute for Brain Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710129, P. R. China.
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2
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Grassi D, Marraudino M, Garcia-Segura LM, Panzica GC. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus as a central hub for the estrogenic modulation of neuroendocrine function and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100974. [PMID: 34995643 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) help coordinate reproduction with body physiology, growth and metabolism. PVN integrates hormonal and neural signals originating in the periphery, generating an output mediated both by its long-distance neuronal projections, and by a variety of neurohormones produced by its magnocellular and parvocellular neurosecretory cells. Here we review the cyto-and chemo-architecture, the connectivity and function of PVN and the sex-specific regulation exerted by estradiol on PVN neurons and on the expression of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neuropeptides and neurohormones in PVN. Classical and non-classical estrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in neuronal afferents to PVN and in specific PVN interneurons, projecting neurons, neurosecretory neurons and glial cells that are involved in the input-output integration and coordination of neurohormonal signals. Indeed, PVN ERs are known to modulate body homeostatic processes such as autonomic functions, stress response, reproduction, and metabolic control. Finally, the functional implications of the estrogenic modulation of the PVN for body homeostasis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Grassi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Marraudino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - G C Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy; Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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3
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Rybicka M, Kaźmierczak M, Pawlicka P, Łada-Maśko AB, Anikiej-Wiczenbach P, Bielawski KP. (Re-)activity in the caregiving situation: Genetic diversity within Oxytocin-Vasopressin Pathway is associated with salivary oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations in response to contact with a crying infant-simulator. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 131:105294. [PMID: 34102428 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) hormones as well as their receptors (OXTR and AVPR1a) have been deemed crucial for caregiving and sensitive responsiveness to infant cues. However, previous research on genetic polymorphisms and OT and AVP levels in the context of caregiving were sparse and have brought contradictory findings. The aim of this reported observational study was to examine the impact of genetic variations within genes related to OT and AVP signaling pathway on hormones levels' changes in response to the caregiving situation. A total of 221 adult intimate couples (110 childless, non-pregnant and 111 expectant couples) participated in three 10 min sessions, during which they were taking care of a crying life-like simulator. 30 min prior to the first session salivary samples to analyze basal OT and AVP, and polymorphisms in OXTR, AVPR1a and CD38 genes were collected. Subsequent OT and AVP levels were measured 15 min after each session. The two most frequently studied OXTR SNPs (rs53576 and rs2254298) had no or a minor impact on higher OT levels, which were linked to rs1042778, rs13316193, rs2228485, rs2268490, rs4686302 genotypes. AVP levels were affected by rs1042778, rs13316193, rs4686302 and rs237887. OT levels varied depending on the OT (rs2770378, rs4813625), CD38 (rs379686), and 5-HTR2A (rs6314) genotype. OT and AVP levels were also associated with rs6314 (5-HTR2A). AVP levels were linked to ESR1 (rs1884051) and SIM1 (rs3734354) variations. Shorter variants of RS3 and RS1 were associated with lower levels of AVP. In conclusion, analyzed polymorphisms were associated with both the level and changes in OT and AVP hormone levels in the standardized situation of caregiving reactions to infant crying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Rybicka
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Maria Kaźmierczak
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Paulina Pawlicka
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Ariadna Beata Łada-Maśko
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Paulina Anikiej-Wiczenbach
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Piotr Bielawski
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland.
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Zuloaga DG, Heck AL, De Guzman RM, Handa RJ. Roles for androgens in mediating the sex differences of neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:44. [PMID: 32727567 PMCID: PMC7388454 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol and testosterone are powerful steroid hormones that impact brain function in numerous ways. During development, these hormones can act to program the adult brain in a male or female direction. During adulthood, gonadal steroid hormones can activate or inhibit brain regions to modulate adult functions. Sex differences in behavioral and neuroendocrine (i.e., hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis) responses to stress arise as a result of these organizational and activational actions. The sex differences that are present in the HPA and behavioral responses to stress are particularly important considering their role in maintaining homeostasis. Furthermore, dysregulation of these systems can underlie the sex biases in risk for complex, stress-related diseases that are found in humans. Although many studies have explored the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors in mediating sex differences in stress-related behaviors and HPA function, much less consideration has been given to the role of androgens. While circulating androgens can act by binding and activating androgen receptors, they can also act by metabolism to estrogenic molecules to impact estrogen signaling in the brain and periphery. This review focuses on androgens as an important hormone for modulating the HPA axis and behaviors throughout life and for setting up sex differences in key stress regulatory systems that could impact risk for disease in adulthood. In particular, impacts of androgens on neuropeptide systems known to play key roles in HPA and behavioral responses to stress (corticotropin-releasing factor, vasopressin, and oxytocin) are discussed. A greater knowledge of androgen action in the brain is key to understanding the neurobiology of stress in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley L Heck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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Lagunas N, Marraudino M, de Amorim M, Pinos H, Collado P, Panzica G, Garcia-Segura LM, Grassi D. Estrogen receptor beta and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 are involved in the acute estrogenic regulation of arginine-vasopressin immunoreactive levels in the supraoptic and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei of female rats. Brain Res 2019; 1712:93-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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6
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Vilhena-Franco T, Mecawi AS, Almeida-Pereira G, Lucio-Oliveira F, Elias LLK, Antunes-Rodrigues J. Oestradiol acts through its beta receptor to increase vasopressin neuronal activation and secretion induced by dehydration. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12712. [PMID: 30887585 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Vasopressinergic neurones of the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei express oestrogen receptor (ER)β and receive afferent projections from osmosensitive neurones that express ERα. However, which subtype of these receptors mediates the effects of oestradiol on vasopressin (AVP) secretion induced by hydromineral challenge has not yet been demonstrated in vivo. Moreover, AVP secretion induced by hyperosmolality is known to involve activation of TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid, member 1) in magnocellular neurones, although whether oestradiol modulates expression of this receptor is unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to clarify the mechanisms involved in the modulation exerted by oestradiol on AVP secretion, specifically investigating the involvement of ERβ, ERα and TRPV1 receptors in response to water deprivation (WD). We observed that treatment with an ERβ agonist potentiated AVP secretion and vasopressinergic neuronal activation induced by WD. This increase in AVP secretion induced by WD was reversed by an ERβ antagonist. By contrast to ERβ, the ERα agonist did not alter plasma AVP concentrations or activation of AVP neurones in the SON and PVN. Additionally, Fos expression in the subfornical organ was not altered by the ERα agonist. TRPV1 mRNA expression was increased by WD in the SON, although this response was not altered by any treatment. The results of the present study suggest that ERβ mediates the effects of oestradiol on AVP secretion in response to WD, indicating that the effects of oestradiol occur directly in AVP neurones without affecting TRPV1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane Vilhena-Franco
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - André Souza Mecawi
- Department of Biophysics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Almeida-Pereira
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Lucio-Oliveira
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Southern Minas Gerais, Muzambinho, Brazil
| | | | - José Antunes-Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
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7
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Yu Y, Wei SG, Weiss RM, Felder RB. Sex differences in the central and peripheral manifestations of ischemia-induced heart failure in rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 316:H70-H79. [PMID: 30289294 PMCID: PMC6383354 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00499.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in the presentation, outcome, and responses to treatment of systolic heart failure (HF) have been reported. In the present study, we examined the effect of sex on central neural mechanisms contributing to neurohumoral excitation and its peripheral manifestations in rats with HF. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent coronary artery ligation (CL) to induce HF. Age-matched rats served as controls. Ischemic zone and left ventricular function were similar 24 h and 4 wk after CL. Female rats with HF had a lower mortality rate and less hemodynamic compromise, pulmonary congestion, and right ventricular remodeling 4 wk after CL. Plasma angiotensin II (ANG II), arginine vasopressin (AVP), and norepinephrine levels were increased in HF rats in both sexes, but AVP and norepinephrine levels increased less in female rats. In the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, a key cardiovascular-related nucleus contributing to neurohumoral excitation in HF, mRNA levels for the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β as well as cyclooxygenase-2 and the ANG II type 1a receptor were increased in HF rats of both sexes, but less so in female rats. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels increased in female HF rats but decreased in male HF rats. mRNA levels of AVP were lower in female rats in both control and HF groups compared with the respective male groups. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 increased similarly in both sexes in HF. The results suggest that female HF rats have less central neural excitation and less associated hemodynamic compromise than male HF rats with the same degree of initial ischemic cardiac injury. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sex differences in the presentation and responses to treatment of heart failure (HF) are widely recognized, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The present study describes sex differences in the central nervous system mechanisms that drive neurohumoral excitation in ischemia-induced HF. Female rats had a less intense central neurochemical response to HF and experienced less hemodynamic compromise. Sex hormones may contribute to these differences in the central and peripheral adaptations to HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Shun-Guang Wei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert M Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert B Felder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Iowa City, Iowa
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Garcia AN, Depena C, Bezner K, Yin W, Gore AC. The timing and duration of estradiol treatment in a rat model of the perimenopause: Influences on social behavior and the neuromolecular phenotype. Horm Behav 2018; 97:75-84. [PMID: 29108778 PMCID: PMC5771824 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study tested the effects of timing and duration of estradiol (E2) treatment, factors that are clinically relevant to hormone replacement in perimenopausal women, on social behavior and expression of genes in brain regions that regulate these behaviors. Female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) at 1year of age, roughly equivalent to middle-age in women, and given E2 or vehicle for different durations (3 or 6months) and timing (immediately or after a 3-month delay) relative to OVX. Social and ultrasonic vocalization (USV) behaviors were assessed at the 3 and 6month timepoints, and the rats' brains were then used for gene expression profiling in hypothalamus (supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial amygdala, and prefrontal cortex using a 48-gene qPCR platform. At the 3-month post-OVX testing period, E2 treatment significantly decreased the number of frequency-modulated USVs emitted. No effects of hormone were found at the 6-month testing period. There were few effects of timing and duration of E2 in a test of social preference of a rat given a choice between her same-sex cagemate and a novel conspecific. For gene expression, effects of timing and duration of E2 were region-specific, with the majority of changes found for genes involved in regulating social behavior such as neuropeptides (Oxt, Oxtr &Avp), neurotransmitters (Drd1, Drd2, Htr2a, Grin2d &Gabbr1), and steroid hormone receptors (Esr2, Ar, Pgr). These data suggest that the mode of E2 treatment has specific effects on social behavior and expression of target genes involved in the regulation of these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Christina Depena
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kelsey Bezner
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Weiling Yin
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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9
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Ponti G, Rodriguez-Gomez A, Farinetti A, Marraudino M, Filice F, Foglio B, Sciacca G, Panzica GC, Gotti S. Early postnatal genistein administration permanently affects nitrergic and vasopressinergic systems in a sex-specific way. Neuroscience 2017; 346:203-215. [PMID: 28131623 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Genistein (GEN) is a natural xenoestrogen (isoflavonoid) that may interfere with the development of estrogen-sensitive neural circuits. Due to the large and increasing use of soy-based formulas for babies (characterized by a high content of GEN), there are some concerns that this could result in an impairment of some estrogen-sensitive neural circuits and behaviors. In a previous study, we demonstrated that its oral administration to female mice during late pregnancy and early lactation induced a significant decrease of nitric oxide synthase-positive cells in the amygdala of their male offspring. In the present study, we have used a different experimental protocol mimicking, in mice, the direct precocious exposure to GEN. Mice pups of both sexes were fed either with oil, estradiol or GEN from birth to postnatal day 8. Nitric oxide synthase and vasopressin neural systems were analyzed in adult mice. Interestingly, we observed that GEN effect was time specific (when compared to our previous study), sex specific, and not always comparable to the effects of estradiol. This last observation suggests that GEN may act through different intracellular pathways. Present results indicate that the effect of natural xenoestrogens on the development of the brain may be highly variable: a plethora of neuronal circuits may be affected depending on sex, time of exposure, intracellular pathway involved, and target cells. This raises concern on the possible long-term effects of the use of soy-based formulas for babies, which may be currently underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ponti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10 - 10043 Orbassano (TO), Torino, Italy.
| | - A Rodriguez-Gomez
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10 - 10043 Orbassano (TO), Torino, Italy; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Via Cherasco 15, 10126-University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - A Farinetti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10 - 10043 Orbassano (TO), Torino, Italy; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Via Cherasco 15, 10126-University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - M Marraudino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10 - 10043 Orbassano (TO), Torino, Italy; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Via Cherasco 15, 10126-University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - F Filice
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Via Cherasco 15, 10126-University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - B Foglio
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10 - 10043 Orbassano (TO), Torino, Italy; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Via Cherasco 15, 10126-University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - G Sciacca
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10 - 10043 Orbassano (TO), Torino, Italy; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Via Cherasco 15, 10126-University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - G C Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10 - 10043 Orbassano (TO), Torino, Italy; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Via Cherasco 15, 10126-University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - S Gotti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10 - 10043 Orbassano (TO), Torino, Italy; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Via Cherasco 15, 10126-University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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10
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Grassi D, Lagunas N, Pinos H, Panzica G, Garcia-Segura LM, Collado P. NADPH-Diaphorase Colocalizes with GPER and Is Modulated by the GPER Agonist G1 in the Supraoptic and Paraventricular Nuclei of Ovariectomized Female Rats. Neuroendocrinology 2017; 104:94-104. [PMID: 26954778 DOI: 10.1159/000445190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide is produced in the brain by the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and carries out a wide range of functions by acting as a neurotransmitter-like molecule. Gonadal hormones are involved in the regulation of the brain nitrergic system. We have previously demonstrated that estradiol, via classical estrogen receptors (ERs), regulates NOS activity in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei of the hypothalamus, acting through both ERα and ERβ. Magnocellular and parvocellular neurons in the SON and PVN also express the G protein-coupled ER (GPER). In this study, we have assessed whether GPER is also involved in the regulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase in the SON and PVN. Adult female ovariectomized rats were treated with G1, a selective GPER agonist, or with G1 in combination with G15, a selective GPER antagonist. G1 treatment decreased NADPH-diaphorase expression in the SON and in all PVN subnuclei. The treatment with G1 + G15 effectively rescued the G1-dependent decrease in NADPH-diaphorase expression in both brain regions. In addition, the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, one of the kinases involved in the GPER-dependent intracellular signaling pathway and in NOS phosphorylation, was assessed in the same brain nuclei. Treatment with G1 significantly decreased the number of p-ERK 1/2-positive cells in the SON and PVN, while the treatment with G1 + G15 significantly recovered its number to control values. These findings suggest that the activation of GPER in the SON and PVN inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, which induces a decrease in NADPH-diaphorase expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grassi
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
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11
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Garcia AN, Depena CK, Yin W, Gore AC. Testing the critical window of estradiol replacement on gene expression of vasopressin, oxytocin, and their receptors, in the hypothalamus of aging female rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 419:102-12. [PMID: 26454088 PMCID: PMC4684429 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The current study tested the "critical window" hypothesis of menopause that postulates that the timing and duration of hormone treatment determine their potential outcomes. Our focus was genes in the rat hypothalamus involved in social and affiliative behaviors that change with aging and/or estradiol (E2): Avp, Avpr1a, Oxt, Oxtr, and Esr2 in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). Rats were reproductively mature or aging adults, ovariectomized, given E2 or vehicle treatment of different durations, with or without a post-ovariectomy delay. Our hypothesis was that age-related changes in gene expression are mitigated by E2 treatments. Contrary to this, PVN Oxtr increased with E2, and Avpr1a increased with age. In the SON, Avpr1a increased with age, Oxtr with age and timing, and Avp was altered by duration. Thus, chronological age and E2 have independent actions on gene expression, with the "critical window" hypothesis supported by the observed timing and duration effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Christina K Depena
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Weiling Yin
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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12
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Estrogen receptor β and Liver X receptor β: biology and therapeutic potential in CNS diseases. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:18-22. [PMID: 24662928 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade of the twentieth century, two nuclear receptors were discovered in our laboratory and, very surprisingly, were found to have key roles in the central nervous system. These receptors have provided some novel insights into the etiology and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and anxiety disorders. The two receptors are estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and liver X receptor beta (LXRβ). Both ERβ and LXRβ have potent anti-inflammatory activities and, in addition, LXRβ is involved in the genesis of dopaminergic neurons during development and protection of these neurons against neurodegeneration in adult life. ERβ is involved in migration of cortical neurons and calretinin-positive GABAergic interneurons during development and maintenance of serotonergic neurons in adults. Both receptors are present in magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamic preoptic area including those expressing vasopressin and oxytocin. As both ERβ and LXRβ are ligand-activated transcription factors, their ligands hold great potential in the treatment of diseases of the CNS.
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Lucio-Oliveira F, Traslaviña G, Borges B, Franci C. Modulation of the activity of vasopressinergic neurons by estrogen in rats refed with normal or sodium-free food after fasting. Neuroscience 2015; 284:325-336. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.09.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Grassi D, Lagunas N, Calmarza-Font I, Diz-Chaves Y, Garcia-Segura LM, Panzica GC. Chronic unpredictable stress and long-term ovariectomy affect arginine-vasopressin expression in the paraventricular nucleus of adult female mice. Brain Res 2014; 1588:55-62. [PMID: 25218558 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Arginine-Vasopressin (AVP) may regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and its effects on depressive responses. In a recent study, we demonstrated that Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS) depressive effects are enhanced by long-term ovariectomy (a model of post-menopause). In the present study, we investigated the effects of long-term ovariectomy and CUS on AVP expression in different subdivision of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of female mice. Both long-term ovariectomy and CUS affect AVP immunoreactivity in some of the PVN subnuclei of adult female mice. In particular, significant changes on AVP immunoreactivity were observed in magnocellular subdivisions, the paraventricular lateral magnocellular (PaLM) and the paraventricular medial magnocellular (PaMM), the 2 subnuclei projecting to the neurohypophysis for the hormonal regulation of body homeostasis. AVP immunoreactivity was decreased in the PaLM by both the long-term deprivation of ovarian hormones and the CUS. In contrast, AVP immunoreactivity was increased in the PaMM by CUS, whereas it was decreased by ovariectomy. Therefore, present results suggest morphological and functional differences among the PVN's subnuclei and complex interactions among CUS, gonadal hormones and AVP immunoreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Grassi
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; University of Torino, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Torino, Italy; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - N Lagunas
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - G C Panzica
- University of Torino, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Torino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Torino, Italy.
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15
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Pietranera L, Brocca ME, Roig P, Lima A, Garcia-Segura LM, De Nicola AF. 17α-Oestradiol-induced neuroprotection in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:310-20. [PMID: 24730417 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
17β-oestradiol is a powerful neuroprotective factor for the brain abnormalities of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). 17α-Oestradiol, a nonfeminising isomer showing low affinity for oestrogen receptors, is also endowed with neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro. We therefore investigated whether treatment with 17α-oestradiol prevented pathological changes of the hippocampus and hypothalamus of SHR. We used 20-week-old male SHR with a blood pressure of approximately 170 mmHg receiving s.c. a single 800 μg pellet of 17α-oestradiol dissolved in cholesterol or vehicle only for 2 weeks Normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as controls. 17α-Oestradiol did not modify blood pressure, serum prolactin, 17β-oestradiol levels or the weight of the testis and pituitary of SHR. In the brain, we analysed steroid effects on hippocampus Ki67+ proliferating cells, doublecortin (DCX) positive neuroblasts, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocyte density, aromatase immunostaining and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA. In the hypothalamus, we determined arginine vasopressin (AVP) mRNA. Treatment of SHR with 17α-oestradiol enhanced the number of Ki67+ in the subgranular zone and DCX+ cells in the inner granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, increased BDNF mRNA in the CA1 region and gyrus dentatus, decreased GFAP+ astrogliosis in the CA1 subfield, and decreased hypothalamic AVP mRNA. Aromatase expression was unmodified. By contrast to SHR, normotensive WKY rats were unresponsive to 17α-oestradiol. These data indicate a role for 17α-oestradiol as a protective factor for the treatment of hypertensive encephalopathy. Furthermore, 17α-oestradiol is weakly oestrogenic in the periphery and can be used in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pietranera
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Chaube R, Singh RK, Joy KP. Effects of ovaprim, a commercial spawning inducer, on vasotocin and steroid hormone profiles in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: in vivo and in vitro studies. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 195:190-200. [PMID: 24246310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ovaprim (OVP) is used as an effective spawning inducer for artificial breeding of fishes and contains a salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue and a dopamine receptor-2 antagonist, domperidone. Previously, we have shown that vasotocin (VT) stimulates ovarian final oocyte maturation, hydration, and ovulation through a mechanism involving induction of a steroidogenic shift, favouring the production of a maturation-inducing hormone (MIH). In the present study, we demonstrated that OVP stimulated brain, plasma and ovarian VT levels, suggesting multiple sites of action, apart from its well established role in the induction of a preovulatory LH surge. An intraperitoneal injection of 0.5μL/g body weight of OVP for different time intervals (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24h) induced ovulation as well as increased significantly brain and plasma VT levels in a time-dependent manner. Plasma steroids were differentially altered; the levels of estradiol-17β (E2) and testosterone (T) decreased, and the MIH (17, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one; 17, 20β-DP) level increased time-dependently. In order to demonstrate whether OVP acts at the level of the ovary directly, in vitro experiments were conducted. The incubation of ovarian slices/follicles with OVP (1, 5 and 10μL/mL) for different time points (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24h) induced germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Ovarian VT increased significantly in a concentration- and time-dependent manner with a maximal increment at 16h. Ovarian T and E2 levels decreased concurrently with the rise in the MIH level, dose- and duration-dependently. The results show that OVP stimulates VT at the brain and ovarian level. The direct OVP-VT cascade has the potential to stimulate FOM and ovulation, sidelining the pituitary glycoprotein hormone (LH) surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chaube
- Zoology Department, Mahila Mahavidhyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
| | - R K Singh
- Department of Zoology, Centre of Advanced Study, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; Zoology Department, Mahila Mahavidhyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - K P Joy
- Department of Zoology, Centre of Advanced Study, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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17
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Allieri F, Spigolon G, Melcangi R, Collado P, Guillamón A, Gotti S, Panzica G. Androgen receptor deficiency alters the arginine-vasopressin sexually dimorphic system in Tfm rats. Neuroscience 2013; 253:67-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Grassi D, Bellini MJ, Acaz-Fonseca E, Panzica G, Garcia-Segura LM. Estradiol and testosterone regulate arginine-vasopressin expression in SH-SY5Y human female neuroblastoma cells through estrogen receptors-α and -β. Endocrinology 2013; 154:2092-100. [PMID: 23584859 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The expression of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is regulated by estradiol and testosterone (T) in different neuronal populations by mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Estrogen receptors (ERs) have been shown to participate in the regulation of AVP neurons by estradiol. In addition, there is evidence of the participation of ERβ in the regulation of AVP expression exerted by T via its metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) and its further conversion in the androgen metabolite and ERβ ligand 3β-diol. In this study we have explored the role of ERs in the regulation exerted by estradiol and T on AVP expression, using the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Estradiol treatment increased AVP mRNA levels in SH-SY5Y cells in comparison with cells treated with vehicle. The stimulatory effect of estradiol on AVP expression was imitated by the ERα agonist 4,4',4',-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol and blocked by the ER antagonist, ICI 182,780, and the ERα antagonist 1,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(2-piperidinylethoxy)phenol]-1hpyrazoledihydrochloride. In contrast, the ERβ agonist 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile reduced AVP expression, whereas the ERβ antagonist 4-[2-phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl) pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol enhanced the action of estradiol on AVP expression. T increased AVP expression in SH-SY5Y cells by a mechanism that was dependent on aromatase but not on 5α-reductase activity. The T effect was not affected by blocking the androgen receptor, was not imitated by the T metabolite 5α-DHT, and was blocked by the ERα antagonist 1,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(2-piperidinylethoxy)phenol]-1hpyrazoledihydrochloride. In contrast, 5α-DHT had a similar effect as the ERβ agonists 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile and 3β-diol, reducing AVP expression. These findings suggest that estradiol and T regulate AVP expression in SH-SY5Y cells through ERs, exerting a stimulatory action via ERα and an inhibitory action via ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grassi
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Suerior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, E-28002 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Folia M, Boudalia S, Ménétrier F, Decocq L, Pasquis B, Schneider C, Bergès R, Artur Y, Canivenc-Lavier MC. Oral homeostasis disruption by medical plasticizer component bisphenol A in adult male rats. Laryngoscope 2013; 123:1405-10. [DOI: 10.1002/lary.23791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles Schneider
- INRA (National Institut of Agronomic Research), UMR 1347 of Agroecology; F-21000; Dijon; France
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20
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Lucio-Oliveira F, Franci CR. Effect of the interaction between food state and the action of estrogen on oxytocinergic system activity. J Endocrinol 2012; 212:129-38. [PMID: 22083216 DOI: 10.1530/joe-11-0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increased plasma osmolality by food intake evokes augmentation of plasma oxytocin (OT). Ovarian steroids may also influence the balance of body fluids by acting on OT neurones. Our aim was to determine if estrogen influences the activity of OT neurones in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) under different osmotic situations. Ovariectomized rats (OVX) were treated with either estradiol (E(2)) or vehicle and were divided into three groups: group I was fed ad libitum, group II underwent 48 h of fasting, and group III was refed after 48 h of fasting. On the day of the experiment, blood samples were collected to determine the plasma osmolality and OT. The animals were subsequently perfused, and OT/FOS immunofluorescence analysis was conducted on neurones in the PVN and the SON. When compared to animals which were fasted or fed ad libitum, the plasma osmolality of refed animals was higher, regardless of whether they were treated with vehicle or E(2). We observed neural activation of OT cells in vehicle- or E(2)-treated OVX rats refed after 48 h of fasting, but not in animals fed ad libitum or in animals that only underwent 48 h of fasting. Finally, the percentage of neurones that co-expressed OT and FOS was lower in both the PVN and the SON of animals treated with E(2) and refed, when compared to vehicle-treated animals. These results suggest that E(2) may have an inhibitory effect on OT neurones and may modulate the secretion of OT in response to the increase of osmolality induced by refeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Lucio-Oliveira
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto - SP, Brazil
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21
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Frye CA, Bo E, Calamandrei G, Calzà L, Dessì-Fulgheri F, Fernández M, Fusani L, Kah O, Kajta M, Le Page Y, Patisaul HB, Venerosi A, Wojtowicz AK, Panzica GC. Endocrine disrupters: a review of some sources, effects, and mechanisms of actions on behaviour and neuroendocrine systems. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:144-59. [PMID: 21951193 PMCID: PMC3245362 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02229.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Some environmental contaminants interact with hormones and may exert adverse consequences as a result of their actions as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Exposure in people is typically a result of contamination of the food chain, inhalation of contaminated house dust or occupational exposure. EDCs include pesticides and herbicides (such as dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane or its metabolites), methoxychlor, biocides, heat stabilisers and chemical catalysts (such as tributyltin), plastic contaminants (e.g. bisphenol A), pharmaceuticals (i.e. diethylstilbestrol; 17α-ethinylestradiol) or dietary components (such as phytoestrogens). The goal of this review is to address the sources, effects and actions of EDCs, with an emphasis on topics discussed at the International Congress on Steroids and the Nervous System. EDCs may alter reproductively-relevant or nonreproductive, sexually-dimorphic behaviours. In addition, EDCs may have significant effects on neurodevelopmental processes, influencing the morphology of sexually-dimorphic cerebral circuits. Exposure to EDCs is more dangerous if it occurs during specific 'critical periods' of life, such as intrauterine, perinatal, juvenile or puberty periods, when organisms are more sensitive to hormonal disruption, compared to other periods. However, exposure to EDCs in adulthood can also alter physiology. Several EDCs are xenoestrogens, which can alter serum lipid concentrations or metabolism enzymes that are necessary for converting cholesterol to steroid hormones. This can ultimately alter the production of oestradiol and/or other steroids. Finally, many EDCs may have actions via (or independent of) classic actions at cognate steroid receptors. EDCs may have effects through numerous other substrates, such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and the retinoid X receptor, signal transduction pathways, calcium influx and/or neurotransmitter receptors. Thus, EDCs, from varied sources, may have organisational effects during development and/or activational effects in adulthood that influence sexually-dimorphic, reproductively-relevant processes or other functions, by mimicking, antagonising or altering steroidal actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Frye
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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Dalmasso C, Amigone JL, Vivas L. Serotonergic system involvement in the inhibitory action of estrogen on induced sodium appetite in female rats. Physiol Behav 2011; 104:398-407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Vilhena-Franco T, Mecawi AS, Elias LLK, Antunes-Rodrigues J. Oestradiol potentiates hormone secretion and neuronal activation in response to hypertonic extracellular volume expansion in ovariectomised rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2011; 23:481-9. [PMID: 21470318 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02133.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Secretion of vasopressin (VP), oxytocin (OT) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is an essential mechanism for the maintenance of hydromineral homeostasis. Secretion of these hormones is modulated by several circulating factors, including oestradiol. However, it remains unclear how oestradiol exerts this modulation. In the present study we investigated the participation of oestradiol in the secretion of VP, OT and ANP and in activation of vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic neurones of the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei of the hypothalamus in response to extracellular volume expansion (EVE). For this purpose, ovariectomised (OVX) rats treated for 7 days with vehicle (corn oil, 0.1 ml/rat, OVX+O group) or oestradiol (oestradiol cypionate, 10 μg/kg, OVX+E group) were subjected to either isotonic (0.15 m NaCl, 2 ml/100 g b.w., i.v.) or hypertonic (0.30 m NaCl, 2 ml/100 g b.w., i.v.) EVE. Blood samples were collected for plasma VP, OT and ANP determination. Another group of rats was subjected to cerebral perfusion, and brain sections were processed for c-Fos-VP and c-Fos-OT double-labelling immunohistochemistry. In OVX+O rats, we observed that both isotonic and hypertonic EVE increased plasma OT and ANP concentrations, although no changes were observed in VP secretion. Oestradiol replacement did not alter hormonal secretion in response to isotonic EVE, but it increased VP secretion and potentiated plasma OT and ANP concentrations in response to hypertonic EVE. Immunohistochemical data showed that, in the OVX+O group, hypertonic EVE increased the number of c-Fos-OT and c-Fos-VP double-labelled neurones in the PVN and SON. Oestradiol replacement did not alter neuronal activation in response to isotonic EVE, but it potentiated vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic neuronal activation in the medial magnocellular PVN (PaMM) and SON. Taken together, these results suggest that oestradiol increases the responsiveness of vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic magnocellular neurones in the PVN and SON in response to osmotic stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vilhena-Franco
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brasil
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Mecawi AS, Vilhena-Franco T, Araujo IG, Reis LC, Elias LLK, Antunes-Rodrigues J. Estradiol potentiates hypothalamic vasopressin and oxytocin neuron activation and hormonal secretion induced by hypovolemic shock. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2011; 301:R905-15. [PMID: 21632848 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00800.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptors are located in important brain areas that integrate cardiovascular and hydroelectrolytic responses, including the subfornical organ (SFO) and supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of estradiol on cardiovascular and neuroendocrine changes induced by hemorrhagic shock in ovariectomized rats. Female Wistar rats (220-280 g) were ovariectomized and treated for 7 days with vehicle or estradiol cypionate (EC, 10 or 40 μg/kg, sc). On the 8th day, animals were subjected to hemorrhage (1.5 ml/100 g for 1 min). Hemorrhage induced acute hypotension and bradycardia in the ovariectomized-oil group, but EC treatment inhibited these responses. We observed increases in plasma angiotensin II concentrations and decreases in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels after hemorrhage; EC treatment produced no effects on these responses. There were also increases in plasma vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OT), and prolactin levels after the induction of hemorrhage in all groups, and these responses were potentiated by EC administration. SFO neurons and parvocellular and magnocellular AVP and OT neurons in the PVN and SON were activated by hemorrhagic shock. EC treatment enhanced the activation of SFO neurons and AVP and OT magnocellular neurons in the PVN and SON and AVP neurons in the medial parvocellular region of the PVN. These results suggest that estradiol modulates the cardiovascular responses induced by hemorrhage, and this effect is likely mediated by an enhancement of AVP and OT neuron activity in the SON and PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre S Mecawi
- Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Physiology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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25
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Seredynski AL, Ball GF, Balthazart J, Charlier TD. Specific activation of estrogen receptor alpha and beta enhances male sexual behavior and neuroplasticity in male Japanese quail. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18627. [PMID: 21533185 PMCID: PMC3077394 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Two subtypes of estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, have been identified in humans and numerous vertebrates, including the Japanese quail. We investigated in this species the specific role(s) of each receptor in the activation of male sexual behavior and the underlying estrogen-dependent neural plasticity. Castrated male Japanese quail received empty (CX) or testosterone-filled (T) implants or were daily injected with the ER general agonist diethylstilbestrol (DES), the ERα-specific agonist PPT, the ERβ-specific agonist DPN or the vehicle, propylene glycol. Three days after receiving the first treatment, subjects were alternatively tested for appetitive (rhythmic cloacal sphincter movements, RCSM) and consummatory aspects (copulatory behavior) of male sexual behavior. 24 hours after the last behavioral testing, brains were collected and analyzed for aromatase expression and vasotocinergic innervation in the medial preoptic nucleus. The expression of RCSM was activated by T and to a lesser extent by DES and PPT but not by the ERβagonist DPN. In parallel, T fully restored the complete sequence of copulation, DES was partially active and the specific activation of ERα or ERβ only resulted in a very low frequency of mount attempts in few subjects. T increased the volume of the medial preoptic nucleus as measured by the dense cluster of aromatase-immunoreactive cells and the density of the vasotocinergic innervation within this nucleus. DES had only a weak action on vasotocinergic fibers and the two specific ER agonists did not affect these neural responses. Simultaneous activation of both receptors or treatments with higher doses may be required to fully activate sexual behavior and the associated neurochemical events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore L. Seredynski
- Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gregory F. Ball
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Thierry D. Charlier
- Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Panzica GC, Bo E, Martini MA, Miceli D, Mura E, Viglietti-Panzica C, Gotti S. Neuropeptides and enzymes are targets for the action of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the vertebrate brain. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2011; 14:449-72. [PMID: 21790321 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2011.578562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are molecules that interfere with endocrine signaling pathways and produce adverse consequences on animal and human physiology, such as infertility or behavioral alterations. Some EDC act through binding to androgen or/and estrogen receptors primarily operating through a genomic mechanism regulating gene expression. This mechanism of action may induce profound developmental adverse effects, and the major targets of the EDC action are the gene products, i.e., mRNAs inducing the synthesis of various peptidic molecules, which include neuropeptides and enzymes related to neurotransmitters syntheses. Available immunohistochemical data on some of the systems that are affected by EDC in lower and higher vertebrates are detailed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Panzica
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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Kodavanti PRS, Curras-Collazo MC. Neuroendocrine actions of organohalogens: thyroid hormones, arginine vasopressin, and neuroplasticity. Front Neuroendocrinol 2010; 31:479-96. [PMID: 20609372 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/25/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Organohalogen compounds are global environmental pollutants. They are highly persistent, bioaccumulative, and cause adverse effects in humans and wildlife. Because of the widespread use of these organohalogens in household items and consumer products, indoor contamination may be a significant source of human exposure, especially for children. One significant concern with regard to health effects associated with exposure to organohalogens is endocrine disruption. This review focuses on PCBs and PBDEs as old and new organohalogens, respectively, and their effects on two neuroendocrine systems; thyroid hormones and the arginine vasopressin system (AVP). Regarding neuroendocrine effects of organohalogens, there is considerable information on the thyroid system as a target and evidence is now accumulating that the AVP system and associated functions are also susceptible to disruption. AVP-mediated functions such as osmoregulation, cardiovascular function as well as social behavior, sexual function and learning/memory are discussed. For both thyroid and AVP systems, the timing of exposure seems to play a major role in the outcome of adverse effects. The mechanism of organohalogen action is well understood for the thyroid system. In comparison, this aspect is understudied in the AVP system but some similarities in neural processes, shown to be targeted by these pollutants, serve as promising possibilities for study. One challenge in understanding modes of action within neuroendocrine systems is their complexity stemming, in part, from interdependent levels of organization. Further, because of the interplay between neuroendocrine and neural functions and behavior, further investigation into organohalogen-mediated effects is warranted and may yield insights with wider scope. Indeed, the current literature provides scattered evidence regarding the role of organohalogen-induced neuroendocrine disruption in the neuroplasticity related to both learning functions and brain structure but future studies are needed to establish the role of endocrine disruption in nervous system function and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasada Rao S Kodavanti
- Neurotoxicology Branch, Toxicity Assessment Division, B 105-06, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
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